The first step in launching a successful podcast is acquiring the right podcasting equipment. With thousands of options available, this guide simplifies the choices for both beginners and professionals. Each section explains not only what equipment you may need, but also why it matters for your show’s quality and growth.
Let’s dive in.
Key equipment recommendations:
- Best budget mic: RØDE PodMic ($99)
- Best interface: Zoom PodTrak P4 ($149)
- Best headphones: Sennheiser HD 280 PRO ($99)
- Best bundle: RØDE Solo Kit ($911)
- Best laptop: Apple MacBook Pro
Table of Contents
- What Equipment Do I Need to Start a Podcast?
- What is a Podcast Equipment Bundle?
- What Are Podcast Starter Kits and How Do They Differ From Bundles?
- Can I Purchase Podcast Equipment Separately?
- Should I Use a Podcast Mixer or an Audio Interface?
- Do I Need Headphones for Podcasting?
- What Kind of Podcast Microphone Should I Use for Podcasting?
- What Laptops are Best for Podcasting?
- What Podcast Equipment Do I Need for Video Podcasting?
- The Bottom Line on Podcast Equipment
- Frequently Asked Questions About Podcast
What Equipment Do I 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.
Essential Podcast Gear for Beginners
- Laptop
- Microphone
- Headphones
Keep in mind you could opt for podcast equipment bundles or even starter kits if you want to get started faster.
Additional Equipment for Professionals
You may also need additional podcast equipment and accessories as you grow, depending on the type of podcast you want. This includes:
- Mixers
- Interfaces
- Cameras
- Video accessories (lighting, studio setup)
Regardless, let’s take a look at each of these tools so you can mix and match the right options for your show.
What Is a Podcast Equipment Bundle?
If you don’t want to wait to get up and running, you could always purchase a podcast equipment bundle.
Podcast bundles simplify equipment shopping for solo creators and are frequently highlighted in beginner-focused outlets like Podnews reviews.
Bundles are fast and simple, removing the guesswork 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.
What’s Included in a Podcast Equipment Bundle?
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).
The Best 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.
- Maonocaster Lite ($79.99) → Our go-to entry bundle. Includes earphones, a condenser mic, tripod, and cables. Great for testing podcasting before committing to pricier gear.
- Maonocaster E2 ($179.99) → A step up from the Lite. Comes with a higher-quality mic, pop filter, and accessories. We recommend it for podcasters ready to grow beyond basics.
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 are a solid option 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 |
What are the Best Podcast Equipment Bundles for Professionals?
For an equipment bundle with included software, Focusrite podcast bundles are a great option. You’ll have three different options depending on your needs: the Vocaster One Studio, the Vocaster Two Studio, and the Scarlett 2i2 Studio.
Focusrite Bundles (with software)
- Vocaster One Studio ($249.99)
- Vocaster Two Studio ($399.99)
- Scarlett 2i2 Studio ($299.99)
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.
RØDE Bundles (premium)
- Solo Kit ($911)
- Duo Kit ($1,323)
- Ultimate Kit ($2,347)
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 |
What Are Podcast Starter Kits and How Do They Differ From Bundles?
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:
Starter Kits for Beginners
Starter Kits for Professionals
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO Headphones Kit ($149.99)
- Shure MV7+ Microphone Kit ($299)
- RØDECaster Accessories Kit ($1,839)
Can I Purchasing Podcast Equipment Separately?
If you already own gear or want to save money, buying equipment individually may be cheaper and give you better quality control.
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.
Should I Use a Podcast Mixer or an Audio Interface?
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.
What Is a Podcast Mixer?
- 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 |
What Is a Podcast Audio Interface?
- 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 |
Do I Need Headphones for Podcasting?
- Required for Podcasting: ✔️
- Average Price Range: $49 to $499.95
- Top Pick Overall: Sennheiser 280 PRO
In our consulting work with hundreds of podcasters, headphones consistently improve recording quality by helping hosts monitor their own audio, catch issues early, and reduce echo during live sessions.
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
What Are the Best Headphones for Podcasters?
Drawing from client setups and our own production experience, here are the headphones we most often recommend:
- Sennheiser HD 280 PRO ($99) → Our most common recommendation for beginners. Affordable, durable, and excellent for blocking outside noise.
- Sony MDR7506 ($130) → A reliable industry standard we’ve seen in countless editing suites. Great balance of comfort and clarity.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20x ($49) → The best entry-level option we suggest for podcasters on a tight budget.
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II ($357.99) → Trusted by traveling podcasters. Its noise-canceling makes it ideal for recording on the go.
- Shure SRH1540 ($499) → Premium comfort for long editing sessions. We recommend this for professionals who spend hours in post-production.
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 |
What Kind of Microphone Should I Use for Podcasting?
- 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.
What Are the Best Podcast Microphones in 2025?
At The Podcast Consultant, we’ve tested dozens of podcast microphones across real-world setups; from home studios to professional broadcast environments.
Our experience has shown that dynamic microphones consistently deliver the best results for podcasters, especially in untreated rooms. USB mics are often the easiest entry point for beginners, while XLR models paired with an interface give the best long-term flexibility.
Here are the microphones we recommend most often to clients in 2025.
If you’re pressed for time, you can get a side-by-side view instead:
- Shure MV7X ($179.99, Dynamic XLR) → Ideal for podcasters who want broadcast quality without the high cost of an SM7B. We’ve seen consistent results with clients recording in untreated home studios.
- PreSonus Revelator ($99.99, USB-C) → A favorite for budget-conscious creators. Easy plug-and-play setup makes it our top pick for beginners.
- RØDE PodMic ($99.99, Dynamic XLR) → The most balanced option we’ve tested — durable, clean sound, and excellent for voice isolation.
- Audio-Technica AT2040 ($99, Dynamic XLR) → Consistently reliable for podcasters recording longer sessions. Strong build and warm sound profile.
- Samson Q2U ($69.99, Dynamic USB/XLR) → We’ve recommended this hybrid mic to dozens of clients who needed flexibility for both at-home and on-the-go recording.
All of these mics have been vetted in client launches, audits, and internal testing, which is why we recommend them with confidence.
| 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 |
What Laptops are Best for Podcasting?
- 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.
Recommended Podcast Laptops (2025)
- Apple MacBook Pro ($2,499) → Our top overall recommendation. Exceptional battery life (22 hours), quiet fans during long editing sessions, and unmatched performance for multi-track editing.
- Dell XPS 17 ($1,649) → A powerhouse laptop we suggest for video podcasters. Large display and up to 8TB storage make it ideal for long-form editing.
- Microsoft Surface Pro 9 ($799) → Popular with podcasters who need flexibility. Lightweight and portable, but still strong enough for recording and editing sessions.
- Lenovo IdeaPad 3 ($479.99) → Best budget option. We’ve seen clients run stable audio sessions without issue, though heavier editing may slow performance.
- Acer Aspire 5 ($499.99) → Another affordable choice. Reliable for simple audio editing, though battery life is shorter than higher-end options.
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 |
What Equipment Do I Need for Video Podcasting?
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, as 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.
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.
What Lighting Options Improve a Video Podcast?
There are typically three types of light used in professional video:
- Key light
- Back light
- 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.
What Accessories Can Improve a Podcast Setup?
Once you find a camera for your show, all that’s left is to find a few podcast 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
- 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).
If you enjoyed this comprehensive article, you may enjoy our more specific articles on podcast equipment:
- Why Upgrade Your Podcast from Audio to Video
- Video Podcast Equipment: Cameras, Microphones, and More
- Podcast Hosting Platforms: Everything You Need To Know
- Ultimate Guide to Video Podcasts: Equipment, Software, and Recording
- Local Podcast Recording Backup: Never Lose Audio Again
Frequently Asked Questions About Podcast Equipment
You need three essentials: a laptop, microphone, and camera (if recording video). Headphones are strongly recommended, but beginners can start with this setup, then add a mixer, interface, or recording accessories as they grow.
Beginner podcast setups cost under $300, while professional setups can range from $1,000 to $2,500 or more depending on microphones, mixers, and cameras.
Bundles are faster and simpler, but often cost more and may include items you don’t need. Buying individual items is cheaper and more flexible, though it requires research to ensure compatibility.
A mixer combines multiple audio sources into one signal with live control. An audio interface converts analog sound into digital signals for your computer. Mixers are best for in-person guests and effects, while interfaces are portable and cost-effective.
You’ll need a camera (webcam, DSLR, camcorder, or smartphone), lighting, and recording software. Beginners can use a webcam or smartphone with a tripod, while professionals may upgrade to DSLRs or camcorders.
Dynamic microphones are ideal because they reduce background noise. USB mics are easiest for beginners, while XLR mics offer better quality when paired with an audio interface. Popular options include the RØDE PodMic, Audio-Technica AT2040, and Samson Q2U.
The most affordable setup is a USB microphone with built-in headphones connected to your laptop. This can cost under $100 and is enough to record basic audio.
Headphones aren’t required, but they help monitor your audio, reduce echo, and improve sound quality during recording and editing.
MacBook Pro, Dell XPS, and Microsoft Surface models are top picks due to battery life and audio processing performance. Budget users can choose Lenovo IdeaPad or Acer Aspire laptops for under $500.
Bundles include complete setups with mixers, microphones, and headphones. Starter kits are usually smaller add-on packages focused on one category, such as a microphone kit or accessory kit.