Top-Rated Headphones for Podcasters & Voice Actors

When it comes to podcasting or voice acting, the equipment you use can make all the difference. Whether you're recording a voiceover for a commercial, hosting a podcast, or narrating an audiobook, the quality of your headphones directly affects the precision and clarity of your recordings. For professionals in this field, selecting the right headphones is not just about listening to your voice---it's about hearing every nuance, breath, and inflection to ensure high-quality recordings and mixes.

The right headphones should deliver accurate sound reproduction, comfortable wear, and excellent isolation from background noise. They should also be durable enough to handle hours of use, allowing you to stay focused and comfortable during long recording sessions. In this guide, we'll cover what to look for in headphones for podcasting and voice acting, and review some of the best models on the market.

Key Features to Look for in Headphones for Podcasters & Voice Actors

1. Sound Accuracy and Clarity

Sound reproduction is the most critical factor in choosing headphones for voice recording. As a podcaster or voice actor, you need headphones that can give you an accurate representation of your voice, ensuring there are no surprises when editing. This means the headphones should not color or alter the sound in any way.

Look for headphones with flat frequency response, meaning they reproduce sound evenly across all frequencies. This helps you make precise adjustments to your vocal tone and recording settings.

2. Noise Isolation

Whether you're recording in a home studio or a noisy environment, noise isolation is essential. Headphones with closed-back designs can block out external noise and prevent sound leakage, making them ideal for capturing clean, crisp recordings.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) is another feature to look for, especially if you are in a noisy environment. However, in most recording situations, passive noise isolation from a closed-back design is often sufficient.

3. Comfort

Comfort is key when wearing headphones for extended periods. As a podcaster or voice actor, you could be wearing headphones for hours during a recording session, so they must fit well and feel comfortable. Look for models with padded ear cups and an adjustable headband.

Over-ear headphones generally provide better comfort compared to on-ear models, as they fit fully around your ears and reduce pressure on sensitive areas.

4. Durability

Professional headphones are an investment, and they should be durable enough to withstand regular use. Look for high-quality build materials such as reinforced cables, metal hinges, and robust ear cups.

Headphones with a detachable cable can also be a great feature, as it allows for easy replacement if the cable gets damaged.

5. Open-back vs. Closed-back Designs

The design of the headphones plays a major role in how you hear your recordings and the environment around you.

• Closed-back headphones are perfect for blocking external noise and preventing sound leakage, making them ideal for recording environments where isolation is crucial.

• Open-back headphones , on the other hand, provide a more natural and open sound but do not isolate external noise as well as closed-back models. While open-back headphones are excellent for mixing and mastering, they may not be the best choice for recording.

6. Impedance

The impedance of the headphones determines how much power they require to deliver high-quality sound. Low-impedance headphones (32 ohms or lower) are ideal for devices like laptops and mobile phones, while higher-impedance headphones (over 50 ohms) are designed for professional audio interfaces and studio equipment.

Top-Rated Headphones for Podcasters & Voice Actors

Here are some of the best headphones for podcasters and voice actors, based on their sound quality, comfort, isolation, and durability:

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Best for: Sound accuracy and affordability

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is one of the most popular choices for podcasters, voice actors, and audio professionals alike. With a reputation for delivering accurate, flat sound, the ATH-M50x allows you to monitor your voice clearly and make precise adjustments to your recordings. Its closed-back design provides excellent noise isolation, making it ideal for capturing clean recordings in noisy environments.

• Key Features:
  • Sound Quality: Exceptional clarity with a flat frequency response for accurate monitoring.
  • Noise Isolation: Closed-back design for excellent sound isolation.
  • Comfort: Padded ear cups and a flexible headband for long-term wear.
  • Durability: Sturdy build with a detachable cable for easy replacement.
  • Impedance: 38 ohms, suitable for most studio and recording equipment.

2. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

Best for: Studio-quality sound and comfort

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is a legendary closed-back headphone in the world of professional audio. Known for its exceptional comfort and deep bass response, this model provides accurate sound reproduction with great isolation, making a favorite among podcasters and voice actors who need precision and comfort during long sessions.

• Key Features:
  • Sound Quality: Excellent bass response with clear mids and highs for accurate monitoring.
  • Noise Isolation: Closed-back design with superb passive noise isolation.
  • Comfort: Soft ear pads and an adjustable headband for long-lasting comfort.
  • Durability: Tough build with high-quality materials for long-term use.
  • Impedance: Available in 32 ohm, 80 ohm, and 250 ohm models to suit different equipment.

3. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

Best for: Budget-friendly option with great noise isolation

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro is a durable, budget-friendly closed-back headphone that offers solid noise isolation and good sound quality. Its design focuses on comfort and longevity, and it is widely used in both home studios and professional recording environments.

• Key Features:
  • Sound Quality: Balanced sound with clear mids and tight bass for accurate recording monitoring.
  • Noise Isolation: Excellent passive noise isolation with a closed-back design.
  • Comfort: Cushioned ear pads and an adjustable headband.
  • Durability: Sturdy build and foldable design for easy storage and transport.
  • Impedance: 64 ohms, making it compatible with most audio interfaces.

4. Sony MDR-7506

Best for: On-the-go podcasters and voice actors

The Sony MDR-7506 is a classic choice for professionals in various audio fields. It is known for its clear and precise sound, making it ideal for podcasters and voice actors who need to pick up every detail of their voice. The foldable design makes it portable, which is especially useful for podcasters and voice actors who travel frequently for recordings.

• Key Features:
  • Sound Quality: Detailed, clear sound with a slight emphasis on treble for voice clarity.
  • Noise Isolation: Closed-back design for good isolation.
  • Comfort: Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear.
  • Durability: Reliable build quality, though not as heavy-duty as some other models.
  • Impedance: 63 ohms, which is suitable for most devices.

5. Shure SRH840

Best for: Clear monitoring with strong bass response

The Shure SRH840 is a premium closed-back headphone that offers a natural sound profile with strong bass response, making it ideal for podcasters who also work in music production or need to hear low-end frequencies clearly. Its sound isolation and comfort make it a great option for voice actors and podcasters who spend long hours in the studio.

• Key Features:
  • Sound Quality: Clear and natural sound with a slightly enhanced bass response.
  • Noise Isolation: Excellent passive noise isolation with a closed-back design.
  • Comfort: Plush ear pads and a padded headband for hours of wear.
  • Durability: High-quality materials that ensure longevity.
  • Impedance: 44 ohms, ideal for studio equipment.

Conclusion

Choosing the right headphones for podcasting and voice acting is an important step in ensuring high-quality recordings and efficient editing. The headphones listed here offer a range of features, from exceptional sound clarity to comfort for extended wear, making them ideal for professionals in the audio industry. Whether you're just starting out or are an experienced podcaster or voice actor, investing in high-quality headphones will help you achieve the best possible audio output and enhance your recording experience.

When choosing your headphones, consider the type of recordings you do most frequently, the environment in which you record, and your personal preferences for comfort and sound quality. By selecting the right pair, you can ensure that every recording session is productive, comfortable, and results in high-quality sound.