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Podcasting has become a popular way to share information and tell stories, and having the right headphones is an essential part of the process. Whether you are recording your own podcast or just listening to others, it’s important to have a pair of headphones that provide a comfortable fit, good sound quality, and useful features.
In this article, we will look at some of the best podcast headphones, considering factors such as noise canceling, comfort, sound quality, and convenience. From professional-grade models to budget-friendly options, we have something for every podcast enthusiast.
1. Audio Technica ATH-M30x
The Audio Technica ATH-M30x is a great budget pair of headphones for both casual listening and professional studio use. The sound quality is impressive, with a balanced frequency response and a clear, defined output. The headphones are also very comfortable to wear, with a lightweight design and padded ear cups that make them easy to wear for long periods of time.
The build quality is solid, with a durable plastic construction and a sturdy headband that can withstand regular use. The cord is detachable, which is convenient for storage and travel, and the headphones come with a carrying pouch for protection. Overall, the Audio Technica ATH-M30x is a reliable and cost-effective option for anyone in need of a good pair of headphones.
2. Sony MDR-7506
The Sony MDR-7506 headphones are often recommended for podcasting due to their excellent sound quality and durability. These headphones have a wide frequency response and a neutral sound signature, which makes them well-suited for capturing clear and accurate audio.
The closed-back design helps to isolate outside noise, making it easier to focus on recording and editing your podcast. The MDR-7506 also has a sturdy build, with a folding design and a detachable cord that make them easy to transport and store. Additionally, the headphones come with a carrying case for added protection.
3. Sennheiser HD 650
The Sennheiser HD 650 headphones are often recommended for podcasting due to their excellent sound quality and comfort. These headphones have a wide frequency response and a warm, balanced sound signature that helps to accurately capture and reproduce the nuances of the human voice.
The HD 650 also has an open-back design, which provides a more natural and open soundstage. This can be beneficial for podcasting, as it allows you to better hear and differentiate between different sound sources in your recording. Additionally, the HD 650 has a comfortable, lightweight design with padded ear cups and a headband that make them easy to wear for long periods of time.
4. Shure SRH840A
The Shure SRH840A headphones are a reliable choice for professional audio applications, including recording and broadcasting. Known for their durability and audio precision, these headphones have been trusted by audio professionals for decades. The newer models maintain the high level of audio quality while featuring updated design and aesthetics. These headphones are suitable for studio work and are also popular in radio and podcasting stations. One notable feature is the detachable straight cables, which may be preferred by some users but not others.
5. Superlux HD 681
The Superlux HD 681 is a popular choice among podcasters and streamers due to its affordability and good sound quality. It is a dynamic microphone that is designed for recording vocals and instruments.
It has a cardioid pickup pattern, which means that it is most sensitive to sound coming from directly in front of the microphone, and it is less sensitive to sound coming from the sides and rear. This makes it a good choice for isolating a single sound source, such as a voice, in a recording. The HD 681 is known for its clear and accurate sound reproduction, making it suitable for podcasting and other forms of voice recording.
6. Panasonic Ergofit
The Panasonic Ergofit is a budget-friendly in-ear headset with a microphone that is often used for hands-free calling and voice communication. It is not a professional-grade microphone, but it’s a good choice for beginner podcasters who don’t want to invest a lot of money. Just keep in mind that the quality of the recording may not be as good as it would be with a dedicated microphone.
7. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is a professional-grade headphones designed for recording and mixing applications. It has a clear and accurate sound reproduction, with a bass response that is tight and well-controlled. It is well-suited for a wide range of music genres and instruments, as well as podcasting.
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is a closed-back, over-ear headset with a comfortable and secure fit, making it a good choice for long podcast recording sessions. The closed-back design offers excellent isolation, which helps to reduce the amount of ambient noise that bleeds into the recording, making it easier to focus on the sound source. The ear cups also provide a good seal around the ears, which helps to block out external noise and keep the sound inside the headphones. This makes the DT 770 PRO a good choice for recording in noisy environments, or for situations where you want to avoid disturbing others while recording.
8. Monolith M565C
The Monolith M565C are high-end headphones for audiophiles. Monolith headphones are designed to provide a detailed and accurate sound reproduction, with a wide frequency response and a balanced sound signature. They are well-suited for a wide range of music genres and are also a good choice for critical listening (like podcasting).
One of the standout features of the Monolith headphones is their build quality. They are made with high-quality materials and have a robust and durable design. The headband and ear cups are padded with soft, comfortable cushions, which makes them comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
In terms of sound quality, the Monolith headphones are known for their excellent detail and clarity. They have a wide frequency response and a flat response curve, which means that they accurately reproduce the full range of sounds in the audio signal. They also have a good soundstage, which means that they provide a sense of space and depth in the music. This makes them a good choice for critical listening and for enjoying subtleties and nuances.
9. Sennheiser HD 400S
These headphones are a solid choice for everyday podcasting. They have a comfortable, lightweight design and a good sound quality, with a balanced sound signature and a wide frequency response. The ear cups are padded with soft, breathable cushions, which make them comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The headband is also adjustable, so you can find the perfect fit.
One of the standout features of the HD 400S is their convenience. They have a foldable design, which makes them easy to pack and carry. They also have a detachable cable, which allows you to easily switch between devices. The cable has an in-line remote and microphone, which lets you control your music and take calls without having to take out your phone.
10. Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are a popular choice for podcasting due to their excellent noise canceling capabilities and comfortable fit. The noise canceling feature is useful for recording in noisy environments, as it helps to reduce the amount of ambient noise that bleeds into the recording. This makes it easier to focus on the sound source and produce a high-quality recording.
The QuietComfort 35 II also have a comfortable, over-ear design that allows them to be worn for long periods of time without causing fatigue. The ear cups are padded with soft, breathable cushions, and the headband is adjustable, so you can find the perfect fit. The headphones are also lightweight, which helps to reduce the strain on your head and ears.
In addition to their noise canceling and comfort features, the QuietComfort 35 II also have good sound quality. They have a balanced sound signature and a wide frequency response, which allows them to accurately reproduce a wide range of audio content. They also have a built-in microphone, which allows you to take calls and use voice assistants without having to take off the headphones.
Why You Need Headphones for Podcasting
Headphones are an essential tool for most podcasters for several reasons:
- Monitoring: Headphones allow you to hear what you are recording with clarity and accuracy, which is essential for ensuring that you are speaking clearly and at a consistent volume. They also allow you to monitor the levels of the recording, so you can make sure that you are not overloading the microphone or recording at too low of a level.
- Isolation: Headphones can help to reduce the amount of ambient noise that bleeds into the recording, making it easier to focus on the sound source. They also provide a degree of isolation from external noise, which can be helpful if you are recording in a noisy environment or if you want to avoid disturbing others while recording.
- Comfort: Headphones are generally more comfortable to wear for long periods of time compared to earbuds or other types of in-ear headphones. This is especially important if you are recording a long podcast episode or if you are doing multiple takes.
Overall, headphones are an essential tool for most podcasters and are worth investing in if you want to produce a high-quality recording.
Factors to Consider When Buying Podcast Headphones
Before you pick up one of the best podcast headphones from our list, it’s important to understand what you’re purchasing and why. Here are some factors to consider before you buy headphones for podcasting.
Price/budget
Before you start browsing, it’s a good idea to understand how much you can spend on a pair of podcasting headphones. This will narrow your search considerably and save you the disappointment of researching products that you can’t afford.
Comfort
As a podcaster, you will spend a lot of time wearing your podcasting headphones, so Comfort should be a priority. Look for headphones that are lightweight, adjustable to fit your head and position, and offer padded cushions for your ears.
Portability
If you expect to travel with your headphones often, prioritize products that are portable and easy to store. Some headphones are flexible or can be folded to fit into storage containers.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity refers to your headphones ability to convert an electrical signal into an acoustic signal. It also influences the volume of the sound they produce. Headphones with high sensitivity readings will create louder sounds. Headphones with low sensitivity ratings will create quieter sounds and may need additional amplification.
Impedance
Impedance refers to the quality and amplitude of the audio they produce in your ears. Low impedance headphones use a small amount of power to deliver high audio levels, but these headphones are often more expensive.
Frequency response
Frequency response refers to how your headphones sound. This is obviously important to podcasters who need to hear exactly what their audio sounds like. Look for products with a flat frequency response (ideally between 20Hz to 20,000Hz) as this means your audio is clear, unfiltered, and accurate.
With or without a mic
For some podcasters, an inbuilt microphone is an attractive option because it means you need one fewer piece of equipment. After all, microphones are expensive, so you may not want to invest in one. However, built-in microphones often offer low quality audio. If audio quality is a concern (and it should be because you’re a podcaster), go with a dedicated microphone.
Open-back vs. closed-back
In open-backed headphones, air passes through the cups into the speaker element. This creates better, more natural audio, but only in a soundproof environment. If there’s ambient sound around you, you’ll hear it.
On the other hand, closed-back headphones are completely sealed. The audio goes straight to your ear without leakage. In most cases, closed-back headphones are preferable for podcasting.
Wired vs Wireless Headphones
One of the decisions you have to make when you consider podcast headphones it’s whether you want wired headphones or wireless headphones.
Wired headphones are headphones that are connected to a device, such as a smartphone, a computer, or an audio mixer using a physical cable. These cables transmit the audio signal from the device to the headphones. Wired headphones are generally more reliable and have better sound quality than wireless headphones, as there is no risk of interference or signal loss. However, they can be inconvenient to use, as the cables can get tangled or in the way while you are moving around.
Wireless headphones, on the other hand, do not use cables to connect to a device. Instead, they use Bluetooth or other wireless technologies to transmit the audio signal. This allows you to listen to music or other audio content without being tethered to a device. Wireless headphones can be more convenient to use, as they allow you to move freely without the need to deal with cables. However, they are dependent on battery life and can be prone to interference, which can affect their sound quality.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Podcast Headphones
You’ve seen our list of the best podcast headphones, but you may still have some questions. Here are some common questions we hear about podcast headphones.
Why do podcasters wear headphones?
Podcasters wear headphones for several reasons:
- Monitoring: Headphones allow the podcaster to hear what they are recording with clarity and accuracy. This is essential for ensuring that they are speaking clearly and at a consistent volume, and for monitoring the levels of the recording to make sure it is not too loud or too quiet.
- Isolation: Headphones can help to reduce the amount of ambient noise that bleeds into the recording, making it easier to focus on the sound source. They also provide a degree of isolation from external noise (especially the sound coming from your speakers), which can be helpful if the podcaster is recording in a noisy environment or if they want to avoid disturbing others while recording.
- Comfort: Headphones are generally more comfortable to wear for long periods of time compared to earbuds or other types of in-ear headphones. This is especially important if the podcaster is recording a long podcast episode or if they are doing multiple takes.
Overall, headphones are an essential tool for most podcasters and are worth investing in if you want to produce a high-quality recording.
Should I buy headphones with a built-in microphone?
We recommended using a separate microphone for podcasting rather than relying on the built-in microphone on a pair of headphones. This is because microphones that are built into headphones are usually not as sensitive or accurate as dedicated microphones. They may not capture the full range of frequencies in the audio signal, and they may also be prone to picking up background noise and ambiance. If you are looking to record a podcast, it is generally a good idea to invest in a dedicated microphone that is specifically designed for vocals.
That being said, if you already have a pair of headphones with a built-in microphone and you are just starting out with podcasting, you may be able to use them as a temporary solution while you save up for a dedicated microphone. Just keep in mind that the quality of the recording may not be as good as it would be with a dedicated microphone.
Can you record a podcast using AirPods?
While it is technically possible to record a podcast using AirPods, they are not designed specifically for recording applications and may not provide the best sound quality. AirPods are primarily designed for use with smartphones and other portable devices as a wireless headset for making phone calls and listening to music. They have a built-in microphone that is designed for voice communication, but it may not be sensitive or accurate enough to capture high-quality audio for podcasting.
If you are looking to record a podcast, it is generally recommended to use a dedicated podcast microphone that is designed specifically for recording vocals. These microphones typically have a higher quality, more sensitive element and a larger diaphragm, which allows them to capture more detail and nuance in the sound. They may also have features such as a cardioid or directional pickup pattern, which helps to reduce background noise and ambiance in the recording.
That being said, if you are in a pinch and need to record a podcast using your AirPods, you may be able to achieve acceptable results by finding a quiet location with good acoustics and speaking directly into the microphone. Just keep in mind that the quality of the recording may not be as good as it would be with a dedicated microphone.
What headphones do Joe Rogan use?
Joe Rogan, the host of the popular podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience,” is known to use a variety of headphones for his recordings. In his podcast studio, he uses the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones, which are a popular choice among professional recording engineers due to their accurate sound reproduction and excellent isolation. He has also been known to use the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones and the Bose QuietComfort 35 II wireless headphones for his recordings.
Can you podcast without headphones?
Technically, it is possible to podcast without headphones. However, headphones are an essential tool for most podcasters, and not using them can make it difficult to produce a high-quality recording.
Headphones are important for several reasons. Firstly, they allow you to hear what you are recording with clarity and accuracy, which is essential for ensuring that you are speaking clearly and at a consistent volume. They also allow you to monitor the levels of the recording, so you can make sure that you are not overloading the microphone or recording at too low of a level.
Additionally, headphones can help to reduce the amount of ambient noise that bleeds into the recording, making it easier to focus on the sound source. They also provide a degree of isolation from external noise, which can be helpful if you are recording in a noisy environment or if you want to avoid disturbing others while recording.
Do you need a headphone amplifier for podcasting?
A headphone amplifier is not typically necessary for podcasting, unless you are using headphones with a very low impedance or if you are using a low-powered device to drive the headphones.
Most headphones have an impedance rating of around 32 ohms to 600 ohms, and they can be driven effectively by most devices that have a headphone output, such as a computer or a smartphone. If you are using headphones with a higher impedance, or if you are using a device that has a weak headphone output, you may benefit from using a headphone amplifier to boost the signal and drive the headphones more effectively.
However, if you are using a high-powered device, such as a professional audio interface or a dedicated headphone amplifier, you may not need an additional amplifier. In these cases, the device should have enough power to drive the headphones effectively.
