We sat down with two audio experts to get their recommendations on all things equipment for audio and video podcasting including headphones, microphones, cameras, cables, software, mixers and more across different budget ranges.
When many people think of a podcast studio, they may picture a massive soundboard with dozens of switches, walls draped in black foam, and a collection of huge microphones hanging from adjustable arms.
The reality is much more approachable. You can capture clear sound with very little investment—often using things you already own. Then add podcast equipment as you grow and refine your particular style and voice.
All you need to get started or to level up your sound is a little know-how. “Learning some fundamental knowledge on microphone, headphone, and basic audio devices specifications and terminology will help you select the best equipment for your podcast,” explains Kevin Cureghian, an Audio Specialist at Spotify.
Whether you’re gearing up for your first recording or already have a few dozen episodes under your belt, this guide will help you quickly sort through the terminology and find the perfect podcast equipment for your budget and goals—featuring expert insights from Kevin and Bernard P Achampong, founder of digital content brand Unedited and award-winning audio creator.
If you’re just starting out, we have some great news…you may already have most of the tools you need to record a solid podcast. And what you don’t have doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
You'll need a device that records your voice and stores audio files. Most smartphones come equipped with surprisingly capable microphones and processors that can capture clean audio. Even better, they have specialized voice recording apps pre-installed that offer features like basic editing and noise reduction.
If you're using a smartphone, here are some tips to get the best possible sound:
For computer recording, most laptops have built-in microphones that can serve as your starting point. To maximize your computer's built-in mic:
Whether you choose your phone or computer, you can use the Riverside integration directly in the Spotify for Creators web browser to remove background noise simply by toggling on the feature. This can help smooth out any rough edges in your audio quality, even when using basic built-in microphones.
While built-in recording devices are a great way to start, they do have limitations. You might notice they pick up more room noise than you'd like, or that they make your voice sound a bit thin or distant. That's completely normal—these are generalist microphones designed for multiple purposes.
When you're ready to level up your sound quality, you can look into external microphones (which we'll cover in the following sections). But don't let equipment limitations hold you back from getting started. Many successful podcasts began with nothing more than a smartphone and a quiet room.
Headphones are your quality control system. They help you catch problems during recording, like a rustling microphone or your chair squeaking, that you might miss through speakers. Plus, since many of your listeners will hear your podcast through headphones, editing with them on helps ensure your show sounds great in the same way most people will consume it.
For podcast recording and editing, wired headphones are your best bet, as they provide a stable, uninterrupted connection without the potential audio blips or latency issues that can occur with Bluetooth options. A simple pair of wired earbuds or over-ear headphones will serve you well when starting out.
If you're using wireless earbuds, you can make the most of them by:
As you become more serious about your podcast, you might want to factor in more technical aspects when choosing your headphones. For instance:
Price range: $10 to $100+
Main features to look for:
Comfort is a lot more important than you might think, as even the best-sounding headphones won't help if you can't wear them for long editing sessions. When possible, try headphones on before buying, or check return policies if buying online. Pay attention to how they feel in or over your ears, and consider if they'll stay comfortable during long recording and editing sessions.
Even after upgrading to better headphones, keep a pair of (charged) earbuds on you. Technical issues can pop up at the worst moments, and a simple backup can save your entire recording session.
Recommendations:
Kevin recommends “the Sony MDR7506” as an excellent budget-friendly option for beginners. He notes that they have “a flat response, closed back, and are comfortable to wear for long hours.” For those able to invest more, Kevin suggests “the Beyerdynamic DT 770 headphones, which provide superior comfort and durability as well as a larger dynamic range.”
As a general rule, Kevin advises against headphones with built-in microphones. In his opinion, integrated solutions typically don't deliver the necessary sound quality for professional recording, so unless you’re on the go, you might be better off investing in two separate pieces of equipment.
Bernard’s go-to option is “the Behringer BH 470. They are flat response studio monitoring headphones, meaning no fancy processing is added to what you hear,” he explains. “They are currently available under $30 and sound as good as a pair of headphones ten times the price. They are great for speech format.”
Since the microphone is the point where your voice is captured and translated into a digital format, it's one of the most important pieces of podcast equipment. While the mic built into your phone or laptop can work, it’s more likely to capture unwanted sounds and echoes.
An external USB microphone is a step up from your smartphone’s mic, yet it’s inexpensive, lightweight, and captures clear, high-quality audio. It’s also easy to set up by simply plugging a USB cable into your computer or phone.
Understanding pickup patterns—the way microphones capture sound—will help you choose the right mic for your needs. Imagine your microphone is holding an invisible shield that catches sound waves. The shape of this shield is the pickup pattern.
Pickup patterns aren’t the only factor that impacts the quality of your audio. Setting up your USB microphone properly can also dramatically improve how you sound, so before you hit record:
Price range: $20 to $150
Main features to look for:
USB microphones represent a significant upgrade from built-in mics, but their quality ultimately depends on your recording environment and technique. A $50 USB microphone in a quiet, treated room will often sound better than a $150 microphone in an echo-prone space.
Recommendations:
Kevin recommends “the Shure MV7, the USB version of the renowned SM7,” as one of his top choices. He highlights its “exceptional polar pattern, durability, sound quality, and user-friendly design,” noting that it offers “reliability, portability, and affordability.” As a strong alternative, Kevin suggests “the RODE PodMic,” which he ranks as his “second favorite choice due to its performance and value.”
Bernard seconds Kevin’s recommendation. “If you’re considering podcasting for a while, it’s worth investing in Shure,” he says. “Beginners might also want to try a Samson Q2U, which is so handy that we sent out almost 20 of these during the COVID-19 lockdown for remote recording—and some still haven’t returned.”
If you need a microphone that can do the job but you’re not so worried about getting it back, Bernard and his team have used “the Tonor TC-777 as a contributor microphone. It’s not fussy, it’s easy to set up, and sounds good enough for a guest.”
However, the Q2U and TC777 are not USB-C compatible, so you might need an appropriate adapter.
Video is an increasingly popular format among podcast audiences and creators alike. The good news is that, just like with audio recording, you probably already own a capable video recording device—your smartphone or laptop's built-in webcam.
Smartphones have revolutionized video creation with their high-quality cameras and smart features. Most recent phones can record in 1080p or even 4K resolution, so they’re more than capable of capturing professional-looking footage. The hosts of “Good Children,” for example, have been filming on their phones from day one and have no plans to change their recording setup.
When using your phone, a few simple techniques can go a long way in improving your video quality. Some best practices include:
When you’re ready to take a small step up from built-in cameras, entry-level webcams offer significant improvements in image quality while remaining budget-friendly. They often include features like automatic light correction for consistent image quality, wider angles to capture more of your recording space, and even built-in microphones that can serve as backup audio recording.
Price range: $30 to $100+ for external webcams
Main features to look for:
Pro tip: Record a short test video before each episode to check your framing, lighting, and background. You can even use tape to mark your optimal position on the floor so you maintain proper framing throughout the actual recording.
Recommendations:
Kevin recommends “the Insta360 and Opal C1 as excellent webcam options for aspiring video creators.” He notes that these models provide “remarkable versatility, high-quality lenses, and intuitive companion applications that include essential adjustment settings.”
When choosing a webcam, Kevin advises prioritizing “resolution, frame rate, lens quality, low-light correction capabilities, and field of view,” adding that “a 1080p resolution with a good frame rate is considered a good start unless you need your content to be in 4K.”
For his part, Bernard believes that the biggest opportunity is to go second-hand. “With minor modifications, a DSLR camera can be used as a webcam,” he says. “I’ve got a Canon 100D, and by adding a USB cable, a table tripod, and free software, you can get something like what you see below.”
“The sensors on some of these cameras are plenty powerful compared to the webcams on your computer,” he continues. “If you already have a camera (or can get a cheap one), recycle and repurpose it. Otherwise, you could try something like the Insta360 Link 2 (matching Kevin’s advice), which has a whole suite of AI trickery in its software to make you look good in all conditions.”
Another great tip from Bernard concerns light. Even if you have a so-so camera, “the right lights in front and behind will give you a more professional look,” he says. “For example, $500 - $1000 well spent can help you get some lighting to balance out the dark shadows under your nose from your current ceiling lights.”
Cables aren’t the most exciting piece of equipment on the list, but imagine recording an entire episode only to realize that a frayed cable left your audio fuzzy or full of gaps. The types of cables you need will depend on the equipment you’re connecting. If you’re recording directly from the mic on your smartphone, you won’t need any. But if you have a wired external mic or speakers, you’ll need cables to connect them.
Every foot of cable creates an opportunity for signal interference, similar to how a longer garden hose might reduce water pressure. That's why you need cables that are just long enough to comfortably reach your equipment without excess length. For example, if your microphone sits on your desk right next to your computer, a three-foot cable will work better than a ten-foot one.
The quality of your cable's connectors plays an important part in maintaining clear audio. Gold and silver connectors resist corrosion and oxidation and ensure a consistent electrical connection over time, unlike cheaper metals that might degrade and introduce static or signal loss.
The outer jacket of your cable might seem like just a protective cover, but it actually serves multiple purposes. A thick, flexible rubber coating not only prevents physical damage but also helps shield the internal wires from electromagnetic interference—the kind that can come from nearby power cables or Wi-Fi routers.
Price range: $4 to $50
Main features to look for:
When storing your cables, avoid tight coils or kinks that can damage the internal wiring. Instead, use loose loops secured with velcro ties. Your future self will thank you when you don't have to replace a cable mid-recording session because of preventable wear and tear.
A pop filter is a deceptively simple tool that can do numbers for your audio quality. This thin piece of fabric or metal mesh is mounted between your mouth and the microphone and breaks up plosive sounds before they can cause problems.
Nylon mesh filters are lighter, less expensive, and often more effective at stopping plosives, but they can be less durable and may need replacement after extended use. Metal mesh filters, while pricier, can last for years and are easier to clean, which comes in handy if multiple people use the same microphone.
The size of your pop filter matters too. You'll want one that's large enough to cover your microphone's pickup pattern, with a little extra room to account for any head movement while you're recording. A good rule of thumb is to choose a filter that's at least two to three inches wider than your microphone's head.
Price range: $10 to $50
Main features to look for:
Recommendations:
Kevin recommends choosing “nylon mesh design rather than a metallic one.” He explains that nylon mesh pop filters “are more cost-effective and excel at reducing plosive sounds and unwanted popping noises.” While metallic pop filters offer greater durability, he notes they are “typically smaller and more delicate, making them more susceptible to bending or repositioning difficulties.”
For Bernard, it’s not so much which pop filter you use, but simply that you use one. “It doesn’t matter how good you think the room you’re recording in; a good pop filter will help,” he says. “Often, your microphone will already come with one, but I find Rycote does a great range of covers for almost every microphone. Even if you are recording indoors, I recommend using a pop filter.”
Once you’ve captured audio on a digital file, you’ll need to edit it. That may mean slicing out banter during an interview or stitching in a sound bite from another recording. Editing software, also called a digital audio workstation (DAW), is how you complete the task.
Editing software often includes helpful features like automatic silence detection, which can quickly identify and remove long pauses, and noise reduction tools that can help clean up audio recorded in less-than-ideal environments.
Price range: Free, though advanced paid options are also available
Main features to look for:
Whether you’re a hobbyist or an aspiring professional, using advanced, higher-quality podcast equipment will create a more polished audio experience for your listeners. Professional tools require an investment, but they are helpful if you plan to launch a long-lasting, successful podcast.
Professional XLR microphones offer greater clarity, depth, and control over your sound. The term "XLR" refers to the type of connector these microphones use—a three-pin design that's been the professional audio standard for decades.
When people talk about professional podcast microphones, you’ll often hear them mention condenser microphones. These mics use a lightweight metal diaphragm and electrical components to capture sound with remarkable detail. And the monetary investment isn’t massive—as Kevin Cureghian points out, "starting at around $100, you can find condenser mics that serve very nicely in home recording studios."
A big advantage of XLR microphones is their built-in technology for managing unwanted noise. Many include internal shock mounting that isolates the microphone from vibrations, and some even incorporate pop filters directly into their design.
Price range: $100 to $300+
Main features to look for:
Basic earbuds are much better than trying to edit a podcast episode using the internal speaker on your laptop. But earbuds still allow a decent amount of ambient sound in, which makes it hard to notice minor imperfections in your recording.
Over-the-ear headphones create a personal listening space that isolates you from outside distractions. This isolation keeps your focus entirely on your audio during editing, and helps you catch subtle issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, like mild background hum or slight distortion in your recordings.
When exploring professional headphones, you'll encounter two main design philosophies—open-back and closed-back:
Price range: $100 to $400+
Main features to look for:
Recommendations:
If you’re doing something with music, sound design, and effects, Bernard recommends “a pair of OLLO Audio S4X mixing headphones. They are more expensive, but if you’re serious about sound-design-heavy podcasts, you need something that gives you this level of detail,” he explains.
Each pair is built by hand, so you might have some trouble getting your hands on them. If that’s the case, Bernard points to “the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro, which is half the price of the OLLO option.”
Mixers are small tools that combine multiple microphones or audio inputs, like music, into a single signal. They’re a perfect solution if you want to use a few high-end microphones or would like to feature several podcast guests at the same time.
Take the latter scenario as an example. Each person's microphone connects to a separate channel on the mixer. Each channel also has its own set of controls, so you can adjust individual volume levels, just like you might need to ask one soft-spoken guest to be louder while asking another to speak more quietly. The mixer handles these adjustments in real time before the audio ever reaches your recording software.
Another great thing about mixers is their ability to handle multiple input types. Beyond just microphones, you can connect instruments, playback devices for sound effects, or take phone calls from remote guests.
Price range: $30 to $1,000+
Main features to look for:
Mixers can seem complex at first glance, but you don't need to master every feature immediately. Start with the basics, like setting input levels and adjusting volume, and gradually explore more features as your comfort and needs grow.
Recommendations:
For creators ready to invest in professional-level equipment, Kevin recommends “the Apollo X16 from Universal Audio, which is designed for professional studios and serious audio industry professionals.” He highlights its features, including “DB25 connections, high-quality digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, ultra-low noise recording, and support for advanced surround sound formats, including 9.1.6 ATMOS.”
Alternatively, you can also “consider options from RME, such as the Fireface series, which are known for their reliability and pristine sound quality, or the Apogee Symphony series, widely regarded for its premium conversion and performance.”
Bernard points to “the Focusrite Scarlett series, which comes with its built-in mixer, and the Rode Procaster Pro” as popular options for podcasters wanting to record more than one voice. He also adds that mixing can be enhanced by digital audio workstation software “like Audacity, Logic Pro, or Adobe Audition, as well as cloud-based systems like SoundTrap.”
But before you invest, Bernard urges you to consult someone with more experience to determine your needs. “I bought three pieces of equipment before finding what I needed,” he recalls. “I could have saved a lot of money by speaking to an expert first.”
Once you’ve mastered the basics of recording crisp sound, it's time to consider a few types of podcast equipment that will help you expand where, and how, you create new episodes.
Imagine clapping your hands in a large, empty room. The original clap will create resonance, or vibration, while reverb is expressed as echoes. If the room lacks soft furniture, the sound will turn into reflectivity and continue to bounce around the hard surfaces—not great when you’re trying to provide a polished audio experience to your listeners.
Reflection, reverberation, and resonance are common sound recording problems with a simple solution: Soundproofing with panels, tiles, and ceiling clouds.
Acoustic tiles and panels are the workhorses of sound treatment. Made from specialized foam or fibrous materials, they absorb sound energy rather than letting it bounce around. Ceiling clouds serve a similar purpose but are positioned overhead. They prevent sound from bouncing between parallel floor and ceiling surfaces, which can create flutter echoes (a rapid, repetitive bouncing of sound that can make your recording space sound like a ping-pong match).
Price range: $12 to $60+
Main features to look for:
When wind hits a microphone directly, it creates large pressure changes that result in rumbling, distorted audio. It's similar to how a strong breeze hitting your ear can make it difficult to hear anything else. A windscreen creates a buffer zone where turbulent air can settle before reaching the sensitive microphone element.
Indoor foam windscreens are your first line of defense against unwanted air movement. They're made from open-cell foam that allows sound waves to pass through while disrupting air currents. These work well for controlling subtle air movement from air conditioning, fans, or even the natural air currents in a room. They're also helpful for controlling breath sounds during close-mic situations, working similarly to a pop filter but with the advantage of staying firmly attached to your microphone.
Are you planning on taking your podcast to the great outdoors? You'll want to step up to a windjammer, a piece of artificial fur mounted on a frame that fits over your microphone. The long, soft fibers of the fur create multiple layers of air protection, allowing the windjammer to handle much stronger wind conditions than a basic foam windscreen.
Price range: $4 to $20
Main features to look for:
One of the best parts of podcasting is researching and buying cool podcast gear. But you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a high-tech setup right off the bat.
Instead, start with the basics: your phone, a basic set of headphones, and editing software. Get comfortable with recording, editing, and publishing content. Then as your style develops, look for the gear that’ll help you express it.
SIMILAR CONTENT
%20(1).jpg)
.jpg)