When you decide to start a podcast, there is A TON of equipment you can invest in. Some things are essential like a good podcasting microphone, some things are luxuries like the Dear Media “Sounds Good” crewneck. (I mean, but that last one is also kind of essential to set good vibes for your recording sesh, right?)
Anyways, one item that a lot of podcasters don’t think about is high-quality headphones—but, guys, these are a MUST. They’ll make editing way easier and help you create episodes with perfect audio quality. There are more reasons podcasters wear headphones on the blog, but the point is: You need a good pair of headphones!
But, where do you even start, right? To help you out, we curated a round-up of our fave headphones for various purposes and situations. Here are the best eva headphones for podcasting:
12 Best Headphones For Podcasting
Best Bluetooth Headphones for Podcasting
1. Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II headphones are perrrrfect for podcasters who need wireless freedom. Whether you podcast a lot on the go or just talk a lot with your hands, wireless headphones can save you a lot of headaches. These are also noise-canceling to keep you totally in the zone while recording in the studio (or, you know, the bedroom closet.)
We also love that these Bose headphones have plush ear cushions that are super comfortable, even if you wear them over your hair. Oh, and these couldn’t be easier to use. Since they’re wireless, you don’t need to mess with plugs and adapters and all that. You can just connect these to any device via bluetooth. It’s. A. Breeze.
Pros:
- + Outstanding noise-canceling capabilities
- + Comfortable fit with plush ear cushions
- + Intuitive touch controls
Cons:
- + Higher price point
- + May require occasional firmware updates for optimal performance
2. JBL Quantum 800
If your podcasting environment can’t be totally soundproofed because it’s a shared space, you have a pet, or you’ve got kids, high-quality noise canceling headphones are a must. (Hayley and Jessica of Meaning Full Living know all about that. If they can record with all their littles running around, so can you with the right equipment!)
Aside from the stellar noise-canceling feature, the JBL Quantum 800 is also super comfortable to wear and delivers amazing audio quality—which is sometimes hard to come by with wireless headphones!
Of course, it’s connected by bluetooth, so you’ve got free movement to manage controls, gesture for the camera . . . or, you know, feed a baby like our badass Dear Media moms. (Might we suggest rocking this MILF crew from The Bad Broadcast with Madi Murphy while you do it?) Whatever you gotta do, you can do it with the JBL Quantum 800 headphones.
Pros:
- + Active noise-canceling
- + Wireless convenience
- + Comfortable fit
Cons:
- + Slightly heavier compared to other models
- + Higher price range
Best Wireless Headphones for Podcasting
3. Sony WH-1000XM3
Wireless is the name of the game for some podcasters. Maybe you’re cutting hair while interviewing your podcast guests like Justin Anderson in In the Chair. Maybe you’re outside meditating like Jackie Schimmel of Mind. Body. No Soul. Or, maybe you just have the magic ability to get cords all tangled up by just touching them. Whatever it is, wireless headphones are always a good choice for podcasting pros!
And, these Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones have stellar sound for wireless headphones and they even have noise-canceling technology. Like, you might want that for podcasting, but also just regular life while you’re binging Creeps and Crimes while cleaning the house or working out. You’ll probably find yourself using these seriously all the time, because beyond great sound they also live forever. Okay, not forever, but the battery life is pretty significant at 30 hours of playtime!!! WHOA.
Oh, and did we mention these come in black AND white? So, if you want to be unique or you need your headphones to match your Going Viral tee, consider the Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones that come in pearly white.
Pros:
- + Active noise-cancellation
- + Long battery life
- + Comfortable fit with touch controls
- + Multiple colors
Cons:
- + Slightly heavier compared to other models
- + Premium price range
4. Apple AirPods Pro
For Apple users, AirPods Pro are SO versatile. They’re obviously wireless, have noise canceling technology, and, uh, take up basically no space. So much podcasting equipment is super bulky, so being able to scale down is really nice. Plus, you may already have AirPods! AirPods + a Mac + a great idea = a freaking amazing Dear Media-quality podcast.
Other pros of AirPods are that they already integrate into all your Apple devices seamlessly and they always provide a comfortable fit. Some of the over-the-ear options on this list get seriously heavy after a while. Then, we’ve got to spend some time massaging those cricks with The Skinny Confidential HOT MESS ICE ROLLER. (Not that we’re really complaining about that.)
Anyway, if you want to get rolling with a podcast and you already have Apple products, this is the way to go. Check out this post on how to create a podcast with an iPhone.
Pros:
- + Active noise-cancellation
- + Seamless integration with Apple devices
- + Comfortable fit with touch controls
Cons:
- + Limited noise isolation compared to over-ear models
- + Higher price range
Best Wired Headphones for Podcasting:
5. Sennheiser HD 660 S
The Sennheiser HD 660 S headphones are a top pick among wired headphones for podcasting, delivering an awesome audio experience even with its open-back design. Some podcasters really dig the open-back style over the closed-back because the sound feels more natural and captures vocals in a way that’s less produced (in a good way.)
Since there is sound leakage with these bad boys, you’ll want to make sure you have a dedicated studio or quiet space to record. If you don’t have your own studio yet, these headphones would still be an awesome choice for editing!
Pros:
- + Precise sound representation
- + Comfortable fit
- + Detachable cable for portability
Cons:
- + Not ideal for recording in noisy environments
- + Higher price range
6. Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
If you think headphones are super uncomfortable, these Audio-Technica ATH-R70x are for you. The ear pads and self-adjusting headband mean you get a perfect fit every time, even if you have to wear them for hours.
On the tech side of things, the ATH-R70x has studio-grade sound that’ll really help with editing and monitoring with accuracy. They’ll perfectly capture your voice! However, these are another open-back option that you love or you don’t. It just depends on your studio situation.
Pros:
- + Studio-grade sound quality
- + Comfortable fit with self-adjusting headband
- + Open-back design for natural sound
Cons:
- + Sound leakage in quiet environments
- + Not ideal for noisy surroundings
Best Budget Headphones for Podcasting:
7. Audio-Technica ATH-M30x
If you’re on a budget, guys, we feel you. It’s been tight for all of us from time to time! While you’re still binging some Dear Media personal finance episodes like “Let’s Talk Money” on ILYSM and “The Financial Feminist” on Real Pod, go for budget-friendly headphones. You can still find great quality brands like this Audio-Technica ATH-M30x set while on a budget!
These headphones are wired and have a closed-back design, which means the headphones are completely sealed around your ears. With closed-back, no sound will escape and give you super annoying echoes or feedback in your audio files. And, despite the tight seal, the adjustability makes them really comfortable for a long podcast session.
Pros:
- + Affordable price
- + Clear audio reproduction
- + Comfortable fit with adjustable headband
Cons:
- + Limited soundstage compared to open-back models
- + Shorter cable length
8. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
This next one is loved by lots of podcasters! It’s budget-friendly, but it has super accurate sound representation, so as you’re listening to your own voice, you’ll know exactly how it’s going to sound to your listeners.
The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones are also closed-back and wired, but the ear cups also rotate and the whole thing folds up. This is perfect if you don’t have a dedicated studio yet and have to do a lot of set-up and tear-down with your podcast operation! (When you are ready to make a permanent space, check out our post on how to setup a podcast studio. Sooo helpful!!!)
Pros:
- + Budget-friendly price
- + Accurate sound representation
- + Foldable design for portability
Cons:
- + Can feel slightly tight for some users during extended use
- + Non-detachable cable
Best Over-Ear Headphones for Podcasting:
9. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT
Combining wireless freedom with studio-grade sound quality, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT headphones are a fantastic choice if you’re a podcaster in the market for over-ear headphones. The closed-back design gives excellent sound isolation, so no sound leakage on these. With the convenience of bluetooth connectivity, you can move freely during your podcasts—who seriously can just sit in one place all day?
Pros:
- + Wireless convenience
- + Excellent sound quality
- + Comfortable design
Cons:
- + Slightly heavier compared to other models
- + May require occasional firmware updates
Best Headphones for Podcast Editing:
10. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
When it comes to podcast headphones, it’s not all about the recording experiences. The editing experience is a big part of it too! You want an immersive experience and the BEST audio quality, so you can easily cut, splice, and arrange your episode. The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones are perfect for doing just that.
They’re closed-backed, wired, and, honestly, sexy. Not sure what it is about these headphones, but the style screams luxury and makes you feel like an absolute superstar (and you should feel like a badass when you’re creating your podcast masterpiece.) Anyway, we love the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro.
Pros:
- + Clear and detailed sound reproduction
- + Comfortable fit for extended use
- + Durable build
Cons:
- + Some users may find the headband pressure a bit tight
- + Non-removable cable
Best Headphones for Podcast Recording:
11. Shure SRH440
Okay, so those are the best headphones all around for editing, but what about recording? The Shure SRH440 headphones are one of the best options! They’re wired and super durable, which is great since you’ll be handling your headphones all the time. They’re closed-back and have really limited sound leakage. And, what you’re hearing in your headphones is what you’re listeners are getting. The sound representation is amazing!
Pros:
- + Minimal audio leakage
- + Comfortable fit
- + Accurate sound reproduction
- + Durable build
Cons:
- + Non-detachable cable
- + Limited soundstage compared to open-back models
12. Sony MDR-7506
The Sony MDR-7506 headphones rank high on the list of noise-canceling headphones. They’re often cherished by podcasters for their incredible sound isolation. This intuitive closed-back design seriously blocks out pretty much all external noise—that means you have full-focus for a mega productive afternoon recording or editing. If all that wasn’t enough, these also fold-up for easy storing or traveling.
Pros:
- + Excellent noise isolation
- + Foldable design for portability
- + Accurate sound reproduction.
Cons:
- + Non-detachable cable
- + Some users may find the ear pads less comfortable during extended use
For the best podcast recording experience, you NEED one of these top-quality headphones!
Headphones are a must-have piece of podcasting gear. They’ll help you create a perfect episode with AMAZING sound quality. And, we all know how the quality of the audio is one of the most important factors when trying to grow your podcast. So, study this list of headphones, determine which is best for you, and then make that purchase. It’s seriously an investment into your podcast’s future success!!!
For more must-have podcast tips, check out the Dear Media blog. We’re podcast experts who can help you start a podcast, master it, and make it a total hit! Let’s do this!