Headphones & Monitors
Monitoring lets you catch problems before they end up in the recording. Closed-back headphones isolate sound while recording, and open-back headphones or monitors help when editing.
Best Studio Headphones
The best studio headphones for recording and mixing. Accurate, comfortable cans that reveal every detail so your podcast and music sound right.
Best Open Back Headphones
The best open back headphones for mixing and editing. Airy, spacious cans that reveal detail and depth so your podcast mixes translate everywhere.
Best Studio Monitors
The best studio monitors for home studios and podcast mixing. Accurate reference speakers that reveal the truth so your mixes translate everywhere.
Best Powered Studio Monitors
The best powered studio monitors for home studios. Active speakers with built-in amps for accurate, plug-and-play reference sound in any room.
Best Monitor Headphones
The best monitor headphones for tracking and live sound. Accurate, isolating cans that let you hear your mix clearly while you record or perform.
Best Headphone Amps
The best headphone amps for studios and podcasts. Dedicated amps that drive demanding headphones with clean power and clear, effortless volume.
Best In Ear Monitors
The best in-ear monitors for streaming, stage, and podcasts. Isolating IEMs that deliver detailed, personal monitoring in a discreet, comfortable fit.
Best Closed Back Headphones
The best closed back headphones for recording and tracking. Sealed cans that block bleed and isolate sound so your mic captures only your voice.
Best Podcast Headsets
Podcast headsets with a built-in mic for remote guests and solo recording: compare comfort, mic quality and USB or XLR connections in one pick list.
Best Studio Rack Mounts
Rack shelves and stands compared on rack units, mounting depth, and weight rating, plus vented versus solid trays and when a sliding shelf is worth it.
How to choose
- Use closed-back headphones while recording so sound does not leak into mics.
- Use open-back headphones or monitors for longer editing sessions.
- Choose comfortable headphones for long shows.
- Add a headphone amp or splitter for several hosts.
Common questions
Closed-back or open-back headphones for podcasting?
Closed-back for recording, because open-back headphones leak sound that microphones can pick up. Open-back models are fine for editing.
Do I need studio monitors for podcast editing?
Not essential. Good headphones are enough for most spoken-word editing, and monitors mainly help with music and mixing.