How Much Does It Cost to Start a Podcast?
- Sam Hajighasem
- 7d
- 8 min read
Updated: 5d
Wondering how much does it cost to start a podcast? The honest answer: anywhere from $0 to several thousand dollars, depending on your gear, software, podcast hosting, and whether you outsource production. This how-to guide includes a free podcast cost calculator, realistic budgets for 2025, and money-saving tips so you can launch confidently without overspending.
Podcast Cost Calculator (Free) — Estimate Your Budget
Use this quick podcast calculator to estimate your startup costs. Group your expenses into three buckets so you always see the full picture:
Equipment (one-time): microphones, headphones, stands/boom arms, audio interface (if using XLR), webcam/camera, lighting, acoustic treatment.
Software & Services (annual or monthly): podcast hosting, recording/editing software, cloud storage, transcription, website hosting.
Optional Add‑ons: domain name, branding/artwork, marketing tools, music/SFX licenses, studio rental, contractor fees.
How to use the calculator in 3 steps
1) List what you already have vs. what you must buy now. Start lean; you can upgrade later.
2) Enter each item’s cost into the right bucket (one-time vs. monthly/annual). For subscriptions, enter the yearly total to avoid underestimating.
3) Review the Cost Summary: Equipment + Software & Services + Optional Add‑ons = Your Total Startup Cost.
Tip: If your total is higher than expected, downgrade one category at a time—start with an affordable USB microphone, choose a free editing app, and start on a free or low-cost podcast hosting plan. Then upgrade only when your show grows.
Example podcast budgets (realistic 2025 ranges)
Starter/Free-Friendly: $0–$150 one-time + $0–$15/month
What it includes: USB mic or smartphone mic, free editing software, free or entry-level podcast hosting, and no paid marketing. Good for testing an idea and releasing your first 5–10 episodes.
Serious Beginner: $300–$800 one-time + $12–$30/month
What it includes: Quality USB microphone, closed-back headphones, pop filter/boom arm, basic lighting or webcam, editing software (free or low-cost), reliable paid podcast hosting, basic domain and simple site.
Pro/Branded Setup: $1,000–$5,000+ one-time + $30–$200+/month
What it includes: Multiple mics and stands, audio interface or recorder, acoustic treatment, dedicated camera(s) and lighting, premium DAW/editor, pro-level podcast hosting with advanced analytics, website hosting, contractors (editor, designer), and a marketing budget.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Podcast in 2025? Average and Ranges
Across hobby, indie, and branded shows, the average podcast startup cost ranges from $100 to $5,000+. Your actual podcast pricing depends on format (audio-only vs. video), studio vs. remote recording, and how much of the workflow you do yourself. If you’re specifically asking “how much does it cost to start a podcast” in 2025, the good news is that free tools, budget USB microphones, and low-cost podcast hosting plans keep the entry barrier low.
If you’re still in the planning stage, you might want to read Start and Plan a Podcast: Step-by-Step Guide for 2024. It walks through concept validation, format choice, and launch prep before investing in gear.
Key drivers of podcast cost breakdown
Microphones: $0–$400 per mic
USB microphones are the best price-to-quality choice for beginners; XLR mics require an audio interface but offer more upgrade paths.
Audio Interface or Recorder (if using XLR): $80–$700
Optional for USB mics. Needed if you want studio-style control, multiple XLR mics, or on-site recording.
Headphones: $30–$200
Closed-back headphones prevent sound bleed and help with precise editing.
Camera/Webcam & Lighting (for video podcasts): $70–$2,000+
A solid 1080p or 4K webcam with soft lighting is more than enough to start.
Acoustic Treatment: $40–$500+
Foam panels, bass traps, rugs, curtains, and bookcases reduce echo; even DIY treatments help.
Podcast Hosting (monthly): free–$30+ for most indie shows
Paid podcast hosting platforms provide analytics, RSS distribution to apps, and reliability under spikes.
Editing Software: free–$300 or $10–$30/month
Choose a DAW or an all-in-one editor; free options exist for both audio and video.
Website & Domain: $10–$20/year (domain) + $0–$20/month (hosting)
Many podcast hosting platforms include a basic site; a custom site gives you more SEO control.
Contractors (editing, show notes, artwork): $0–$1,000+
Editing often takes 3–5 hours per finished hour of audio; rates vary from $30 to $100+/hour.
Studio Rental: $30–$200+/hour depending on city and amenities
Podcast Hosting Costs and Options (Free vs. Paid)
Podcast hosting is where your audio files live and from where your show’s RSS feed is distributed to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other apps. Think of it as the backbone of hosting a podcast.
Free podcast hosting: $0/month
Pros: No cost, quick to start. Cons: Limited analytics, caps on storage/episodes, ads you don’t control, or platform lock-in.
Paid podcast hosting platform: typically $12–$30+/month
Pros: Better analytics (downloads, completion rates, audience geos), more storage, episode scheduling, private feeds, dynamic ad insertion, podcast website hosting options, and customer support.
How much does podcast hosting cost per month?
Expect $0 on free plans and $12–$30/month for most indie shows. Larger catalogs, video hosting, or team features can push costs to $50+/month. If you want advanced monetization and dynamic ad insertion, budget at the higher end.
What Equipment Do You Need to Start on a Budget?
You don’t need a studio to sound good. For a beginner's podcast equipment list, start with:
USB microphone (entry level): $40–$150. The most important upgrade you can make.
Closed-back headphones: $30–$100. Monitor while recording and editing.
Pop filter/foam windscreen: $10–$30. Reduces plosives and harsh consonants.
Boom arm or desk stand: $20–$100. Consistent mic placement improves clarity.
Optional webcam and soft light: $70–$200. If recording video.
Free podcast software: options exist for recording, editing, and basic mastering.
Remote recording: use a stable, browser-based or app-based tool so internet hiccups don’t ruin audio.
USB or XLR microphone — which is better for podcasting?
USB Microphone (budget-friendly):
Pros: Plug-and-play, no audio interface needed, great value. Cons: Less upgrade flexibility than XLR. Best choice for new creators.
XLR Microphone (pro path):
Pros: Audio fidelity, long-term upgrade path, multi-mic flexibility. Cons: Requires an audio interface or recorder, higher total cost.
Bottom line: Start with a quality USB microphone. Upgrade to XLR when you need multiple in-studio hosts, more control, or studio-grade sound.
Can You Start a Podcast for Free? Yes: Here’s How
Absolutely. If you’re searching for how to start a podcast for free, you can get moving with minimal gear and free tools.
Use what you have: a quiet room, your current laptop, and—if necessary—a smartphone or laptop mic to test your concept.
Free recording/editing software: choose a reputable, no-cost app for audio-only or basic video.
Free podcast hosting: launch your RSS feed and distribute to major apps. Note the trade-offs in analytics and storage.
DIY artwork and show notes: use free design tools and templates.
Promote with organic channels: social clips, guest swaps, and newsletters. Repurpose highlights into short videos to amplify reach at no cost.
Monetization 101: How Do Podcast Owners Get Paid?
Podcast monetization can be diversified so your revenue doesn’t rely on a single source:
Host-read ads: You read the ad in your voice; trusted and high-performing. Often priced on CPM.
Dynamic ad insertion: Programmatic ads fill pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll slots automatically; scalable and passive.
Sponsorship deals: Flat-fee or hybrid (flat fee + performance bonus) for businesses aligned with your audience.
Affiliate revenue: Earn a commission for sales or leads driven by your unique link or code.
Paid subscriptions/memberships: Bonus episodes, ad-free feeds, or community perks for monthly ARPU.
Merchandise: Branded items or niche products your audience loves.
Courses, coaching, and services: Monetize your expertise beyond the episode.
Live events and workshops: Sell tickets, workshops, or VIP meetups.
Podcast CPM Calculator and Benchmarks
If you sell ads, CPM (cost per 1,000 impressions) is a standard pricing model.
CPM formula: Total Cost = (Impressions × CPM) / 1,000
Example: 100,000 impressions at $25 CPM = $2,500 campaign cost.
2025 directional CPM benchmarks (use ranges as guidance, not guarantees):
Podcast host-read ads: ~$25.00 CPM
Podcast programmatic (pre-produced): ~$15.00 CPM
YouTube: ~$7.50 CPM
Instagram: ~$0.50–$3.00 CPM
Facebook: ~$11.20 CPM
Snapchat: ~$2.95 CPM
TikTok: ~$10.00 CPM
Insights:
Host-read CPM (~$25) is roughly 66.7% higher than programmatic (~$15), reflecting the premium trust in host endorsements.
Compared with social channels, host-read podcast ads are premium inventory: >3× YouTube and ~8–50× Instagram on CPM.
Ad placement matters: Mid-roll often commands a higher CPM than pre-roll or post-roll due to higher engagement and completion.
Real outcomes vary by niche, geography, downloads-to-impressions mapping, ad load per episode, and fill rate.
How do I calculate CPM for a podcast campaign?
Use any two inputs to find the third:
Find Total Cost: Cost = (Impressions × CPM) / 1,000
Find CPM: CPM = (Total Cost ÷ Impressions) × 1,000
Find Impressions: Impressions = (Total Cost ÷ CPM) × 1,000
Practical tip: If your show averages 5,000 downloads per episode and you run two mid-rolls, your available impressions per episode might be ~10,000 (2 ads × 5,000). At $25 CPM, that’s ~$250 gross potential per episode before fees.
Smart Ways to Reduce Your Podcast Startup Cost
Stick to the essentials: A good USB microphone, closed-back headphones, and reliable podcast software beat complex gear you don’t need yet.
Value quality over quantity: One solid mic and simple lighting > piles of mediocre gear.
Buy used or refurbished: Source microphones, interfaces, or cameras at a discount from reputable sellers.
Batch recording: Record multiple episodes in one session to reduce setup time, studio rental, and editing costs.
Learn light editing: Cut minor pauses and noise yourself; outsource only advanced tasks or when you’re time-strapped.
Negotiate editing rates: Pay per finished hour or per episode; provide clear notes to reduce revisions.
Repurpose content: Turn episodes into short clips, newsletters, and blog posts for free and compound your reach.
Start with free tools: Move to paid plans only when analytics and features clearly pay back.
FAQ: Quick Answers on Podcast Costs
How much does it cost to make a podcast per episode?
If you DIY, your per-episode cash cost can be $0, excluding your time. Outsourcing changes the math: editors often need 3–5 hours per finished hour of audio; at $30–$100+/hour, a 45-minute episode can cost $90–$500+ to edit. Add show notes ($20–$100), transcription (free–$1/min), and artwork refreshes (periodic).
What equipment do I need to start a podcast on a budget?
Start with a USB microphone, closed-back headphones, a pop filter, and free editing software. If recording video, add an affordable webcam and soft light. This setup keeps your podcast setup cost low while sounding professional.
Can I start a podcast for free?
Yes. Record in a quiet room, use free software, and launch on a free podcast hosting plan. When you confirm audience fit, upgrade your mic and move to paid hosting for better analytics and reliability. Search for how to start a free podcast to follow a step-by-step plan.
How much does podcast hosting cost per month?
Free to $30+ for most indie creators. Free plans help you start; paid plans provide better analytics, support, and features like dynamic ad insertion and private feeds.
Is a USB or XLR microphone better for podcasting?
USB is best for beginners: affordable, simple, and good quality. XLR is best when you want a studio workflow, multiple mics, and maximum sound control. If you’re unsure, start USB and upgrade later.
How do podcast owners get paid?
Most start with host-read ads and sponsorships once they have consistent downloads. Layer in affiliate revenue, paid memberships, merchandise, and services. As your catalog grows, programmatic/dynamic ad insertion can add passive income.
How do I calculate CPM for a podcast campaign?
Use the formula: Cost = (Impressions × CPM) / 1,000. For example, 100,000 impressions at a $25 CPM costs $2,500. To find CPM from a quote, reverse it: CPM = (Cost ÷ Impressions) × 1,000.
Conclusion:
If you’ve been asking “how much does it cost to start a podcast,” the realistic answer is that you can launch for free or on a lean budget and scale up as you grow. Start with a quality USB mic, choose a reliable podcast hosting plan, and use our free podcast cost calculator to plan equipment, software, and add-ons before you spend. Once you’re publishing consistently, explore monetization with host-read ads, dynamic ad insertion, and sponsorships using CPM benchmarks to price confidently. Launch lean, iterate fast, and invest only where you’ll hear and measure the difference.
If you’re still weighing how much it costs to start a podcast for your setup, we’ll map a realistic podcast budget, compare podcast hosting platforms, and tailor a plan using our free podcast calculator.
