Finding the best headphones with a mic for podcasting is a critical step for any creator in the UAE looking to produce professional-sounding content. The right pair not only lets you monitor your audio with precision but also ensures your voice is captured clearly. Whether you’re a seasoned video podcaster or just starting, quality audio gear is non-negotiable for connecting with your audience.
This guide breaks down the top podcasting headphones and headsets for 2025, tailored for podcast and video podcast producers. We’ll explore key features, compare different types, and help you choose the perfect gear for your recording, editing, and listening needs.
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Quick Guide: Top Podcast Headphone Picks for 2025
| Category | Top Recommendation | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro | The industry standard for studio monitoring due to its comfort and sound accuracy. |
| Best with Integrated Mic | Sennheiser HMD 300 Pro-XQ-2 | A professional broadcast headset with a high-quality boom mic and excellent isolation. |
| Best Budget Option | Audio-Technica ATH-M20x | Offers fantastic value with balanced sound, making it perfect for new podcasters. |
| Best for Editing | Sony MDR-7506 | Reveals every flaw in your audio with its sharp, detail-focused sound profile. |
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Why Every Podcaster Needs Quality Headphones
You might ask, “Should I really wear headphones for a podcast?” The answer is a resounding yes. All podcasters, from beginners to pros, should use headphones for several crucial reasons:
- Real-Time Audio Monitoring: Headphones allow you to hear exactly what your microphone is capturing as it happens. This helps you adjust your volume, speaking pace, and distance from the mic to avoid common issues like mumbling or clipping.
- Identify and Eliminate Problems: With a good pair of headphones for podcast recording, you can instantly detect technical glitches and background noise. Issues like plosives (harsh ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds), hiss, air conditioner hum, or street noise can be caught and fixed before they ruin an entire session.
- Better Mix and Balance: Podcasting often involves multiple audio layers—your voice, a co-host, remote guests, intro music, and sound effects. Headphones are essential for balancing these elements into a cohesive, professional-sounding mix.
- Precision in Post-Production: The editing process relies on hearing every detail. A reliable pair of headphones for podcast editing helps you pinpoint awkward pauses, background coughs, and other imperfections that need to be removed.
- Flawless Remote Interviews: When recording with remote guests, headphones are non-negotiable. They prevent a common and distracting problem: audio from your speaker feeding back into your microphone, creating echo and a chaotic soundscape.
Best Headphones for Podcasting in 2025: Our Top Picks
While personal preference plays a role, certain models consistently stand out for their performance. Here are the best podcasting headphones for 2025, reviewed for every need and budget.
| Model | Price | Type | Frequency | Sensitivity | Impedance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 💰 Budget Category (Under $100) | ||||||
| Audio-Technica ATH-M20x | $54 | Closed-back | 20Hz-20kHz | 96 dB | 32 ohms | Beginners on budget |
| Sony MDR7506/1 | ~$99 | Closed-back | 10Hz-20kHz | 106 dB | 63 ohms | Editing & monitoring |
| Sennheiser HD 280 Pro | $99 | Closed-back | 8Hz-25kHz | 113 dB | 64 ohms | Noise isolation |
| ⭐ Mid-Range Category (Under $200) | ||||||
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | $169 | Closed-back | 15Hz-28kHz | 99 dB | 38 ohms | All-around use |
| Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro | $149 | Closed-back | 5Hz-35kHz | 96 dB | 32/80/250Ω | Comfort & monitoring |
| 🎤 Best Headsets (with Integrated Mic) | ||||||
| Sennheiser HMD 300 Pro-XQ-2 | ~$499 | Headset | – | – | – | Professional broadcast |
| Rode NTH-100M | ~$189 | Headset | – | – | – | Content creation |
| 👑 Premium Category (Over $300) | ||||||
| Shure SRH1540 | ~$499 | Premium | – | – | – | Ultimate fidelity |
Best Budget Podcast Headphones (Under $100)
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
- Price: $54 (varies)
- Type: Closed-back, over-ear headphones
- Comfort: These headphones have cushioned ear cups and an adjustable headband for long-term use.
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Best For: Beginners and podcasters on a tight budget.
The ATH-M20x is a fantastic entry point into the world of professional audio. It delivers clear, balanced sound without breaking the bank, making it one of the best budget headphones for podcasting. While it lacks the frills of more expensive models, its durable build and comfortable fit are perfect for long recording sessions.
Sony MDR7506/1
- Price: Around $99 (may vary by store)
- Type: Closed-back headphones
- Comfort: Lightweight design with soft, cushioned ear pads for long-term comfort.
- Frequency response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 106 dB
- Impedance: 63 ohms
- Best For: Editing and detailed audio monitoring.
A true industry legend, the Sony MDR-7506 is found in recording studios worldwide for a reason. Its sound signature is bright and incredibly detailed, emphasizing mid and high frequencies. This makes it an exceptional tool for headphones for podcast editing, as it ruthlessly exposes any flaws in your audio. The design is lightweight, and the ear pads are replaceable, ensuring longevity.
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
- Price: $99 (varies)
- Type: Closed-back and over-ear
- Comfort: Lightweight with plush cushions suitable for long-term use
- Frequency response: 8 to 25,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 113 dB
- Impedance: 64 ohms
- Best For: Excellent noise isolation and durability.
As famously used by Joe Rogan, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is a workhorse. It offers outstanding passive noise isolation, blocking out ambient sound so you can focus entirely on your recording. The sound is accurate and relatively flat, making it a reliable choice for monitoring. Its robust construction means it can handle the rigors of a busy studio environment.
Best Mid-Range Podcast Headphones (Under $200)
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Price: $169 (varies)
- Type: Closed-back, over-ear
- Comfort: Soft cushions and a self-adjusting headband
- Frequency response: 15 to 28,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 99 dB
- Impedance: 38 ohms
- Best For: All-around use, from recording to casual listening.
The ATH-M50x is a crowd-pleaser and one of the most popular studio headphones for podcasting. It offers a more enhanced bass response than stricter monitor headphones, which makes for a more engaging listening experience. Its excellent sound isolation prevents microphone bleed, while the comfortable design and swiveling earcups make it versatile for any task.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
- Price: $149 (varies)
- Type: Closed-back, over-ear
- Comfort: Offers superior comfort due to its ergonomic design
- Frequency response: 5 to 35,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Impedance: Available in 32 ohms, 80 ohms, and 250 ohms.
- Best For: Unmatched comfort and superior studio monitoring.
If comfort during marathon sessions is your priority, look no further. The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is legendary for its plush velour earpads and ergonomic design. It delivers exceptionally clear, high-fidelity sound perfect for critical listening.
Important Note: It comes in different impedance versions. Choose 32 or 80 ohms for connecting directly to most mixers or laptops. The 250-ohm version requires a headphone amplifier for optimal performance.
Best Headsets (Headphones with Integrated Mic) for Podcasting
For an all-in-one solution, a high-quality headset is a great choice. These are the best headphones with a mic for podcasting, combining monitoring and voice capture in one device.
Sennheiser HMD 300 Pro-XQ-2
- Price: ~$499
- Type: Closed-back headset with boom mic
- Best For: Professional broadcast and noisy environments.
This is a broadcast-grade podcast headphone with a mic. Designed for TV and radio, its dynamic boom microphone delivers crystal-clear voice capture, while the headphones provide superb isolation and accurate sound. It also features ActiveGard technology to protect your hearing from sudden loud noises. While pricey, it’s an unbeatable choice for serious creators demanding reliability and quality.
Rode NTH-100M
- Price: ~$189
- Type: Closed-back headset with detachable boom mic
- Best For: Content creators seeking versatility and broadcast-quality audio.
Rode, a leader in microphones, brings its expertise to this headset. The NTH-100M combines their fantastic NTH-100 headphones with a detachable, broadcast-grade microphone. The headphones themselves are incredibly comfortable, featuring unique CoolTech™ gel-infused earcups perfect for long sessions in warmer climates like Dubai. This combination of a great podcast mic and headphones makes it a top contender.
Best Premium Headphones for Podcasting (Over $300)
Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones
- Price: ~$499
- Type: Closed-back, over-ear
- Best For: Ultimate audio fidelity and premium comfort.
For those who want the absolute best, the Shure SRH1540 delivers. It produces an expansive soundstage with rich, detailed bass and crystal-clear highs. Made with a lightweight aluminum alloy and carbon fiber frame, and featuring Alcantara® earpads, they offer unparalleled comfort. While an investment, these are endgame headphones for podcast listening and professional mixing.
Should I wear headphones for a podcast?
The short answer is a resounding “yes.” All podcasters should use headphones for podcasting because:
Real-time and accurate audio monitoring
Using headphones allows podcasters to hear themselves, other hosts, or guests in real time while recording. This lets them hear the audio as it’s intended to be heard by the audience.
This helps them adjust the volume, pace, and clarity of their speech and avoid issues like mumbling or drifting away from the microphone.
Control and balance all sounds
Podcast headphones aren’t just for listening to yourself or your guests. With headphones, the host or podcaster can control all the audio layers of the podcast.
For example, they can monitor guest vocals, background music, and sound effects, adjusting their levels to maintain a consistent, balanced mix.
Quickly identify audio problems
With the help of headphones, you can quickly identify annoying sounds and technical problems and prevent the entire recorded content from being ruined. Some of these problems include:
- Ambient noise (such as air conditioner noise, street congestion, refrigerator hum, etc.)
- Technical errors (such as hissing, sound feedback, bad connections, noise, etc.)
- Unwanted sounds from the guest’s or other host’s microphone
Accuracy in editing
Headphones play a vital role in the editing stage. They help the editor hear the smallest audio issues, adjust the volume, and deliver a high-quality, professional audio file.
Coordination during conversations
Although headphones are essential for all podcasts, they’re especially vital for multi-person podcasts.
They allow participants to hear each other more clearly, avoid interruptions, and maintain better coordination during the conversation.
Perfect for remote podcasting
When a podcast host and guest are communicating online and remotely, podcasting headphones become even more important. Without headphones, the sound typically plays through the laptop or phone speaker and then re-enters the microphone.
This process causes echo and noise. Headphones, however, prevent this issue and allow the host to quickly identify and fix any problems with the guest’s audio.
Types of Headphones for Podcasting
Choosing the right type of headphones for podcasting plays an important role in improving the recording experience.
Each headphone model has its own advantages and can be the right choice depending on your setup and specific needs. In this section, we introduce several main categories of headphones to help make your choice easier:
Types of headphones in terms of body design
Headphones can be divided into two groups based on body design: open-back and closed-back models. Open-back headphones allow air to pass through the cups. This feature makes the output sound more natural.
On the other hand, closed-back headphones limit air flow, which helps reduce audio bleed to a manageable level—though it can slightly reduce the natural quality of the sound.
Pros and cons of open-back headphones
- Provide more natural sound
- Tend to pick up ambient sound
- May cause sound leakage into the microphone
Pros and cons of closed-back headphones
- They are popular among podcasters
- Significantly reduce sound leakage
- They can be a bit heavy to wear for long sessions
Types of Headphones by Connection
Headphones are either wired or wireless. Wired headphones require a cable and connect directly to a laptop, phone, or other podcast equipment like a mixer.
Wireless headphones, on the other hand, connect via Bluetooth and offer the podcaster more freedom of movement.
Advantages and disadvantages of wireless headphones
- Freedom of movement
- Decent battery life
- Risk of audio delay or interference with other equipment
Advantages and disadvantages of wired headphones
- Lower audio delay
- More affordable
- Limits your movement
- Dealing with long, messy cables
Types of Headphones by Ear Fit
Headphones are generally divided into two types: over-ear and on-ear. Over-ear headphones cover the entire ear and often deliver better sound quality. On-ear headphones, on the other hand, rest directly on the ear, offering a more open and lighter sound with less isolation.
Advantages and disadvantages of over-ear headphones
- High-quality and accurate sound (suitable for studio recording)
- Suitable for long podcasts (more ergonomic design)
- Can be a bit heavy
Advantages and disadvantages of on-ear headphones
- Lightweight (suitable for transportation)
- Can be more affordable
- Potentially lower sound quality
Note: Consider the features and designs that matter to you, so you can choose a headphone type that fits your work style. For a complete guide to creating the perfect recording environment, explore our Podcast Studio Setup tips.
How to Choose the Best Headphones for Podcasting: Key Factors
Choosing your gear involves balancing taste, budget, and workflow. To make an informed decision, refer to our guide on Essential Podcasting Equipment and consider these factors:
Sound Quality & Accuracy
Look for a “flat” or “neutral” frequency response. This means the headphones don’t artificially boost bass or treble, giving you an honest representation of your audio.
Comfort
Podcasting is a marathon, not a sprint. Lightweight designs, cushioned earpads (velour or memory foam), and an adjustable headband are crucial for avoiding fatigue.
Isolation (Closed-Back vs. Open-Back)
For podcast recording, closed-back headphones are essential. They create a seal around your ear, which prevents sound from leaking out and being picked up by your sensitive microphone (an issue known as “mic bleed”). Open-back headphones offer a more natural sound but are only suitable for post-production in a quiet room.
Durability
Your gear will see a lot of use. Look for robust construction, high-quality materials, and features like detachable, replaceable cables.
Wired vs. Wireless
For recording and editing, wired headphones for podcasting are the professional standard. They offer zero latency (delay) and a perfectly stable signal. While the best wireless headphones for podcasting are convenient for movement, they introduce a risk of latency and battery death, making them better for casual listening than critical recording tasks.
Brand reputation
Never underestimate brand reputation. Reputable and well-known brands in the professional equipment field often offer higher-quality products, along with better support.
Impedance
Measured in ohms (Ω), this indicates how much power headphones need.
- Low Impedance (under 80Ω): Works great with laptops, phones, and most audio interfaces.
- High Impedance (over 80Ω): Often requires a dedicated headphone amplifier to reach its full potential.
Price
Price is another important factor to consider when choosing the best headphones for podcasting. Consider your budget and prioritize accordingly.
Headset or Headphones + Separate Mic?
This is a key decision for any podcaster. A headset for podcasting (like the Rode NTH-100M) is an all-in-one, convenient solution. However, a dedicated standalone microphone paired with quality headphones almost always provides superior audio quality and greater flexibility. If your primary goal is the best possible sound, the separate components are the way to go. If you prioritize simplicity and a streamlined setup, a high-quality headset is a perfectly viable choice.
Final Thoughts: Your Perfect Podcast Sound Awaits
The headphones introduced in this article are among the best headphones for podcasting available at different price points. These selections are based not only on price, but also on each model’s pros and cons, popularity, and availability. However, we recommend not getting bogged down in the details.
No headphone is perfect , your personal taste and preferences play a key role in making the right choice. Beyond podcasting, we also offer professional photography services to elevate your content creation.
Explore our Photography Studio Rental Dubai to bring your creative vision to life. If you have a suggestion for buying headphones, we’d be happy if you shared it with us in the comments section.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the best headphones with a mic for podcasting?
The best headphones with a mic for podcasting combine clear audio for monitoring with a high-quality built-in microphone. Top choices include the Sennheiser HMD 300 Pro-XQ-2 for professional studios and the Rode NTH-100M for excellent all-around performance.
2. Is a headset or a separate mic better for podcasting?
A separate, dedicated microphone almost always offers superior audio quality. However, a high-quality podcasting headset offers convenience and is a great all-in-one solution for beginners or podcasters who need portability.
3. Do I need an amp for my podcasting headphones?
It depends on the headphone’s impedance. Low-impedance headphones (under 80 ohms) typically don’t need an amp and work well with laptops and mixers. High-impedance models (like 250 ohms) require an amplifier to perform correctly.
4. What headphones does Joe Rogan use for podcasting?
Joe Rogan famously uses the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro. These are closed-back headphones known for their excellent sound isolation and durability, making them a popular choice for professional podcast recording and monitoring.
5. Are wireless headphones good for podcast recording?
While convenient, wireless headphones are not recommended for recording due to potential latency (audio delay) and interference. For critical tasks like monitoring and editing, wired headphones provide a more stable and reliable connection.