If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, you’ve probably asked the same question thousands before you have:
“How much does it cost to create a podcast?”
Here’s the good news — launching a podcast doesn’t require selling a kidney.
In fact, you can sound professional for less than what most people waste on unused tech.
After helping podcasters for more than two decades, including hobbyists who later turned their show into revenue streams, I can confidently say:
Podcasting isn’t expensive — confusion is.
Let’s break it down realistically, based on budget, goals, and what actually matters.
The Biggest Cost Mistake New Podcasters Make
Before talking dollars, here’s the trap I see people fall into over and over:
They buy gear before knowing what they’re going to talk about.
I once had a client who spent thousands of dollars on cameras, lighting, and mics — but he still didn’t know his topic. He was trying to buy success instead of planning it.
Another popular consultant used to recommend preconfigured gear kits that were honestly overkill for most podcasters — nice equipment, wrong person.
So before we talk equipment, remember:
Content drives the podcast — gear supports it.
How Much Does Audio Podcasting Cost? (Short Answer: Under $100 to Start)
For most new hobbyists, audio-only podcasting is the best, most affordable way to start.
Here’s a solid beginner setup:
Microphones
- Samson Q2U — under $100
Great sound, USB or XLR, simple, reliable.
OR
- RØDE PodMic USB — under $200
A step up in presence and versatility.
Editing Software
- Audacity — free
- Hindenburg — $15/month, user-friendly and great for spoken word
Hosting Platform
- Captivate or Buzzsprout There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to podcast hosting.
I do not recommend free hosting.
You truly get what you pay for — your brand deserves reliability, analytics, and support.
Total Startup Cost for Audio Only
As low as $100 if you use the Samson Q2U and Audacity.
Pretty reasonable, right?
How Much Does Podcasting With Video Cost? (Answer: It Can Get Pricey Fast)
Video sounds exciting — until you see the bill.
Here’s how quickly things escalate:
- Use your phone? Free-ish.
- Upgrade to DSLR camera? Around $1,000.
- Add a decent shotgun mic? Another $500.
- Professional 3-point lighting? Budget $500.
The choice becomes:
How professional do you want to look?
If you’re a solo show just starting out, audio-only is often smarter and significantly cheaper.
When you join the School of Podcasting you get 5 hours of one on one coaching per month. We can have a quick coaching call, look at your budget, and come up with a customized plan for your equipment.
Ongoing Monthly Podcast Costs Most Beginners Miss
Beyond launch, expect:
- Media hosting
- Email marketing platform
- Optional editing or transcription tools
You’re typically looking at:
$20–$50 per month for a basic, healthy podcast operation.
That’s less than a dinner out — but it gives you analytics, distribution, listener communication, and a professional presence.
Remember yo ucan start small and add things as needed.
The Two Most Expensive Podcasting Mistakes
After working with hundreds of podcasters, the priciest errors I see are:
Buying gear you don’t need
Example:
Purchasing a lavalier mic even though you’re not doing video.
What you really needed was a dynamic microphone.
Buying the Blue Yeti because it was “easy”
It’s popular, but poorly used in untreated rooms.
People get it home and say, “Why do I sound like I’m in a bathroom?”
Again — confusion is costly.
The Best Investment Most Podcasters Ignore
Here’s what saves podcasters the most money:
Coaching and education.
Inside the School of Podcasting, every student gets five hours of coaching per month.
That means I help you:
- Clarify your goals
- Choose the right gear for your situation
- Avoid wasting money
- Create a custom buyer’s guide for your needs
A $200 microphone mistake avoided? Coaching just paid for itself.
So, What Does It Really Cost to Create a Podcast?
Audio-only
Start for under $100, sustain it for $20–$50/month
Podcast + Professional Video
$1,000–$2,500+ depending on upgrades
But here’s the truth no one writes on their Amazon cart:
Podcasting isn’t expensive — ignorance is.
You don’t need more gear, you need more clarity.
If you start small, learn as you go, and let your content lead the gear decisions…
You’ll sound professional without overspending.
Final Thought: It’s Not the Gear — It’s the Content
A polished microphone won’t fix a confusing message.
The highest-resolution video in the world won’t make your listeners care unless your content does.
So if you’re a new hobbyist podcasting with a dream of maybe monetizing later, remember:
Start with what matters: your idea, your voice, and a simple mic.
Everything else can grow with you.
