Ultimate Budget Breakdown: How Much Does It Cost To Start a Podcast?

Starting a podcast channel in this age is one of the best ways to solidify your authority and credibility in a niche and connect with a new audience online. But in the quest to start a podcast channel, many questions will come to mind, and one of the most common ones is, 'how much will it cost to start a podcast?

Fortunately, you don't need to spend your wealth to start a podcast channel. And if you're a professional, you don't necessarily need to spend too much just to acquire the right tool.

So, if you're a novice or professional podcaster who is looking for quality budget-friendly tools to invest in, this article will walk you through the best options to acquire. And you’ll also find how much it'll cost you to acquire them. Just keep reading.

Part 1: A podcast checklist before podcasting

Podcasting is not a cost-money thing compared to starting a YouTube channel. Here is a to-do list for a successful podcast channel. We've also indicated the ones that require money and the ones that do not.

Only a few things on the podcast checklist in the table above require you to spend money. But the good news is that you don't necessarily need to spend on hosting fees and marketing when you're just starting a podcast. Instead, you can stick with the basics like a microphone, computer, and recording software for a start. Then, later on, you can invest extra money for things like marketing and improved hosting.

That said, proceed to find out how much it'll cost to invest in the basic things you need to start a podcast based on different budget packages that suit your needs.

Part 2: The Best Value Budget Package

After reviewing different podcast tools in the market, we got to find out how much it would cost to acquire a quality microphone, computer (if you don't have one), and lots more for a podcast without taking too much toll off your budget.

The table below is an estimated value of how much you could purchase different podcast tools. However, remember that these values are based on the current market pricing. We'll share more knowledge on the specific brands we believe for your need later.

Now you know how much it could cost to acquire the equipment you need to start a podcast. Next, you might want to know the specific brand worth investing your money in. So, here, you'll find the most reliable brand for each piece of equipment mentioned in the table above.

1. Microphone – Samson Q2U

The Samson Q2U microphone is one of the most efficient, durable, and affordable microphones out there that can come in handy for any podcaster, whether a novice or professional. The microphone has a simple setup and is ideally suitable for picking up vocals while rejecting too many sounds around or behind it. It can also help in handling background noise during podcast sessions.

2. Computer - ASUS VivoBook 15 or Free f you already have one

If you already have a computer, you don't necessarily need to invest your money in buying another one. However, if you don't, you can purchase a PC like ASUS VivoBook 15. The PC has perfect specs; Intel Core i3-8145U CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, Windows 10 in S Mode, F512FA-AB34.

3. Recording & editing software – Wondershare Filmora

The Wondershare Filmora is one of the best software for editing podcast videos that you'll find online, and it's beginner friendly. Even tech experts recommend this video editor. With Filmora, you can perform a wide range of recording and editing using excellent features like the following;

• Over 2000+ audio resources range from music, audio effects and much more.
• Audio Ducking to quickly eliminate background noise and unwanted sound recorded while creating podcasts.
• The shortcut key saves you time while editing podcasts.
• The keyframe tool is efficient for adding beautiful animations to podcast videos.
• Create eye-catchy podcast videos using split screen.

4. Pop filter or Windscreen - Aokeo Professional Microphone Pop Filter

The Aokeo professional Microphone pop filter is one of the best-quality pop-up filters used by many podcasters today. Moreover, it does the work smoothly.

5. Cables - MCSproaudio XLR Cable 25FT Low Z Male to Female

The MCSproaudio XLR Cable 25FT Low Z Male to Female is an efficient cable you can invest in for your podcast. It's really durable and efficient.

6. Shock Mount - Boseen Microphone Shock Mount

The Boseen microphone shock mount has some fantastic qualities that make it one of the best picks for many users. It's durable, adjustable, and practical for anti-vibration and noise.

7. Headphones - Srhythm NC25 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

Even if some people think headphone is not essential, you still need one for podcasting. Yes, it would help if you had it for hearing your voice while speaking into the microphone, and one of the best you can start with is the Srhythm NC25 Noise Cancelling Headphones.

The above podcasting items are highly recommended for novices who don't have much to start a podcast channel. But for beginners with a little more money to spend, you can invest in the following standard podcast start-up package.

Part 3: Standard Podcast Start-up Package for Novices

This standard podcast start-up package for novices is great for folks who don't have much money to spend on starting a podcast. However, some of the items we recommend here are what you already have (one of them is the mobile phone you're using now), so you might need to purchase a few items worth a few dollars.

Microphone - Razer Seiren X

The Razer Seiren X will give you the crystal-clear vocals you need to sound like a professional if you're looking for a portable microphone as a novice podcaster. Besides, it's effortless to set up.

Computer - Free (If you have one) or 2020 HP Stream 14″ HD SVA Laptop

If you have a PC, you can ignore this option. However, if you don't, one of the best affordable PCs to buy is the 2020 HP Stream 14″ HD SVA Laptop. It's a lightweight PC with good performance for essential productivity and media streaming.

Recording & Editing Software - Audacity

Audacity is one of the most popular open-source programs packed with efficient features for recording and editing audio tracks. Some features include multi-track audio and batch processing, effects, audio track, and many more. It's ideal for newbies who have little or no knowledge of editing audio.

Headphones - Monoprice Premium hi-fi DJ style

Monoprice Premium hi-fi DJ style is an impressive headset that nails it when it comes to delivering the best sounds. It has well-rendered sub-bass and low bass. Plus, the mids are pretty nice, with a big dip in the upper mids.

If you're starting a podcast, the above podcasting items are worth investing in for novices. However, if you're a professional and have more money to spend, don't worry. We've covered you with some of the best items you can purchase without regretting your decision.

Part 4: The Advanced & Professional Podcasting Package

The tools we introduced in this package are worth investing in for professional podcasters looking to manage money but still buy quality podcast gear. Many top podcasters trust these podcast equipment in the industry, and the fantastic thing is you don't have to spend much to acquire them.

1. Microphone - Shure SM7B

Shure SM7B is an industry-standard podcast mic trusted by many professional podcasters. It gives you an immaculate audio output, just like a typical podcast should sound. Honestly, you cannot be mistaken with this mic at your fingertips.

2. Headphones - Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is one extremely durable headphone that any podcaster can have. It gives you good comfort when podcasting, and its sound quality is top-notch.

3. Recording and editing software - Apple Logic Pro X and Adobe Audition

Investing in tools like Adobe Audition or Apple Logic Pro X for your recording and editing software is a decent move. Both software boasts impressive features that users can rely on to record podcast and edit it efficiently without requiring technical knowledge.

The Apple Logic Pro X is a perfect option for Mac users, while Adobe Audition is ideal for Windows users!

4. XLR cable – FetHead preamp

The FetHead Preamp is one of the best XRL cables for all podcasters. The cable appears to be very rugged and uses advanced technology that makes the audio quality very clean.

Sound treatment – Another smart move is to invest in the room you record podcasts. But if you're not prepared for that, you can use anything that can absorb the audio bouncing within the room. Carpet is one of them.

Part 5: The Ongoing Podcasting Costs (Optional)

Having discussed the upfront cost one might need to start a podcast, it's still essential we touch on the cost to keep the podcast going. The ongoing cost includes the hosting fee, transcription services, and other monthly tools.

Podcast hosting  – Buzzsprout

Buzzsprout is among the best podcast hosting services trusted by many podcasters globally. It's popularly known for its simplicity in offering podcasters, whether professionals or newbies. Plus, it boasts many optimization tools to help podcasters quickly get their podcast to the right audience. There are other podcast hosting services you can rely on, like Libsyn, Captivate, Castos, and many others.

Transcription services - Rev

Do you know transcribed podcasts reach a wider audience than podcasts without podcasts? So yes, it's a wonderful way to get your podcast to folks with hearing problems. And it's a great way to improve your podcast SEO.

You can find many podcast services online, including free and paid. Some of them include Rev.com, Scribie, Gotranscript, etc.

 Music and sound effects

To spice up your podcast, it's always advisable to add music and sound effects, either for the introduction, ending, or more. The music and sound effects you intend on using should be royalty-free. Some platforms you can use include, Pixabay, Evanto elements, etc. Also, some podcast creation and editing software like Wondershare Filmora supports royalty-free sound effects you can use in podcasts.

Artwork

For artwork, you can either design it yourself using Canvas or hire freelancers on a platform like Fiverr to find someone to help you create one at a good deal.

Conclusion

You don't need to spend your wealth just to start a podcast channel. As you can see from the article above, there are different ways to manage your resource when purchasing podcast equipment, and it does not matter whether you're a novice or a professional. So make sure you acquire the essentials before investing in the ongoing podcast costs.