Podcasting Headphones: How To Choose The Best Pair For Your Show?

Good headphones are an essential tool for podcasters to produce high-quality audio content. Using good headphones for podcasting allows podcasters to hear themselves and their guests more clearly, which is essential for producing a polished final product. In addition to helping podcasters hear themselves and their guests more clearly, quality headphones can also provide noise isolation.

Podcasting headphones can provide a more comfortable experience. This is especially important for longer recording sessions, where uncomfortable headphones can cause distraction and fatigue. Quality headphones that are designed for extended use will ensure that podcasters can focus on their content without being distracted by discomfort.

Our Top 5 Podcasting Headphones

Here are our top selections for the finest podcasting headphones, whether you’re an experienced podcaster or just getting started.

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Technical details	Pros	Cons
1. Type: Closed-back, over-ear 2. Driver size: 45mm 3. Frequency response: 15 – 28,000 Hz 4. Impedance: 38 Ohms 5. Sensitivity: 99 dB 6. Detachable cables: 3 options (1.2m-3m coiled, 1.2m straight, 3m straight)	1. Excellent sound quality: The M50x offers accurate and detailed sound reproduction, making it suitable for monitoring and editing. 2. Comfortable design: The ear cups are well-padded, and the headband is adjustable for a secure fit during long recording sessions. 3. Great noise isolation: The closed-back design helps block out external noise, allowing you to focus on your podcast. 4. Detachable cables: The included three cable options cater to different use scenarios and provide flexibility. 5. Portability: The headphones fold for easy storage and transportation. 6. Durability: The build quality is robust, with high-quality materials for long-lasting use.	1. Price: At a mid-to-high price point (around $149), the M50x may be a bit costly for some budgets. 2. Slightly bass-heavy: Some users may find the bass to be a bit emphasized, which could affect the perception of a flat frequency response.

Price: Approximately $149 (prices may vary)

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x offers exceptional sound quality, comfort, and noise isolation, making it an excellent choice for podcasters who are willing to invest in a reliable and versatile headphone.

2. Beyerdynamic DT 770

Technical details	Pros	Cons
1. Type: Closed-back, over-ear 2. Driver size: 45mm 3. Frequency response: 5 – 35,000 Hz 4. Impedance: Available in 32, 80, and 250 Ohms versions 5. Sensitivity: 96 dB (32 Ohms), 100 dB (80 Ohms), 102 dB (250 Ohms) 6. Cable: Non-detachable, 3m straight cable (coiled cable for 250 Ohms version)	1. Excellent sound quality: The DT 770 offers a well-balanced and detailed sound, making it ideal for monitoring and editing podcasts. 2. Comfort: The headphones feature plush velour ear pads and an adjustable headband for comfortable wear during long sessions. 3. Impressive noise isolation: The closed-back design effectively isolates external noise, allowing you to concentrate on your podcast. 4. Multiple impedance options: The headphones are available in 32, 80, and 250 Ohms versions, catering to different audio setups. 5. Durable construction: The headphones have a solid build and high-quality materials for longevity.	1. Non-detachable cable: The fixed cable may be less convenient for some users and could be a potential point of failure. 2. Bulky design: The DT 770’s large ear cups and overall size may not be ideal for portability or on-the-go use. 3. Price: With a mid-to-high price point, the DT 770 may not fit all budgets.

Price: Approximately $159 for the 80 Ohms version (prices may vary)

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 offers outstanding sound quality, comfort, and noise isolation, making it an excellent choice for podcasters seeking a durable and high-performance headphone.

3. Sennheiser HD 660S

Technical details	Pros	Cons
1. Type: Open-back, over-ear 2. Driver size: Dynamic 3. Frequency response: 10 – 41,000 Hz 4. Impedance: 150 Ohms 5. Sensitivity: 104 dB 6. Detachable cables: 2 options (3m balanced, 3m single-ended)	1. Superb sound quality: The HD 660S provides exceptional detail, clarity, and soundstage, making it excellent for critical listening and audio editing. 2. Comfort: The headphones feature comfortable velour ear pads and an adjustable headband, ensuring long-lasting comfort during extended sessions. 3. High-quality construction: The HD 660S has a durable build with high-quality materials, designed for long-term use. 4. Detachable cables: The two included cable options (balanced and single-ended) provide flexibility in connectivity. 5. Impressive imaging: The open-back design results in precise imaging and a natural soundstage, which can enhance audio editing and mixing.	1. Open-back design: The open-back design allows sound to leak in and out, making it less suitable for noisy environments or when noise isolation is crucial. 2. Price: With a high price point (around $499), the HD 660S may not be suitable for those on a tight budget. 3. Amplifier requirement: The 150 Ohms impedance may necessitate a dedicated headphone amplifier for optimal performance. 4. Limited portability: The open-back design and large size make the HD 660S less portable and ideal for use primarily in a dedicated studio space.

Price: Approximately $499 (prices may vary)

The Sennheiser HD 660S is a superb option for podcasters looking for premium headphones for prolonged listening and editing in a controlled studio environment since it offers remarkable sound quality and comfort.

4. Sennheiser HD 280 PRO

Technical details	Pros	Cons
1. Type: Closed-back, over-ear 2. Driver size: Dynamic 3. Frequency response: 8 – 25,000 Hz 4. Impedance: 64 Ohms 5. Sensitivity: 113 dB 6. Cable: Non-detachable, coiled (approximately 1m-3m)	1. Good sound quality: The HD 280 PRO offers a balanced and accurate sound signature, making it suitable for monitoring and editing podcasts. 2. Comfort: The headphones feature well-padded ear cups and an adjustable headband for comfortable wear during extended sessions. 3. Excellent noise isolation: The closed-back design and circumaural ear cups effectively block out external noise, allowing you to focus on your podcast. 4. Durability: The HD 280 PRO has a robust build with high-quality materials designed for long-term use. 5. Replaceable parts: Ear pads, headband padding, and the cable can be replaced, extending the lifespan of the headphones. 6. Affordable: With a moderate price point (around $99), the HD 280 PRO offers good value for its performance.	1. Non-detachable cable: The fixed, coiled cable may be less convenient for some users and could be a potential point of failure. 2. Bulky design: The HD 280 PRO’s large ear cups and overall size may not be ideal for portability or on-the-go use. 3. Slightly tight clamping force: Some users may find the clamping force to be a bit tight, which could affect comfort over long periods.

Price: Approximately $99 (prices may vary)

The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO is a wonderful choice for podcasters looking for durable headphones on a tight budget because it provides good sound quality, comfort, and noise isolation.

5. Sony MDR-7506

Technical details	Pros	Cons
1. Type: Closed-back, over-ear 2. Driver size: Dynamic 3. Frequency response: 10 – 20,000 Hz 4. Impedance: 63 Ohms 5. Sensitivity: 106 dB 6. Cable: Non-detachable, coiled (approximately 1m-3m)	1. Good sound quality: The MDR-7506 offers a clear and detailed sound signature with a slight emphasis on mid and high frequencies, making it suitable for monitoring and editing podcasts. 2. Comfort: The headphones feature well-padded ear cups and an adjustable headband for comfortable wear during extended sessions. 3. Excellent noise isolation: The closed-back design and circumaural ear cups effectively block out external noise, allowing you to focus on your podcast. 4. Durability: The MDR-7506 has a robust build with high-quality materials designed for long-term use in professional settings. 5. Foldable design: The headphones fold for easy storage and transportation, making them more portable. 6. Affordable: With a moderate price point (around $99), the MDR-7506 offers good value for its performance.	1. Non-detachable cable: The fixed, coiled cable may be less convenient for some users and could be a potential point of failure. 2. Slightly emphasized highs: Some users may find the high frequencies to be a bit too prominent, which could affect the perception of a flat frequency response. 3. Ear pad material: The ear pad material may deteriorate over time and require replacement. 4. Price: Approximately $99 (prices may vary)

The Sony MDR-7506 provides good sound quality, comfort, and noise isolation at an affordable price, making it a popular choice for podcasters and audio professionals seeking reliable and durable headphones on a budget.

Final Words

Picking the best podcasting headphones depends on your needs, budget, and also the environment where you record. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 770 both provide great sound, comfort, and noise blocking at a mid-range price. The Sennheiser HD 660S is a high-end option for detailed listening in a quiet studio. The HD 280 PRO and Sony MDR-7506 are good choices if you’re on a budget.

Remember to think about your specific requirements when choosing the right headphones for your podcasting needs. We hope you will find your favourite podcasting headphone from our list.