Podcast Headphones: The Best Headphones for Podcasting in 2026

As it goes with most podcasting equipment, picking the right pair of headphones is anything but straightforward. Podcast headphones are worn during recording and editing, and a quality set can help with podcast editing, audio bleed, and general monitoring to ensure guests can hear themselves throughout the recording session.

To help you make an informed decision, we’re breaking down the best options for podcast headphones. We highlight what to consider, what you should look for, and some of the best models for various podcasting use cases.

Table of Contents

• Why Do Podcasters Need Headphones?
• What Should You Look for in Podcast Headphones?
• How The Podcast Consultant Tested the Best Podcast Headphones
• What Are the Best Headphones for Podcasting in 2026?
  • Sony MDR7506: Best Overall Podcast Headphones
  • Audio-Technica BPHS1: Best Podcast Headphones for Field Recordings
  • Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
  • Sennheiser 280 PRO: Best Wired Podcast Headphones for Monitoring Audio
  • Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones
  • Beyerdynamic DT 1770
  • ZOOM PodTrak P8 bundle
  • Maonocaster E2 bundle
  • RØDECaster Pro 2 bundle
  • Sennheiser HD-25: Best On-Ear Headphones
  • Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Best Closed-Back Headphones
  • Sennheiser HD 660S2 Open Back Professional Studio Headphones: Best Open-Back Headphones
• What Types of Podcast Headphones Are Available?
• Are Over-Ear or On-Ear Headphones Better for Podcasting?
• Should You Use Wired or Wireless Headphones for Podcasting?
• Do You Need Podcast Headphones with a Built-In Microphone?
• Should You Choose Open-Back or Closed-Back Headphones for Podcasting?
• How Do You Choose the Right Podcast Headphones?
• Frequently Asked Questions About Podcast Headphones

Why Do Podcasters Need Headphones?

In podcasting, a pair of quality headphones will be an essential element of success. Not only do they help you monitor audio in greater detail, but they can help you catch potential audio or connection problems before you hit record.

Here are some benefits to using headphones in your podcasting setup:

• For you: The right pair of headphones can help avoid echo, which muddles your audio and makes it difficult for guests to hear each other. You can also preserve the integrity of your podcast by avoiding audio bleed (aka spills) from various equipment. 
• For guests: A recording environment could be stressful or overwhelming to the average podcast guest. A good pair of noise-canceling headphones can help to alleviate this by providing a quiet, focused environment. That way, if there are audio issues, the guest can alert you before going live.
• For listeners: According to the Podcast Trends Report of 2025, listeners only listen to one or two podcasts at a time. This means securing their interest with quality audio will be critical. Your podcast headphones won’t play as integral a role as your podcast microphones will, but the inability to hear your audio while recording a show could result in a nasty surprise when it comes time to edit your podcast.

“Despite the range of interviews, the varying equipment (or lack of) used by guests, unreliable wifi and human idiosyncrasies in speech, TPC never fails to produce a clear final version that makes both my guest and me sound far better than we really are.”
– Katie Brewer, Bandwidth Conversations

What Should You Look for in Podcast Headphones?

The ‘perfect pair’ of podcast headphones mostly depends on your needs. Once you better understand your use case and expectations, you can narrow down your shortlist to the options that make sense for you.

Here are four things to consider when choosing podcast headphones:

1. Comfort. Do you intend to wear headphones for long periods? You may want a lightweight model with an over-the-ear fit. If you only expect to work for a few hours at a time, you may not mind a heavier model or on-ear design. Be sure to take your health and wellness into consideration. Over-ear headphones, for example, may be better for your hearing than on-ear models
2. Storage. Smaller headphones easily slip into charging cases or carry bags. Larger over-the-ear headphones can sometimes fold, but you may have to hang them on the wall or find another way to carry them around. If you expect to be on the road, you may want to invest in a bag or carry case for a portable podcast setup. If you often record at home or in a studio, those accessories may not be as important.
3. Remote or in-person interviews. If you expect to spend most of your time recording in the field, a pair of wireless headphones may be a good option. However, if you plan to record using a podcast mixer or audio interface, wired headphones may be a more suitable option
4. Price. Your podcast budget should be a major consideration before buying a pair of headphones. How much are you willing to spend? Remember that price and quality aren’t necessarily correlated when it comes to podcast headphones. A great pair for you may not be a great pair for others, so you don’t need to worry about spending an arm and a leg for top quality.

How The Podcast Consultant Tested the Best Podcast Headphones

We evaluated the best podcast headphones using five key factors:

1. Sound accuracy. Podcast monitoring requires a flat, neutral frequency response. We prioritized headphones with studio-grade drivers rather than consumer headphones designed for music or noise-cancelling.
2. Comfort. A recording day or editing marathon can stretch on for hours. For this reason, we heavily weighted over-ear headphones with comfort pads.
3. Technical specs. We selected headphone options with high isolation and bleed control to prevent unnecessary noise from reaching your microphones. We also looked for low impedance, starting at 32 to 80 ohms.
4. Durability and repairability. The best podcast headphones come with metal headbands, replaceable earpads, and detachable or field-serviceable cables, which keep your equipment in good repair for years.
5. Value for money. We compared headphones across budget, mid-range, and premium tiers to find options providing the most bang for your buck.

Here’s how we weighted the ratings to get the list you see below:

Factor	Weight
Sound accuracy	35%
Comfort	20%
Technical specs	20%
Durability and repairability	15%
Value for money	10%

What Are the Best Headphones for Podcasting in 2026?

The best podcast headphones in 2026 mostly boil down to use case and personal preference, but we did include our favourite recommendations from the TPC team.

We’ve listed some brands for different scenarios so you can familiarize yourself with the options and price ranges.

	Type	Back Design	Wired or Wireless	Impedance	Weight	Price
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x	Studio monitoring	Closed-back	Wired	47 Ω	0.42 lbs	$59.00 USD
Sony MDR-7506	Studio monitoring	Closed-back	Wired	63 Ω	0.51 lbs	$112.00 USD
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro	Studio monitoring	Closed-back	Wired	64 Ω	0.63 lbs	$99.95 USD
RØDE NTH-100	Studio monitoring	Closed-back	Wired	32 Ω	0.77 lbs	$149.99 USD
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x	Studio monitoring	Closed-back	Wired	38 Ω	0.63 lbs	$149.00 USD
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro	Studio monitoring	Closed-back	Wired	32, 80, or 250 Ω	0.60 lbs	$199.99 USD
Sennheiser HD-25	On-ear monitoring	Closed-back	Wired	70 Ω	0.31 lbs	$149.95 USD
Sennheiser HD 660S2	Studio (editing only)	Open-back	Wired	300 Ω	0.57 lbs	$499.95 USD
Shure SRH1540	Studio monitoring	Closed-back	Wired	46 Ω	0.63 lbs	$499.00 USD
Beyerdynamic DT 1770 PRO	Studio monitoring	Closed-back	Wired	250 Ω	0.86 lbs	$519.00 USD
Audio-Technica BPHS1	Broadcast headset	Closed-back	Wired	65 Ω	0.58 lbs	$239.00 USD
Sennheiser HMD 300 Pro	Broadcast headset	Closed-back	Wired	64 Ω	0.67 lbs	$299.00 USD

Sony MDR7506: Best Overall Podcast Headphones

The MDR7506 is a set of folding headphones designed to fit over your ear. It’s relatively lightweight and comes with a protective case so you don’t need to worry about damage while in transit. Thanks to the headphones’ closed-ear design, you can block exterior sounds while focusing on your edits.

You can purchase these headphones directly from Sony Electronics.

• Price: $114.99
• Weight: 0.51 pounds
• Amazon Star Rating: 4.7/5 (24,583 reviews)
• Impedance: 63 Ω
• Comes with: Protective case, unimatch plug, and your cables

Audio-Technica BPHS1: Best Podcast Headphones for Field Recordings

The Audio-Technica BPHS1 is a broadcast stereo headset uniquely designed for rugged environments. It also uses a cardioid dynamic mic, which is excellent for maintaining audio quality (useful for noisy backgrounds).

You can purchase a BPHS1 on Amazon or Audio-Technica.

• Price: $239
• Microphone Type: Dynamic
• Weight: 0.58 pounds
• Amazon Star Rating: 4.4 / 5 (707 reviews)
• Impedance: 65 Ω
• Comes with: 3 cables, 3 windscreens, and a spare connector screw

Audio-Technica ATH-M20x: Best Budget Podcast Headphones

The ATH-M20x is a set of monitoring headphones you can easily plug into a mixer or audio interface. Each purchase comes with a snap-on adapter so you can get up and running as soon as you receive it. The best part? It’s extremely lightweight, making for more comfortable post-production edits.

Check out the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x here.

• Price: $59
• Weight: 0.42 pounds
• Amazon Star Rating: 4.6/5 (22,514 reviews)
• Impedance: 47 Ω
• Comes with: 6.3 mm (1/4″) snap-on adapter

Sennheiser 280 PRO: Best Wired Podcast Headphones for Monitoring Audio

280 PRO wired headphones were designed to monitor podcast audio. They can be easily folded once your recording session is over, and since they’re so lightweight, they make for relatively comfortable wearing. Just keep in mind this model doesn’t come with ActiveGard protection, so be careful of encountering ear-splitting audio spikes. 

You can purchase these headphones directly from the manufacturer.

• Price: $99.95
• Weight: 0.63 pounds
• Amazon Star Rating: 4.6/5 (11,660 reviews)
• Impedance: 64 Ω
• Comes with: 1 screw-type adaptor to 1/4

Shure SRH1540 Premium Closed-Back Headphones: Best Podcast Headphones for Editing

The Shure SRH1540 is a premium closed-back headphone with a very flat frequency response. This makes it ideal for detailed podcast editing, even in loud or distracting environments. Each set comes with lightweight Alcantara ear pads to provide maximum comfort and noise isolation. Plus, with its 46-ohm impedance, it pairs easily with laptops, mixers, and audio interfaces without a dedicated amplifier.

You can purchase the SRH1540 on Amazon or directly from Shure.

• Price: $499
• Weight: 0.63 pounds
• Amazon Star Rating: 4.6 / 5 (2,848 reviews)
• Impedance: 46 Ω
• Comes with: Detachable cable, 1/4″ threaded adapter, two sets of ear pads (Alcantara and replacement), hard storage case

Beyerdynamic DT 1770: Best Podcast Headphones for Longevity

The Beyerdynamic DT 1770 is a studio-grade closed-back headphone that comes with a metal headband and premium materials. It’s built to last not just years, but decades, even with consistent daily use. Each model comes with a 250-ohm impedance, so you’ll ideally use it with dedicated headphone amplifiers. It’s a great way to keep tabs on podcast audio while recording with guests in a studio environment.

You can purchase the DT 1770 on Amazon or through Beyerdynamic retailers.

• Price: $519.00 USD
•  Weight: 0.86 pounds
•  Amazon Star Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,287 reviews)
•  Impedance: 250 Ω
•  Comes with: 2 sets of interchangeable ear pads (velour and leatherette), 2 detachable cables (3m straight and 3m coiled), hard carrying case

ZOOM ZHP-1: Best Overall Headphones Included in a Bundle

ZOOM PodTrak P8 is a popular audio mixer with bundles for podcasters in the earliest phases of recording. Their two-person bundle includes the audio mixer itself, two microphones, the cables, and two ZOOM ZHP-1 headphones. Pair this with beginner-friendly podcast editing software like Adobe Enhance or Adobe AI Tools, and your podcast will be up and running in no time!

Here are some specifications for the ZOOM ZHP-1:

• Closed-back
• Over-ear
• Wired
• $79.99 purchased separately

You can explore the rest of the bundle here.

MAONO MH601: Best Budget Headphones in a Podcasting Bundle

Every purchase of the Maonocaster E2 podcast mixer comes with microphones, pop filters, cables, and most importantly, MAONO MH601 headphones.

Here are some details on the MAONO MH601:

• Closed-back
• Over-ear
• Wired
• $45 purchased separately

The Maono bundle is much more cost-effective than buying headphones separately. It’s also one of the best ways to get into podcasting on a budget.

You can learn more about MAONO MH601 headphones here.

SRH440A Closed-back Studio Headphones: Best Professional-Grade Headphones in a Podcast Bundle

The RØDECaster Pro 2 is an audio production studio with multiple bundles available for podcasters. Their premiere bundle comes with two microphones, a pair of XLR Cables, a 128GB SD Card, boom arms and dust covers, and two RØDE NTH-100 headphones.

Pricing for the entire bundle starts around $1,900.

Here are some details on the NTH-100 headphones:

• Closed-back
• Over-ear
• Wired
• $149.99 purchased separately

Looking for more than just headphones for your recording studio?

Learn more about podcast equipment bundles in our comprehensive guide.

Sennheiser HD-25: Best On-Ear Podcast Headphones for Traveling

The Sennheiser HD-25 has become the industry standard for DJs performing live music. In addition to this model’s high-fidelity sound, it’s also extremely lightweight for easy storage and transport. Just keep in mind there’s no active noise cancellation feature; you have to edit your audio in a quiet environment.

You can find the HD-25 on Amazon here.

• Price: $149
• Weight: 0.3 pounds
• Amazon Star Rating: 4.6/5 (2,325 reviews)
• Impedance: 70 Ω
• Comes with: 1 screw on jack adapter 3.5 to 6.3 mm 

* If you purchase the HD 25 Plus model, you also get:

• 1 carrying pouch
• 1 additional pair of soft earpads
• 1 additional 1.5m-3m straight cable

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Best Closed-Back Headphones for Comfort

Many professional podcasters rely on the ATH-M50x for monitoring audio in noisy environments. The closed-back design makes it easier for guests to hear themselves, which is an invaluable feature in non-sound-proofed environments.

You can learn more about the ATH-M50x on Audio-Technica’s website.

• Price: $159
• Weight: 0.63 pounds
• Amazon Star Rating: 4.7/5 (26,164 reviews)
• Impedance: 38 Ω
• Comes with: Cables, a protective case, and a 6.3 mm (1/4″) screw-on adapter

Sennheiser HD 660S2 Open Back Professional Studio Headphones: Best Open-Back Headphones for In-Studio Editing

The open-back design of the HD 660S2 provides more natural-sounding audio while monitoring during podcast recording or editing. It also comes with some of the highest impedance on the market, measuring in at a whopping 300 Ω. Just keep in mind this is a more expensive model, so keep an eye on your budget if you’re working with restrictions.

Check out the Sennheiser HD 660S here. 

• Price: $679.95
• Weight: 0.58 pounds
• Amazon Star Rating: 4.7/5 (1,955 reviews)
• Impedance: 300 Ω
• Comes with: n/a

What Types of Podcast Headphones Are Available?

There are four major types of podcast headphones:

• Open-back vs closed-back
• Over-ear vs on-ear
• Wired vs wireless Bluetooth
• With mic vs without mic

Not sure which features make the most sense for you? Here’s a quick look at how they stack up and compare:

Type	How It Works	Strengths	Tradeoffs	Best For
Closed-back	Sealed ear cups block sound from leaking in or out	Prevents audio bleed into your mic, strong passive isolation	Slightly less natural sound, can feel warmer over long sessions	Recording
Open-back	Perforated ear cups let air and sound pass through	More natural, spacious sound	Leaks audio into nearby mics, lets room noise in	Editing and mixing
Over-ear	Cups enclose the entire ear	Better isolation, more comfortable for long sessions, safer listening levels	Bulkier and sometimes pricier	Long recording sessions
On-ear	Cups rest on top of the ear	Lightweight and portable	Weaker isolation, can cause ear fatigue faster	Travel and field monitoring
Wired	Direct cable connection to your mixer or interface	Zero latency, no batteries, no interference	Cable can tether you to your desk	Recording and editing
Wireless	Connects over Bluetooth	Freedom of movement, no cable clutter	Latency makes real-time monitoring unreliable, batteries can die mid-session	Casual playback and reviewing
With built-in mic (headset)	Combines headphones and a boom or inline microphone	One device, fast setup, consistent mic distance	Built-in mics rarely match a dedicated microphone	Livestreaming and mobile interviews
Without mic	Standard headphones paired with a separate microphone	Best possible audio quality from a dedicated mic	Requires a second piece of gear	Any show where audio quality is the priority

Below, we compare and contrast everything you should know to make an informed decision.

Are Over-Ear or On-Ear Headphones Better for Podcasting?

Over-ear headphones are better for podcasting. They fully enclose the ear for superior sound isolation, greater comfort during long recording sessions, and better audio monitoring than on-ear designs.

Typical features for over-ear vs on-ear headphones

Features	Over-ear	On-ear
Low latency	✔️	✔️
Battery life	❌	❌
Cables	✔️	✔️

Over-ear vs on-ear pros and cons

Over-ear

• Better for your aural health
• Comfortable for long recording sessions
• Slightly less portable and more expensive

On-ear

• Extremely lightweight
• Sometimes cheaper than over-ear gear
• Potentially worse audio quality

Options for over-ear and on-ear headphones

Here are a few top contenders for over-ear and on-ear headphones:

• Sennheiser HD-25 (On-Ear)
• Sony MDR7506 (Over-Ear)

Should You Use Wired or Wireless Headphones for Podcasting?

Wired headphones are exactly what they sound like: headphones that require a direct connection with an audio device (including computers and phones). Wireless headphones let you connect to your audio without the use of cables (which means you’re not tied to your desk).

Typical features for wired vs wireless headphones

Features	Wired headphones	Wireless headphones
Low latency	✔️	❌
Battery life	❌	✔️
Cables	✔️	❌

Wireless vs wired headphones: pros and cons

Wireless headphones

• Cable-free use
• Long battery life
• May be prone to latency
• May cause connection issues or interference with other audio equipment 

Wired headphones

• Lower latency
• More cost-effective
• May tie you to a desk
• Longer wires can be cumbersome and get in the way of other equipment 

Options for wired and wireless headphones

• Audio-Technica BPHS1
• Sennheiser HDB 630

Do You Need Podcast Headphones with a Built-In Microphone?

Podcast headphones with a built-in microphone are best for livestreaming and mobile recording. Most podcasters recording in a fixed setup get better audio quality from a separate dedicated microphone. Some people call them ‘headsets’ rather than headphones since you can use them to listen to and capture podcast audio. 

Livestreaming is the most obvious use case for headphones with mics. Since it’s a plug-and-play design with few moving parts, you can get up and running quickly (and tear down just as fast).

Just keep in mind these are combo mics, which means they’re not necessarily built for the highest-quality audio. If all-in-one functionality is best suited for your show, however, this may be an excellent option to bridge the gap.

Typical features for podcast headphones with a mic

• Built-in microphone allows you to move around while capturing audio
• You can maintain vocal quality and proximity for the duration of your show
• Many models come with wireless or Bluetooth connectivity so you can move around freely

Headphones with mics: pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Great for mobile environments where guests may not be sitting at a table	Integrated microphones may not offer the quality you want
Excellent for soft-spoken guests who tend to speak more quietly	Not all headphone/microphone combos are compatible with all DAWs
Cuts back your setup time since you don’t need an additional microphone	May be bulky or heavy when worn for long periods of time

Options for podcast headphones with a mic

• Audio-Technica BPHS1
• Sennheiser HDB 630

Should You Choose Open-Back or Closed-Back Headphones for Podcasting?

Open-back headphones allow air to pass through your ear cups, which means it’s easier for the speakers to provide natural sound. Closed-back headphones minimize the amount of air passing through, which significantly reduces your risks of audio bleed (at the expense of natural sound).

Typical features for open-back vs closed-back headphones

Features	Open-back headphones	Closed-back headphones
Air passthrough	✔️	❌
Natural sound	✔️	❌
Lower risk for audio bleed	❌	✔️

Open-back vs closed-back pros and cons

Open-back

• Provides a more natural audio profile
• Takes in ambient sound
• Slightly more vulnerable to audio leakage or bleed

Closed-back

• Usually preferred for podcasting
• Fewer risks for audio leakage or bleed
• Potentially less comfortable than open-back designs

Options for open-back vs closed-back headphones

• Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (Closed-Back)
• Sennheiser HD 660S2 Open Back Professional Studio Headphones (Open-Back)

How Do You Choose the Right Podcast Headphones?

Good podcast headphones can make a huge difference for your show. But keep in mind it’s not a silver bullet. Even the best pair of headphones can’t make your editing flow easier, brainstorm your marketing, or create social media posts for you.

If you want to automate repetitive tasks and reserve time for creative energy, remote recording with The Podcast Consultant may be exactly what you’re looking for.

We’ve helped hundreds of podcasters with:

• Pre-show technical checks
• 4K video and uncompressed audio
• Silent continuous monitoring
• Configure your technology
• Live recording backups
• And more

Book a discovery call with our team to see how we can take your podcast to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions About Podcast Headphones

What type of headphones are best for podcast recording?

Closed-back, over-ear, wired headphones work best for podcasting. Closed-back design prevents audio bleed into microphones, over-ear provides comfort during long sessions, and wired connections eliminate latency issues. The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is an excellent option.

Do I really need headphones for podcasting?

Yes, headphones are essential for podcasting. They help monitor audio quality in real time, prevent audio bleed that can ruin recordings, ensure guests can hear clearly, and catch technical issues before they become problems.

Should I choose open-back or closed-back headphones for podcasting?

Choose closed-back headphones for podcasting. While open-back headphones provide more natural sound, they allow audio to leak out and can cause bleed into sensitive microphones. Closed-back designs like the Sony MDR7506 capture sound better and are preferred by professional podcasters.

Are wireless headphones good for podcast recording?

Wired headphones are generally better for podcast recording due to zero latency and no battery concerns. Wireless headphones can introduce audio delay and connection issues. However, high-quality wireless options like the Bose QuietComfort 45 work well for editing and casual monitoring.

How much should I spend on podcast headphones?

Quality podcast headphones start at $59 for the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x. Mid-range options like the Sony MDR7506 provide professional-grade quality for around $100. Premium headphones like the Shure SRH1540 provide studio-level monitoring. Most podcasters find excellent value in the $100-$200 range.

What is the difference between 32 ohm, 80 ohm, and 250 ohm headphones?

Ohm ratings indicate impedance. Lower ohm headphones (32-80 ohms) work well with laptops and portable devices. Higher ohm headphones (250 ohms) require a dedicated headphone amplifier or audio interface but offer more detailed sound. For podcasting, 32 or 80 ohm versions are most practical.

Are noise-cancelling headphones good for podcasting?

No, active noise cancellation isn’t necessary for podcasting and can possibly work against you. The processing might add subtle artifacts and latency to your audio. Instead, get closed-back headphones that physically block for recording, and use ANC headphones for listening to your finished episodes.

Can I use AirPods to record a podcast?

You can, but you shouldn’t. AirPods come with Bluetooth latency, and the microphones compress audio below podcast standards. They’re fine for casual playback or emergency guest spots. But for anything you record regularly, use wired closed-back headphones and a dedicated microphone.