Best Headphones For Podcasting

Using headphones when podcasting is crucial for achieving high-quality, consistent audio. Whether you’re a newbie or seasoned podcaster, the right pair of headphones can significantly enhance your sound recording quality and give it a professional touch. Plus, they look pretty cool too! However, choosing the best headphones for your podcast setup can be tricky with so many options available out there. So to help you out in making an informed decision, we’ve put together a list of top-rated headphones suitable for various podcast setups along with a handy buying guide.

Why Do You Need The Best Headphones

If you don’t have headphones when having remote podcast guests speak, the audio from your speakers will interfere with your microphone and create a terrible feedback loop.

Hear your own voice

hear voice If you are looking to record a podcast, it is important to hear how your voice sounds to others. With headphones, you can listen to your audio as it is heard by your audience, which is different from how your own voice sounds to you.

It also gives you more control since you can adjust the levels. As you speak into the microphone, you receive the sound through the headphones, allowing you to quickly assess and modify your delivery. And this can involve altering your delivery regarding the volume, pitch, or other elements.

Isolate sound

isolate sound When recording audio, capture only the intended content and avoid capturing any unintended sounds.

Audio bleed occurs when sound is unintentionally picked up by a microphone. In podcasting, it happens when two or more people are recording without using headphones, so the audio from one speaker is picked up by another’s microphone. It sounds like multiple people are speaking at the same time.

Echo results when the microphone captures sound from the speakers, resulting in feedback, delays, and difficulty for guests to hear the host.

Investing in a quality headphones while recording podcasts can help minimize audio bleed, or eliminate the issue completely.

Improved mic technique

Headphones are essential for improving your mic technique when recording a podcast. With headphones, you can immediately hear the audio fluctuations and determine the optimal distance and volume level for the microphone. This real-time feedback allows you to adjust your mic technique quickly and become more experienced.

For guests, headphones are even more critical as they can provide direction on correctly positioning themselves. How close they should be to the mic and adjust their volume level accordingly.

Help you notice & reduce ambient noise

reduce noise Headphones can be an excellent tool for improving your mic technique, but they can also enhance your audio quality. By picking up more frequencies than the human ear, headphones can detect background noise you wouldn’t typically hear. Thus resulting in a cleaner recording. Even in a sound-proofed studio, such noises can still be picked up from sources such as the computer fan, air conditioner, or external activity.

Make editing your podcast easier

edit podcast When recording audio, headphones can be paired with a mixer to help you monitor and adjust levels in real time. This will save you time in post-production as you can accurately assess the sound quality. Additionally, premium headphones are especially beneficial in preventing clipping which can lead to lost chunks of conversation in podcasts.

When Should You Get A Podcast Headset?

If you’re just starting out with podcasting and need to keep costs low, buying a headset is a smart move. It’s cheaper than purchasing separate top-quality headphones and microphones for yourself and your guests. Plus, if you plan on live-streaming your podcast but don’t have the resources for multiple camera angles, a headset can help reduce clutter in the studio without blocking your guests’ faces. A headset is also versatile – you can use it for other activities like gaming streams or chatting with friends on Skype or Discord.

Our Top Pic For The Best Headphones For Any Podcasting Needs

Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is top-notch for audio recording and sound mixing. They deliver crystal clear sound with a neutral sound signature. Plus the wide frequency range of 5Hz – 35kHz and custom-built diaphragms provide accurate sound on both ends of the spectrum. The steel headband and soft ear cups are comfortable and perfect for extended podcast recording sessions.

Sony MDR-7506

The Sony MDR-7506 headphone is the perfect recording choice due to their closed-back design and low leakage performance. With a 63 ohm impedance and a 106 dB sensitivity rating, they are suitable for portable devices such as smartphones and tablets. So, if you are looking for a pair of podcast headphones with a great design and reliable durability, the MDR-7506 is the way to go.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

The Audio Technica ATH-M50X Headphones offer unparalleled sound quality for a closed-back studio headphone. Boasting a frequency response of 15 – 28,000 Hz, and a 3.5 mm jack, the ATH-M50X is one of the top choices for studio professionals.

AKG K72

The AKG K72 is an ideal pair of headphones for budget-conscious podcasters. Its adjustable headband and lightweight design make it comfortable to wear for extended periods while recording or editing. This closed-back, over-ear headphones effectively soften external noise. Therefore making them an excellent choice for podcasts.

Shure SRH1540

Shure SRH-1540 headphones are the perfect choice for podcasters looking for the highest durability, comfort, and sound quality. They feature a wide frequency range of 5 Hz- 2200 Hz, provide excellent passive noise reduction, and feature premium materials for added durability. With the Shure name behind them, you can be sure you’re getting the best in headphones.

Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

The Sennheiser HD280 Pro is a well-loved choice among professional sound engineers. This headset has a very sensitive 103 dB SPL/V and a wide frequency range of 8 – 25 kHz. Additionally, the passive noise-canceling feature eliminates any distracting background noise for clear audio reproduction. And with its accurate sound reproduction, you can be sure to hear your sound exactly as it was intended.

Bose QuietComfort 25

The Bose QuietComfort 25 is an excellent choice for Apple device owners searching for a set of acoustic noise-canceling headphones. Their comfortable, lightweight design, made with memory foam earpads, makes them worth the extra cost.

Rode NTH-100

The Rode NTH-100 headphones have an eye-catching design. They provide comfort for extended studio sessions with their cooling gel-filled ear pads. Not to mention, a detachable cable is included, adding to the convenience of travel and replacement.

Skullcandy Grind Bluetooth Wireless

The Skullcandy Grind Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones are designed for maximum comfort, featuring adjustable on-ear pillows and a metal headband. Moreover, their Bluetooth connectivity and 12-hour battery life make them incredibly convenient.

Bowers & Wilkins PX5

The Bowers & Wilkins P5 Series is a great value for the price, offering superior sound quality with their custom-designed 35.6mm full-range drivers that provide 10Hz-30kHz of audio. As well as being comfortable, their durable construction and hi-fi drive units make them an excellent choice for extended recording sessions. The P5 headphones are part of their P3, P7, and P9 lines and are just as impressive.

What To Look For In Podcast Headphones

Different people may have different opinions, but ultimately it is up to you to decide what works best for you.

Open-Back Vs. Closed-Back Headphones

closed-back vs open-back

Closed-back headphones feature ear cups with a solid exterior and are ideal for recording due to their superior noise isolation capabilities. This ensures a higher quality of the sound recording.

Open-Back Headphones are ideal for editing purposes as they emphasize sound quality. Featuring an open-back design, the rear of the ear cups are usually covered with a grille or mesh. This design allows for improved comfort as heat is more easily dissipated.

Comfort

For extended podcast recordings featuring multiple speakers, comfortable headphones are a must. Consider investing in models with padded cushions and large ear pads for greater comfort during long sessions. Additionally, lightweight headphones are preferable; heavier models can be uncomfortable if worn for extended periods.

Frequency Range

Frequency response is an essential characteristic of any audio device, indicating the range of frequencies it can process accurately. Generally, the desired range is between 20 and 20,000 Hz, and having a flat frequency response is ideal. It ensures that the audio output is faithful to the original source without additional enhancements.

Sound Sensitivity

The ideal headphone sensitivity level for podcasting is between 80 and 125 dB sound pressure level (SPL). This range ensures optimal conversion of electrical signals into acoustic sound and optimal audio clarity.

Portability

For those looking to travel with their headphones or store them in a compact space, consider models that can be folded or come with a carrying case. This can help to ensure their protection against potential damage.

Wireless Vs. Wired

When deciding how to connect headphones to a laptop or other audio device, it is vital to consider the convenience of a wireless model versus the improved sound quality of a wired version.

wireless vs wired

Wireless headphones use Bluetooth or other wireless technology to transmit audio signals, affording users greater freedom of movement without the need for cables. However, this convenience can come at the cost of potential signal interference or reduced sound quality.

In comparison, wired headphones offer greater durability, longer life, and better sound quality for the price.

Can You Record A Podcast Using AirPods?

Although earbuds are a viable option in a pinch, they are not ideal for podcasting. Their limited size makes it difficult to accurately isolate frequencies, and sound can leak through and be picked up by a microphone. Furthermore, they can be prone to latency and lags, as well as a reliance on battery life. Investing in a pair of over-ear headphones is the best option for the best control and sound quality.

AirPods, while convenient, may not be the most cost-effective option for audio editing.

Conclusion: Choose The Best Headphones For Your Podcasting Needs

Having a good set of podcasting headphones is an essential part of any podcasting setup. Whether you are a seasoned podcasting veteran or just starting out, a quality set of headphones can help elevate your production to the next level. With such a competitive market, it can be difficult to choose the best set of headphones for your needs. Our recommendations above are designed to help you find the best podcasting headphones to suit your budget and needs.

If you are already utilizing any headphones for podcast recording and believe they should be included in our list, please let us know in the comments section below. We would appreciate your input and be happy to answer any questions you may have.