Best Gear for Podcasters
Great podcast audio is the #1 thing that keeps listeners coming back. A microphone that rejects background noise, an interface with clean gain, and closed-back headphones for real-time monitoring are the three things that separate professional-sounding podcasts from amateur ones. Here is the gear that delivers, at every price point.
Budget
Under $150Plug-in-and-record simplicity with no audio interface required.
Blue Yeti
USB condenser with a gain knob and mute button on the mic — no interface, no drivers, just plug in and record. Four polar patterns for flexible mic placement.
$90
⭐ 4.6
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Closed-back monitoring headphones that prevent audio bleed into your mic during recording sessions.
$130
⭐ 4.7
Mid-Range
$150–$400XLR quality with the flexibility to upgrade each component independently.
Shure SM58
Dynamic cardioid vocal mic that rejects background noise, handling vibration, and room reverb — ideal for recording in untreated home environments.
$100
⭐ 4.8
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)
Clean preamp with phantom power, direct monitoring, and a clip indicator — the world's best-selling interface for solo podcasters.
$120
⭐ 4.7
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The standard reference headphone for hearing exactly what your listeners will hear.
$130
⭐ 4.7
Pro
$400–$700Broadcast-grade audio that matches the sound of top-tier shows.
Shure SM7B
The industry standard for broadcast and podcast audio. Dynamic capsule with air suspension isolation handles untreated rooms better than any condenser.
$360
⭐ 4.8
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen)
More headroom than the Solo — the SM7B needs clean high gain, and the 2i2 delivers it without noise.
$170
⭐ 4.7
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Closed-back monitoring that lets you catch audio problems in real time during recording.
$130
⭐ 4.7
Rode PSA1
Professional boom arm that positions the mic correctly every session and eliminates desk vibration.
$100
⭐ 4.7
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an audio interface for podcasting?
Not necessarily. USB microphones like the Blue Yeti connect directly to your computer with no interface required. However, XLR microphones (SM7B, AT2020, SM58) need an interface like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo. XLR setups generally offer better audio quality and upgradeability.
What is the best microphone for podcast recording at home?
For untreated rooms — the most common home recording environment — the Shure SM7B or SM58 are the top choices. Dynamic microphones reject background noise and room reverb that condenser mics would pick up. If your room is quiet and treated, the Audio-Technica AT2020 offers excellent detail at a lower price.
Do I need closed-back or open-back headphones for podcasting?
Closed-back headphones are required for podcast recording. Open-back headphones leak sound that will be picked up by your microphone. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Sony MDR-7506 are the two most widely used closed-back options in professional podcast studios.
What sample rate should I record my podcast at?
48 kHz is the standard for spoken-word content and podcast distribution. Recording at 44.1 kHz is also fine — most podcast hosts accept either rate. There is no audible benefit to recording a podcast at 96 kHz or higher.
Is the Shure SM7B worth it for podcasting?
Yes, if you can afford it. The SM7B produces a rich, warm broadcast sound that is difficult to achieve with cheaper microphones. It is used by Joe Rogan, Conan O'Brien, and hundreds of professional podcast studios. Its dynamic capsule also handles untreated recording spaces far better than condenser microphones.