Choosing The Best Headphones For Podcasting

Podcasting allows you to have your online shows to talk about any topic. As a podcaster, you have access to a broad audience base and the opportunity to establish yourself as an expert or a famous star in your niche. Podcasting is now not merely a hobby but a medium where people have reached stardom and in the process made a lot of money. Some of the top celebrities today are using podcasting to get in touch or expand their fan base.

If you plan to start your podcast and you are serious about this venture, your priority should be to set up a system that offers high sound quality. The only way to make sure that the sound quality is high is by purchasing quality microphones and best headphones for podcasting.

A podcaster needs quality headphones as earbuds are not able to cut down the noise clutters, especially when you are speaking using the microphone. Noise problems ruin the quality of the sound, and in podcasting, if your audience hears sounds issues they quickly turn off your program, and you do not want that! Your podcasting will get you the audience through quality sound and quality content, or it will push your audience away due to quality issues.

A benefit of using headphones is that they can bring down the noise clutters and these headphones have built-in features for noise cancellation. Whether you are starting a podcast or you are already running a podcast you need to invest in good headphones, so you can give your audience high sound quality and clear sounds while recording your podcast.

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Under-mentioned are some of the best headphones for podcasting.
FAQ’S on podcasting headphones

Under-mentioned are some of the best headphones for podcasting.

1. AKG Acoustics K 702 Headphones

The AKG Acoustics K 702 Headphonesare a premium choice as they’re reliable in terms of quality and function. Considering the price, you’re paying the headphones are a good investment any given day.

The open-back headphones use patented Varimotion dual-layer diaphragms, high-quality neodymium drivers, and flat-wire voice coils. They make a good option for professional use as they’re strong enough to provide amazing results, without too much interference from the outside environment. The 3D-like ear cushions add to the description.

The technologies and the open design ensure a precise sound response that sustains a full frequency response and amazing unique qualities.

Comfort is, too, and the headphones check the box as well. They’re made with genuine leather and have an easy-to-adjust headband, so one can wear them for a long time without feeling discomfort.

The clamp-on headphone holder for the microphone stand is easy to attach to the microphone stands (up to 1.2″ in diameter). The clamping force is reasonable and doesn’t reduce in time.

The headphones also feature 25′ black stereo mini male to the stereo female extension cable that has a 3.5mm male plug at one end and a female jack as well.

Lightweight, comfortable, and detailed, the headphones are fabulous for listening to complex music, ensuring good treble and midrange.

Here’s the list of pros:

They’re suitable for professional use
The comfort is excellent, and the headphones are lightweight
They present a metal frame and leather covering
You can use them for complex music

The cons aren’t major:

Some think that they have a plasticky feel
One liking the boosted bass may want to look elsewhere

All in all, as they’re lightweight, comfortable, dependable, and provide excellent performance, the headphones are a sure thing.

2. Sony MDR-7506

The popularity of Sony MDR-7506speaks volume, and you should scroll down for getting all the details. The price may be the selling point for many, but the quality doesn’t disappoint. The headphones are healthy enough for matching the requirements of both indoor and outdoor programs. They feature a padded headband that is pretty comfortable, whereas the closed-ear shape is excellent for reducing the extra noises.

The headphones are going to make use for a reasonable amount of time. The built-in 40mm driver is going to clear distortions, and the battery is durable too. The neodymium magnets also help for getting detailed sound, and the headphones give nice mids, highs, and robust lows.

The design is well thought out, and the headphones are well made. The build is, and the folding construction makes them highly portable too. The closed-ear design ensures both comfort and impressive reduction of the external noises.

The cord is long (9.8ft) and has a gold-plated plug, presenting a durable feel to it.

Let’s take a look at the good things:

The headphones give nice mids, highs, and robust lows
The cord is long and tough
The headphones are comfortable and well built
The reduction of external noises is impressive

We don’t see the downsides as deal breakers:

The headphones get warm after some time
They’re not bassy enough for some

Regardless of the minor issues, the headphones are still a reliable option and quite a bang for your buck.

3. ATH-M50x

As some of you may know, Audio Technica is well known for the sound equipment, so the quality of ATH-M50xis no surprise for anyone.

The headphones aren’t just impressive within their performance and their build, but also for their price, managing to deliver without emptying your wallet.

But the low price is just one quality, to begin with, as the headphones sure deliver a lot more to the table. The headphones present wireless compatibility and come with a Bluetooth adapter, giving a 20-hour life for the battery. They also include Google Assistance/Alexa system, dual microphone, proper levels of noise cancellation, and a battery that is easy to recharge. The earcups are comfortable to carry, and the headphones have a good build and a robust feel.

The sound is clear, accurate, and detailed. The 45mm large-aperture drivers feature earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, whereas the frequency range is extended. The bass response is also deep and precise.

Thanks to the circumaural design that contours around the ears, the sound isolation in loud conditions is excellent.

The 90 swiveling ear cups ensure one-ear monitoring, whereas the ear pads and headband material provide both comfort and durability. The cable is detachable.

Here’s what we like the most about the headphones:

They are wireless compatible and come with Bluetooth adaptor
They contain Google Assistance/Alexa system
The noise cancellation is good
They have a robust feel

The negatives aren’t significant:

The ear pads could be better quality
Some expect the comfort to be better

However, as the headphones are reliable, affordable, and versatile, they’re a great option to consider for podcasting.

4. COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling , Bluetooth Headphones

Many users are going to find the COWIN E7 Active Noise Cancelling Headphones Bluetooth Headphonesto be quite the jack of all trades. Not only that the headphones are dependable, good for podcasting, or comfortable, but they’re also really affordable.

The headphones are made with active professional noise canceling technology, which makes them the right choice for podcasting, work, or travel. They let you enjoy your music, canceling the city traffic, the airplane cabin noise, or the noise in your office. You can use the noise cancellation function for both wireless and wire mode.

The 40mm large-aperture drivers ensure a deep and precise bass response, and the around-ear design provides crisp and robust sound.

The headphones come with a built-in microphone and NFC technology so that you can also handle some hands-free calls. You may rely on the Powerful Bluetooth function for connecting with the Bluetooth enabled gadgets.

The 90 degrees swiveling ear cups and the Professional protein ear pads explain the comfort and durability. The headphones are comfortable to wear for a long time, but it’s better than you take time out every two or three hours.

The headphones come with built-in 600mAh battery so that you can use them for 30 hours straight.

Let’s sum it all up for a short list of pros:

They’re great for canceling noise
They come with significant speaker drivers for sharp sound
They’re comfortable and lightweight
The battery runs for 30 hours

The downsides aren’t many:

The plastic is shiny, so it shows every stain
Some would like more comfortable Siri support

A penny saved is a penny served, and the headphones are loaded with qualities, the price and value being its selling points.

5. JunwerWireless Bluetooth Headphones

Capable of reducing the noise by up to 85%, the JunwerWireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling Headphone is one solid choice for your podcasting.

The headphones come with ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) technology and reduce the noises in all sorts of environments. They also provide the superior sound as they come with premium 40mm stereo drivers with aptX HiFi technology. The midsts are warm, the highs are accurate, whereas the bass is strong and deep. The large-aperture drivers feature neodymium magnet systems for impressive signal transfer.

Many are going to love using the Bluetooth function which stays active up to 33ft. The headphones feature a 3.5mm AUX port with flight adapter and cable that ease out the use in flight mode or with the wired gadgets. The straight cable on the left side features a gold-plated mini-plug with screw-on ¼” adapter.

Thanks to the hands-free design, the headphones are fabulous when traveling too. They have a collapsible design and a 500mAh battery that ensures 25-hours playback with just a two-hour charge.

The headphones are lightweight, and the ear cups have soft touch memory foam. The headband is easy to adjust for the best comfort, and the ear cups are 115-degree rotating type.

Long lasting and comfortable, the headphones have some notable positives:

They are long-lasting and highly portable
They come with Bluetooth function
The sound quality is, and so it’s the noise isolation
They have a collapsible design and are easy to adjust

The inherent flaws are minor:

Some think that they could use more cushioning
They can get a bit sweaty

The headphones are going to make one happy with the purchase, as they don’t disappoint in terms of performance, portability, versatility, or noise cancellation.

6. Bose Cancelling Headphones for Android devices

The Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones for Android devices, Blackare highly portable as they come with a compact case, but that’s not the only good thing about them.

The headphones present impressive noise reduction, which makes them a good fit for travel, work, or any other conditions. They provide reliable and deep sound for your favorite music and fantastic control for the music and calls on the Android and Samsung devices.

The wired design is going to make many users happy, whereas the lightweight build makes them comfortable for long time wear. Thanks to their design, they’re an excellent choice for anyone wearing glasses.

The headphones come with 56-in QC25 inline remote and microphone cable and run on AAA battery. They’re easy to fold and to carry around.

The sound quality is, and the noise isolation is sufficient.

Here’s the list of good things:

The noise cancellation recommends them for podcasting
They provide good quality for the sound
They’re portable and lightweight
You may control music and calls as they’re compatible with Android and Samsung devices

The cons aren’t major:

Some think that they have a flimsy feel
Not everyone trusts their durability

The good outweighs the bad nevertheless, so the headphones are still a solid choice for podcasting for many users.

7. Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphone

Don’t let the price of the Sennheiser HD280PRO Headphone (new model)mislead you as the headphones are great value for the money.

The closed-ear design and the circumaural ear coupling provide excellent noise cancellation, which makes the headphones a valid option for podcast use. Comfortable and light enough, the headphones present an ergonomic design. They come with a coiled and long (9.8ft) cord.

When it comes to sound quality, the headphones don’t disappoint either as they present extended frequency response and natural sound response. They’re a reliable option for listening to classical music. The even signal is, and the headphones don’t give a muddy sound.

The construction is robust, and the headphones are ready to take the long time use. The modular design and effective noise isolation make them a sure option for podcasting. They also present a collapsible design and swiveling ear cups that explain their flexibility.

The earpads are soft and comfortable, and single-sided cable is robust.

Let’s have another look at the functional aspects:

They’re light and comfortable
The sound is natural and nice
The ear cups are padded, and headphones are collapsible
The noise attenuation is effective

We’re not making a fuss out of the minor problems:

Some think that the cable is a bit heavy
The cord isn’t detachable

Beggars cannot be choosers, and the headphones are a reliable, dependable, and highly comfortable option for many users out there.

8. Shure SRH440 Professional Studio Headphones

Made for home and studio recording, the Shure SRH440 Professional Studio Headphonesare a wise investment of your money.

The headphones present a closed-back and circumaural design; they’re also easy to collapse, eliminating the transportation problems. The style provides high-quality isolation of noise. They’re sensitive to quiet sound, so you may never have to use the high volume mode. The headphones impress in terms of frequency balance.

The sound reproduction is exceptional, and the improved frequency response ensures precise audio across an extended range.

The headphones come with ear cup pads that are easy to replace after long time use. They feature a coiled and detachable cable as well (it’s 10ft long).

The carrying bag makes the headphones easy to carry around, protecting them when not in use or when traveling.

The headphones come with threaded ¼” gold-plated adapter. They’re comfortable and have a durability feel.

Wrapping up for the pros:

They’re made for home and studio recording
They feature a detachable and coiled cable
The circumaural and closed-back design ensures active noise cancellation
They’re portable and comfortable

The minor flaws don’t worry us much:

They’re a bit on the heavyweight side
The headband could use more padding.

Nevertheless, you should take the plunge with the headphones as they tick most of the boxes.

9. Beyerdynamic – Ear Studio Headphones

The closed over-ear design recommends the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over-Ear Studio Headphonesfor monitoring and professional recording. The headphones are a dependable option for stage and studio recordings as they ensure accurate and high-resolution sound.

The comfort isn’t left aside, as the headphones feature soft and circumaural velour ear pads that are easy to replace after long time use. The steel headband makes the headphones stay in place, whereas the ear cups are both comfortable and easy to adjust.

The cable is attached on one side and allows easy adjustments and removal. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable to wear for many hours.

The bass reflex system is innovative, and the headphones give top-end clarity.

Rugged, adjustable, and comfortable, the headphones impress with the robust workmanship and durability feel. They’re a fantastic choice for entry-level users.

Here’s the list of best things:

They’re great for the beginners
They’re dependable for professional monitoring and recording
They come with comfy and replaceable ear pads
The sound and bass system are impressive

Don’t stress much over the minor issues:

They come in a material bag that doesn’t look durable
They may need a break-in period

All things considered, the headphones are a reliable, comfortable, and performant option for anyone just starting on podcasting.

10. Focal Spirit Professional-Aural Studio Headphones

If you’re willing to spend the extra buck for your headphones, don’t hesitate to take a leap of faith with the Focal Spirit Professional Over-Ear Closed Back Circum-Aural Studio Headphones Black.

The headphones are going to provide excellent quality of the sound. The over-ear closed back circum-aural design ease out the use and gave a detailed and accurate sound reproduction. The risk for distortion is minor, and the noise isolation is excellent. The acoustic coupling to the ear is also significant.

The build seems, and the headphones stay in place. You don’t need to use an amp for the headphones as the sound is brilliant.

Here’s our take on the pros:

The quality of the sound is amazing
The noise cancellation is reliable
They have a strong build
No need to use amp

The negatives don’t hold us back:

They don’t come with a case
They sit instead on the heavy side

As long as you stay focused on the goods, you should consider them for your podcasting.

FAQ’S on podcasting headphones

Q: Why are headphones necessary for podcasting?

A: Truth be told, the headphones are an essential item in your podcast kit. Not only that you need the microphone and something to record on, but you also need the headphones too.

When you have an interview via Skype, wearing the headphones makes sense. When your guest is sitting right in front of you, he/she is also going to need a pair of headphones, though. Your guest may come with some earbuds, but it’s wise to have a spare around.

Let’s list the main benefits of headphones for your podcasting:

You become better at podcasting

Headphones help you hear yourself and give you the proper feedback that you always need for podcasting. They’re the tool that makes you understand exactly how you sound to other people (no pun intended!). You can use them for adjusting your voice or for making some changes to your presentation style too.

Hearing through the headphones helps you self-review and make the minor adjustments on the go. You can do it in a blink of an eye; changing your tone, the volumes, or any other changes while you’re presenting matters when podcasting, for sure.

It’s easier for you to edit the podcast

Editing takes time, and you can make it faster when you’re able to control audio while you’re recording. Microphones are typically picking up a lot more than you can hear. The sound of a vending machine, a subtle breeze, or the air conditioner- they’re all going to be there, so you need to fix it as you go. Background noise may ruin your podcast, so you need to get better at editing.

You improve the mic technique

When you’re wearing headphones, you get to hear every time you say a word containing a hard consonant; you may adjust the mic as you go.

The more you use the headphones and pay attention to the feedback, the more comfortable for you to improve your mic technique.

You no longer have to control your podcast guest

The last thing you want is to continually remind your guest how to speak throughout the interview, and the headphones are fundamental for the final result. Any guest can use the headphones and hear him/herself so that he/she doesn’t speak too loud/too soft.

It’s annoying to tell your guests every five minutes to get closer to the mic- wearing headphones is going to help your guest know how to do it right.

They can save the podcast

When you’re using headphones, you’re going to be able to identify the high/low of your recordings. You can increase the volume of audio or take care of the “popping” effect. You can also take care of the ambient noise, which is difficult to notice when not using headphones. All of these aspects are going to count for the final value of your podcast.

Q: What counts when selecting podcasting headphones?

A: even if the variety of options is overwhelming, one should pay attention to some specific aspects when buying.

Here’s what to look for when selecting your headphones for podcasting:

Comfort

Since you’re going to wear the headphones for a couple of hours, it’s vital that the headbands are comfortable. Take a look at the design, the padding, and the size of the ear pads- they all matter for the level of comfort.

Frequency response

The quality of the headphones matters for the quality of the audio. 20-20,000Hz is the normal range for headphone (the first number is the bass end and the second relates to the treble end). You want a comprehensive frequency response for the headphones as it matters a lot for the low, middle, and high tones when played.

Noise cancellation ability

A reliable pair of headphones is going to block out the noise (fans, traffic, or any other type of distracting sound). Noise canceling headphones are going to block the soundwaves of outside noise in an electronic way.

Price

The more you’re willing to pay, the more you should expect in terms of performance, overall quality, and durability. You should be able to find dependable headphones for as much as $50-$150.

Q: Should you use wired or wireless headphones?

A: It all depends on how much you like moving around throughout your podcasting. If you’re more creative or efficient while walking around, you should look for some wireless headphones. Go with the wired models when you like sitting back in your chair throughout the recording. Should you go with wired type, make sure you take a look at the length of the cord so that you get a wide range of motion.

Q: Can you also use earbuds instead of headphones?

A: Earbuds are a type of headphones that go right into your ear. They’re comfy as they’re small and typically don’t empty your pockets. However, the quality of the sound and the amount of music that they provide are significant downsides. The noise cancellation is also rather weak.

The headphones may not be as portable as the earbuds (even though many are collapsible or come with a travel case), but they do provide better sound, noise cancellation and overall better quality for your podcasting.

Q: Open or closed back headphones?

A: The design is going to matter for the sound leakage out of the headphones. An open back pair of headphones lets more sound to get away to the surroundings. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it’s not ideal when you’re recording with a microphone, and you don’t want the sound to escape from the headphones only to get back into the microphone. The open back headphones are going to leak more sound, but they ensure a more natural and accurate sound.

On the other hand, the closed back headphones are going to sound a lot like the music/voice is in your head. They also seem to feel a bit more bass-y. Some don’t find them highly comfortable, which is why you only need to look more carefully when selecting.

Q: Headphones or microphones when podcasting?

A: The podcasting microphone is fundamental when you’re podcasting. You shouldn’t expect much in terms of quality of your podcasting unless the microphone is top-notch when it comes to sound and performance.

When you’re using audio interface for recording, you should look for a microphone with XLR output. Go with a USB-microphone when you’re using the laptop, though.

Keep in mind that when you’re not using an audio interface, you’re going to deal with latency issues when monitoring with the headphones (it’s the case of the USB powered microphones).

Headphones are just as important as the microphone for your podcasting. A pair of headphones with mic is always going to improve the overall value of your podcasting. So it’s not a matter of choosing just one, but still considering the quality of each of them.

Q: Can you podcast without headphones?

A: Even though the podcasting headphones are essential, you may get away in some situations. Here are some examples:

They’re loud enough to produce a bleed
You need to check the mix through the regular speakers
You’re interviewing someone in the open
You’re too aware of how you sound in the headphones
You like the natural feel of conversation that you have when not using the headphones

Other resources

Why you need to wear headphones on your podcast | Rachel Corbett

10 Podcasting Headphones You Should Be Using

What is Podcasting? Why You Need to Wear Podcasting Headphones? – Arkartech