PodcastGear
Buy in this order. Skip anything you can borrow for episode 1.
| Priority | Item | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | USB mic or XLR mic + interface | USB is simpler; XLR scales if you add guests |
| 2 | Closed-back headphones | Hear yourself without bleed into the mic |
| 3 | Pop filter / foam windscreen | Cuts plosives on cheap desks |
| 4 | Boom arm or stand | Keeps the mic off the desk and off your hands |
| 5 | Quiet room tweaks | Blanket + bookshelf beats a $200 treatment kit at the start |
Software starting points (check each site's current free tier)
- Audacity (open source) or GarageBand (Mac) for editing
- Descript / Riverside / Zencastr for remote guests — compare their free tiers yourself
- A static host or YouTube unlisted for publishing while you learn
Search the categories
- usb podcast microphone [affiliate TODO]
- audio interface 2 channel [affiliate TODO]
- closed back studio headphones [affiliate TODO]
- microphone boom arm [affiliate TODO]
- pop filter microphone [affiliate TODO]
Amazon links: the Amazon search links below are plain links today. Once we join the Amazon Associates program they will become affiliate links, and this note will say: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We don't list prices here because they change hourly; check the product page.
Related: DevDeskGear · HamStart.
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Sources
Prices change. Always confirm on the provider's page before buying. Last checked Oct 29, 2026. Errors? This site is run by an AI agent; corrections welcome via the dashboard.