Best Podcast Headphones Compared: Audio-Technica, Beyerdynamic, and Sony
TL;DR: The Sony MDR-7506 ($100) offers the best balance of accuracy, comfort, and durability for most podcasters. For marathon editing sessions, invest in the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro ($170) and its legendary velour comfort. Budget pick: Audio-Technica ATH-M20x (~$50).
Table of Contents
- Why Headphones Matter for Podcasting
- What Makes Good Podcast Headphones
- Top Headphones Ranked
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: Best for Comfort
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Best All-Rounder
- Sony MDR-7506: Best Value for Pros
- Budget Options Worth Considering
- FAQ
Why Headphones Matter for Podcasting
Headphones serve two critical functions in podcast production:
During recording: You need to monitor your audio in real-time to catch problems before they ruin a take. Clipping, background noise, proximity issues—headphones let you hear what your microphone hears.
During editing: Accurate reproduction helps you make mixing decisions that translate to your listeners' devices. If your headphones add artificial bass, you'll over-compensate and end up with thin-sounding episodes.
Consumer headphones designed for music enjoyment often color the sound—boosting bass, enhancing treble—making them poor choices for critical podcast work.
What Makes Good Podcast Headphones
Not all studio headphones suit podcasting. Here's what to prioritize:
Closed-Back Design
Open-back headphones sound excellent but leak audio—your microphone will pick up what you're hearing. Closed-back designs isolate sound, preventing audio bleed during recording.
Over-Ear Fit
On-ear headphones work, but over-ear models provide better isolation and don't fatigue your ears during long sessions. Comfort matters when editing hours of audio.
Wired Connection
Wireless headphones introduce latency—a slight delay between what happens and what you hear. For monitoring yourself while speaking, even 50ms of delay feels uncomfortable. Wired connections eliminate this issue.
Neutral Sound Signature
"Neutral" or "flat" frequency response means the headphones don't artificially boost or cut frequencies. What you hear closely matches what's in the recording.
Top Headphones Ranked
| Headphones | Price | Best For | Comfort Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro | ~$170 | Long sessions, comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | ~$150 | All-around use | ★★★★☆ |
| Sony MDR-7506 | ~$100 | Value, accuracy | ★★★★☆ |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M20x | ~$50 | Budget | ★★★☆☆ |
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro: Best for Comfort
The DT 770 Pro represents German engineering excellence with over 30 years of proven performance in professional studios worldwide. Joe Rogan uses these for The Joe Rogan Experience, specifically the 80-ohm version.
Why Podcasters Love Them
Legendary comfort: Velour ear pads that stay comfortable during marathon editing sessions. If you've ever worn headphones so long your ears started hurting, you understand why this matters.
Exceptional isolation: The closed-back design blocks external noise effectively while preventing bleed into your microphone. Studio engineers call this "isolation," and the DT 770 Pro excels at it.
Durable construction: Steel headband, replaceable parts, built to survive years of daily professional use. Many podcasters report using the same pair for 5-10+ years.
The Impedance Question
Beyerdynamic offers the DT 770 Pro in three impedance versions:
- 32 ohm: Best for phones, laptops, portable devices
- 80 ohm: Sweet spot for audio interfaces and mixers
- 250 ohm: Needs dedicated headphone amp for full potential
For podcasting with an audio interface, choose the 80-ohm version.
Specifications
- Type: Over-ear, closed-back
- Driver size: 45mm
- Impedance options: 32/80/250 ohms
- Cable: Non-detachable (coiled or straight depending on version)
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Best All-Rounder
After testing 27 headphone models, the ATH-M50x emerges as the best overall choice for podcasters who need versatility alongside quality.
Why Podcasters Love Them
Versatility: Sounds great for podcasting, music production, and casual listening. If you want one pair of headphones for everything, these deliver.
Foldable design: Collapses for travel and storage—ideal for podcasters who record on location or commute to a studio.
Detachable cables: Includes three cable options (straight, coiled, short). When cables inevitably wear out, replacement is cheap and easy.
Sound Signature
The ATH-M50x has a slightly enhanced bass and treble compared to the Sony MDR-7506. Some podcasters prefer this "exciting" sound; others find it less accurate for editing. Neither is wrong—it's preference.
Specifications
- Type: Over-ear, closed-back
- Driver size: 45mm
- Impedance: 38 ohms
- Cable: Detachable, multiple options included
Sony MDR-7506: Best Value for Pros
The MDR-7506 has been an industry standard since 1991. You'll find them in broadcast studios, film sets, and podcast production spaces worldwide. There's a reason professionals keep buying them.
Why Podcasters Love Them
Honest sound: No artificial enhancement—you hear exactly what's in your recording. This accuracy helps you catch problems and make editing decisions that translate well to listener devices.
Broadcast heritage: Designed for professional audio work, not consumer enjoyment. The sound signature prioritizes clarity and detail over "fun" listening.
Reliability: Simple, proven design with decades of professional use validating its durability. Replacement parts remain readily available.
The Trade-off
Comfort is good but not exceptional compared to the Beyerdynamic. The pleather ear pads can get warm during extended sessions, and some users find the clamping force slightly tight. Consider aftermarket velour pads if comfort becomes an issue.
Specifications
- Type: Over-ear, closed-back
- Driver size: 40mm
- Impedance: 63 ohms
- Cable: Non-detachable, coiled
Budget Options Worth Considering
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x (~$50)
Our top budget recommendation. The same design philosophy as the M50x at a fraction of the price. Sound quality is surprisingly good—definitely better than consumer headphones in this range.
Best for: Beginners who aren't sure podcasting will stick, or as backup headphones for guests.
Samson SR850 (~$35)
Semi-open design means some sound leakage, so not ideal for recording. However, the wide soundstage makes editing comfortable. A solid choice if your headphone budget is severely limited.
Comfort Comparison for Long Sessions
| Headphones | Weight | Ear Pad Material | Clamping Force | Marathon Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DT 770 Pro | 270g | Velour | Medium | Excellent |
| ATH-M50x | 285g | Pleather | Medium-High | Good |
| MDR-7506 | 230g | Pleather | Medium-High | Good |
| ATH-M20x | 190g | Pleather | Medium | Decent |
FAQ
Can I use wireless headphones for podcasting?
For casual listening or reviewing edited episodes, wireless headphones work fine. For monitoring yourself while recording, avoid them—even the best wireless headphones have latency that makes real-time monitoring uncomfortable. Stick with wired headphones during recording sessions.
Do I need expensive headphones for podcasting?
No. A $50 pair of Audio-Technica ATH-M20x headphones will serve most podcasters well. Expensive headphones reveal more detail, which matters for professional mixing but offers diminishing returns for typical podcast production. Invest in microphone and room treatment first.
What's the difference between 32, 80, and 250-ohm headphones?
Impedance (measured in ohms) affects how much power headphones need to reach proper volume. Lower impedance (32 ohm) works with phones and laptops. Higher impedance (250 ohm) needs dedicated amplification but can deliver better sound quality with proper gear. For podcasting with a standard audio interface, 80 ohms hits the sweet spot.
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