Kick off your streaming career with 12 must-have gadgets

It is no surprise that streaming online has become a popular hobby. It doesn’t take a whole lot to get started, so long as you have a solid internet connection for livestreaming and a few relatively inexpensive gadgets, like a webcam and, depending on the kind of content you want to make, perhaps a capture card as well. However, you’ll need a lot more than the basics to take your streams and on-camera shows to the next level. If you want your livestreams to boast great video and audio quality for viewers, we’ve gathered 12 products that can elevate your streaming setup.

We have selected the best streaming gear that anyone who is interested in streaming will want to consider.

Logitech C920x webcam

Amelia Holowaty Kreles/The verge

Logitech C920x is one of best webcams on the market. The Logitech C920x webcam is one of the best values on the market. It offers 1080p resolution and automatic light correction, as well as a price that’s cheaper than most comparable models. In case you don’t want to buy a separate mic, the C920x includes dual microphones for better sound balance compared to Logitech’s other webcams. You can rest the camera directly atop your monitor with its built-on clip, or fasten it safely to your laptop’s lid.

The Insta360 link webcam

Cameron Faulkner/TheVerge

Insta360 Link Webcam may be worth exploring if you are willing to pay a bit more for a better-quality webcam. At $299.99, it’s no surprise that it easily surpasses the Logitech C920 Pro in several ways. The 4K HDR feature is the best quality possible when it comes to recording videos.

Insta360 Link has other features as well that make it stand out from similar webcams. It has reliable face tracking thanks to its built-in gimbal (Insta360’s DNA as an action camera company is showing here) and AI-powered hand gesture controls. The Link’s software also allows it to flip downward to look at your desk with the click of a button, in case you want your streams to incorporate what’s on your desk (this might be a hit with people who draw during streams).

Lenovo Slim Pro 9i

Prices are taken at the time of publication.

Ergonomics meets aesthetics in the comfort-edge design of the Lenovo Slim Pro 9i, an Intel® Evo™ design. With its rounded finish, it’s easy to grip, carry, and use while you’re on the go. Featuring 13th Gen Intel® Core™ processors, this laptop offers a premium mobile experience for multitasking creatively while minimizing the impact on responsiveness, battery life, or connectivity. While creating to your heart’s desire, the sound and versatility of this device will entertain and astound you. From our sponsor.

Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 controller

Photo: Elgato

The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 controller is one of the industry’s most popular products. The Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 controller can be set up with shortcuts, so you can quickly access commands by pressing a single button rather than clicking a bunch of buttons that can distract you from streaming.

It is particularly useful when streamers want to interact easily with their viewers. It’s useful outside of streaming, too, like for quickly posting on social media, for video editing shortcuts, and myriad other actions that you can program into the device. It may not be a day-one purchase for every streamer, as it’s regularly $149.99 for a device that’s more of a convenience than a necessity. But it’s something that most streamers should consider at some point.

Elgato HD60 X Capture Card

Photo: Elgato

Your PC can both capture and stream footage of PC games that you’re playing on it, but what about consoles? A capture card is a must-have if you’re looking to stream a game console and your video feed simultaneously. The capture cards will allow you to stream footage directly from your PlayStation 3, Xbox or Nintendo Switch onto your PC.

The best, most well-rounded model around is the Elgato HD60 X capture card, which supports up to 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second capture (in other words, it’ll look suitable for a stream). The Elgato HD60 X capture card supports up to 1080p resolution, 60 frames per second passthrough and variable refresh rate. In other words, it will be suitable for a stream.

Logitech Litra Glow

Photo: Karim Cheese/Logitech

It can make a huge difference to how professional your stream will look. It’s not just for lighting up a room, but for shining on streamers’ faces so that they look vibrant and energized. The Logitech Litra Glow is a relatively affordable key light that’s suitable for beginners and more experienced streamers alike.

It’s not just a throwaway ring light, but more of a mid-tier investment at $59.99. You can adjust the color temperature as well as the brightness to match your ambient room lighting. The Litra Glow connects with its included monitor mouse via a standard tripod connector, so you can mount it however (or wherever) you’d like. The larger and more expensive Logitech Litra Beam XL is a great option if you need a product with more light or more features.

Audio-Technica AT2020 studio XLR microphone

Photo: Audio-Technica

You could use the mic that’s built into your webcam, but you’ll want something better if you’re aiming for audio excellence in your stream. The Audio-Technica AT2020 XLR microphone is designed for studio recording, so it’s a great fit if you want a mic that’s dedicated to streaming. This mic features a cardioid condenser that’s great for focusing on voices while reducing sounds from the rear and sides of the mic. Its XLR output means you’ll need a special audio interface (we’ve included a few picks below), but the results and extra cost are worth it if you want amazing audio quality. This product is available for $99.00 and has all the features musicians need.

Audio-Technica At2020 Mic Boom Arm with Foam Windscreen

Sunmon

Some microphones have their own stands. For the most part, there isn’t anything wrong with these. They do, however, tend to clutter your setup or show themselves on the camera, which some streamers don’t like, understandably. The mic boom arm will free up some space and allow you to film with your mic off screen.

The Audio-Technica AT2020 mic boom arm comes with a foam windscreen that works like a standard pop filter (reducing the “pop” sound made from uttering plosives, as well as protecting it from saliva) for $19.49. That way, you don’t need to buy an additional attachment to lessen undesired noises. It’s guaranteed to match the Audio-Technica AT2020 microphone we recommend above.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB audio interface

Photo: Focusrite

If you want to go an extra step for sound quality, a gadget like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo USB audio interface can record your voice as if it’s in a vacuum. It’s how you get podcast-level audio that straight capture from a USB microphone can’t match. Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface offers a relatively inexpensive, simple way to start. It has one XLR (perfect for Audio-Technica AT2020, which we have recommended above), and a headphone jack. This allows for much easier listening and tuning than when using various USB-connected devices.

HyperX Cloud 3 wireless headset

Image: Hyperx

The HyperX Cloud Wireless Headset is our favorite of the many gaming headsets available. It allows you to enjoy your audio while broadcasting it with the built-in microphone. Its battery life allows for up to 120 hours of uninterrupted listening with upgraded sound quality from its 53mm angled drivers — all of which are a step up from its predecessor. This model also has all of the same comfort as other HyperX headphones, such as the adjustable frame or the memory foam earcups.

As you might have guessed from the product’s name, the Cloud 3 Wireless connects wirelessly to your PC and consoles, so that’s one less cord to get tangled up at your busy streaming station. The mic is detachable so it can be used as both an audio device and a microphone if you need it. It costs $169.99, but it’s a product that we think is worth the cost. If you don’t like the look of the HyperX Cloud 3 Wireless, you could try one of the other high-quality headsets in our best gaming headset guide.

Elgato Green Screen

Photo: Elgato

The green screen allows video creators to project themselves over any background. Have a messy background you’d like to obscure, or want to appear as if you’re broadcasting from outer space? Buy a greenscreen. Elgato’s green screen is a good choice. It comes in an easy-to-use, collapsible popup format that allows you to film on location as easily as in your home. Its sturdy frame makes it so that you don’t need to worry about the background easily falling over. It is also more durable and wrinkle-resistant than other cheaper fabrics (which are available for those who want to save money).

You might consider purchasing the Neewer photography kit for around $240 if you intend to film wider screen videos. The kit includes a wide green screen and also comes with reflectors.

Elgato Wave Panels Starter Set

Photo: Elgato

Any serious streamer will want to invest in some sound-dampening devices, to minimize the amount of sound that is spilled into neighboring rooms as well to ensure your sound does not echo. Elgato Wave Panels Starter Set, for example, includes six hexagon-shaped panels with a price of $99.99. They can give your room personality and utility. The panels can be easily stuck to the wall and they add style with their angular shape. Elgato’s product is pricier than egg-crate-style foam dampening tiles, but they look so much cooler.

Light strips for LED lights by Govee

Govee

Light strips are an optional but attractive way to light up your gaming space — for your own enjoyment as well as your viewers’. Govee LED light strips are popular for decorating rooms because the LEDs can be customized with Govee’s smart lighting software, and because you can make them any length that you’d like. The strips are available in a range of different lengths, which you can customize to your liking. These strips can be adhered to any flat surface such as walls, furniture, desks, and even bed frames.

Govee sells larger LED decorations, such as LED hexagon panels. However, if you’re already getting Elgato’s Wave Panels, it might be too many hexagons for your wall (unless you’re going for that gamer hive look).