What every podcast actually needs
Before buying anything, understand that the minimum viable podcast requires only three things: a way to record audio, software to edit it, and a way to publish it. The gear list below can start at nearly zero and scale as your show grows.
- A microphone (or even a good smartphone, to start)
- Headphones (to monitor and edit your recordings)
- Recording and editing software (Audacity and GarageBand are both free)
- A podcast hosting platform (many offer free tiers)
Budget 1: Under $60
If you want to test the format before committing money, this is enough to produce a listenable podcast:
- Microphone: Fifine K669B USB mic (~$30, check Amazon for current price)
- Headphones: Any wired headphones you already own
- Recording software: Audacity (free, Windows/Mac/Linux)
- Acoustic treatment: Record in a closet full of clothes (seriously effective)
The Fifine K669B is not a professional microphone, but it is an honest, functional USB condenser that produces acceptable audio for a new show. Use it to build the habit of recording before upgrading.
Budget 2: $100 to $200 — the serious starter setup
This is the setup most audio professionals would recommend for a new podcast that intends to publish regularly:
- Microphone: Blue Yeti USB (~$100 to $149, verify on Amazon)
- Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M30x (~$49 to $69, verify on Amazon)
- Boom arm: RODE PSA1 or a budget arm (~$15 to $99 range, verify)
- Recording software: Audacity (free) or GarageBand (free on Mac)
The Blue Yeti USB requires no audio interface and delivers genuinely good sound in a treated space. The boom arm matters more than people expect: holding the mic properly (6 to 8 inches from your mouth, slightly off-axis) makes a measurable difference.
Budget 3: $300 to $500 — the XLR professional setup
- Microphone: Audio-Technica AT2020 XLR (~$79 to $99, verify on Amazon)
- Audio interface: Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen (~$109 to $129, verify on Amazon)
- Headphones: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (~$119 to $149, verify on Amazon)
- Boom arm: RODE PSA1 (~$89 to $109, verify on Amazon)
- Pop filter: Any mesh pop filter (~$8 to $15, verify on Amazon)
This setup provides genuinely professional results. The AT2020 through a Scarlett Solo is a combination used in real recording studios. It will not be the limiting factor in your podcast quality for years.
Acoustic treatment: the overlooked variable
Room acoustics affect your sound more than your microphone brand. Hard walls reflect sound and cause the "echoey bathroom" effect listeners hate. Solutions, cheapest first:
- Record in a closet full of hanging clothes (genuinely effective)
- Hang a heavy blanket behind and around your recording position
- Place foam panels or moving blankets on reflective walls
- Buy acoustic foam panels (available on Amazon, effectiveness varies by product)
Software: what to actually use
- Audacity: Free, cross-platform, enough for most podcasts
- GarageBand: Free on Mac, excellent for simple editing
- Adobe Audition: Professional, subscription-based, overkill for most beginners
- Descript: Edit by editing the transcript text — useful for interview podcasts
Need professional audio cleanup for your podcast? KaptenAyov's audio cleanup service on Fiverr can handle noise removal, levelling, and mastering.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a podcast?
The minimum is near zero: record on a smartphone, edit in Audacity (free), host on a free tier (Spotify for Podcasters, Buzzsprout free plan). For a basic dedicated microphone setup, expect $30 to $60 for an entry-level USB microphone and headphones you already own. A serious starter setup with a Blue Yeti or comparable USB mic runs $100 to $200. An XLR professional setup with interface is $200 to $400. None of these costs are ongoing; the largest recurring cost is hosting, which is free to $20 per month.
What free software should I use to record a podcast?
Audacity (Windows, Mac, Linux) is the most widely used free podcast recording and editing application. GarageBand (Mac only) is excellent for simple editing and exports directly to standard audio formats. Both handle recording, noise reduction, level adjustment, and export to MP3 or WAV. For interview podcasts where you record remote guests, Riverside.fm and Zencastr offer free recording tiers that capture each participant's audio locally.
How long should a podcast episode be?
Episode length should match how long it takes to cover your topic well, with nothing wasted. Most successful podcasts are 20 to 60 minutes for interview or discussion formats, and 5 to 20 minutes for solo or educational formats. There is no optimal length; consistency matters more than duration. Listeners subscribe based on the value delivered per minute, not the total runtime.
Do I need to soundproof my recording space?
No soundproofing is required for most podcast setups. What you need is acoustic treatment: reducing echo and reflection within the room, not preventing sound from entering. Recording in a closet with hanging clothes is a free solution that works remarkably well. Soft furnishings, carpet, and bookshelves all absorb reflections. True soundproofing (blocking external sound) requires structural changes and is rarely necessary for podcast production.
See also: Best Podcast Microphones · Best Setup Under $200 · Soundproofing Your Recording Space · Best Audio Interfaces
Recommended Gear
The setup we recommend for beginners: a USB condenser mic, a pop filter, and monitoring headphones. All available on Amazon with fast shipping.
See our full comparison: Best Podcast Microphones 2026.