6 Best Podcast Headphones in May 2024 [With Mic]

Podcast headphones are a really popular item right now. What are they? Why do you need them? What do you need to consider before buying them? There are a number of features specific to these that you should look for and what headphones will work best for your podcasting needs.

Before buying a pair of headphones for you, it is important that you consider the factors such as size, quality of sound, price range, style preference (e.g., on-ear or over-the-ear), etc. When you’re looking for headphones to record a podcast, there are some things that you should consider that you would not need to if you were just buying general headphones to listen to music.

In this blog post, we will cover those specifications and their importance. The most important of them are the placement of the microphone and avoidance of sound leakage.

Podcast headphones come in all shapes and sizes and can tend to be more expensive than regular headphones. In this blog post, we will also discuss the various features that you should consider before buying your podcast headphones, along with a list of our top picks for you to choose from.

Best headphones for podcasts: Buying Guide

Type Of Headphones:

For this kind of thing, there are two types of headphones- closed-back and open-back headphones. Closed-back headphones have proven to be more favorable as they avoid sound leakage, unlike their counterpart, which is less effective in terms of that function. They block all external noise and provide complete noise isolation.

Design:

You also need to consider which type of design works better for you. Over-the-ear headphones or on-the-ear headphones. Over-the-ear headphones are great for blocking out external noise and can provide better sound quality because they seal over your ears completely.

Over-the-ear tends to be more favorable because they provide better sound quality. However, headphones like Beats and Bose tend to have their microphones placed in the on-ear headphones, which can cause a lot of distortion during recordings.

However, if you prefer lighter headphones, then this is not what you should buy. On-ear headphones sit directly on your ear (on top of it), which makes them lighter and more comfortable for some people, but they do not provide as much noise cancellation as over-the headphones.

Padding:

This is also something to look at when you’re considering headphones. Look out for headphones that have thick padding (at least an inch) because they will be able to cushion your ears from the plastic of the headphones themselves, which can get uncomfortable after a while. Also, check whether or not they are adjustable – especially if you plan on sharing them with other podcasters!

Price Range:

Most headphones cost anywhere between $20-$200, so the price range should not be too big of a factor in choosing headphones unless money is really tight and priority number one is saving money no matter what choice you make. However, there are some headphones that cost upwards of $500.

Microphone Placement:

If you want headphones for recording a podcast, make sure to choose headphones with an omnidirectional microphone inside the ear cup. This is because if it’s not omnidirectional, then your voice will be recorded from just one direction and can sound off-balance in terms of volume levels when listening back.

Your voice will just be recorded from only one direction when speaking into them, which means there may not be enough dynamic range in terms of volume levels when editing takes place.

Omnidirectional microphones are able to record sounds coming from all directions at once which provides a dynamic range while also reducing or eliminating distortion during the post-production process. Most headphones have this but some do not so double check before buying!

Apart from physical aspects, there are some technical features that you should know of and consider when buying headphones for podcasts. These include the following.

Sensitivity:

In terms of sensitivity, meaning better at transforming an electrical signal into an acoustic. The higher the sensitivity the louder the sound would be. Typically when buying headphones for podcasts you should look for 80 to 125 dB sensitivity.

Speaker Diameter:

This is another technicality you should consider when buying headphones for podcasts. Headphones with larger drivers are capable of producing high-quality sounds which is important when considering headphones for recording podcasts if you want your podcast to be clear and crisp.

Maximum Input Power:

How much power the headphones can handle before distortion occurs is also important to consider. If this number is low then it means that they will not be able to produce loud enough sound, you may need to upgrade your equipment if needed. For podcast headphones, look out for anything around 60 mW or above.

Frequency Response Range:

Headphones should have a frequency response range from 20 Hz up to 22 kHz, which just about covers all human hearing abilities at both ends of the spectrum.

For recording purposes, you require headphones that would produce accurate and flat frequency responses so that you are aware of the true quality of the audio being recorded.

Impedance:

For headphones that would work well for podcasts, you’re looking for low impedance, that is, between 32 and 80 Ohms. This is because the right pair of headphones require a small amount of power to deliver better audio levels. Finally, headphones that have a maximum input power of less than 15mW are generally considered to be safe.

6 Best Podcast Headphones

1. Audio Technica ATH-m20x

Brand: Audio-Technica | Color: Black | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Form Factor: Over-Ear | Noise Control: Sound Isolation

This product produces flat, distortion-free sound – no matter what volume – which is perfect for producing or mixing that next hit tune. You can take them with you wherever you go because they weigh less than 200g and have an impedance rating of 47ohms so the buzzing won’t be as loud. If things get a little overwhelming out there in the real world, these have thick earcups covered by soft rexine cushions, so blocking those ambient sounds would be a lot easier.

These Audio Technica ATH-M20x professional monitor headphones are specifically designed for studio recordings, sound mixing, and a wide variety of other audio-taking requirements. This style is a high-end model at an affordable price to suit your needs without breaking the bank.

The closed-ear design means that environmental noise is greatly reduced which in turn means you don’t have to increase the volume to effectively insulate from random sounds when you need it most.

They comfortably cover your ears with its oxford material headband feel and feel great all day long. These stylish oval-shaped earcups come with rexine cushioning for softness and all-around coverage of your ears.

The lightweight 190g produces quality flat sound without any watt distortions while still having shallow bass, helping reduce excessive echo when using these in a group or vocal recording sessions! Audio-Technica has engineered the sound from the ground up to provide professional-grade headphones that bring the artist’s true sound.

It is built with 45mm large-aperture drivers, giving you clear audio throughout your working day or during long sessions in the studio. They make sure everything sounds crystal clear when played through this product, even if it’s really loud! But don’t worry about any buzzing sound coming from them because they have an impedance rating of 47ohms to cut down on that. When you use this brand with other audio equipment, be relieved that they will work great.

Quality drivers and an accurate frequency response give these budget-friendly audiophile-grade headphones great sound with no distortions.

The Audio Technica ATH-m20x produces professional-grade music that is flat and distortion-free. These budget-friendly audiophile headphones are made mostly of plastic with oval ear guides cushioning the earpads, which cover your ears completely for a tight seal around them to help you feel like you are in your own world while wearing these masterpieces.

They are built in an innovative folding design including convenient features such as an easily adjustable headband and earcups for personalized comfort.

2. Sennheiser 280 PRO

Brand: Sennheiser | Color: Black, silver | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Form Factor: Over-Ear | Noise Control: Sound Isolation

The Sennheiser 280 PRO headphones will be your favorite for years to come. They provide excellent noise isolation and solid sound performance with flexible rotating ear cups and a soft padding design. These closed-back, over-the-head type of headphones block out any outside disturbance as you enjoy.

These durable, sleek, and comfortable headphones from Sennheiser provide all the right sound details for audiophiles. With a frequency range from 10 to 20,000 Hz and powerful 50 milliwatts max peak power handling capabilities with outstanding noise isolation features in closed-back over-the-ear comfort and durability with soft cushions lining both the headband and ear cups so you’ll never feel any discomfort nor will they ever break—even when left on during travel.

The Sennheiser 280 PRO headphones are excellent at keeping noise out and sealing in your music. The sound quality is fantastic and the ear cups make it easy to wear for hours on end. They fit comfortably and feel durable, with a pivoting headband and rotating earcups.

These great-sounding headphones are engineered for pros who need something reliable yet comfortable enough to endure rigorous activity day after day. Plus, they don’t have annoying wires that always tangle or get in the way—instead, just plug them into any device with a 3.5 mm headphone jack for a superior audio experience.

3. Sony MDR7506/1

Brand: Sony | Color: Black | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Model Name: Sony MDR | Form Factor: Over-Ear

When you need a great pair of headphones that can handle anything, Sony’s MDR7506/1 are the perfect around-ear headphones to get. With 40 millimeter drivers for powerful, detailed sound, these large diaphragm foldable headphones are built to take on pretty much everything life throws your way.

They come with 12 other great features like neodymium magnets and flat cables, making them also ideal for people concerned about lookin’ good while they listen. From their gold-plated plug to the ability to fold up into an included soft case, these cans have got what it takes in any situation. You won’t regret giving these ones a try.

These are headphones that deliver big power in a pint-size. Quality and construction are taken very seriously for this set of Sony 7506 headphones: they fold up small and come in a protective soft case that’s perfect for carrying in your bag or packing them in with other travel gear when you go on the road, so when the DJ cuts out the mix but you want to keep listening to your iPod, these will serve really well as your back-up until he gets his act together again.

They also feature reinforced cabling and gold plating at one end so sounds flow freely with minimal interference; plus there’s a 1/4 inch adapter included.

These carefully crafted headphones are made for any on-the-go activity. No matter what you’re doing, these Sony MDR7506/1s will keep up with your active lifestyle. The headphones are made of durable yet lightweight materials which make them great for taking on the go. And don’t forget, you get 8 hours of quality listening time with one AAA battery.

4. Bose QuietComfort 35 II

Brand: Bose | Color: Black | Connectivity Technology: Wireless | Model Name: QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones II in Black | Form Factor: Over-Ear

The Bose QuietComfort 35 high-quality noise-canceling headphones are the best of luxury and function. Take them with you on your next flight to relax in peace and quiet, or use the Alexa functionality for music, weather updates, alarms, and more without worrying about running out of charge. It doesn’t matter where you want to go: the Bose always comes through loud and clear.

These Bose headphones will help you escape your noisy office and focus on what’s important: your passions.

With 3 levels of world-class noise cancellation, the latest in smart technology with Alexa compatibility for hands-free voice access to music and more, and a durable yet comfortable design for all-day comfort use, they’re perfect whether at work or play.

The headset connects seamlessly to Bluetooth devices within seconds through one-touch convenience of easy setup, has personalized settings so you can set alarms and notifications as well as update firmware wirelessly; plus it has an estimated 20 hours of battery life which gives you plenty of time before needing a charge–so go ahead and multitask!

Stand out in the office, airplane, bus ride with the all-new Bose QuietComfort 35. You’ll have 40 years of industry expertise behind your peaceful day with these noise-canceling headphones that are engineered to perform even better than before (no joke – they’re at their best).

Receive crisp sound and clear voice pick-up thanks to no hassle Bluetooth pairing; personalize settings; get future updates through the new Bose Connect app. These slim profile, comfortable headphones can handle whatever you dish out without bending or breaking thus ensuring that they will last a long time as well.

5. Shure SRH940

Brand: Shure | Color: Silver | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Model Name: SRH440 | Form Factor: Over-Ear

The SRH940, an audiophile favorite for its superior acoustic performance and comfort.

You’ll be able to enjoy the full range of sound with a closed-back design that helps prevent sound leakage during long hours of listening. 40 mm drivers deliver clear highs and warm bass. The SRH940 also features a Steel driver frame with a vented center pole piece which improves linearity and eliminates internal resonance so you can enjoy clean lows no matter what volume level it’s set at!

No matter what you’re doing or where you’re going, the Shure SRH940 headphones are there for your entire journey. That’s because these amazing headsets employ 40mm neodymium drivers that produce extended highs and responsive lows so users can enjoy their favorite music from anywhere without struggling to hear every detail.

Their circumaural design is lightweight and adjustable so they won’t ever put pressure on your head, even after long hours of use. Plus, a steel driver frame with a vented center pole piece helps ensure linearity and eliminates internal resonance for stellar sound performance at all volumes! 

And it doesn’t just stop at the great sound quality – the Shure SRH940 offers unrivaled durability too, thanks to an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction that’s super strong yet surprisingly lightweight. This means users can run, jump, bend over – whatever they need to do without any fear of damage or loss in performance.

Much more than just headphones with great audio quality, these studio-grade professional cans are also durable steel construction with vented center pole pieces streamed in aluminum alloy yoke and carbon fiber cap so headphones stay put no matter what activities you throw their way!

With 40mm neodymium drivers and a closed-back design for better noise reduction, it delivers superior acoustic performance. With an ergonomic design perfectly adjusting to your ears without any painful pressure points or pinch marks, you can enjoy hours of cable-free music geared for anything from classical pieces to the latest rock recordings.

Made of lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum alloy yoke and carbon fiber cap, these headphones are durable yet simple enough not to look out of place on your head between jams.

6. Beyerdynamics DT770 Pro 80

Brand: Beyerdynamic | Color: Gray | Connectivity Technology: Wired | Model Name: DT 770 PRO 80 | Form Factor: Over-Ear

The Beyerdynamic DT770 Pro 80 is a premium set of closed, over-ear headphones for studio and stage recordings. They are a high-end pair for studio and stage recordings, bringing pure high-resolution sound with hard-wearing construction. They feature an innovative bass reflex system, comfort cushions, and durable construction with an adjustable headband.

The soft velour ear pads ensure high wearing comfort and hard-wearing can resist pulling and tearing. This modest yet hardy headphone will sustain any wear and tear you can throw its way. The circumaural ear pads combine comfort, durability, and replaceability to make sure you stay comfortable all the way through your session.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking to record vocals or instruments, the DT770’s will produce your sound faithfully during long sessions or performances thanks to their stellar clarity and impressive precision.

These headphones are ideal for professional recording and monitoring, with pure, high-resolution sound that’s perfect for your studio or stage.

Made in Germany by inventors of the musical world, the product offers an innovative bass reflex system that supports low tones while providing excellent insulation from ambient noise.

You’ll also appreciate its single-sided cable (3x0m) which won’t tangle up all around you like most other cords tend to do (unless somebody likes messing with wires). The adjustable headband has rugged protection where your headphones rest against your scalp, with soft padding for extra comfort.

It doesn’t matter what kind of music or show you’re working on – these will bring out every detail from the instruments to the voices without sacrificing clarity at any point!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Purchasing headphones for podcasting can be a tricky process. There are so many headphones out there on the market, all with different features and specifications that it’s easy to get overwhelmed when searching for the perfect headphones! This is why we’ve put together this blog post about what you should consider before buying headphones for your next recording session or live recording.

We have outlined the main headphones to consider for podcasting, what are some features you should look out for, and also identified a few headphones that we recommend in order to be of your assistance in buying. As long as your headphones fit all of these criteria, they will be perfect for recording podcasts!