Are you searching for the best podcasting headphones in 2023?
If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Here at Podbam, we are obsessive about equipment.
That’s because there is a lot of competition in the podcasting world these days, and any little edge you can have is super important!
Fortunately, plenty of great podcasting headphones are available, ranging from high-end luxury brands to more budget-friendly options that still deliver quality results.
Today, we’ll take a look at what we rate as the 10 Best Podcasting Headphones on the market in 2023!
Things to consider before buying podcasting headphones
Before splurging on a big-name brand or getting lured in by a fancy design, let’s briefly discuss what matters most when it comes to podcasting headphones.
You might be surprised by how much you can save whilst still getting the premium features you want.
Comfort
Long recording sessions are typical for podcasters, especially when you’re deeply engaged in a discussion or sharing a compelling story.
You want your headphones to feel comfortable from your first audio test right through until you hit stop for the day.
If your podcasting headphones aren’t quite right, you’ll need frequent breaks that will ruin your concentration and kill the flow of your content.
Sound Quality
Podcasters need headphones that offer clarity across low and high frequencies so you know you’re hearing every lilt and lull in your audio. Crystal-clear sound reproduction during recording means fewer surprises in post-production.
Noise Isolation
Background noise is the bane of a podcaster’s existence during recording and editing. You want the highest quality audio without interference from the outside world, so choose a pair with excellent noise isolation.
Our list of the Best Podcasting Headphones in 2023
Now that we’ve covered what to look for in the best podcasting headphones, we’ve rounded up a range of options for any budget.
All are highly rated and designed for accurate audio monitoring, so whatever you choose, it’ll be a great addition to your podcasting equipment kit.
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 Ohm
Podbam score: 4.7
Average cost: $169
Today’s deal: Amazon
Connectivity: Wired
What we love: Exceptional sound quality that delivers clear highs and deep resonant lows, durable German construction.
Description: The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro sets the standard for professional audio at an affordable price. These headphones are a favorite among audiophiles and podcasters thanks to their stellar sound profile. What you hear is what you get.
They’re also exceptionally comfortable, with velour ear cushions and a closed-back design that detracts you from distracting ambient noises.
While the corded design might make you think twice about taking them along for on-the-go recording, they’re hard to beat for pure, unadulterated sound in the studio.
Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
Podbam score: 4.7
Average cost: $134
Today’s deal: Amazon
Connectivity: Wired
What we love: Neutral, balanced sound profile, easy to store and transport, generously padded for maximum comfort.
Description: Recognized for its meticulously balanced sound, Sennheiser HD 280 Pro delivers true-to-life audio so you can monitor your recordings with the utmost attention to detail.
They boast a frequency response of 8 – 25,000 Hz to catch every whisper with the same fidelity as mid-tone conversations.
But where it truly shines is in isolation. The circumaural ear cups keep the world out, though there is a slight trade-off in that the snug fit that might feel a tad constricting until you break them in.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50
Podbam score: 4.8
Average cost: $232
Today’s deal: Amazon
Connectivity: Wired
What we love: Pristine audio quality, 90-degree swiveling design for one-eared monitoring.
Description: If you’re looking for a pair of podcasting headphones that perfectly balance portability and performance, go for the Audio-Technica ATH-M50.
These headphones immerse podcasters in a sea of sound thanks to the high-fidelity, 45 mm driver constructed from rare earth magnets and copper-wrapped aluminium wire voice coils.
The swiveling ear cups are a thoughtful touch that accommodates your preferred listening style, while its foldability and carry pouch make it an excellent travel buddy.
The only downsides are that the fixed cable is prone to wear and tear over time and the closed-back design can cause heat to build up over prolonged use.
Shure SRH1540
Podbam score: 4.5
Average cost: $777
Today’s deal: Amazon
Connectivity: Wired
What we love: Expansive soundstage captures depth and spatial nuances, premium Alcantara ear pads keep you comfortable, sturdy carbon fiber composition.
Description: Shure SRH1540 is the Rolls-Royce of podcasting headphones, with an expansive, immersive soundstage and Alcantara ear pads that promise hours of uninterrupted comfort.
The 40 mm Neodymium drivers render clear highs and warm bass audio with nearly unbeatable depth and precision.
Crafted with carbon fiber and sporting detachable cables, Shure SRH1540 will stand up to more than everyday wear and tear, making them a worthy investment if you have the cash to spare.
This is a pricier option but definitely worth the money if you can afford it. However, keep in mind that the bulky size of the headphones make them suitable for studio use only.
Sony MDR-7506
Podbam score: 4.5
Average cost: $152
Today’s deal: Amazon
Connectivity: Wired
What we love: Detailed audio response for accurate sound monitoring, durable coiled cable lasts longer and is less prone to tangling, professional sound at a budget-friendly price.
Description: These headphones are a favorite among many in the industry, as their 40 mm Neodymium drivers deliver a detailed and accurate sound profile, though some might find the highs a tad sharp.
The design, while simple, is incredibly functional, folding neatly into a compact form for those on the go, while the non-detachable cable compromises with a spiral construction that makes it less likely to knot up in your bag.
The only cons to consider are that the coiled cable is non-detachable and the headphones tend to register a slightly bright sound signature with a pronounced treble.
Denon AH-D9200
Podbam score: 4.9
Average cost: $2,493
Today’s deal: Amazon
Connectivity: Wired
What we love: Gorgeous bamboo ear cups that produce a natural, resonant sound. 50mm Free Edge drivers deliver an immersive audio performance. Luxury craftmanship with a lightweight aluminium band and soft leather ear pads.
Description: Boasting best-in-class 50 mm Nanofiber FreeEdge drivers and vibration-dampening bamboo ear cups, Denon AH-D9200 produces an opulent sound profile that’s warm, natural, and richly detailed.
These beauties are handcrafted in Japan from premium materials that promise lightweight comfort, from the plush leather earpads to the diecast aluminium frame.
Of course, luxury like this comes with a weighty price tag and a physical heft that’s more suited for the studio than the street. Yet, for those seeking an unparalleled auditory experience and willing to invest in it, the AH-D9200 emerges as an exceptional choice.
Superlux HD-681
Podbam score: 4.5
Average cost: $82
Today’s deal: Amazon
Connectivity: Wired
What we love: Incredible value for money, with surprisingly decent sound at a fraction of the cost of higher-end models.
Description: The highly affordable Superlux HD-681 is a solid starting point for podcasters on a razor-thin budget. They, surprisingly, have a semi-open design and 50 mm Neodymium drivers, providing a spacious feel and high-resolution sound often reserved for pricier counterparts.
Where it comes up needing improvement, though, is its overall build. The primarily plastic construction doesn’t have the same finesse as high-end models, though they are still lightweight and comfortable.
They also include a limited 2-year warranty that provides a little peace of mind for purchasing a non-premium brand.
Grado Labs SR80x
Podbam score: 4.5
Average cost: $194
Today’s deal: Amazon
Connectivity: Wired
What we love: Each pair is meticulously handcrafted in Brooklyn, offers pristine mid-range clarity, good value for money.
Description: Grado Labs SR80x strips away the frills and gimmicks and focuses instead on what truly matters: sound quality.
The 44 mm drivers work with the housing to react to sound vibrations ranging from 20 – 20,000 Hz. Its mid-range, in particular, is where the SR80x truly shines, creating dynamic, full-bodied vocals free of distortion.
However, the open design means some sound leakage is inevitable, so these are best suited for quiet editing sessions rather than live monitoring.
HiFiMan Sundara
Podbam score: 4.6
Average cost: $466
Today’s deal: Amazon
Connectivity: Wired
What we love: Planar magnetic technology offers detailed, precise sounds production. The lightweight frame and plush ear pads make them suitable for even long editing sessions.
Description: HiFiMan’s Sundara is an upgrade over its predecessor, with a NEO Supernano Diaphragm 80% thinner than the previous series.
While this upgrade results in a broader frequency response, the planar magnetic technology captures every note and vocal fluctuation with almost unbelievable clarity. The two work in perfect tandem for impressive audio delivery.
Just be prepared to invest in a dedicated amplifier to appreciate their full capabilities.
Philips Performance Audio SHP9600
Podbam score: 4.6
Average cost: $99
Today’s deal: Amazon
Connectivity: Wired
What we love: Robust frame and quality materials, great audio quality across all levels, comfortable fit.
Description: The Philips Performance Audio SHP9600 has an expansive soundscape courtesy of its open-back design.
Coupled with the 50 mm drivers designed to fit the ear’s natural geometry, you get crisp bass, a balanced midrange, and precise highs from 12 – 35,000 Hz.
While the biggest complaint is that its earpads aren’t detachable, the sheer audio performance makes these headphones a strong contender for anyone on a budget unwilling to compromise on quality.
Final Thoughts
We hope you found our recommendations for the ten best podcasting headphones in 2023 helpful and informative!
Remember to look beyond the price tag when shopping around and focus on the most important features. You can find something that checks all your boxes with some research and patience.
And don’t forget it’s also important to choose the right podcasting microphone. For help with that, check out our Top 10 Podcast Microphones for Beginners in 2023!