How much does podcasting cost?
$156 buys all 3 essentials.
3 priced items · checked 10 Sept 2026 · retailer prices, we earn a commission
Everything essential, cheapest sensible pick
$156
3 items, nothing rented
Against 247 hobbies
Above median
Dearer than 70% of them. Median hobby: $84.
What each thing costs
Every essential item, cheapest sensible option first. Mid-range and top picks alongside.
What you need
$156Everything you need to start podcasting. None of it is a big commitment.
Editing Software
$60This is where you clean up your audio, add music, and assemble your episodes. Many powerful options are available for free.
User-Friendly Audio Editing Software
top $200
Later, if you stay
Not needed to start. These are the upgrades that matter once the habit has stuck.
Podcasting costs more to start than 70% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median is $84.
Cost questions
How much does Podcasting cost to start?
About $156 for the 3 essential items, taking the cheapest sensible option for each.
What does each thing cost for Podcasting?
Editing Software: from $60. Headphones: from $58. USB Microphone: from $38.
Is Podcasting an expensive hobby?
Podcasting costs about $160 to start, dearer than 70% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median hobby costs $84, so this sits around the middle.
What should I buy first for Podcasting?
usb microphone, editing software, headphones — $156 together. They are the cheap half of the kit and the half you keep whatever you decide about the rest.
Hobbies that cost about the same
The 6 nearest to podcasting by startup cost, out of 247.