Want to Start a Podcast or Livestream? Here's What You Need

I'm a tall, nerdy, white man in my late twenties who obsesses over tube mics and Japanese-made Les Paul guitars, which means that even though I've never felt the need to start my own podcast or livestream, I totally thought I knew how to do it. It turns out in the years I've been outfitting my home recording studio with outboard preamps, compressors, and expensive, XLR-based microphones, companies have spent a ton of research dollars making equipment cheaper and smaller for the masses, with pretty incredible results.

I've been investigating this more-affordable frontier of digital recording and streaming gear, and the takeaway is that it's easier than ever to produce fantastic-sounding and gorgeous-looking content without spending a ton of cash. Whether you've been thinking about starting a podcast or sharing your epic Mario speed runs with the world, here's the gear you'll need to share your story.

Be sure to check out our many other guides, such as the Best Gear for Learning Music, Best Webcams, and our home-office gear recommendations.

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Updated December 2020: We've expanded our recommendations in few areas and tweaked pricing throughout.

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Before You Start

We recommend a lot of gear below, but before buy anything, think hard about what it is you want to record or livestream. Brainstorm podcast ideas! Block out stories! Think of ways to make your livestreams different from what's out there already. Whether it's just a hobby or you're serious about making this a business, good content is always going to be more important than the gear.

You'll Want a Good Computer

While it is increasingly possible to record podcasts or stream live audio on smartphones, it's often quicker, easier, and generally more professional to create and stream content on a personal computer. The good news is that it doesn't really matter if you have a PC or Mac, and the vast majority of modern laptops and desktops are more than fast enough for the audio tasks at hand.

However, if you're planning to livestream video or games from a PC, you will want a powerful computer that allows you to both play the game and run your streaming software. If you plan to record or edit video, you'll also want a speedy computer for rendering.

Here are our favorite gaming PCs right now, all of which are up to the task. If you want a MacBook, check out our guide that breaks down which is right for you. Consider also building your own PC—it requires a little more work, but you'll get the best bang for your buck. But if you're only doing audio recording and processing, any one of our favorite laptops (or really any modern computer) will do.

Audio Gear You'll Need

Audio is the most important component. Here's what you'll need to make sure your podcast or stream sounds the best, from microphones to good headphones.

Most built-in mics on headphones, phones, and laptops do the job for calls and Zoom meetings, but they're not quite as great-sounding for podcast stories or streams. The easiest way to upgrade your audio is with a USB microphone. These mics plug straight into your computer and allow you to record audio in surprisingly high fidelity given their ease of setup.

There are many good ones but also a sea of weird, off-brand models on retailers like Amazon. Steer clear of those. My favorites come from Blue and JLab Audio. Entry-level mics like the Blue Snowball ($70) and JLab Talk Go ($49) are good beginner options.

You can also approach real studio-quality sound if you spring for higher-end models like the Blue Yeti X ($170) or the Jlab Talk Pro ($149).

If you've got multiple people you're looking to record or stream at once (and you're in a Covid pod!), you'll want to buy an audio interface. These are external audio cards that plug into a computer via a USB or Thunderbolt port and allow you to use traditional non-USB microphones. They also typically have headphone jacks, so you can listen as you record.

Audio interfaces start at about $100 for one with a single channel (a single input for a microphone or instrument cable) and can cost several thousand dollars for models with dozens of inputs and other advanced features. The good news it that you don't need a super fancy one! My pick for most people is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 ($160). It's got two mic inputs, is a cool red color, and sounds good enough for nearly every application you'll find.

For mics to connect to the interface, snag yourself a Shure SM58 ($89) or SM57 ($89) (or both). These legendary, nearly bulletproof mics sound great, but you can often find them cheaper used. If you want something even fancier, check out the Shure SM7B ($399), which you'll probably recognize from many of your favorite podcasts, YouTube shows, and streams.

Another great option for recording multiple people or for outdoor locations is a field recorder. WIRED editor Michael Calore uses one to track his vocals for each week's Gadget Lab Podcast, and they sound pretty darn great.

My choice is the Zoom H4N Pro ($249), which allows you to easily adjust the gain of the mic (how loud it's recording), as well as how sensitive it is to sounds that aren't directly in front of it. You can record just what's in front of or behind the mic or enable it to record everything that surrounds it.

Many microphones come with built-in filters to help keep your P sounds from popping the mic, but if yours doesn't have one, it might be worth buying a cheap pop filter ($10) that can easily attach to a desk or mic stand. If you're a streamer, you might want to place the mic further away from your face or off to the side, pointed at your mouth—pop filters can sometimes block you from view.

A good pair of studio-style headphones will help limit mic feedback and bleed and will make you look cooler. I like the Audio Technica M50xBT ($179) because you can pair them wirelessly with your phone but also plug them into interfaces and other audio production equipment easily with the included cable. They sound great and last a long time, which is why you'll often see the standard, non-Bluetooth M50x in studios around the world.

Another option is to grab yourself a good pair of gaming headphones. They don't sound as amazing as most dedicated USB mics, but they typically have decent sound and look good if you're streaming video games. We have a guide to our current favorites.

Many USB microphones come with built-in stands, but if you're using non-USB microphones or you want to place your mic somewhere a built-in stand doesn't allow, there are a bunch of other options. If your mic isn't too heavy, try an Amazon Basics boom stand ($25). It should be more than adequate for most people.

Always recording while sitting down at a desk? There are also great mountable mic stands like this one from Neewer ($14), or this one from InnoGear ($14), which will make you feel like a radio DJ.

Video for Livestreams

Good video quality is integral to livestreaming. We've got recommendations for gear, from cameras and tripods to lighting.

The most essential part of a livestreaming kit is a good webcam. Due to the high demand from those working at home during the pandemic, they're still hard to come by.

Our favorite at the moment is the Logitech Brio 4K ($193), which has a nice wide-angle field of view and an amazingly sharp picture. We also like the Logitech C920X Pro ($70) and Razer Kiyo ($100). If you can't find a webcam you like (or one at the right price), you can also just use what you have on hand. Check out our guide on using your smartphone as a webcam.

Many people also have action cams or other, nicer photo gear. If you have a GoPro or other DSLR or mirrorless camera, you can use it as a webcam replacement—we have a guide on how to do it. Be aware that GoPro's software is a bit wonky and that DSLR and mirrorless cameras aren't always well equipped to shoot videos for this long with their sensors open. You'll want a camera the manufacturer recommends for long-form videos, like the Sony A7 II ($898).

A small tripod that can hold your camera or smartphone is essential for properly framing shots. There are many good inexpensive ones, but this kit from SmilePowo ($19) should have everything you need.

Whether shooting Instagram Live videos or the occasional review video for WIRED, I've been using and enjoying Shure's microphone and tripod kit ($249). It captures much better audio quality than your smartphone's built-in microphone and comes with a nifty tripod, so you can plop it somewhere on your desk.

This works only with iPhones and certain Android phones. I haven't had any trouble with my Google Pixel 4, but be sure to check that it's compatible with whatever you're using before you buy one. This kit is also great for live podcasts or outdoor video streams.

A couple of LED lights can be the difference between a beautiful stream and an ugly one. Quality lights can be spendy, but this one from Viltrox ($44) comes recommended by WIRED deals contributor Brad Bourque. WIRED associate editor Julian Chokkattu also recommends the Boling P1 ($150).

If you're looking at other light options, make sure it has a temperature and brightness adjustment, not just one or the other. If it includes diffusers (for spreading and shaping light) or batteries (for portable use), that's a plus.

Everyone at WIRED (and nearly all fellow gear nerds we've met) are big fans of Moment's phone cases and lenses. They're not always cheap, but they can really take the images you're getting on a smartphone to the next level. If you're shooting a podcast with a static shot, or find yourself using an old phone as a camera, the wide-angle lens is a good way to get everything in the scene. They're also helpful for on-the-go streams.

Moment lenses require a Moment case on your phone, but the company only supports the top brands like Apple, Google, OnePlus, and Samsung. Be sure to check whether the company makes a case for your phone model.

Try These Apps and Tutorials

Gear isn't the only thing you'll need to get started podcasting or livestreaming. Check out these apps. We've also rounded up some of the best YouTube tutorials we could find to help.

• Open Broadcaster Software for Streaming (free): If you're looking to stream to Twitch, YouTube, or nearly any other platform, free streaming software OBS is the industry standard. The open source software is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux and is sponsored by Twitch, Facebook, and Nvidia, among other big-name brands.

• Audacity (free): From GarageBand to Pro Tools, there are many great digital audio workstations to record audio with. But the best free option for most beginner podcasters and streamers is Audacity. It's got everything you'll need to edit and upload audio, plus an easy-to-use interface.

YouTube is a great free resource. Here are a few places to get started, but feel free to search the platform for videos that might help.

• How to Use OBS

• How to Use Audacity

• How to Improve Lighting

• How to Record Phone Calls

• How to Start a Podcast

• How to Upload a Podcast

• How to Stream on Your Gaming PC

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