Starting a podcast doesn’t require a huge investment, but the right equipment makes a real difference in audio quality. Whether you’re recording your first episode or upgrading to a professional setup, this guide covers the best podcast equipment for every budget.
I host the Unprompted Show, so all of these recommendations come from real experience behind the mic. I’ve broken this guide into beginner and pro tiers. The beginner setup will get you recording quality audio for under $300. The pro setup is for podcasters ready to invest in studio-grade sound. I also cover recording software, remote interview tools, and podcast hosting platforms.
Table of contents
Beginner Podcast Equipment
This beginner setup uses an XLR microphone and audio interface, which gives you better audio quality and more flexibility than a USB mic. Everything listed below will get your podcast sounding professional right from the start.
Best Beginner Podcast Microphone: Audio-Technica AT2020
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is one of the best value XLR condenser microphones you can buy. It captures clear, detailed audio that will make your podcast sound polished without a big investment. This has been a go-to recommendation for beginner podcasters for years, and it still holds up.
Beginner XLR Audio Interface: Scarlett 2i2
The Scarlett 2i2 converts your XLR microphone signal to USB audio for your computer. It powers your mic, provides clean gain, and handles two microphone inputs. If your podcast has more than two speakers, you’ll need a larger interface.
For 1 to 2 speakers: Scarlett 2i2
For 2 to 4 speakers: Allen & Heath ZEDi-10 Hybrid Mixer/Interface
Pop Filter: Foam Windscreen
A foam windscreen is the simplest type of pop filter. It slips over your microphone and reduces plosive sounds (the burst of air from words starting with P and B). No adjusting or clamping needed.
Microphone Stand: Desk Microphone Stand
You can hold your microphone with either a boom arm or a desktop stand. Boom arms are great for dedicated recording spaces, but a desk stand is more portable and works well if you don’t have a permanent setup.
Shock Mount: BTOOP Shock Mount
A shock mount suspends your microphone and absorbs vibrations from your desk, typing, or accidental bumps. If you record at a table, this makes a noticeable difference in audio cleanliness.
XLR Microphone Cable: AmazonBasics
Most XLR microphones don’t include cables, so you’ll need to grab your own. AmazonBasics XLR cables are affordable and reliable. A 6-foot cable works for most setups, but get longer cables if your speakers sit far from the interface.
Headphones
Closed-back headphones let you monitor your audio while recording without the sound leaking into your microphone. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a popular choice for podcasters, but any comfortable closed-back headphones will work. Even wired Apple earbuds are fine when you’re starting out.
Professional Podcast Equipment
If you want the best possible audio quality for your podcast, here are my recommendations for a professional setup.
Pro Podcast Microphone: Shure SM7dB Dynamic
The Shure SM7dB is widely considered the best podcasting microphone available. It’s an updated version of the iconic Shure SM7B with a built-in preamp, which means you no longer need a separate Cloudlifter for clean gain. You’ll see it in professional studios, radio stations, and top podcasts everywhere.
If you already own the original Shure SM7B, pairing it with a Cloudlifter (+25dB of clean gain) still delivers excellent results.
- ONE MIC TO RULE THEM ALL: From recording vocals to podcasting and streaming, the SM7dB handles it all, now with a built-in preamp for more gain and less gear. Trusted by top creators, this is the mic pros reach for when only studio-quality will do.
Pro Audio Interface: Universal Audio Apollo Twin
For 1 to 2 speakers: Universal Audio Apollo Twin
For 2 to 4 speakers: Apogee Quartet
The Apollo Twin’s built-in DSP processing lets you apply real-time effects like compression and EQ while recording, which saves time in post-production. If you want a more portable option, the Zoom H6 recorder handles up to 4 XLR inputs and records directly to an SD card without a computer.
My Favorite Mic: Shure MV7+
The Shure MV7+ is my current go-to microphone. It connects directly to your computer via USB for a simple setup, but also has an XLR output if you want to run it through an audio interface. At around $300 it sits right between the beginner and pro tiers, and the audio quality punches well above that price point. This is what I use for the Unprompted Show.
Podcast Recording & Editing Software
Once your equipment is set up, you need software to record and edit your episodes. One tip from experience: always record each microphone to its own track. I’ve made the mistake of recording everything on one track, and it makes editing much harder when one mic is quieter than the others.
- GarageBand (Free, Mac)
- Audacity (Free, Mac & PC)
- Logic Pro ($199, Mac)
- Adobe Audition ($22.99/m, Mac & PC)
- Descript (Free tier, Mac & PC) – edit audio by editing text, great for removing filler words
Remote Recording Tools
If you record interviews or co-host with someone in a different location, these tools capture separate high-quality audio tracks for each speaker. This is much better than recording a Zoom or video call, which compresses audio significantly.
- Riverside (my pick) – this is what I use for the Unprompted Show. It records locally on each person’s device for studio-quality tracks, supports video, and includes built-in editing tools so you can record and edit in one place
- Zencastr – simple browser-based recording with separate tracks per guest
- SquadCast (now part of Descript) – reliable remote recording with automatic backups
Podcast Hosting
After recording and editing, you need a podcast hosting platform. Your host stores your audio files and generates an RSS feed that distributes your show to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other directories. Most platforms handle this distribution automatically once you publish an episode.
Buzzsprout
Buzzsprout is one of the most popular podcast hosting platforms. Their free plan allows up to 2 hours of uploads per month, and paid plans are affordable. They also handle automatic distribution to all major podcast directories.
Spotify for Podcasters
Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor) is completely free and distributes your show to Spotify and other platforms automatically. It includes basic recording and editing tools built into the app, making it the easiest way to get a podcast up and running with zero cost.
Simplecast
Simplecast is a paid hosting platform with detailed analytics and a clean interface. It also generates a website for your podcast, so you don’t need to build one separately. Plans start around $15/month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment do I need to start a podcast?
At minimum, you need a microphone, headphones, and recording software. An XLR setup (like the Audio-Technica AT2020 with a Scarlett 2i2 interface) gives you the best audio quality. If you want a simpler setup, a USB microphone like the Shure MV7+ plugs directly into your computer with no extra gear needed.
How much does basic podcast equipment cost?
A solid beginner setup costs between $150 and $300. That covers a microphone, audio interface, pop filter, stand, cables, and headphones. Professional setups with a Shure SM7dB and high-end interface can run $800 to $1,500 or more.
Should I use a USB or XLR microphone?
USB microphones plug directly into your computer and are simpler to set up. XLR microphones require an audio interface but offer better audio quality and more flexibility for multi-person setups. If you’re recording solo and want simplicity, USB works great. If you plan to grow your setup or record multiple people, start with XLR.
How do I get my podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify?
Most hosting platforms (Buzzsprout, Spotify for Podcasters, Simplecast) distribute your podcast to major directories automatically. You submit your RSS feed once through Apple Podcasts Connect and Spotify for Podcasters, and new episodes appear everywhere after that. Many other directories (Amazon Music, iHeartRadio) pull from Apple’s catalog automatically.
The gear you use matters, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. A beginner setup with the AT2020 and Scarlett 2i2 will sound better than most podcasts out there. Once you’re comfortable recording and your show is growing, upgrading to something like the Shure SM7dB takes your audio to another level. The most important thing is to start recording. You can always upgrade later.
If you have questions about any of this gear or want to hear it in action, check out the Unprompted Show where I put this equipment to use every week.
