9 Best Headphones for Podcasting | Studio, Recording & More

Are you looking for the best headphones for Podcasting but not sure where to start or what exactly you should be looking for in a quality pair of studio headphones? From top brands like Sony, Bose, and Audio-Technica to all-time favorites, including Beyerdynamic headsets, there is bound to be a pair to suit your heart’s desires. 

When it comes to finding the best headphones for podcasting, monitoring sound, keeping static, and easy volume control are a few things we need to keep in mind. A good set of headphones is essential for recording high-quality podcast audio.

With an array of podcast headphones currently on the market, it can deem a little challenging to find the best headphones for your particular setup. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a well-seasoned podcaster, there’s the perfect set made right for you. 
So, to help simplify your search, we’ve put together the best headphones for podcasts and a buyer’s guide to finding your best headset for the studio.

Best Podcast Headphones Reviewed

Before we dive into the best headset for podcasting, take a look at this roundup list of options available in tier categories. 

  1. Best Closed-Back Headphones Under 500 – Bose Noise canceling Headphones 700
  2. Best Audio Technica Headphones for Podcasting – Audio-Technica ATH-M50X 
  3. Best Closed-Back Headphones for Recording- Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80
  4. Best Studio Grade Headphones for Recording – SENNHEISER Momentum 3 Headphones Review
  5. Best Headphones for Recording Music and Podcasts with MIc – Logitech H390 USB Headset with Noise-canceling Mic
  6. Best Closed-Back Studio Headphones with Mic – Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones with Mic
  7. Best Semi-Open Headphones for podcasters – AKG K 240 MK II Stereo Studio Headphones
  8. Best Budget Podcasting Headset – Sennheiser Pro Audio HD280PRO Headphone
  9. Best Closed-Back Studio Headphones with Cable – Sony MDR7506 Professional Headphone

Our Top 3 Picks of Podcast Headphones

With so many top choices to choose from it can sometimes feel a little daunting or overwhelming. Take a look at the top three podcasting headphones in their categories.

Image Product Features Price
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 table 1 Bose Noise-canceling Headphones 700 – Built-in microphone
– 11 Levels of ANC
– Up to 20 hours of – battery life
Sleek Design
Check Price
Audio Technica ATH M50xBTGM table Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Studio Monitor Headphones – Detachable cable
– 45-Millimeter large-aperture drivers
– Circumaural design
– 90° Swiveling earcups
Check Price
beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 80 Ohm Over Ear Studio Headphones table Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80 Headphones – Overall great sonic character
– Replaceable headband and ear cup padding
– Single-sided cable for hassle-free recording experience
– Closed-back design
Powerful isolation of ambient noises
Check Price


Top Tip: To add to your equipment, take a look at the best headset microphone for podcasting.

Best Podcast Headsets Reviewed

So, now that we’ve covered the best headphones in their categories, let’s take a look at the best podcast headsets below – we will cover why we love them and what may be some draws.

1. Bose Noise canceling Headphones 700 Review

Bose-Noise-Cancelling-Headphones-700

Best Closed-Back Headphones Under 500

The Bose Noise-canceling Headphones 700 boast powerful noise-canceling features with 11 levels to choose from. As one of the best headphones under $500, these headphones provide users with clear, crisp sound and deep, full bass. Moreover, they come with a built-in podcast headset microphone with unrivaled voice pickup – adapting to any noisy environment. 

Enjoy wireless features with easy access to voice assistants – like Alexa and Google Assistant – for navigation, music, watching movies, and more. Enjoy the lightweight, premium design with a stainless steel headband and earcups, comfortable to be worn for hours during your podcast sessions. 

Enjoy up to 20 hours of wireless battery life on a single charge. The headphones include a USB charging cable, audio cable, and a carrying case.

Pros
  • Built-in microphone
  • 11 Levels of ANC
  • Up to 20 hours of battery life
  • Sleek Design
Cons
  • No folding hinges

Why theseThe Bose 700 headphones do a solid job when it comes to noise cancellation technology. These headphones are lightweight, easy to use, and offer some great features for their price. They are excellent for anyone on the go and need to be mobile without a string of cords behind them.

2. Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Studio Monitor Headphones Review

Audio-Technica-ATH-M50X-Professional-Studio-Monitor-Headphones-1

Best Audio Technica Headphones for Podcasting

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X headphones are an all-around top-quality pair of headphones for studios, DJs, recordings, and more. With their circumaural design, these offer excellent sound isolation in distracting, loud environments. 

Their 90° swiveling earcups are excellent for one-ear monitoring and provide a 3.5mm jack. And when it comes to build and design, the Audio Technica closed-back headphones are stylish and comfortable, coming in a range of different colors, from tan leather and dark blue to a stealthy all-black. 

These headphones are like a Swiss Army Knife when it comes to sound performance. Their frequency response is relatively neutral, with a slight emphasis on the lower frequencies. Reproducing mids and highs, the ATH-M50x produces a little auditory masking
These headphones provide passive isolation, blocking out sounds such as the clang of plates or nearby conversations, but are not the best ANC headphones.

Pros
  • Detachable cable
  • 45-Millimeter large-aperture drivers
  • Circumaural design
  • 90° swiveling earcups
Cons
  • Soundstage may feel it’s lacking
  • Not the best ANC

Why these  – If you’re on the hunt for an all-around solid pair of headphones, these are a solid choice – whether listening to music on the subway or editing videos.

3. Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80 Headphones Review

beyerdynamic-DT-770-PRO-250-Ohm-Over-Ear-Studio-Headphones-in-Black

Best Closed-Back Headphones for Recording

The Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80 is a top-quality pair of headphones for podcasting. They provide excellent sound and are super comfortable. 

The closed, over-ear design brings pure, high-resolution sound. You’ll find the bass not overpowering, making them ideal for podcast recordings. These headphones come in three versions – 32 Ohms, 80 Ohms, and 250 Ohms. If you’re looking for the best headphones for recording, then you should look at 80 Ohms. 

These headphones use velour padding, a preferred material for glasses wearers over leatherette earbuds. Moreover, because of their material, they benefit from not trapping heat in and boast a robust spring steel headband to ensure comfort. 

Furthermore, a single cable allows the headphones to be put on and taken off without the cables getting tangled and in the way. These are excellent for those looking to stand up and stretch their legs during those podcast sessions.

Pros
  • Overall great sonic character
  • Replaceable headband and ear cup padding
  • Single-sided cable for hassle-free recording experience
  • Closed-back design
  • Powerful isolation of ambient noises
Cons
  • It can feel a little bulky
  • Not very portable
  • Long cable

Why these  – The Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80 headphones provide overall quality sound performance. These headphones are best suited to casual listeners, music creators, and podcasters who are looking for a durable, quality set of tracking headphones.

4. SENNHEISER Momentum 3 Headphones Review

SENNHEISER-Momentum-3-Wireless-Noise-Cancelling-Headphones

Best Studio Grade Headphones for Recording

The SENNHEISER Momentum 3 headphones provide grade-A build quality and style when it comes to good recording headphones. The connection quality is excellent with Bluetooth 5.0 firmware and codec support. 

The luxuriant noise-canceling headphones boast a stunning design and superb audio engineering. With seamless on/off and stop capabilities, you’ll never miss a beat. Enjoy comfort during your long recording sessions thanks to the super-soft ear pads and headbands made of genuine leather. 

The three-button interface provides easy operation and automatic pairing. They are excellent for reproducing balanced depth sound, ideal for studio recording and separating each frequency – from deep bass to treble and everything in between. While the frequency response depicts strong low-end, instrumental separation, auditory masking isn’t an issue here. 

Although these headphones are not wired, they produce innovative transparent hearing and provide up to 17 hours of battery life.

Pros
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • Superb sound quality and noise cancellation technology
  • Multiconnect, autoconnect
  • aptX LL, aptX and AAC
Cons
  •  No inline mic

Why these  – The Momentum 3 wireless headphones are excellent for on-the-go commuters and travelers looking for easy recording headphones.

5. Logitech H390 USB Headset with Noise-Canceling Mic

Logitech-H390-USB-Headset-with-Noise-Cancelling-Mic

Best Headphones for Recording Music and Podcasts with Mic

The Logitech H390 USB Headset provides unparalleled audio performance. With laser-tuned drivers, you’ll get enhanced digital audio, great for gamers, listening to music, taking calls, and of course, podcasting. 

Minimize any unwanted background noise to enjoy clear, crisp sounds and with the left-sided mic, you’ll get to experience better voice capture. The simple inline controls on the cord let you adjust the volume without any disruption. 

Moreover, the 7.64 ft/233cm cable is a great length for you to stand up and stretch around during those long recording sessions. Moreover, the adjustable headband features swivel-mounted, leatherette ear cushions for extra comfort.

Pros
  • Plug-and-play operation
  • A padded headband and ear cups 
  • 7.64 ft/233cm Cable
  • Noise-canceling with mic
  • Compatible with Windows, Mac OS, or Chrome OS
Cons
  • It may not be the most comfortable compared to others on this list
  • Pricey

Why these – If you’re looking for the best USB headphones for music and recording podcasts with a mic, then the Logitech H390 is a solid choice for you.

6. Sony ZX Series Wired On-Ear Headphones with Mic Review

Sony-ZX-Series-Wired-On-Ear-Headphones-with-Mic

Best Closed-Back Studio Headphones with Mic

The Sony ZX Series is designed to maximize your personal audio and listening experience in comfort. The 30 mm driver units deliver balanced sound for full frequency response. 

Enjoy tangle-free cables with 1.2m y-tape to resist any annoying tangles, leaving you getting caught in some cool tunes and mixes instead of struggling with your cord. The swiveling ear cup design provides users with easy fold-up storage when you’re not using them. Perfect for on-the-go travelers and commuters. 

Moreover, the built-in microphone allows you to be hands-free. And if you’re a bass-head looking for a sick pair of bass headphones, then you’ll love the deep bass, steady highs, and rich midrange frequencies spanning 12 Hz to 22 kHz. 

These headphones may feel a little cheap in build and quality, and detail may suffer a little. However, if you’re a bass head and a studio recorder, for this price, there’s not too much to complain about. 

Pros
  • Lightweight 1.38 in neodymium dynamic drivers
  • Swiveling ear cup design
  • On-ear, comfortable design 
  • Low-end response
Cons
  • Build may feel flimsy

Why these  – The Sony MDR-ZX110 headphones are aesthetically pleasing and are a popular choice if you’re on a budget. It offers immersive, full sound that excels in handling deep bassy tunes. These Sony on-ear headphones should be on your list if you’re searching for a pair of on-ear headphones with significant bass punch at an inexpensive price.

7. AKG K 240 MK II Stereo Studio Headphones

AKG-K-240-MK-II-Stereo-Studio-Headphones

Best Semi-Open Headphones for Podcasters

The AKG K 240 MK II Studio Headphones are another pair of trusty studio headphones and are a great pair for anyone working on a budget. The design of these headphones promotes accurate sound reproduction and proves an excellent choice for podcasters of all levels. 

The patented Varimotion 30mm XXL transducer may be small but provides superb dynamic range, increased sensitivity, and accurate audio. 

They come with a 3m cable and convertible jack plug (3.5mm to 6.35mm), connecting to your podcasting equipment with ease. Moreover, the 55 Ohm nominal impedance means that these headphones’ audio quality is superb.  

An issue with these headphones, when it comes to podcasting, is the semi-open design. While it does improve the transparency of the sound, it does leave room for a little bleed. Nonetheless, these headphones are excellent for professional applications, including mastering and playback, mixing, and recording.

Pros
  • Over-ear design, semi-open technology
  • Self-adjusting headband
  • Suspension headband is comfortable
  • Vocals sound excellent
Cons
  • De-emphasize bass
  • Doesn’t have the sturdiest construction

Why these  – The AKG K 240 MK II headphones are an excellent buy for podcasters and musicians, thanks to the neutral vocal response that’s unaffected by the sub-bass reproduction.

8. Sennheiser Pro Audio HD 280 PRO Headphone Review

Sennheiser-Pro-Audio-HD280PRO-Headphone

Best Budget Podcasting Headset

The Sennheiser Pro HD 280 PRO are professional-grade studio headphones with a closed-back, circumaural design. They are collapsible, making them easy to fold up and carry around. 

The swiveling ear cups provide flexibility for studio monitoring and recording. They produce an extended frequency response and warm, natural sound reproduction. Podcasters will benefit from accurate midrange and treble reproduction when editing their episodes. Their around-the-ear design with padded ear cups provides long listening sessions in comfort.  
The Sennheiser Pro audio may feel a little tight for users wearing glasses with headphones. Although they may lack in appearance and seem a little robust, they make up for durability and utility.

Pros
  • Excellent sound isolation
  • Up to 32 dB attenuation of outside sound
  • Collapsible with swiveling ear cups 
  • 9.8 Feet Coiled cable
Cons
  • The headband can feel a little tight for glasses wearers
  • Heavier than other headphones on this list

Why these  – The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO headphones are an excellent buy for beginners, intermediates, and expert media podcasters. Although they may be a little lightweight on bass, they produce great sound, are affordable, and are super comfortable.

9. Sony MDR7506 Professional Headphone Review

Sony-MDR7506-Professional-Large-Diaphragm-Headphone

Best Closed-Back Studio Headphones with Cable

The Sony MDR7506 Professional Headphones are perfect for studio monitoring and home recording. With 40-millimeter drivers and neodymium magnets, these headphones produce powerful sound with a wide frequency response (10 Hz – 20 kHz). 

With a lightweight, foldable design, these headphones have been engineered to be comfortable and wear for extended periods of time – making them superb to use in studio and broadcast environments. Enjoy crystal clear highs, present mids, and extended lows for accurate monitoring. 

Because of their long coiled cable and closed-back design, these headphones are ideal for offices, studios, or closed spaces. If you’re a commuter, the cable may become a bit of a hassle. Also, these headphones aren’t Bluetooth, so there’s no codecs you’d have to worry about. 

Pros
  • Neodymium magnets & 40 millimeter drivers
  • Folding construction & carrying bag
  • Closed-back, circumaural design
  • Excellent for mixing
  • Sound isolation
Cons
  • Not the best bass
  • Coiled 9.8-foot long cable is heavy

Why these  – The sony MR7506 makes an excellent pair of headphones when it comes to audio production and mixing. If you’re looking for a pair of recording headphones for podcasts, these should be on your list.

Finding the Best Podcasting Headphones | Buyers Guide

woman-using-the-best-headphones-for-podcasting-in-a-studio

Before we dive into finding the best podcast equipment – headphones – we need to find out what factors to consider when choosing podcast headphones. 

Comfort 

When it comes to podcasting, some sessions can become lengthy, so your comfort should, of course, be of top priority. You should ensure your headphones are: 

  • Lightweight, as heavier styles, can become uncomfortable if worn for a long period of time. 
  • Padded cushions and earpads. 
  • Adjustability to ensure your headphones will fit your head snugly. 

Open-Back vs. Closed-Back Headphones

Open-back and closed-back headphones produce different sound responses. Take a look at the differences below:  

Open-back headphones 

Air can flow through the ear cups of open-back headphones from the rear of the speaker driver. These headphones provide better audio sound, with more natural and clear audio. They provide a more ambient, accurate sound than closed-back headphones. 

The downside to open-back headphones is that they provide less sound isolation and sound leakage. 

Closed studio headphones

Closed-back headphones are where the back of the ear cups are sealed and closed to airflow. These headphones provide a completely private listening experience, keeping more sound in and noise out – giving the user limited sound leakage or bleed. 

A downside here is that it produces less natural audio. Closed-back headphones are more effective at blocking out external sounds. Generally speaking, though, these types of headphones are preferred for podcasting as sound isolation is enhanced and there is less risk of sound leakage. 

Wired vs Wireless Headphones

When it comes to wired or wireless headphones, it comes down to your own personal preference. If you are more active and tend to move around a bit, then the chances are you would go for wireless headphones. 

Another thing to consider here is that wireless headphones need to be charged every so often, so you need to consider the battery life. However, luckily, wireless headphones provide a wired option too. 

The period between pressing play and hearing the sound is referred to as latency. A downside to wireless headphones is they tend to have higher latency, and, of course, wired headphones have lower latency. 

In-Ear, Over-Ear, or On-Ear

When it comes to choosing in-ear, over-ear, or on-ear headphones, you need to consider what exactly you will be doing. In-ear is best used if you’re looking for a good pair of cycling headphones or to do a form of exercise. Over-ear headphones are a preferred choice for podcasters and sound engineers alike. 

  • In-ear headphones provide portability because of their small size. However, they don’t deliver accurate frequency due to their small size, making them not suitable for podcasting. 
  • On-ear headphones are portable, lightweight, and produce open sound, allowing you to hear what’s going on in your environment. 
  • Over-ear headphones, also known as ‘circumaural headphones’, are a favorite when it comes to finding good headphones for podcasting. These headphones provide great audio quality. 

Noise-canceling vs Sound Isolation

Noise-cancellation and sound isolation provide different functions. Take a look at what each one does: 

  • Noise-cancellation, also known as active noise canceling (ANC), headphones work to reduce any unwanted background noise.
  • Sound isolation headphones block out any external noise such as traffic, dogs barking, or any other low-level noise. These are a preferred choice for podcast recording. 

A Footnote on the Best Podcasting Headphones

Podcasting headphones are a must-have for all podcasters. They are crucial to producing studio-quality recordings, ensuring you’re an excellent podcast presenter.

So, there you have it. The best headphones for podcasting, from the best headset for recording podcasts to versatile headphones and everything in between. If you feel we may have left out a cool pair, or own a pair of these bad boys on the list, please share; we’d love to know your thoughts. 

Written by Panashe

I'm Panashe Hwata - a computer science student with an unabashed love for technology and captivating audio. As the owner of this blog, I'm thrilled to share my passion for exploring the world of premium sound and cutting-edge tech with all of you. Join me on this exhilarating journey as we dive into the captivating world of audio excellence