The 10 Best Headphones for Podcasting: An Extensive Review

Podcasting Headphones FAQ

Podcasting headphones are a slightly different breed than the typical set of headphones; they require different and more specific criteria. I will discuss these criteria below and touch on some questions you should ask in your search for the best headphones for podcasting.

1. What Makes a Pair of Headphones Good for Podcasting?

There are some things to look for when distinguishing between good headphones and the best headphones for podcasting. Things like closed-back, noise-canceling, frequency response, and durability should all be considered. Though these are nice qualities for podcasting, they aren’t 100% necessary.

If you have a set of high-quality headphones, you are probably doing fine in terms of your needs for podcasting. However, if you are looking to upgrade, or are just getting into podcasting and need to find something to suit your needs, these qualities are a good place to start.

Podcast headphones are not entirely separate from headphones, but a sub-category with specs to fill the needs of an audio-based audience rather than a musical-based audience.

2. What Other Qualities Should I Look For?

One of the next things to look for in the best headphones for podcasting is comfort. What material are the earmuffs made of? What material the headband made of?

Memory foam is a good option to look into as it is the most comfortable over long periods. Having a cushioned band also makes for easier wear over time. This is especially important because podcasts usually require wearing headphones for extended periods of time.

3. What Are Good Specs to Look For?

Do you prefer wired or wireless options? What frequency response matters to you? Are you looking for noise-canceling headphones?

Wired or Wireless

Whether wired headphones are a deal-breaker is entirely up to each podcaster, as it may not make a difference in some studios. For the sake of this article, I have tagged it as a negative; however, it should be noted that that is subjective. If you are in the market for Bluetooth headphones, keep in mind that you will want to look for a pair with decent battery life. It can be a real inconvenience to stop mid-recording to tether yourself to an outlet or stop to charge up—especially if you have guests.

Noise Cancelation

Noise cancellation is always a good spec to look for, but the needed degree of noise cancelation may not be the same across the board. Some podcasters may prefer total noise cancelation, while others may only need to block some outside noise.

Quality and Frequency Response

But, overall, when you’re looking for a good pair of headphones, quality sound and frequency range should be the first thing to look for. Since podcasts often don’t have much going on beyond voices, audio quality is of utmost importanceÔÇöand what better way to reach that quality than by using the best podcast equipment available.

Overall Price Point

The overall price range on headphones can range from $20 to well over $1000. The ones I have listed here are more mid-range with some variances on both ends of the scale. Higher-priced models typically offer more features, which may or may not be useful to each user. These added specs can be features like Bluetooth, a longer battery life, or better-fitted and more comfortable fabric.

Since prices are bound to change, in this article I rated each price from less expensive to more expensive, using $, $$, or $$$.

What We’ll Look At

• Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones
• Audio-Technica ATH-M50xProfessional StudioMonitor Headphones
• Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone
• Sennheiser Momentum Headphone
• Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones
• Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 OhmOver-EarStudio Headphones
• Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
• GRADO SR325e Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones
• AKG K 240 MK II Stereo Studio Headphones
• Harman Kardon CL Precision On-Ear Headphones

Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones

Features

This model is on the list for possible best headphones for podcasting because of its possibility for comfort. Interchangeable ear pads give the user the ability to find a better fit and a more comfortable way of wearing for long periods. These are also lightweight and feature an over-the-ear fit, which aids in long-term wearing, making them great headphones.

Price: $$$

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Warranty

This model has a warranty covering all its parts, and users have not reported any issues in the product or with having the warranty fulfilled.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones

Features

This model features sound isolation and three cable lengths to choose from. The sports cloth pads offer comfort, and the earmuffs themselves are over the ear and collapsible.

Price: $$

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Warranty

Because they are midrange in price, these headphones come with a warranty. They have been well-favored, so the warranty has not been needed often.

Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone

Features

This model features over-the-ear muffs and an extra-padded headband, as well as noise reducing fabric to surround the ear. They fit well in the low to mid-range in terms of price but also offer the basics in terms of necessity. They are also foldable, so portability is a plus.

Price: $

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Warranty

This model also comes with a warranty, though the model’s durability reduces the chances you will need to take advantage of it.

Sennheiser Momentum Headphone

Features

This model isolates ambient noise to enhance the sound with leather over-the-ear muffs and a breathable, padded headband. Though not wireless, they come with a standard and iPhone cable.

Price: $$$

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Warranty

This model comes with a 2-year warranty that customers have had no issues with.

Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones

Features

This model provides three levels of noise canceling as well as padded over-the-ear muffs and a collapsible headband. They can be wired or wireless, with a battery life over 20 hours at a minimum. They are Alexa-enabled and include a mic to complete the “smart” headphones package.

Price: $

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Warranty

This product includes a warranty with extension options available.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphones

Features

This model targets podcasters more strictly than previous models. They are designed to pick up nuances in sound and speech, which make them ideal for podcasters and those working with audio. They have over-the-ear padded muffs and headband, and the pads are replaceable for increased use and value.

Price: $$

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Warranty

This model includes a warranty for all its parts, though replacement ear pads are not covered under normal wear and use.

Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

Features

This wireless model puts style at the forefront without sacrificing the overall quality of the headphones. It features a padded on-the-ear design while minimizing the padding on the headband.

Price: $$

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Warranty

Beats includes a warranty for all parts and pieces that need to be replaced.

GRADO SR325e Prestige Series Wired Open-Back Stereo Headphones

Features

In the search for the best headphones for podcasting, these may be one of the more retro-looking options. Though, they are open-back, so they should be used cautiously so not too much sound is leaking. They feature a padded over-the-ear design and a padded, flexible headband. The earmuffs rotate for storage and easier portability.

Price: $$$

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Warranty

There is a warranty included, though it is only valid in the United States.

AKG K 240 MK II Stereo Studio Headphones

Features

These are marketed as mid-range headphones and are perfect for podcasters focusing on audio. They feature padded over-the-ear muffs and a self-adjusting headband for the perfect fit. The superior fit of the earmuffs and headband will be evident after many hours in the studio.

Price: $$

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Warranty

There is a warranty included, and warranty extensions are available.

Harman Kardon CL Precision On-Ear Headphones

Features

If you are looking for the best headphones for podcasting, these may be the most unique pair in terms of appearance. Featuring square padded on-the-ear muffs that are interchangeable and a self-adjusting headband for optimal comfort, this model packages comfort in a whole new way. It is close-backed, so audio bleed should not be an issue, and noise isolation is also increased. Unlike other models, this product provides a well-rounded sound by enhancing the bass and other lows to make them richer and more pronounced.

Price: $$

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Warranty

There is a warranty included, though replacement ear pads are not covered for basic wear and use.

Can I Just Use Earbuds?

While earbuds are great for listening to podcasts, they might not be the best option for recording them. Their frequency range is a bit more limited, and they may leak some sound.

The Best Podcast Headphones: Bose QuietComfort 35 II

As I mentioned earlier, the best headphones for podcasting is a list rather than a ranking. What works best will differ among podcasters. However, those I have talked about in this article all made it on the list because they have something (or perhaps many things) to offer podcasters specifically.

Whether you are looking to drop $400 or $100, there is something on this list for you. There are some heavy hitters on the list (looking at you, Bose QuietComfort).

While this is my favorite pair on this list, this is not a conclusive list. It is, however, a list with a lot of variety and options in different points of the spectrum. In this search for the best headphones for podcasting, there is no winner just a list of well-deserving options that can fit the varying needs of each podcaster. I hope this article has been helpful in your search for the best headphones for podcasting.