With much of the world still on lockdown restrictions due to the novel coronavirus, webinars have been having a (major) moment.
For those who have had to transition theirĀ in-person events to virtual ones, the stress of ensuring you have the right equipment can be overwhelming. Ever wonder how webinar pros make it look so easy, even from their home office? We thought you might ā so hereās everything you need to put together your own webinar kit, regardless of your budget!
Microphone
Thereās nothing more distracting during a webinar than poor audio quality, so make sure you have a great microphone that allows your attendees to hear you clearly. Thereās a huge price range for microphones, but in general, the more expensive they are, the higher quality the sound. So depending on your budget and audio needs, you have a lot of options to choose from.
- Our recommendation:Ā Rode NT-USB USB MicrophoneĀ ($169.00)
- Comparable option:Ā USB Microphone ā Fifine Metal Condenser Recording MicrophoneĀ ($29.99)
Microphone Boom Arm
You want to make sure your microphone picks up everything you say during the webinar, but you donāt want to have to hold a microphone like a talk show host the whole time. And if youāre an animated speaker, lavalier mics will pick up distracting noise with every movement you make. Itās best to set up your microphone close enough to pick up all dialogue while keeping your hands free.
- Our recommendation:Ā Rode PSA1 Studio Boom Arm for Broadcast MicrophonesĀ ($99.00)
- Comparable option:Ā NEEWER Adjustable Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm StandĀ ($12.50)
Earpieces
Not only do earpieces make you feel like a member of the Secret Service, theyāre also super helpful when hosting a webinar. An earpiece allows you to stay connected with other webinar contributors while keeping your hands free.
- Our recommendation:Ā Otto Engineering V1-10437 ā Single IFB Earphone KitĀ ($44.95)
- Comparable option:Ā MEE audio M6 Memory Wire In-Ear Wired Sports Earbud HeadphonesĀ ($14.99)
Replacement Eartips
You never think about eartip replacements until itās too late. Then youāre stuck using a worn-out eartip, or worse, none at all. And if youāre sharing an earpiece with other members of your team, you should at least have your own set of personal eartips to avoid sharing things youād rather not share. Regardless, itās a good idea to keep a stash of replacements on-hand and theyāre inexpensive enough that it wonāt hurt your budget.
- Our recommendation:Ā Otto Engineering ā Clear Eartip for Surveillance Kits Professional Models (10-pk)Ā ($9.79)
- Comparable option:Ā Replacement Eartip Earbuds (8-pk)Ā ($5.00)
Lights
Lighting can change the look of your webinar from āghoul broadcasting from under a bridgeā to āmodel broadcasting from professional studio.ā Of course, it all depends on what kind of feel you want for your webinar, but we always recommend great lighting help you look your best on camera.
- Our recommendation:Ā Brightline i-SeriesĀ (Brightline offers custom pricing based on your unique needs and set-up, but expect to pay a few hundred at least)
- Comparable option:Ā Stellar Diva Desktop RinglightĀ ($89.00)
Green Screen
Using aĀ green screen during your webinarĀ lets you present in front of any background you can imagine. So if you donāt have a great office space, or you just want to add some pizzazz to your surroundings, you can with the help of a green screen.
- Our recommendation:Ā Chroma Wall Retractable Green ScreenĀ ($389.00)
- Comparable option:Ā Impact Collapsible BackgroundĀ ($57.95)
Virtual Background
Your green screen is worthless unless you have the software to project a background on to it.
- Our recommendation:Ā SparkoCam Virtual WebcamĀ ($39.95)
- Comparable option: You can probably find free options, but the SparkoCam is your best bet for the price!
Webcam
You have your audio and lighting all squared away, now itās time to find the right camera. Find a high-quality HD camera so your video will look great on all monitors. Both of our webcam suggestions are great for webinars, video conferencing, and other streaming needs.
- Our recommendation:Ā Logitech BRIOĀ ($179.38)
- Comparable option:Ā Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920Ā ($45.99)
Optional Keyboard Stand
A keyboard stand isnāt a must-have item, but itās a nice-to-have accessory in your webinar setup. Our recommended ergonomic keyboard stand is great if you use a stand-up desk for webinars.
- Our recommendation:Ā Uncaged Ergonomics WorkEZ Keyboard Tray & Mouse PadĀ ($54.99)
- Comparable option: ThisĀ recommendation is such a great price that itās also the most affordable option.
Portable Cart
For those who think better when theyāre on their feet, stay on your A-game with a stand-up desk! Adjustable stand-up desks are great for your regular work days, but theyāre especially convenient if you need to move to a more video-friendly location for your webinar broadcast.
- Our recommendation:Ā VIVO Mobile Height Adjustable Stand Up Desk with StorageĀ ($109.99)
- Comparable option:Ā Qwork Mobile Ergonomic Laptop Desk CartĀ ($49.90)
Webinar equipment can start to get expensive if youāre not careful, but there are affordable options available so you can host a professional-quality webinar on a budget.
GoToWebinar is everything you need for great webinars
As the leader in online events, we erase the headache and hassle from webinars. No matter your goal or skill level, youāll quickly see why so many love GoToWebinar. Go from preparing a webinar to presenting in fewer steps ā and have a lot of fun along the way!Ā Visit our websiteĀ for more information orĀ get started for freeĀ today.
Expertise and Best Practices for Embracing Virtual Events
New to webinars and virtual events? Weāre here to help! Check out our remote workĀ Resource CenterĀ with tipsĀ and tricks onĀ how marketers can master the shift while still driving demand and engagement.