We all love kicking back and losing ourselves in hours and hours of audio storytelling. The only problem is that the folks we share a space with may not want to hear the newest podcast episode about basket weaving or serial killers or some combination of the two. And that is why headphones are essential. But picking the right pair for you can be tricky. So here’s some advice that will help you find the best headphones as well as this year’s top 3 picks for podcasts and audiobooks.
What to look for in headphones for podcasts and audiobooks
Comfort
You are going to spend a lot of time wearing these headphones, so comfort is extremely important. Podcasts and audiobooks are not short affairs. So look for headphones that will be comfortable and easy to wear for hours at a time. Your particular version of comfort will depend on your preference between in-ear headphones and over-ear headphones. If you prefer over-ear earphones, look for ample padding on each earpiece and the ability to expand the headphones to perfectly fit your head. And for in-ear headphones, check that they have the shape that feels most comfortable.
Wireless
You don’t need to be tethered to your device while you binge your newest podcast obsession. Wireless headphones will give you the freedom to set your device down on the table and forget about it. You can move around the living room or kitchen, listening to your audiobook while multitasking.
There are two types of wireless headphones. The first has a wired connection between the two headphones. The second is called “truly wireless” because there are, well, no wires at all. The truly wireless headphones are usually a little more expensive but they have the highest amount of freedom.
Of course, the trade-off with wireless headphones is battery life. You’ll need to make sure you recharge the headphones routinely, or you’ll end up with unexpected cliff-hangers as the battery runs out mid-sentence.
Noise cancellation
I want to hear the host of the podcast without the sound of my 15-year-old arguing with my wife for more screen time. Noise cancelling headphones will help you focus on the sounds you want and block out the sounds you don’t want. But keep in mind that noise-cancelling headphones mean you won’t hear the environment around you, so you’ll be less alert in dangerous situations like cycling in heavy traffic.
Sound clarity
Your musical tastes may be all about the bass, but too much bass is bad for your podcast or audiobook experience. Instead, you need to look for headphones that prioritize sound clarity. Voice enhancement technology is a fantastic feature for anyone who wants to hear clear, understandable podcasts and audiobooks.
Price
I always start with a budget when I go shopping. It takes some of the fun out of it, true, but it also makes sure I don’t run out of grocery money by the end of the month. And budget-friendly headphones are less painful to replace when mishaps occur.
Best headphones for 2023
Now that you’ve got a basic idea of the features to consider, it’s time to take a look a few specific headphone options. Here’s a quick list of headphones that would be perfect for podcast and audiobook listening.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 3 earbuds
You can trust Sennheiser to deliver consistent, high quality sound. These Sennheiser MOMENTUM 3 earbuds are a convenient way to enjoy clear, crisp sound wherever you go. I love the adaptive noise cancellation, and the transparency mode that instantly allows you to hear what’s going on around you. Another neat feature is the wireless charging that the case makes possible.
Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones
The Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ear noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones meet and exceed every need you might have for audiobook and podcast listening. You’ll find them to be extremely comfortable, with fantastic noise cancellation, and high resolution sound quality. You can pair these headphones with two devices simultaneously, so you can switch from PC to phone and back as needed. The built-in microphones are very good and responsive, whether answering a phone call or giving Alexa or Google Assistant your instructions.
JBL Live 660NC headphones
This is a good option for over-ear headphones that balance affordability and functionality. The JBL Live 660NC over-ear noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones have adaptive noise cancellation, and are comfortable to wear for extended periods. I liked the auto play and pause feature that automatically pauses your audiobook when you remove your headphones.
Best headphones for podcasts and audiobooks for you
When it comes to choosing headphones, your personal preferences have a tremendous impact on what is actually best for you. As an example, I don’t like the sensation of something pressing the top of my ears against my glasses frames, and I am cheap. Therefore, the best headphones for me are wired, in-ear headphones that don’t break the bank account. You might be completely the opposite and so wireless, noise cancelling headphones are your preference. You know what will work best for you. So take some time to think about what you like, use the advice I’ve given you, and you’ll find the right pair for your podcast and audiobook enjoyment. Happy listening!
