Best Podcast Starter Kit for 2023

Want a complete audio studio? This all-in-one set has everything you need to run your two- or four-speaker shows.

The podcast equipment bundle includes:

• Zoom PodTrak P8 Podcast Recorder
• Windscreen
• Zoom M-1 Dynamic Mic
• XLR Cable
• Zoom Headphones
• SanDisk 64GB SDXC Memory Card
• Zoom Tabletop Tripod Mic Stand
• Onstage MBS5000 Boom Arm

Like most starter kits, the core of this unit is the P8 audio interface. It features six independent headphone outputs; each with individual volume control. 

It’s easy to use and can handle just about any kind of show. We particularly love its colored touchscreen interface – it makes monitoring, adjusting, and editing seamless.

For clear playback, you can connect your loudspeaker or monitor speaker to the main outputs. There’s also a USB-C port that directly transports the audio signal to a computer. Plug it in and you’re all set for sound recording and live streaming! 

This podcast setup kit also has lots of configurations for making your content sound professional. With nine multi-colored sound pads, you can easily trigger the effects unit, add intro music, jingles, pre-recorded interviews, and more. 

The best part? 

You can load your own tracks or simply choose from 13 in-built sounds.

It also has a dedicated audio channel for recording phone calls. This will come in handy if you plan to have remote guests.

The included Zoom ZDM-1 dynamic microphone is just as impressive as the P8. It’s got smooth and natural tones, but more importantly – absolute noise protection. You can rely on this mic for broadcast-quality feedback. 

The Zoom headphones also have a good frequency response, especially in the mids and trebles. The bass is a little underwhelming, but in podcasting, that’s not much of a dealbreaker.

Now, the price. A two-person podcast setup costs $824.99, while a four-person set costs $1099.95. Quite the hefty investment, but a justifiable one considering the feature suite.

With all the tools you need to record, mix, and go live, the Zoom PodTrak P8 Ultimate Bundle is the best place to start!

Maono is taking the podcast market by storm. A lot of podcasters, gamers, and YouTubers run to this brand for its affordable yet high-quality audio gear.

The Maonocaster E2 Bundle, in particular, is a massive hit. For under $200, you get all the essentials in one box:

• Audio interface
• XLR condenser microphone 
• Metal pop filter
• USB A-C charging cable 
• Two 3.5mm TRRS audio cables

But how well does the podcast equipment perform?

Real power resides in its core – the E2 mixing console. It has six knobs in total: 

• three for equalizer control 
• one for pitch adjustment 
• one for instrument volume 
• another for volume monitoring 

On both sides, you’ll find the two big dials for the AUX input and the output volume. With USB-C connectivity, you’ll be able to connect it to your computer, tablet, or smartphone easily.

The interface features up to 11 customizable sound pads for producing your podcast. It’s loaded with pre-amps and a support phantom power for optimal microphone performance. And with the DeNoise function, you can get a pristine sound quality.

Speaking of microphone, the included premium XLR condenser mic is a stellar tool. Its high sensitivity and well-balanced signal-to-noise ratio pick up every word in detail. And when you put up a two-mic podcast setup, you can control the gain individually.

Also, the cardioid polar pattern rejects unwanted noise. This way, you get clear and rich audio for recording!

The great thing is, as soon as you hook up the Maonocaster E2 interface with your system, it instantly detects the sound driver. If you’re going live, you can go straight to streaming software like Twitch or OBS. 

One of the main perks of this set is that it’s battery-operated. With eight hours of power, you can turn it into a mobile podcast studio. However, the interface won’t charge when connected to a device. So, you’ll have to juice up if you plan to use it remotely.

For its price, the Maonocaster E2 Bundle offers a feature set that’s hard to beat. Truly a solid option for budgeteers!

Musicians, producers, and home recorders know Focusrite all too well. It’s a reputable brand offering pro-grade audio products that are easy to operate.

The Scarlett 2i2 Studio is no exception!

Perfect for podcasting on a budget, the set includes:

• Scarlett 2i2 USB audio interface 
• condenser microphone 
• 3-meter XLR microphone cable 
• closed-back headphones
• Type-C to Type-A USB cable 

Bundled together for $229.9, it’s certainly an attractive price tag. But wait ‘til you see what they can do.

The 2i2 audio interface is where all the magic happens. It sports a twin-preamp build, so you can hook up two microphones in one deck to make a podcast setup for two. Each input works independently, so you can aptly control the gain when you have a guest over.

If you’re also doing music production on the side, you can plug in an instrument on one input and record vocals on the other.

The 2i2 runs entirely on a USB-C to Type-A cable for connection and power. That makes it universally compatible, and very much capable of a plug-and-play experience. 

Aside from its cleaner and sleeker look, one of the best things about this third-gen interface is the AIR switch. Once enabled, it amps up the high frequencies to make your voice pop a little more. It also adds more clarity when it comes down to the final recording.

Speaking of vocals, the CM25 MkIII microphone included in this podcast starter pack is a cut above the rest. Its solid all-metal design offers great durability and long-lasting use. The tones and crisp, clear, and balanced.

There is no pop filter included though. Careful not to get too close, or risk having more plosives. A quick solution is to turn down the gain or move farther away from the mic.

Good thing there’s a headset included, which saves you the cost of buying one. These closed-back headphones are not the best, but they still do well in reducing any sound leakage. Plus they’re super comfortable.

Overall, it’s the best podcast equipment bundle if you’re going solo or duo for your show.

The PreSonus AudioBox 96 Studio is all about easy, studio-quality projects. 

The unit gets its name from the interface’s top feature – a stunning 96 kHZ playback at 24-bit resolution. That’s the standard quality for professional recordings!

So if you’re into podcast equipment that is simple to use but complex enough to produce a great show, this is the tool for you.

It’s the complete package, so along with the AudioBox USB 96 interface, you also get the following:

• M7 large-diaphragm condenser microphone
• HD7 headphones 
• Studio One Artist music workstation 

Let’s first tackle the heart of the studio – the mixer. The highly compact audio/MIDI interface can deliver all your basic recording needs. 

It houses two combo inputs for your microphone or instrument. Both have zero-latency monitoring, so you can plug a tool in and start recording right away. They have an individual gain control, too.

On the rear panel, you’ll find a USB-C port, MIDI I/O, two balanced TRS outputs, and a 1/4″ output for your headset. The headphone output is usually located on the front panel, so this placement is a bit strange. But that’s not much of a problem.

If you want a mobile podcast studio, you’ll be thrilled to know that this unit is built for traveling. It’s bus-powered, so no need for an external electrical source to run it.

When it comes to mic performance, the M7 condenser microphone does not disappoint. Its large diaphragm allows it to capture every little detail in your speech and harmonics. It has a warming effect on the sound, that’s why it’s a great tool for recording vocals.

Also joining the pack are PreSonus’s high-definition HD7 headphones. It boasts a semi-open sound chamber, which delivers a punchy bass response with deep low frequencies. And most importantly, its lightweight and ergonomic design won’t wear you out during long recording sessions!

Lastly, the unit comes with PreSonus’s Studio One Artist software along with the Studio Magic Plug-In Suite. The audio editing software isn’t the GOAT, but its drag-and-drop and multitrack functionality is very much user-friendly.

At $273.88, you’re getting pro-level features you’d typically get in more expensive options. For its price and performance, this podcast equipment package is worth every penny.

Designed specifically for streamers and content creators, the AT2005USBPK vocal microphone pack is the perfect start to a smooth podcasting journey.

Priced at $109, this podcast microphone bundle is truly a cheap option. But make no mistake – it is still very much capable of studio-quality recordings.

Here’s what the set includes: 

• AT2005USB cardioid dynamic USB/XLR microphone 
• ATH-M20x professional monitor headphones 
• studio boom arm threaded with a USB cable

The rugged AT2005USB microphone is a dynamic mic, which makes it ideal for speech and home studio recording. 

And if you care about aesthetics, the black cylindrical body finished with a metal grille simply looks gorgeous.

What makes it different from other podcast kits? It’s got both USB and XLR outputs. Use the first one for connecting with computers. If you’ve got a mixer, use the latter for conventional analog microphone input. 

A versatile tool indeed!

The USB output is particularly impressive. It provides high-quality analog-to-digital conversion for high-fidelity sound. Additionally, the mic has a headphone jack with level control for instant monitoring.

Thanks to its cardioid polar pattern, you can rid your podcast of unwanted noises coming from the rear and sides. The mic’s low-mass diaphragm delivers excellent frequency response, too!

To hold the mic in place, the podcast equipment bundle includes an adjustable studio boom arm that clamps securely to any flat surface. Think desks, tables, boards – anything that’s not over 55 mm (2.2 inches) thick.

The boom is threaded internally with a USB cable, so no need to worry about getting tangled in wires. It also offers full 360° rotation so you can find the right position for hosting your show. To support this, it’s got fully adjustable and spring-stabilized joints with thumbscrews. Ergonomics, check!

Completing the podcast set are the ATH-M20x pro headphones. It belongs to Audio-Technica’s renowned M-Series line, so its stellar performance isn’t much of a surprise. 

The circumaural design of the cans fits allows for excellent sound isolation, especially in loud environments. And with the 40 mm drivers, you get an enhanced low-frequency playback. 

This solid response and comfortable build make the M20x headphones perfect for long monitoring sessions.

Blue Yeti topped our best podcast microphones list, and there’s a good reason for that.

It offers a quick USB plug-n-play setup, a bunch of polar patterns to play with, and convenient onboard gain control.

That’s right – no need to install any software or driver to use the Yeti. Simply connect the included cable to a USB port, select the mic as audio input, and start recording your sessions. Truly a great podcast equipment for beginners!

What’s even more convenient - the studio controls are integrated into the microphone. You have buttons for the headphone volume, instant mute, and polar patterns.

Yes, you’re free to change your pattern modes, which is a standout feature on this unit. The selection includes:

• Cardioid Mode - the ideal pattern for podcasting, as it records sound sources that are directly in front of the microphone.
• Stereo Mode - picks up both the left and right channels for a wider and more realistic sound image. This is typically used for recording instruments or ASMR.
• Omnidirectional Mode - great for multi-person podcasts and conference calls, as it picks up the sound from all directions equally.
• Bidirectional Mode - records from both the front and rear of the microphone. great for interviews, although a two-mic podcast setup would be better if you do it regularly.

At the rear, you’ll find a dial for controlling the mic sensitivity. With this, you’ll be able to adjust the gain levels when you have a loud friend joining the pod.

The mic is also equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack with low latency. You’ll be able to monitor your recordings in real-time! Plus the volume adjustment button allows for hassle-free listening.

What about ergonomics? 

The podcast set comes with a mic stand with solid stability and great flexibility. You can freely adjust and pivot the microphone to match your sound source. Once you get the right angle, just hand-tighten the knobs to secure the mic in place!

For extra configuration, you can maximize the new Blue VO!CE software to achieve professional on-stream sound quality. The program offers broadcast vocal effects, HD audio samples, advanced voice modulation, and other useful features.

At just $129.99, Blue Yeti offers specs you won’t typically find in this price range.

Typically found in professional podcast sets, the Shure MV7 is a hybrid microphone that offers spectacular recording value. 

You can use it as a USB or XLR mic – or both outputs simultaneously! With this dual configuration system, you’ll be able to record digital or analog recordings at full ease.

Its all-metal construction restored my faith in mic longevity. It also houses a dynamic recording cartridge that rests on top of a shock mount. Overall, it’s built with a cardioid pickup pattern with high sensitivity to any sound coming in from the front.

Unlike the Blue Yeti which has physical controls, the MV7 takes a more modern approach. It has intuitive touch panel controls for: 

• gain 
• monitoring volume 
• headphone mix 
• mic muting. 

The LED lights indicating the gain levels are also a great touch!

At the back of the podcasting microphone kit, you’ll find the outputs for microUSB, XLR, and headphone jack. 

To control the mic, you will need to download the ShurePlus MOTIV app. You can also save your podcasting presets for instant configuration. To avoid unwanted touch registers and slip-ups, there’s an option to lock the touch panel.

If you don’t have time to do things manually, Shure’s auto mode is a quick fix. It configures the best settings and does all the heavy lifting for you. For example, the mic position toggle optimizes your settings based on your proximity to it. Whether it’s out of frame or close enough, you still get the best feedback.

And the best part? 

You get to adjust the mic’s frequency response by using presets like Natural, Dark, and Bright.

The $249 price tag certainly isn’t cheap, but all these features ultimately justify the cost.

Rode Procaster’s $139 price tag is truly an attractive choice for starters. But other than that, its optimized performance and quick controls make it a great beginner podcast equipment.

Obviously, it’s a relatively cheap broadcast microphone, but it offers pro-grade sound you would find at higher price points. Its tight cardioid polar pattern makes it a go-to option for close-contact productions like a single podcast show. And it effectively eliminates room noises!

In terms of build quality, the Procaster is dressed in a robust, full metal material that will last you a lifetime. This premium finish ensures the mic can handle any type of voice thrown at it.

The Procaster’s frequency response is also pretty solid – smooth, crisp, and transparent tones all the way. The flat response is great for monitoring, plus the clarity boost in the final recording gives it that studio quality.

The podcasting microphone kit also has a built-in pop filter that does a great job of ironing out some imperfections. You’ll hardly hear any popping or plosives from your recorded speech. 

While it doubles as a windscreen, it doesn’t take away from the sound’s overall clarity and transparency. And most of all, it fulfills its promise of keeping any background or room noise at an all-time low.

You want to keep it as stationary as possible, though. The mic doesn’t have an external shock mount. It’s best not to move it around while you’re speaking or recording. If you need to do so, you will need a swivel boom arm or a shock mount for it. 

However, there’s a dynamic capsule internally mounted into the mic. This eliminates noises from knocks and bumps but is not as effective as a shock mount.

All in all, this podcast equipment is an excellent choice if you want a simple and affordable microphone for your solo show.

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO quickly made its way into professional studios all over the world. This pair of cans are an industry favorite, especially for music producers, sound engineers, and broadcasters. 

Easy pick, right? 

At $145.26, these closed-back headphones would make an excellent addition to your podcast starter pack. 

The unit comes with an attached 3m straight cable terminating in a 3.5mm stereo minijack. You can easily convert this to a standard 6.3mm jack via the included screw-on adapter.

What makes these cans so special? 

With 250Ω impedance, you get excellent sound quality and sufficient volume to produce your podcast. And more importantly, they reproduce the entire frequency range with incredible precision. 

No surprise there, as the headphones are specially designed for critical music and sound monitoring. It delivers a neutral listening experience with great passive isolation and impulse response. You’ll be able to hear the discussion in pristine quality.

This natural sound profile makes the DT 770 PRO an excellent tool for accurately reproducing vocals, especially in a podcast setting. 

If you also happen to look for podcast sets for music production, this tool is worth a go. Flat mids and punchy bass responses are great for recording instrumentals.

When it comes to fit and comfort, these headphones are sufficiently tight on the head. They won’t hurt your ears during long sessions. They won’t even fall during casual listening sessions.

Their bulky figure isn’t great for portability, though. The large build and permanently-attached cables aren’t meant for traveling or hosting mobile podcasts.

But if we’re talking home and studio use - these great-sounding headphones are the best podcasting pieces you can get your hands on.

If you’re starting a podcast and in need of workhorse headphones, this $217 option is definitely worth looking at.

Its Acoustic Noise Cancelling technology remains unmatched on the market. It uses tiny microphones hidden in the earcups to constantly measure, compare, and react to external noise. That way, you hear fewer distractions and more of your audio.

You can press the button on the left earcup to enter Quiet Mode, which allows you to experience full noise canceling. And if you’re taking a break from your session and want to enjoy some ambient noise, just hit the Aware Mode button.

Weighing at 240g with large ear cups, you’d think those headphones would be a pain to wear – but they’re not. The weight is well-distributed, so it won’t cause fatigue over long hours of recording sessions. 

The synthetic leather pads also do an excellent job at isolating the sound. The band provides a bit of padding on the top for added comfort.

What about connectivity? 

The podcast equipment kit includes a 3.5mm TRRS cable and a USB type A to C cable. The headphones can also connect to your smartphone or any mobile device via Bluetooth.

To get the most out of its features, you can download the Bose Music app. There, you can use a voice assistant for easier usage. You can also use the equalizer for fine-tuning, although the default sound profile is good enough.

In terms of battery power, Bose exceeds its 24-hour benchmark as the QuietComfort 45 lasts almost 25 hours of use. 

All things considered, if you’re a sucker for noise-canceling headphones with wireless convenience, you can’t go wrong with this one.

The Sony MDR7506 has been around for nearly three decades, yet it still remains a staple for audio professionals today.

Why?

These headphones are super comfortable, long-lasting, and most all – designed for high-precision sound monitoring. In other words, the best podcasting equipment!

This old-fashioned pair of can come with a standard gold-plated 3.5mm connector. The end also has threading on it to attach the ¼-inch adapter. 

The design reflects its age - it has both green and red flags. The headphones are mostly made of plastic, with an exposed metal finish and some visible screws. They are certainly less appealing compared to modern units. 

But on the good side, this lightweight build won’t weigh you down during long podcasting sessions. 

It’s got a wide headband so the weight is properly distributed. The coiled cable also reduces the risk of damage or tears. The cups are easily replaceable, too! With this build type, it can complete the best beginner podcast setup.

However, it isn’t as robust as Bose in terms of noise cancellation. The ear pad material can only go as far as passive isolation. There’s a good chance that low-frequency sounds slip through the cups. 

So, you need to be in an isolated and quiet environment if you don’t want any interferences in your session.

Thankfully, the headset still manages to block high-frequency and incidental noises.

Also, what it lacks in noise cancellation, it makes up for in sound quality. Just like other headphones designed for neutral listening, the high and low frequencies aren’t overly enhanced. You can rely on this pair to reproduce sound accurately and clearly.

One of the most attractive qualities of this unit is its price. You can get it for just $85 – a great deal considering the quality and longevity you’re getting.

Overall, this budget podcast setup is great for those who want to get serious with their broadcasting journey without breaking the bank.

The RODECaster Pro is one of those podcast equipment that are specifically designed for podcasters. 

It works as a standalone mixer where you can hook up your mic and headphones. Once connected, you can instantly start recording and save your content to a microSD card.

Simple, right?

If this doesn’t work for you, you can connect it to your computer via USB instead. Use it as an interface to record multitracks on your audio workstation. This gives you more editing freedom and creativity to play with post-production and live streaming options.

Aside from its plug-n-play capability, its outstanding audio quality also makes it a top pick among streamers. The interface is infused with powerful microphone preamps to deliver clear and low-noise audio signals.

This beginner podcasting equipment has pro-grade abilities, too. The audio box features an onboard audio processing system composed of a compressor noise gate and high-pass filter. Its APHEAD Aural Excite and Big Bottom effects pack also gives that broadcast-quality audio.

And the great thing is, they’re all one-touch controls!

Here’s more – the mixer has eight pads for adding sound effects to your show. You can easily add an intro track, background music, ad rolls, and so on. They are all highly customizable and savable as templates for future use.

If you plan to have a remote podcast setup for two, recording the session is easy! You can capture a call by connecting your phone to the mixer via Bluetooth or a TRRS cable. With the mix-minus feature enabled, you can eliminate that echoing effect in your phone call. 

For extra functionality, you can maximize the accompanying app for advanced features. That includes pad customization, granular effects and processing, settings configuration, session exports, and more.

All these features are neatly packed into a $538 price tag. If there’s one mixer you don’t mind splurging on, it’s gotta be the RODECaster Pro.

If you’re looking for a cheap podcast setup that sounds expensive, the third-generation Scarlett 2i2 is a good place to start.

This audio interface is compact, lightweight, and easy to operate even when you’re broadcasting on the road. It has an Easy Start configuration that automatically sets the best settings for recording!

So, how do you power up the interface?

On the front panel, you’ll find two XLR/TRS combo inputs along with ¼ inch headphone jack. Parallel to the inputs, you’ll see the master volume control, headphone monitoring control, and a direct monitoring switch.

At the back of the podcast setup kit is where the TRS output and USB-C port are located. 

One of the best things about this mixer is its recording quality. Its max sample rate is 192kHz – an area that’s way beyond human hearing. With that range, you can give your listeners an incredible aural treat.

The 24-bit converters can also give your podcast audio impeccable clarity and detail. This, along with the new Air mode, makes the vocals pop even more and adds a distinct high-end detail to the sound.

If you’re an iPad user, you’ll be happy to know that Scarlett 2i2 is now officially supported in USB-C iPad Pros. Setting it up and using it is just as simple. Plug it in, fire up your digital audio workstation, and start recording your sessions!

Unlike most podcasting equipment packages, Scarlett 2i2 has been tested extensively with many audio apps. You can easily record your podcasts using Garageband, Cubasis 2, FL Studio, Auria Pro, Ampify Launchpad, and many more.

Upon purchasing the Scarlett 2i2, you’ll also gain access to popular pro-grade audio editing software. That includes: 

• Ableton Live Lite 
• Plug-in Collective access
• Hitmaker Expansion Bundle 
• a 3-month subscription of Avid Pro Tools

At $179, it’s one of the most budget-friendly audio interfaces on the market.

The Zoom PodTrak P4 lets you record your podcasts from literally anywhere.

Its compact and pocket-sized build enables that. It’s also battery-operated; it can run up to three hours of use on two AA batteries. Alternatively, you can use a USB battery for an extended recording period.

Don’t let the small figure fool you, though. Believe it or not, it can pass as four-person podcast equipment. 

It’s got four audio inputs for XLR microphones. The good thing is that each input will be recorded as a single track. When it’s time to combine and do multitracking, your post-production journey will be much easier.

This multifaceted system also means you can use it as a two-input, two-output audio interface. That way, you can record directly to your computer, smartphone, or tablet. It works as a great USB audio interface. 

But heads up – in this case, the podcast set won’t be able to record in multitrack.

The P4 also has a live stream setting that lets you instantly broadcast your session. 

If you’re doing live podcasting, the P4’s customizable sound pads will come in handy. With these, you can instantly trigger music, ads, jingles and pre-recorded interviews on the fly. You can load your own tracks, or simply choose from the 11 pre-recorded presets. 

Recording remote sessions are just as easy! 

Just connect your phone with a TRRS cable and capture the session. Just like RODECaster Pro, the P4 has a built-in mix-minus feature that eliminates echo and feedback.

The price? 

This small mixer costs $219.99, which falls under mid-range podcast equipment packages. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t work as a standalone unit – you’ll need to hook up at least one XLR mic for it to work. 

Why do most podcasters have Macbook Air (2020) as their go-to broadcasting laptop? Three things – the superior M1 Chip, SDD storage, and a handful of amazing native software. 

Let’s break those down into detail, shall we?

Firstly, the new M1 chip is truly a beast in speed and efficiency. It’s much faster than older Intel chips, as it integrates the CPU, GPU, I/O, and every other significant controller into a single unit. 

You want your podcast equipment to run smoothly, and this ensures that.

On top of that, Apple’s new unified memory architecture allows for fluid multitasking. When you’re compiling multiple tracks and editing your sessions, you won’t encounter delays at all. That’s because the M1 is able to process the same data without switching between multiple bases of memory.

The laptop’s Solid State Drive (SDD) internal storage also plays a part here. Generally, SDDs are a good alternative to avoid further delays. Why? They store data digitally, so compared to hard disks, they can retrieve data more quickly.

As much as possible, you need podcast equipment that functions quietly. SSD storage laptops are less noisy compared to hard drives. In a podcast setting, studio-quality environments are a must!

Lastly, the Mac has a couple of built-in applications for recording and editing your podcasts. The more basic ones are QuickTime, Podcast Capture, and Podcast Publisher which is all located in the Utilities folder.

If you want to get creative, GarageBand is another native app you get on the laptop. It has a Podcast preset that lets you conveniently produce podcasts with audio samples. It’s got a great editing toolbox, too!

For a base price of $999, the MacBook Air with M1 Chip is definitely worth investing in.

If you’re an on-the-go podcaster, consider the ASUS VivoBook F510UA-AH51 for your broadcasting gear.

At just 3.57 pounds, it’s one of the most lightweight and compact options on the market. Despite its small figure, it boasts a 15.6-inch full HD (1,920-by-1,080) LED-backlit display with bright, clear, and crisp images.

However, the large screen doesn’t offer much of a wide viewing angle. But, the ample space is good for multitrack editing and recording in a Windows-based digital audio workstation. This, alone, makes it great beginner podcast equipment.

Moreover, the laptop houses two USB connection options – Type-A and Type-C. With this, you’ll be able to connect your USB audio interfaces or inputs without buying the appropriate dongles. 

Along with these connection options, the laptop features an HDMI port and a combo headphone/mic job. Plugging in your podcasting tools is a breeze!

Now, let’s talk about the performance. 

In a nutshell, these are the Asus VivoBook F510UA’s technical specs:

• eighth-generation Intel Core i5-8250U CPU, 8GB of RAM 
• integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 of the Core i5 chip 
• 1TB hard drive

Aside from those, the Core i5-8250U has four processing cores and eight processing threads. Overall, the laptop operates between a base frequency of 1.6GHz and a turbo frequency of 3.4GHz. 

In simple terms, this build translates to a snappy and smooth multitasking experience. Even with several commands, apps, and tabs working simultaneously, the system isn’t riddled with delays. Using software podcast kits like Audacity and Adobe Audition will be hassle-free. 

At $599, the ASUS VivoBook F510UA-AH51 is a high-performance podcasting laptop with features that are surprisingly cheap.

If you’re a budding podcaster and video creator on a budget, the $588 Acer A515-55-56VK is a great laptop you can consider.

Its minimalist grey design certainly won’t turn heads. But if you’re not that into aesthetics, its inner workings can swiftly handle all your podcasting tasks.

It sports an IPS panel technology that displays sharp images, vibrant colors and wide viewing angles. It’s designed for media and entertainment, so you can have a grand time recording, editing, and previewing your shows.

Connectivity is one of the main pillars of podcast kits, and this laptop offers a handful of options. On the left edge, you’ll find:

• an Ethernet port 
• a USB-C 3.1 port 
• a full-size HDMI port
• two USB-A 3.1 ports with power-off charging

On the other side, there’s a USB 2.0 port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. With such abundance and flexibility in ports, connecting an audio interface or input won’t be a problem.

What’s missing is an SD card slot, which is a bummer if you have recordings there that you need to load in your DAW. Thankfully, it has an SD card reader for your expanded storage needs.  

Acer also upgraded the Aspire 5 with Intel’s 10th-generation Core i5-1035G1 processor. It’s a massive quad-core CPU upgrade from last year’s Core i5-8250U chip. 

Another impressive aspect is the 8GB of DDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD storage.  Considering budget notebooks only come with 4 GB, this is a pleasant surprise. Using podcasts sets would be an easy, fluid, and smooth experience on this laptop.

And most importantly, its excellent thermal management also keeps your device from heating up mid-session.

Lastly, the Acer Aspire 5 promises longer battery life compared to its previous models. It can run up to 8 hours and 35 minutes on a single-use. That’s more than what you need for recording or broadcasting a show!

Avid Pro Tools is a well-rounded music workstation where you can record, edit, and mix any track. Podcasts are just one of the many projects you can create here – but professionally.

Its Multichannel Recording window is where you can work on your sessions. It has a multitracking workflow – perfect if you have a two- or three-person podcast setup. With up to 700+ audio and 1000+ MIDI tracks, editing tracks individually is a breeze. 

If you’ve got yourself some fancy and high-quality podcasting tools, this software complements them very well. The program can record up to 24-bit/192kH for a clear and stunning audio capture.

As it works with most equipment, you can simply plug in your input source or audio interface/mixer to start recording. If you need to add instrumentals from scratch, look no further. There are built-in virtual instruments you can use for music production!

You can also browse through the program’s UVI Falcon 2 to add factory sounds. You can play with reverb, dynamics, and equalization, to enrich your audio projects.

With that many features, this software isn’t beginner podcasting equipment. There is some slight learning curve, which is why it’s mostly recommended to professionals.

Although its AvidPlay feature enables quick distribution to streaming platforms, podcasts aren’t supported yet. So, you will have to export your project and use a different hosting platform.

Pro Tools isn’t free, so if you’re ready to invest in the software, a standard subscription costs $29.99/month.

If you’re truly serious about podcasting, Adobe Audition is the best audio editing software you can play with. It’s widely known as a pro-grade digital audio workstation for producing and refining tracks.

Among its huge array of features, here’s what podcasters can maximize.

You can record your sessions over 32 tracks and 128 more for playback. The Waveform view lets you handle single stereo tracks in greater detail. But if you want to go straight to mixing, you can enter Multitrack mode right on. 

It responds to most podcast equipment packages, so hooking up your external devices like audio interfaces is a breeze.

When it’s time to edit your sessions, the Essential Sound Panel has all the tools you need. 

You can adjust your recordings by removing beeps, hisses, and other unwanted noises to get the clearest sound. You can add royalty-free sound effects, too!

All it takes is one click. If your mic picks up background or ambient sounds from your sessions, you can eliminate them without finding noise prints. A straightforward Sound Remover effect will do the trick.

If you’ve got a two-person podcast setup or more, there are preset templates you can use for recording. Once selected, the program instantly creates a multitracking workflow. There, you can mix and manipulate different voices in an organized fashion.

Other drag-n-drop and one-click features also allow you to control: 

• volume levels
• speech clarity
• equalization 
• muting

Plus many more!

And since Audition integrates with apps in the Adobe Creative Cloud, you get extra convenience and functionality. For example, if you plan to film your podcast as a show, you can load your tracks to Premiere Pro for post-production.

You can buy Adobe Audition via subscription for $20.99 per month, with a 30-day free trial.

Audacity is one of the best audio recording software with enough tools to work as a digital audio editor. From recording up to exporting, you can do all your podcasting tasks in this easy-to-use and free software.

It supports multitrack recording, which is great especially if you have a podcast set up for four. The workflow displays the level meters individually. That way, you can easily control the input volume before, during, or after recording.

That also means you can hook up one or more inputs to record your podcasting sessions. Whether it’s vocals from a microphone or live music from instruments, the program can capture sound in high definition. 

You can even connect your mixer as a USB interface and control it from the program!

As for the editing tools, there are a lot of commands you can maximize for post-production. Some of the basics include:

• cutting
• track duplication
• crossfaders
• undo/redo
• delete

You can also change the speed and pitch of your audio recording through one-click controls. 

And the best part? 

Audacity records audio with low latency. That’s good news if you’re overdubbing or recording new tracks while listening to another. 

Because of its simplicity and versatility, Audacity is the perfect software to complement your podcasting equipment bundle. 

It’s also open-source, so anyone can use and develop the program’s features.

Ready to publish your podcast? 

Use Captivate – it provides a well-rounded platform for distributing your show, monetizing it, getting performance reports, and more. 

With a base price of $17/month, a Captivate subscription lets you host an unlimited number of podcasts and storage uploads. What you need to keep an eye on, though, is the total number of downloads for your shows. For this, you get 12,000 credits per month.

Great for podcasting on a budget!

You can also host private or members-only podcasts. This is a great option if you plan to monetize your shows as premium or exclusive content. 

So – how do you actually distribute your show?

Simply log into your account and go to the main dashboard. There, you can upload and submit your content to podcast directories like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and more. 

If you plan to be heard everywhere, there’s a Submit All button that lets you send your material to all streaming platforms. Apple Podcasts is excluded in this feature, though.

Like most podcast hosting platforms, you can create your own podcast website on Captivate. There are lots of customizable templates – all look professional and highly engaging. Each design is also responsive which will look great on any device.

Once you’ve published your show, you can look at the stats to see how your audience liked it. Captivate delivers detailed analytics such as:

• Total downloads 
• Daily trends
• Listening behavior
• Episode analysis

And many more helpful insights!

Lastly, you can go to Captivate Growth Labs to learn podcast marketing, best practices, and how to increase your audience base.

Buzzsprout offers a convenient way to host, promote, and track your shows. And it’s free!

On a single dashboard, you can use all the tools you need for your entire podcasting journey. You can upload up to two hours of content, which renews every 30 days. If you need more, pad subscription starts at $12/month. There’s also a pay-per-hour option available if you have a budget podcast setup.

Getting your podcast listed in all of the top podcast directories is easy. All it takes is a quick file upload. Once imported, you can distribute your content to millions of potential listeners on:

• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify 
• Google Podcasts
• iHeartRadio
• Alexa
• Overcast

There are also lots of other online directories!

The default podcast website template isn’t exactly appealing, but good thing it’s customizable. You can change the colors, themes, images, and other design elements. On the paid version, you can also use a custom domain name.

Even if you have cheap podcast equipment, you can elevate your sound by using its Magic Mastering feature. With advanced technology, it refines your audio files and optimizes them to match the industry best practices.

The Dynamic Content feature is also great for polishing your shows. With it, you can add or remove pre-roll and post-roll segments to and from your podcast episodes. For example, you can send a short voice message to your listeners tuned in to the episode.

Having podcast transcripts is a great way to make your shows accessible to speed-readers and people who are hard of hearing. They will also make your content search-engine friendly. Luckily, Buzzsprout has a built-in transcriber tool!

And when it’s time to track your progress, the analytics dashboard displays all the insights you need. You can study stats like total downloads, average listening time, and whatnot.

Podbean is a free and feature-rich online hosting platform that completes every podcast starter pack. 

It’s one of the few providers that offer unlimited audio & video hosting. There are no limits on total downloads, episodes, or recording time either. 

Once ready, you can easily distribute your content on every single platform available. That includes the PodBean App. You can also create a podcast player and embed it on websites, blogs, and other web pages.

If you want to monetize your content, here are some useful features for you:

• Podcast Advertising - list your content in the PodBean advertising marketplace for free.
• Premium Podcast - create and sell as many premium podcasts as you like, with no extra cost for storage or downloads.
• Patron for Podcasters - set up a patron page with various levels of donations/rewards.

For live podcasts, there are also handy features to make your session more interactive. If you lack proper podcast equipment, there’s an in-program recorder and editor for producing your broadcast.

There’s also the Listener Engagement tool, which allows your listeners to send messages as you speak. The Guest Call In feature also lets you invite remote co-hosts.

When it comes to reporting, PodBean displays all the stats you need to track your performance. Those include:

• your top 10 episodes
• downloads and daily trends
• listener geographies
• user retention
• downloads by time of day
• user agents chart

Now, as I’ve mentioned, PodBean’s basic version is free. The only limit is you get five hours of storage space and 100 GB monthly bandwidth. 

For full and unlimited use, a monthly subscription starts at $14/month.