Podcast headphones are the cheapest piece of gear that can save your first ten episodes.
Here is why. You cannot hear problems you are not listening for.
You sit down, hit record and talk for 20 minutes. Everything feels fine. Then you play it back and hear a faint hum, a fridge buzzing in the next room and your own breath on every "p."
Those problems were there the whole time. You just had no way to catch them while you spoke.
Podcast headphones are a pair of wired headphones you wear while recording, so you can hear exactly what your microphone hears, live. That is all they are. They are not for music, and they do not need to be fancy.
I have helped produce around 300 client episodes, and I have co-hosted over 550 episodes across two shows. A decent pair of headphones fixed more problems at the recording stage than any other single purchase.
Do You Need Podcast Headphones?
Yes, if you record with a separate microphone. No, if you record on a phone with the built-in mic and a pair of earbuds you already own.
The reason is simple. Headphones let you monitor your recording. Monitoring means listening to your own voice, as the microphone captures it, while you are still talking.
What "monitoring" actually does for you
Monitoring gives you three things in real time:
- You hear if your voice is too close to the microphone and sounds boomy or harsh.
- You hear background noise, like a fan or a passing car, before it ruins a whole take.
- You hear if the microphone has come unplugged or the level is too low.
Without that, you only find out when you play the file back. By then, the recording is done.
When you can skip podcast headphones for now
If you are recording your very first episode on a phone, you do not need to buy anything. Wired earbuds that came with the phone are enough to check basic quality.
The guide on how to record a podcast on your phone covers that setup. Come back to this post when you buy your first real microphone.
Closed-Back vs Open-Back Podcast Headphones
For recording, closed-back headphones are the right choice, because they keep the sound from leaking into your microphone. Open-back headphones are better for mixing music, but they will bleed sound into your recording.
Those two terms confuse a lot of beginners, so let me explain each one.
Closed-back headphones
Closed-back headphones have a solid shell over each ear. Sound stays inside the cup, and outside noise is reduced a little too.
This matters for podcasting. When you wear them, the sound from your headphones does not slip out and get picked up by your microphone. That bleed shows up as a thin, tinny echo in your recording.
If you search for the best closed back headphones for podcasting, look for the word "closed-back" in the product title. This is the type I suggest to nearly every beginner.
Open-back headphones
Open-back headphones have a mesh or grill on the outside of each ear. Sound escapes in both directions.
They sound wider and more natural, which is why music producers like them. But if you record a podcast in them, your microphone hears the sound leaking out.
So the rule is easy. Use closed-back to record. If you ever want to listen back to a finished episode in a very natural way, open-back is a nice extra later.
In-ear earbuds
Earbuds sit inside your ear canal. The wired kind that came with your phone are fine for a first test.
The drawbacks are comfort and consistency. After an hour, many people find earbuds tiring, and one slipping out mid-episode is annoying. I would only keep them as a backup.
Which one should you buy first?
Here is how the three compare:
- Closed-back over-ear: best for recording, blocks leakage, comfortable for long sessions. Buy this first.
- Open-back over-ear: better sound for editing, but leaks into the mic. Skip for now.
- Wired earbuds: cheapest, fine for tests. Keep as a backup.
Wired or Bluetooth Podcast Headphones?
Choose wired. Bluetooth headphones add a tiny delay between your voice and what you hear, which makes talking feel strange and can throw off your rhythm.
That delay is called latency. It means the time between your voice leaving your mouth and reaching your ears. With wired headphones, it is close to zero.
With Bluetooth, the signal has to travel wirelessly, so there is a lag. You might hear your own words slightly after you say them. Some people find that unbearable, and most people never get used to it.
A second problem is that Bluetooth connections can drop. A dropped connection in the middle of a recording is a headache you do not need.
Bluetooth is fine for casual listening. For recording, wired always wins.
How Much to Spend on Podcast Headphones
You can get decent podcast headphones for $40 to $100 (₹3,400 to ₹8,500). Spending more rarely helps a beginner, and spending nothing is fine for your first test.
Here is a simple way to think about it:
- $0: use the wired earbuds you already own for your first one or two episodes.
- About $40 to $60 (₹3,400 to ₹5,000): a closed-back, over-ear pair with a long cable. This is the sweet spot for most beginners.
- About $60 to $100 (₹5,000 to ₹8,500): a sturdier pair with replaceable ear pads and a folding design. A fair step up if you plan to record for years.
- Above $100 (₹8,500): better sound, but you will not notice the gain while monitoring a spoken voice.
These are rough ranges, and prices change by store and by season. I am not naming a specific model here. Instead, I want you to know what features to look for, so you can pick a good pair wherever you shop.
What to Look for in Headphones for Recording a Podcast
When you shop, check five things. They matter more than brand names.
- Closed-back design. Check the product title or specs for the words "closed-back."
- A long cable. Look for around 3 metres (10 feet), so you can move without pulling the plug out.
- Comfort for an hour. Light weight and soft ear pads help, because most recording sessions last longer than you expect.
- The right plug. Most headphones have a small 3.5 mm plug. Some have a larger 6.35 mm plug for studio equipment, and many come with an adapter.
- Replaceable ear pads. Pads wear out first, and a pair with replaceable ones lasts years longer.
Notice what is not on the list. You do not need noise cancelling, a built-in microphone or a wireless mode. Those features add cost and none of them helps you record.
A word on cable length
This sounds small, but it changes how you record. A short cable tugs at your head every time you turn.
A long cable also means you can stand up while you record, which many people find helps their voice.
How to Plug Headphones Into Your Microphone Setup
There are three common ways, depending on your microphone type. The setup is simple once you check which type of microphone you own.
The Samson Q2U is the microphone I recommend for beginners, and it has a headphone jack built right in. It usually sells for around $60 to $70 (₹5,000 to ₹6,000). You plug your headphones straight into the microphone, and you hear your voice with no delay.
That built-in jack is the main reason I like it for new podcasters. You do not need to buy anything extra to monitor yourself.
If you want to compare it with other beginner options, my guide to the best podcast microphone for beginners covers the choices in detail.
Here are the three setups:
- USB microphone with a headphone jack: plug your headphones into the microphone itself. This is the simplest option.
- USB microphone with no jack: plug your headphones into your computer. You may hear a small delay, so test it before recording.
- XLR microphone: this type needs an audio interface, a small box that connects the microphone to your computer. Your headphones plug into the interface.
Do not worry about the technical terms if you are just starting. The Q2U setup covers most beginners.
What About a Podcast Mic Arm?
A podcast mic arm is an adjustable stand that holds your microphone in front of your mouth. It clamps to your desk and swings in and out of the way.
It is not essential, but it solves two real problems. First, it lets you hold the microphone at a steady distance from your mouth, which keeps your volume even. Second, it lifts the microphone off the desk, so knocks and keyboard taps do not travel through the surface into your recording.
A basic mic arm often costs $20 to $40 (₹1,700 to ₹3,400). If you can only buy one extra thing after your microphone and headphones, this is a good choice.
The full gear list for a first-time setup is in my guide to podcast equipment for beginners.
Why Your Voice Sounds Strange in Podcast Headphones
The first time you wear headphones while talking, your own voice may sound thin and odd. Almost everyone feels this, and it is completely normal.
Here is the reason. When you speak, you hear your voice partly through the bones in your head. That adds warmth and depth that nobody else hears.
Your microphone and your headphones only pass along the sound that travels through the air. So what you hear in the headphones is what your listener hears. It is the real version of your voice.
Give it a few recordings. By episode three, most people stop noticing, and some even start to like how clear they sound. In my experience, this strange feeling is a sign the monitoring is working.
Headphones for Guest Interviews and Co-Hosts
If you record with a guest or a co-host, everyone who is speaking should wear headphones. This is the single most common fix for echo in interview episodes.
Here is what happens without them. Your guest's voice comes out of your speakers, and your microphone picks it up. The guest then hears themselves a split second late, and your recording ends up with a muddy, doubled sound.
When both of you wear closed-back headphones, the voices stay in your ears and out of the microphones. Each track stays clean.
For remote interviews, a tool like Zencastr records each person separately on their own device. You can use the code "thepodu" for 30% off the Pro plan.
It works best when your guest also wears headphones, so send them a short note before the call asking them to plug in a pair. Even wired earbuds will do.
Having co-hosted two shows with over 550 episodes between them, I can tell you this note saves a lot of awkward re-recording.
Common Mistakes When Buying Podcast Headphones
Most beginners overspend on the wrong features. Here are the mistakes to avoid.
Buying wireless because it feels modern. Wireless adds delay and can drop out. For recording, a cable is a feature.
Paying extra for noise cancelling. Noise cancelling is designed to quiet the outside world while you listen to music. For monitoring your voice, a closed-back design already blocks enough.
Choosing by brand name alone. A famous label on the box does not guarantee a good pair for speech. Check the features list instead.
Buying headphones before the microphone. Get your microphone first. Then pick headphones that match its plug and its jack.
Skipping the comfort test. If you can, wear a pair for ten minutes in the shop. A pair that pinches at minute ten will be painful at minute sixty.
How to keep your headphones working for years
A few small habits make a pair last. Fold the cable loosely instead of wrapping it tight around the cups. Store the headphones on a hook or stand, so the headband does not bend.
Wipe the ear pads every few weeks with a slightly damp cloth, and replace them when the cushioning flattens. These steps cost nothing, and a good pair can then last five years or more.
How to Set Up and Test Your Podcast Headphones in 5 Steps
Spend ten minutes on this before your first real recording. It will save you hours of fixing later.
- Plug in your microphone and headphones. Use the microphone's jack if it has one.
- Put the headphones on and keep the volume low. Start quietly, then raise it until your voice sounds natural and not loud.
- Speak normally and watch for echo. If you hear a delayed copy of your voice, you may be monitoring through your computer. Switch to the microphone's jack, if it has one.
- Record 30 seconds. Use free software like Audacity to capture it.
- Remove the headphones and listen to the recording on your speakers. If it sounds thin or echoey, move the headphones' volume down and test again.
Keep your headphone volume lower than feels natural. If it is too loud, sound can leak from the earcups into your microphone.
Troubleshooting Podcast Headphone Problems
Most headphone problems have a quick fix. Here are the four I see most.
You hear a delayed echo of your own voice. This usually means you are monitoring through the computer instead of the microphone. Plug your headphones into the microphone's jack, or turn off monitoring in your recording software.
There is a buzzing or hum in your ears. A loose plug or a cheap cable is the usual cause. Reseat the plug first.
If it persists, try a different USB port or cable.
The recording has a thin, tinny sound in the background. Your headphones are leaking into the microphone. Turn the volume down, and make sure you are using closed-back headphones.
Your ears hurt after 30 minutes. The headphones are clamping too tight or too heavy. Try a pair with softer ear pads, or take a short break every half hour.
Notice that none of these needs an expensive upgrade. A little testing before you hit record catches most of them.
A Simple Way to Decide: 4 Questions
If you are still not sure what to do, answer these four questions.
- Are you recording with a separate microphone? If no, skip headphones for now. If yes, continue.
- Does your microphone have a headphone jack? If yes, any closed-back wired pair will work. If no, check whether your computer can monitor without delay.
- Is your budget under $40 (₹3,400)? Then use earbuds you already own until you can afford a closed-back pair.
- Do you record for more than 30 minutes at a time? If yes, spend a little more for comfortable ear pads.
That is the whole decision. You do not need a dozen browser tabs of reviews.
Your Next Step: Day 5 of the Challenge
Gear is only one part of recording well. The harder part is sitting down and doing it.
That is why Day 5 of the 7-Day Podcast Launch Challenge is built around the recording workflow. You run a real recording from setup to a finished file, and you prove that a simple setup works.
It is the same gear advice I gave you here, turned into a task you finish in a single sitting.
Listen to the Podcast Episode
In this episode I walk through my simple podcast microphone setup, headphones included. Most beginners only discover noise problems after the recording is over, and by then the take is gone. A pair of wired, closed-back headphones fixes that, because you hear what the microphone hears while you record.
I explain closed-back versus open-back headphones, why wired beats Bluetooth, how much to spend, and why your own voice sounds strange the first time you wear them. If you want a podcast microphone setup that stays simple and sounds clean, start here.
What I cover in this episode
- Why headphones matter even if you only own one microphone
- Closed-back versus open-back, in plain English
- Why I choose wired over Bluetooth for recording
- What to spend, in dollars and rupees
- A 30-second test to run before every recording
Tools I recommend
- Samson Q2U is my recommended microphone, with a built-in headphone jack
- Audio Technica ATR-2110x is my recommended alternative microphone
- Zencastr for recording remote guests
Getting your gear set up and recording a real file from start to finish is Day 5 of the 7-Day Podcast Launch Challenge. It proves that a simple setup is enough to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need headphones to start a podcast?
Not for your very first test recording on a phone. You do need them once you use a separate microphone, because monitoring lets you catch noise while you record. A basic wired pair for $40 (₹3,400) is enough.
What are the best podcast headphones for beginners?
The best choice is a closed-back, wired, over-ear pair with a long cable and soft pads. Beginners do not need a specific brand. Look for those features, and expect to spend $40 to $100 (₹3,400 to ₹8,500).
Are closed-back headphones really better for podcasting?
Yes, for recording. Closed-back headphones keep sound inside the ear cups, so it does not leak into your microphone. Open-back headphones leak sound by design.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones to record a podcast?
You can, but I do not suggest it. Bluetooth adds a small delay, so you hear your voice late. Wired headphones have almost no delay and never drop the connection.
Can I use AirPods or phone earbuds for podcasting?
For a first test, wired earbuds from your phone work fine. Wireless earbuds have the same delay problem as other Bluetooth headphones. Move to a closed-back wired pair when you buy your first microphone.
Do I need headphones if I only use a USB microphone?
It still helps. A USB microphone like the Samson Q2U has a headphone jack, so you can listen to yourself in real time. That alone catches many problems before you press stop.
How do I stop my headphones from leaking into my microphone?
Use closed-back headphones and keep the volume low. Also place the microphone a hand's width from your mouth, so your voice is much louder than any leakage. Test with a 30-second recording before you start.
How much should I spend on podcast headphones?
Between $40 and $100 (₹3,400 to ₹8,500) covers almost every beginner. Spending over $100 mostly buys music quality, which you will not notice when monitoring speech.
Do I need a mic arm for podcasting?
No, but it helps. An arm holds the microphone at a steady distance and keeps desk knocks out of your recording. A basic one costs around $20 to $40 (₹1,700 to ₹3,400).
Should I wear headphones during an interview?
Yes. When you record with a guest, headphones stop their voice from coming out of your speakers and into your microphone. That prevents echo and keeps both tracks clean.
Conclusion
Go back to that moment when you hit play and heard the hum you never noticed. A pair of podcast headphones stops that from happening.
You do not need an expensive pair. You need a closed-back, wired pair with a long cable, and ten minutes to test your setup.
Buy the headphones, record 30 seconds and listen to what your microphone really hears. What will you catch that you were missing before?
Resources that I recommend
Here are some of the resources that I recommended in this episode and the ones that I recommend in Podcasting.
- Ubersuggest – The Keyword research tool that I recommend
Below are the tools that I recommend for podcasting —
- Buzzsprout – Podcast hosting
- Behringer Audio Interface – You will need an audio interface if you are using an XLR microphone. This is my recommended audio interface.
- Behringer Audio Interface (budget option) – A lower-cost alternative if you're just starting out and want to keep costs down.
- Zencastr – Zencastr is the easiest option to record interviews, both audio-only and audio+video. This is a must for an interview podcast.
- Audacity – This is the best and most feature-rich free audio editing software. It gives you a lot of options while editing your interviews.
- Samson Q2U – My recommended microphone
- Audio Technica ATR-2110x – My recommended alternative microphone
- TidyCal – My recommended calendar and booking solutions
Thank you for joining in
I hope you enjoyed the information that I shared in this episode.
Do subscribe to the show on your favorite podcasting platform in order to stay updated with the latest episodes that I release.
The Podcasting University is available on almost all podcasting platforms. The link to the prominent ones are mentioned below –
Planning to start a podcast?
Then you might want to join my "7-Day Podcast Launch Challenge".
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