The first step in launching a successful podcast is acquiring the right equipment.
The bad news is, there are thousands of options to choose from. The good news is, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
This resource is packed with everything you should know about podcast equipment for starting a show. It also provides options for both beginners and professionals so you can pick the equipment that makes sense for you.
Let’s dive in.
- All the Equipment You Need to Start a Podcast
- Purchasing Podcast Equipment Separately
- Video Podcasting Equipment
- The Bottom Line on Podcast Equipment
All the Equipment You Need to Start a Podcast
If you have access to a laptop and a WiFi connection, you have almost everything you need to start your podcast.
If you’re beginning a podcast from scratch, you’ll need:
- A laptop
- A camera
- A microphone
Keep in mind you could opt for podcast equipment bundles or even starter kits if you want to get started faster.
If you’re already established and want to upgrade your arsenal, you’ll need:
- Podcast mixer or interface
- Podcast headphones
- Podcast cameras
You may also need video equipment and recording accessories as you grow, depending on the type of podcast you want.
Regardless, let’s take a look at each of these tools so you can mix and match the right options for your show.
Podcast Equipment in Bundles and Kits
If you don’t want to wait to get up and running, you could always purchase a podcast equipment bundle.
There are many benefits to buying a bundle: it’s fast, simple, and takes the guesswork out of shopping. That said, its convenience doesn’t come cheap — it might be more expensive to bundle equipment or purchase multiple tools you already own.
Here’s a closer look at your options:
Podcast Equipment Bundles
With the help of a podcast equipment bundle, you can source all the equipment you need for your show. Each package looks different depending on the company in question, but you can generally expect to see:
- A mixer or interface
- A microphone
- Headphones
- Boom stands
- Cables
Remember: most podcast equipment bundles range between $300 USD and $1,000 USD or more. If you don’t feel comfortable spending these prices, you may want to consider a podcast starter kit (see below).
Podcast Equipment Bundles for Beginners
Maonocaster equipment bundles are best if you already have some existing equipment. You’ll have two cost-effective options to choose from: the Maonocaster E2 bundle, and the Maonocaster Lite bundle.
You’re welcome to read more about what these offer in their own dedicated guides. If you want the short version, however, here’s a quick chart breaking them down:
| Bundle | Headphones | Microphone | Software | Miscellaneous | Price |
| Maonocaster Lite | Wire earphones | AU-PM360TR condenser microphone, mic tripod, and windscreen muff | n/a | USB A-C charging cable;Two 3.5 mm TRRS audio cables; user manual | $79.99 USD |
| Maonocaster E2 | Wired earphones | Maonocaster PM320 XLR microphone; mic stand; shock mount; pop filter | n/a | USB A-C charging cable;Two 3.5 mm TRRS audio cables; user manual | $179.99 USD |
Squarock equipment bundles work best for shows on a tight budget. They offer enough equipment for you to get up and running, but you shouldn’t expect the highest quality (especially as your show grows.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:
| Bundle | Headphones | Microphone | Software | Miscellaneous | Price |
| COMMANDER M1 bundle for two | Two 3.5 mm wired earphones | 2 dynamic microphones; 2 mic suspension booms; 2 scissor arms; 2 mic shock mounts; 2 mic head cover foams | n/a | 2 XLR cables; 2 USB data cables; two 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm audio cables; six two Hook and Loop tape sets (Velcro); user manual | $169.99 USD |
| COMMANDER M100 bundle for two | Two 3.5 mm wired earphones | 2 dynamic microphones; 2 mic suspension booms; 2 scissor arms; 2 mic shock mounts; 2 mic head cover foams | n/a | 2 XLR cables; 2 USB data cables; two 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm audio cables; six two Hook and Loop tape sets (Velcro); user manual | $169.99 USD |
Podcast Equipment Bundles for Professionals
For an equipment bundle with included software, Focusrite podcast bundles may be an option. You’ll have three different options depending on your needs: the Vocaster One Studio, the Vocaster Two Studio, and the Scarlett 2i2 Studio.
The Vocaster One was designed for a single podcaster, while the Vocaster Two was designed for two or more. The Scarlett 2i2 also includes one mic, although keep in mind it’s a condenser rather than a dynamic mic.
Here’s how the three bundles compare:
| Bundle | Headphones | Microphone | Software | Miscellaneous | Price |
| Vocaster One Studio | HP60v closed-back headphones | Vocaster DM1 studio microphone with pop filter | Hindenburg LITE; SquadCast Pro + Video (3 months); Acast Influencer (6 months); Ampify Studio Premium (6 months) | XLR to XLR microphone cable; USB-C to USB-A cable; 3-year warranty | $249.99 USD |
| Vocaster Two Studio | HP60v closed-back headphones | Vocaster DM14v broadcast microphone | Acast Influencer plan (6 months); Vocaster Hub; Hindenburg LITE | XLR to XLR microphone cable; USB-C to USB-A cable; 3-year warranty | $399.99 USD |
| Scarlett 2i2 Studio | SH-450 closed-back headphones | CM25 MkIII condenser mic with pop filter | Ableton Live Lite; Pro Tools Artist (3 months); Hitmaker expansions (free as of July 1st, 2023) | 3m XLR cable; USB A-C cable; 3-year warranty | $299.99 USD |
For the highest quality broadcast tools, RØDE podcast equipment bundles easily top the list. Each of its three bundles serve a different number of podcasters, including one, two, and four mics per package.
There’s a lot to love about RØDE’s equipment, although you’ll notice it’s more expensive than others. You won’t get any software in your bundles, but you will have access to mics, cables and studio arms.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison for convenience:
| Bundle | Headphones | Microphone | Software | Miscellaneous | Price |
| Solo Podcast Kit | 1 x NTH-100 | 1 x PodMic | n/a | 1 x RØDECaster Duo; PSA1+ professional studio arm; 1x XLR-3 | $911 USD |
| Duo Podcast Kit | 2 x NTH-100 | 2 x PodMic | n/a | 1 x RØDECaster Duo; PSA1+ professional studio arms; 2x XLR-3 | $1,323 USD |
| Ultimate Podcast Kit | 4 x NTH-100 | 4 x PodMic | n/a | 1 x RØDECaster Pro II; PSA1+ professional studio arm; 4x XLR-3 | $2,347 USD |
Podcast Starter Kits
Unlike podcast equipment bundles, podcast equipment kits were designed to be supplementary. You can pick and choose specific equipment to upgrade, enhance, or flesh out your show.
There are many different types of podcast kits on the market, and their usefulness mostly depends on what you want to upgrade. However, there are typically three major categories on the market: headphones kits, microphone kits, and accessories kits.
Here are some options whether you’re a beginner or a professional.
Podcast Starter Kits for Beginners
| Brand | Price | Includes | |
| Headphones Kit | Audio-Technica Creator Pack | $179 USD | 1 pair of ATH-M20x headphones; 1 AT2020 USB+ microphone; 1 microphone boom w/ integrated USB cable1 stand mount; 1 5/8″-27 to 3/8″-16 threaded adapter; 1 mic pouch |
| Microphone Kit | MAONO AU-A04 | $59.99 USD | 1 condenser microphone; 1 set of wired headphones; 1 adjustable scissor arm stand; 1 metal shock mount; 1 pop filter; 1 foam mic windscreen; 1 table mounting clamp; 1 USB-B to USB-A cable; 1 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter |
| Accessories Kit | Yeticaster | $157.99 USD | 1 Yeticaster bundle (Yeti USB Microphone, Radius III, Compass); 1 Streamcam (HD Camera, USB-C cables); 1 Litra Glow (LED streaming light, cables) |
Podcast Starter Kits for Professionals
| Brand | Price | Includes | |
| Headphones Kit | Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO | $149.99 USD | 1 Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones; 1 3m straight stereo cable; 1 drawstring bag; 1 headphone extension cable (5 foot); 1 headphone splitter; 1 6.35mm (1/4″) stereo jack plug; 1 cleaning cloth |
| Microphone Kit | Shure MV7+ | $299 USD | 1 hybrid output USB-C and XLR dynamic microphone; 1 foam windscreen; 1 3m USB-C to USB-C cable; 1 adjustable desktop stand |
| Accessories Kit | RØDECaster | $1,839 USD | 1 RØDE RØDECaster Duo; 1 Shure SM7dB microphone; 1 Elgato streaming deck; 1 Insta360 webcam; 1 pair of Shure SRH440A headphones; 1 Ikan HS-GS76 green screen (76 inches); 1 Shure by Gator SH-BROADCAST; 1 desktop boom stand; 1 Ikan HS-LR6 streaming; accent light; 1 10-foot XLR mic cable |
Purchasing Podcast Equipment Separately
If you already own some podcasting equipment, or if you don’t have the budget to purchase everything in a bundle, buying ad-hoc equipment could be somewhat cheaper (and potentially better for the quality of your show).
Keep in mind not all equipment is necessary, and prices can range dramatically between providers. That’s why we’ve provided a general pricing range for each equipment type, plus our top picks for each section so you have a general guidepost to aim for.
With this out of the way, let’s get started.
Podcast Mixers and Interfaces
Podcast mixers and audio interfaces can help you capture audio from multiple sources. You can use podcast mixers to consolidate multiple audio sources into a single digital signal, or audio interfaces to turn analog sound into digital data by connecting your microphone to a computer.
Which one makes the most sense for you?
You may want to opt for a podcast mixer if:
- You plan to have two or more guests present in person
- You want to play live sound effects or background music
- You want to perform basic edits before opening your editing software
Alternatively, you may be comfortable using an audio interface if:
- You need more portability for your podcast setup
- You already own separate DAW software
- You’re comfortable with limited built-in processing
Now, let’s look closer at your options.
Podcast Mixers
- Required for Podcasting: ❌
- Average Price Range: $79 USD to $549.99 USD
- Top Pick Overall: TASCAM Mixcast 4
The podcast mixer is a powerful tool that can help you capture, mix, and perform basic audio edits. There are dozens of different models on the market, and each one comes with its own set of benefits.
Of course, the biggest requirement of a podcast mixer is that it’s well-suited to your needs. We break down the most popular options in our guide to podcast mixers — although you can also compare them at a glance with this chart:
| Recording Media | USB Connector | Sampling Rate | Recording Format | Microphone Inputs | Included Items | Price | |
| ZOOM PodTrak P8 | SD cards up to 512GB | USB Type-C (sold separately) | 44.1 kHz | 16-bit/44.1kHz | 6 | PodTrak P8;AD-14 AC Adapter; and aQuick Guide | $549.99 USD |
| Maonocaster E2 | Not compatible with SD cards – requires a direct connection to your laptop, tablet, or desktop | USB Type-C | 48kHz / 16bit | 24-bit / 48kHz WAV | 2 | Earphones, shock mount, metal pop filter, USB A-C charging cable, 2 TRRS audio cables, user manual, 12-month warranty, PM320T microphone, mic stand | $169.99 USD |
| Maonocaster Lite | Not compatible with SD cards – requires a direct connection to your laptop, tablet, phone, or desktop | USB Type-C | 48kHz / 16bit | 24-bit / 48kHz WAV | 2 | Condenser microphone, mic cable, mic tripod, windscreen muff, audio interface, charging cable, user manual, 3.5 mm TRRS audio cables (2) | $79.99 USD |
| Behringer XENYX | You must connect to an external device | USB Type-B | 48kHz / 16bit | 24-bit / 48kHz WAV | 4 | The mixer, the user manual, the power adapter | $139.99 USD |
| Mackie ProFX | You must connect to an external device via USB | USB Type-B | 192kHz / 24-bit | 192kHz / 24-bit | 7 | The mixer, Waveform OEM DAW, user manual, power cable, USB cable | $359.99 USD |
| PreSonus StudioLive AR8 | Onboard SD card recorder | USB 2.0 | 24-bit/96kHz | 24-bit/96kHz | 4 | The mixer itself | Varies |
Podcast Interfaces
- Required for Podcasting: ❌
- Average Price Range: $149 USD to $699 USD
- Top Pick Overall: Zoom PodTrak P4
Podcast interfaces are the simplest way to convert analog sound into digital signals. They’re typically more cost-effective than mixers, which is ideal for beginners or podcasters on a budget.
There’s a lot to know about podcast interfaces — certainly more than can fit in this guide. That said, you should know what you’re getting into first. Here are some rules of thumb to point you in the right direction:
- Opt for direct monitoring (if possible). That way, you can hear yourself clearly while recording and can fix any issues that might be affecting your audio.
- Look for high-quality preamps. The cheaper the preamps, the worse the background noise may be.
- Phantom power is a great feature to consider. It’s especially useful for condenser mics, which need extra power to run.
Looking for a few different interfaces to compare? Here are the top options and their critical details at a glance:
| Recording Media | USB Connector | Sampling Rate | Phantom Power | Microphone Inputs | Included Items | Price | |
| TASCAM Mixcast 4 | SD cards (64 MB to 2 GB), SDHC cards (4 GB to 32 GB), SDXC cards (48 GB to 512 GB) | USB Type-C | 48 kHz | 48 volts | 4 | AC adapter, USB Type-C to Type-C cable, Owner’s manual and warranty, TASCAM ID registration guide | $399 USD |
| Zoom PodTrak P4 | SD cards up to 512 GB | USB-C cable for power supply or file transfers, or up to 4 hours of power with 2 AA batteries or a USB battery | 16-bit / 44.1kHz audio WAV | 48 volts | Inputs: 4 x XLR connectorsOutputs: 4 x headphone outputs | PodTrak P4, quick start guide, and 2 AA batteries | $149 USD |
| RØDECaster Pro 2 | N/A | USB-C Cable | 48kHz | 48 volts | Inputs: 4 x combo jack inputs (microphone, line, instrument)Outputs: 2 x balanced line output, 4 x headphone output | RCPII Power Adapter, USB-C to USB-C cable | $699 USD |
Podcast Headphones
- Required for Podcasting: ❌
- Average Price Range: $49 to $499.95
- Top Pick Overall: Sennheiser 280 PRO
Whether you’re live streaming audio or recording a podcast video, a pair of podcast headphones may come in clutch. They can help you hear your own voice, identify audio inconsistencies, and block out distractions that could pull you away from your show.
There are thousands of different headphones on the market, each with their own unique shapes, fit, and benefits. However, the four most common headphone types include:
- Open-back vs closed-back
- Over-ear vs on-ear
- Wired vs wireless Bluetooth
- With mic vs without mic
Our exhaustive guide to podcast headphones dives more deeply into the specifics. However, if you just want to see the most popular recommendations, you’re welcome to review this side-by-side comparison:
| Headphone | Back | Ear Position | Wired | Included Mic | Price |
| ATH-M50x | Closed-Back | Over-ear | Yes | No | $149 |
| Sennheiser HD 660S2 | Open-Back | Over-ear | Yes | No | $499.95 |
| Sennheiser HD-25 | Closed-Back | On-ear | Yes | No | $149.95 |
| Sony MDR7506 | Closed-Back | Over-ear | Yes | No | $130 |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M20x | Closed-Back | Over-ear | Yes | No | $49 |
| Sennheiser 280 PRO | Closed-Back | Over-ear | Yes | No | $99.95 |
| Bose QuietComfort 35 II | Closed-Back | Over-ear | No | No | $357.99 |
| Shure SRH1540 | Closed-Back | Over-ear | No | No | $499 |
| Audio-Technica BPHS1 | Closed-Back | Over-ear | Yes | Yes | $219.00 |
| Sennheiser HMD 300 Pro-XQ-2 | Closed-Back | Over-ear | Yes | Yes | $299.95 |
| Soundcore Anker Life Q20 | Closed-Back | Over-ear | No | No | $54 |
Podcast Microphones
- Required for Podcasting: ✔️
- Average Price Range: $99 USD to $179 USD
- Top Pick Overall: RØDE PodMic
If you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast, you’ve probably already been researching what microphone(s) to buy. After all, you’ll need at least one to record your own voice, and two or more if you’re hosting guests or secondary hosts.
Our podcast experts give three recommendations to clients before they purchase podcast microphones:
- Dynamic is better suited for podcasting. Condenser mics could pick up too much unwanted room sound.
- Look for a USB mic first. That way, you can use your microphone directly with your computer or purchase an adapter for a mixer or interface.
- More expensive doesn’t always equal quality. A proper microphone technique will work wonders on any model.
We wrote a comprehensive guide to podcast microphones so you can compare your options at a glance. If you’re pressed for time, you can reference this chart to get a side-by-side view instead:
| Microphone | Mic Type | Connector Type | In the Box | Price |
| Shure MV7X | Dynamic | XLR | 1 3/8″ Euro Thread Adapter | $179.99 USD |
| PreSonus Revelator | Dynamic | USB-C Bus-Powered | User manual, USB to USB-C cable | $99.99 USD |
| RØDE PodMic | Dynamic | XLR | Quick start guide | $99.99 USD |
| AT2040 | Dynamic | XLR | Pivoting stand mount; 5/8″-27 to 3/8″-16 threaded adapter; protective pouch | $99 USD |
| AT2040 USB | Dynamic | USB | Mounting clamp; 5/8″-27 to 3/8″-16 threaded adapter; USB cable (about 2.0 m (6.6′), USB Type-C to USB Type-A) •USB conversion adapter (USB-Type-A to USB Type-C) | $149 USD |
| Samson Q2U | End Address Dynamic | USB and XLR | Foam windscreen; mic clip; desktop tripod stand; boom arm; micro/mini USB to USB-A; XLR to XLR | $69.99 USD |
Podcast Laptops
- Required for Podcasting: ✔️
- Average Price Range: $479.99 USD to $2,499 USD
- Top Pick Overall: Apple MacBook Pro
You’ll need some type of recording device to capture audio for your show. This could be a desktop, a cell phone, or a handheld audio recorder like the PodTrak P4. But for the vast majority of podcasters, the best option is a laptop. It’s not hard to see why:
- You can easily transport your laptop from location to location.
- You don’t always need WiFi to get up and running.
- Unlike cell phones, you’ll have access to additional storage.
- Plugging in external harddrives is relatively straightforward.
We go into detail on the best podcast laptops in a dedicated guide. However, you can use the following comparison chart to check your options at a glance.
| Internal Storage | Battery Life | Price | |
| Lenovo IdeaPad 3 | 512GB | 13.5 hours | $479.99 USD |
| Acer Aspire 5 | 512GB | 8 hours | $499.99 USD |
| Apple MacBook Pro | 512GB | 22 hours | $2,499 USD |
| Dell XPS 17 | 512GB to 8TB | 14 hours | $1,649 USD |
| Microsoft Surface Pro 9 | 8GB to 512GB | 15.5 – 19 hours | $799 USD |
| HP Spectre x360 | 2TB | 10.5 hours (+fast charge) | $2,129.99 USD |
Video Podcasting Equipment
Planning on upgrading to a video podcast? With so many listeners converting into viewers, now is a great time to make the switch to video.
Of course, this also means you’ll need to make space for video podcast equipment. This includes cameras and expanded SD cards, as well as studio equipment for aesthetics and lighting.
Here’s what you should know.
Podcast Cameras
The podcast camera is a quintessential tool for upgrading your show from audio to video. It’s also one of the more expensive pieces: prices range between $300 and $1,000.
The good news is that you can find suitable cameras for practically any budget. Depending on your goals and long-term vision, you’ll have five options to choose from: webcams, DSLRs, camcorders, action cameras, and smartphones.
- Webcams: If you own a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer, you probably have access to a built-in webcam. The good news with webcams: they’re fairly cost-effective. Even third-party webcams can capture high-quality footage. The bad news with webcams: there’s a limit to their quality. You’ll be hard-pressed to move beyond 1080p without purchasing a more capable camera.
- DSLRs: For most podcast videographers, the digital single-lens reflex camera (or DSLR) is a decent option. The biggest benefit is their huge versatility. They’re also easy to transport for field recordings — even if most popular models last 90 minutes or less.
- Camcorders: Many podcasters use camcorders to tap into unique features that are harder to find on DSLRs. This could be remote-controlled activation, extended battery life, or the option to connect directly to your microphone(s). However, these lightweight cameras only capture video files, which means unlike DSLRs, you can’t use them to take pictures.
- Action Cameras: Action cameras include brands like GroPro and AKASO, which were uniquely designed to be worn while ‘in action.’ The best action cameras offer 5k recording plus a 64 GB recording capacity. However, it may be wise to purchase multiple SD cards — you can only capture around two hours of footage on most video settings.
- Smartphones: There’s a good chance you already own a smartphone, but budget models or older phones may not be up to the task. You could also potentially purchase an upgradable vlogging kit, which you could use to live stream content from the Riverside.fm mobile app.
TL;DR: A quality webcam or smartphone on a tripod is usually enough for the beginning video podcaster. However, if you’re recording more than one host or performing in-person interviews, you might investigate camcorders, DSLRs, or action cameras.
Podcast Recording Accessories
Once you find a camera for your show, all that’s left is to find a few accessories.
To be clear, none of these are required to host a successful show. However, you might find it useful to upgrade your podcast studio setup with a few tools.
These include:
- Greenscreens: Sometimes referred to as chroma key sheets, green screens are essentially solid-color ‘curtains.’ These can be hung in the background of any video production to transpose another background behind the person (or people) in the frame. You can create a DIY greenscreen at home, depending on your experience and access to fabric backdrops. You may even be able to find green fabric at a thrift store — although you’ll still need to learn chroma key effects in your video podcasting software. Average price: $20 to $300 USD
- Lighting: There are typically three types of light used in professional video: key light, back light, and fill light. However, you don’t need to purchase tungsten lights to keep your podcast professional. You could opt for fluorescents on adjustable necks, LED strip lights, clip-on ring lights, and other low cost solutions. If you don’t want to spend any money, consider sitting near a window. You can use the natural light to soften sharper corners. Average price: $0 to $300 USD
- Sound improvement: If you’re dealing with audio issues like room reflections or reverb, you’ll need a set of audio enhancers that don’t downgrade the visual quality of your show. This might include ceiling clouds or acoustic panels, as well as base traps and absorbers/diffusers that match your color scheme and general aesthetic. Average price: $50 to $200 USD
The Bottom Line on Podcast Equipment
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by podcast equipment, especially when there are so many options on the market. With the help of this guide, you can start narrowing down your options and then make the right choice for you, your guests, and your show.
But purchasing podcast equipment is just one piece of the puzzle — you also have to think about podcast software. This includes tools for recording, editing, and hosting your show, not to mention video editing software (unless you’re handing that off to a dedicated team).
Not sure where to get started with research? Here are some resources to guide your steps: