Starting your podcast journey begins with one essential choice: finding the best headphones for podcasting. Whether you’re just beginning or already a seasoned podcaster, the right pair of headphones can dramatically improve your sound quality and help you connect with a broader audience.
Professional podcasting requires gear that delivers. That’s why headphones with noise cancellation, long-lasting comfort, and accurate sound reproduction are must-haves for any podcast creator aiming for top-quality results.
At Studio 321, we’re here to guide you through the process. In this article, we’ll introduce some of the best headphones for podcasting and highlight the key features you should look for when shopping for professional audio gear.
Looking for a place to record? As a trusted podcast studio in Dubai, we offer high-quality studio rental services designed to boost the quality of your recordings all at affordable prices. Whether it’s your first episode or your hundredth, Studio 321 is ready to support your content journey.
Best Headphones for Podcasting
Given these descriptions, which are the best headphones for podcasting? Although it depends on personal preference, here we have listed the best podcasting headphones for 2025 to fit every need and budget.
Best 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
These headphones are a great choice for new podcasters seeking good sound quality, comfort, and affordability.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20X headphones deliver clear, balanced sound and are built to last, while being lightweight, secure, and comfortable.
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
These headphones are a popular model among podcasters because the sound reproduction is accurate thanks to their 40 mm driver.
The Sony MDR-7506/1 headphones have a good focus on mid and high frequencies, making them ideal for monitoring, editing, and mixing. The ear pads are designed to be soft and comfortable for long-term use, and they can be replaced if they wear out over time.
It goes without saying that these headphones benefit from the reputation of the Sony brand and their reliable performance. However, they don’t offer particularly innovative features compared to other models in their price range.
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
As one of the best podcast headphones, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is a great choice for podcasters who prioritize durability and sound insulation, offering excellent performance at an affordable price.
The sturdy construction, accurate sound reproduction, and relatively balanced sound profile are some of the highlights of this headphone, making it ideal for monitoring during recording and editing.
The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones are well-compatible with most devices without the need for an amplifier.
If you are hesitant about choosing Sony headphones, this model will be a good choice for an alternative.
Best 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
The flagship model of the M-series, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones, are a professional and popular choice among content creators, sound engineers, and even music enthusiasts.
These quality headphones isolate sound well and prevent sound leakage into the microphone. The sound output of this model is clear and accurate, and its wide frequency response ensures that even the most detailed sounds are heard well.
These headphones are easily compatible with most devices, without the need for additional equipment such as an amplifier. The ATH-M50x headphones have soft ear pads and a self-adjusting headband, which provide good comfort even during long periods of use (although some users may feel a little pressure on the ears at first).
Not to mention, this model lacks active noise cancellation (ANC) technology.
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.
If you’re looking for a pair of professional headphones for podcasting, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is a solid choice. They’re a favorite among podcasters and audio professionals for their high-fidelity sound reproduction and excellent clarity, delivering fine details in speech, music, and sound effects with impressive quality.
Their over-ear design with soft cushions and an ergonomic headband provides comfort for extended use. The one-way cable also makes it easy to move and prevents tangling.
This model has a durable body and is a great option for frequent use in studio or non-studio environments; however, it may be a bit bulky for everyday carry.
AKG K240 MKII
The AKG K240 MKII headphones are a popular and high-quality option for podcasters looking for a combination of comfort and balanced sound.
Its lightweight, ergonomic design, along with its self-adjusting headband and soft, comfortable ear pads (available in both velvet and leather versions), make it possible to wear it for long periods of time without feeling tired. For this reason, many content creators and podcasters find it ideal for long recording sessions.
While it may leak a little, the headphones offer a more natural listening experience, and the sound output is balanced and clear.
The headphones also come with two types of cables: a 3-meter straight cable and a longer spring-loaded cable, which provides easier connection to professional audio equipment such as AKG microphones.
These headphones are not foldable, but their high build quality and accurate sound make them a worthy choice for professional recording.
Best podcast headphones under $500
Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones
The Shure SRH 1540 is one of the most professional and high-end models in the world of the audio equipment. These headphones are well-known for their precise sound quality and extremely comfortable design. The Shure SRH 1540 headphones are designed with memory foam ear pads and a lightweight aluminum frame to provide comfort during long-term use without causing fatigue or pressure.
The sound output of these headphones is very balanced and transparent, so that it transmits sound details with high accuracy; an issue that is very important for professional audio editing and monitoring, especially in podcasts.
In addition to its excellent sound quality, the Shure SRH1540 headphones are foldable, portable, and durable. Of course, it should be noted that this model is relatively large compared to other headphones and is in a higher price range.
If you are looking for professional sound quality and a perfect listening experience, these headphones are among the best for podcasting.
Sennheiser HMD 300 Pro-XQ-2
The Sennheiser HMD 300 Pro-XQ-2 headphones are one of the professional models that are specially designed for studio and live broadcast applications and are an excellent choice for podcasters who need high quality and durability. This model can perform well in noisy environments by providing accurate and clear sound.
This headphone has a built-in Boom Mic that provides high-quality sound recording. The exclusive ActiveGard technology also protects the ears from sudden and loud sounds. This model has soft earcups and a pressure-sensitive headband, making it suitable for long-term use while effectively reducing ambient noise. Of course, some users may feel its heaviness during long use.
Despite the relatively high price, these headphones are considered one of the most powerful options for use in professional podcasts due to their high build quality, exemplary audio accuracy, and professional features.
Audio-Technica ATH-M70x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M70x headphones have become one of the top choices among audio professionals and podcasters with their excellent build quality and accurate sound reproduction.
With high-resolution audio and unparalleled precision, these headphones make it possible to hear every detail of the sound; especially in the field of podcast recording and editing, they provide a clear, natural, and balanced sound that helps make the editing process easier.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M70x headphones have soft memory foam cushions and an adjustable headband that provide a comfortable experience even during long work sessions, and their ergonomic design ensures long-lasting performance.
Although the body of these headphones is a bit bulkier than other models and may be less convenient for daily portability, they still offer good sound isolation and provide satisfactory comfort.
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.
What are the important factors to consider when choosing the best headphones for podcasting?
Choosing podcasting equipment is largely a matter of taste, budget, and work style. To ensure you have all the tools you need, check out our recommendations for Essential Podcasting Equipment to complement your headphones. Headphones are no exception.
However, there are factors that can guide your decision and help you make the best final choice. The main factors to consider are as follows:
Sound quality
Sound quality is the most important factor that every podcaster considers. The headphones you choose should reproduce dialogue sound clearly, accurately, and without noise. It’s important to consider features like wide frequency response and excellent sound clarity when choosing headphones.
Ease of use
Recording and editing a podcast can take hours. Therefore, wearing headphones for long periods can cause fatigue and pressure on your ears, reducing concentration.
Comfort is an essential factor when choosing headphones. We recommend considering factors like ear pad material, compactness, headphone weight, and overall design when choosing from a variety of podcast headphones.
Durability
Podcast equipment is often moved around and used constantly. Therefore, it is recommended to select headphones made of quality materials and designed for durability.
Sound Isolation
Effective headphone isolation reduces distractions from the environment and helps you focus more on the sound. So, when choosing, pay attention to the level of isolation it offers.
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.
Headphone type
As discussed in the previous section, headphones come in different types in terms of body design, how they fit on the ear, and connection type. Therefore, it’s better to find and choose the type that suits you best by considering your priorities.
Price
Price is another important factor to consider when choosing the best headphones for podcasting. Consider your budget and prioritize accordingly.
Wireless or Wired Headphones?
Although wireless headphones give you more freedom of movement, sound transmission in wired headphones is technically faster and more accurate. In fact, even the best brands cannot eliminate all the latency associated with wireless technology. In addition, wireless headphones are generally heavier and require regular charging.
Headset or Headphones?
The choice between a headset and headphones mainly depends on whether you prioritize comfort or flexibility. A headset is a combination of headphones and a built-in microphone. Therefore, it’s easier to use, but the microphone quality is usually not as high as that of professional standalone microphones.
On the other hand, headphones are solely responsible for sound playback and require a separate microphone. This option offers more flexibility, allowing you to choose a microphone that best suits your needs.
Final Summary for Choosing a Podcast Headphone
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 headphones does Joe Rogan use?
Joe Rogan, a famous podcaster, uses Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones. These headphones are a professional option for high-quality sound monitoring. They offer excellent noise isolation, helping users stay focused without being distracted by external sounds.
2. Can you record a podcast without headphones?
Yes, you can record your podcast without headphones, but the output quality may not be as high as expected due to sound leakage and ambient noise interference.
3. Are noise-canceling headphones necessary for podcasting?
Although noise-canceling headphones can help reduce unwanted external sounds, they are not essential for podcasting. This is because closed-back headphones already provide sufficient isolation.
