Key takeaways

Start with just a mic, headphones, and recording software like Riverside.
USB mics are beginner-friendly, XLR mics give pro-level quality.
Good lighting and acoustics matter as much as gear.
You can podcast on any budget, from under $100 to $1,000+.

Want pro-level podcast quality, without blowing your budget?

I’ve been podcasting for 14+ years, built a YouTube channel with nearly 150,000 subscribers, and tested just about every mic, interface, and boom arm out there.

Whether you’re a beginner or building out a pro-level setup, I’ll show you exactly what gear is worth your money, and what to skip. In this guide, I’ll break down what to look for when buying the best podcasting equipment for every budget.

Basic podcast setup for beginners: Equipment you need to start a podcast

You don't need a studio full of expensive podcast gear to create a high-quality show. In fact, you can get away with as little as a microphone, headphones, and a laptop.

Here are some of my top picks for this basic setup.

Disclaimer: Please see our help site guidelines to check the compatibility of any equipment with Riverside.

Microphone

A microphone is critical for capturing high-quality audio. If your voice sounds like you’re talking in an underwater cave, you’re not poised for success, are you?

For beginners, USB mics are the best entry point because they’re simple. Just plug the USB into your computer, and you're ready to record.

I also recommend choosing a dynamic mic. Their design makes them less sensitive to background noise compared to a condenser mic. This makes them perfect for recording in a typical home office or bedroom.

Read more: Check our guide on dynamic vs condenser mics

The polar pattern is another thing to consider. This refers to where your microphone picks up sound.

Consider how you’ll use your mic to determine what’s best for you:

Cardioid mics pick up sound primarily from the front. They’re ideal for single-person or multi-person podcasts where each person has their own mic.
Bidirectional mics pick up sound from the front and back. They’re best for two-person interviews, but you’ll want to record in a quiet setup.
Omnidirectional mics pick up sound from all directions. They’re best for interviews and group recordings. But, you must record in a quiet environment to avoid picking up background noise.

Here are my best recommendations for beginner microphones:

Samson Q2U

Price: $70

Connectivity: USB

Type: Dynamic

Polar pattern: Cardioid

This is my top pick for any new podcaster, period. For around $70, you get a fantastic-sounding mic that’s incredibly forgiving in untreated rooms.

What really makes the difference in the long run is the dual USB and XLR output. You start with the plug-and-play USB cable. Then, when you’re ready to upgrade your setup with an audio interface, you can use the XLR output. This mic literally grows with you (and your show).

Shure MV6

Price: $170

Connectivity: USB

Type: Dynamic

Polar pattern: Cardioid

The Shure MV6 is a phenomenal USB-C dynamic mic designed specifically for streamers and podcasters. It’s really beginner-friendly since it features a unique technology that separates your voice from background noise and automatically reduces harsh plosives. It's like having a mini audio engineer built right into the mic.

Wired headphones

I always wear podcast headphones to hear exactly what my microphone is picking up in real-time. This is called "monitoring" and it’s essential to catch any issues like popping sounds or background noise as they happen.

Headphones also prevent audio bleed and feedback loops. Audio bleed is when your mic picks up sound from other speakers. This can lead to a feedback loop, where that sound gets re-captured repeatedly, resulting in an echo or high-pitched squeal.

This is why I recommend closed-back headphones for podcasters. They are designed to prevent sound from leaking out and being picked up by your mic. Pick a pair that feels comfortable – you’re likely going to spend some time wearing them!

The headphones I recommend the most are:

Audio Technica ATH-m20x

Price: $60

Type: Closed Back, Over Ear, Dynamic

Connection: Wired

The ATH-m20xs are great entry-level headphones that deliver crystal clear sound. Their lightweight yet durable plastic build makes them comfortable for extended use. At just $60, they are an excellent choice for budget-conscious podcasters.

Sony MDR7506

Price: $100

Type: Closed Back, Over Ear, Dynamic

Connection: Wired

The Sony MDR7506 is known for its sound quality, comfort, and well-balanced audio reproduction. They are robust and reliable, but still lightweight since they weigh only 8 ounces. The Sony MDR7506 is priced at only $100, so it is still very affordable for the value it offers.

Computer or smartphone

It’s absolutely possible to record a podcast on other devices (like your smartphone). But in a set studio, a computer or laptop generally gives you more control over quality.

The good news is that you probably already own a device that's powerful enough. Most modern laptops, desktops, or even smartphones can handle audio recording without any issues.

If you’re recording video too, it’s best to have at least 16 GB of RAM. But even if you don’t, it's not a deal-breaker.

If you’re going to buy a new rig, and need some advice, here are the laptops I recommend:

Acer Aspire 5

Price: $500

For just $500, the Acer Aspire 5 is a solid starter laptop. It runs on an Intel Core i5-13420H with 16GB RAM, meaning it has more than enough power for DAWs and editing software. And a 512GB SSD means internal storage is sufficient for most projects. The 15" screen is fine for basic work, but my advice is to plug in an external monitor for video editing.

Apple MacBook Air

Price: $1,000 ($1,100 with M3 chip)

Want to purchase an Apple laptop without breaking the bank?

The MacBook Air comes at just $1,000 or $1,100 with the M3 chip, which provides faster processing and better graphics. Either version of the MacBook Air can run resource-intensive software and audio editing smoothly, and the battery life is exceptionally long. The 13" Retina display is sharp, but the screen size may feel cramped for long edits.

Camera (for video podcasts)

If you’re recording a video podcast, you’ll want a good camera to ensure you and your guests look their best.

Webcams are a decent option for creating podcasts using a computer at home. But one of the best cameras is often the one already in your pocket: your smartphone.

Just download the Riverside mobile app to turn your phone into a professional-grade recording device. You can record video locally in up to 4K resolution, then switch to the browser-based version for post-production and fine editing. All your recordings will be instantly synced there!

If you are interested in a dedicated podcast camera, I share my recommendations later in the list for upgrading your setup.

Recording software

No matter how good your podcasting equipment is, your show won't look great if your recording software isn’t recording your show in the highest quality. And nothing is more annoying than having to jump back and forth between different tools for recording and editing.

When it comes to the ideal all-in-one podcast recording and editing software, I have only one recommendation:

Riverside

Pricing plans:

Free: $0 per month
Standard: $15 per month
Pro: $24 per month

Riverside speeds up your workflow and makes it much easier to produce professional podcasts.

It’s built to get the best out of pretty much any gear you throw at it, with uncompressed 4K video and 48kHz audio quality. Don’t have the budget for a top-tier, $500 mic? No problem. Riverside’s AI audio enhancer will make your $50 mic sound like you’re recording in a professional-grade studio.

Record locally with up to 9 remote guests, edit your episode with the text-based editor, and publish your content directly to Spotify and Castos.

You’ll also get access to an AI assistant that uses your recordings to create endless assets. From automatic show notes to viral clips and thumbnails, you can do it all in minutes from one platform.

Best Podcast Equipment for Beginners & Pros in 2026 - All Budgets

Amandeep Singh