Determining software and hardware
There are many different software and hardware options for people looking to develop a podcast. The first question to ask yourself is, what is your budget? The nice thing about podcasting is you don't need a high budget to get started. There are lots of inexpensive or free tools available to help you get the ball rolling.
Software
For a minimal budget
Minimal budget doesn't mean minimal quality. The software listed in this section is free (or has free options within the platform) and will allow you to get podcasting with a lower budget (without sacrificing quality).
Audacity
Audacity® is free, open source, cross-platform audio software for multi-track recording and editing. Programs like Audacity are called open source because their source code is available for anyone to study or use.
In the Creating your podcast topic, we offer a video tutorial on getting started with Audacity.
For a higher budget
Spreaker
Spreaker makes creating, uploading, and listening to podcasts easy and convenient. There is a Spreaker website, and there are also two mobile applications that make it possible to record podcasts on the go with quality audio and sound effects. While there are Pro Plans that you can pay for to enhance your experience, Spreaker offers quality free tools to get you started.
In the Creating your podcast topic, we offer a video tutorial on getting started with the Spreaker mobile applications.
If you do have resources to spare for software, we recommend checking out the following options.
Audition
Audition CC is one of the apps in the Creative Cloud suite. You are able to subscribe to only one of the apps on a monthly basis, like Audition, for US$19.99 a month. According to Adobe's website, Audition CC is a comprehensive toolset that includes multitrack, waveform, and spectral display for creating, mixing, editing, and restoring audio content.
Pro Tools
Pro Tools by Avid is a full-production and sound recording digital audio workstation (DAW). The full version of Pro Tools costs around $25 a month.
Hardware
For a minimal budget
Built-in mic on laptop
Most laptops come with a built-in microphone, and it's fine to record with them if you have zero budget. Just note that you won't get the best sound quality, and even spending $15 will get you much better sound.
Gooseneck microphone
Gooseneck microphones like the Audio Technica ATR4750 plug into your computer’s microphone input and are great for podcasting. At roughly $15, they are also great for those on a budget.
For a higher budget
Snowball microphone
The Blue Snowball mic is a great option at $100 and is a very easy mic to set up for beginners. It's one potential downside is the fact that you can't plug headphones into it, so you can't monitor your recording.
Condenser studio microphone
Condenser studio mics like the Audio-Technica AT2020 cost roughly $100 and will filter out the sound pickup from outside noises, leaving you with a reliable tool to record your podcasts.