My Streaming Setup on a Budget (What You Actually Need)

"What microphone do you use?" is the most common question I get. The real question should be: "What do I actually need to start?"

After 5+ years of streaming and countless upgrades, I can tell you: you don't need what you think you need.

The Hard Truth About Equipment

Most beginner creators make the same mistake: they buy expensive gear before having an audience. I did it too.

Reality check:

• Your first 100 viewers won't notice the difference between a $50 and $500 microphone
• Nobody stopped watching because of 720p instead of 1080p
• The best equipment won't save boring content

The priority order that actually matters:

1. Audio quality
2. Internet stability
3. Lighting
4. Camera
5. Everything else

Tier 1: The Absolute Minimum (~$50)

You can start with almost nothing. Seriously.

What You Need

Microphone: Any USB headset with a mic (~$20-30)

Not ideal, but functional. Gaming headsets work. The HyperX Cloud Stinger or similar budget options are surprisingly decent.

Alternatively: Your phone's earbuds. Yes, really. Apple EarPods sound better than many cheap desktop mics.

Software: OBS Studio (Free)

Open source, infinitely customizable, zero cost. Don't pay for streaming software when you're starting.

Camera: None

Controversial take: you don't need a webcam to start. Many successful streamers don't use face cam. If your content is good, people will watch.

If you insist: your phone can work as a webcam with apps like DroidCam or Camo.

My Tier 1 Setup (2019)

Microphone: HyperX Cloud Stinger headset
Camera: None (added 6 months later)
Lighting: Desk lamp pointed at wall
Software: OBS + Streamlabs chatbot (free)
Total cost: ~$40 (already had the headset)

Was it professional? No. Did it work? Yes.

Tier 2: The Noticeable Upgrade (~$150-200)

Once you're consistent and know you'll stick with it, these upgrades make a real difference.

Microphone: USB Condenser (~$50-80)

The Fifine K669B or similar budget condensers are incredible value. The difference from a headset mic is immediately noticeable.

Critical: Get a boom arm ($15-20). A mic on your desk picks up keyboard sounds and vibrations.

Lighting: Ring Light or Softbox (~$30-50)

Lighting does more for video quality than the camera itself. A basic ring light transforms your image.

Pro tip: Natural light from a window (facing you, not behind) is free and looks great.

Camera: Logitech C920 or Similar (~$60-80)

The C920 is the "industry standard" budget webcam for a reason. Reliable, decent quality, widely supported.

My Tier 2 Setup (2020-2021)

Microphone: Fifine K669B + generic boom arm
Camera: Logitech C920
Lighting: $25 Amazon ring light
Software: OBS + StreamElements
Total invested so far: ~$180

This is where I started getting compliments on audio quality.

Tier 3: The "Good Enough Forever" Setup (~$300-400)

Honestly, most streamers don't need more than this. I'm still mostly here.

Microphone: Audio-Technica AT2020 or Similar (~$100)

The jump from budget to mid-range is significant. From mid-range to high-end? Diminishing returns unless you're doing professional voiceover work.

Audio Interface (Optional but Recommended) (~$50-80)

Something like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo or Behringer UMC22. Gives you:

• Better audio control
• XLR mic compatibility
• Proper gain control
• Future-proofing

Camera: Sony/Canon Used or Elgato Facecam (~$150-200)

Used mirrorless cameras (Sony a5100, Canon M50) are amazing value if you can find them. Elgato Facecam is great if you want "set and forget."

Lighting: Two-Point Setup (~$60-80)

Key light (main) + fill light (secondary). Softboxes or LED panels. Removes harsh shadows.

My Current Setup (2023-Present)

Microphone: Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
Camera: Sony a5100 (bought used)
Lighting: Two Neewer LED panels
Capture card: Elgato Cam Link (for the camera)
Total invested: ~$450 over 4 years

What I Wasted Money On

Learning from my mistakes:

Green Screen ($30) - Used Twice

I thought I needed one. I don't. My background is fine. Most streamers with green screens would look better without them (bad lighting + green screen = ugly edges).

Expensive Webcam Before Audio Upgrade ($80)

Bought a better webcam while still using headset audio. Nobody noticed the video improvement. Everyone noticed when I upgraded the mic later.

Stream Deck ($150)

It's nice to have, but keyboard shortcuts do 95% of the same thing. Only worth it if you have complex scenes and commands.

RGB Everything ($100+)

Does nothing for stream quality. Just looks cool on camera... if you have good lighting... which makes the RGB less visible anyway.

The Often-Ignored Essentials

Things that don't look glamorous but matter:

Internet Upload Speed

You need at least 10 Mbps upload for 1080p streaming. Test at speedtest.net. If your internet is unstable, no equipment will save you.

Computer Performance

OBS encoding uses CPU or GPU. If your computer struggles to run the game and encode, your stream will suffer. Check OBS encoding presets:

• x264 (CPU): More quality, more CPU usage
• NVENC/AMF (GPU): Less quality, less impact on games

Acoustic Treatment (Or Lack Thereof)

A $200 mic in a room with echo will sound worse than a $50 mic in a treated room. Soft furniture, curtains, and carpets help. Foam panels are the last resort, not the first solution.

The Upgrade Path I Recommend

Month 1-3: Start with what you have

• Use existing headset/earbuds
• OBS with default settings
• Learn the software, find your rhythm

Month 4-6: Audio upgrade

• USB condenser mic (~$50-70)
• Boom arm (~$20)
• This alone will improve perceived quality significantly

Month 6-12: Visual upgrade

• Basic lighting (~$30-50)
• Webcam if you want face cam (~$60-80)

Year 2+: Refinements based on YOUR needs

• Better mic if you do a lot of talking content
• Better camera if your face is central to content
• Audio interface if you want more control

The Real Investment

The equipment that matters most costs nothing:

• Consistency: Showing up regularly
• Energy: Being engaging when live
• Improvement: Watching your VODs, cringing, getting better

I've seen $50 setups with great energy outperform $2000 setups with no personality.

My Setup Philosophy Now

After 5 years:

1. Buy used when possible - Camera gear depreciates fast
2. Upgrade one thing at a time - You'll know what actually makes a difference
3. Audio > Video - Always
4. Don't buy for the audience you want - Buy for the audience you have
5. The best gear is the gear you use - Fancy equipment collecting dust is worthless

Conclusion

You can start streaming today with $0 in new equipment. Your phone, free software, and your existing computer are enough.

The "perfect setup" is a moving target. I've upgraded over 4 years and I'm still finding things to improve. But my content from Day 1 with a gaming headset connected with people. Equipment didn't do that.

Start with what you have. Upgrade when it makes sense. Focus on the content, not the gear.

The best streaming setup is the one that gets you to click "Go Live."