The best headphones for podcasting can make all the difference while recording or editing your next episode, whether you’re new to podcasting or a seasoned veteran. Headphones allow you to monitor your audio and hear tracks as if you were in the audience during live sessions. They should have a relaxed fit that won’t tire you out after a long period of wear. They should also be able to block out some ambient noise and have a neutral sound profile that ensures that dialogue is reproduced clearly and accurately.
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Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
- Closed over-ear headphones for professional mixing in the studio
- Perfect for studio recordings thanks to their pure and high-resolution...
- The soft, circumaural and repalceable velour ear pads ensure high wearing...
The Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80 Headphones are a pair of premium podcast headphones. They provide the ideal audio levels between superb sound quality and opulence. They cost more than the HD280 Pro and the MDR-7506. They are, nevertheless, well worth every penny you spend on them.
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO are the best podcasting headphones and have an amazing build quality. These over-ears offer a premium design with a sturdy metal frame and coiled audio cord, giving them a solid feel. They’re comfy enough to wear while recording or mixing, thanks to their luxurious microfiber padding. The sound profile of these headphones is very neutral. They can clearly and precisely imitate voices, albeit sibilants like S and T sounds can be a little bright. While their overall noise isolation performance is underwhelming, they do a good job of minimizing ambient chatter so you can hear your audio better. Their passive soundstage is wide and feels as if the sound is emanating from speakers all around you rather than within your brain, which can aid with subsequent audio mixing in the studio.
Unfortunately, these headphones require more power than a smartphone or laptop can offer, so you’ll need an amp to get the most out of them in your studio use. They also leak a lot of audio at a high volume, which may bleed into your recording sessions. However, if you use them at lower volumes, this shouldn’t be an issue, and they’re worth considering if you’re seeking for comfy, well-built headphones for your podcasts.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Headphones
- Critically acclaimed sonic performance praised by top audio engineers and...
- Proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers with rare earth magnets...
- Exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range with deep...
One of the best closed-back studio headphones on the market is the Audio Technica ATH-M50X. As a result, they can be an excellent choice for podcast recording. Top music professionals and engineers from all around the world have praised their sound clarity, quality, and performance. Exceptional clarity may be found over the whole frequency range (15-28000 Hz).
Try the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x if you want to decrease the danger of audio inconsistencies seeping into your podcast recordings. These over-ears aren’t as breathable as the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, but they feature improved leakage performance, which means less sound leaks out of the headphones even at high volumes. Due to their neutral mid-range, vocals in the mix are present, detailed, and clear. They’re also well-made, with a coiled audio cord to prevent tangling and offer you a little more room to move around. You may also connect them to a sound mixer using the provided 1/8″ to 1/4″ adaptor. Unfortunately, they don’t isolate you from much ambient sound, and while their ear cup padding isn’t as stiff as the Beyerdynamic’s, it can feel stiff and noisy. If you want over-ears with a more neutral sound profile, go with the Beyerdynamic, but if you want to avoid audio bleed, go with the Audio-Technica. These are the Best Podcast Headphones in 2023.
Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
- Neodymium magnets and 40 millimeter drivers for powerful, detailed...
- Closed ear design provides comfort and outstanding reduction of external...
- 9.8 foot cord ends in gold plated plug and it is not detachable; 1/4 inch...
The Sony MDR-7506 are the best headphones we’ve tested for streaming and recording. They have a sleek retro design that will appeal to some users, and they are rather well-built. They’re also lightweight, with roomy ear cup design that don’t press too hard on your ears, so you can wear them for long periods of time without becoming fatigued.
Although these over-ears have a little more bass in their sound profile, their neutral range allows them to clearly represent singers and lead instruments. Their coiled audio wire is extremely long, allowing you to walk about without fear of it becoming tangled. They also have a 1/8″ to 1/4″ adapter, which is useful for connecting them to an amp or sound mixer. Most significantly, these headphones are pleasant to wear for long periods of time. The headphones’ extensive cushioning improves comfort in two ways. The 9.8-foot coiled wire makes moving around with the headphones before removing them a breeze. The frame, which is constructed of plastic and creaks on and off, is the only part of the structure that we didn’t enjoy.
Unfortunately, some of their construction feels cheap and plasticky. The headphones also have a tendency to creak when you place them on your head, which can be bothersome. They, too, have trouble blocking out background noise, such as background voices. They’re a good option if you’re seeking for headphones to assist you monitor your audio while you’re recording. These are the Best Budget Headphones for Podcasting in 2023.
Shure SRH440A Over-Ear Wired Headphones for Monitoring & Recording
- NEW & IMPROVED FEATURES - Developed upon the same foundation of the SRH440,...
- SUPERIOR & RELIABLE AUDIO - Transparent, natural sound signature provides...
- WORK WITH ALL PROFESSIONAL AUDIO DEVICES - Enhanced frequency response,...
The Shure SRH440 are the best headphones on a budget for podcasting, yet it includes many features seen in higher-cost headphones, such as replaceable ear cups. These audio equipment are ideal for studio and home use, thanks to their 10-foot coiled wire. The SRH440’s ear cups include closed backs, which means superior noise isolation and reduced sound leakage. The ear cups on these headphones are also removable, so if one breaks, you can quickly replace it without having to replace the entire headphone set. They also come with a carrying bag to keep them safe while traveling. These are the best headphones for podcast.
Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
- NOISE CANCELLING WIRELESS HEADPHONES: The perfect balance of quiet,...
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO: The TriPort acoustic architecture offers depth and...
- QUIET AND AWARE MODES: Choose Quiet Mode for full noise cancelling, or...
While the Bose QuietComfort headphones are more expensive, you will undoubtedly get your money’s worth with these. The noise-cancelling technology used by Bose is very unique. Any noises in the environment are fully filtered out, resulting in better, crisper audio for a pair of headphones. They’re also designed to be lightweight, with memory foam ear pads that fit snugly. You won’t get tired of listening for long lengths of time.
Superlux HD 681 Dynamic Semi-Open Headphones
- Dynamic
- 50mm Neodymium Drivers Circumaural
- Semi-Open Design
The Superlux HD 681 are the best podcast mixing headphones. These over-ears have a semi-open housing, unlike the other headphones on this list. While they leak more noise than closed-back headphones, their design aids in the creation of a more realistic and spacious passive soundstage, making it easier to precisely mix audio recordings.
These sensitivity headphones are lightweight and pleasant to use, you shouldn’t become too tired while working in the studio for long periods of time. They have a neutral sound profile that allows for clear, detailed, and present dialogue. Despite its brightness, some users may like this overemphasis because it can assist bring out flaws in your songs.
Unfortunately, these appear to be poorly constructed and do not appear to be long-lasting headphones. Because of their semi-open back design, they don’t block out much background noise, making them unsuitable for noisy places. However, these headphones provide a distinct audio experience that’s ideal for mixing.
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Closed Back Dynamic Headphones for Composing, Gaming, Mixing, Mastering, Video or Audio Production
- High ambient noise attenuation
- Accurate, linear sound reproduction
- Soft earpads for a comfortable fit
The Sennheiser HD280 Pro are good critical listening headphones with a sturdy structure but an uncomfortably tight fit. They provide good audio reproduction with a lot of bass, and despite being primarily composed of plastic, they appear to be sturdy enough to withstand numerous drops without being damaged. Unfortunately, they’re a little snug on the head, and after a couple of hours of listening, your ears get rather heated. They also won’t be the most outdoor-friendly headphones.
For neutral listening, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro audiophile headphones are adequate. Their sound is well-balanced, featuring good bass, mid, and treble ranges. Instruments and vocalists sounded suitably upfront, if a touch lacking in detail and clarity when compared to the DT 770 and the ATH-M50x, which are both neutral listening models. They feature a poor soundstage, which isn’t ideal for more neutral listeners, but their overall sound quality is adequate for most.
AKG Pro Audio K371 Over-Ear, Closed-Back, Foldable Studio Headphones
- Closed-Back, Oval Over-Ear Design Offers Superior Isolation, Improved...
- Largest-In-Class, Titanium-Coated 50Mm Transducers With Pure Ofc Voice...
- Engineered To Match Akg’S Reference Response Curve Acoustic Target For...
The AKG K371 over-ear wired headphones are extremely well-balanced at a great price tag. They produce highly realistic sound that is well-suited to a wide range of music genres and content. Unfortunately, these have a very shaky fit and will most likely come off your ears with even minor head movement. They are, nonetheless, comfy and feel well-made, with a premium appearance thanks to the faux-leather finish on the headband padding. Overall, if you’re looking for a pair of headphones to use at home to listen to music, they are a fantastic option.
Because the AKG K371 lacks a microphone, it may not be the greatest option for gaming. While they can be hooked into either an Xbox One or a PlayStation 4 controller, they will only work for audio, so if you’re playing online, you won’t be able to communicate with other players. On the plus side, they feature a well-balanced sound profile and are comfortable enough to play for lengthy periods of time.
Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones for Clear Highs and Extended Bass
- 40 mm neodymium drivers deliver superior acoustic performance for an...
- Diaphragm developed with APTIV Film for improved linearity and lower THD...
- Closed-back, circumaural design rests comfortably over the ears and reduces...
The Shure SRH1540 headphones are the industry’s best audiophile-grade podcast headphones. Not only that, but they also have a distinctive, eye-catching design that makes them incredibly appealing (these are actually one of the most beautiful headphones on the market).
The closed-back headphones offer the highest level of sound isolation for podcast listening. You don’t want any interruptions while listening to your favorite podcasts, after all. The well-padded, double-frame headband is ergonomic and easy to wear for long periods of time. When it came to the headphones’ endurance and sturdiness, we were astounded. The yoke is composed of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, while the cap is made of carbon fiber. Not only that, but the headphones feature a dual-exit cord for a secure connection.
Overall, the Shure SRH1540 Headphones are excellent for listening to and recording podcasts. They are unquestionably costly. However, if money isn’t an issue, we highly recommend these headphones. These are stunning, high-performance headphones for podcasting.
Harman Kardon CL Precision On-Ear Headphones with Extended Bass
- Sonic clarity and accuracy even at low volume levels
- Apple compatible remote with mic
- Closed back design
If you’re looking for headphones that deliver excellent quality audio alongside a stylish modernised design, the Harman Kardon CL Precision is just that.
Its unique design not only looks gorgeous, but the slow retention foam in the ear cups makes them very comfortable to wear. It also provides a decent acoustic seal around the ear for clearer sound and more noise cancellation. The ear cups also swivel to fit inside the provided travel case, however there is no hinge so they don’t fold up completely. You also get two interchangeable headbands, one larger and one smaller, to make sure that these stylish headphones fit snugly to any head size.
Skullcandy Grind Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones with Built-In Mic and Remote
- ALL-DAY FREEDOM: Grind Wireless lets you take more phone calls and rock...
- ALL-DAY COMFORT: Premium materials like the solid metal headband, plush...
- ALL-DAY CONVENIENCE: Life should be easy, so the built-in controls on Grind...
The Skullcandy Grind Wireless is extremely fashionable in style, but it doesn’t sacrifice audio quality to do this. It has many of the features of higher-priced headphones at a fraction of the cost.
They are created with comfort in mind, having a snug fit and velvety ear pads. These wireless headphones also have a 12-hour battery life, which means they’ll easily last all day, and because they’re rechargeable, you won’t have to spend a fortune on replacement batteries. They also have easy-to-reach volume controls on the sides of the headphones.
In this design, the majority of the regular plastic elements of other headphones have been replaced with metal equivalents, making these headphones relatively durable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need Headphones for Podcasting?
Allows you to better understand noise and set gain levels accurately. Assist you in keeping track of your pronunciation and ensuring you don’t make any grammatical errors while recording a podcast.
Allows you to constantly check and modify audio quality to meet your needs. Make improvements to your mic technique. Wearing headphones allows you to immediately modify the way you use the mic if you hear your voice too loudly or if your mic stops working in the middle of a podcast recording.
Why Are Open-Back Headphones Not Suitable for Podcast Recording?
The sound quality of the greatest open-back headphones is usually excellent. They are not suited for podcast recording, however, because they do not have sealed ear cups, which allow sound to readily escape and interfere with your microphone (sound leakage).
Why Are Closed-Back Headphones the Best Choice for Podcast Recording?
For podcast recording, closed-back headphones are preferred since they do not distort or leak sound at any frequency response or headphone impedance. In-ear headphones/earbuds, noise-cancelling headphones, and wireless/Bluetooth headphones all have distinct limitations that prevent us from using them for podcast recording. The sound quality of in-ear headphones/earbuds, for example, is inferior to that of closed-back headphones.
There is too much audio processing inside noise-cancelling headphones to cancel outside noises/sounds, which can radically ruin the sound quality. Interference is the most serious problem with wireless/Bluetooth headphones.