STARTER GEAR
Low-cost gear to get started
You can start with what you already have. For each item, here's the way to do it for less first, and the point when it's worth buying.
USB microphoneDo it for less: Use your phone or earbuds mic. Buy it when: You start a podcast, make videos or take lots of calls.
Webcam (1080p)Do it for less: Use your laptop camera. Buy it when: Your video calls or videos look grainy.
Ring light or small LED lightDo it for less: Sit facing a window. Buy it when: Your videos look dark.
Phone tripod with remoteDo it for less: Lean your phone on a stack of books. Buy it when: You film yourself often.
Headset with micDo it for less: Use wired earbuds. Buy it when: You're on calls every day.
Laptop standDo it for less: Put books under your laptop. Buy it when: Your neck hurts or your video angle is too low.
External drive for backupsDo it for less: Use free cloud storage. Buy it when: Your files outgrow the free plan.- Label printerDo it for less: Print shipping labels on plain paper and tape them on. Buy it when: You ship products often.
- Shipping scaleDo it for less: Weigh packages at the post office. Buy it when: You ship several packages a week.
- Second monitorDo it for less: Work with one screen. Buy it when: You work at the computer all day.
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