Top 5 Best Headphones For Podcasting Under $100 Of 2023

A great pair of headphones can really benefit a podcast. Podcasting has made it easy to get your message out there with such a low barrier to entry, but high-end sound quality is still a concern if you want a professional product.

With a $100 USD price cap, there are plenty of great options for podcasting headphones. In this article, we'll go through the best options to help you pick out the best headphones for your podcast.

The top 5 best podcasting headphones under $100 are:

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x
Shure SRH440
CAD Audio MH510
Sony MDR-7506
AKG K240

Of course, any list like this is subjective, but each of the above-mentioned headphones is a superb choice for under $100!

Since we're having a discussion within the context of a price cap, I figure I should leave a link to a related My New Microphone article: Are Expensive Headphones (Or Cheap Headphones) Worth It?

What Makes A Pair Of Headphones Great For Podcasting?

Though the term “best” is subjective, we should still list the criteria used to determine what makes a great pair of podcasting headphones.

Comfort: this is perhaps the simplest yet most important criterion of any headphone especially for the longer format podcasts. Though highly subjective, specifications such as weight; contact pressure; earpad shape/material; stiffness, and the overall dimension play a role in comfort.
Impedance/device compatibility: compatibility with different audio devices is important. Choose a pair of podcasting headphones that will be easily incorporated into your set up whether that's a mobile device or a professional studio (and into any future plans for your set up). Impedance and sensitivity ratings come into play when determining compatibility.
Frequency response: a great pair of headphones should be able to reproduce the full audible spectrum from 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz with clarity.
Bleed/spill: choose a pair of headphones that will minimize sound leakage (bleed/spill) so that the sound of the headphones is not getting picked back up by the microphone(s). Closed-back headphones are a great option for this reason.

With that, let's get into our top 5 best headphones for podcasting under $100!

Related article: Top 5 Best Headphones For Podcasting Under $200

Click here to return to the Recommended Gear Page.

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

First up is the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x (link to check the price on Amazon).

The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is also featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 5 Best Moving-Coil/Dynamic Headphones Under $100
• Top 5 Best Circumaural (Over-Ear) Headphones Under $100

The Audio-Technica ATH-M40x, like all the options on this list, has a circumaural (over-ear), closed-back design. The closed-back design provides passive noise isolation between the outside world and the headphone drivers, minimizing potential bleed into the podcasting microphone.

To learn more about closed-back headphones and passive noise cancellation, check out my articles The Complete Guide To Open-Back & Closed-Back Headphones and Passive Vs. Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones, respectively.

With a low impedance of 35 ohms, the ATH-M40x will work with consumer-grade recording hardware without issue. The headphone comes with a detachable 1.2m – 3.0m coiled cable and a 3.0m straight cable with 3.5mm connections. A new purchase of this headphone also comes with a 3.5mm to 6.35mm (1/4″) adapter.

The 40mm dynamic drivers are designed with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. Their sound is further tuned by the earcup design for a flat and surprisingly accurate sound across the entire frequency range and beyond (the headphone has a published frequency response of 15 Hz – 24,000 Hz, which surpasses the audible spectrum into both infrasound and ultrasound).

For more info on frequency response, check out my article What Is Headphone Frequency Response & What Is A Good Range?

The circumaural design fits nicely around the ears to improve the passive noise isolation and also offers great comfort. These headphones aren't the most comfortable, but for under $100, they can be worn without issue, even during long-format podcasts.

These headphones are also pretty durable, withstanding typical wear and tear easily, and they're even collapsible, with 90º-swivelling earcups for space-saving portability.

Key Specifications:

Transducer Type: 40 mm Dynamic with Neodymium magnet & CCAW (Copper-clad aluminum wire) Voice Coil
Impedance: 35 Ω
Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 24,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 98 dB
IP Rating: no info
Open/Closed-Back: Circumaural/Closed-back
Weight: 240 g (8.5 oz), without cable and connector
Wireless/Wired: Wired

To learn more about headphone specifications, be sure to read my article Full List: Headphone/Earphone Specifications w/ Examples.

Audio-Technica is featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 13 Best Headphone Brands In The World
• Top 11 Best Microphone Brands You Should Know And Use
• Top 11 Best Turntable/Record Player Brands In The World
• Top 11 Best Phono Cartridge Brands In The World

Shure SRH440

Next up is the Shure SRH440 (link to check the price on Amazon).

The Shure SRH440 is also featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 5 Best Moving-Coil/Dynamic Headphones Under $100
• Top 5 Best Closed-Back Headphones Under $100
• Top 5 Best Circumaural (Over-Ear) Headphones Under $100

The Shure SRH440 is a closed-back circumaural headphone with a professional sound. Its extended frequency response is tuned to accurately reproduce the audio being fed to it. The headphone's 40mm dynamic drivers are designed for superb bass, clear mids and enjoyable highs. For podcasting, speech is clearly reproduced for superb monitoring (and post-production work).

To learn more about dynamic drivers and driver size, check out my articles The Complete Illustrated Guide To Moving-Coil Dynamic Headphones and What Is A Good Driver Size For Headphones? respectively.

The nominal impedance of the SRH440 is rated at 44 ohms, which is low enough to work with any consumer or professional device, including what would be used in podcast recording environments. A detachable 3 m (10 ft.) coiled cable and threaded 1/4″ (6.35 mm) gold-plated adapter is included with any new purchase of this Shure headphone.

As would be expected, the closed-back, circumaural design offers a great deal of noise isolation in noisy environments. The headphones can help reduce bleed and phasing issues in podcasting setups.

The headphone is designed with an adjustable and collapsible headband for improved comfort and portability. The earpads are easily replaceable if and when they wear out.

Key Specifications:

Transducer Type: 40 mm Dynamic
Impedance: 44 Ω
Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 22 kHz
Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW
IP Rating: no info
Open/Closed-Back: Circumaural/Closed-back
Weight: 311 g
Wireless/Wired: Wired

Shure is featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 14 Best Earphone/Earbud Brands In The World
• Top 13 Best Headphone Brands In The World
• Top 11 Best Microphone Brands You Should Know And Use

CAD Audio MH510

At spot number 3, let's discuss the CAD Audio MH510 (link to check the price on Amazon).

The CAD Audio MH510 boasts the largest driver size of any headphone on this list, with 50mm dynamic drivers. That's not to say that bigger drivers are better. However, the MH510 produces an articulate frequency response (10Hz – 24,000 Hz) with extended lows, smooth mids and life-like highs. It is a great option for podcasts and for listening to audio in general.

The closed-back circumaural design is highly adjustable for comfort and portability. CAD's MH510 is also a great choice for minimizing bleed, which is a concern when podcasting.

In terms of aesthetics, the MH510 comes in 1 of 6 optional colours, including black, white/red, white/gold, white/chrome, black chrome and black/orange.

The headphone comes with two detachable cables (one 10′ straight and one 3.5'+ coiled). Two sets of earpads are also included to offer different styles of comfort. Of course, there is also a 3.5mm to 6.35mm (1/4″) adapter included with the CAD Audio MH510.

To learn more about 3.5mm and 6.35mm headphone plugs/jacks, check out my article The Differences Between 2.5mm, 3.5mm & 6.35mm Headphone Jacks.

Key Specifications:

Transducer Type: 50mm Dynamic with Neodymium magnets
Impedance: 26 Ω
Frequency Response: 10Hz – 24,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 103dB SPL
IP Rating: no info
Open/Closed-Back: Circumaural/Closed-back
Weight: 1.9 lb
Wireless/Wired: Wired

Sony MDR-7506

The second last headphone we'll look at is the Sony MDR-7506 (link to check the price on Amazon).

The Sony MDR-7506 is another excellent closed-back circumaural headphone under $100.

The Sony MDR-7506 is also featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 5 Best Closed-Back Headphones Under $100
• Top 5 Best Circumaural (Over-Ear) Headphones Under $100

This headphone, unlike the others, does not have a detachable cable. Rather, its 9.8 ft cable is permanent. However, the headphone does come with a gold-plated, stereo Unimatch 1/8″ to 1/4″ adapter.

A 63-ohm nominal impedance is low enough for the headphone to work easily with both consumer and professional audio setups, making it a great choice for beginner podcasters and seasoned vets alike.

These lightweight headphones are pretty comfortable and can easily be worn throughout a podcast recording session without issue. They fold up for easy storage/portability and fit well on most heads.

These headphones sound great at under $100 for podcasting and general audio across the board.

Key Specifications:

Transducer Type: 40 mm Dynamic with Neodymium magnets
Impedance: 63 Ω
Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 106 dB/W/m
IP Rating: no info
Open/Closed-Back: Circumaural/Closed-back
Weight: 8.1 oz
Wireless/Wired: Wired

Sony is featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 14 Best Earphone/Earbud Brands In The World
• Top 13 Best Headphone Brands In The World
• Top 11 Best AV Receiver Brands In The World
• Top 9 Best Car Stereo Brands In The World
• Top 11 Audio Portable/Field Audio Mixer/Recorder Brands
• Top 11 Best Soundbar Brands On The Market
• Top 8 Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker Brands On The Market

AKG K240

Last but not least is the AKG K240 (link to check the price on Amazon).

The AKG K240 is also featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 5 Best Moving-Coil/Dynamic Headphones Under $100
• Top 5 Best Open-Back Headphones Under $100
• Top 5 Best Circumaural (Over-Ear) Headphones Under $100

The K240 professional studio headphones come in well below the $100 limit but still swing well above their price class in terms of performance and comfort. They're an awesome choice for podcasters of all levels.

The issue with these headphones, in terms of podcasting, is the semi-open design. The headphones are designed for professional applications such as mixing, mastering and playback. While this design does improve the transparency of the sound, it does lead to a bit of bleed. If you can live with that, then these are a great choice.

The patented Varimotion 30mm XXL transducer is the smallest of the headphones on this list. It reproduces audio with accuracy and a superb dynamic range.

The K240 features a professional mini XLR connector (at the headphone). It comes with a 3m cable and convertible jack plug (3.5mm to 6.35mm), making connections to your podcasting equipment simple and easy. A 55-ohm nominal impedance means that audio quality will not be an issue with consumer or professional equipment.

To learn more about headphone impedance, check out my article The Complete Guide To Understanding Headphone Impedance.

Key Specifications:

Transducer Type: Patented Varimotion 30 mm XXL Transducer
Impedance: 55 Ω
Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 25,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 104 dB SPL/V
IP Rating: no info
Open/Closed-Back: Circumaural/Open-back
Weight: 240 g (8.47 oz)
Wireless/Wired: Wired

To learn more about headphone specifications, be sure to read my article Full List: Headphone/Earphone Specifications w/ Examples.

The AKG K72 (link to check the price on Amazon) is another great option worth checking out for under $100.

AKG is featured in the following My New Microphone articles:
• Top 13 Best Headphone Brands In The World
• Top 11 Best Microphone Brands You Should Know And Use

Choosing the right headphones or earphones for your applications and budget can be a challenging task. For this reason, I've created My New Microphone's Comprehensive Headphones/Earphones Buyer's Guide. Check it out for help in determining your next headphones/earphones purchase.

Other Top Headphones/Earphones Articles

This article has been approved in accordance with the My New Microphone Editorial Policy.

What Makes A Pair Of Headphones Great For Podcasting?

Audio-Technica ATH-M40x

Shure SRH440

CAD Audio MH510

Sony MDR-7506

AKG K240

Other Top Headphones/Earphones Articles

Recent Posts