Top Podcast Recording Accessories for Beginners and Pros

Last Modified on January 23, 2025
These are the top podcast recording accessories for beginners and pros.

You don’t need much to get started with podcasting, but you do need to purchase the right podcasting recording accessories. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or an accomplished pro: it will be tough to make your podcast stand out from the crowd without the right equipment.

The good news is that the right podcast accessories don’t have to be expensive, and you don’t need dozens of tools beyond a simple mixer or audio interface. If you purchase the accessories that work for you, you can get your show up and running in just five days.

This guide outlines the best podcast recording accessories for beginners and pros. After explaining each accessory, we offer a few questions to narrow down your options. We also provide equipment recommendations from the vetted team at The Podcast Consultant.

Let’s dive in.

8 Essential Items for Podcast Recording

There are many different accessories you could purchase for your podcast. 

The eight essential items include:

  1. Microphones
  2. Headphones
  3. Pop filters
  4. Shock mounts
  5. Boom arms
  6. Acoustic treatments
  7. Soundproofing
  8. Travel items

Let’s start with the most important recording accessory:

1. Essential Microphones for Podcasting

The podcast microphone is the most important purchase for any podcast studio. It will  have the biggest impact on your sound.The higher quality your mic is, the higher quality your audio will be.

There are (quite literally) thousands of mics on the market, so making the best decision can feel overwhelming. We recommend starting from the top down:

  • Think about your budget and start researching models within that price bracket.
  • Then, consider your podcast interface and what it can handle based on its connectors or access to phantom power. 
  • Finally, consider your podcasting environment. Some mics were designed for field recordings or wireless transmission, while others work better on boom arms in soundproofed studios.

Still feeling overwhelmed? Learn more in our guide to podcast microphones. 

Questions for Choosing the Best Podcast Microphones

  • What type of connection do you need? This is typically XLR or USB.
  • What kind of polar pattern do you want? Cardioid? Hypercardioid? Omnidirectional?
  • Do you want a condenser mic, or a dynamic mic? TPC recommends dynamic mics for most podcasters.

Microphone Recommendations

For beginners:

For professionals:

  • Shure MV7X: Best for high-quality audio ($179.99 USD)
  • AT2040: Best for USB connections ($99 USD)
In this free slide deck you learn the what, why, and how of podcasting.

2. High-Quality Headphones for Accurate Monitoring

If your podcast microphone is the centerpiece of your recording equipment, your podcast headphones will be a very close second. These indispensable tools will be your main reference point for the mix and audio quality of your show before it goes live.

There are three factors to consider in podcast headphones:

  • How they sit on your ear. There are in-ear, over-ear, and on-ear options. We recommend over-ear for most podcasters.
  • How they connect. There are wired headphones and wireless headphones (aka Bluetooth headphones). Choosing between these options typically depends on your mixer or audio interface.
  • Close-back and open-back. Close-back headphones don’t let air pass through the ear cup, which makes for high-quality playback. In contrast, open-back headphones allow noise to pass through for a more natural sound — at the expense of higher audio quality.

The right pair of headphones for your recording needs should be based on price, transportation, and features. They also follow the “Iron Triangle”: they can have a good price, fast delivery, or high-quality construction, but they can only be two at once.

Learn more in our guide to podcast headphones.

Questions for Choosing the Best Podcast Headphones

  • How long do you plan on wearing your headphones? If you’ll be recording for long periods of time, you may want an over-ear design. You may be satisfied with in- or on-ear designs if you’re recording shorter episodes. 
  • How many hosts and guests will be present on each show? You’ll want to purchase a pair of headphones for each of your in-person guests (although they don’t necessarily need to be the same level of quality).
  • What types of headphones does your mixer or audio interface support? Some recording tools can handle Bluetooth headphones, while others require wires or wired adapters. 

Headphone Recommendations

For beginners:

For professionals:

3. Pop Filters and Why You Need Them

Pop filters are a podcast recording accessory designed to limit the amount of ‘plosives’ in your audio. By ‘plosives,’ we refer to ‘explosive’ linguistic sounds that could interfere with your recording — especially words that emphasize the letters ‘P,’ ‘B,’ and ‘T.’

There are many different types of pop filters to consider, but the three primary types include:

  • Foam windscreens (usually the cheapest option)
  • Nylon mesh (usually a mid-tier option)
  • Metal mesh (usually the most expensive option)

Keep in mind there are different pop filters for different types of mics, so you’ll need to pick a podcast microphone before purchasing a pop filter (unless a pop filter comes in your podcast equipment kit).

Questions for Choosing the Best Podcast Pop Filters

  • What type of microphone do you have? Mesh screens make sense for larger desk mics, but a foam windscreen makes more sense for smaller lav mics.
  • Where do you plan to record your podcast? Mesh screens work well indoors, while foam windscreens work well outdoors.
  • Are you comfortable combining your equipment? It’s possible to purchase microphones with built-in pop filters or shock mount/pop filter combos (which we cover in the section below).

Pro Tip: “Be mindful of how your filter attaches to the microphone; some models might be too obstructive for your studio set up or ill-fitted for your microphone”  – Rob Van Vranken, Launch Specialist @ The Podcast Consultant

4. Shock Mounts for Vibration-Free Recording

These are the top shock mount podcast recording accessories for beginners and pros.

Shock mounts accomplish exactly what you’d think: they stop ‘shocks’ or ‘jolts’ to the microphone leaving vibrations in your recording. They’re a good idea for microphones hanging on a boom arm or desk mount, although certain types of mics (such as the RØDE PodMic) come with a built-in internal shock filter.

There are a variety of different shock mounts to consider:

  • Internal shock mounts. These suspend the microphone’s internal capsule.
  • External mounts. Designed to suspend the entire microphone.
  • Desktop mounts. Desktop mounts were built to sit on your desk.

Keep in mind that shock mounts aren’t necessarily universal tools. Depending on the mic you choose, you may need to purchase a shock mount from your microphone provider (unless it’s included in your podcast bundle).

Questions for Choosing the Best Podcast Shock Mounts

  • Are you recording with a desk stand or a boom arm? Each option requires its own unique shock mount.
  • Does your microphone require a specific brand of shock mount? Some models, including the RØDE PodMic, may not be compatible with off-brand equipment.
  • How much budget do you have to work with? Most shock mounts hover between $50 and $100, although keep in mind you get what you pay for.

5. Best Boom Arms

These are the top boom arm podcast recording accessories for beginners and pros.

If you plan on recording with a shotgun-style mic, you may want to consider a microphone boom arm. These are adjustable stands that hold your microphone at an optimal angle and distance from your mouth.

This, of course, can also be accomplished with a desktop stand. They just won’t always make sense for your use case.

You may want to consider a microphone boom arm if:

  • Your setup is not near a table. 
  • You’re using a sensitive mic that picks up noise easily. 
  • You need to adjust your recording space frequently for video, guest height, and other revolving conditions.

In contrast, you may want to consider a desktop microphone stand if:

  • You’re recording remotely.
  • You’re not capturing video.
  • You already know the basics of mic positioning (six to 12 inches away from your mouth and at a slight angle to avoid plosives).

Questions for Choosing the Best Podcast Boom Arms 

  • How many hosts and/or guests will be on your show? Depending on whether they’re in-person or remote, you may need to purchase one boom arm per person.
  • What’s the layout of your recording space? If you’re at a computer desk, you may want an adjustable boom. If you’re in a permanent recording location, you might get away with permanent boom arms.
  • What’s your budget for boom arms? Keep in mind cheaper booms may come with external springs, which could create microphone vibrations that even shock mounts can’t fix.

Pro Tip: “Make sure you purchase high-quality stands and secure them properly. Microphones can be easily damaged if the boom arm or stands collapse” – Rob Van Vranken, Launch Specialist @ The Podcast Consultant

6. Acoustic Treatments 

Acoustic treatments, sometimes referred to as soundproofing tools, can help you limit the feedback in a podcast recording room. There are many different types depending on your setup, although by far the most common is the foam acoustic panel.

A few other options for your consideration:

  • Bass traps. These remove heavy or low noises in the corners of a recording space.
  • Ceiling clouds. Designed to bounce sound back toward the microphone.
  • Diffusers. Sends sound evenly across a room to ensure a higher-quality recording.

Learn more in our video covering room reflections and reverb in podcast recordings.

Questions for Choosing the Best Podcast Acoustic Treatments 

  • What does your room layout look like? Smaller rooms need fewer acoustic treatments, while larger rooms need more.
  • What’s your budget? You could spend anywhere from $50 to $5,000 on soundproofing for your studio, so plan accordingly.
  • Are you recording a video version of your podcast? If so, you may want to choose aesthetically pleasing soundproofing. If not, you could use home DIY solutions (such as recording your podcast in a closet).

Pro Tip: “Many makeshift studios use household items like blankets, clothing, or even egg cartons to soundproof a space. Before you invest in new equipment experiment with items around the house to achieve better sound first” – Rob Van Vranken, Launch Specialist @ The Podcast Consultant

7. Portable Soundproofing Solutions

These are the top portable soundproofing solutions and recording accessories for beginners and pros.

Not to be confused with acoustic treatments, portable soundproofing solutions can help you set up a podcast studio from anywhere. These are essentially mini reflection shields that bounce your audio toward your mic and deflect any unwanted audio away from your setup.

Most portable soundproofing tools cost $100 USD or less, but the actual price will depend on your make, model, and provider.

You’ve got several options to choose from:

  • Barrier panels, which you can use to DIY a solution.
  • Desktop covers, which are relatively cheap and pre-made.
  • Standup isolation booths, which is typically a more expensive option.

If you’re recording in a louder area, you may want to purchase a premade portable box. But if you’re recording in a relatively quiet room, you might get away with a DIY solution.

Just don’t forget you may need to ‘beautify’ your setup if you’re recording podcast videos.

We wrote this guide to podcast video so you can make an informed decision.

Questions for Choosing the Best Podcast Portable Soundproofing

  • What does (or will) your recording room look like? You may want a stronger, more expensive portable soundproofing unit if you’re recording outside or in a louder location.
  • How much wiggle room do you have in your budget? If you’re fairly limited, you could always opt for isolation shields. If you have more to work with, portable isolation chambers might make sense.
  • What kind(s) of mics do you plan to use? Remember that dynamic mics are typically recommended for podcasting since they pick up less sound than condenser microphones.

Pro Tip: “Make sure to create or purchase a convenient carrying case for your portable soundproofing gear. This will make it easy to pack up and go and ensure you are organized and prepared” – Rob Van Vranken, Launch Specialist @ The Podcast Consultant

8. Travel Items

Travel items refer to any podcasting tool designed to make equipment transportation easier. Their primary goal is to keep your recording accessories safe so it’s easier to move them from your recording studio to the field.

There are three major types of travel items to consider:

  • Cases: These are usually solo storage options for individual equipment (think microphones and headphones). These typically cost extra and aren’t bundled with your equipment, but you can sometimes purchase them in a podcast equipment bundle. 
  • Bags: You can use bags to carry multiple pieces of large equipment, including shock mounts, mic stands, boom arms, and more. Some equipment bags were designed for ‘over the shoulder’ carrying, while others were designed to be carried on your back, folded out or expanded, or rolled down a hallway.
  • Equipment Organizers: These typically look like fold-out selves or shoe storage racks where you can bundle multiple pieces of equipment. Smaller items such as cables and power cords work well in organizers, and you can also purchase ‘fancier’ options with built-in outlets or mesh sorting bags.

Want to learn more about building a podcast studio for the road? You’re welcome to read our guide to building a portable recording studio.

Questions for Choosing the Best Podcast Travel Items

  • How far and how often do you plan on traveling? The more frequently you travel, the more you’ll want to invest in great gear.
  • When traveling, where do you plan on recording? If you’re recording outside, be sure to plan accordingly (ditto with indoor or remote locations).
  • How much equipment are you bringing? Smaller items may just need the cases. Larger equipment may need a bag or equipment organizer.

Pro Tip: “Make sure you use proper cases capable of securing your most sensitive and fragile instruments such as microphones, Laptops, and any electronics. Just tossing everything in a backpack can easily result in damage.” – Rob Van Vranken, Launch Specialist @ The Podcast Consultant

What professional podcast editors care about when editing shows.

Miscellaneous

Lighting and cables and adapters, oh my! There are all sorts of miscellaneous tools you’ll need for your podcast. 

If you’re planning on recording video, you’ll need strong lighting and a sharp-looking background. This may require a green screen for post-production, as well as a tripod for your podcast camera.

Mics and mixers may also require extra tools. There may come a time when you need a longer cable, for example, or an XLR cable stops working moments before an interview.

Speaking of cables and last-minute surprises, don’t forget to keep adapters on hand — just in case. This largely depends on your podcast setup, but be sure to consider the basics like:

  • 3.5mm TRS To 1/4″ TRS
  • Headphone adapters
  • XLR to TRS
  • DC power cables
  • TRS to TRRS
  • Patch cables

Questions for Choosing the Best Miscellaneous Tools

  • Are you going to be traveling for interviews? If so, your miscellaneous items need to be lightweight, storable, and easy to transport.
  • What do you expect to do with your podcast? This will help you write a list of everything you’ll need to record.
  • How tight is your budget? If you have more to work with, you may want to purchase accessories now. Otherwise, you may want to consider podcast equipment rentals to keep costs down in the beginning.

Pro Tip: “Try setting up your travel equipment at home before you pack up. This way, if there are any adapters or other necessary miscellaneous tools you may have forgotten to pack, you can catch them before you hit the road.” – Rob Van Vranken, Launch Specialist @ The Podcast Consultant

The Final Word on Podcast Recording Accessories

Podcast recording accessories are the cornerstone of any successful podcast. Once you find what you need, it won’t take long to get off the ground.

But once you acquire the right podcast recording accessories, you’ll need to invest in the soft skills for a successful launch. This includes production, remote recording, video capture, and social media collateral (unless you’re partnering with The Podcast Consultant to do this on your behalf).

Not sure where to start in your upskilling journey?

Some of these resources can help you take the next step:

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