Best Podcast Equipment in 2026: What to Buy at Every Budget
Best Podcast Equipment in 2026: What to Buy at Every Budget
Our top podcast equipment picks after 15+ years and 500+ episodes. From a sub-$200 starter kit to a full pro studio, here is the exact gear we recommend.
Last Updated: September 11, 2026
Reviewed by Ortal Hadad
by Stephen Robles.
Key takeaways
- Start with just an external mic like the Samson Q2U, basic headphones, and your smartphone as a camera.
- USB mics like the Shure MV6 are beginner-friendly; XLR mics like the RØDE PodMic give pro-level quality.
- Good lighting and acoustics matter as much as gear.
- You can podcast on any budget, from under $150 to $1,000+.
I’ve been podcasting for 15+ years, and my tech podcasts consistently rank in the top 100. But I know what it’s like to be at the beginning, figuring out what equipment to buy.
Luckily for me, I’m obsessed with gear and have even tested many different mics, audio interfaces, cameras, and boom arms on the Riverside YouTube channel.
If you just want the fastest answer: get a Samson Q2U mic, a pair of headphones, and start recording. That gives you a complete beginner setup for around $100.
Best podcast equipment at a glance: My top picks
| Category | Top pick | Approx. suggested retail price |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall podcast mic | Shure SM7dB or Shure SM7B | $550 / $450 |
| Best beginner mic | Samson Q2U | $100 |
| Best value XLR mic | RØDE PodMic | $100 |
| Best USB mic with built-in processing | Shure MV6 | $170 |
| Best budget headphones | Audio-Technica ATH-M20x | $60 |
| Best audio interface for podcasters | Focusrite Vocaster Two | $250 |
| Best podcast mixer | RØDECaster Duo / Pro II | $499 / $699 |
| Best boom arm | RØDE PSA1+ or Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP | $139 and $99 |
The best starter kit: Under $150
For a $150 budget, I’d spend the bulk of it on a good-quality external microphone.
Here are some of my top picks for this basic setup.
Best beginner microphone: Samson Q2U
Price: $100
Connectivity: USB, XLR
Type: Dynamic
Polar pattern: Cardioid
This is currently my top pick for any new podcaster. For around $100, you get a fantastic-sounding mic that’s forgiving in untreated rooms, like your typical home office or bedroom.
For beginners, a dynamic mic is the best entry point because it’s less sensitive to background noise.
Best beginner headphones: Anything you’ve got
If you're just starting out, you definitely don't need to buy expensive pro headphones and can simply use whatever you already have.
What else you need
A basic pop filter is worth adding to reduce harsh "p" and "b" plosive sounds. The Nady MPF-6 costs about $30.
For recording software, you have several reliable free options. You can use Riverside on its free plan, Audacity for Windows, or GarageBand for Mac.
Best mid-range setup: $300–$500
To upgrade your podcast gear, here’s what I recommend:
Best mid-range microphone: Shure MV6
Price: $170
Connectivity: USB
Type: Dynamic
Polar pattern: Cardioid
The MV6 automatically reduces harsh plosives and background noise right out of the box.
Microphone XLR upgrade consideration: RØDE PodMic
Price: $100
Connectivity: XLR
Type: Dynamic
Polar pattern: Cardioid
If you’re ready to move beyond USB, the XLR connection offers greater control over your signal chain.
Best audio interface: Focusrite Vocaster Two
Price: $250
Mic inputs: 2 XLR inputs
The Focusrite Vocaster Two automatically sets your gain levels and adds compression and EQ.
Best boom arm: RØDE PSA1+
Price: $130
The RØDE PSA1+ is a professional mic arm that you can adjust smoothly and silently during recording.
Best podcast headphones: Audio Technica ATH-m20x
Price: $60
Type: Closed-back, over-ear
Connection: Wired
Best professional setup: $800+
Best professional microphone: Shure SM7B / SM7dB
Price: $450 (SM7B) or $550 (SM7dB)
Connectivity: XLR
Type: Dynamic
Polar pattern: Cardioid
The Shure SM7B is the go-to for many of the world's top podcasters, streamers, and musicians.
Top-tier pro mic alternative: Earthworks Ethos
Price: $399
Connectivity: XLR
Type: Condenser
Polar pattern: Supercardioid
Best pro audio interface: MOTU M2 or M6
Price: $200 (M2) or $450 (M6)
Mic inputs: 2 (M2) or 4 (M6) combo XLR/TRS inputs
Best mixer: RØDECaster Duo / Pro II
Price: $499 (Duo) or $699 (Pro II)
Best equipment for video podcasters
Budget video: Your smartphone
The best camera is often the one that’s already in your pocket: your smartphone. If you have a recent iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel, you already own a fantastic podcast camera.
Mid-range camera: Sony Alpha ZV-E10
Price: $800
Pro camera: Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Price: $1139
Lighting gear
Good lighting is what separates a flat, amateurish shot from a dynamic, professional one.
Best boom arm for video podcasts: Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP
Price: $100
Best podcast setups by recording style and budget
| Setup style | Starter kit (under $150) | Mid-range kit ($300–$500) | Professional kit ($800+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solo at home | Samson Q2U | Shure MV6; Rode PSA1+ | Earthworks Ethos mic; MOTU M2 interface; GIK acoustic panels |
| Remote interviews | Your Mic (e.g.; Samson Q2U); Riverside | Shure MV6; Riverside | Shure SM7dB; Riverside |
| On-the-go / Mobile | Smartphone; Riverside mobile app | Shure MV88+ Video Kit; Riverside | Zoom PodTrak P4; 2x RØDE PodMic mics; Riverside |
| Pro video studio | Smartphone; tripod | Sony ZV-E10; Shure MV7; Riverside | 2x Sony ZV-E10s; Rodecaster Pro II; 2x Shure SM7dBs; Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP |
FAQs about podcast equipment
What equipment do you need to start a podcast?
The main equipment you need to start a podcast includes:
- A microphone or recording device (you can use your computer or phone).
- Headphones.
- A camera (if you’re recording video).
- Recording and editing software.
How much does podcast equipment cost?
Podcast equipment costs can range from under $100 to several thousand dollars.
Do I need an audio interface or a mixer?
You only need an audio interface or mixer if you are using a professional XLR microphone or want to connect multiple mics.
Can I record a podcast with just my phone?
Yes, you can absolutely start a podcast with just your smartphone.
What's the difference between a USB and XLR microphone?
A USB microphone plugs directly into your computer, while an XLR microphone needs an audio interface or mixer.
What microphone do most podcasters use?
Most podcasters use either the Samson Q2U as a beginner option or the Shure SM7B as a professional industry standard.
What is a microphone’s polar pattern?
A microphone’s polar pattern refers to where your microphone picks up sound. Here’s a quick recap:
- Cardioid mics pick up sound primarily from the front.
- Bi-directional mics pick up sound from the front and back.
- Omni-directional mics pick up sound from all directions.