When you’re recording a podcast, it’s important to use headphones to monitor the audio so you can listen for static, loudness and other issues. You’ll want to use either a USB microphone with a headphone output for zero delay monitoring or use an audio interface or mixer to achieve the same zero-latency monitoring.
When recording you should use closed-back headphones so that the microphone doesn’t pick up audio bleeding (sound coming from the headphones).
The other type of headphones that are commonly used in studios are open-back headphones, which purposely allow sound to bleed because they tend to be more full and accurate-sounding – great for mixing, not so great for recording.
We’re going to take a look at the best closed-back over ear headphones, updated as of March 2025. The prices can vary widely, but there are many great options under $200.
The price tends to stay relative with sound quality (ie. you get what you pay for). Some will be less, some more – we’ll highlight a variety so you can find the best choice for your budget. For the most part, the price will descend as you go down the page.
Here are my favorite closed-back headphone at the various price points:
- Under $500: Shure SRH1540
- Under $300: Shure SRH940
- Under $200: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
- Under $100: Audio-Technica ATH-M30x
