Gift Guide: 7 Perfect Gifts for Podcasters & Streamers

This year’s gift guide will differ significantly from the previous one. Given the widespread changes, everything is markedly different compared to last year. I’ve personally experienced a substantial shift with my own podcast in 2020. I generally find conducting interviews face-to-face to be preferable whenever possible – in fact, approximately 400 episodes were recorded in that manner.

However, in-person interviews are likely to remain impractical for the immediate future, necessitating a transition to a virtual format for the show. While not my preferred method from a creative or aesthetic standpoint, adapting to significant global changes is essential.

This adaptation has involved several adjustments. Most notably, the shift from in-person to virtual interviews. A somewhat unexpected development has been the inclusion of a video component. I’m now incorporating YouTube live-streaming, though less frequently. Considering that the majority of my interviews are already conducted over Zoom with the video feed disabled, occasionally utilizing the video functionality can be enjoyable.

Therefore, this is an excellent starting point for finding a gift for the podcaster in your life – whether they are just beginning their journey or seeking to move towards remote broadcasting.

This article includes links to affiliate partners; TechCrunch may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through these links.

AKG Lyra

I’m including this microphone again from the previous year’s list, primarily due to my consistent and extensive use of it. The AKG Lyra has become my preferred choice for both podcasting and virtual meetings. Its versatility has allowed me to utilize it in a variety of settings, including television broadcasts, presentations at Disrupt events, and even a recent guest hosting role on NPR. It delivers excellent audio quality, features straightforward controls, offers effortless plug-and-play operation, and boasts an attractive design.

Price: Approximately $140 from Amazon

Logitech StreamCam

While the market offers numerous webcam options, the majority tend to be relatively inexpensive. Logitech’s StreamCam represents a significant investment compared to many in this product category. While numerous webcams are available for approximately $100 or less, the StreamCam is offered at a higher price point – a cost justified by the advanced features and performance it provides.

This camera may be more than what many users require, particularly for standard applications (as explored in our work from home gift guide), but it consistently produces high-quality video for live broadcasting in a conveniently small form factor. It supports 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second, incorporates facial tracking technology, and performs well even in dimly lit environments.

Price: $170 from Logitech

Yotto Microphone Pop Filter

While perhaps not the most glamorous item, a pop filter is undeniably essential for quality audio recording. Many beginning podcasters may overlook the need for a windscreen, but you’ll quickly recognize its value after experiencing distracting, harsh sounds caused by plosive speech.

I recently replaced a previous pop filter with this model, and I’ve been very pleased with the results. It’s currently available for $12 on Amazon and features a clamp designed to securely attach to the majority of USB microphones, such as the Blue Yeti and the AKG mentioned previously. The adjustable arm offers a significant improvement in positioning flexibility compared to my older version.

Price: $12 from Amazon

GVM Light Ring

This lighting solution significantly enhanced the appearance of many team members during our initial virtual Disrupt event. I personally keep it readily available in my home and frequently use it for both live broadcasts and video conferencing.

As with any visual medium, proper illumination is crucial, and the GVM delivers exceptional performance with a reported lifespan of 70,000 hours. It provides a strong and versatile light source, featuring adjustable brightness and accurate, natural-looking color reproduction.

Price: $127 from Amazon

RODEcaster Pro

This excellent item returns to our list from the previous year. We genuinely anticipate a future where in-person conversations in close quarters become commonplace once more. However, the RODEcaster Pro is simply too valuable to omit from consideration.

The RODEcaster Pro functions as a versatile multi-channel mixing console, capable of recording input from up to four microphones, alongside effects and calls from guests connecting via Bluetooth, directly to an SD card. This feature significantly streamlines the post-production process for any podcast. I would gladly remove it from this recommendation list when another podcasting console can match its combination of features, user-friendly design, and sensible cost. For now, the RODEcaster Pro remains the most efficient method for rapidly enhancing your podcasting setup.

Price: $599 from Sweetwater

Zencastr Subscription

Experiences with Zencastr can differ, but many individuals depend on it for conducting recordings remotely. The platform features a user-friendly design, enabling remote capture of individual audio tracks, real-time level adjustments, and subsequent uploading to their servers.

Price: $20 per month from Zencastr

Audio-Technica ATH-M50

These over-ear, professional headphones offer a superb combination of comfort and adaptability, all at an accessible cost. Audio-Technica has earned a strong reputation among DJs and studio professionals, and the ATH-M50, priced at $149, provides exceptional performance without significant expense.

Price: $149 from Sweetwater