Best Equipment and Software for Teaching Online in 2025

In order to become an effective online instructor, you need the best equipment and software. Together with choosing the best online course platform, it’s vitally as important to find the best tools for your online teaching setup. These tools include a computer, camera, and headphones. But that’s not just all, I’ve listed a bunch of equipment and software that you should consider before teaching online.

Keep on reading to find out what makes a perfect online teaching setup!

Teaching Environment

When selling courses or teaching online, it is important to create a teaching environment that is both comfortable and professional. One way to do this is by arranging your teaching space in a way that encourages communication and collaboration.

Here are a few tips for creating a successful teaching environment:

1. Make sure your teaching space is well-lit and comfortable. This will help students feel at ease and less likely to be distracted.

2. Arrange your teaching space so that it is conducive to collaboration. Try placing desks in clusters or arranging chairs in a circle so that students can easily talk to one another.

3. Use technology to your advantage. A multimedia projector or whiteboard can be great tools for engaging students and promoting collaboration.

4. Create a positive learning environment. Be sure to praise students when they do well and offer encouragement when they struggle. This will help them feel more comfortable in the classroom and motivated to learn.

5. Be organized and prepared. Having a well-organized lesson plan will help you stay on track and keep students engaged. It is also important to be familiar with the material you are teaching so that you can answer any questions that come up.

By following these tips, you can create a teaching environment that is both comfortable and professional.

Computer

When it comes to finding the best laptop for online teaching, are three options:

• Laptop
• Desktop computer
• Tablet/Smartphone

In order to teach online, you need a computer that you can edit and upload your videos. Needless to say, editing videos need a superb piece of a computer to work with those big raw video files. Along with a DSLR camera, this will be your greatest cost of creating an online class.

When it comes to choosing the best computer for teaching online, there are a few factors that come into play. Some teachers might prefer a laptop, while others might find that a desktop is better for their needs. Either way, there are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision.

One of the most important things is processing power. If you plan on using a lot of multimedia in your lessons, you’ll need a computer that can handle it. Otherwise, you’ll run into frustrating lag times and choppy audio and video. As important as the storage space. If you’re going to be uploading lots of files, you’ll need a computer with a lot of fast hard drive space. Alternatively, you can also use cloud storage which I recommend using as a backup.

Another thing to consider is portability. If you’re going to be taking your computer with you on the go, you’ll want something that’s lightweight and easy to transport. Computers can be expensive, so make sure to have a large enough budget before you start shopping.

Laptop

There are many benefits to using laptops for teaching online. For one, laptops provide a level of flexibility that is not possible with traditional teaching methods. The laptop is used by 56% of students in class. With a laptop, teachers can easily move around the classroom and engage with students on a personal level.

Laptops allow teachers to have more control over the learning environment. Teachers can easily create and share materials with students, and they can also track student progress more effectively.

Laptops help to create a sense of community among students. This is because students can communicate with one another easily and share ideas and resources.

My recommendation: MacBook Pro

Desktop Computer

Many online teachers find that using a desktop computer for teaching online provides several benefits. For one, a desktop computer typically has a larger screen than a laptop, which can be helpful for viewing materials and presentations.

Desktops usually have more processing power and memory than laptops, making them better suited for running software programs needed for online teaching.

Desktops are often easier to use than laptops for typing and navigating around web pages, which can be important when teaching online courses.

My recommendation: Mac Pro

Tablets/Smartphone

Tablets are kinda like laptops. They are portable and easy to use, which makes them good for online teaching, but they lack processing power for high-quality video editing.

They can be used in a variety of ways, from providing instructional materials to taking attendance or quizzes. Tablets can be used to record lectures or presentations, making it easy for students to review the material later.

All-in-all, they’re good for teachers that want to handle their classes via live videos, but not really that good for selling online courses.

My recommendation: iPad Pro

Camera

When it comes to finding the best camera for online teaching, there five options:

• DSLR camera
• Webcam
• Smartphone (not recommended)
• Computer’s built-in camera (not recommended)
• Screen capturing

There are a few key factors to consider when choosing the best camera for your online course. USB webcams are becoming more and more popular due to their low price and convenience. DLSR cameras are still the way to go if you want the best possible quality in a low-light environment. I wouldn’t recommend using a computer’s built-in camera or a smartphone due to their low performance in low-light environments. They’re good for social media, but not really for professional video production.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a webcam for online teaching:

1. Resolution: The resolution of the camera is important for two reasons. First, you want your students to be able to see you clearly. Second, you want the camera to be able to capture your whiteboard or PowerPoint slides clearly. Look for a webcam with at least 1080 HD resolution (preferably 4k).

2. Field of View: The field of view is the angle at which the camera can see. You want a camera with a wide field of view so that all of your students will be visible on the screen.

3. Low Light Performance: When choosing a camera, you also want to consider its low light performance. If you’re teaching in a dimly lit room, you’ll want a webcam that can still produce clear images.

4. Mounting: Many webcams come with a clip that allows you to attach them to your computer monitor. But if you want more flexibility, look for a webcam with a tripod mount. This will allow you to position the camera any way you want. DLSR cameras need a stronger tripod.

5. Audio: Most cameras come with a built-in microphone. But if you want the best audio quality, you may want to invest in a separate microphone.

Keep these factors in mind when choosing a webcam for online teaching and you’ll be sure to find the perfect one for your needs.

DSLR Camera

When it comes to teaching online in the highest quality, there’s no question that a DSLR camera is a king. I recommend using a DSLR camera for all of your online course materials.

Some online teachers may be hesitant to use a DSLR camera for online teaching because you need to learn some technical skills like exposure and white balance, but there are many benefits to using one. For starters, a DSLR camera can help you capture 4k videos that can help engage your students and keep your content accessible for years to come. A DSLR camera will also make your online courses look more professional. That will make your students enjoy your class throughout.

Ultimately, using a DSLR camera for online teaching can be a great way to improve the quality of your lessons and help engage your students.

My recommendation: Sony Alpha 7S III

Webcam

Alternative to a DSLR camera, a webcam can be a great cost-effective tool. It allows easier real-time interaction between the teacher and student. This can be very helpful for providing feedback or answering questions. It can help to create a more personal connection between teacher and student, which may lead to a better learning environment.

You can also use a Webcam to actually record all of your lectures or lessons. Just make sure to double-check that it performs well in low-light situations.

My recommendation: Logitech Brio 4K Webcam

Screen recording

Screen recording is a great way to capture your screen and audio while you work. It’s perfect for demonstrating how to do something on your computer, or for recording a video tutorial. Screen recording software usually also records your mouse movements and keystrokes, so you can show off your skills without having to worry about explaining everything verbally.

There are a few different ways to record your screen. If you use a Mac, you can use the built-in QuickTime Player to record your screen. Windows users can use the Game DVR feature in Windows 10 to record their screen, or they can use one of the many screen recording programs available online.

Whatever method you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind when recording your screen. First, make sure that you have enough space on your hard drive to store the footage. Also, be aware of any background noise that could be picked up by the microphone, and try to avoid obscuring your face with windows or other objects.

Headphones

It’s easy to forget that headphones are actually really important for online teaching. Why? First of all, many of your students will listen to your videos with high-quality headphones and if you haven’t edited the audio of your videos with similar headphones, you might have missed some faults in your audio.

The number one factor, when choosing a pair of headphones is the sound quality. The headphones should provide clear sound so that you edit your audio with confidence.

The headphones should also be comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Some headphones have noise-canceling features that can be helpful in blocking out distractions and allowing you to focus on the lesson.

Wireless headphones are also an option and can be helpful if you need to move around while editing your audio or video. However, the cheaper ones have poor sound quality.

There is a wide range of prices for headphones, but with $150 you should get studio-quality headphones.

My recommendation: Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

Video Editing Software

You need video editing software that helps you edit professional-looking videos fast. With good video editing software, you can save a lot of time. You can add text, graphics, and music to your videos, as well as edit out any unwanted footage. This helps make your videos look more polished and professional, which engages your students’ attention.

There are a number of different video editing software options that can be used for online teaching. Some popular ones include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Sony Vegas. Each of these programs has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to choose the one that will best fit the needs of your course.

Adobe Premiere Pro is a popular choice for online teaching because it is easy to use and has a wide range of features. It also integrates well with other Adobe products, such as After Effects and Photoshop. However, it can be expensive, and it may not have all of the features that you need.

Final Cut Pro is another popular video editing software that is used for online teaching. It has a wide range of features and is very user-friendly. However, it can be expensive, and it may not have all of the features that you need.

Sony Vegas is a less expensive option that is still packed with features. It does not have as many bells and whistles as the other two options, but it is still a very good choice for online teaching.

No matter which video editing software you choose, make sure that it is easy to use and has all of the features that you need. Choose the one that best fits the needs of your course, and you will be able to create amazing videos that your students will love.

My recommendation: Adobe Premiere Pro

Studio Lighting

Lighting is an important aspect of any video recording studio, and it is crucial to get it right. Different types of lighting can be used to achieve different effects, so it is important to experiment until you find the right setup for your needs.

One of the most popular lighting setups for video studios is the three-point lighting system. This setup uses three main light sources – a key light, a fill light, and a backlight – to create well-lit shots with evenly distributed shadows.

While the three-point lighting system is a popular choice, it is not the only option available. You may also want to consider using studio spotlights or softboxes to create softer, more natural-looking light. Whichever lighting setup you choose, make sure that all of your lights are properly balanced and calibrated. This will ensure that your videos look their best.

Pay attention to the color of your lights as well. Different colors can create different moods and atmospheres, so choose wisely.

One thing that gets dismissed easily is to make sure that your studio is properly ventilated and use LED lights if possible. Hot lights can quickly turn a comfortable recording space into an unbearable sauna. Nobody wants to look sweaty in front of the camera!

These tips should help you get the best possible lighting for your video recording studio. With a little trial and error, you should be able to find the perfect setup for your needs. If you are still having trouble, consider hiring a professional lighting designer to help you create the perfect environment for your studio.

Internet Connection

A reliable internet connection (if possible, use an Ethernet cable connection) of at least 10 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload is required for online teaching. Choose an internet plan with a minimum speed of 100 Mbps from your internet provider to ensure a hassle-free online teaching experience with your pupils.

There are a few things to consider when choosing an internet plan for teaching online. One of the most important is bandwidth. You’ll want a plan with enough bandwidth to support multiple devices streaming video or audio at the same time. You’ll want to make sure your plan has enough data allowance to cover your needs. Stay away from internet plans that charge for extra data usage. That might get costly fast with big video files!

If you’re not sure which plan to choose, contact the provider directly and they’ll be able to help you select the right one.

Backup Your Files!

Do not keep your video files only on one computer/device! Do not make this mistake. It may cost hours of your work if your device brokes or somebody steals it.

Either use external storage to duplicate your files or use cloud storage (my recommendation!) service like DropBox or Google Drive. Either you choose, keep the files at least in two places.

If you sell courses, I’d recommend using an online course platform like Thinkific to upload your videos. This way, you will not only get a perfect platform to make money from courses, but you’ll also get a 3rd backup for your videos.

All in all, just backup, backup, and backup!

My recommendation: DropBox

Conclusion

As technology advances, new and better equipment is becoming available for online educators. While some tools are more essential than others, it’s important to have a variety of options to choose from in order to best meet the needs of your students. Here we’ve listed what we believe to be the best equipment and software for teaching online.

Just for a quick note, the mandatory tools for a perfect online course creation are

• high-quality camera
• robust computer
• headphones
• microphone
• editing software
• backup

Do you agree? What would you add or remove from this list? Let me know in the comments below.