The best way to get your voice out there is through recording and releasing podcasts. The problem is, once you do that, you need to know what headphones you should use so that the audio sounds good for other people. There are tons of options out there, even ones specifically for this purpose, but these 5 all offer a great combination of price, audio quality, and portability.
AKG K 240 MKII
When it comes to recording audio without needing an external mic, this is the way to go.
The reason why these are so popular among podcasters is due to their sound isolation (which prevents outside noise from seeping in), which allows for good audio quality without the need for a secondary recording device.
The downside, however, is that these are not designed to be worn “on air”, so they might get a bit uncomfortable after a few hours of talk time. Still, this prices still makes them an inexpensive way to go.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X
For those looking for a more comfortable option with good noise cancelling abilities, this is the way to go.
The ATH-M50X has been lauded as one of the best headphones under $200, and it’s easy to see why – these are lightweight and foldable so they can be easily thrown in a bag or backpack without worrying about them being damaged.
They also have a nice case that comes with them, so they can be easily transported to and from shows without too much hassle.
The sound isolation on these is decent but not great, which means you might have to use an external mic in some cases. Still, for the price this is a great buy.
Audio-Technica ATH-M30X
This is the least expensive pick on the list, and it’s for a specific reason.
These headphones are designed to be used with an external mic (so that your voice doesn’t pick up where your mouth does), and they work great for that purpose.
They also have a standard cord which can plug in to a phone, so they’re also great for talking with the kids when you want to keep your hands free.
The downside is that they do not have noise cancelling abilities, so if using them in a noisy environment you might have some issues. It’s definitely a good idea to test them in a loud area before buying!
Sony MDR7506
A great mid-range option that brings together some of the features of the first two options on this list.
These come with a standard cord and also have an extension cord, so you can plug them into your phone and use it as a mic if needed without having to hold it up to your mouth.
They’re also pretty comfortable to wear for hours on end, especially if that’s what you’re going for.
These do not have noise cancelling abilities either, but they certainly combine a lot of the best features from other options on this list.
Sony MDRZX110
The lowest price option on this list is definitely the least capable, but that’s not a bad thing! These are designed as “on-ear” headphones which means that they don’t totally cover your ears and leak some noise.
They’re also super lightweight so you can wear them on the go without feeling weighed down.
The cord is pretty short, so they work best for things like talking with the kids or when you’re making a quick phone call from the car.
The sound quality is pretty decent for being so cheap, and they also fold up nicely so they can be tucked away in a backpack or purse when not in use.
In addition to these 5 options, there are tons of other great headphones out there that work well for podcasting. If your budget is limited, however, these are definitely the best ways to go for your money.
