Podcasting has seen an unprecedented surge in popularity, with more and more people tuning into their favorite shows during daily commutes, workout sessions, or leisure time. Whether you are a seasoned podcaster or looking to start your own show, one piece of gear that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves is the headphones. The best podcast headphones can elevate your recording and editing experience, ensuring that the finished product is of top-notch quality. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the world of podcast headphones, providing you with valuable insights and recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
Importance of Headphones in Podcasting
Headphones are an integral part of the podcasting gear, offering a range of benefits that can significantly enhance the end product. Here’s why you need headphones for podcasting:
Sound Isolation
Headphones isolate the sound, recording only what you intend to and eliminating unwanted background noise. This ensures that the sound from speakers won’t bleed into the microphone, causing an echo effect or various forms of noise.
Easy Recording from Video Chats
Many podcasts today are recorded over video chat platforms like Zoom. Headphones prevent the audio from your computer from leaking into your microphone, ensuring a clean and clear recording.
Highlighting the Details in Your Recorded Audio
High-quality headphones allow you to hear nuanced details in your recordings. This precision is crucial when you’re editing dialogues, enabling you to pick up the “ums,” “ahs,” and throat clears that you wouldn’t hear on laptop speakers.
Replicating the Listener’s Experience
Consider that many of your listeners will be using headphones. By editing with headphones, you’re ensuring a good experience for people who will be listening to your work using similar equipment.
Cost-Effective High-Quality Sound
When it comes to top-notch sound reproduction and frequency response, headphones offer a more budget-friendly way to achieve immersive audio compared to high-end speaker systems.
Key Features to Consider When Buying Podcast Headphones
Navigating the array of headphone options available can be overwhelming, especially if you are buying your first pair for podcasting. Here are some essential features to consider when choosing the best podcast headphones:
Over-the-Ear vs. On-Ear Headphones
Over-the-ear headphones, with their wider frame that encompasses your entire ear, are generally better at blocking out external noise and tend to be more comfortable for long periods of use.
Frequency Response
While this aspect is more important for music than for speech, if you’re looking for a versatile pair of headphones for both dialogue and audio editing, it’s worth considering a set that offers a broad frequency response.
Closed-Back vs. Open-Back Headphones
Closed-back headphones are ideal for recording as they prevent audio from bleeding out into the mic. However, open-back headphones are often considered the gold standard for sound reproduction, creating an immersive listening experience ideal for the editing and mixing stage.
Comfort
Never underestimate the value of comfort. Podcast editing can be a lengthy process, and having comfortable headphones can significantly reduce fatigue.
Wired vs. Wireless Podcast Headphones
Another critical factor to consider when choosing podcast headphones is whether to opt for wired or wireless models. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
Bluetooth Transmission
Wireless headphones typically use Bluetooth for sound transmission. While Bluetooth sound quality has drastically improved in recent years, it still involves a certain degree of compression, which might lower the sound quality.
Built-In vs. Detachable Cables
Wired headphones can either have built-in cables or detachable ones. Detachable cables are a favorable choice as they can be replaced if damaged, without needing to replace the entire set of headphones.
Straight vs. Coiled Cables
Wired headphones can come with either straight or coiled cables. While straight cables are lighter and easier to pack, they are more prone to breaking. Coiled cables, on the other hand, are more robust and resistant to wear and tear.
Now that we have covered the basics let’s dive into the top picks for the best podcast headphones.
Top Picks for the Best Podcast Headphones
Our recommendations are based on a thorough analysis of numerous options available in the market, considering factors such as sound quality, comfort, durability, price, and user reviews.
Audio Technica ATH-M30x
The Audio Technica ATH-M30x offers a solid, affordable solution for every stage of your podcasting workflow. These headphones deliver great sound and are built to last.
Noteworthy Features:
- 40mm Neodymium drivers
- Tuned for enhanced detail
- Single-side cable exit
- Collapsible for space-saving portability
- Circumaural design contours around the ears
- Pro-grade earpad and headband material
- Copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
Pros:
- Enhanced audio clarity and sound isolation
- Durable design
- Compact and portable
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Non-detachable cable
Price: $79
Sony MDR-7506
A popular choice in podcasting, the Sony MDR-7506 offers solid sound quality durable construction. It is an absolute bargain at less than $100.
Noteworthy Features:
- Large diaphragm foldable headphones
- Gold connectors and oxygen-free copper cord
- Closed-ear design
- Neodymium magnets and 40mm drivers
- 10 Hz–20 kHz frequency response
- Includes a soft case and unimatch plug
- A ⅛” to ¼” adapter is included in the box
Pros:
- Crisp and clear sound
- Durable construction
- Excellent noise isolation
- Comfortable for long recording sessions
Cons:
- Larger and heavier
- Non-detachable cable
Price: $99.99
Sennheiser HD 650
A top choice for sound engineers, the Sennheiser HD 650 offers an unparalleled listening experience. These headphones are worth considering if you’re serious about sound quality and have a slightly higher budget.
Noteworthy Features:
- Lightweight aluminum voice coils
- Special acoustic silk
- Open-back design for a spacious soundstage
- Detachable, Kevlar-reinforced cable
- High-power neodymium magnets
Pros:
- Superior audio quality
- Rugged build quality
- Comfortable
Cons:
- On the expensive side
- Requires amplification
- Not best for portability
Price: $499
Superlux HD 681
An excellent choice for beginners, the Superlux HD 681 offers good value for money. However, note that these are semi-open-back headphones, which means a bit of sound may bleed out, making them unsuitable for recording.
Noteworthy Features:
- Semi-open design
- Self-adjusting headband
- 50mm drivers
- Thick earpad design
- Single-sided cable design
- Professional studio-standard studio
Pros:
- Great price
- Semi-open design for more realistic sound
- Self-adjusting headband
Cons:
- Big and bulky
- Sound leakage makes them bad for recording
- Non-detachable cable
Price: $59.95
Panasonic Ergofit
The Panasonic Ergofit in-ear headphones offer excellent background noise isolation and strong sound without requiring much amplification. They are a budget-friendly option, providing a similar listening experience to what most of your audience will have.
Noteworthy Features:
- Ergonomic fit
- Wide frequency response
- Nine color options
- Extra earpad set
- Long cord
- 9mm drivers
Pros:
- Affordable for beginners
- Similar to what your audience is using
Cons:
- Lacks noise isolation
- Limited soundstage
- No in-line controls
Price: $9.99
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO
Popular among the podcasting community, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO offers a robust sound and a sturdy build. They provide great value for money and are an excellent choice for podcasters.
Noteworthy Features:
- Proprietary 40mm neodymium drivers
- Closed-back, circumaural design
- Collapsible design
- Detachable cable lock
- Replacement ear pads
- Wide frequency response (5 Hz-25 kHz)
- Compatibility with a wide range of audio devices
Pros:
- Excellent sound reproduction
- Closed-back design is good for recording
- Affordable
Cons:
- Non-removable cable
- Bulky design
- Requires good amplification
Price: $169
Monolith by Monoprice M565C
The Monolith by Monoprice M565C is a mid-range option that balances high-quality sound and durability. They are slightly bulky, so they may not be ideal for recording on the go, but they offer excellent performance for the price.
Noteworthy Features:
- Planar magnetic drivers
- Wood earcup housing
- Closed-back design
- High-quality padded headband
- Broad frequency response
- Detachable cables
- Premium materials
Pros:
- Excellent noise isolation
- Balanced audio reproduction
- Durable and comfortable
Cons:
- Heavier than other headphones
- May require amplification
Price: $199.99
Shure SRH840A
The Shure SRH840A is a solid all-rounder that offers excellent sound quality and a comfortable fit. Plus, they’re good looking and affordable, making them a great choice for podcasters.
Noteworthy Features:
- Proprietary 40mm neodymium drivers
- Closed-back, circumaural design
- Collapsible design
- Detachable cable lock
- Replacement ear pads
- Wide frequency response (5 Hz-25 kHz)
- Compatibility with a wide range of audio devices
Pros:
- Flat response makes them great for audio production
- Closed-back design makes them suitable for recording
- Affordable
Cons:
- 3-meter cable limits versatility
- No hard carrying case is included
Price: $149
Conclusion
Finding the best podcast headphones depends on various factors, including your budget, specific needs, and personal preferences. The options listed above offer a good starting point, each bringing unique strengths to the table. Regardless of your choice, investing in a high-quality pair of headphones is a crucial step towards producing a professional-sounding podcast.
Remember, the best podcast headphones not only enhance your recording and editing experience but also ensure that your audience enjoys a high-quality listening experience. Happy podcasting!
