The 8 Best Headphones for Podcasting

The best headphones for podcasting

When it comes to podcasting, the quality of your audio can be the difference between someone sticking around to listen to your entire episode or leaving after two minutes. 

Your voice is the instrument that shapes your show, so it needs to be easy to listen to and delivered with a clear and crisp sound. 

While there has been plenty of debate about whether headphones are necessary for podcasting, there’s no doubt they can take your podcast to the next level. 

This guide cuts through the noise to help you find the best headphones for podcasting that will allow you to deliver a more professional and polished podcast in half the time.

The Best Headphones For Podcasters

Table of Contents

Why Podcasters Need Headphones

Whether you’re new to podcasting or a seasoned voice, audio production will always present challenges.

From how you record your episodes to the post-production work, the right tools can help you improve the quality of your content and streamline your workflow. 

An essential tool for any podcaster is a good pair of headphones, and here’s why:

Real-time Audio Monitoring

Headphones allow you to hear your podcast exactly as your listeners will, providing real-time audio monitoring. 

One of the worst feelings a podcaster can have is listening back to a recording and realizing you sat too far away from the microphone the entire time.

With the ability to monitor your own audio while recording, you can catch mistakes or sound issues as they happen, not after you’ve wrapped up a session. 

You can adjust sound levels on the go, clear up popping sounds from consonants, and maintain proper microphone technique to deliver your content exactly how you envisioned.

Editing

The editing process is where headphones prove their worth. They are great for listening to your podcast in detail, allowing you to make more precise edits

You’ll be able to pick out and fix little audio imperfections like lip-smacking or heavy breathing that distract your audience or take away from your message. 

Even a basic set can be beneficial for editing these subtle nuances that speakers have difficulty revealing. 

Keep in mind, your audience might be using anything from high-end audio systems to their car speakers, so it’s still important to check your edits on speakers so you know your podcast sounds good in different listening environments. 

However, for detailed and focused editing, headphones are the way to go.

Mitigates External Distractions

Headphones are essential for creating a controlled audio environment that is free from external disturbances.

In a Reddit survey we conducted (shown below), we found that 45% of podcasters use headphones to block out noise. Good noise canceling headphones can help you maintain your focus so you can make the best content possible. 

Closed-back headphones are what you would want here since they can drown out any background noise that may distract you while recording or editing. 

Whether it is the sound of traffic, sirens, or a barking dog, wearing noise canceling headphones lets you stay focused on your work

This isolation not only allows you to keep your train of thought, but you’ll also be able to keep unwanted sounds from sneaking into your recording.

Reasons Why Podcasters Use Headphones

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Remote Interviews

Remote interviews are now a regular part of podcasting, and clear communication is critical. Headphones are your best tool for this. 

They cut out any delays and prevent the sound from your speakers from getting picked up by the microphone, which can cause annoying echoes. 

In addition to preventing technical issues, headphones keep the conversation with your guest flowing without creating awkward pauses or talking over each other. 

They help you understand the tone your guest uses and how they stress certain words. These are necessary cues for knowing when to jump in and when to let the guest continue, which helps make the interaction feel more natural and lively. 

In virtual interviews, you can’t always rely on seeing the person’s face for these cues, so the clarity headphones provide is crucial for a good back-and-forth.

By paying attention to how you both sound, it helps you create a real conversation, even when you’re not in the same room, making your podcast more engaging for listeners.

With all that said, let’s get into our picks for the best podcasting headphones.

What are the Best Headphones for Podcasting?

*Any product links are merely suggestions. When you purchase through referral links on our site, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

1. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO

The Best Closed-Back Headphones for Podcast Recording

Frequency Response: 5 – 35,000 Hz

Impedance: 32 Ω / 80 Ω / 250 Ω options

SPL: 96 dB

Driver Size: 45 mm

Design: Closed-back

Connectivity: Wired – Gold Plated 3.5 mm Jack & 1/4″ Adapter

Warranty: 2 Years

Weight: 270 g

Pros: Different options for different setups, Impressive sound isolation.

For Consideration: Will have to break them in, cable isn’t detachable.

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones are a top choice for podcast recording, delivering a professional sound output and trusted by podcasters worldwide. 

These German-engineered headphones feature a high-end design and superior build quality that can help you produce your podcasts more efficiently and with confidence.

Plus, they’re affordable, giving you studio-level quality without having to spend a ton of money.

When recording a podcast, you need to be able to trust that your audio will accurately reproduce your voice with clarity and deliver your content exactly as you intended without any unwanted coloration or distortion. 

But without headphones, it can be hard to hear all of the different sounds in your recording, including the voices of your guests and any background noise that might leak in.

With their wide frequency response, ranging from 5 Hz to 35 kHz, the DT 770 Pro headphones give you a neutral sound profile that lets you identify and fix any of these potential audio issues immediately, saving you time in post-production editing. 

This results in a more efficient workflow, allowing you to put more effort into creating the content your listeners love.

There are three options available, with impedance levels of 32, 80, and 250 ohms. Each version comes with a 3.5mm jack and a ¼” inch adapter, allowing you to choose the impedance that best suits your recording setup so you can expect the same high-quality sound regardless of your equipment. 

I personally suggest the 80-ohm headphones. They’re versatile and can be plugged into various devices without extra equipment, and they come with a long, single-sided cable for ease of movement.

What really impressed me about these headphones was how comfortable they were to wear. The replaceable earpads fit snug around the ears and have a soft padding in either gray velour (80-ohm and 250-ohm versions) or black leatherette (32-ohm version). You can wear them for hours, which is a godsend on those long recording days.

The over-ear, closed-back design not only contributes to a comfortable fit but also provides excellent sound isolation to help you maintain your focus and prevent background distractions from bleeding into your recordings. This feature is complemented by their ability to prevent sound leakage at high volumes, guaranteeing your microphone captures nothing but your voice.

If you’re serious about podcasting and crave studio-quality sound, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO deserves your attention. It’s an investment in your podcast’s quality and, by extension, your audience’s experience.

2. Sennheiser HD 599 SE

The Best Open-Back Headphones for Podcast Editing

Frequency Response: 12 – 38,500 Hz

Impedance: 50 Ω

SPL: 106 dB

Driver Size: 38 mm

Design: Open-back

Connectivity: 2 x Detachable Wires – (1) 3.5 mm jack + (1) 1/4″ jack

Warranty: 2 Years

Weight: 250 g

Pros: 2 separate detachable cables, good spatial performance.

For Consideration: Hinges feel a little flimsy but hold up, and with the open-ear design, it will leak sound.

The Sennheiser HD 599 SE headphones are the best open-back headphones for podcast editing, delivering a natural and accurate sound experience. 

They are widely respected for their outstanding performance and are the preferred choice for many professional podcasters and audio editors.

The main feature is its open-back design, which creates a spacious soundstage and allows environmental sounds to blend subtly with your audio playback, making the listening experience more engaging. 

This design also helps prevent ear fatigue during extended use by keeping your ears cool.

Sennheiser’s custom-engineered transducers use lightweight aluminum voice coils to produce a wide range of sound with great accuracy. This is important for tasks like podcast editing, where you want to make sure the final product sounds exactly like your original recording.

Its 50-ohm impedance makes it versatile for use with various audio equipment, offering clear output without needing too much power. Their frequency response range of 12 to 38,500 Hz allows for deep, resonant bass and crisp highs, capturing the full spectrum of human hearing.

It comes with two detachable cables of different lengths, featuring a ¼” jack suited for high-fidelity systems and a 3.5-mm jack for all of your standard devices, giving you the flexibility your creative process demands. 

The lightweight design of the HD 599 SE makes them comfortable for prolonged wear, which is further aided by the swivel cups that adapt to the listener’s head, providing a secure yet gentle fit. 

Sennheiser’s HD 599 SE are some seriously sturdy and comfy headphones that deliver crystal-clear sound, making them perfect for professional podcast editing and critical listening sessions.

3. Sony WH-1000XM5

The Best Wireless Headphones for Podcasting

Frequency Response: 4 – 40,000 Hz

Impedance: 16-48 Ω

SPL: 102 dB

Driver Size: 30 mm

Design: Closed-back

Connectivity: Wireless – Bluetooth 5.2, 3.5 mm L-Shaped jack

Warranty: 1 Year

Weight: 250 g

Pros: Adaptive Sound Control, Wearing Detection, Superior Noise Canceling.

For Consideration: Have to register with Sony to receive updates.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones are for podcasters who demand the best wireless experience. As a step up from the M4 model, these headphones add a new level of clarity and compatibility to your listening experience. 

These headphones incorporate advanced technology with their Edge-AI feature that will recognize, adjust, and reinstate audio components lost during compression. This feature lets you make precise edits for a cleaner, more professional-sounding episode.

This is complemented by their enhanced noise-canceling capabilities to help you immerse yourself in editing without external distractions when needed.

And if you’re working on the go, the quick attention mode lets you pause your playback and listen in to the ambient sounds surrounding you – giving you full control over when to cancel the noise and when to hear the environment you’re in. 

When considering the WH-1000XM5 headphones for podcast recording, the beamforming technology in their four microphones is stellar. 

This technology focuses on capturing sound from only your voice while reducing background noise from other directions. 

This means your voice will be picked up clearly and distinctly, providing high-quality audio recordings even in a noisy environment. 

The Speak-to-Chat feature is also handy for quick conversations without removing the headphones. Reacting from your voice, it will automatically turn your playback into ambient sound so you don’t miss a word of the conversation.

The impressive 30-hour battery life with noise canceling on and up to 40 hours with it off stands out in the wireless category, providing you with lengthy sessions of concentrated work. 

And the quick charging feature is very convenient. A short 3-minute charge will give you an additional 3 hours worth of playback, which is worth every penny by itself. 

The proximity and acceleration sensors in the headphones are smart features that detect when the headphones are being worn, and if not, your playback is automatically paused to conserve battery life.

These headphones deliver a powerful and expansive sound from 4 Hz to 40,000 Hz thanks to their 1.18″ drivers, which have an active impedance of 48 ohms and a passive impedance of 16 ohms. 

Additionally, they include 5.2 Bluetooth technology that supports LDAC, AAC, and SBC formats, so you can receive rich and detailed sound quality over a wireless connection.

Plus, they’re comfortable. The soft memory foam ear cups rotate to fit your head perfectly, allowing you to find your specific fit and wear them for long periods without discomfort.

Overall, Sony’s WH-1000XM5 wireless headphones offer an exceptional blend of technology, convenience, and quality sound, setting a high bar for wireless headphones in podcasting.

4. AKG Pro Audio K92

The Best Budget-Friendly Headphones for Podcasting

Frequency Response: 16 – 22,000 Hz

Impedance: 32 Ω

SPL: 113 dB

Driver Size: 40 mm

Design: Over-ear

Connectivity: Wired – 3.5 mm Jack & Gold Plated 1/4″ Adapter

Warranty: 2 Years

Weight: 200 g

Pros: Good pair for price, sturdy, and comfortable.

For Consideration: Sound isolation could be better, Tinny highs.

The AKG Pro Audio K92 headphones strike a balance between quality and affordability, presenting a cost-effective solution for podcasters. The over-ear, wired design is both a nod to classic styling and a commitment to reliable, uninterrupted sound transmission.

Equipped with 40 mm drivers that utilize earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, the K92s deliver a solid low-end presence and clear highs, with a frequency response that stretches from 16 Hz to an airy 22 kHz. 

At an impedance of 32-ohms, the K92s headphones can be easily used with a variety of audio interfaces and mixers, making them an ideal choice for podcasters who might need to record or edit in different locations. The gold-plated 3.5mm stereo plug with a 6.3mm adapter ensures professional and consumer audio equipment compatibility.

The design of the self-adjusting headband is innovative, providing a comfortable fit without the need for constant readjustments. The headphones themselves feel well-made, with a surprising sturdiness based on their price point.

However, there are areas where I thought the price point showed itself. The ear pads are thin, which wasn’t comfortable when using them for an extended amount of time. 

Another issue I had is that the cable is non-detachable, so if it gets damaged, the entire unit will have to be replaced or professionally repaired. 

And while I had hoped for a flatter frequency response, the K92s don’t quite match the accuracy of other headphones in this list.

The AKG Pro Audio K92 headphones may not excel in every aspect, but they are still a great option for podcasters who want dependable performance without breaking the bank.

5. Marshall EQ Mode Earbuds

The Best Earbuds for Podcasting

Frequency Response: 20 – 20,000 Hz

Impedance: 18 Ω

SPL: 100 dB

Driver Size: 9 mm

Design: In-ear

Connectivity: Wired – 3.5 mm L-shaped Jack

Warranty: 1 Year

Weight: 20 g

Pros: Portable, Different EQ settings, In-line remote.

For Consideration: Not for a huge soundstage, Can move out of your ear.

The Marshall EQ Mode earbuds are for podcasters who want a lightweight and unobtrusive audio solution. They bring a high level of sound quality in a small package, making them ideal for editing on the go or taking them to another studio without the bulk of traditional headphones.

One of the standout features of these earbuds is the two different EQ settings, allowing you to toggle between sound profiles for monitoring or for when you want a different audio profile for leisure listening.

The 9mm dynamic drivers might seem modest in size, but they are mighty in performance, providing a clean midrange and less bass, putting the focus on vocal clarity. 

These wired in-ear headphones offer excellent sound quality, with no distortion or background noise, thanks to their 18-ohm impedance and 20-20,000 Hz frequency range. They cover the entire human hearing spectrum, so you can hear the full range of your recordings and make precise adjustments.

Another reason why we like them is because it has a high-quality microphone. If you need to record voice-overs or conduct interviews on the fly, the microphone will get the job done. Coupled with an in-line remote for easy control and a 3.5 mm input for universal compatibility, these wired in-ear headphones offer functionality that’s hard to overlook.

Despite their compact size, the passive noise isolation is quite effective, blocking out a considerable amount of ambient noise, which allows for focused listening and recording sessions. 

The Marshall EQ Mode earbuds are a testament to the fact that good things come in small packages. Offering a tangle-resistant cord and dual EQ settings, they are a practical, high-quality audio solution for podcasters who need reliability and performance without the weight of traditional over-ear headphones.

6. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset

Best Headphones with Microphone for Podcasting

Frequency Response: 15 – 28,000 Hz

Impedance: 38 Ω

SPL: 99 dB

Driver Size: 45 mm

Design: Closed-back

Connectivity: Wired – XLR model: 3-pin XLR-M type plug | USB model: USB Type-A

Warranty: 2 Years

Weight: 330 g

Pros: Mic is high quality, All-in-one solution.

For Consideration: The XLR model requires an audio interface, and the cables aren’t detachable.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS Streamset is the ideal all-in-one solution for podcasters. They are an improvement on the ATH-M50x headphones, an industry standard for podcasting, known for their high-fidelity audio experience in recording and playback. 

Audio-Technica has integrated their cardioid condenser microphone from their 2020 Series microphones into an adjustable mic arm, allowing you to quickly flip between mute and active modes. Its cardioid pickup pattern expertly isolates your voice, ensuring superb vocal clarity and accuracy, even in settings lacking acoustic treatment.

The headphones are built with the same solid durability and professional build quality that comes with the M50x, and overall, it’s a comfortable pair of headphones. The headband doesn’t have a ton of cushioning but sits on the head nicely and has a snug fit.

For earpads, it comes with two sets in the box – the standard M50x earpads for more sound isolation and an additional pair that combines mesh and leatherette, providing a more comfortable seal that aids in breathability during extended use.

In terms of connectivity, the ATH-M50xSTS USB comes with a standard USB-A connection and includes a USB-A to USB-C adapter. This is particularly useful for podcasters who may record in various settings or need to travel light without multiple cables.

For those looking to use this headphone with an audio interface, their XLR version gives you an analog connection with a 3-pin XLR and 3.5mm TRRS plug with a 1/4″ adapter connection for those looking to use this headphone with an audio interface. 

Overall, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xSTS headphones are an excellent choice, offering a setup that’s particularly suitable for podcasters looking to simplify their workflow without compromising on quality.

7. HIFIMAN Edition XS

Best Over-Ear Headphones for Podcasting

Frequency Response: 8 – 50,000 Hz

Impedance: 18 Ω

SPL: 92 dB

Driver: Planar Magnetic

Design: Over-ear

Connectivity: Wired – Double-sided with angled 3.5 mm jack and 1/4″ Adapter

Warranty: 1 Year

Weight: 405 g

Pros: The stealth magnets, ability to provide a sense of direction, and clarity and depth.

For Consideration: Large – might press on your jawline, will have noise leakage.

The HIFIMAN Edition XS is for podcasters looking for the best over-ear headphones. 

Building upon the success of the HIFIMAN Edition X, these headphones incorporate Stealth Magnet Technology and a NEO “supernano” Diaphragm (NsD), which combine to offer fast response and exceptional sound quality. 

The open-back design of these headphones creates a wide soundstage that provides a sense of direction and space that closed-back models cannot match. This makes them ideal for detailed audio work in podcasting.

This is especially beneficial when evaluating spatial cues in recordings or when aiming for a mix that sounds more lifelike and less confined.

With an impedance of 18 ohms and a frequency response ranging from 8 Hz to 50 kHz, the Edition XS delivers detailed highs, articulate mids, and deep lows that can be driven through lower output devices without the need for an additional amplifier.

HIFIMAN has also considered the practicalities of podcasting work; the detachable cable gives you more flexibility to enjoy the planar drivers across multiple devices and hook up to your specific podcasting setup.

The Edition XS headphones sound great, but they’re not perfect. First, they’re pretty big, so they might press on your jawline if you wear them for a long time. Second, the headband padding isn’t as soft as some other headphones, but that’s a minor complaint compared to how good they sound.

Overall, if you’re looking for an over-ear headphone that provides clarity, depth, and an expansive soundstage for a truly immersive editing and monitoring experience, then the HIFIMAN Edition XS should be considered.

8. Sennheiser HD 800 S

Best Podcasting Headphones if Money Isn’t an Issue

Frequency Response: 4 – 51,000 Hz

Impedance: 300 Ω

SPL: 102 dB

Driver Size: 56 mm

Design: Over-ear, Open-back

Connectivity: Wired – 1/4″ plug + 4.4 mm balanced pentaconn cable

Warranty: 2 Years

Weight: 330 g

Pros: Accurate sound reproduction, detachable balance/unbalanced cables included, professional sound quality.

For Consideration: Will require an amp, expensive replacement parts.

The Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones represent the pinnacle of headphone design, tailored for the audiophile podcaster who prioritizes audio quality over cost. 

These open-back headphones are the real deal and a testament to Sennheiser’s commitment to providing an unparalleled listening experience.

They offer an impressive frequency response range from 4 Hz to 51,000 Hz, ensuring you capture every detail of your podcast with precision – from subtle breaths between spoken words to crisp sound effects.

You’ll enjoy superb imaging capabilities with the 56mm drivers, among the largest in the dynamic headphone market. These help in precisely locating sounds and effects in editing with a level of detail that few headphones can match.

The HD 800 S headphones are built tough, with a vibration-damping chassis and an inert headband that minimizes resonances. This helps keep the sound pure and neutral, which Sennheiser is well-known for. 

The large, cushioned ear cups provide exceptional comfort and help to deliver a rich, three-dimensional listening experience. 

They direct sound waves to the ear at a slight angle, creating a more natural and spatial listening experience. It’s the closest you’ll get to replicating a high-quality speaker system inside a pair of headphones.

They’re an experience that will give you the sonic clarity and depth needed to truly elevate your podcast. 

They’ll reveal layers and textures in your recording that you wouldn’t usually notice, enriching the editing process and your listener’s experience. 

However, with an impedance of 300 ohms, you’ll need an amplifier to get the audio experience you’re paying for here. 

They come with a detachable 6.35 mm balanced cable, designed to remove noise and interference and enhance stereo separation with an additional 4.33 mm cable. These can be interchanged, and both are replaceable if needed.

Also, please don’t buy these thinking you’ll be able to take them everywhere. They’re intended for listening in a quiet, controlled environment. 

While the open-back design significantly contributes to the expansive soundstage, they aren’t a pair you’ll want to use outside your home or studio. 

Looking at these headphones objectively, they’re more than what you need if you’re just starting out, but if money isn’t a concern and you’re looking for an investment that will last, the Sennheiser HD 800 S headphones are our top pick.

What to Consider When Buying Podcast Headphones

Essentials of Sound Quality in Podcasting Headphones

Your headphones are essential to podcasting. They play a huge role in the accuracy of your editing and the overall quality of your podcast. 

While sound quality is subjective and depends on personal preferences, there are a few key features to consider:

Frequency Response

This refers to the range of frequencies that a headphone can reproduce. A wider frequency response means that the headphones can reproduce a wider range of sounds and give you more detailed sound reproduction. 

This is important for podcasting because you want to be able to hear all of the different sounds in your recording, including voices, music, and sound effects.

Sound Signature

This can be neutral, bass-heavy, or treble-heavy. For podcast listening and editing, a neutral sound signature is generally recommended because it provides a balanced and true-to-source audio experience, allowing you to hear voices and other sounds without coloration.

Sound Isolation

This refers to how well the headphones block out external noise. Good sound isolation is important for podcasting because you want to be able to focus on your recording without being distracted by outside noise.

Headphone Compatibility Considerations for Podcasting

You need to make sure the headphones you choose will work with your recording setup and the equipment you already use. Consider the following:

  • Lower Impedance Headphones (4-80 ohms): These typically come with a 3.5 mm jack and are suitable for standard devices like phones and laptops. They are designed to work well with the lower power output of these devices.
  • Higher Impedance Headphones (Over 80 ohms): These will require dedicated audio interfaces or amplifiers and usually connect through a 1/4-inch (6.35mm) jack to provide the necessary power for optimal performance.
  • If you plan to use headphones with a built-in microphone for podcasting, check that they are fully compatible with your recording system. This is important to ensure clear and consistent audio capture.
  • If you prefer wireless headphones, select ones with Bluetooth 5.0 or newer, support for high-quality audio codecs like aptX or LDAC, have low latency, and include a backup wired option.
  • If the headphones you’re looking at come with digital features like active noise cancellation and custom apps, make sure the software used is compatible with your operating system and recording tools.

Selecting Comfortable Headphones for Podcasting

You’ll be wearing your headphones for long periods of time when podcasting, so you’ll want to make sure they’re comfortable. Here are some tips:

  1. Look for lightweight headphones. Anything under 350 grams is going to be a good weight.
  2. Choose headphones with soft, cushioned earpads that can rotate or swivel.
  3. Make sure the headphones are adjustable so you can get a good fit.

Considering Durability When Buying Headphones

You’ll be using your headphones a lot, so you want to make sure they’re durable. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  1. Build Quality: Look for headphones constructed with high-quality materials. Metal components in areas like the headband and hinges are more durable than plastic. Good quality plastics, however, can also offer durability if they are thick and robust.
  2. Cable Durability: If the headphones are wired, check the quality of the cable. Braided or reinforced cables are more resistant to wear and tear. Detachable cables are a bonus as they can be replaced if damaged.
  3. Earpad Material: The material of the earpads affects both comfort and durability. Leather or high-grade synthetic materials usually last longer and are easier to clean compared to fabric earpads.
  4. Warranty: A longer warranty is a good indicator that the manufacturer has confidence in their product’s durability.

Understanding The Different Types of Headphones

The Difference Between Closed-Back vs. Open-Back Headphones

Deciding between closed-back and open-back headphones is mostly about where you plan on recording and editing your podcast and what you need from your headphones.

Closed-back headphones completely cover and seal the ear, effectively canceling outside noise and preventing sound leakage. This makes them perfect for use in noisy environments or while recording, as it prevents the microphone from picking up any sounds from the headphones. 

On the other hand, open-back headphones allow air and sound to pass freely through the earcup, providing a more natural sound experience. They are preferred for critical listening and mixing but may not be suitable for recording due to sound leakage.

Both types will deliver high-quality sound, but the choice between them should be based on your specific needs and preferences.

Wired vs Wireless Headphones

Choosing between wired and wireless headphones depends heavily on your personal preference, work style, and environment.

Wired headphones offer reliable, high-quality sound without the risk of latency or interference issues, whereas wireless options can struggle with this.

Are Wired or Wireless Headphones Better for Podcasting?

For podcasting, wired headphones are best if most of your podcast recording and editing is done at home. If you do a lot of in-person interviewing or need to edit your recordings during downtime throughout your day, you may want to consider a wireless pair.

Wireless headphones allow you to move around without being tethered to a device. This is beneficial if you tend to multitask or move around while recording or editing.

However, without a high-quality pair, you may experience latency issues, and you’ll be relying on the headphone battery life, which is something to consider.

Both wired and wireless headphones have their advantages, and some options allow you the flexibility for both, like Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series 2.

Budget Considerations: Finding Good Quality Headphones at an Affordable Price

Finding a pair of headphones that strikes a balance between quality and affordability requires a little patience.

Headphone companies always release new models, so even though you may need to wait a while, you’ll still get a nice pair of headphones for a cheaper price.

Here are some other tips for finding a budget pair of headphones for podcasting:

  1. Start with researching what headphones popular podcasters use. This can give you some idea of which brands and models are trusted in the industry for quality and durability. In the next section, we’ll go over the brands podcasters use. 
  2. Consider Second-Hand or Refurbished Models.
    • Online Marketplaces: Websites like usaudiomart.comaudiogon.com, or reverb.com have marketplaces where people can buy/sell their audio equipment. You can also look on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp. 
    • Refurbished Headphones: Many brands offer refurbished models on their websites. You can also find these on Amazon, Newegg, and Best Buy. These headphones are usually tested and restored to a like-new condition and often come with a decent warranty. 
    • Local Audio Stores: Don’t overlook your local stores. They might have special deals or open-box offers. The advantage here is the ability to test the headphones before purchasing.
  3. Wait for special promotions or during holiday events. These are great times to get discounts on quality headphones.

What Headphones Do Most Podcasters Use?

Most podcasters prefer to use high-quality, professional-grade headphones to ensure the best audio experience. Here are some popular podcasters and their choice of headphones: 

  • Conan O’Brien: Conan has been seen wearing the Shure SRH840A headphones. These are recognized for their exceptional sound quality and comfort, making them ideal for extended podcast sessions.
  • Bert Kreischer: The machine is a man of good taste as he uses the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO headphones. These are well-known for providing excellent noise isolation, making them ideal for professional podcasting.
  • Tom Segura: Tom Segura uses the Sony MDR-7506 headphones during his podcasts. These headphones are favored for their reliable performance and accurate sound reproduction—a staple in many recording studios.
  • Joe Rogan: Fan favorite Joe Rogan uses the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones. These headphones are popular among podcast professionals for their balanced sound quality and durable design.

Final Thoughts

The headphones you choose can significantly influence the success of your podcast. They affect the quality of your recording and how well you can manage and refine your content during editing.

The right pair will keep you comfortable during long sessions, help you catch and correct minor audio issues, and ensure your podcast sounds professional and engaging to your audience.

With the insights and options we provided in this guide, you should have everything you need to find the best headphones to elevate your podcast.

When you invest in quality headphones, you’re investing in the future of your podcast.

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