The Best Podcast and Livestream Gear (2020): Mics, Stands, and More

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.Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-Year Subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). 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.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. 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. 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. 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. Be sure to check whether the company makes a case for your phone model.Gear isn't the only thing you'll need to get started podcasting or livestreaming.