It’s easy to fall into the trap of spending vast amounts of money on podcasting equipment. We don’t blame you. Nowadays, however, it’s not always as simple as getting what you paid for. In fact, there is a whole range of bargain podcasting equipment that will give you a serious bang for your buck.
In this guide, we walk you through the best podcasting equipment for under $100. So you’ll be recording studio-quality podcasts, for a fraction of the price, in no time.
TL;DR
Podcast Microphones for under $100
Price: $99
Why podcasters love the Audio-Technica Consumer ATR2100x:
Designed with content creators and podcasters in mind, the Audio-Technica Consumer ATR2100x ticks all the boxes. It’s versatile, durable, easy to use, and records great-sounding audio. Plus, with its USB output, you don’t need a mixer to start recording with the ATR2100x.
Specifications:
- Type: Dynamic Handheld Microphone
- Output: USB & XLR for added versatility
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid, which reduces background noise
- Frequency Response: 50 - 15,000 Hz
Other features:
- Hardwearing Metal for long-lasting durability
- Headphone jack with integrated level control so you can monitor your audio directly
- Low latency
Price: $99
Why podcasters love the Rode PodMic:
The Rode PodMic is compact and perfect for podcasting. It was built to capture speech during broadcasting and podcasting, and you can tell. Its integrated pop-filter and shock mount preserve the integrity of your audio.
Specifications:
- Type: Dynamic
- Output: XLR
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid, for reduced background noise
- Frequency Response: 50 - 13,000 Hz
Other features:
- Internal Pop Filter and dual-layer mesh reduces popping and protects your audio
- Internal Shockmount to minimize vibrations
- Quality metal construction with ceramic finish.
If you’re keen for more detail before committing to a mic, check out our guide on how to choose a podcasting microphone.
Podcasting Headphones for under $100
Price: $99
Why podcasters love the Audio-Technica ATH M40x headphones:
Affordable headphones with accurate audio monitoring, excellent sound quality, and good comfortability. A good rival to the ATH-M50x for a lower price.
Specifications:
- Type: Closed-back, dynamic, circumaural headphones
- Frequency response: 15 - 24,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 98dB
- Impedance: 35 Ohms
- Connector: 3.5 mm stereo jack
Other features:
- Collapsible design for better portability and compact storage
- Swiveling ear cups for one-ear audio monitoring
- Effective sound isolation thanks to the circumaural design
Price: $99.85
Why podcasters love the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones:
The Sennheiser HD 280 Pros provide accurate audio representation with great comfort levels for lengthy recording and editing sessions. Plus, according to Forbes, podcasting legend Joe Rogan swears by the Sennheiser HD280 Pro.
Specifications:
- Type: Closed-back, dynamic, circumaural headphones
- Frequency response: 8 - 25,000Hz
- Sensitivity: 113dB
- Impedance: 64 Ohms
- Connector: 3.5 mm stereo jack
Other features:
- Lightweight and portable thanks to their collapsible design
- Excellent comfort with soft earpads
- Durable and Robust
- Good sound isolation
If you’re keen for more guidance on choosing the best headphones for you, check out our guide to the 10 best Podcasting Headphones
Podcasting Mixers for under $100
Price: $77
Why podcasters love the Behringer Xenyx 1202FX:
The Behringer Xenyx 1202FX is a robust all-rounder that gets the job done. It offers all the functionality that a podcaster needs for a decent price. Best for podcasters who need numerous input channels.
Specifications:
- 8 input channels: 4 Mic inputs with integrated preamps and 4 Stereo Inputs
- Internal 24-bit multi-effects processor
- 1 Post Fader Aux path
- Headphone Output
- External Power Supply
Price: $88
Why podcasters love the Mackie 402-VLZ4:
This compact mixer packs a punch. The Mackie 402-VLZ4 is portable, affordable, yet still offers full features with 4 channels.
Specifications:
- 4 Channel Mixer: 2 mono microphone/line inputs
- 1 stereo line input
- 2 Onyx mic preamps
- 2-band EQ
Choosing your mixer can feel overwhelming, follow our guide to choosing the best podcast mixer for your setup.
Microphone Arms for under $100
Price: $91.40
Why the Rode PSA1 Studio Arm:
Perfect for podcasters, the Rode PSA1 Studio Arm is ultra-flexible to adapt to all recording environments and get the perfect mic positioning every time.
Features:
- 360-degree rotation for optimum mic positioning
- Velcro cable wrap to neatly tie cables and keep them out the way
- Desk clamp ranging up to 55 mm thickness
- Supports all microphones up to 1.1kg in weight
The best camera for your video podcast for under $100
Price: $69.99
Why the Logitech HD Pro is perfect for video podcasters:
The Logitech HD Pro delivers crystal clear HD quality for a great price, what’s not to love?
Specifications:
- Max Resolution: 1080p/30fps
- Mount: Universal Mount which fits laptops, desktops, and tripods
- Field of view: 78 degrees
- Focus: Autofocus
- Connection: USB to your device
- Power: 1 A battery required
Other features:
- Privacy shutter for when you don’t want to be on camera
- Light-correction which adapts to your recording environment
- In-built microphones for podcasters who don’t have their own
If you like to scope out all your options before taking your pick, read our guide to choosing the best camera for your video podcast.
Podcast Recording Software for under $100
Price: Free plan, paid plans starting from $15/month
Why podcasters love Riverside.fm:
Riverside.fm records you and your (remote) participants in full HD for studio-quality podcast every time. It’s sleek, easy to use, and is designed for podcasters. At only $7.5/month, we’d say it’s a steal.
Features:
- Record remote guests in crystal-clear audio and full HD video
- Browser-based with no need to download a separate application
- Each participant is recorded locally on a separate track for easier editing
- Local recording means your recording quality is not affected by internet connection
- Integrated Media Board for live mixing
- Progressive upload to minimize upload times and risk of data loss
- Producer & Audience modes that are automatically excluded from the recording
Final Thoughts
$100 can go a long way. As we’ve seen, investing in your podcasting setup for the long-term doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. You can record a studio-quality podcast with a small budget and reap substantial rewards.
Now we’ve seen just how many options are out there, it’s time to get your bargain podcasting starter kit together and start recording. Start by trying Riverside.fm for yourself today for free - you won’t look back.
Riverside.fm team
The Riverside.fm team gathers to write up actionable resources to help you start, create, publish, and promote your content.
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