This is the ultimate Buyer’s guide to the Best podcast headphones in 2022. 🤴
And let me be clear about something:
We bought 25 headphones available in the current market and reviewed them based on Price, Comfort, Sound Quality, Noise cancellation/isolation, and Appearance.
And, finally, we came up with 11 of the Best podcast headphones With Awesome Sound for our readers.
So without further ado, Let’s dive right in. 🎭
Whether you are a beginner podcaster or you have been in the business for a while, there is no doubt that you know how important a good pair of headphones is for podcasting.
You are probably wondering why your regular iPhone or Samsung earbuds wouldn’t do. Why do you need special headphones just to record a podcast?
Now, the reason why your earbuds can’t do the job efficiently is that when you are speaking into the microphone while podcasting, earbuds are more likely to create feedback that is not just uncomfortable but is capable of ruining the sound quality of your podcast.
With headphones, you will be able to capture and monitor the audio levels for clearer and more accurate sounds to improve the sound quality. Beyond that, podcast headphones are noise-canceling to allow you to record without distractions or background noise.
That being said, getting a pair of headphones isn’t enough. Chances are, you have probably invested a lot into your podcasting journey, wouldn’t you want the best quality headphones for the production?
In this article, we will review the top 11 best podcast headphones for great sound recording currently available in the market.
Best Podcast Headphones: Our Top Pick 👌👌
1. Bose QuietComfort 35 Series 2 (QC35)
If you want the best sound quality for your podcast, then you will get the best results with the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series. In addition to its impressive sound quality, the QC35 model is also very versatile as a pair of headphones.
Beyond using them to record podcasts, these headphones can be used in a wide range of applications including mixing, DJ-ing, and even gaming. The Bose QC35 headphones are designed with swiveling ear cups to allow for a broad range of movements while using them.
When it comes to the sound quality, not only is it capable of capturing and monitoring sounds, the headphones are designed to be noise-canceling such that you can record your podcasts even in public spaces without worrying about distracting sounds in the background.
The QC35 also features a powerful lithium-ion battery that can go for as long as 20 hours before needing a recharge. The headphones are wireless-enabled via Bluetooth with Near Field Communication (NFC). They also support Amazon Alexa and Google’s assistant for access to music, information and so much more.
Altogether, the performance of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series 2 (QC35) is beyond satisfactory and you will absolutely love it which makes it fit in our best podcast headphones list.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the Bose QuietComfort 35 Series 2 (QC35) that earned it a spot in our list of Best Podcast Headphones to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- Impressive sound quality
- Swiveling ear cups for ease of use
- Features noise cancellation technology
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 20 hours of battery life.
- The wireless design enabled by Bluetooth with NFC
- Supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- A broad range of uses beyond podcasting
Cons:-
- None
2. Audio Technica ATH-M50x Podcast Headphone
The Audio Technica is a renowned and trustworthy brand for headphones among podcasters and the ATH-M50x is arguably the best headphone of the M-Series from the brand.
They come with 2 proprietary large-aperture 45mm drivers which are a major contributing factor to its balanced sound. The headphones have soft, padded ear cups that make them quite comfortable to use.
You can wear them for hours at a stretch without any strain to the ears, whether you are strictly recording your podcast or you are using it to listen to music. The earpiece itself is adjustable such that you can swivel them up to 90° and have them lie flat.
Ergonomically, this design is very convenient. Talking about convenience the headphone is also foldable and relatively lightweight to enable you to use and transport them easily without causing any discomfort.
The ATH-M50x is capable of producing frequencies ranging from 5,000Hz to 28,000Hz with a maximum input power high as 1600mW.
While they are not exactly noise canceling by design, they are still great when it comes to isolating external noises, especially when used in low to medium noise environments.
Although the headphones are wired, the cables can easily be detached when they are not in use. More so, the headphones support Bluetooth connectivity and with a Bluetooth adapter, you can use them wirelessly.
When it comes to sound quality, the ATH-M50x is perfect for a wide range of sounds, from high-pitched trebles to booming bass. Overall, this is hands down one of the best podcast headphones currently available and it is worth every cent and even more.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the Audio Technica ATH-M50x that earned it a spot in our list of Best Podcast Headphones to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- Excellent sound clarity
- Very comfortable to use
- Comes packaged with 3 detachable cables
- Supports use of Bluetooth adapter for wireless connectivity
- Swiveling ear cup design
- Battery-free design
- Foldable and lightweight design
Cons:-
- Not completely noise canceling
3. Sony MDR 7506 Podcast Headphone
Sony is quite decent when it comes to audio equipment and the Sony MDR 7506 is a testament to that fact. If you are on a tight budget and you need a modest pair of headphones for podcasting, these headphones can get the job done.
It features built-in 40mm drivers and neodymium magnets that enable it to reproduce detailed and powerful sounds of varying pitches and tones with very little to no distortion.
These headphones are ideal for recording and accurate monitoring for excellent sound clarity. When it comes to the body build, this headphone was built to last. It is made with sturdy materials to withstand any type of environment or handling.
Basically, you can conveniently carry it around with you to record your podcasts anywhere without any fear of damaging your headphones.
It comes with an adjustable padded headband with soft ear cups to provide maximum comfort while using the headphones. Although the ear pads are relatively thinner than what most brands provide, they contribute to the lightweight nature of the headphones.
The downside to this pair is that the frequency isn’t that wide, there is no support for a Bluetooth adapter and cables cannot be detached from the body.
Also, although they are pretty good at blocking outside noise, they were not designed with a noise cancellation feature. Otherwise, the Sony MDR 7506 is a great podcast headphone, especially if you are a beginner podcaster.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the Sony MDR 7506 that earned it a spot in our list of Best Podcast Headphones to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- Capable of producing crisp and clear sounds
- Rugged body design to improve its durability
- Adjustable padded headbands with soft ear foams
- Relatively lightweight to enhance portability
- Somewhat affordable
Cons:-
- No active noise canceling feature
- Non-detachable cables
- No support for a Bluetooth adapter
4. Bose QuietComfort 25 (QC25)
If you are looking for headphones that offer superior sound quality without compromising on comfort, look no further than the QC25. Unlike the QC35 already mentioned on this list, the QC25 is not wireless. However, apart from this major difference, they are pretty similar when it comes to performance.
The sound quality is just unique with an incredible noise cancellation technology capable of completely eliminating even the tiniest bit of noise in the background.
The noise isolation provides absolute silence to enable you to record your podcast in any environment, whether you are in your home studio or a crowded coffee shop.
The headband is designed to fit snugly on the head to keep it in place and prevent it from falling off once you wear it. It is also made with soft suede-like material to remove the chances of the wearer developing headaches from the snug fit.
The ear cups, made out of soft leather cushions can be rotated and they were designed in such a way that they cup the ear perfectly to block out external noise. The headphone comes with Active EQ technology and a built-in Bose TriPort to enhance the production of rich and clear sound.
The headphone is powered by a non-rechargeable single triple-A battery capable of running for 35 hours at a stretch. The product is relatively lightweight and it comes with an equally lightweight case to enhance mobility.
At the end of the day, the QC25 is a headphone you will want to purchase and it is relatively less pricey than the QC35 which is good to put in the best podcast headphones list.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the Bose QuietComfort 25 (QC25) that earned it a spot in our list of Best Podcast Headphones to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- Capable of producing crisp and clear sounds
- Offers a 35-hour battery life
- Comfortable headband and ear cups design
- Great noise cancellation technology
- Lightweight carry case for easy movement
- Considerably less expensive than the QC35
Cons:-
- The battery is non-rechargeable
5. Audio Technica ATH-M40x
The second Audio Technica product on this list, a testament to the brand’s outstanding competence. Although it is lower on the rung when compared to the M50x already mentioned on this list, Audio Technica applied very minimal compromise on the features of the M40x.
The headphone features 40mm neodymium drivers which enable its impressive audio quality. The sound is simply remarkable producing crisp and clear vocals across a wide range of frequencies. While the M50x can go up to 28,000Hz, the M40x has a maximum range of 24,000Hz.
The impedance on the M40x is also relatively lower than the M50x. Although the ear cups are not designed to swivel, they fit on the ears quite comfortably and are capable of blocking out a great deal of noise.
The great thing about the M40x is that it is very affordable, as a matter of fact, you can get it for almost half of the price of the M50x. Altogether, the Audio Technica ATH-M40x makes an excellent choice for a podcast headphone, and at that price, consider it a steal.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the Audio Technica ATH-M40x that earned it a spot in our list of Best Podcast Headphones to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- Impressive sound quality
- It is budget-friendly
- Great at boxing out actual noise
- Comfortable ear cups fit for extended periods of use
Cons:-
- Less flexible than the M50x
- Lower impedance and frequency range than the M50x
6. Skullcandy Grind Bluetooth Wireless
You will not find a podcaster or anyone at all who owns a Skullcandy Grind that will have something bad to say about these headphones.
The Skullcandy Grind Bluetooth Wireless is one of the most recommended podcast headphones in the industry, not just because it is quite affordable, it also comes with a wide variety of features a lot of headphones in its price range do not have.
The headphones feature 40mm drivers to enable the production of amazing stereo sound quality.
Look wise, the Grinds are arguably one of the most aesthetically appealing products you would find with a very stylish yet minimalistic design. It has a metallic body design built to last for a very long time.
When it comes to audio quality, the headphones do not disappoint either with their very powerful and clear sounds.
The wireless headphones also support Bluetooth connectivity with a rechargeable battery that boasts a 12-hour battery life. The battery itself takes just about 2.5 hours to be fully charged.
The headband has a snug fit with soft ear pads made out of memory foam to provide maximum comfort to the wearer when using the headphones.
On each side of the headphones is volume controls where they are within easy reach. A lot of podcasters are loyal to the Grinds and deservingly so because, for all their amazing features, these headphones could be worth a lot more.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the Skullcandy Grind Bluetooth Wireless that earned it a spot in our list of Best Podcast Headphones to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- Produces crisp and clear sounds
- Very stylish and attractive
- Rechargeable battery with a 12-hour battery life
- Very affordable
- Wireless-enabled via Bluetooth connectivity
- Soft and comfortable ear cups
Cons:-
- No active noise cancellation feature
7. Sennheiser HD 280 PRO
The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO is the go-to product if you want a pair of headphones that can offer superior sound quality but are still relatively affordable. With its features, one would expect a higher price from Sennheiser but this pair is a lot less expensive than what you would expect.
The sound is free of distortion with very accurate lows and highs, the frequency range is quite impressive as well. It also has a passive noise cancellation feature of up to 32dB which is great for the public out background noise if you intend to record your podcast in public.
The body design is sleek and lovely. However, beyond appearance, it was also ergonomically designed with swiveling earcups along with an adjustable and padded headband to keep the wearer comfortable even after wearing the headphones for an extended time period.
Perhaps one of the best things about these headphones is that the individual components are replaceable. This way, if one component develops a fault, you can easily get a replacement to continue enjoying your headphones which makes us put in our best podcast headphones in 2022 lists.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the Sennheiser HD 280 PRO that earned it a spot in our list of Best Podcast Headphones to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- Great sound quality
- Relatively affordable for its features
- Individual components can be replaced
- Ergonomic design to enhance comfort
- Passive noise cancellation up to 32dB
Cons:-
- No active noise cancellation technology
8. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro was specially created to be used in a closed studio. As such, if you are a podcaster and you need something that will perfectly capture and monitor sounds, then you will find everything you need here.
It can produce detailed and rich sounds at any frequency and volume. The bass comes out very clear here without bleeding into the highs or mids which are equally defined.
While still on the sound quality, the headphone is noise-canceling which means any background noise is completely canceled out to give your podcast that crisper and clearer audio.
The earpads themselves have a closed cup design which enhances the noise isolation feature. They are also pretty comfortable so you can wear them for hours at a stretch without feeling fatigued
Even if you are not a podcaster, these headphones have a pretty wide range of uses within a studio and can be used by anyone from sound engineers to radio professionals. They are quite reliable and flexible and it’s difficult to see why anyone would not love them.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro that earned it a spot in our list of Best Podcast Headphones to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- Ideal for use within a studio
- Impressive audio reproduction
- Comfortable design to enhance the extended use period.
- The active noise cancellation feature
Cons:-
- It is a bit pricey
9. Harman Kardon CL Precision
There aren’t a lot of headphones that can deliver premium quality audio without compromising on the aesthetics. The Harman Kardon CL Precision is one of such headphones. The headphones have a very sleek and modern design which is absolutely gorgeous.
They are also designed with snug-fitting ear cups made with slow retention memory foam which makes the headphones extremely comfortable to wear. This way, you can record your podcast or listen to music for hours at a stretch without experiencing the tiniest bit of ache in your ears.
The ear cups are designed to swivel so they can easily be folded into a case for easy transportability. They also provide a pretty great acoustic seal for the noise isolation feature.
The CL Precision comes with two interchangeable headbands of different sizes, smaller and larger sizes to fit snugly on any head size.
Overall, the Harman Kardon CL Precision provides a well-rounded sound and its modern design is quite aesthetically pleasing. Although it is somewhat expensive, you can be guaranteed you are getting your money’s worth.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the Harman Kardon CL Precision that earned it a spot in our list of Best Podcast Headphones to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- Stylish and modern design
- Superb audio quality
- Foldable ear cups to enhance portability
- Features two interchangeable headbands
- The design ensures a great acoustic seal for effective noise cancellation
Cons:-
- The price is a bit steep
10. Grado Prestige Series SR325e Headphones
If you have a lot of money to blow and a pair of headphones seems like a good way to spend it, the Grado Prestige Series SR325e Headphones is probably one of the best purchases you will ever make.
However, these headphones are a lot more than a high-end pair of headphones. It is capable of producing amazing audio quality with a remarkable spatial arrangement.
They are especially great for recording, editing, and listening to podcasts. When it comes to looks, it has a beautiful retro look which gives the headphones this awesome antique aesthetics.
Although they often falter when it comes to the bass response in the audio reproduction, the highs and mids of vocals are excellent, free of distortion, and do not bleed into each other.
The only downside to the Grado Prestige Series SR325e is the price. However, if you do not mind spending that much on a pair of headphones, then go for it, it definitely lives up to its price.
Below are some of the Pros and Cons of the Grado Prestige Series SR325e Headphones that earned it a spot in our list of Best Podcast Headphones to get in 2022.
Pros:-
- Stylish retro-looking aesthetics
- Excellent ergonomics for long-term listening
- Impressive audio quality with a great spatial arrangement
- Great for recording, editing, and listening to podcasts
Cons:-
- It is relatively expensive
Best Podcast Headphones: What To Consider
Whether you consider yourself an audiophile or not, if you are looking to purchase podcast headphones, you will definitely want to ensure that you are going with the best one.
Now, while there are certain things that are generally accepted as the standard for a good podcast headphone, what makes the best headphone will definitely be dependent on what you want out of your headphones.
For example, someone who is into high-end products would consider the Grado Prestige Series SR325e Headphones the best of the ones listed above while a podcaster who is more appreciative of noise isolation will pick the Bose QuietComfort 35 over any other one.
In essence, although they all serve the same primary purpose, not all podcast headphones are created equal. When buying podcast headphones, your biggest deciding factors should be;
🧩Price:-
Podcast headphones are available in a wide range of prices. You will find headphones as cheap as $40 and there are some others high up there in price, valued at over $300 with the average price somewhere in between.
While a higher price is not always a reflection of better quality, most times, it is often so. Essentially, if you want podcast headphones with superior performance, then you will have to spend more.
🎭Comfort:-
The design of the headband and ear cups of your headphones determine how comfortable they will be. Padded headbands with soft memory foam ear cups offer the highest level of comfort.
If you don’t mind feeling sore after a few hours of wearing your headphones, then you can go with thinner ear pads. Otherwise, stick to designs with padded cushions.
🎶Sound Quality:-
Headphones with a wider frequency range and higher impedance will produce better sound quality than others. If you are a podcaster and you are after premium sound quality, then you should watch out for these two things.
📯Noise cancellation/isolation:-
A good pair of podcast headphones should have a noise-canceling feature, whether active or passive noise isolation. Noise cancellation will prevent your headphones from leaking audio during recording to allow you to enjoy crisper and clearer sounds.
🧶Wireless:-
If you tend to move around a lot while recording your podcast or just whenever you have headphones on, then wired podcast headphones may not be for you.
Wireless headphones are a lot more flexible and convenient. However, if you would rather go for wired headphones, rule of thumb: longer cords are better than shorter cords primarily because they allow for a wider range of motion.
🤴Appearance:-
If looks and style are important to you, then you would surely want your headphones to reflect that. However, ensure that your headphone isn’t compromising on any other feature just to look stylish.
📗FAQ’s on Best Podcast Headphones
Below are a couple of queries on Best Podcast Headphones that everyone is expecting to answer and I did include the same for my readers.
Why do they wear headphones on podcasts?
By hearing what is being recorded as it's happening you have complete control over your sound.
Why do singers put headphones when recording?
Singers record using headphones to avoid bleed, and perform using in-ear monitors to be able to clearly hear themselves sing over loud music.
Do podcasts make money?
Podcasters can also make money by getting a cut of the income that their listeners are willing to pay for brands or services discovered via the podcast.
Conclusion
That brings us to the end of the list for best podcast headphones. There is an almost infinite number of headphones on the market currently and it can get overwhelming trying to just pick out one. Hopefully, this article can help point you in the right direction.
