Finding the best headphones for podcasting can be a daunting task due to the vast variety of models available on the market. Whether you’re a professional sound engineer or an upcoming podcaster, having a good pair of headphones can make all the difference when it comes to recording audio.
Not only do podcasting headphones provide better sound isolation and accuracy compared to standard audio equipment, but they also allow you to monitor your recordings in real time.
Related Article: Best Podcast Equipment For Any Budget (Beginners & Pros)
Table of Contents
Why Do you need Headphones for a Podcast?
Podcasting requires a good pair of headphones to properly monitor audio quality during a long podcast recording session. Quality headphones provide better sound isolation and accuracy compared to standard headsets, allowing podcasters to capture the nuances of their voice with greater clarity and detail.
As such, having a decent pair of headphones is essential for any successful podcaster.
Related: Best Laptop For Podcasting Under $500
Audio & Echo Bleed
When recording a podcast, it’s important to avoid audio bleed. This is where other sound sources (such as nearby speakers or background noise) can leak into your recording, resulting in an unwanted “echo” effect.
To combat this issue, podcast headphones feature large, comfortable ear pads which provide ample sound isolation and reduce sound bleed. This helps to ensure that the only audio captured is your own voice, providing better sound quality.
Hear Yourself
In addition to sound isolation and reduced audio bleed, podcast headphones also provide exceptional sound quality. These headphones have high-quality drivers designed to deliver rich, detailed audio with a low-frequency response and wide dynamic range.
Noise-canceling capabilities also help to reduce background noise interference, allowing you to hear yourself clearly in your recordings.
Control Over Your Audio
The best headphones for podcasting provide you with maximum control over your audio recordings. High-sensitivity headphones enable you to hear the faintest nuances of your voice, while ambient noise reduction and sound leakage prevention help minimize external noises and ensure that only your voice is captured.
Furthermore, many podcasting headphones feature adjustable ear cups and headbands which allow you to customize the fit for maximum comfort and excellent sound isolation.
How To Choose The Best Headphones For Podcasting
When it comes to choosing podcast headphones, there are several factors to consider. Budget is a major factor; while some headphones may be more expensive than others, they can make all the difference when it comes to audio quality.
Additionally, open/closed-back designs and wireless/wired connections should also be taken into account. Noise-canceling, sensitivity levels, and frequency response are also important factors to consider when selecting the perfect set of podcast headphones.
Audio equipment can be expensive, so it is important to make an informed decision before investing in a pair of headphones.
Price/Budget
While expensive models may offer better sound quality and features, they also come with hefty price tags which may not fit into everyone’s budget.
Fortunately, there are plenty of mid-range options on the market that provide good sound quality at an affordable price. It’s important to weigh your options and find a set of headphones that fit within your budget.
Open Vs Closed
Open and closed-back headphones are two distinct designs that provide different levels of sound isolation. Open-back headphones feature a design in which the back of the ear cups is open, allowing ambient sound to enter your ears.
This allows podcasters to hear both their voice and external sounds at the same time, making them ideal for podcasts recorded in noisy environments. On the other hand, closed-back headphones feature a design in which the ear cups are sealed off from external sound, providing superior noise isolation and improved audio clarity.
Closed-back headphones are better suited for podcasts recorded in quiet settings because they block out ambient sound and provide improved accuracy in recordings.
Wired Vs Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones offer podcasters the convenience of freedom from wires, but wireless models often come with a hefty price tag. For those looking for the ultimate freedom, Bluetooth headphones provide an inexpensive option that allows you to move around without being tethered to your device.
Wired models can also be an affordable option and are typically more reliable than wireless connections. Wired headphones come with either a detachable cable or a coiled cable and are generally more affordable than wireless headphones.
When it comes to podcasting, wired headphones have several advantages over their wireless counterparts. They provide superior sound quality due to their direct connection to the audio source, and they don’t require power to function. Wired models are generally more reliable than wireless headphones and have a longer lifespan.
Noise Canceling
Noise cancellation is achieved through active or passive systems that detect and eliminate unwanted frequencies, resulting in significantly clearer audio recordings.
The best noise-canceling headphones feature multiple mics placed around the ear cups, allowing them to detect and eliminate low-frequency background noises and other disturbances.
Additionally, noise-canceling headphones can provide better audio isolation than regular headphones by blocking out ambient sound and providing an immersive listening experience for podcasting.
Sensitivity Level
The sensitivity level of a pair of headphones refers to how accurately an audio signal is reproduced and dictates whether a sound will be too loud or too soft.
A higher sensitivity level indicates that the headphones are more accurate in their sound reproduction and can provide better sound quality than those with lower sensitivity levels.
Podcasters should look for headphones with a high sensitivity rating, preferably above 100dB/mW, as this will ensure they have accurate audio output and avoid distortion of their recordings.
Frequency Response
The frequency response of a pair of headphones refers to the range of frequencies that can be accurately reproduced.
The best podcasting headphones should have a flat frequency response, meaning they can accurately reproduce audio across the entire frequency range without any weird compressed audio or distorted sound.
Generally, this means looking for headphones with a wide frequency response range between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. A wide frequency range is important for capturing accurate sound recordings, ensuring that all audio signals are accurately reproduced without distortion.
Impedance
Impedance is the measure of the resistance a device has to electrical signals and audio frequencies. Lower-impedance headphones are more suitable for recording voices, as they can better handle loud volume levels without distortion.
Low impedance also means that less power is required to drive the headphones and this can help preserve battery life. On the other hand, high-impedance headphones are best for recording instruments as they can better handle low audio frequencies.
When it comes to podcasting, look for a pair of headphones with an impedance rating between 32-64 ohms as this will provide optimal sound clarity and accuracy in recordings.
Comfort
Podcasts can often be lengthy, so you need a pair of headphones that won’t cause discomfort after several hours of use. Most modern headphones are designed with comfort in mind and feature soft earpads made from materials such as faux leather or memory foam.
Most headphones come with adjustable headbands and swiveling earcups, as well as lightweight designs that won’t put unnecessary strain on you. Many models also feature breathable materials to reduce sweat and ensure that your ears don’t become overheated during extended listening sessions.
Style
In-Ear
In-ear headphones offer superior portability and audio isolation, making them a great choice for podcasting. These small earpieces fit snugly in the ear canal and are designed to block out ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your recordings without interruption.
They come with various features such as active noise canceling, stereo sound quality, and wireless connectivity to provide you with a convenient and immersive podcasting experience.
In-ear headphones are typically lightweight and discreet, meaning they can be comfortably worn for long periods without fatigue.
On-Ear
On-ear headphones provide a great balance between sound quality and comfort. These headphones sit snugly on the ear, while their cushioned pads provide additional support to reduce discomfort.
The headband is typically adjustable and can be adjusted to fit securely onto your head. On-ear headphones come with features such as noise canceling and in-line controls to give you a convenient listening experience.
They’re also typically more affordable than over the ear headphones, making them ideal for podcasting on a budget. On-ear headphones are great for recording voices as they provide superior sound clarity and isolation, allowing you to capture audio without any outside interference. They’re also ideal for traveling and can easily be packed away when not in use.
Over-Ear
Over the ear headphones tend to be the most comfortable and have the best sound quality, making them the best choice for podcasting. These headphones fit comfortably around the ears with soft cushioned pads that keep your ears snug without putting any strain on them.
They usually feature larger drivers than other types of headphones, allowing you to capture audio in greater detail while providing a more accurate frequency response.
Many over-ear headphones come with active noise canceling to block out external noises, as well as wireless connectivity for a more convenient listening experience. They’re also often the most expensive type of headphones but are well worth the investment if you’re serious about podcasting.
Over-ear headphones provide superior sound clarity and isolation, making them the perfect choice for recording and editing podcasts. They’re also great for long listening sessions as they can keep your ears comfortable and allow you to concentrate on your work without distraction.
The 9 Best Podcast Headphones
1. Audio Technica ATH-m20x – #1 Best Podcast Headphones
| Price | $54 |
| Type | Closed-back |
| Frequency Response | 15 – 20,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB |
| Impedance | 47 Ohms |
Our Verdict
The Audio Technica-m20x are some of the best podcasting headphones out there. They provide superior sound quality at an affordable price and feature a closed-back design for superior noise isolation. The frequency response is excellent, with highs and mids that come through clearly, while the low frequencies remain tight and punchy. This makes them great for recording voices and dialogues.
The headphones are also lightweight and comfortable, allowing you to wear them for extended periods without any discomfort. All in all, the Audio Technica-m20x is an excellent choice for podcasting, providing superior sound clarity and isolation at an affordable price. These are truly premium podcast headphones in 2023!
2. Sony MDR7506/1 – #2 Best Podcast Headphones (Runner Up)
| Price | $120 |
| Type | Closed-back |
| Frequency Response | 10 – 20,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB |
| Impedance | 63 Ohms |
Our Verdict
The Sony MDR7506/1 headphones are a great choice for podcasting, offering superb sound quality and comfort. The closed-back design ensures that unwanted sounds from the outside world don’t interfere with your recordings, while the earpads fit comfortably around your ears for an immersive listening experience. With a frequency response of 10 – 20,000 Hz and a sensitivity of 106dB, these headphones offer high quality sound and clarity. The swivel earcups make them easy to store and carry around, while the long 9.8 ft cord allows you to move freely as you record.
They are also highly durable and can handle extended use without any issues. Overall, the Sony MDR7506/1 are fantastic podcast headphones, offering great sound quality and comfort at a mid-range price. They are ideal for those looking for a reliable pair of headphones that won’t break the bank. With their impressive features and long cord, you can easily record and edit your podcasts with ease.
3. Bose QuietComfort 35 – Best Wireless Podcast Headphones
| Price | $300 |
| Type | Closed-back |
| Frequency Response | N/A |
| Sensitivity | N/A |
| Impedance | N/A |
Our Verdict
The Bose QuietComfort 35 is one of the most popular and well-reviewed podcast headphones on the market. They offer a great balance between sound quality, comfort, and convenience. Featuring active noise canceling technology to block out external noises, these wireless over-ear headphones provide superior isolation for crystal clear recordings with minimal background noise.
They’re also equipped with Bluetooth and NFC connectivity, allowing you to easily connect to a range of devices including laptops and smartphones. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable enough for extended listening sessions without tiring your ears out. With great sound quality, noise-canceling technology, convenience, and comfort, the Bose QuietComfort 35 is one of the top choices for podcasting in 2023.
4. Sennheiser HD 660S – Best Open-Back Headphones For Podcasting
| Price | $600 |
| Type | Open-back |
| Frequency Response | 10 – 41,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB |
| Impedance | 150 Ohms |
Our Verdict
The Sennheiser HD 660S headphones are great for podcasting due to their open-back design and powerful sound. They feature specially designed drivers that provide a wide frequency range of 10 – 41,000 Hz and an impressive sensitivity level of 104 dB. The lightweight construction makes them comfortable to wear for long periods and the adjustable headband ensures they fit securely.
The HD 660S also boast a low impedance of 150 ohms, meaning they will deliver powerful sound even when connected to devices with weaker output levels. Overall, the Sennheiser HD 660S is an excellent choice for audio professionals and amateur podcasters alike who demand quality sound and comfort in their listening experience. With these headphones, you can pick up details in your recordings that would otherwise be missed with lesser pairs. The added convenience of the open-back design also means that you won’t have to worry about sound leakage when recording. All in all, the Sennheiser HD 660S is one of the best open-back headphones on the market.
5. Audio-Technica BPHS1 – Best Podcast Headphone With A Mic
| Price | $250 |
| Type | Closed-back |
| Frequency Response | 600 – 10,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB |
| Impedance | 65 Ohms |
Our Verdict
The Audio-Technica BPHS1 is one of the most popular podcast headphones on the market today and for good reason. These impressive headphones are designed to provide superior sound quality and comfort in a lightweight package. The closed-back earcups help block out external noise while still providing excellent bass response and clarity.
These headphones come with an adjustable and detachable microphone, so you can easily record voices for your podcast. The BPHS1 also features a flexible headband for a comfortable fit and includes a carrying case to protect against any wear and tear. All in all, the Audio-Technica BPHS1 is an ideal choice for podcasting due to its impressive sound quality, comfortable fit, and affordable price tag. If you’re looking for the best podcast headphones with a mic, the BPHS1 is definitely worth considering.
6. Sennheiser 280 PRO – Best Studio Headphones For Podcasting
| Price | $100 |
| Type | Closed-back |
| Frequency Response | 8 – 25,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 113 dB |
| Impedance | 64 Ohms |
Our Verdict
The Sennheiser 280 Pro closed-back headphones are the ideal choice for anyone looking for high-quality studio headphones specifically designed for podcasting. These headphones feature a wide frequency response range, allowing them to accurately reproduce sound from 8Hz up to 25kHz. They also boast an impressive sensitivity of 113dB, providing exceptional sound clarity. The closed-back design eliminates outside noise, allowing you to focus on your recordings without any distractions.
Comfort is also a priority with the 280 Pro headphones as they come with thick cushioning and adjustable earcups that ensure a snug fit. They also have an impressive 64 Ohms impedance, providing superior isolation even at higher volumes. These headphones are an excellent choice for podcasting and provide studio-grade sound quality with superior comfort.
7. Sony MDR7506/1 – Best Budget Headphones For Podcasting
| Price | $120 |
| Type | Closed-back |
| Frequency Response | 10 – 20,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB |
| Impedance | 63 Ohms |
Our Verdict
The Sony MDR7506/1 is an extremely popular pair of headphones, not just for podcasting but for general listening as well. They offer excellent sound quality and noise isolation, as well as a comfortable fit that won’t cause fatigue even after extended use. The earcups fully cover the ears to block out external noises, while the adjustable headband can be easily adjusted to fit securely onto your head. The sound reproduction is smooth and balanced, making them a great choice for recording podcast dialogue without any distortions or coloration.
These headphones are also lightweight yet robustly constructed for lasting durability. They’re an excellent value for the price, offering outstanding performance at a fraction of the cost of more expensive models. All in all, the Sony MDR7506/1 are great budget podcast headphones that deliver excellent sound quality and comfort at an affordable price. They’re sure to meet the needs of any podcaster on a tight budget.
8. Shure SRH1540 – Best Closed-Back Podcast Headphones
| Price | $500 |
| Type | Closed-back |
| Frequency Response | 5 – 25,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB |
| Impedance | 46 Ohms |
Our Verdict
The Shure SRH1540 are some of the best closed-back podcast headphones, offering excellent sound quality and comfort. These headphones have generous ear cups that provide superior noise isolation while still allowing airflow to reduce heat build-up over long listening sessions.
They feature an extended frequency range of 5 – 25000 Hz and a sensitivity of 99dB, ensuring you get accurate and crystal-clear sound reproduction. The 46 Ohm impedance ensures a good balance between power and performance so that the headphones can be used with any source device. Additionally, the headband and ear cups are very comfortable compared to other models in this range.
9. Audio Technica ATH-m50x – Best Sound Quality Podcast Headphones
| Price | $165 |
| Type | Closed-back |
| Frequency Response | 15 – 28,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 99 dB |
| Impedance | 38 Ohms |
Our Verdict
For excellent sound quality and a comfortable fit, the Audio Technica-m50x headphones are an excellent choice. These closed-back headphones feature large 45mm drivers that provide dynamic and detailed sound. The large earcups cover your entire ear, allowing you to enjoy a full range of frequencies without any distortion or noise interference.
The padded headband and earpads provide a comfortable fit, while the swiveling earcups make them easy to put on and take off. These headphones are perfect for podcasting as they offer exceptional sound clarity, allowing you to capture audio without any outside noise interference. Additionally, their excellent sound quality makes them great for listening to music or watching movies as well. The Audio Technica ATH-m50x offers great value for money and is an excellent choice for podcasting.
Conclusion
Podcasters wear headphones to get more natural sound and excellent isolation when recording. There are a variety of options to choose from, depending on your budget and audio needs.
For those who need a decent pair of headphones without breaking the bank, models like the Sony MDR7506/1 offer great value for money. More serious podcasters might want to invest in higher-end models like the Shure SRH1540 or the Audio Technica ATH-m50x, which offer superior sound quality and comfort.
Whichever model you choose, make sure it fits your budget and audio needs for the best podcasting experience.
FAQs
What are the best headphones for podcasting?
This depends on your budget and audio needs. Popular models include the Sony MDR7506/1, Shure SRH1540, and Audio Technica ATH-m50x.
Do I need special headphones for podcasting?
Yes, you need headphones that specifically cater to the needs of your podcast. This includes features such as noise isolation and extended frequency range.
Are closed-back headphones better for podcasting?
Generally speaking, yes. Closed-back headphones are better for podcasting as they provide more sound isolation and reduce interference from outside noise.
How much should I spend on podcasting headphones?
The amount you should spend depends on your needs as an individual podcaster and the type of audio you’re recording. Budget options like the Sony MDR7506/1 are great for casual podcasters, while more serious podcasters may want to invest in higher-end models like the Shure SRH1540 or Audio Technica ATH-m50x.
Are headphones with noise cancellation better for podcasting?
Active noise cancellation is important for reducing outside interference and improving sound quality, but it’s not necessary for podcasting. It may be beneficial for some podcasters, but it’s not a must-have feature.
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