The podcast equipment industry wants you to believe you need a $3,000 setup to start a podcast. They're wrong. If you've got a computer, you already have most of what you need, and you can get everything else for under $100. The barrier to entry has never been lower—which is both exciting and a little terrifying.

Here's the truth no gear review will tell you: your content matters infinitely more than your microphone. Before maxing out your credit card on fancy equipment, just start your podcast and see if people actually want to listen. Get your format and pacing right first. The world has enough perfectly recorded, utterly boring podcasts.

Ready to get started? We've broken down the essential podcast starter kits at three different price points—from absolute bare-minimum to reasonably upgraded. No unnecessary frills, just what you actually need.

What to Consider Before Buying Podcast Equipment

The equipment needed for a podcast depends on your setup. A solo podcaster may only require a single microphone, while multi-person podcasts benefit from multiple mics, boom arms, and a mixer to ensure balanced sound quality.

Answering these key questions will help you determine the best podcast starter kit for your specific needs:

1. What's my show format? Are you the star and sole host of your podcast? If so, you probably need one good microphone and a mic stand. Are you a group of friends chatting around a table? In that case, you need more mics and stands. Do some guests call in over the phone? Get a mixer that handles Bluetooth audio. What about music and live sound effects? These might call for a podcast soundboard built into your mixer.
2. What is my budget? Decide how much money you want to spend on your podcast studio. Podcast equipment comes in at many price points, so it's a good idea to have a plan before you start spending. If the answer is "zero," that's fine.
3. Where am I recording? If you're doing field recordings or traveling to meet your interview subjects, it makes sense to invest in a portable digital recorder, like the Zoom H6 Pro. If you'll be at home, that portion of your budget may be better spent on a great microphone, like the Shure SM7B.
4. Does my podcast include video elements? Video podcast equipment is more substantive than audio equipment. From cameras to lighting to computing power to editing software, video adds a whole new dimension to the podcast process.

Sound Treatment and Acoustic Considerations

Improving your podcast's audio quality often starts with sound treatment. Basic soundproofing measures can significantly reduce echo and background noise during recordings. Consider using acoustic panels to absorb sound reflections in your recording space, and place your microphone in a corner or against a wall to minimize echo. A pop filter can also help reduce plosive sounds, ensuring smoother audio quality.

Ensuring Equipment Compatibility

When setting up your podcast, ensuring equipment compatibility is vital to avoid technical issues. Check if your microphone and audio interface are compatible, especially when choosing between USB and XLR connections. Ensure your computer's specifications can handle the software and equipment you select. Opting for bundled kits can often guarantee seamless integration between components, providing a hassle-free experience.

6 Essential Items for Every Podcast Starter Kit

Technically, all a podcaster really needs is a podcast. Before investing in equipment, try recording on your laptop or phone, edit in Descript, and publish. If you're ready to upgrade your setup, here’s where to start.

Headphones

If you're buying equipment, start with headphones. Whether recording or editing, a pair of high-quality, closed-back studio headphones will help you monitor sound accurately and minimize background noise.

For the best sound isolation, choose closed-back, wired studio headphones. Wireless headphones use Bluetooth, which can compress audio, while noise-canceling headphones alter frequencies to block external noise, making them less ideal for monitoring recordings.

Microphones

A high-quality microphone is the centerpiece of any professional podcast setup. Many beginners opt for a USB microphone, which connects directly to a computer without needing an audio interface, making it a great choice for a budget podcast setup.

For superior sound quality, professional podcasters prefer XLR microphones. These mics use three-prong connectors that deliver a balanced audio signal with minimal noise interference. However, they require an audio interface or mixer to function. If you're just starting out, your laptop or phone mic can still get the job done.

Microphone Stands

A sturdy mic stand is nearly as important as the microphone itself. It protects your mic from damage and prevents unwanted noise caused by table vibrations or hand movement.

Consider adding a shock mount to stabilize large condenser microphones and a pop filter to reduce plosive sounds (like 'p' and 'b' sounds) that can distort audio.

Audio Interfaces

If you're using a USB microphone, a digital interface isn't necessary. But if you've upgraded to an XLR mic, you'll need an audio interface or mixer to convert analog audio signals into digital ones. Popular options include the Focusrite Scarlett and Mackie Onyx Blackjack.

Computers or Digital Recorders

You'll need a way to record your podcast—most people use a laptop. Alternatively, standalone digital recorders like the Zoom H6 Pro provide built-in microphones and allow you to connect external XLR mics for improved quality.

Some podcasters record on iPads and iPhones, though they lack the full functionality of a dedicated computer setup.

Podcast Recording and Editing Software

If you record on a computer, you'll need software. Free options like Audacity and Descript provide essential recording and editing tools to enhance your podcast.

Descript is a powerful choice—not just because we're biased, but because it automatically transcribes recordings, making audio editing as easy as editing a text document. Paid options like Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro offer advanced features for professional production.

Best Podcast Starter Kits for Every Budget

A podcast starter kit should include most or all of these essentials. However, prices vary widely. Below are three recommended podcast equipment kits for low, medium, and high budgets.

Free Podcast Starter Kit ($0)

• Laptop or smartphone. If you own one of these, you already own a decent microphone. The mics in phones work especially well. And there will be some recording app built-in — a voice-memo app or a media app on your laptop.
• Software. You'll need to edit your podcast, and of course we think you should use Descript, but you could also use Audacity for free (more below).
• That's it. Just start making it.

Budget Podcast Starter Kit ($150)

• Microphone: Blue Yeti. This USB mic produces solid sound quality — and you won't need a USB audio interface to convert the analog audio signal. ($100)
• Mic stand: None. The Blue Yeti has a tabletop mic stand built in.
• Recording interface: None. A USB mic plugs straight into your computer, so there's no need for an interface.
• Digital recorder: Your personal computer. Whether you use a Mac or a PC, you'll find that a recording workflow is easiest on a personal computer with a generously-sized screen.
• Software: Audacity. This free multi-track audio editor is a standby for many indie creators for a reason: it's as functional as many pricier options out there but it doesn't cost a thing. It's available for macOS and Windows.
• Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M20X. Audio-Technica is a brand that's beloved by audiophiles, yet many of its products are surprisingly affordable. This model has everything you need in a set of studio headphones — they're closed-back, comfortable, and have a detachable cable to avoid damage — but with a price tag that's perfect for a budget podcast kit. ($50)

Mid-Range Podcast Starter Kit ($775)

• Microphone: Shure SM7B.This XLR microphone is a large-diaphragm dynamic mic and a popular choice with radio stations and professional podcast recording studios. It produces deep, sonorous audio for relatively little money. Note that the SM7B has a lot of signal impedance, which means you need an external preamp to boost the sounds it produces. ($400)
• Mic stand: Gator Frameworks desktop microphone stand. This adjustable mic stand has a hefty weighted base that keeps vibrations at bay, and it's strong enough to hold the Shure SM7B at any height you need it to. It's designed to sit unobtrusively on your desktop, which makes it great for both audio-only and video-based podcasts. ($15)
• Recording interface: Focusrite Scarlett 4i4. Focusrite's Scarlett line is an industry leader in digital audio interfaces. The 4i4 allows you to record four inputs at the same time; two are dedicated microphone inputs, each with their own preamp, and two are line inputs that use quarter-inch plugs. The Scarlett 4i4 also has four line outputs, which you can use for individual headphone feeds if you have multiple podcast hosts with individual headphones. It connects to your post-production editing computer via USB. ($250)
• Digital recorder: Your personal computer. It's really all you need!
• Software: Descript. Descript is an established favorite of both podcasters and handsomely paid Descript blog writers for its automated transcription and text-based editing tools that make editing a podcast faster and easier. It operates on a subscription model, with different price tiers to suit different budgets and functional needs. For basic editing, the free version is all you need, but for some of the more eye-popping features like unlimited AI Voices, which imitates your voice for quick word corrections, and Studio Sound, which uses AI to clean up your audio at the touch of a button, you'll have to pay. (Plans start at $12/month)
• Headphones: Sony MDR-7506. ($100). These $100 headphones are wired and closed-back, making them ideal for podcasting. They offer a neutral sonic palette with no artificially boosted frequencies.

Professional Podcast Starter Kit ($2,500)

• Microphone: AKG C414. This do-it-all condenser mic is expensive but captures remarkable amounts of detail. It draws phantom power through its XLR cable, so it has to be paired with a mixer or interface that provides 48 volts of current. ($1,000)
• Mic stand: RODE PSA1+. This boom arm stand from popular podcast audio company RODE mounts to your desk and swivels over two axes to get it in the exact position you need. It also comes with velcro straps to keep your XLR cable neat and tidy. Add in an AKG H85 shock mount to make sure your pro-level mic gets pro-level sound. ($130 for the stand, $135 for the mount)
• Recording interface: Rode Rodecaster Pro. The RodeCaster Pro is a combination mixer and digital audio interface. It has four XLR inputs, each with its own preamp. It also has a very stable Bluetooth connection — great for recording remote guests calling in by phone. The unit offers four quarter-inch outputs designed for headphones, meaning four co-hosts can listen to playback at the same time. Its eight programmable pads work like a podcast soundboard, letting you load up specific sounds to trigger at a moment's notice. Note that the RodeCaster Pro has no XLR outputs, making it a poor choice for live sound. ($500)
• Digital recorder: Zoom H6 plus your personal computer. Once you're sinking serious money into a podcast studio, you're going to want a way to record anywhere and everywhere. The Zoom H6 can record up to six tracks onto an SD card via its detachable stereo microphone and four XLR microphone inputs, and it runs on just four AA batteries so you can capture sound far from a power port. When you're back in the studio, just transfer the files to your computer via the SD card or a USB cable and get to editing. ($350)
• Software: Logic Pro and Descript. Descript is perfect for editing podcasts, but many podcast production houses supercharge its functionality by combining it with an all-in-one digital audio workstation (DAW) like Logic Pro or Pro Tools. Use Descript to edit and arrange your content, then export to Logic Pro to fine-tune the audio. ($200 + $12/month)
• Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro. Beyerdynamic has a longstanding reputation for high-quality audio, and the DT770 Pro headphones deliver this quality at a reasonable price. In the headphone market, the sky's the limit, but the priciest options tend to be open-back headphones, which aren't ideal for recording because they allow sound to bleed out. A solid, wired set of cans like the DT770 Pro is all you need. ($160)

4 Tips for Choosing the Best Podcast Starter Kit

Research Your Niche and Audience

Imagine you're gearing up to launch a podcast about home gardening. Your research shows a ton of interest in organic gardening among urban dwellers. Most existing podcasts focus on rural or large-scale gardening, leaving a gap in the market just for you.

With this info, you can choose a podcast starter kit that fits your needs. A kit with a high-quality microphone to capture your voice in a noisy city environment is key. You may also want a portable setup for on-site interviews in community gardens.

If your audience prefers video, you may need an excellent camera to record and share these gardening techniques online. See how it's all coming together? Consider what your audience seeks in a podcast and let that guide your kit.

Look for Quality Equipment and Software

Audio quality is crucial for listener experience, but you don’t need an expensive setup to start. Begin with a basic podcast setup and upgrade as you grow.

Start with affordable podcast equipment. A solid budget podcast setup can be found on Amazon for around $100. As you refine your process, gradually invest in higher-quality gear—there’s no rush.

Your budget will guide your equipment choices, but software like Descript ensures professional-quality audio regardless of setup. Features like Studio Sound help clean up background noise, reverb, and imperfections, resulting in a polished final product.

Consider the Number of Hosts

Think about how many people will be speaking on your podcast. If you have multiple hosts or guests, your podcast starter kit should include at least two dynamic microphones and over-ear, closed-back headphones. Your recording software should support multi-track editing for precise adjustments.

If you're recording remotely, software like Descript lets guests join with one click—no extra downloads or hardware required.

Create a Setup That Helps You Grow

Start with an easy-to-use kit that offers room to grow. A USB microphone like the Audio-Technica ATR2100x is great for beginners but also features XLR compatibility for future upgrades.

For software, begin with a free podcast editing tool like Descript. As your podcast grows, upgrading to a Pro plan unlocks advanced features like Dolby Audio Mastering and unlimited integrations.

Podcast Editing Software for Beginners and Pros

Podcasts thrive on great content. Beyond quality recording equipment, your editing software plays a crucial role in transforming raw audio into a polished, engaging production.

Descript is trusted by thousands of the world's top creators who use it to:

• Edit podcasts from an automatically generated transcription
• Remove filler words like “ums” and “uhs”
• Fix audio mistakes with an AI clone of your natural voice
• Turn typing into talking and add sentences into audio post-recording
• Remove unwanted background noise with Studio Sound

Thousands of popular podcasts like Planet Money and FreakonomicsRadio use Descript to produce their shows. Want to join them? See how Descript can help your own podcast.

Frequently Asked Questions About Podcast Starter Kits

How much does it cost to start a podcast?

Using basic equipment and free hosting, you can start a podcast for free. But professional equipment, studio space, and premium hosting can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. The main costs are a microphone, headphones, and hosting service. You can start recording and editing your podcast for free using Descript.

What do you really need to start a podcast?

• Microphone
• Headphones
• Audio recording and editing software
• A quiet space
• A podcast hosting platform

How do I start a podcast for the first time?

Start by identifying your niche or topic, then plan your content and format (e.g., solo, co-hosted, interview-based). After getting the necessary equipment (microphone, headphones, software), record your episodes, edit them for quality, and upload them to a podcast hosting service for distribution on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also promote your podcast through social media to gain more listeners and eventually monetize your podcast with sponsorships and ads.

How can I improve the sound quality of my podcast recordings?

Improving sound quality starts with sound treatment in your recording environment. Use acoustic panels to absorb sound reflections and place your microphone strategically to minimize echo. A pop filter can help reduce plosive sounds. Additionally, using editing software like Descript can enhance audio quality by removing background noise and imperfections.

What should I consider when choosing a podcast starter kit?

When choosing a podcast starter kit, consider your podcast format, budget, and recording environment. Ensure the equipment you select is compatible and can be easily integrated into your setup. Bundled kits offer convenience and compatibility, making them a good starting point for beginners. Prioritize content quality over expensive equipment, and upgrade as your podcast grows.