Part 1: Equipment for Every Budget
I’ve been getting a lot of requests lately to write about how to start a podcast. So, I’ve decided to create a three-part series on the topic.
In this first part, we’ll talk about the equipment you’ll need to create a really good podcast. Now, what defines a “really good” podcast is open to debate—but for the sake of this guide, I’ll break down podcasting gear into three tiers:
- Tier One: Budget-Friendly Setup
- Tier Two: Intermediate or Prosumer Setup
- Tier Three: Broadcast-Quality Setup
Let’s dive in.
🎙️ Tier One: Budget-Friendly Podcasting Gear
This tier is perfect if you’re just getting started and don’t want to spend a fortune.
🎤 Microphone
A USB microphone is your best bet here—plug it directly into your computer. Simple and effective.
- FIFINE K669B – ~$40
A budget condenser mic. I haven’t used it myself, but a friend likes it, and reviews are decent. - Samson Q2U – ~$60
My top pick in this tier. It has both USB and XLR outputs, so it’ll grow with your setup.
🎧 Headphones
You need something basic to monitor your sound.
- Sony MDR-ZX110 – ~$15
- OneOdio Pro – ~$30
Slightly more comfortable and better sound quality.
💻 Audio Interface
Not needed at this level—your mic plugs directly into your computer.
🎛️ Mic Stand
Holding your mic at the right position is essential.
- Neewer NW-15 Arm + Pop Filter – ~$25
- Basic desk stand – $10–15
💾 Recording Software
Free and effective options are available:
- Audacity (Windows/macOS/Linux): Free and open source. It’s improved a lot—now a solid option.
- GarageBand (Mac): Also free and surprisingly capable.
🌐 Hosting Platforms
You’ll want a free-tier hosting platform to get started:
- Spotify for Podcasters
- Podbean
- Buzzsprout
🎙️ Tier Two: Prosumer/Intermediate Setup
This tier is ideal if you’re getting more serious about your podcast and want to sound more professional.
🎤 Microphone
- RØDE PodMic – ~$100
I have several. It’s durable, professional, and sounds great. - Shure MV7 – ~$250
USB/XLR hybrid. A friend in Canada uses this for her wildlife podcast—it sounds fantastic.
🎛️ Audio Interface or Mixer
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – ~$180
I bought one for my daughter. Simple, solid, and works beautifully. - Zoom PodTrak P4 – ~$140–200
I own this too. Extremely versatile and portable. - RØDE AI-1 – ~$130–150
A great alternative with rock-solid quality.
🎧 Headphones
- Audio-Technica ATH-M40x or M50x – $100–150
These are fantastic headphones. I use them daily.
💾 Software
You might consider paid options here:
- Hindenburg Journalist – ~$95 (one-time)
- Reaper – ~$60 (discounted license)
🌐 Hosting
Upgrade to a paid plan:
- Libsyn, Podbean, or Buzzsprout – $12–20/month
Depending on features and storage.
🎙️ Tier Three: Broadcast-Quality Studio Gear
If you’re serious—like really serious—this is your setup.
🎤 Microphone
- Shure SM7B – ~$400
Industry standard. Used by Joe Rogan and many others. - Electro-Voice RE20 – ~$450
I used this mic for 40 years in broadcasting. It’s excellent. - RØDE PodMic USB – ~$200
Not to be confused with the original PodMic. It has a different capsule and fantastic sound.
🎛️ Audio Interface
- RØDECaster Pro II – ~$700
A full-on podcast studio in a box. Handles up to 4 mics, built-in effects, and more. - Zoom LiveTrak L8 – ~$400
Handles up to 8 microphones. We use one at our club.
🎧 Headphones
- Sennheiser HD650 – ~$400
High-end studio headphones. I have a pair. But here’s the secret: - Audio-Technica ATH-M50x – ~$150
I honestly prefer these for podcasting.
🔊 Mic Preamp (Optional)
- Cloudlifter CL-1 – ~$150
Gives microphones like the SM7B extra gain. Not needed with the RØDECaster, but useful with some interfaces.
🎙️ Boom Arm
Invest in a heavy-duty stand for heavier mics:
- RØDE PSA1+ or similar – ~$100
Holds large mics securely and lets you position them comfortably.
💾 Software
- Adobe Audition – $21/month
Industry standard. I use it, my daughter uses it, and so do top broadcasters and movie studios. - Alternatives: Pro Tools or Logic Pro (both great, but I prefer Audition).
🌐 Hosting
Same as Tier Two—Libsyn, Podbean, or Buzzsprout all offer excellent plans.
Next Week: Producing a Podcast (Tier Two Style)
In Part 2 of this series, I’ll walk you through how to actually produce a podcast using the Tier Two equipment. We’ll also briefly revisit Tier One to show how to maximize a minimalist setup.