top of page

Blog

Best Ghost Hunting Equipment for Beginners (Under $50)

  • Writer: Desirae-Haunted Traverse
    Desirae-Haunted Traverse
  • 2 days ago
  • 4 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

If you’re curious about paranormal investigating but don’t want to invest hundreds of dollars upfront, you’re not alone.

Many new investigators assume they need expensive equipment to begin ghost hunting. In reality, you can build a simple, effective beginner ghost hunting kit for under $50.


Whether you’re exploring a local historic site, joining a guided ghost tour, or investigating a reputedly haunted location, these tools will help you document your experience without overcomplicating it.

Ghost Hunting Equipment for sale for less than $50
Ghost Hunting Can Be Affordable!

Why Beginners Should Start Simple


Before investing in advanced spirit boxes or thermal cameras, focus on tools that:


  • Help document environmental changes

  • Record potential Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP)

  • Improve safety and awareness in dark environments

  • Encourage observation over assumption


Ghost hunting is as much about patience and documentation as it is about equipment.

Starting simple helps you stay grounded and methodical.


1️⃣ EMF Meter (Electromagnetic Field Detector)


Estimated price: $40-$50


An EMF meter detects changes in electromagnetic fields. Many investigators believe unexplained EMF spikes may correlate with paranormal activity.


Why beginners love it:

  • Easy to use

  • Immediate visual feedback

  • Affordable

  • Portable


Look for:

  • Simple LED display

  • Handheld size

  • Good customer reviews



2️⃣ Digital Voice Recorder (For EVP Sessions)


Estimated price: $35-$50


Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) sessions involve asking questions aloud and reviewing recordings later for unexplained responses.


Why this tool matters:

  • Clear audio capture

  • Easier review than phone recordings

  • Better noise isolation


Important tip:If you record for 30 minutes, expect to spend at least an hour reviewing audio carefully.



3️⃣ High-Lumen Flashlight or Headlamp with Red Light


Estimated price: $25-$50


Paranormal investigations often occur in low-light environments. A reliable flashlight improves safety and reduces accidents.


Look for:

  • Adjustable brightness

  • Rechargeable battery

  • Compact size

  • Red Light Feature


Headlamps are especially useful for hands-free movement during investigations.



4️⃣ Field Notebook or Investigation Journal


Estimated price: $10–$35


Serious investigators document:


  • Time

  • Location

  • Environmental changes

  • Emotional impressions

  • Equipment readings


A simple notebook builds credibility and helps identify patterns over time.

If you’re spiritually inclined, documenting dreams and impressions can also deepen your intuitive awareness.



5️⃣ Your Smartphone (Yes, Really)


Cost: Already owned


Many beginners overlook this.


Your phone can:


  • Record audio

  • Take timestamped photos

  • Log environmental conditions

  • Access GPS data


Just remember: Airplane mode prevents interference during EVP sessions.


Sample Beginner Ghost Hunting Kit (Under $50)


If budget is tight, prioritize:


  • EMF meter

  • Flashlight

  • Notebook


You can add a voice recorder later.


Ghost hunting isn’t about having the most equipment. It’s about patience, awareness, and documentation.


Sample Beginner Ghost Hunting Kit ($100-$125)


If budget is has some wiggle room, but the research time for equipment is lacking, this kit may prove helpful.


  • EMF meter

  • Blacklight Flashlight

  • Divining Rods

  • Temperature Gun

  • Spirit Box

  • Voice Recorder

  • Cat Balls

  • Carrying Case




Quick Comparison: Beginner Ghost Hunting Tools

Tool

Best For

Price Range

EMF Meter

Environmental changes

$40–$50

Voice Recorder

EVP sessions

$35–$50

Headlamp

Night safety

$25–$50

Journal

Pattern documentation

$10–$35

Beginner Ghost Hunt Kit

Simple Quick Start

$100-$125


Safety & Mindset for New Investigators


Before any investigation:


  • Always get permission if exploring private property.

  • Never investigate abandoned buildings illegally.

  • Go with a partner.

  • Stay skeptical but open-minded.


Paranormal research requires curiosity and restraint.


Planning a Haunted Visit?


If you’re preparing to explore a haunted destination soon, having simple equipment on hand can enhance your experience without overwhelming you.


If you’re not ready to purchase yet, consider bookmarking this page. Equipment prices and availability change, and having this guide saved makes it easy to return when you’re ready to build your beginner kit.



Continue Your Paranormal Journey


You may also enjoy:


Final Thoughts on Best Ghost Hunting Equipment for Beginners (Under $50)


You do not need expensive tools to begin exploring the paranormal.Best Ghost Hunting Equipment for Beginners (Under $50)

You need curiosity.You need documentation.You need patience.

Start small. Stay observant. Let the experience guide you.


Thank you for visiting this article!

Wishing You Safe and Spirited Travels, my Dear Readers. ~Dez


Let's Explore More if You Have Time!


I explore the emotional and personal side of haunted travel and spiritual curiosity in my Substack reflections->Substack Here 🌙


More Haunted Destinations to Explore

Haunted travel doesn’t stop here. I’m continuing to explore some of the most paranormally active destinations across the U.S., including Savannah, Salem, Charleston, and beyond.



Paranormal Travel Hub image of a ghost flying through a dark sky with a full moon in the background
Explore Helpful Paranormal Travel Guides

Explore More Paranormal Topics

If haunted travel draws you in, these destinations are known for their ghost tours, paranormal history, and unexplained encounters.


For those drawn to paranormal symbolism and spiritual meaning, I create art and tools inspired by the unseen in my Haunted Traverse shop.



Planning a paranormal trip?

Save this guide to Pinterest for future reference.


Pinterest Post
Pin for Later

Thank you for reading! Links provided may be affiliate links where if my readers click and buy, I do receive some funding-at no cost to themselves- to keep fun and informative articles such as this being manifested into the known. Thank you for your support.

Comments


Pinterest 1200x2500 (1).jpg

Interested in Experiencing Haunted History in Person?

Haunted Experiences in Other Cities 

HauntedTraverse.com
One ordinary woman walking an uncommon path-
and sharing what she learns along the way.

Haunted Traverse Tours provide entertaining and educational experiencing for Traverse City visitors, and to give them the opportunity to explore the history, ghost stories, and legends of the area in a unique and engaging way with a local guide. These  stories have been collected by me,  an avid paranormal enthusiast fueled by my curiosity of my own paranormal experiences in my life.

Please enjoy my other projects found here including Crone in a Haunted Woods where I share my experiences as a witch living in a tiny house at the edge of a haunted woods.

Beyond the woods is the Ghost Farm Gardens. A cut flower and photography farm designed to share the beauty and wonder that only nature and a witch who loves beauty can provide.

Thank you for visiting my website! I do have some helper tour guides from time to time, but for the most part all of this website, the tours, the Ghost Farm Gardens is how I fill my days and nights.  I thank you for your support in helping me make my dreams a reality. Blessings be. ~Dez

 

This site is part of affiliate programs that support the information we gather, curate, and share with our online guests. if you decide to purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Contact Me

Email Haunted Traverse

Follow Me

TikTok​​

Youtube

Bluesky

SITEMAP

© 2026 by Haunted Traverse Tours

bottom of page