Buying guide for best YouTube equipment for beginners
If you’re ready to be a YouTube star, recording with just your smartphone isn’t going to cut it. That said, the best YouTube equipment for beginners doesn’t need to be the most expensive, high-tech gear you can find. There are plenty of excellent products that can give you the professional-looking results you want without spending a fortune.
At the BestReviews Testing Lab, we tested and researched dozens of offerings from top brands, such as DJI, Sony and Canon, to determine the best products for anyone getting started on YouTube. We broke our roundup into the five essentials you’ll need — microphones, cameras, lighting kits, accessories (such as tripods and headsets) and editing software — so you can begin creating quality content that’s sure to keep your fans clamoring for more.
Microphones
Hollyland Lark M1
Best Quality for the Price
Product specifications
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional | Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz | Connector: USB-C | Dimensions: 0.8” W x 0.4” D x 1.9” L | Weight: 0.4 oz | Material: Metal | Accessories: Charging case, storage case, 2 furry windshields, USB cable, 3.5 mm TRS patch cable and 3.5 mm TRS to TRRS patch cable
The Hollyland mic offered fantastic audio quality when we tested it — and at only a fraction of the price of other mics. It boasts a wireless range of more than 600 feet and a 20-hour battery life, which sets it apart from its competitors. However, because it’s an easy plug-and-play mic for beginners, it doesn’t offer certain features pricier mics have. For instance, instead of a touch screen for selecting functions, it has LED indicators that light up according to the different mic settings. But considering the affordable price and how easy it was to set it up and get started, we highly recommend this one for beginners.
Blue Yeti
Best USB Microphone for Beginners
Product specifications
Polar Pattern: 4 | Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz Connector: USB | Dimensions: 11 cm x 12.2 cm x 28.9 cm | Weight: 2.82 lb | Material: NA | Accessories: Desktop stand and USB cable
A USB microphone is excellent for solo podcasting or making videos, but this one comes well equipped with three condenser capsules for recording with multiple people. It has a gain control, a mute button and zero-latency headphone output, and you can record in four modes, including cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional and stereo. Plus, it’s compatible with Windows and Mac OS, and it comes with a two-year warranty. It’s available in a wide range of colors, too, including silver, midnight blue and pink.
DJI Wireless Mic
Best Fully Wireless Mic Kit
Product specifications
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional | Frequency Response: 48 kHz | Connector: TRS cables, USB-C | Dimensions: 1.2” W x 0.78” D x 1.86” H | Weight: 1 oz | Material: High-quality plastic | Accessories: TRS cable, Type-C adapter, lightning adapter, windscreen, clip magnet, hot shoe adapter, splitter charging cable and storage bag
Giving YouTubers plenty of maneuverability in front of the camera, the DJI wireless mic is great for beginners, thanks to its easy setup and magnetic clip, which lets you attach the mic anywhere on your clothes (not just to your collar). Boasting an impressive 820-foot range, this mic is highly sensitive and, during our tests, did a great job recording even the softest voices while canceling out any distracting ambient noise. With 8GB of storage, you can easily record up to 14 hours of audio content that is stored internally. We love its intuitive OLED screen that makes it easy to select settings.
HyperX QuadCast S RGB
Best Mic for Streamers
Product specifications
Polar Pattern: 4 | Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz | Connector: USB-C to USB-A | Dimensions: 9.8” x 5.1” x 4” | Weight: 0.56 lb | Material: NA | Accessories: USB cable and mount adapter
This stylish microphone is perfect for all kinds of content creators, including those who want to make high-quality podcasts, gaming streams and YouTube videos. RGB lighting with radiant effects makes it suitable for gamers, and the integrated anti-vibration shock mount isolates the mic and suppresses the sound of unintentional bumps for high-quality audio recordings. It offers four selectable polar patterns and includes a pop filter.
Rode Wireless Go II
Best for Extra Features
Product specifications
Polar Pattern: Omnidirectional | Frequency Response: 50 Hz to 20 kHz | Connector: USB-C, TRS and TRRS | Dimensions: 1.73” W x 0.72” D x 1.79” H | Weight: 1.1 oz | Material: High-quality plastic | Accessories: 2 fur windshields, 2 USB-C cables, 1 SC5 3.5-millimeter TRS cable and 1 carry pouch
Rode is a popular brand among lav mics, and its products come with a higher price tag to match. During testing, the Rode Wireless Go II greatly impressed us with its audio quality. It has enough internal storage for two days’ worth of recording and a simple-to-use touch screen for settings adjustments. It includes a mandatory companion app you must download onto your phone or your PC in order to access all it can do; however, the app isn’t especially user-friendly and the user manual explains itself through pictures instead of text, which can be difficult to decipher. But if you’re looking for a more pro-level mic that can grow with you as you increase your skills, this one is hard to beat.
Cameras
Sony ZV-1 II Camera
Best Camera for YouTube
Product specifications
Max Video Resolution: 4K | Weight: 10.3 oz | Battery Life: Approx. 290 still shots/45 min; actual recording/75 min | Mirrorless: Yes | Sensor Size: 13.2 x 8.8 mm | Body Type: NA
The best thing about this Sony camera is that you can capture stunning video and audio without any complicated setup. All kinds of shots look fantastic, including group selfies and city landscapes, and the wide-angle lens allows you to capture a wide field of view or fit more people into one shot. It records video in 4K, and the touch-screen interface is intuitive with easy-to-navigate menus. What more could a new YouTuber ask for?
Sony ZV-1F Camera
Best Budget Camera for YouTube
Product specifications
Max Video Resolution: 2160p | Weight: 8.1 oz | Battery Life: 60 min movie recording time | Mirrorless: Yes | Sensor Size: 13.2 x 8.8 mm | Body Type: NA
Vlogging with a bulky camera isn’t only uncomfortable but can also affect your videos. That’s why we recommend this affordable camera to anyone who wants a compact, pocket-sized model for vlogging. The wide-angle lens lets you fit more into the frame, and Eye AF detects human faces and eyes to keep you in focus in front of the lens. Plus, the camera automatically captures accurate skin tones for a healthy and natural look.
GoPro Hero12 Black
Best Action Camera
Product specifications: Max Video Resolution: 5.3K | Weight: 5.4 oz | Battery Life: 70 Minutes of 5.3K 60p Video | Mirrorless: Yes | Sensor Size: 6.3 x 5.5 mm | Body Type: Polycarbonate plastic
While many of our top cameras are excellent for vlogging while on the go, you’re going to need something else to shoot fast-moving action in high-quality video. The GoPro Hero12 is specifically designed for capturing everything while you’re on the move, whether you’re walking, jogging or even snowboarding. This camera records in stunning 5.3K, is waterproof up to 33 feet and boasts HyperSmooth 6.0 Stabilization for capturing smooth video, even from the shakiest recordings.
Panasonic Lumix G9 Mirrorless Camera
Best Premium Budget-Friendly Camera for Beginners
Product specifications
Max Video Resolution: 4K | Weight: 1.4 lb | Battery Life: Approx. 400 still images | Mirrorless: Yes | Sensor Size: 17.3 x 13 mm | Body Type: Magnesium alloy
Although this camera costs $1,200, it’s much more affordable than many other cameras offering similar features and specs, making it an excellent bargain pick and starter camera for YouTube beginners. The large status LCD confirms the camera’s settings so you can shoot with frequent setting adjustments, and the durable body is built to withstand the elements. Plus, the high-resolution 3,680k-dot OLED Live View Finder improves visibility for superb framing.
Sony Alpha 6700
Best Premium Camera for Beginners
Product specifications
Max Video Resolution: 2160p | Weight: 17.39 oz | Battery Life: Approx. 570 still images | Mirrorless: Yes | Sensor Size: 23 x 15.5 mm | Body Type: Rangefinder-style mirrorless
This camera has a dedicated AI processor and real-time recognition for accurate subject tracking. That means that it keeps the intended target in focus for high-quality shots, and you can record in 4K resolution at a stunning 120 frames per second for smooth-looking videos. It offers excellent exposure control and wide dynamic range that captures natural gradations in high-contrast environments without blown highlights or blocked shadows.
Lighting kits
Logitech Litra Beam Premium LED Key Light
Best Light for Beginners
Product specifications
Weight: 6.52 oz | Dimensions: 17.8" x 7.2" x 2.5" | Color Temperature: 2,700K to 6,500K | Brightness Level: 400 lumens
If you want to look your best during your streams or videos, you need adequate illumination at all times. This light is excellent for when you record in low-light environments or simply want better lighting with improved skin tones in your videos. It’s an adjustable LED with five brightness levels, five color-temperature settings and Bluetooth connectivity. Plus, it adheres to strict UL testing, making it suitable for all-day streaming.
Elgato Key Light
Best Key Light
Product specifications
Weight: 2.86 lb | Dimensions: 1.18” x 13.77” x 9.84” | Color Temperature: 2900K to 7000K | Brightness Level: 2,800 lumens
This key light makes for the perfect primary light in your video recording or streaming step. It’s Wi-Fi-enabled, so you can switch it on and off and fine-tune light settings through the desktop app. The brightness goes up to 2,800 lumens, and the color temperatures range from summer amber to arctic blue to achieve the right level for all skin tones. Plus, thanks to its simple plug-and-play function, setup is quick and easy.
Lume Cube Panel Pro 2.0
Best Camera-Mounted Light
Product specifications
Weight: 1.12 lb | Dimensions: 6" x 3.14" x 0.43" | Color Temperature: 2700K to 7500K | Brightness Level: 595 lumens
The best thing about this light is that it can be camera-mounted, making it suitable for photography and videography. It’s compatible with many high-end DSLR cameras by top brands, such as Sony, Nikon, Canon, Panasonic and Fuji, and comes with a cold-shoe mount offering several mounting options for lots of flexibility. You can fine-tune the color temperature and brightness levels through the app, and color accuracy makes subjects look vibrant and natural.
Auxiwa Clip-On Selfie Ring Light
Best for Portability
Product specifications
Weight: 42 g | Dimensions: 3.3” x 3.3” x 1.1” | Color Temperature: White | Brightness Level: 5600K
This little light is made to clip onto smartphones to provide you with good lighting in any condition. Its portability is what makes it stand out; it’s small enough to fit in your pocket so you can easily carry it on your adventures for quick and easy filming. However, it doesn’t offer the versatility and variety of settings that more robust lighting kits have. Its battery life is also fairly short. But when you need a soft, flattering light on the go, it’s just right.
Razer Kiyo Streaming Webcam with Ring Light
Best for a Built-In Lighting System
Product specifications
Weight: 7.1 oz | Dimensions: 2” | Color Temperature: Daylight | Brightness Level: 5600K
Razer had virtual meetings in mind when they designed this light. It’s a combination of both a small camera and a ring light around it. It shoots at 1080p and 720p resolutions, and the brightness is adjustable for daylight settings. Though this doesn’t offer the features and quality of separate light and camera options, if your YouTube content is webcam-style and you want something portable and easy to use, this is for you.
Accessories
Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit
Best Travel Tripod
If your YouTube channel needs to capture you outside with creative angles, you’ll need something more versatile than a regular tripod. The Joby GorillaPod does just that. Its strong and grippy legs are made to wrap around tree branches, rocks, the edges of doors or whatever you need them to grip. Despite its small size, it can easily hold 6-pound cameras. The drawback is that it’s not tall, so its usage is very specialized.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface
Best Audio Interface
Planning to share your music with the world? With this USB audio interface, you can connect your mic and guitar to record your songs. It uses a broad 120-decibel dynamic range for recording crystal-clear audio at high volumes. Plus, it features the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, which are used in the world's biggest studios. The gain automatically sets at the perfect level for your guitar or mic, and there’s a Safe mode to prevent clipping.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS StreamSet
Best Headset
If you want to stream high-quality content, you need a high-end headset to ensure your subscribers and viewers can hear you. This one comes with a flexible arm that you can flick up or down to mute and unmute it, and it has a 2-meter cable attached with a headphone input and microphone XLR output. It offers a durable build and comes with two sets of earpads so you can choose the ones you find more comfortable.
Insta360 Flow Gimbal Stabilizer
Best Gimbal
This stabilizer allows for even your shakiest videos to come out looking smooth. AI-powered tracking keeps subjects in the frame and focused with outstanding clarity, and the battery lasts up to 12 hours. It’s a lightweight and portable stabilizer with a foldable design that doesn’t require any twisting, and it comes with everything you need for high-quality videos on the go, including a tripod, selfie stick and power bank.
Amazon Basics Lightweight Tripod
Best Budget Tripod
An affordable model for those watching their budget, this tripod is small and made of lightweight aluminum. On a desk or a counter, you can easily get a great shot of yourself. But you won’t be able to put a heavy camera on it, and because it’s so light, be careful when using it outdoors as the right amount of wind could knock it over. The included carrying case makes it even more portable; however, there isn’t any padding in the case, so you will need to be wary of the risk of denting or breaking it in transportation.
Editing software
Apple iMovie
Best for Beginners
If you’re an Apple fan and create your YouTube videos through your Mac, then Apple iMovie is the ideal choice. It’s a simple and straightforward app that’s easy for beginners. The Storyboard feature makes you feel like a filmmaker and keeps your ideas organized. But for those looking for more in-depth tools, you’ll likely find Apple iMovie too basic for your creativity.
Final Cut Pro for iPad
Best for iPad
This software is easy to use thanks to a touch-first interface that’s optimized for the iPad. The jog wheel makes it easy to skim, cut and move with pinpoint frame accuracy, and multicamera video editing lets you sync multiple sources to add and remove clips and achieve the best angles. Plus, it offers a library of pro content to add the perfect finishing touch to your creations.
Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Studio
Best for Filmmakers
This editing tool boasts an HDR grading tool for achieving excellent color contrast and features a redesigned AI-based magic mask. You can also make the most of Fairlight Audio Core and FlexBus, an audio engine and busing architecture with support for 2,000 tracks. Plus, editors get a metadata slate view with bin dividers, zoomed waveforms for audio trimming and plenty of other tools for quick editing.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Best for Professionals
The Adobe brand is synonymous with creative excellence. It’s most used by businesses and film productions and has easy integration across all of its software. Premiere Pro specializes in video editing, and it does it very well. Their clip-editing tools allow you the versatility to work with multiple timelines and drag clips in between each. Built-in templates make editing faster, and they are constantly updating and refining their toolsets. However, for those unfamiliar with Adobe, there is a steep learning curve, and it can feel overwhelming at first. But if you’re willing to put in the time, your effort will be rewarded.
YouTube equipment for beginners: Final thoughts
Setting up your YouTube channel doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive. There is great equipment out there for beginners and professionals alike to ensure your channel can become all that you envision it. With the right mic, camera and tripod, lights, and editing software, you can create all the content you desire for many years to come.
