-(1)-(1).png)
Table of contents:
Key takeaways:
- Importance of headphones in podcasting: Headphones are crucial for real-time monitoring, identifying and fixing audio issues during recording, and ensuring a balanced, high-quality sound in multi-guest or remote setups.
- Features to consider when choosing headphones: Look for comfort, budget-friendly options, portability, frequency response, and a closed-back design for superior sound isolation and minimal leakage.
- Wired over wireless for podcasting: Wired headphones are preferred for their reliability, zero latency, and consistent connection during recordings, making them better suited for professional podcasting than wireless models.
- Flat sound for accurate editing: Podcast headphones prioritize flat, neutral sound reproduction, which helps capture audio details accurately during editing, unlike regular headphones that emphasize specific frequencies for casual listening.
Ever wonder how podcasters achieve that crisp, clear sound?
It’s all about the headphones. Without the right pair, podcast recordings will likely contain all sorts of distractions, imbalances, and inconsistencies.
In this guide, we’ll go through 9 of the best podcast headphones of 2025, so you can choose the right pair and produce professional and polished podcasts.
Let’s get into it.
Why do podcasters wear headphones?
If we’re being honest, everyone on your podcast should be wearing headphones. Here’s why:
Real-time audio monitoring
Headphones let podcasters hear themselves and their guests precisely as their audience does. This real-time monitoring allows them to adjust their volume, pace, and clarity on the fly.
That’s why podcasters seem to speak so crisply and clearly. They get direct feedback, preventing common issues like speaking too quickly and mumbling.
It’s not just about the host’s voice. Headphones also let the host monitor guest audio, background music, and sound effects, ensuring everything is balanced and audio levels are consistent.
Catching problems before they ruin the recording
Headphones let the host spot unwanted sounds like:
- Background noise: Like air conditioning, traffic, refrigerator hums, etc
- Technical issues: Like audio bleed, popping, or crackling from a faulty connection.
- Noise from guest mics: Hosts can quickly spot disturbances from guest mics.
Precise editing
The benefits of headphones extend beyond the recording process. During editing, podcasters can detect audio imperfections, distortions, and imbalances. They can also tweak audio levels, tone, and quality to make the recording polished and professional.
For multi-guest setups
In a multi-guest setup, headphones allow participants to hear themselves and others clearly. They can regulate their speaking volume and avoid talking over each other, allowing them to speak in turn and capture audio clearly.
For remote interviews
For interviews conducted remotely, headphones are crucial. Without it, the microphone will pick up the guest’s audio from the speakers.
Another reason headphones are used is to monitor the guest’s audio remotely and address technical issues quickly.
(Riverside is a great platform for remote recording. It lets you control the guest’s video and audio from your end so the podcast recording goes without technical issues.) You also need to watch out for the following:
Factors to consider when choosing podcast headphones
When deciding which headphones for your podcast, take these options into consideration:
- Comfort: Essential for long podcasting sessions.
- Cost: Determine your budget and prioritize the features most important to you.
- Storage: Travel often? Look for foldable or compact designs.
- Battery life: Crucial for wireless headphones which need to be recharged
- Frequency response: A wider range (e.g. 20Hz - 20kHx) generally means more accurate sound reproduction.
You also need to be aware of the following options:
Open-back vs. closed-back headphones
Wired vs. wireless
Over-ear vs. on-ear
9 Best Headphones for Podcasting in 2025
Whether you're a beginner on a budget or a seasoned podcaster seeking top-tier performance, this guide to the 9 best podcast headphones of 2025 has recommendations to suit every need and price range.
Under $100
Audio Technica ATH-M20x
- Price: $49
- Type: Closed-back & Circumaural
- Comfort: Moderate
- Frequency response: 15- 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Impedance: 47 Ohms
Audio Technica is the best option if you’re looking for low-budget headphones. Its audio production is accurate and balanced, which is a perfect combination for podcast recording. You can monitor the audio cleanly and catch vocal imperfections.
The headphones also provide decent sound isolation but might not perform well during commutes or noisy environments. Therefore, it’s best to use them indoors.
The build quality features a lot of plastic, but they are still durable. Unfortunately, the ear padding will wear out with regular use.
They’re okay in terms of comfort. You can comfortably wear them for two hours or so, but you will experience discomfort during marathon sessions.
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
- Price: $89
- Type: Closed-Back & Circumaural
- Comfort: Good, padded ear cups and headband
- Frequency response: 8 - 25,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 113dB
- Impedance: 64 Ohms
Compared to the ATH-M20x, the HD 280 Pro has much better noise isolation of up to 32 dB. This makes it perfect for recording in less-than-ideal environments.
It delivers a well-balanced, neutral sound signature with accurate reproduction across frequencies. Their flat frequency response ensures that what you hear while recording is what others will listen to in the final podcast.
The soft leatherette cushions also make them more comfortable for studio use. Additionally, the ear cups are collapsible, making them easy to carry.
Sony MDR-7506
- Price: $89.99
- Type: Closed-back & Circumaural
- Comfort: Good, lightweight with padding
- Other specs: Good sound isolation and high level of clarity and depth
- Frequency response: 10 - 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 106dB
- Impedance: 63 Ohms
The Sony MDR-7506 is a popular headphone in studios worldwide. This doesn’t surprise me, as they’re reliable, comfortable, and sound better than most other headphones in their price range. They even hold their weight against pricier headphones like the ATH-M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO.
The MDR-7506 does a good job emphasizing the mids and highs of any audio, letting you spot flaws quickly in your podcast audio. They’re often recommended for their fantastic sound fidelity and neutral or flat sound quality.
Since they’re closed-back, they prevent sound from leaking too much. You’ll also find their ear cups comfortable and durable, but don’t worry if they wear and tear – you can find replacement cups easily.
Between $100-$200
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
- Price: $149.99
- Type: Closed-back & Circumaural
- Comfort: Excellent, known for their comfortable earcups and headband.
- Frequency response: 5 - 35,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 96 dB
- Impedance: Available in 32, 80, and 250 Ohms
These headphones are another industry staple. The flat, smooth mids are great for precise, natural vocal reproduction. I find the build quality impressive. The comfortable velour earpads and padded headband make long recording sessions manageable.
These headphones come in various ohms: 32, 80, and 250. If you plan to get an amp, get the 250-ohm one, but if you’re just connecting to a laptop or mobile, get the 32—or 80-ohm versions.
The headphones' closed-back design helps with isolation, particularly from ambient chatter, but it won’t completely block out all external noise. It also tends to bleed at high volumes.
Audio Technica ATH-M50x
- Price: $149
- Type: Closed-back & Circumaural
- Comfort: Good, with well-padded earcups and headbands, though some users initially find them a bit tight.
- Frequency response: 15 - 28,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 99 dB
- Impedance: 38 Ohms
You can’t go wrong with the Audio Technica ATH-M50x. Under $150, they offer exceptional value for content creators needing reliable, professional-grade monitoring without breaking the bank.
They’re light and comfy; you can wear them for long sessions. In terms of sound, they have a wide frequency response for a rich, detailed sound, and the audio reproduction tends to be accurate and neutral.
The closed-back design provides decent isolation, which is better than the DT 770 Pro. It also prevents audio from bleeding into the microphone. The foldable design and detachable cables make it easy to carry.
Rode NTH-100
- Price: $142
- Type: Closed-back & Circumaural
- Comfort: Excellent. Designed with comfort as a priority, featuring Alcantara®️ earcups and a headband with CoolTech™️ gel for reduced heat buildup.
- Frequency response: 5 - 35,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 110 dB
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
The Rode NTH-100 is a closed over-ear headphone with a fantastic price-performance ratio. Thanks to its quality plastics and metal, it's built to last, and its stylish design looks terrific on your ears.
The headphones' ear cups contain cooling gel, which provides a soothing, comfortable fit. This, along with the lightweight design, makes them comfortable to wear for hours on end, which is a significant advantage for long recording sessions.
In terms of sound, they’re great for casual entertainment and recording. The sound quality is neutral and balanced, and I can easily spot minor audio details.
AKG K371
- Price: $170
- Type: Closed-back & Circumaural
- Comfort: Good, lightweight, and comfortable with oval-shaped earcups that seal well.
- Frequency response: 5 - 40,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 114 dB
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
The AKG K371 has an exceptional neutral sound signature and provides balanced audio. You may find it too clinical if you’re an audiophile looking for colorful sound. However, the headphones' precise, uncolored response and accurate mid-range reproduction are great for mixing and editing work.
They’re very comfortable; however, depending on your head size, they might fall off your ears with the slightest movement.
Portability-wise, the headphones can fold into the headband, so you can pack it in your luggage easily. They also have detachable cables (two straight and one coiled).
$200 and over
Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro
- Price: $599
- Type: Closed-back & Circumaural
- Comfort: Excellent, with soft velour earpads and a well-padded headband designed for extended studio sessions.
- Frequency response: 5 - 40,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 102 dB
- Impedance: 250 Ohms
The Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro are considered one of the best headphones for podcasting. They’re closed-back, have exceptional build quality, and have replaceable pads and detachable cables. Additionally, they’re comfortable and can be worn for long periods.
The sound profile is well-balanced, with a well-controlled bass and precise vocal reproduction, making them fantastic for podcast monitoring. Their frequency range of 5Hz ensures that headphones capture the full spectrum of sound, which is great for clarity.
The only downside is that they aren't quite portable compared to the other options above.
Shure SRH1540
- Price: $489
- Type: Closed-back & Circumaural
- Comfort: Excellent, lightweight design with Alcantara®️ earpads for exceptional comfort and breathability.
- Frequency response: 5 - 25,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 99 dB
- Impedance: 46 Ohms
These headphones are built like a tank. Crafted from lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber, they feel incredibly durable. But it's not just about ruggedness; the 40mm neodymium drivers deliver a crystal-clear, neutral sound perfect for critical listening. I was blown away by how accurately these headphones reproduced audio – every detail was pristine and free from any unwanted coloration.
I also found the sound isolation to be one of the best among the other headphones. I could focus exclusively on podcast recording audio without being disturbed by external sounds. The headphones also felt remarkably comfortable on my ear, which I should thank the breathable Alcantara ear pads for.
The headphones are easily portable, with a detachable cable and a hard-shell carrying case.
FAQs on the best podcast headphones
What’s the difference between podcasting headphones and regular headphones?
Some of the key differences between podcasting (studio) and regular consumer headphones include:
What are Joe Rogan’s headphones?
Joe Rogan uses the Sennheiser HD280 PRO headphones for his podcast. These closed-back headphones have flat, accurate sound reproduction, with a frequency response ranging from 8Hz to 25kHz. They’re lightweight, have replaceable ear pads and cable, and have high noise isolation.
Can you podcast without headphones?
Yes, you can podcast without headphones, though it’s not recommended if you want optimal quality.
Without headphones, it's difficult to monitor audio in real-time. You’ll find it challenging to catch background noise, plosives (harsh “p” and “b” sounds), and volume inconsistencies. In addition, your mic will likely pick up audio from your speakers, potentially creating an echo or feedback loop.
But if you’re in a pinch and are okay with sacrificing quality, you can podcast without headphones. Just record in a quiet environment, speak clearly and directly into the mic and use a pop filter for plosives. After recording, listen to the audio carefully and use editing software to clean up audio issues.
Are AirPods good for podcasting?
AirPods aren’t recommended for podcasting for several reasons:
- The mic quality of AirPods is subpar for professional audio recording, as they’re mainly designed for phone calls.
- The Bluetooth connectivity can cause audio quality degradation.
- They’re likely to cause potential connection drops and cutouts.
Their only saving grace for podcasting is that they’re portable and comfortable for extended wear.
