Planning to start your own podcast but no idea which is the best podcast equipment?

In this post, we will discover the best podcast equipment including the best headphones for podcasting, the best podcast recording software and of course, the best USB micrphone.

Why should you use the best podcast equipment?

Buying equipment for podcasting is an area that can be incredibly frustrating. Many podcasters suggest poor equipment, software, and set-ups.

What equipment you decide to purchase will depend on your technological comfort level and your budget. However, it’s important to understand all your options before deciding.

Using the right podcast equipment is going to produce better (and often times higher quality) podcast output. In return, you will be able to create better user experience and engaging with your listeners in a way that most new podcasters couldn’t!

Without further adieu, let’s start going through the best podcast equipment (without burning a hole in your pocket).

Best microphone for podcast recording

Audio-Technica ATR2100 is a popular microphone for podcasters

When it comes to recording a podcast, sound output and recording is critical.

As a podcaster myself, I wouldn’t recommend you to go with the cheap microphones available.

Luckily for you, there is a wide range of microphone recommendations that you can find on Amazon.

How cheap is cheap microphones?

I would say buying a good microphone for podcasting will cost you under $100.

For me, the best USB microphone is Audio-Technica ATR2100 which you can purchase for only $74 on Amazon.

Wait, how good is Audio-Technica ATR2100?

With 1,684 customer reviews averaging 4 out of 5 stars review, this is the best microphone for podcast recording that is used by top podcasters!

If you are looking for cheap microphones for entry level podcasters, this is a great USB/XLR microphone.

Click on this link to get the best deal for Audio-Technica ATR2100 on Amazon.

Best podcast recording software

There are many different audio editing programs that will work to edit podcasts, but we’re just going to focus on the best podcast recording software.

Getting the best podcast recording software is important because it allows you to:

• Record audio without issue
• Perform advanced setting to make your audio clearer and sharper
• Manage and edit your audio easier (especially during the podcast editing stage)

Best podcast software for Windows

I’m a Windows user (for ages now) and Windows users are pretty darn lucky.

There is the all-time-popular Audacity which is free to use and Adobe Audition which is a paid version.

1. Audacity

Here’s what you need to know about Audacity — it is a free cross-platform audio editor.

Audacity is a very popular podcast equipment for podcasters and it is comes packing with some features (even when you can download it for free).

The only downside about Audacity is that it lacks the intuitive user interface and it can be very confusing when you are first getting started. Once you get the hang of it, I’m sure you are going to love it!

2. Adobe Audition

If you are looking for the best podcast equipment, Adobe Audition must be in your list of tool!

This software is designed for podcast production and editing, and comes with many advanced tools just for that matter. There are a number features including noise-reduction capabilities, advanced compression and EQ.

Want to perform batch processing and saving time? You can do so with Adobe Audition! In just a few clicks, you can apply various effects to one file, save it, then apply those same effects to a “batch” of other files.

Best podcast software for Mac

There are several podcast equipment you can install on your Mac for podcasting. The top two podcast software for Mac are GarageBand and Logic Pro.

1. GarageBand

GarageBand is a free digital audio workstation (also known as DAW) and it is a great podcast software for podcasters, regardless you are a beginner or advanced podcaster.

Using GarageBand, you can create separate tracks for music, intros and outros, ad spots, and many other features. You can also easily fade them in and out as needed, move them around and adjust levels in just a few clicks.

If you are a Mac user, GarageBand is definitely a no-brainer for your podcasting business.

2. Logic Pro X

Logic Pro X is a pretty interesting podcasting software for Mac. In short, Logic Pro X is a full-featured music production and audio editing program.

Logic Pro X does a lot of features similar to GarageBand and the biggest advantage of this software is the Remote App which you can use on iPhone or iPad.

The only downside using Logic Pro X is that it comes with a one-time purchase fee of $200.

The best headphone for podcasting

If you are planning to publish lengthy podcast episodes, getting yourself a decent quality headset microphone is an awesome choice.

Most of them are super easy to use, generally pretty inexpensive, and they serve double duty by also helping you out with better quality when you’re using Skype or Google Hangouts day to day.

Here are the top 3 podcast headset I highly recommend you to use.

1. Sennheiser PC 8 USB – Stereo USB Headset for PC and MAC with In-line Volume and Mute Control

I love this podcast headset because it is light and comfortable. Plus, it comes with in-line volume and mute control which are definitely pluses for me.

You can check out this product on Amazon (it costs like $32+).

2. Audio Technica ATH-COM2 Stereo/dynamic Boom Mic Combination Headset

Audio Technica isn’t just selling cheap microphones for podcasting, it also offers a nice range of podcast headsets such as this one.

This headset is great because it gives a very comfortable grip when wearing it and offers very good build quality (feels expensive).

It is sold on Amazon for only $35 (purchase link).

3. Logitech High-performance USB Headset H540 for Windows and Mac, Skype Certified

This Logitech podcast headset is one of the best value for money headphone. For only $29, this is the by far the cheapest headset for podcasting and offers one of the best features.

• checkVery high build quality of the group – big and chunky (in a good way)
• checkPadded headphones and headband offer excellent feel
• checkThe microphone arm is solid, easily adjusted and kept to the side of your mouth

If you are looking for a cheap podcast headset, go for this one and you will never regret it. Check out the product page here.

Best mixer for podcasting

Mixer for podcasting isn’t cheap — but they are important podcasting equipment if you are looking for success.

Question: Why should you use a mixer for podcasting?

Answer: Using a mixer will improve your audio quality. The pre-amps will be nicer and will really help your microphone shine. Podcasters buy mixers for the advanced features/options and the control that they offer, as well as the efficiency they can bring to your recording workflow.

So, which is the best mixer for podcasting?

1. Yamaha MG10 10-Input Stereo Mixer

If you are looking for the best budget mixer for podcasting, you don’t have to look any further. The Yamaha MG10 mixer is going to serve you well.

The Yamaha MG10 is a brilliant little mixer with an amazingly quiet noise floor, especially at this price. It has features normally found only on expensive units, such as in-built compression, and it also has Aux Out so that you can run a mix-minus setup.

For $150+ on Amazon, this is definitely one of the best podcast equipment you need to have in your toolbox. Check out the product features and review here.

2. Behringer XENYX X1204USB

Behringer mixer is not your average mixer. As a matter of fact, it is one of the best mid-range mixer for podcasting, alongside Yamaha MG10 mixer.

The Behringer Xenyx 1204 is a fully featured mixer that’ll do the job for any podcaster out there that needs a lot more channels and the full set of mixer features.

You can check it out on Amazon (price tag at $179+) here.

Summary: Best Podcast Equipment

If you are serious in starting your own podcast, you should focus on getting good podcast equipment to produce the best audio experience to your audience.

Using the best microphone, mixer and podcast recording software are all equally important and you should not take lightly on.

What is your favorite podcast equipment? Share me with it using the comment form below!