Long gone are the days when you have to keep your eyes glued to the clock and wait for your favorite talk show on the radio to come on air. The trouble to keep the radio working, tune in to a suitable frequency, and adjust the antennas are nullified with the technological advancements.
In this modern era, you need not wait for your show. You can play the entire series any time you want, irrespective of the location. Pause it when you have work and resume again.
Podcasting has given a new definition of broadcasting. Unlike the radio, in which you had to listen to your show of choice and finish its entire season, the whole scenario flips when Podcasting is concerned.
It provides the listeners their freedom to listen to it and enjoy it whenever they want.
With fewer resources in need, you can develop amazing content to target your audience’s pinna.
However, to create the best podcast, you need to have the right type of device. While there are many devices available for use, computers are the best of all. You need not point out an expensive computer for your purpose.
The one with useful features and an affordable price will do the job. In this article, we will help you find the best computer for Podcasting that will enable you to come up with the best podcast series and make a big name in the market.
- 1 – HP 17.3 i5-8265U – Best Overall
- 2 – Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Budget option
- 3 – Acer Aspire 5 – The cheapest
- 4 – New Apple MacBook Pro – Best MacBook
- 5 – – Best 2 in 1 option
- 1 – New Apple iMac Pro – Best overall
- 2 – Skytech Blaze II – Budget option
- 3 – Dell Inspiron 7975BLK-PUS – The Cheapest
- 4 – Dell XPS 8930 – Best Tower Desktop
- 5 – HP Pavilion 27-d0080 – Best All in One Desktop
Check below the Full Review of each selection and the Buying Guide.
How to Choose the best computer for Podcasting?
Since the computer is the crucial equipment for recording your podcasts, it must be of top-notch quality. By saying this, we don’t mean that you should go for the top-end ones.
There are certain features that you need to consider while choosing any type of computer to start Podcasting. These features determine how good the computer will be in the long run and what DAW is suitable for it.
Hence, to pick out the best of all, refer to the section below. In this section, all your doubts will be clarified, and you will be able to get a good picture of how different computer elements affect your Podcasting.
Ram and CPU Importance
The computer holds some amount of data in its memory while processing, like the way your brain functions. This data in the memory is known as the Random Access Memory or RAM.
Not every data is stored in RAM. There is some amount stored in the hard disk and has to be retrieved to process it. While retrieving consumes a bit of time, your computer, especially the laptop of the desktop’s processor, waits for the entire retrieving process to finish.
A computer with lower RAM can lead to a considerable delay in processing, which can unnecessarily delay your work. Hence, it is always advisable to look for a computer that has higher RAM.
Higher RAM comes in handy, mostly while Podcasting, because a significant amount of data is present in the memory, and hence your work gets done faster.
The CPU or Central processing unit, on the other hand, is the most crucial device that has to be considered. Technically, the CPU is responsible for all the processing work related to the computer. If you opt for a CPU that works faster, it will yield high performance and operate smoothly.
Also, look for CPUs that have multi-core processors. With several processors, you will be able to multitask on your laptop or desktop. To come up with an incredible podcast, multi-core processors are a must in the computer’s CPU.
Latency Matters
How would you feel if you hear the audio 30 seconds after pressing the play button? Not happening, right? This time-lapse is the result of having a computer that has high latency. Confused about this term? Hang in there!
Latency is a term that is frequently used by podcast and video creators. It is the time between the input of any signal and its output. In a layman’s language, when you speak any word on your microphone, the time it takes to reach the monitor from the instant you speak is latency.
If you are hunting for the best laptop for Podcasting, then opt for the one that offers low latency and gives the output in less than 20 ms. If this time limit exceeds, your audience will know the difference and won’t be too interested in listening to you because ‘latency matters.’
Audio Hardware and Microphone
What good is a podcasting computer without enough ports to connect your microphone and other audio hardware?
Since Podcasting is all about speaking and sharing your views on specific topics with the audience, you need to put your hands on devices that deliver quality audio with no malfunctioning.
Hence, search for high-quality audio hardware or microphone and connect it with your computer to communicate with the audience better.
Screen size and GPU
The screen size and GPU play a significant role when it comes to Podcasting. A podcast is an audio clip, but what if you want to convert it into a video file?
To do so, a Graphics Processing unit comes into play. When complemented with a widescreen, the editing becomes effortless, and if you wish to convert your podcast into a video, the GPU will make it a cakewalk for you.
What else you can use the podcasting computer?
When you invest in a podcasting computer, you get a powerful device with which you can do several things. Rather than listening to your favorite podcast, the device can support gaming, entertainment, music, and video editing. Moreover, you can create your own podcasts edit them end even indulge in video podcasting. Let us get into the details.
- Creating and listening to a podcast
You can create your own podcast and listen to any podcast you want. Just connect a mic with the laptop and start recording it.
- Video podcasting
With the powerful specifications, you can perform video recording, editing by downloading the respective software and present video podcasts.
Digital Audio Workstation Consideration (DAW)
When creating a podcast, you need to record your audio, process it, and finally edit to bring out the final product. While this entire process sounds very daunting, software like DAW makes it a breeze.
Digital Audio Workstation or DAW is one of the significant factors that affect your choice of computer. You might be having all the other supplies to make a podcast, and if you don’t have DAW, you lack the most prominent component.
You can opt for your favorite DAW from the several DAWs available in the market to convert your ideas into mesmerizing music and allure the audience to listen to you.
Pro Tools 12 for Pro Users
If you are a Pro user, then you might be eagerly waiting for its up-gradation. Pro Tools 12 is the latest version of Pro Tools that has appeared. It eases your sound enhancement and other tasks to a significant extent.
You can have an enhanced podcasting experience by using its multiple touch features and controlling everything while walking around. This latest version of Pro Tools also has a new pricing plan to suit your convenience and provide you an incredible podcasting experience.
Audacity for Beginner or amateur podcaster
If you are a newbie in Podcasting, you should know that various audio-editing software is available. Out of all those, Audacity is the versatile one. What makes it different from others? We have excellent answers to justify its versatility.
- It provides you with a clean interface for audio-editing and has many features, functions, and effects to help you develop interesting audio.
- You can edit multitrack audio effortlessly by using Audacity.
- Irrespective of which device and operating system you use, you can access Audacity with ease.
- You don’t need additional plugins to edit your audio tracks. Audacity has everything that you look for during audio editing.
- You might have to pay a fee to use any other audio-editing software, but Audacity offers free services to its customers.
Other tools for consideration
While there are several podcasting tools and software available for your exploitation, there are some that we have shortlisted for you. If you want an effortless podcasting session that wins everyone’s heart, look at the list provided below.
- Bitwig Studio
- Pro Tools
- Logic Pro X
- Studio One
- Cubase pro
- FL Studio
- Mixcraft Pro Studio
Laptop or Desktop for Podcasting – which one?
Both these devices are equally suitable for Podcasting. However, there are certain features where they differ. To know which computer you should opt for, we have listed the pros and cons of both. Hence, refer to the pointers and then decide which one you want to go with.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using A Laptop
Advantages
- The laptop is portable and user-friendly.
- It is lightweight and has a compact setup that doesn’t need you to carry different parts separately.
- Once you charge a laptop, you can use it for up to 12 hours or even more at a stretch.
Disadvantages
- Laptops are expensive because of their extraordinary features and setup.
- Upgradation is not too feasible on this device.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using A Desktop Setup
Advantages
- Upgrading the different components on a desktop setup is quite feasible.
- It is less expensive than its counterpart.
- It has a long life and better damage protection against rough usage.
- You can connect more devices on a desktop because more ports are available.
Disadvantages
- You cannot carry the entire desktop setup from one place to another.
- While the laptop is compact and fits anywhere, you need to have a dedicated place for the desktop.
- It is heavier than the other device.
Minimum & Recommended System Requirements for Podcasting
Now that you have decided which device to go with, let’s now focus some light on its technical features to get a better insight.
By knowing these minimum and recommended system requirements, you will be able to decide whether the device you are opting for is a perfect fit or not.
Minimum System Requirements
- CPU: Intel Core i3
- RAM: 8 GB
- Battery: 5 Hours minimum
- Storage: 256 GB HDD
Recommended System Requirements
- CPU: Intel Core i7
- RAM: 16GB
- Battery: 12 hours minimum
- Storage: 512 GB minimum and SSD is ideal
Best Laptop Computer for Podcasting
Image | Name | Fatures | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|
HP 17.3 i5-8265U |
| Check On Amazon | |
Microsoft Surface Pro 7 |
| Check On Amazon | |
Acer Aspire 5 |
| Check On Amazon | |
New Apple MacBook Pro |
| Check On Amazon | |
HP Spectre 15t |
| ||
1- HP 17.3 i5-8265U – Best Overall
Processor: 8th Gen Intel Core i5
Ram: 32 GB DDR4
Storage: 1 TB SSD
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 620
Display: 17.3″ HD+ 1600X900
HP’s incredible model with the 8th Gen Intel Core processor is the first one on our list. What makes it a good laptop for Podcasting? It is the 17.3″ HD WLED backlit display that makes everything effortless for you.
With this model within your reach, you can have the best podcasting experience and will enjoy Podcasting. It has a storage capacity of 1024GB SSD and has 32GB RAM.
Another best thing about this model is that you get 2 USB Ports and 1 jack to plug in the audio hardware. The operating system is Windows 10, which is the recent version and hence makes it the best laptop for podcast editing.
It is black in color and hence matches your working station aesthetics well. There are many more benefits associated with this laptop that genuinely makes it the perfect podcasting laptop.
Pros
- The keyboard is very responsive and has full size with island style.
- It has a high memory speed of 3.9GHz.
- It has two power sources, which are Lithium Batteries and AC.
- There are stereo speakers with HD audio quality.
Cons
- It can be a bit out of budget.
- The battery life is short.
2- Microsoft Surface Pro 7 – Budget option
Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i5
Ram: 8 GB DDR4
Storage: 128 GB SSD
GPU: Intel Iris Plus Graphics
Display: 12.3″ Touch-Screen (2736 x 1824)
If you are searching for a laptop that fits your budget and has a visually appealing look, no other laptop can compete with Microsoft Surface Pro 7. This laptop is the best budget laptop for Podcasting and provides you everything that you want.
It is another incredible model that has many excellent features that many podcasters look for. The 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB RAM make this laptop cum tablet an excellent device for doing all your tasks.
With its appealing platinum color, this laptop is being opted for by many and has been experiencing high demand. Since it is budget-friendly and classy, nobody wants to lose it.
Pros
- It is lightweight and has an ultra-slim body.
- It offers multiple connection ports and jacks for an effortless connection and usage.
- Provides the required ease of working as it can be used both as a laptop and a tablet.
- Incredible battery life of up to 10.5 hours.
Cons
- It has less RAM and hence, can delay your work.
- The display screen is small.
3- Acer Aspire 5 – The cheapest
Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i5
Ram: 8 GB DDR4
Storage: 256 GB SSD
GPU: Vega 3 Mobile Graphics
Display: 15.6″ Full HD (1920 x 1080)
For those looking for the cheaper options or the newbie podcasters who don’t want to spend much until they brush up their skills, Acer Aspire 5 is the best option. It is the best cheap laptop for Podcasting that anyone could ever lay their hands on.
Even though this model is cheaper, it has some of the best features to offer you. If you notice the display screen, it is 15.6 inches wide and has an LED-backlit IPS display.
Besides the display, it has a backlit keyboard that enables you to complete your work even in the dark because you can clearly see all the keys and won’t fumble. The operating system is Windows 10, which is another cherry on top of the cake.
Pros
- It is cheap and feasible.
- It has an HD Webcam that enables you to make high-quality videos.
- It has multiple ports and jacks.
- There is an excellent security option here that can read the user’s fingerprints to unlock the system.
Cons
- It has a low battery backup.
- The internal components cannot be upgraded.
4- New Apple MacBook Pro – Best MacBook
Processor: 9th Gen Intel Core i7
Ram: 16 GB DDR4
Storage: 256 GB SSD
GPU: Vega AMD 4 GB Radeon Pro 5300M
Display: 16-inch (3072×1920)
Who doesn’t want to own a MacBook Pro, which is the most decorated product of Apple? If you are excited to use a MacBook for Podcasting and are looking for the best MacBook for Podcasting, your search ends here.
Everything is good about this laptop and whatever you will find here is less to describe this masterpiece in words. Be it the screen that is 16 inches wide or the storage, which is an ultra-fast SSD. Every element in this MacBook is worth paying.
With a RAM of 16 GB and a 9th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, this MacBook smoothens your podcasting experience, and you feel like uploading one every alternate day.
Pros
- This device comes with six speakers, and the woofers have force-canceling properties.
- The display screen is 16 inches wide and has a retina display.
- There are Touch ID and Touch Bar present on this MacBook.
- It has a storage capacity of 8TB SSD.
Cons
- It is quite heavy.
- It can be quite over the budget.
5- – Best 2 in 1 option
With an operating system of Windows 10 and a 15.6 inches wide screen, HP Spectre is the last option on our list but don’t mistake it to be the least. It has Intel Core i7 Processor and hence works very fast and smoother.
The RAM is 16GB and an excellent touchpad that enables you to work effortlessly on this laptop. It also includes a microSD card reader and has an internal storage space of 1TB SSD, which is relatively high.
It is a beautiful piece that a podcaster can have because it offers crisp audio that is essentially required for Podcasting and the visuals are incredible.
Pros
- It is an excellent laptop in terms of connectivity.
- It has a sleek yet durable design.
- It comes with a 3 year warranty period.
- It can be used both as a computer and a tab.
Cons
- It is quite expensive.
Best Desktop Computer for Podcasting
Image | Name | Fatures | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|
Apple iMac Pro |
| Check On Amazon | |
Skytech Blaze II |
| Check On Amazon | |
Dell Inspiron 7975BLK-PUS Desktop |
| Check On Amazon | |
Dell XPS 8930 |
| Check On Amazon | |
HP Pavilion 27-d0080 |
| Check On Amazon | |
1- New Apple iMac Pro – Best overall
Processor: Intel Xeon W Processor
Ram: 32 GB DDR4
Storage: 1 TB SSD
GPU: 8 GB AMD Radeon Pro Vega 56 graphics
Display: 27-inch (5120X2880)
Here comes the showstopper, Apple iMac Pro, with its sleek and incredible 27-inch wide desktop screen and bright retina display. It is the best desktop computer for Podcasting that you can have. With its 32 GB RAM and 1Tb SSD storage, this computer excels everywhere.
iMac Pro has a CPU Model of XEON X5560 that runs smoothly and enables you to do multiple tasks simultaneously. The graphics are compelling, and this device is made to cater to all your needs.
You will be surprised to know that there are 18 cores in the processor that make it the best podcasting computer that anyone can ever think of. Be it the graphics or the display, iMac shines everywhere.
Pros
- It has an incredible speed of 4.5GHz.
- The design is modern and sleek, which gives it a classy appearance.
- Large storage capacity of 512GB.
Cons
- It is quite expensive.
2- Skytech Blaze II – Budget option
Processor: Ryzen 5 2600
Ram: 8 GB DDR4
Storage: 500 GB SSD
GPU: 6GB GTX 1660 Ti
Display: Depends on the monitor of choice
Are you searching for the best PC for Podcasting that fits your budget and needs but having a hard time? Then you need to trust us and leave behind all your worries!
SkyTech Blaze II is one of its kind and is a Gaming PC that is small yet mighty. Since it is a gaming PC, you can rely on it for your podcasting needs. It is fast and smooth and will enable you to work efficiently.
It is made from high-quality materials that make it highly durable against wear and tear. The graphics and color schemes are unique and will provide you an incredible experience. It has a storage capacity of 500GB SSD and 8GB RAM.
Pros
- It has 3 units of 120mm ring fans to maximize the airflow.
- The speed of this device is 3.4 GHz.
- There are a total of 6 USB ports for your convenience.
- It comes with a 1 year warranty period.
Cons
- Some tasks may require you to insert additional graphic cards.
3- Dell Inspiron 7975BLK-PUS – The Cheapest
Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7
Ram: 8 GB DDR4
Storage: 512 GB SSD
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 630
Display: Depends on the monitor of choice
Dell is known for its incredible desktop models, and this model on our list is one of its best. It has an Intel Core i7 processor and hence is very fast.
It is very reliable, and once you use it, you won’t ever let go of it. For Podcasting, this PC is one of the best and also the cheapest one on this list. To create your podcasts most affordably, you can always count on this desktop.
The visuals are very sharp and precise. You can edit all your audio and video files effortlessly using its widescreen, and you can multitask at the same time smoothly. It has up to 2GB of graphics and allows you to bring your dreams into the real world.
Pros
- You get a hard drive with a storage capacity of 1Tb.
- You can upgrade the components here to yield high performance.
- The CPU speed of this model is 4.8GHz, which makes it lightning fast.
- It has 5 USB ports enabling you to connect multiple hardware.
Cons
- It cannot edit heavy graphic videos like 8k.
- It has no display ports.
4- Dell XPS 8930 – Best Tower Desktop
Processor: 8th Gen Intel Core i7
Ram: 16 GB DDR4
Storage: 256 GB SSD and 2 TB HDD
GPU: 4 GB GeForce GTX 1650
Display: Depends on the monitor of choice
What is the most crucial need while opting for a podcasting system? It is the quality of sound that matters the most. Dell XPS 8930 reduced that uncertainty as it offers crisp audio with precise graphics.
Since it has a speed of 3.60GHz, it works efficiently, and you can effortlessly multitask on this computer. There is much more to it that will blow your mind.
It has external speakers that give out an incredible sound that is loud and clear. Besides, it yields the best performance, which gets reflected through your work.
Pros
- This device is super silent and smooth.
- It enables you to work at whatever speed you wish and allows you to multitask.
- There are a total of 11 USB ports, which is incredible.
- The thermally controlled fans and vents keep the machine cool and yield better performance.
Cons
- It goes over the budget.
- Windows 7 is not supported by this computer.
5- HP Pavilion 27-d0080 – Best All in One Desktop
Processor: 10th Gen Intel Core i7
Ram: 16 GB DDR4
Storage: 1 TB SSD
GPU: Intel UHD Graphics 630
Display: 27-inch (1920 x 1080)
With a 27 inch wide display and 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, the HP pavilion all in one desktop offers incredible performance and caters to all your podcasting needs.
You can use this desktop computer not only for your podcasts but also to watch movies and do multiple tasks. Since it has the latest processor, it functions very smoothly and responds to all your commands faster.
Pros
- It has an incredible design that matches the aesthetics of any place it is kept at.
- It has 16GB RAM and 32GB upgradable DDR4.
- The CPU Speed of this computer is 4.5GHz.
- It has 8 core processors.
Cons
- It has an expensive price tag.
- The disk drives are not present on it.
FAQs – What people ask?
1. Mac or PC for Podcasting?
MacBook or iMac are considered the best computers for Podcasting because they have all the necessary features that are required for it. Though they are a little over-budget, the graphics and storage capacity along with the processors is incredible on these computers.
2. What supplies do you need to start a podcast?
Podcasting doesn’t require too many supplies and hence only a handful with do that are the basic necessities. These supplies include-
- A reliable computer
- High-quality microphones
- Sound mixer
- Audio Interface
- Sound canceling headphones
- Mic stands for fixing the microphone
- Editing software like DAW
- Podcast Hosting
- Speakers that give out crisp audio
3. How much does it cost to start a podcast?
If you intend to create a simple podcast and opt for only the bare minimum requirements, you can expect to invest somewhere around $100 to $500. While this is the cost of simple Podcasting, if you are a professional and make high-quality podcasts, the expenditure can reach up to $5000.
4. Are Laptops For Podcasting Very Expensive Than Regular Laptops?
Absolutely No! The price of the laptop can vary depending on the choice of features and other components. You can get the best laptop for Podcasting for under $500, and different models cost up to $1200 or more.
Hence, it depends entirely on your budget and the features and graphics that you are looking for. If you can create a high-quality podcast using the basic features, you need not invest a considerable amount.
5. Can I Connect Additional Audio Devices To The Laptop For Broadcasting?
Yes, you can connect additional audio devices with the laptop via Bluetooth or AUX cable.
Wrapping Up
The journey of finding a suitable computer for your Podcasting can be quite challenging. Hence, we have come up with this incredible article that provides you information about everything you need to know as a budding podcaster.
Hence, scrutinize every product and pick out the suitable one for you and make an eligible purchase.