10 Best Headphones for Podcasting (2025 Edition)

Ever found yourself editing a podcast episode at 2 AM, only to discover mouth clicks and background noise that somehow slipped past during recording? Yeah, been there. After ruining countless episodes with subpar headphones, I’ve learned that your headphones can make or break your podcast.

Look, I get it. With every YouTuber and their dog pushing different audio gear, it’s hard to know what’s worth your money. After several years behind the mic, testing over 30 different headphones, and probably spending way more than my accountant would approve of, I’ve got some real talk for you about podcast headphones.

Here’s the thing: you don’t need to drop a month’s rent on headphones to sound professional, but grab the wrong pair, and you might as well be monitoring your audio through a drive-through speaker. Whether you’re just starting or looking to upgrade your setup, I’ve broken down exactly what works, what doesn’t, and what’s worth your hard-earned cash in 2025.

Fair warning: this isn’t your typical “I read the specs on Amazon” review. Every single headphone on this list has survived my personal gauntlet of late-night editing sessions, on-location recordings, and the occasional coffee spill.

Let’s dive into the good, the bad, and the “why didn’t someone tell me this sooner?”

Top 10 Podcasting Headphones

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Look, I know everyone and their grandmother recommends these, but there’s a reason I’ve stuck with my ATH-M50x headphones for the past three years.

These bad boys nail the sweet spot between professional quality and not completely destroying your wallet ($169-189 typically).

The closed-back design means you won’t get audio bleeding into your mic – something I learned the hard way during an interview when my guest’s voice kept echoing through my old open-backs.

What I love about them:

• Crystal clear mid-ranges (perfect for vocal monitoring)
• Detachable cable (trust me, this is a lifesaver)
• Durable as heck (mine have survived countless drops)
• Flat frequency response (you hear things as they actually are)

Pro tip: Get the coiled cable option. I used to constantly run over my straight cable with my chair, but the coiled one stays neat.

2. Sony MDR-7506

When my co-host was just starting out, I recommended these ($99-120), and honestly? Sometimes I’m a bit jealous of how good they sound for the price. They’ve been an industry standard forever, and there’s a reason for that.

The sound profile is slightly brighter than the M50x, which helps catch subtle mouth sounds or background noise you might want to edit out.

The only downside? The ear pads tend to flake after about a year of heavy use. But here’s a hack I discovered: grab some velour replacement pads off Amazon. They’re like $24 and make these headphones feel premium AF.

3. Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro

Y’all, when I finally splurged on these ($179-199), it was like hearing my own voice for the first time. These are open-back headphones, which means they’re not great for recording in noisy environments, but for editing.

The soundstage is incredible, and you can wear them for hours without your ears feeling like they’re in a sauna.

Warning though: these can be brutal if you’re sensitive to high frequencies. I had to EQ down the 8-10kHz range a bit in my monitoring setup.

4. Shure SRH440A

Not enough people talk about these ($99-129). I borrowed a pair from a friend when my M50x was being repaired, and color me impressed. The neutral sound signature is perfect for podcasting, and they’re surprisingly comfortable for long recording sessions.

The detachable cable has a locking mechanism that’s actually better than the Audio-Technica‘s.

Quick pro tip I learned after way too many frustrating sessions: always, ALWAYS have a backup pair of decent headphones. Even if it’s just a pair of AKG K240s (which aren’t half bad, honestly), you don’t want technical difficulties derailing your recording schedule.

5. Rode NTH-100

If there’s one thing that surprised me last year, it was these babies ($149-169). Rode knocked it out of the park with their first headphone attempt. I picked these up at a trade show on a whim, and they’ve become my go-to for location recording.

The isolation is incredible – I actually used them to record in a busy coffee shop, and none of the background chatter leaked through.

What sets them apart is the CoolTech™ gel cushions. I know it sounds gimmicky, but my ears stay noticeably cooler during long sessions. Plus, the FitLok sizing system means once you adjust them, they stay perfectly in place.

6. Austrian Audio Hi-X55

Here’s a sleeper hit that doesn’t get enough love in the podcasting community. After developing tension headaches from marathon editing sessions, these were a game-changer. The memory foam earpads and perfect clamp force make them disappear on your head.

I’ve literally edited for six hours straight without that “please get these off my head” feeling.

The detail retrieval is cool too – I’ve caught mouth clicks and background hums that I missed with other headphones.

Just be prepared for some serious monitoring revelations about your audio quality!

7. V-MODA Crossfade M-200

Am not gonna lie, I was skeptical about these because of V-MODA’s reputation in the DJ world. But for mobile podcast recording? Total game-changer. The folding design and hard case make them perfect for throwing in a bag, and they’re built like a tank. I’ve accidentally sat on mine twice (don’t ask), and they’re still going strong.

Pro tip: Skip the Bluetooth version – the wired ones have better sound quality and no latency issues to worry about.

8. AKG K371

Listen up, newbie podcasters – these ($179) might be all you ever need. The sound signature is surprisingly close to my $400 reference headphones. They fold up tiny, the bass response is perfect for male voices, and they’re comfortable enough for long sessions.

The only downside is the cable connection can be a bit finicky.

9. Neumann NDH 20

Okay, these are pricey, but if you’re serious about post-production, they’re worth every penny. The level of detail is almost scary – I had to re-record three episodes after getting these because I could suddenly hear all sorts of issues I’d missed before.

The stereo imaging is incredible for placing effects and transitions in your mix.

Fair warning, though: they will make you hyperaware of any room noise or mic technique issues. It’s both a blessing and a curse!

10. Drop + Sennheiser PC38X

This is my final pick in this list. The secret weapon for remote interviews. It’s technically a gaming headset, but hear me out – the boom mic is surprisingly good for backup audio, and the open-back design helps you hear your own voice naturally during long interview sessions.

Plus, having the mic attached to the headphones means one less thing to worry about when you’re traveling.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to spend a fortune to get great podcast audio. What matters most is understanding what you’re working with. After testing literally dozens of headphones (much to my partner’s amusement), I’ve found that anything from this list will serve you well.

Just remember – headphones are essentials in your podcasting kit but the ones that fit your specific needs and budget are key.

Extra Tips From My Experience:

• Always do a test recording with new headphones
• If you wear glasses, closed-back headphones can get uncomfortable after an hour
• Keep your headphone volume at 70% max – protect those ears, people!
• Clean your ear pads monthly (I use a slightly damp microfiber cloth)
• Consider a headphone amp if your interface’s headphone output is weak

Remember, at the end of the day, content is king. I’ve heard amazing podcasts recorded with basic headphones and terrible ones recorded with top-of-the-line gear. But having reliable, comfortable headphones makes the whole process so much more enjoyable – and helps you catch those little audio issues before they become big problems.

So there you have it, folks – my honest-to-goodness, battle-tested recommendations for the best podcast headphones in 2025. I hope this helps you find the perfect pair to elevate your audio game, whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your existing setup.

FAQs

Choosing the right headphones for podcasting can significantly impact your content quality. Here are the most frequently asked questions about podcasting headphones, answered with expert insights to help you make the best choice.

1. What makes headphones good for podcasting?

Professional podcasting headphones should have these key features:

• Closed-back design for sound isolation
• Flat frequency response (20Hz-20kHz)
• Over-ear cups for comfort during long sessions
• Detachable cable for easy replacement
• High impedance (250-600 ohms) for cleaner sound
• Durable construction for regular use
• Good sound isolation (at least 25dB)

Professional podcast headphones focus on accurate sound reproduction rather than enhanced bass or treble.

2. How much should I spend on podcasting headphones?

Podcasting headphones typically fall into these price ranges:

• Entry-level ($100-200): Good for beginners, basic monitoring
• Mid-range ($200-400): Professional quality, ideal for most podcasters
• High-end ($400+): Studio-grade, best for professional productions

Investing in mid-range headphones usually provides the best value for serious podcasters, offering professional features without excessive costs.

3. Should I choose wireless or wired headphones for podcasting?

Wired headphones are recommended for podcasting because they offer:

• Zero latency monitoring
• No battery concerns during recording
• Better sound quality
• More reliable connection
• No interference issues
• Lower cost for similar quality
• No potential Bluetooth sync problems

While wireless technology has improved, wired connections remain the industry standard for professional audio work.

4. What’s the difference between open-back and closed-back headphones for podcasting?

The key differences are:

Closed-back headphones (Recommended for podcasting):

• Better sound isolation
• No audio leakage into microphones
• Ideal for recording
• Better bass response
• Suitable for noisy environments

Open-back headphones:

• More natural sound
• Better soundstage
• Less ear fatigue
• Better for mixing
• Not suitable for recording

5. Do I need different headphones for recording versus editing podcasts?

While you can use the same headphones, each task has different requirements:

Recording needs:

• Strong sound isolation
• Minimal sound leakage
• Comfortable fit
• Accurate monitoring

Editing preferences:

• Detailed sound reproduction
• Wide frequency response
• Comfort for long sessions
• Potentially open-back design

Most professional podcasters use closed-back headphones for both tasks for consistency.

6. What headphone impedance is best for podcasting?

Optimal impedance ranges for podcasting headphones:

• Low impedance (16-32 ohms): Works with mobile devices
• Medium impedance (32-100 ohms): Good for most interfaces
• High impedance (100-600 ohms): Best sound quality, requires amplification

Recommended impedance: 80-250 ohms for optimal balance between quality and compatibility with most audio interfaces.

7. How do I prevent audio bleed when recording with headphones?

To minimize audio bleed:

1. Use closed-back headphones
2. Keep monitoring volume at moderate levels
3. Ensure proper headphone fit
4. Check seal around ear cups
5. Replace worn ear pads
6. Position microphone correctly
7. Use headphones with at least 25dB isolation

Proper technique and equipment can virtually eliminate audio bleed during recording.

8. How long do podcasting headphones typically last?

Lifespan depends on several factors:

• Build quality: 3-7 years for professional models
• Usage frequency: 2-5 years for regular use
• Maintenance: Can extend life by 1-2 years
• Cable care: Replace cables every 1-2 years
• Ear pad replacement: Every 6-12 months
• Storage conditions: Proper storage extends life

Professional headphones with replaceable parts can last 5+ years with proper maintenance.

9. What headphone features are most important for remote podcast interviews?

Essential features for remote interviews:

• Strong noise isolation
• Clear mid-range frequency response
• Comfortable fit for long sessions
• Durable construction
• Good microphone isolation
• Reliable cable connection
• Compatible with various devices

These features ensure clear communication and consistent audio quality during remote recordings.

10. Should I use the same headphones as my podcast guests?

Considerations for guest headphones:

Pros of matching headphones:

• Consistent monitoring experience
• Predictable sound quality
• Easier troubleshooting

Cons of matching headphones:

• Higher cost
• May not suit all guests
• Different head sizes/shapes
• Various comfort preferences

Recommendation: Use professional headphones for yourself and keep 1-2 good quality, comfortable pairs for guests.

Let me know what you think in the comments – I’m always eager to hear your personal experiences and headphone hot takes.