Hello there, fellow newbie podcaster! Are you ready to create your own podcast but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive review, I will be sharing with you the top podcasting tools that are perfect for beginners.

Microphones 🎤

One of the most important things you need for podcasting is a good quality microphone. Here are some of the best microphones that you can use:

USB Microphones

💰 Budget-friendly Pick: Blue Yeti - A popular choice among podcasters for its good audio quality and affordable price.

💵 Mid-range Pick: Audio-Technica AT2020USB+ - This is a great option for those who are willing to spend a little more for a better audio quality.

XLR Microphones

💰 Budget-friendly Pick: Audio-Technica AT2005 - This microphone can be used as both a USB and XLR microphone, making it a versatile choice for beginners on a budget.

💵 Mid-range Pick: Rode Podcaster - A professional-grade microphone that is great for voice recording and podcasting.

A microphone with a pop filter and stand on a desk

Audio Editing Software 🎧

After recording your podcast, you need to edit it to make it sound polished and professional. Here are some audio editing software options:

💰 Budget-friendly Pick: Audacity - A free and open-source audio editing software that has features for noise reduction, equalization, and more.

💵 Mid-range Pick: Hindenburg Journalist - A user-friendly audio editor that has a range of features that prioritize voice recordings.

A computer monitor showing an audio editing software user interface

Hosting Platforms 🏬

Hosting platforms are where you’ll upload your podcast so people can listen to it. Here are a few hosting platforms that are perfect for beginners:

💰 Budget-friendly Pick: Anchor.fm - A free hosting platform that not only hosts your podcast but also helps you distribute it to other platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

💵 Mid-range Pick: Simplecast - A professional hosting platform that has a user-friendly interface and offers advanced analytics.

A phone screen showing a podcast app with various podcast episodes listed

Music and Sound Effects 🎶

Music and sound effects can add depth and polish to your podcast. Here are some resources where you can get free or affordable music and sound effects:

💰 Budget-friendly Pick: YouTube Audio Library - A free collection of music and sound effects that you can use for your podcast.

💵 Mid-range Pick: AudioJungle - A website where you can purchase royalty-free music and sound effects.

A person in front of their computer listening to a pair of headphones

Show Notes and Transcription 📝

Show notes and transcriptions help improve your podcast’s discoverability and accessibility to a wider audience. Here are some resources that can help you with that:

💰 Budget-friendly Pick: Otter.ai - A free tool that uses AI to transcribe your podcast.

💵 Mid-range Pick: Descript - An audio editing and transcription software that combines the two to make it easier to create show notes.

A person taking notes with a pen and notebook, while listening to a podcast on their phone

With all of these tools at your disposal, you can create a professional-sounding and successful podcast. Happy podcasting! 🎉

A group of people recording a podcast in a studio