If you’re building a home studio on a budget, you don’t have to kit the room out with cheap gear. Actually, there is plenty of good-quality, affordable equipment out there that can make for a home setup that works just as well as a professional studio. But to spend wisely, you need to know what you need, what can wait, and where it’s worth putting a bit of extra money.

First, you’ll need an audio interface, a decent microphone, and a good pair of studio headphones or monitors. These are the building blocks that will let you record and mix with confidence. Once you have the essentials, you can add extras like a MIDI controller, some acoustic treatment, or software. Starting small but solid makes everything easier.

It is also worth remembering that “budget” means different things to different people. Going for the cheapest option often means you get exactly what you paid for, which is usually not much. Instead, we’ll focus on gear that offers proper value for money. All the equipment in this guide is affordable, reliable, and packed with features that you would normally expect from pricier equipment.

3. Use an appropriate computer

Your computer is the centre of your home studio. A desktop PC is usually the best option because it offers more power for the price, while a laptop is useful if you also want to record or mix on the move.

Choose a 64-bit operating system such as Windows or macOS and aim for a processor with at least four cores. 8 GB of RAM is the minimum if you’re just starting out, though 16 GB or more will give you far greater flexibility when working on larger sessions. The more RAM you have, the more applications/virtual instruments you can run at the same time.

You’ll also want to consider storage. Use an SSD for your operating system and music software to keep everything fast and responsive. Pair this with a larger HDD or external drive for samples, recordings, and project files.

4. Pick a DAW

Choosing the right DAW is one of the most important components of your studio. To give you a clear overview, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to the best DAWs out there, explaining the most popular options, what kind of music they’re used for, and their unique features.

If you’re making hip-hop or trap, we recommend choosing FL Studio. Producers use this for its streamlined workflow and pattern-based sequencer. On the other hand, if you’re making EDM music, Ableton Live is a popular choice for dance music artists and sound designers.

Cubase is often chosen by songwriters and composers who need strong arrangement tools. Finally, Studio One is a solid all-rounder that balances recording, editing, and mixing features in one package. The best approach is to think about how you naturally like to create. The right DAW should support your style and make the process feel simple, not restrictive.

5. Choose an audio interface

An audio interface is one of the most important parts of your studio. It connects your microphone and instruments to your computer, while also powering your monitors and headphones.

You’ll want one that gives you clean recordings, low latency, and plenty of flexibility. Start by thinking about inputs and outputs. If you only record one mic or guitar at a time, a single input may be enough. For more complex sessions, choose something with extra channels.

Next, you should look for an audio interface with a good quality microphone preamp (this has a big impact on how your recordings sound), low noise, and phantom power for condenser mics. Direct monitoring is also useful to hear your performance in real time.

The Universal Audio Volt 1 is a great option for solo musicians. Its unique microphone vintage-style preamp is inspired by classic UA designs, adding warmth and character while still sounding clear.

For a simple and even more affordable choice, the SubZero AI1 offers two inputs, high-quality preamps, and 24-bit recording. It is easy to use, portable, and has everything you need to start recording confidently.

6. Pick your mics

A good microphone captures the character of your voice or instrument, and with the right stand and a pop filter, you can get consistent results without worrying about noise from movement or plosive sounds.

Think about what you will record most often. Condenser microphones are sensitive and detailed, making them perfect for vocals and acoustic instruments in controlled environments. Dynamic microphones are tougher, handle louder sources with ease, and are better suited to live or high-volume recording. Look for a wide frequency response, low self-noise, and the ability to use phantom power where needed.

The Universal Audio SC-1 gives you premium sound without the premium price. It uses microphone modelling to mimic the tone of some of the most iconic studio microphones ever made, giving you excellent value for money.

Similarly, the Warm Audio WA-87jr SE recreates the tone of one of the most iconic vintage mics ever created. This 87-style mic delivers classic warmth and clarity with ultra-low noise and a wide dynamic range at a price that you can afford.

The Rode NT1 Signature Series is known for its natural tone and very low self-noise. It is ideal for capturing vocals with clarity, as well as acoustic guitars or pianos.

Finally, we recommend the SubZero SZM-10 Dynamic Microphone, the most budget-friendly option on our list. It handles loud instruments, such as drums and guitar amps, with ease, while still giving reliable results.

7. Set up your studio monitors

Unlike regular speakers, studio monitors are designed to give you a truly accurate picture of your mix – with no boosting of the bass or colouring of the sound. This honesty helps you make better decisions when recording or mixing.

In choosing your monitors, you’ll want to look at your room size, the frequency response of the monitors, and the connectivity they offer. Smaller speakers are often better for compact rooms, while larger drivers suit spaces where you can turn up the volume without causing problems. Look for balanced connections like TRS or XLR, along with acoustic controls so you can fine-tune the sound to your room.

The PreSonus Eris Studio 5 monitors are a solid option for home studios. They include acoustic tuning controls, which let you adapt the sound to your space, and offer flexible connections for different setups. In fact, the wider Eris range is well-regarded for providing professional features at approachable prices.

The KRK Kreate 8 brings the punchy low end KRK is famous for, with an eight-inch driver that suits larger rooms. For smaller spaces, the SubZero SZSM-4X is a budget-friendly pair that still offers clear, balanced sound.

The Adam Audio D3V desktop system delivers high-end quality with Adam’s renowned custom drivers in a compact design, ideal for tight spaces. And last but not least, we also suggest the M-Audio BX5-D3 monitors. These are versatile all-rounders, known for their balanced sound and reliable performance.

8. Have some headphones ready

Headphones let you record, edit, and mix without disturbing others, while also providing the detail you need to make accurate decisions. Unlike regular consumer headphones, studio models are built to deliver a balanced sound, so you can hear your music clearly without exaggerated bass or treble – just like studio monitors.

You’ll need your headphones to be comfortable, especially if you’re using them for long sessions. The build quality is also important, and you should think about whether you want an open-back or closed-back design.

Open-back headphones give a more natural, spacious sound, which is ideal for critical listening, although they leak sound and are less suited to noisy environments. Closed-back headphones provide better isolation, making them useful for tracking vocals or instruments where you need to avoid sound spilling into the microphone.

Another benefit of studio headphones is cost. They are generally less expensive than a pair of monitors, and they take up no space in your room. So if you don’t have the space or budget for monitors, opt for headphones to begin with.

They also give you sound isolation, which is perfect if you share your living space or work late at night. We recommend the Rode NTH-50 for a balanced, comfortable option that suits both mixing and tracking. The SubZero HFH200 provides an affordable open-back design for detailed listening, while the ADAM Audio H200 offers premium closed-back performance with excellent isolation.

9. Get a MIDI keyboard

A MIDI keyboard is one of the most useful tools you can add to a home studio. It lets you play in melodies, chords, and beats directly into your DAW, giving you far more control and creativity than programming notes with a mouse. To be able to play expressively and easily, we recommend looking for velocity-sensitive keys, pads for drum programming, and assignable knobs or sliders to control software instruments.

The number of keys is another factor. Smaller keyboards are portable and space-saving, while larger ones are better if you want a more traditional playing feel. For portability and simplicity, the Arturia Microlab MK3 is an excellent choice. It is compact, lightweight, and perfect for travelling or working in tight spaces. It’s also great value for money, making it ideal for you when you’re setting up your home studio.

If you prefer more room to play, the SubZero ControlKey49S gives you 49 slim keys in a sleek design, ideal for fitting comfortably on a smaller desk. The Akai Professional MPK Mini Play MK3 is also packed with creative tools, including pads, knobs, and built-in sounds.

We also recommend the M-Audio Keystation 49 MKIII if you’re after a straightforward, no-fuss keyboard with a full-size feel.

10. Use acoustic treatment

Acoustic treatment helps tame reflections and unwanted echoes in your room, so what you hear through your monitors is closer to the truth. When choosing treatment, look for foam panels or tiles that absorb mid and high frequencies, and bass traps for low-end build-up in corners.

You don’t need to spend a fortune. Budget options like these AcouFoam 30cm Acoustic Panels or AcouFoam Bass Traps are simple, affordable ways to improve clarity. Place them around your mixing position to hear a more accurate and balanced sound.

11. Finally… cables!

Cables are easy to overlook, but they’re vital for keeping your studio running smoothly. Good quality cables help reduce noise and interference, and durable connectors mean they will last longer under regular use. Always choose the right type for the job and avoid the cheapest options, as they often fail quickly.

For microphones, XLR cables are essential, while instruments will need jack leads. If you’re looking for something affordable yet good-quality, the SubZero XLR Cable and the SubZero Instrument Cable provide reliable connections without costing much – making them perfect for a budget-friendly home studio.