The Podcast Equipment I Actually Use (And What to Upgrade When You’re Ready)
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
You Don’t Need Fancy Equipment to Start a Podcast: Podcast Equipment for Beginners
If you’ve been putting off starting a podcast because you think you need expensive equipment, a soundproof studio, or a full production team, let me stop you right there. Most podcasters don’t start with fancy gear, and honestly? You don’t need it to begin.
You can absolutely record a podcast using tools you already have, like Zoom and the built-in microphone on your computer. That’s how many podcasts get off the ground and it works. If you’re just starting out, the most important thing isn’t your equipment, it’s your voice, your message, and your consistency. (I even put together a free resource that walks you through getting started with what you already have, so you don’t overcomplicate it.)
This blog isn’t about convincing you to buy everything on day one. Think of it as a “when you’re ready to upgrade” guide. When podcasting starts to feel aligned, exciting, and supportive of your business goals, these are the tools I personally use, podcast equipment for beginners, and what I recommend to level things up (when you're ready) without unnecessary overwhelm.
With over 100 episodes of my marketing podcast, Go Get Great, I’m living proof that podcasting works when you focus on showing up, sharing value, and growing at your own pace. Let’s start simple and build from there.
If we haven't met yet, I’m Brittany, an online marketing strategist for female entrepreneurs. I teach women how to make their entrepreneurial dreams a reality through smart, actionable marketing strategies that get them seen, loved, and paid. Whether you’re eager to DIY your way to success or hire professionals to help you along the way–my goal is to make sure you walk away with the clarity you need to see the results you desire and build a life you love.
Table of Contents
Start Where You Are: The Free & Simple Podcast Setup
Let’s normalize this: Zoom + your laptop microphone is a totally valid way to start a podcast. You don’t need a mixing board, a closet full of foam panels, or a tech degree to press record.
In the early stages, clarity, consistency, and confidence matter far more than audio perfection. Listeners connect with what you’re saying, not whether your sound is studio-level. The biggest mistake I see is waiting to feel “fully ready” before starting. That delay costs more growth than any less-than-perfect audio ever will.
If you want a simple, no-overwhelm way to get started, I created Launch Your Podcast With Confidence, a free checklist that walks you through the tech, strategy, and decisions you actually need to hit publish without overwhelm.
Here’s your permission slip: imperfect action beats perfect equipment every time. Start where you are, build confidence as you go, and upgrade only when it actually supports your goals and not because you feel like you “should.”
When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Podcast Setup
At some point, your podcast starts asking for a little more support and that’s a good thing. Upgrading your setup isn’t about chasing perfection; it’s about making the process easier, more consistent, and more aligned with how you’re using your content.
You might be ready to upgrade if you’re noticing things like:
You want clearer audio that sounds more polished
You’re repurposing episodes into video clips or reels
You’re hosting guest interviews more regularly
You’re using your podcast to build authority and trust in your brand
This is where intentional upgrades make sense. A starter upgrade might simply improve sound quality and reduce background noise without changing your workflow.
A more professional setup can support higher production value, better video angles, and a smoother recording experience overall but it still shouldn’t feel complicated or overwhelming.
The goal isn’t to create a studio that stresses you out. The goal is to choose tools that support ease, save time, and help you show up confidently. If your equipment starts to feel like a barrier instead of a support system, it’s a sign you’ve gone too far or too fast.
Upgrade when it helps you stay consistent, not when it adds more to your mental load.
My Actual Podcast Equipment Setup (What I Personally Use & Recommend)
Once you’re ready to upgrade, this is the exact setup I use for my own podcast. Nothing fancy for the sake of being fancy, just tools that make recording smoother, audio clearer, and content easier to repurpose.
I’m a big believer in practical upgrades that support consistency, not overwhelm. That’s why I’ve grouped everything below by purpose, so you can pick what makes sense for your stage.
Audio Essentials
Your audio quality is the one place where upgrades make the biggest difference especially if you’re using your podcast to build authority.
Audio-Technica Microphone - This is my go-to mic for clear, professional sound without needing a complicated setup. It delivers consistent quality and holds up well as your podcast grows.
Scarlett Interface - You’ll only need this if you’re using an XLR microphone or want more control over your audio levels. It’s great for podcasters who are ready for a more “studio-style” setup but not required for everyone.
USB Microphone Option - If you don’t want to deal with interfaces or extra cords, a USB mic is a solid middle ground. Plug it in, hit record, and you’re good to go.
Pop Filter - Small upgrade, big difference. This helps reduce harsh sounds and makes your audio smoother with almost no effort.
Headphones (Optional) - Not required, but incredibly helpful for catching background noise or audio issues while recording. I personally love using headphones for editing and longer recording sessions.
You can see my podcast setup wasn't studio 'aesthetic' but these audio essentials helped us publish professional sounding episodes each week.
Visual + Recording Setup
If you’re recording video podcasts or repurposing clips for social media, this setup matters more than you think.
Oversized Ring Light - Good lighting instantly improves video quality. This one helps prevent shadows and harsh lighting, which makes a huge difference on camera.
Laptop Stand - This is about more than posture. A better angle means better eye contact, more confidence, and a more polished look on screen.
Tripod + Phone Mount - If you record on your phone, this setup is hands-down the best I’ve used. Stable, flexible, and perfect for video podcasting or short-form clips.
Sound Quality Boosters
You don’t need a professional studio to sound good but your space does matter.
Soundproofing Tiles - These help reduce echo and background noise, especially if you’re recording in a home office or shared space.
Room setup often matters more than expensive gear. A quiet space, soft furnishings, and basic soundproofing can dramatically improve your audio without upgrading everything else.
Editing Tools
CapCut (Video Editing) - This is my favourite tool for editing podcast clips and video episodes. It’s user-friendly, powerful enough for growth-stage creators, and perfect if you want polished content without a steep learning curve.
Choose tools that support your workflow, not complicate it. You don’t need everything on this list but when you’re ready to upgrade, these are options I genuinely use and trust.
This post contains a few affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share tools I personally use and recommend.
Why Your Setup Should Grow With Your Podcast
One of the biggest mistakes I see new podcasters make is feeling like they need to buy everything upfront. A complicated setup won’t make your podcast more successful, it usually just creates pressure and procrastination.
Your podcast is meant to grow with you, not demand perfection from day one.
Many podcasts start audio-only. Then, as confidence builds, you might add video. Later, you may want short-form clips for social media, guest interviews, or higher-quality recordings to support authority-building content. Each phase comes with different needs and your equipment should support that evolution, not jump ahead of it.
The key is tying your setup to your business goals, not aesthetics. If your goal is consistency, simplicity matters most. If your goal is visibility or content repurposing, video and lighting upgrades make sense. And if your goal is long-term authority, investing in better audio and systems becomes worth it.
When your gear matches your stage and strategy, podcasting feels easier, not heavier and that’s how momentum actually builds.
Podcasting as a Business Tool (Not Just Content)
Podcasting isn’t just another content box to check, it’s been one of the most powerful tools in my business. With over 100 episodes of Go Get Great, the podcast has helped me build authority, nurture trust, and connect with my audience in a way short-form content simply can’t. It allows me to show up fully, share deeper conversations, and support my brand long after an episode goes live.
If you want a closer look at how podcasting supports visibility and long-term growth, I’ve linked a few episodes where I break down podcast strategy, authority-building, and how to use your show as part of a bigger marketing plan and not just a standalone project.
And here’s the most important reminder: consistency will always matter more than perfection. Clear audio, a simple setup, and showing up regularly will take you much further than waiting for the “perfect” mic, camera, or studio. When you treat your podcast like a strategic business asset and not just content, you start seeing results that actually last.
When You Don’t Want to DIY Any of This
Podcasting sounds fun until you’re buried in editing files, troubleshooting tech, writing show notes, and figuring out where everything actually gets published. For a lot of business owners, the behind-the-scenes work drains the energy that made them want to start a podcast in the first place.
That’s where support makes all the difference.
If you’re just getting started and want everything set up the right way from day one, my Done-for-You Podcast Launch handles the tech, strategy, and structure so you can focus on recording with confidence.
And if you already have a podcast or want one without adding more to your plate my Monthly Podcast Management Service is designed to take the heavy lifting off your hands. Editing, scheduling, publishing, and all the details in between are handled for you, so your podcast actually supports your business instead of becoming another task.
Your podcast should help you grow your brand, not turn you into a full-time producer.
With my Podcast Management Service, you get a streamlined, stress-free system where all you have to do is press record and show up as yourself. I handle the rest, making sure your episodes are polished, published, and working behind the scenes to support your visibility and growth.
If you’re ready to make podcasting feel simple, sustainable, and aligned with your business goals, Explore podcast management support and see what effortless podcasting can actually look like.
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