Best Headphones for Podcasting [2024]

How utilizing headphones can enhance your audio 

Headphones allow you to hear your podcast’s audio precisely how your viewers will, retaining you within the driver’s seat throughout recording periods.

And when you technically can document a podcast with out headphones, you will possible get some surprises whereas modifying which can be at finest troublesome to take away, and at worst, render your file unusable. 

Listed below are 3 ways headphones enable you to obtain a greater listening expertise in your viewers.

#1 Enhance your mic approach

A great mic approach goes a good distance towards making your podcast audio the perfect it may be. And with out headphones that allow you to hear your voice again, it is almost unattainable to monitor your plosives, popping, and different onerous consonants that may sound jarring to the listener.

Even when you use a pop filter, you will possible nonetheless get a few of these points until you are monitoring your sound as effectively. 

And when you’re working with a visitor, headphones change into much more essential. Many visitors you will interview will not have a lot expertise behind a mic, however with a number of pointers and a pair of headphones, they’ll get a really feel for a way shut they need to be to the mic and the place their quantity stage is.

The very last thing you need is to pay attention again to the interview and notice there is a piece of it that’s unusable due to a preventable audio subject on both finish. 

#2 Allow you to discover and scale back ambient noise 

Headphones assist along with your mic approach, however in addition they assist to enhance your total audio high quality. 

As a result of a very good pair of headphones choose up extra frequencies than the human ear, it is easy to choose up distracting hums, buzzing, background noise, or different ambient noise you would not in any other case, resulting in a cleaner recording.

And exterior noises can happen even in a sound-proofed studio, coming from locations like your laptop fan, air conditioner, or simply common outside exercise that your mic picks up. 

#3 Scale back time spent modifying errors in submit 

Paired with a mixer, you should use headphones that will help you edit audio ranges on the entrance finish of your recording, saving you time in post-production.

Some sound points are simple to edit out, however it’s finest to make use of tools that forestalls them from moving into your recording within the first place.

Most podcasters come to search out that headphones are an important a part of their recording toolkit. Now, let’s check out which options to search for when it is time to buy your individual pair.

Headphone options & elements to think about

Shopping for a pair of headphones does not need to be difficult, however there are a number of elements to think about to ensure you get essentially the most out of your buy. Right here are some things to think about earlier than you make a purchase order.

• Snug match: Have they got ear pads? Are they heavy? May you put on them for lengthy intervals of time with out being uncomfortable?

• Portability: This function is usually necessary for touring podcasters who do distant recordings and want a foldable, compact podcast package.

• Frequency vary: Headphone frequency response is the vary of sound that the headphones will choose up and reproduce. We propose searching for headphones with a variety of 20 Hz- 20 kHz—something with a wider vary is pointless for spoken phrase (and dearer, too).

• Sturdiness: Often, a fast scroll via some evaluations and some research into the headphones in query can provide you a good suggestion of how lengthy they will final earlier than they begin to break down. 

• Noise canceling: Noise canceling is a function that has its benefits, however is not actually wanted for podcast audio. An excessive amount of noise cancellation can misrepresent the audio and in addition comes with a hefty price ticket for a function that is not essential for podcasters anyway.

Closed-back vs open-back

We propose podcasters go for closed-back headphones vs. open-back. Closed-back headphones have ear cups which can be closed and strong and forestall noise from leaking out.

Open-back headphones permit air and noise to maneuver via the ear cups, which is nice for gaming however not superb for recording a podcast as a consequence of noise leakage and bleeding. 

Wi-fi vs. wired 

Though the comfort of wi-fi headphones is interesting, sound travels extra rapidly when it has a cable as a medium, and even the highest-end producer cannot create a headset that defies physics. 

The latency of wi-fi headphones causes a delay within the period of time it takes to listen to the audio after urgent play or listening to somebody communicate.

And due to the latency subject and the truth that wi-fi/Bluetooth headphones are typically pretty heavy, most podcasters go for wired headphones.

Whereas they may tether you to a tool, nothing is extra irritating than an audio delay in your podcast recording. 

High finest podcast headphones 

All of the headsets on our record are closed-back headphones, wired, function an acceptable frequency vary for spoken phrase, and are available from firms with a strong status. 

We have damaged down these headphones into three classes primarily based on value vary—and so they’re all accessible on both Amazon or B&H Picture Video. 

Greatest funds closed-back headphones (below $100)

Audio Technica m20x $49.00 (Buzzsprout’s prime choose) 

The M20X is the least costly headphone in Audio Technica’s line. 

This primary pair of headphones has a wonderful frequency vary and balanced sound; they’re an excellent, no-frills pair of monitor headphones from a trusted model in digital audio.

These wired headphones are nice for podcasters who do not want a foldable pair for touring or distant recording. In the event you do want these options, the Audio Technica M30X is $20 extra ($79.99), incorporates a foldable design, and comes with a journey pouch.

Remember that some customers report discomfort from the ear cushions that they’ll begin to warmth up after utilizing them for a few hours.

OneOdio Wired Headphones $39.99

OneOdio is a headphone producer specializing in the music trade, however these wired headphones get persistently excessive marks for consolation and total worth for digital recorders of any type.

Whereas these headphones will not be foldable, they arrive with an adjustable band, rotating ear cups, and an equipment pack with cables, a 1/4″ TRS adapter, and a carrying case.

Sony MDR 7506 $99.95

These Sony headphones embrace handy options like a appropriate physique, lengthy twine, and adjustable headband. Most customers report clear sound and a cushty, high quality really feel.

Nonetheless, In addition to the Sony identify, this pair does not provide any options or high quality you can’t get at a greater worth in, say, an Audio Technica or the OneOdio.

Sennheiser HD 280 Professional $99.95

In the event you’re uncertain concerning the Sony however need to keep within the $100 vary, the Sennheiser HD 280 Professional could be a very good different. These headphones are barely heavier than the Sony’s however get excessive marks for consolation with their padded and ergonomic design. 

This set additionally options an simply replaceable chord (though not removable), so you do not have to purchase a complete new set when it wears down. Whereas the set does not include any equipment, these Sennheiser’s are in all probability the highest-end, low-budget pair of headphones on the market.

Greatest mid-range closed-back headphones (below $200)

AKG Ok 240 MK II $124.99

AKG’s are well-known headphones utilized by iconic artists and sound engineers so that you may be assured of their high quality. 

These professional-level, wired, over-ear headphones have a large dynamic vary and spectacular audio accuracy. The AKG Ok 240s operate effectively for spoken phrase, and due to the standard and the removable twine function, you will possible use this pair for years earlier than needing a brand new set.

Audio Technica ATH-M50X $149.00

The M50X is the highest-end headset within the Audio Technica M-series line and builds upon its predecessors with a wider frequency vary, removable, coiled cables, a collapsible physique, and sound-isolating ear cups.

Essentially the most vital promoting level of the M50X is its clear and correct sound replica and broader frequency vary, however some customers do not feel there’s a lot of a distinction between this model and former fashions.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 Professional $159.99

Beyerdynamic’s DT 770 Professional is utilized by many music producers and digital creators and has a very good status amongst sound engineers and producers.

This set boasts a excessive stage of acoustic element and crisp, outlined sounds. It incorporates a comfy design, a one-sided twine, and sturdy German high quality.

The Beyerdynamic Customized Professional Plus goes for $30 extra at $199 and options an adjustable bass slider, customizable coloration choices, detachable faceplates, adjustable bass ports, and a brand new and improved driver.

But when the frills aren’t necessary to you and you are able to do with out the microphone cable, the DT 770 Professional presents a lot of the identical high quality minus some design and ergonomic enhancements of the Customized Professional Plus.

Greatest high-end studio headphones ($200 +)

V-MODA Crossfade M-100 $249.98

The V-MODA M-100 is a good pair of higher-end podcasting headphones, though the corporate technically markets these to avid gamers. 

Along with glorious construct high quality, the M-100 has twin 50mm drivers to maintain your bass tones separate, distinctive readability and audio high quality, a foldable body, and reminiscence foam, vegan leather-based cushions that customers discover comfy even after prolonged use. 

These headphones are a wonderful possibility for podcasters who are inclined to document and edit for hours at a time and for creators and audiophiles who need an immersive audio expertise.

You possibly can even promote your model with customized, laser-engraved shields with your individual 3D-printed design.

Shure SRH 1540 $499.99

These light-weight, circumaural Shure headphones are the highest-end possibility on our record and are good for podcasters who need the perfect in sturdiness, consolation, and firm status. 

Customers report nice sound isolation and luxury, and just like the 40mm drivers, twin exit removable cables for straightforward alternative, and the zippered storage case. 

Nonetheless, even a $500 pair of headphones typically will get unfavorable suggestions, and this pair is not any exception. Though it will get constant 4.5 and 5-star scores, the occasional consumer reviews consolation points with the adjustable headband. 

These headphones function audio functionality that’s overkill for the overwhelming majority of podcasters. Nonetheless, total, we expect they are a strong funding for creators who need high-end, high-quality headphones with a maxed-out frequency vary (5 Hz- 2200 Hz), passive noise discount, premium supplies, plus the Shure identify backing their efficiency.

With a higher-priced possibility, it is a good suggestion to examine with the producer to search out out the guarantee particulars. 

Different possibility: The Shure 440 prices one-fifth of the SRH 1540 and a few podcasters even favor the 440 due to its foldability. By way of high quality, we expect this headset is equal to the SRH 1540 with a bit bulkier development and never as large of a frequency vary.

A word on utilizing earbuds to document your podcast

After seeing all these choices, you could be asking your self when you can simply use your earbuds or AirPods and name it a day. 

In the event you’re in a bind, earbuds are higher than nothing. However as a result of they’re in-ear as a substitute of over them, the sound from earbuds can leak via your audio system, making a bleed that your mic can choose up. Earbuds are additionally typically decrease high quality than closed-back headphones with a strong again, even when they’re thought-about noise-canceling headphones.

You may additionally possible have a tougher time isolating the frequencies of your recording, making it tougher to make correct changes to your audio. 

Nonetheless, utilizing a pair of high quality headphones helps to isolate that ambient noise out of your surroundings, so you may extra simply edit the weather of audio you need to alter — and you will not get the bleed.

So whereas you should use earbuds as a substitute of a standard headset, we advise investing in over-ear headphones for max management of your audio ranges and optimum sound high quality. And when you’re interviewing a visitor who does not have a pair of closed-back headphones, a pair of earbuds is ample.

Last ideas

Recording with out headphones is like audio Russian roulette—you may get away with it typically, besides when you do not, and you find yourself with an audio subject you may’t reverse.

The excellent news is, as with a number of podcasting tools, spending prime greenback often is not essential. And far of the time, a cheap or reasonably priced piece of kit is completely ample for the wants of even a professional-level podcaster.

For many digital audio creators, each the Audio Technica m20x and m30x are nice choices and go well with nearly any value level. For these prepared to spend a bit extra on ergonomic options and foldability, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Professional delivers all the pieces you want.

For audiophiles or followers of Shure merchandise, we suggest their SRH 1540 or the Shure 440 in order for you the Shure identify with out the bells and whistles.

Incessantly Requested Questions

Do I want headphones if I’m not recording in a loud surroundings?

Sure, we nonetheless suggest utilizing headphones so you may hear precisely how the recording will sound.

Can I exploit Apple AirPods or Bose earbuds in a pinch?

If it’s important to use earbuds, you may, however we suggest utilizing a pair of wired headphones for higher sound and connectivity.