The choice of headphones for podcasting is important to ensure clarity and quality audio while recording or editing sessions.

In this article, we are providing a detailed review into the different kinds of podcast headphones, features, pros, and cons of each, plus the best recommendations that suit your budget.

We are going to look at some of the main features to consider when you decide on headphones, pointing at comfort, sound quality, and connectivity.

N.B.: We don’t participate in any affiliate programs: the links to the manufacturer’s site are purely to provide more information, with no financial benefit for us. What truly matters to us is your trust.

Why are podcast headphones important?

Podcast headphones are more than an accessory: they are an important component in ensuring that recordings in podcasts run smoothly, as these headphones allow you to monitor audio quality.

The significant reduction of external noise, prevention of audio bleed, and improvement in sound isolation enable one to focus on the content.

Key benefits include:

• Improved Audio Monitoring: Detect background noise or technical issues.

• Audio Consistency: Ensure sound levels are even and minimize disruptions.

• Guest Comfort: Allow guests to hear themselves, creating a more professional atmosphere.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Podcast Headphones

1. Comfort: The over-ear models are better for very long sessions because they save your ears from fatigue. So, the lighter the model, the more comfort you get.

2. Portability: Compact and foldable headphones are easily taken anywhere if you have to record outdoors quite often.

3. Wired vs. Wireless: Wireless headphones offer more mobility, but wired headphones generally grant better audio fidelity and a more reliable connection.

4. Noise Isolation: Noise-cancelling headphones are the best option when you record in non-soundproof studios, or if the need to block the background noise arises. This model is great for use in noisy surroundings.

5. Price: The budget will have much to say concerning the type of headphones you can get and the features.

Types of Podcast Headphones

There are several types of headphones designed for different recording needs. Here are the primary categories and their differences:

1. Open-back vs. Closed-back Headphones

• Open-back headphones provide a more natural sound but allow audio leakage. These are better for editing in quiet environments.

• Closed-back headphones offer excellent isolation and are ideal for podcast recording to avoid audio bleed.

  2. Over-ear vs. On-ear Headphones

  • Over-ear headphones cover your ear completely to ensure comfort and give the best quality of sound.

  • On-ear headphones sit directly on your ears and are more portable but perhaps less comfortable over long wear.

    3. Wired vs. Wireless Headphones

    • Wired headphones provide a better connection and less latency, which is very important for real-time monitoring.

• Wireless headphones provide free movement, but there may be slight latency, which, during a live podcast recording, might be a problem.

  The Complete Guide to the Best Podcast Headphones (2024)

  When it comes to choosing headphones for podcasting, important factors to consider include the quality of the sound reproduction, comfort, noise isolation, and whether to go with wired or wireless.

  In this in-depth guide, we compare the best podcast headphones, starting with budget-friendly options all the way through premium choices, to help you come to the right decision for your podcast setup.

  Best Affordable Podcast Headphones

  For beginners or podcasters on a tight budget, these headphones provide solid performance without breaking the bank.

  1. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x

  • Price: $54

  • Type: Closed-back, Over-ear, Wired

  • Key Features:

    • Designed for studio monitoring, ideal for entry-level podcasters.

    • Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions.

    • Great sound isolation for blocking background noise.

  • Pros: Affordable, durable, and offers clear mid-range sound.

  • Cons: No wireless or noise-canceling features.

    

  2. Soundcore Anker Life Q20

  • Price: $59.99

  • Type: Closed-back, Over-ear, Wireless

  • Key Features:

    • Active noise cancellation (ANC) for a quiet recording environment.

    • 40-hour battery life and Bluetooth connectivity for flexibility.

  • Pros: Wireless, budget-friendly, and noise-canceling.

  • Cons: Sound quality is good but not as refined as higher-end models.

  

  3. Edifier W800BT Plus

  • Price: $59.99

  • Type: Closed-back, Over-ear, Wireless

  • Key Features:

    • Bluetooth-enabled with long battery life for extended podcast sessions.

    • Lightweight and portable design, ideal for on-the-go use.

  • Pros: Budget-friendly, wireless, and easy to transport.

  • Cons: Audio quality is basic compared to premium headphones.

    

  Best Mid-Range Podcast Headphones

  If you're looking for an upgrade, these mid-range headphones offer better sound quality, durability, and comfort.

  1. Sony MDR-7506

  • Price: $119.99

  • Type: Closed-back, Over-ear, Wired

  • Key Features:

    • Professional-grade sound with a foldable, portable design.

    • Great for detailed sound reproduction, ideal for editing.

  • Pros: Durable, portable, and provides accurate sound.

  • Cons: No wireless or noise-canceling features.

  

  2. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

  • Price: $169.99

  • Type: Closed-back, Over-ear, Wired

  • Key Features:

    • Superior sound quality and noise isolation for critical listening.

    • Comfortable with an adjustable headband for long recording sessions.

  • Pros: Excellent sound isolation and durability.

  • Cons: Coiled cable can be cumbersome; no wireless option.

  Best Premium Podcast Headphones

  For those who want top-tier performance, these premium options deliver exceptional sound, build quality, and comfort.

  1. Shure SRH1540

  • Price: $499

  • Type: Closed-back, Over-ear, Wireless

  • Key Features:

    • Premium sound quality with wireless functionality for flexibility.

    • Built with lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber materials for durability.

  • Pros: Exceptional sound clarity, wireless convenience, and durable build.

  • Cons: High price point, making it unnecessary for all podcasters.

  

  2. Beyerdynamic DT 1770

  • Price: $519

  • Type: Closed-back, Over-ear, Wired

  • Key Features:

    • Professional-grade sound with outstanding clarity and accuracy.

    • Comfortable for long periods with soft, replaceable ear pads.

  • Pros: Top-tier sound quality and durability.

  • Cons: Expensive and lacks wireless features.

  

  Best Podcast Headphones with a Mic

  These headphones come with built-in microphones, ideal for live podcast recordings or streamers looking for an all-in-one solution.

  1. Audio-Technica BPHS1

  • Price: $219

  • Type: Over-ear, Wired

  • Key Features:

    • Integrated cardioid dynamic microphone for superior voice clarity.

    • Durable, designed for broadcasting and live podcasting.

  • Pros: Built-in mic, rugged design, clear sound for broadcasts.

  • Cons: Wired and bulkier than traditional headphones.

    

  2. Sennheiser HMD 300 Pro-XQ-2

  • Price: $299.95

  • Type: Over-ear, Wired

  • Key Features:

    • Super-cardioid microphone, ideal for noisy environments.

    • Adjustable, comfortable design with good noise isolation.

  • Pros: Professional audio quality, built-in mic for live recording.

  • Cons: Expensive, wired only.

  If you prefer a more direct comparison, here is a summary table with the features of the proposed models:

  Comparison Table

  

  Final Thoughts

  Your choice of podcast headphones will come down to a matter of budget, recording environment, and personal preference.

  Comfort, sound quality, noise isolation, and connectivity are what you should look for as a new podcaster or an experienced one.

  Budget-Friendly Options: The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x and Soundcore Anker Life Q20 offer an affordable entry point without giving away too much in performance.

  Mid-range: If you're on a tight budget but want -great-sounding, extra-durable headphones, then either the Sony MDR-7506 or the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro would be great choices. Optimal choices for great sound quality and comfort are the Shure SRH1540 and Beyerdynamic DT 1770. These headphones are top-class in both respects.

  Headphones with a Microphone: For live recordings, you could look at either the Audio Technica BPHS1 or Sennheiser HMD 300 Pro-XQ-2. Both these headphones provide fantastic all-in-one solutions with high-quality microphones.

  Whatever your needs might be, this guide will take you through the options for choosing the best headphones to enhance your podcasting.

Still unsure how to choose the best mics for your podcast? If so, read our guide:

How to Choose the Best Microphone for your Podcast

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