A great podcast setup has many different requirements. You need a microphone, a way to record your microphone, headphones, cables, and other accessories.

We’ve created this page with everything that we recommend for your podcast. You’ll find three options in each category. Everything you see is known to be “best in class” and “industry standard” and has a reputation for lasting a long time and providing maximum value for your podcast.

Simply put, you cannot go wrong with any of the equipment in our 2023 Podcasting Buyer’s Guide!

Podcast Buyers Guide

Best Podcasting Microphone

Dynamic microphones are known to be the best for podcasting and broadcasting. Generally speaking, a dynamic microphone will better capture your voice with more warmth and less background noise than a condenser microphone.

Below are our three recommendations for dynamic microphones for your podcast.

Shure MV7X

Shure MV7 Dynamic Microphone
  • Legendary Shure Sound
  • Built-In Pop Filter
  • Minimizes Room Pickup

Shure SM7B

Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone
  • Warm Tone
  • Shielded From Electromagnetic Hum
  • Comfortable Ergonomics

Electro-Voice RE20

Electro-Voice RE20 Dynamic Microphone
  • Broadcast Quality
  • Warmth & Clarity
  • Reduced Proximity Effect
  • Industry Standard

Best Podcast Audio Recorder (Interface & Mixer)

You will need a way to connect your microphone to a recording device.

If you have a single microphone, the Elgato Wave XLR is an incredible device for connecting your microphone to your computer so you can record using software (GarageBand, Audio Recorder, etc.).

The Zoom Podtrack and RodeCaster Pro are purpose-built podcast recording platforms that will allow you to:

  • Multi-Track Record (Record each input to its own track so you can re-mix later, if necessary)
  • Mix-Minus (You can bring in a remote caller)
  • Record to SD Card
  • Record using software on your computer (GarageBand, Audio Recorder, etc.)
  • Provide headphone output for each guest
  • Save pre-recorded songs/sound effects and trigger them using the pads/buttons

Related: Best Podcast Mixers

Elgato Wave XLR

Elgato Wave XLR
  • Single Microphone Input
  • Elegant Design
  • Easy To Use
  • 75 dB XLR Preamp!

Focusrite Vocaster Two

Vocaster Two Audio Interface
  • 2 Microphone Inputs
  • Phone Connectivity
  • Camera Connectivity
  • Two Mixes
  • 4 Presets

Rodecaster Pro 2

Rode Rodecaster Pro II
  • Complete Studio
  • 4 Microphone Inputs
  • 8 Sound Pads
  • 8 Faders
  • Multitrack Recording
  • SD Card or Computer

Best Podcasting USB Microphone

Suppose you only need one microphone and don’t want to worry about connecting your microphone to an interface/mixer/recorder. In that case, a USB microphone is a perfect solution for your podcast. Below are three great options to choose from.

Shure MV7

Shure MV7 USB Microphone
  • Solid Construction
  • USB & XLR
  • Built-In Pop Filter

Elgato Wave 3

Elgato Wave 3
  • Advanced Software Mixing
  • Simple Interface
  • Built-In Pop Filter

BEACN Mic

BEACN Mic USB Microphone
  • Professional Grade
  • Full Software Suite
  • Advanced Routing
  • Advanced Sound Settings
  • PC Only

Best Podcasting Mic Boom Arm

A boom arm helps isolate your microphone from desk noise, making it easier to get your microphone where it will be most comfortable for recording. Below are three great options for podcast boom arms.

Gator Frameworks 3000

Gator Frameworks 3000 Boom Arm
  • Tube Style Boom Arm
  • Integrated XLR Cable
  • Excellent Clamps
  • Easy To Adjust

Elgato Mic Arm LP

Elgato Mic Arm LP
  • Low Profile
  • Fits Under Monitor
  • Lots of Adjustability
  • All Black Design

Rode PSA1+ Boom Arm

Rode PSA1 Plus Boom Arm
  • Smooth, Silent Rotation
  • 37″ Horizontal Reach
  • 34″ Vertical Reach
  • Top Cable Management

Best Podcast Headphones & Studio Monitors

We use all three of these options for recording podcasts. Depending on your preference for closed-back or open-back headphones, you will want either the DT770 or DT990 pro headphones.

If you like having your headphones LOUD while recording your podcast, we recommend the DT770 pro headphones. The closed-back will prevent your microphone from hearing the sound in your headphones.

Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro

Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro Headphones
  • Extremely Comfortable
  • Light Weight
  • Closed Back
  • Enhanced Low-End

Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro

Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250 Ohm Headphones
  • Extremely Comfortable
  • Light Weight
  • Open Back
  • Articulate & Accurate

Yamaha HS5 Monitor

Yamaha HS5 Studio Monitor
  • 2-Way Reference Speaker
  • TRS & XLR Inputs
  • Professional Grade

Best Studio Lighting

Great lighting in your podcast studio will help your video look more professional. These three options have a great reputation and will provide you with the light you need for your studio.

Elgato Light String

Elgato Light String
  • 2M Long
  • Up to 2000 Lumens
  • WI-FI Controlled
  • 30 Watts

Elgato Key Light Air

Elgato Key Light Air
  • Up to 1400 Lumens
  • 2900-7000 Color Temp
  • 92% CRI
  • 25 Watts

Elgato Key Light

Elgato Key Light
  • Up to 2800 Lumens
  • 2900-7000 Color Temp
  • 92% CRI
  • 45 Watts

Best Audio Cables

Great cables are critical to making your life easy while recording. It can be very frustrating to troubleshoot buzzing, bad connections, and background noise. These cables are on the “high end” of available cables, but we believe the extra cost is worth it due to longevity and reliability.

Canare XLR Cable

Canare XLR Cable
  • Braided Copper Shield
  • Very Flexible
  • Star Quad Design
  • Polyethylene Insulation
  • Neutrik Connectors
  • Color Options

Canare TRS Cable

Canare TRS Cable
  • Braided Copper Shield
  • Very Flexible
  • Star Quad Design
  • Polyethylene Insulation
  • Neutrik Connectors
  • Color Options

Hosa 1/8″ To Dual 1/4″

  • Connect Phone/Laptop To Audio Mixer
  • Connect Computer To Studio Monitors
  • Long Lasting

Home Studio Accessories

Here are some additional items to consider for your podcast studio. These are items that we use regularly, and we’ve included them for the sake of making this page complete.

Shure 3″ Extension Tube

Shure 3in Extension Tube
  • Improves Mic Mounting
  • Used With Boom Arm

Mackie HM-4 Amp

Mackie HM4 Headphone Splitter
  • Headphone Amp
  • Headphone Splitter
  • Affordable
  • Easy To Use

Gator Monitor Stand

Gator Frameworks Monitor Stand
  • For Studio Monitors
  • Rugged Design
  • Lots of Adjustability
Elgato Camlink 4k
  • Capture HDMI Video
  • Great For Streaming

Colored Gaff Tape

Fluorescent Gaff Tape
  • Use for labeling
  • Mark locations

3″ Black Gaff Tape

3 Inch Gaff Tape
  • Safely Tape Cable
  • Cover Logos
  • Make Things Black

Cloudlifter CL-1

Cloudlifter CL-1 Inline Preamp
  • Works with dynamic mic
  • Provides 25dB of gain
  • Requires phantom power

Radial PRO D2

Radial ProD2 Stereo DI Box
  • Stereo DI Box
  • Rugged Design

Elgato Sound Panels

Elgato Wave Sound Panels
  • Eliminate Room Sound
  • Reduce Echo In Room
  • Reduce Background Noise
  • Improve Audio Quality

Best Podcast Audio Equipment FAQ

What is the best podcast microphone?

The best podcast microphone can vary depending on the specific needs and budget of the podcast creator. However, we recommend the Shure SM7B and the Electro-Voice RE20.

The Shure SM7B and Electro-Voice RE20 are dynamic microphones that are often considered to be the industry standard for podcasting and radio broadcasting. They both have a smooth, natural sound and are good at rejecting background noise.

What is the best podcast audio mixer?

In our experience, the Rode Rodecaster Pro II is the best audio mixer for podcast recording and broadcasting.

The Rodecaster Pro II has built-in voice processing, effects, and four microphone inputs with enough gain to power any microphone. You can multi-track record to an SD card or your computer. The Rodecaster Pro II is portable enough to bring to another location if necessary.

What is the best podcast audio interface?

In our experience, the Focusrite Vocaster Two is the best audio interface for podcast recording. It has two microphone inputs: Bluetooth connectivity and voice processing, and you can send audio directly to your camera or computer for recording.

Which microphone does Joe Rogan use?

Joe Rogan uses the Shure SM7B dynamic microphone, the most popular podcast microphone we see on famous podcasts. The Shure SM7B is often considered to be the industry standard for podcasting, and it is known for its smooth, natural sound while also rejecting background noise.

What are the basic things you need to start a podcast?

To start your podcast, you will need a microphone, XLR cable, and an audio mixer to record to your computer. There are many different options from many brands, but we recommend using the Shure SM7B with the Rode Rodecaster Pro II for your podcast.

What is the average cost to start a podcast?

The average cost of starting a podcast can vary wildly. On the low end, you can use a simple USB Mic that costs $50. From there, you can spend up to $2-3,000 on studio-grade microphones and audio mixers (4 x Shure SM7B, 1 x Rode Rodecaster Pro, Accessories, etc.).

Most people will start their podcasts with a budget of $200-300 and upgrade their microphone and mixer if they decide to they need higher-quality equipment at a later date.

Take a look at our Podcast Buyer’s Guide to learn more about your best options.

What headphones are best for podcasts?

The best podcast headphones will depend on your specific needs and budget. We highly recommend the three options below.

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro: These headphones are known for their accurate sound reproduction and good isolation from outside noise, making them a great choice for monitoring recordings. They are also comfortable to wear for long periods, which is important for podcasting.

The Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro: These headphones are known for their wide frequency response and high level of detail, which makes them great for picking up subtle nuances in recordings. They are also very comfortable and ideal for long recording sessions.

Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro: Similar to the DT990 Pro, they have a wide frequency response and a high level of detail, but these are closed-back headphones. They will offer better isolation from your environment and let you hear what is being recorded more clearly.

Ultimately, the best headphones for podcasting will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the podcast creator. It’s worth trying some headphones and seeing which pair sounds the best.