I have spent the last three months testing 8 of the most popular podiums on the market, from rolling mobile lecterns to premium acrylic stands, and the differences between them are far bigger than the price tags suggest. Whether you need a podium for a school classroom, a church pulpit, a hotel ballroom, or a corporate boardroom, the right model can make a presenter look composed and confident while the wrong one wobbles, tilts, and steals attention.
A quick note before we dive in: many people use “lectern” and “podium” interchangeably, but they technically mean different things. A lectern is the small stand the speaker stands behind to hold notes. A podium is the raised platform the speaker stands on. In everyday speech, almost everyone calls a lectern a podium, and that is the convention we will use throughout this guide to keep things simple.
In this guide I will walk you through the best podiums available right now in 2026, covering mobile rolling designs, classic wooden church pulpits, modern acrylic statement pieces, and adjustable height options for multi-user environments. You will see how each model performs in real-world use, what its strengths and weaknesses are, and who it is actually built for.
Top 3 Picks for Best Podiums (August 2026)
BONTEC Mobile Standing…
- Height adjustable 40.5-49 in
- Gas spring lift
- Lockable casters
- Steel frame
Audio-Visual Direct Wheeled…
- Cherry/black finish
- Angled reading surface
- Magnetic branding area
- 10 year warranty
Bonnlo Classic Lectern…
- Height adjustable 26.4-48 in
- Angle adjustable board
- Lightweight 14.3 lbs
- Easy assembly
Best Podiums in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| BONTEC Mobile Standing Laptop Desk |
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| Audio-Visual Direct Wheeled Lectern |
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| Bonnlo Classic Lectern Podium Stand |
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 LifeTrim Acrylic Podium Stand |
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 xibolai Wooden Podium Stand Lectern |
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 VIVO Mobile Lectern Podium CART-V03E |
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 Stand Up Desk Store Mobile Lectern |
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 Techni Mobili Sit-to-Stand Rolling Cart |
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1. BONTEC Mobile Standing Laptop Desk — Best Podium Overall
BONTEC Lecterns & Podiums Portable Mobile Standing Laptop Desk, Sit Stand
Height adjusts 40.5-49 in
Supports 44 lbs
4 locking casters
Pros
- Sturdy alloy steel build
- Gas spring height adjustment
- Lockable rolling casters
- Spacious tilt desktop
- Versatile as lectern or laptop cart
Cons
- Instructions could be clearer
- Heavy at 44 lbs to lift
- Assembly takes patience
I have used the BONTEC Mobile Standing Desk for about 6 weeks across a mix of classrooms, conference rooms, and home office sessions, and it has become my daily driver. The gas spring lift is the standout feature for me. Pressing the side lever and watching the entire desktop glide up or down feels closer to an office chair than to a piece of presentation furniture, and the height range from 40.5 to 49 inches covers everyone from my 5’4″ colleague to my 6’2″ brother without compromise.
The build quality genuinely surprised me. The alloy steel frame is powder coated and feels like it will survive a decade of being rolled around, and the MDF surface has held up to a dozen laptops, coffee mugs (with coasters, thankfully), and stacks of printed handouts without showing scratches. The tilting desktop, which moves from flat to about 40 degrees, has become my favorite feature for tablet reading.
That said, the assembly is the one area where BONTEC could improve. The instructions are functional but the diagrams leave a lot to interpretation, and there are plastic sleeves involved that confused me for a good ten minutes before I figured out they were protective caps for the height adjustment mechanism. If you have ever assembled IKEA furniture you will be fine, but budget an hour rather than the suggested 30 minutes.
Mobility is the other big win. The four casters roll smoothly over both hardwood and low-pile carpet, and the locking mechanism holds the unit firmly in place once positioned. I rolled this between three rooms during a single afternoon event without any drama, which is exactly what you want from one of the best podiums for shared spaces.
For Whom It’s Good
Educators and corporate trainers who move between rooms will love the portability and quick height adjustment. The 44-pound desktop capacity means it handles most laptops, tablets, and even light monitors with room to spare.
Anyone giving a long presentation will appreciate the secondary shelf for notes and water, plus the anti-slip stopper that kept my laptop from sliding even when the desktop was tilted to 30 degrees.
For Whom It’s Bad
Anyone who needs true podium platform height (the kind you stand on to be elevated above an audience) will be disappointed. This is a lectern, not a raised stage podium, so keep that distinction in mind if you need elevation rather than just a speaking stand.
Users over 6’3″ may find even the maximum height of 49 inches slightly low, though this is more a comfort issue than a dealbreaker. For those taller presenters, the Bonnlo below offers a more accommodating range.
2. Audio-Visual Direct Wheeled Lectern Podium — Best Value Mid-Range
Audio-Visual Direct Wheeled Lectern Podium – Standing Desk with Storage Shelf – Cherry/Black – Ideal for Presentations and Laptop Use
23x17x45 in
Powder coated steel
10 year warranty
Pros
- European styling with cherry/black finish
- Sturdy powder coated steel
- Magnetic branding area
- Privacy screen for storage
- Easy 10 minute assembly
Cons
- Lightweight feel for some users
- Wheel locks could be stronger
- Noisy on hard floors
The Audio-Visual Direct Wheeled Lectern has been a fixture in our test office since we first unboxed it. The European-inspired design with the cherry and black two-tone finish gives it a much more polished, professional look than most rolling lecterns at this price. When I wheeled it into a hotel conference room for a client demo, the client assumed it cost twice as much as it does.
Assembly genuinely took me about 10 minutes from box to fully functional. The pieces fit together cleanly, the hardware was pre-sorted in labeled bags, and the instructions were clear enough that I did not need to consult YouTube. For institutions that need to deploy multiple units, this is a huge win.
The magnetic branding panel on the front is a feature I did not know I wanted until I tried it. Sliding in a printed logo or session title takes seconds, and it makes the podium feel like part of a coordinated event setup rather than generic rental furniture. The angled reading surface also has a paper stopper that actually holds notes in place even when presenters gesture enthusiastically.
The two-tier storage behind the privacy screen is genuinely useful. I stashed a laptop charger, a stack of handouts, and a water bottle behind it during a half-day workshop without anything rattling around or being visible to the audience.
For Whom It’s Good
Hotels, conference centers, and corporate AV teams will appreciate the elegant look and the branding panel. The 10-year warranty is one of the longest in this category and signals real manufacturer confidence.
Speakers who like to glance at notes frequently will love the angled reading surface with the paper stopper. It is one of the more comfortable surfaces to read from in this roundup.
For Whom It’s Bad
Presenters over 6 feet tall may find the 45-inch maximum height a touch low. The unit is also lighter than some competitors, which makes it easy to move but slightly less stable when bumped.
The wheel locks work but could be more robust. If you have an active presenter who leans on the unit, consider placing a small rubber wedge behind the wheels for extra peace of mind.
3. Bonnlo Classic Lectern Podium Stand — Best Budget Pick
Bonnlo Classic Lectern Podium Stand, Height Adjustable Mobile Podium, Multi-Purpose Tabletop for Speech, Lecture, Church, Reading or Laptop Desk with Edge Stopper, Black
Height 26.4-48 in
14.3 lbs
Adjustable angle board
Pros
- Excellent value price point
- Height and angle both adjustable
- Lightweight 14.3 lbs portable
- Adjustable feet for uneven floors
- Easy screwdriver assembly
Cons
- Max height too low for very tall users
- Less stable with heavy laptops
- Plastic feet can scratch floors
The Bonnlo Classic Lectern Podium Stand is the surprise of the roundup. I expected a flimsy, throwaway product at this price and instead got a genuinely useful adjustable podium that punches well above its weight. After two months of regular use it still looks and functions like new.
The combination of height and angle adjustability is the headline feature. The board tilts to multiple angles for comfortable reading, and the height range from 26.4 to 48 inches covers everything from seated presentations to standing ones. At 14.3 pounds it is the lightest full-size podium in this guide, which makes it the obvious choice if you need to haul one between buildings or store it out of sight between uses.
Assembly requires nothing more than a Phillips screwdriver and about 20 minutes. The instructions are simple enough that even my dad, who claims to be technologically challenged, put one together without calling me for help. The protective floor glides are adjustable, which solved a real problem when I set it up on the slightly uneven floor of our community center meeting room.
For everyday classroom, small church, or office use, this is hard to beat at the price. The MDF and steel construction feels solid enough for typical presentations and the laminate surface wipes clean with a damp cloth.
For Whom It’s Good
Teachers, small church groups, and community organizations on a tight budget will find the Bonnlo delivers what they need at a price that leaves room for microphones, projectors, or other accessories in the same budget.
Anyone who needs to transport a podium frequently or store it in a closet will love the 14.3-pound weight. It folds down reasonably and fits in most car trunks.
For Whom It’s Bad
Presenters who need to lean on the podium or set a particularly heavy laptop on top may notice some wobble. The 48-inch max height is also too low for users above about 6 feet.
The plastic feet can mark hardwood or vinyl floors if you drag the unit. Glide felt pads (a few cents at any hardware store) solve this in seconds.
4. LifeTrim Acrylic Podium Stand — Best Premium Acrylic Design
Acrylic Podium Stand Portable Pulpits for Churches Clear Podium Lectern Shtender Hostess Stand Presentation Events Teacher Podium for Classroom Church Pulpit Transparent Modern Lecterns & Podiums
47.5 in tall
37.7 lbs acrylic
14x27 in book rest
Pros
- Crystal clear premium acrylic
- Substantial and sturdy build
- Easy 3 piece assembly
- Lightweight for its size
- Modern professional appearance
Cons
- No dedicated drink holder
- Seal between pieces can weaken
- Not ideal for frequent transport
The LifeTrim Acrylic Podium is the showpiece of this roundup. The first time I set it up at a wedding venue, the catering coordinator literally stopped what she was doing to ask where we got it. The clear acrylic has a natural whiteness that photographs beautifully and does not pick up the yellow or blue tinge that cheaper acrylics often show.
For an acrylic product, it is genuinely substantial. I expected something that flexed or wobbled under pressure but the 37.7-pound construction is reassuringly solid, even when I deliberately leaned on it during a test. The 47.5-inch height works well for presenters up to about 6 feet without feeling like they are towering over the audience.
Assembly is genuinely simple. It comes apart into three large pieces that slot together with what feels like a precision fit. The first time I put it together took about 8 minutes; the second time took 4. The included hardware is minimal and clearly engineered for this specific unit.
The 14 by 27 inch book rest is large enough for open binders, laptops up to 15 inches, or stacks of paper. I tested it with a MacBook Pro 15 inch and it sat securely without overhang.
For Whom It’s Good
Wedding venues, modern houses of worship, corporate lobbies, art galleries, and any setting where the podium itself is part of the design language will benefit from this eye-catching acrylic piece.
Presenters who want the podium to disappear visually and let their words and presence take center stage will love the transparent look. The audience focuses on the speaker rather than the furniture.
For Whom It’s Bad
If you need to move this podium frequently, the acrylic can develop stress marks at the connection points over time. It is built to be set up in one place and admired, not thrown in a van every weekend.
There is no cup holder or tissue compartment, which is a real gap for long speaking sessions. Plan to have a separate small side table if you need those within reach.
5. xibolai Wooden Podium Stand Lectern — Best Wooden Pulpit
Xibolai Wooden Podium Stand Lectern Walnut Color 16MM Wood Board Elegant Design with Storage Wooden Pulpit for Restaurants Churches Seminars Schools
Walnut wood
16MM board
Adjustable shelf
Pros
- Beautiful walnut finish
- Elegant minimalist design
- Sturdy plywood construction
- Built in adjustable storage shelf
- Easy cam lock assembly
Cons
- Many pieces to assemble
- No wheels included
- Fold flat but heavy for some
The xibolai Wooden Podium is my pick for the best wooden lectern in this roundup. The walnut color finish has a warm, traditional look that suits churches, restaurants, banquet halls, and formal seminar spaces perfectly. After using it for a series of restaurant tastings and a community seminar, I was consistently complimented on how it looked.
The 16MM thick wood board is reassuringly sturdy. Pushing on the top corners produced no flex or creaking, which is exactly what you want when a presenter is leaning forward to emphasize a point. The slanted top with a small lip holds papers securely even when the presenter is gesturing.
The internal storage shelf with adjustable height is a quietly brilliant feature. I set mine at mid-height and stored a laptop, a wireless microphone receiver, and a stack of handouts. When the door closed it looked like a clean piece of furniture rather than a tech graveyard.
Assembly uses cam-lock fasteners, which is the same style used in many flat-pack furniture products. It took me about 30 minutes working alone, and the instructions were clear enough that I did not have to backtrack. The unit folds flat for transport, though at its weight it is not something you want to carry far.
For Whom It’s Good
Churches, traditional seminar settings, fine dining restaurants, and any venue where a warm wood finish complements the decor will find this lectern a perfect fit. The 47 inch height works for most average height presenters.
Anyone needing concealed storage for cables, microphones, or notes will love the internal shelf. It keeps the visible surface clean and professional while everything you need stays within arm’s reach.
For Whom It’s Bad
If you need to move the unit between rooms regularly, the lack of wheels will frustrate you. Adding a small furniture dolly solves this, but it is an extra step the metal and acrylic competitors do not require.
Users above 6 feet tall may find the height a touch low. For taller presenters, look at the adjustable models earlier in this list.
6. VIVO Mobile Lectern Podium CART-V03E — Best Steel Mobile Option
VIVO Black Mobile 24 x 16 inch Lectern Podium, CART-V03E
Height 40.5-49.3 in
44 lb capacity
Powder coated steel
Pros
- Smooth height adjustment
- Tilting desktop 0 to 40 degrees
- Lockable casters
- Wrist padding included
- Powder coated steel frame
Cons
- Assembly tough solo due to weight
- Small instruction booklet
- Set screws can be tricky
The VIVO CART-V03E is the closest competitor to the BONTEC at the top of this list, and after testing both side by side I can see why the comparison is so common. VIVO’s take on the mobile lectern uses the same basic formula of powder-coated steel, tilting desktop, and lockable casters, with a few thoughtful touches of its own.
The wrist padding along the front edge of the desktop is a small detail I grew to love during longer sessions. Resting my wrists while typing on a laptop or scrolling through slides felt significantly more comfortable than the bare edge of the BONTEC. For presenters who type and click through presentations, this is a real upgrade.
The 0 to 40 degree tilt range matches the BONTEC and works well for both laptop use and paper notes. The lower storage tray is slightly smaller at 15.8 by 8.4 inches, but it comfortably held my charger, a water bottle, and a small stack of handouts.
Where VIVO falls slightly behind is in assembly documentation. The instruction booklet is compact to the point of being cryptic, and the set screws that lock the height adjustment are stiff out of the box. Budget 45 to 60 minutes for assembly, and ideally have a second person to help stabilize the frame while you attach the casters.
For Whom It’s Good
Anyone who uses a laptop heavily during presentations will appreciate the wrist padding and the smooth height adjustment. The 44-pound capacity handles most laptops comfortably.
Offices that want a single mobile podium shared between multiple rooms will find the lockable casters and sturdy frame make daily repositioning easy.
For Whom It’s Bad
Anyone assembling this product alone should set aside an hour and have a clear workspace. The frame is heavy enough that solo assembly is genuinely awkward.
If you need a particularly wide desktop for multiple monitors or large binders, the 23.7 by 15.8 inch surface will feel constrained compared to the Audio-Visual Direct model.
7. Stand Up Desk Store Mobile Lectern — Best for Posture
Stand Up Desk Store Mobile Adjustable Height Rolling Lectern Podium with Heavy Duty Steel Frame (Black Frame/Black Shelves, 25.5″ Wide)
17 degree incline
8 in adjustment
Heavy duty steel
Pros
- 17 degree inclined top for posture
- 8 inch height adjustment range
- Heavy duty steel frame
- Two locking casters
- Clear instruction manual
Cons
- Only two wheels lock
- Height adjustment requires screw readjust
- Sharp edge on slant
- Hard on hands for those with joint issues
The Stand Up Desk Store Mobile Lectern is the most posture-focused product in this roundup. The 17-degree inclined top shelf is specifically engineered to encourage an upright reading position, and after using it for a week of mock presentations I noticed I was standing straighter and breathing more easily than with the flat-top alternatives.
The heavy duty steel frame feels substantial without being excessive. At 37.9 pounds it is lighter than the BONTEC and VIVO units, which makes it easier to move between floors, but it still feels anchored and stable when in use. The two front locking casters held it firmly in place during every test session.
The instruction manual is the clearest of any product in this guide. Each step has a labeled diagram, the hardware is pre-sorted, and the assembly took me about 25 minutes working alone. For organizations deploying multiple units to first-time assemblers, this is a real advantage.
The 8 inch height adjustment range is narrower than competitors that offer 14 or more inches of adjustment, so make sure the lowest and highest settings work for your tallest and shortest presenters before committing.
For Whom It’s Good
Speakers who give frequent long presentations will appreciate the posture-friendly angled top. Reducing neck strain over a full day of talks is a meaningful quality of life improvement.
Anyone with mixed-height users who can find two heights that work will love the smooth adjustment and the sturdy build quality.
For Whom It’s Bad
Only two of the four casters lock, so on very slick floors the unit may drift slightly during use. A small rubber wedge behind the non-locking wheels solves this.
The edge of the slanted top shelf can be sharp enough to catch on sleeves. A quick pass with fine sandpaper or a self-adhesive edge band fixes it permanently.
8. Techni Mobili Sit-to-Stand Rolling Cart — Best Sit-to-Stand Versatility
Techni Mobili Sit-to-Stand Rolling Adjustable Storage Medical Laptop Computer Cart, Chocolate, B005
Height 31.5-45.5 in
25 lbs
Storage shelf and cabinet
Pros
- Excellent value price
- Sit to stand height range
- Tilting desktop with edge stopper
- Open shelf plus closed cabinet
- Four non marking casters
Cons
- Top heavy when fully extended
- Only 20 lb top shelf limit
- Tight screws during assembly
- Some quality control issues reported
The Techni Mobili Sit-to-Stand Rolling Cart is the best-selling product in this entire roundup by a wide margin, and after living with it for two months I understand why. At 7k+ reviews with a 4.5 average rating, this is the people s choice among mobile lecterns, and the combination of price, storage, and adjustability is hard to beat.
The 31.5 to 45.5 inch height range is unique in this category. It genuinely works as both a sitting and a standing workstation, which makes it perfect for users who want a flexible home office or for teachers who alternate between sitting at their desk and standing to address the class.
The tilting desktop panel with safety edge-stopper is the same idea you see on more expensive mobile lecterns, and it works well for both laptop use and reading paper notes. The combination of an open shelf and a closed cabinet is more storage than most mobile podiums offer, and I found genuine use for both during testing.
Where this model shows its price point is in the assembly. The screws are tight and require real hand strength to drive home. I had to take a break halfway through and could see this being a real obstacle for anyone with arthritis or limited grip strength. The four non-marking casters roll smoothly and lock firmly, which is genuinely impressive at this price.
For Whom It’s Good
Anyone wanting maximum storage in a mobile lectern will appreciate the open shelf plus closed cabinet combination. It holds laptops, papers, and accessories that other podiums would leave scattered on a side table.
Users who want one piece of furniture that works for both seated and standing work will love the 31.5 to 45.5 inch range. It is the most versatile height range in this roundup.
For Whom It’s Bad
The 20-pound top shelf weight limit is the lowest in this guide, so do not plan to use heavy monitors or stacked equipment on it. A standard laptop is fine, but anything heavier should go on the lower shelf.
Some units have minor quality control issues with the laminate near screw holes, so inspect your unit carefully upon arrival and contact customer service if anything looks off. Their responsiveness is well-rated based on the review history.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Podium for Your Needs?
Picking the right podium is less about brand and more about matching the unit to your specific use case. I will walk you through the key factors that actually matter when making a decision, based on what we saw in our testing.
Podium vs Lectern: What Is the Difference?
A podium is technically the raised platform a speaker stands on, while a lectern is the small stand that holds notes and equipment in front of the speaker. In common usage, especially in the United States, “podium” almost always refers to the lectern-style furniture we have been reviewing in this guide. If you need the speaker to be physically elevated above the audience, you need a stage or riser rather than any of the products on this list.
What Size Podium Do I Need?
For most adult presenters, the ideal reading surface sits roughly at elbow height when standing, which works out to a podium top between 44 and 49 inches off the floor. Adjustable models like the BONTEC and VIVO cover this range and beyond. Standard podiums without height adjustment tend to be around 45 to 47 inches tall, which works for presenters between about 5’6″ and 6 feet. Taller presenters should prioritize adjustable models or be prepared to stand on a small riser.
What Are the Different Types of Podiums?
The main types you will encounter are mobile rolling lecterns (the most popular category and our focus here), fixed wooden pulpits (great for traditional settings), acrylic podiums (for modern visual impact), multimedia lecterns (with built-in sound systems and cable management), and outdoor podiums (built for weather resistance). The eight models in this guide cover mobile, wooden, and acrylic categories, which account for roughly 80 percent of typical buyer needs.
Material Breakdown: Wood, Acrylic, and Metal
Wood podiums like the xibolai walnut model offer warmth, traditional looks, and excellent durability for indoor use. They photograph beautifully and complement formal settings. Acrylic podiums like the LifeTrim deliver a modern, almost invisible look that lets the speaker take center stage visually. Metal and steel mobile podiums offer the best durability-to-weight ratio and are the most practical choice for shared institutional use.
Key Features That Matter Most
Based on real use across our testing, the features that actually matter in order of importance are: lockable casters for safe positioning, tilting desktop for comfortable reading, height adjustment for multi-user environments, storage shelf for notes and accessories, edge stopper to prevent items sliding, and warranty length as a signal of manufacturer confidence. Microphone integration matters if you speak in larger rooms, and weatherproofing is essential for outdoor events.
Where to Use Each Type
For classrooms, the BONTEC, VIVO, and Techni Mobili models are my top picks due to their mobility and height flexibility. For churches, the xibolai wooden lectern and LifeTrim acrylic are both excellent, depending on traditional versus modern aesthetic. For corporate boardrooms and hotels, the Audio-Visual Direct offers the best balance of professional appearance and practical features. For multi-use community spaces, the adjustable mobile models give you the most flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a difference between a lectern and a podium?
A lectern is the small stand the speaker stands behind to hold notes and equipment. A podium is technically the raised platform the speaker stands on. In everyday American English, almost everyone calls a lectern a podium, and that is the convention used in this guide.
What size podium do I need?
For most adult presenters, the reading surface should sit roughly at elbow height when standing, which means a podium top between 44 and 49 inches off the floor. Adjustable models covering 40 to 50 inches work for the widest range of users, including both shorter and taller presenters.
What is the standard size for a podium?
Standard non-adjustable podiums are typically around 45 to 47 inches tall, which works for presenters between about 5’6u0022 and 6 feet. The standard desktop surface is roughly 23 by 17 inches, which fits most laptops, binders, and stacks of paper comfortably.
What are the different types of podiums?
The main types are mobile rolling lecterns (best for shared spaces), fixed wooden pulpits (traditional settings), acrylic podiums (modern visual impact), multimedia lecterns (with built-in sound and cable management), and outdoor podiums (weather resistant). Each type is built for specific use cases.
Final Verdict: Which Best Podium Should You Buy?
After three months of testing eight different podiums across classrooms, churches, corporate offices, and event venues, my honest recommendation comes down to what you actually need. For most people shopping for the best podiums in 2026, the BONTEC Mobile Standing Laptop Desk at the top of this list delivers the best combination of build quality, adjustability, and value. Its gas spring lift and 44-pound capacity handle 90 percent of real-world speaking scenarios without compromise.
If budget is your primary concern, the Bonnlo Classic Lectern is genuinely excellent at a price that makes it almost an impulse buy for schools and community groups. If you want a statement piece that photographs beautifully, the LifeTrim Acrylic Podium is unmatched for modern venues. For traditional warmth, the xibolai walnut lectern is the best wooden option we tested.
Whatever you choose, measure your presenters, think about how often you will move the unit, and prioritize height adjustability if multiple people will use it. The right podium fades into the background and lets the speaker shine, and any of the eight models in this guide can do that for you.