Transcribing is a specific job; you have to be able to hear everything very clearly, to avoid making any mistakes. Therefore, you will need a pair of headphones that will perform well and have immersive sound quality.
Since you are here reading this article, it means that you are in search of those headphones. In this article, you will be able to find out the most incredible headphones for transcription. All the headphones I will discuss are cutting-edge products with many features. Lets’ get started, then.
A Quick Look at My Favorite Transcription Headphones
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | 10 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Comfort  | 9 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Value  | 8.5 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Budget  | 8.8 | Check Latest Price | |
Best Versatile  | 8.6 | Check Latest Price |
Key Takeaways
- It is challenging to decide when talking about headphones since many options are available.
- This article will help you find the best headphones for transcription.
- If I had the chance to decide, I would definitely pick the Bose QuietComfort 35 II since there is no better option; they are simply the best.
- If you are on a tight budget but still want a great pair of headphones, then the Sennheiser HD 280 PRO is the one you should go for.
- Before purchasing headphones, ensure they have an excellent sound quality and are also comfortable.
Top 5 Best Transcription Headphones
5. Logitech H570e – Best Value
Logitech H570e is one of the most popular gaming headsets, but this doesn’t indicate that we cannot use them for different purposes. I have put them on this list due to many reasons. There is no doubt that these headphones will perform well in transcribing. Let me first describe the headphone’s design and built quality so you can better understand what I mean.
The Logitech H570e has a sturdy build, and the material used in the construction of these headphones is high-end plastic and a metal frame around the headphones. The earcups have a leatherette cushion, and the headband makes these headphones very comfortable; they have an extraordinarily tall appearance than many other available headphones on the market. There is a LED light available that indicates whether the headphones are mute or not. So, the overall design and build quality of the headphones is excellent. Worth mentioning is the fact that the headphones are very lightweight, so you won’t mind wearing them for long hours.
Let’s now see what the headphones have to offer in terms of sound quality and performance. The sound of these headphones is excellent; the only drawback, in this case. The headphones lack bass, but I don’t mind since the mids and highs are more critical for transcription. I can easily state that the sound you will get will be very neutral and well-balanced. Connecting these headphones to any device is a breeze since you can connect them effortlessly because of the USB-A type of connecter they use.
Why Should You Buy It?
These headphones will offer you well-balanced sound and many other features that will satisfy you. So it will be worth it to purchase
| Dimensions | 7.08 x 2.36 x 7.84 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.88 ounces |
| Frequency Response | 31.5Hz-20KHz |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB ±3 dB at 1 kHz, 0.01 m, 0.01 W |
4. Sennheiser HD 280 PRO – Best Budget
When it comes to audio devices, the Sennheiser is one of the most popular options due to its unique products. The brand knows what its customers require and always shows up with innovative ideas. Nothing different with the Sennheiser HD 280 PRO. The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO are closed-back headphones, mostly studio headphones. You can use them for many other purposes as well.
The build quality of the headphones is just perfect. They have a solid build, the earcups are well-padded with faux leather, and there is nothing different to state about the headband. The headphones are a bit bulky, but no worries since they are foldable, so you can carry them wherever you go. Let me say that I love the headphones’ appearance; they come all in black and look very stylish.
The headphones have a fantastic frequency response, which also makes the headphones provide immersive sound. The sound we get is dynamic due to incredible bass accuracy, and the mids and highs are well-expressed. A neutral and cleat sound is all we need, and these headphones have it all. The headphones are wired and use a 3.5mm connector to connect with many other devices.
Why Should You Buy It?
If you are on a tight budget but still need a pair of headphones that will perform well, then the Sennheiser HD 280 PRO would be a perfect pick.
| Dimensions | 9.64 x 7.36 x 3.3 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.1 ounces |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz – 25kHz |
| Sensitivity | 113 dB |
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M40x – Most Versatile
The most appealing headphones available are the ones that come from Audio Technica, without any doubt. I am a fan of those headphones due to their outstanding appearance. The Audiotechnica ATH-M40x is among the best deals regarding a pair of fabulous headphones. The headphones have many features to offer, and they have unique build quality as well. As always, I am going to start by discussing the design and build quality of these fantastic headphones.
The headphones appear all in black, and on both earcups, you will see the silver logo of Audio Technica; I love how incredible these headphones appear to be. Besides the headphones being very stylish, they also have a sturdy build, and the material used in the construction of headphones is high-quality plastic; due to this fact, the headphones are amongst the most durable ones. The earcups are large enough to fit any ear well, and the cushioning with faux leather is also perfect. The adjustable headband is another significant feature of the headphones. I can’t skip this part without mentioning that the headphones are foldable.
The overall sound quality of the headphones is excellent, and they will provide a well-balanced sound due to their fantastic frequency response. Thanks to well-expressed mids, you will hear everything very clearly. You will notice that the headphones have two wires, one coiled and the other straight, which you can use to connect with other devices.
Why Should You Buy It?
These headphones are amongst the best that you can get. They have a sturdy build and fantastic performance. So all you have to do is to go and purchase them.
| Dimensions | 11.4 x 10 x 4.1 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.3 ounces |
| Frequency Response | 15-24,000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB |
2. Sony MDR7506 – Best Runner Up
Consider the fact that the Sony MDR7506 has been a mainstay in the audio industry ever since it first appeared. A product wouldn’t enjoy this degree of success and durability without a good cause, wouldn’t it?
While listening to your Spotify playlist or a brand-new listening station may not be the finest use of the Sony MDR7506 studio headphones, but transcription may be.
At first sight, you will definitely “hear them shout” 1990s. Modern headphones are very different in style from their predecessors, but in a way, I think Sony would lose its key selling point if it were to modify the way its transcription headphones looked.
At first glance, their construction appears flimsy and plastic, but don’t let appearances deceive you—they are far more durable than they would seem. After all, history has shown that they are resilient and won’t back down.
Since they are designed to be worn for hours of music creation and video editing, they are very comfy. Their neat, generously sized headband will suit all head sizes and won’t feel too tight.
I won’t lie; they don’t have that much padding around the earcups. However, it is more than enough to offer a fair level of sound isolation and enough to keep you comfy around the ears.
Why Should You Buy It?
If you need a pair of headphones that will provide excellent sound quality and comfort, then the Sony MDR7506 is the one you should go for.
| Dimensions | 1 x 1 x 1 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8 ounces |
| Frequency Response | 10-20kHz |
| Sensitivity | 106 dB/W/m |
1. Bose QuietComfort 35 II – Best Overall
They are the master of noise-cancellation for a reason, and that’s because Bose as a company, was the first to infuse noise cancellation in their products, so need I say that these noise cancelling headphones feature both, active and passive noise-cancellation and just like that guarantee you a great meditation experience.
These noise cancelling headphones are especially perfect for those who like to meditate through binaural beats, offering them instant relaxation! Apart from having amazing quality, these noise cancelling headphones can block all external noise flawlessly.
There are three levels of noise cancellation in these over ear headphones that will definitely help you listen to the best binaural beats while muting everything that surrounds you. The sound quality is also magnificent!
Based on the noise cancellation wireless headphones and the power that they have, these wireless headphones bring the clearest sound that you have ever listened to, because they can block external noise and any other external sound that can distract you.
Since I mentioned two types of wired headphones, the time has come to mention some wireless ones, right? Well, Bose QuietComfort 35 II has an amazing wireless connection via Bluetooth. They can be connected with any type of device that uses the same technology, and we know that all of the devices own it.
Being wireless, these noise isolating headphones work by charging the Lithium-Ion battery that they own, and once it is fully charged, you can use them for about 20 hours. Definitely one of the best transcription headphones out there!
Why Should You Buy It?
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is all that you need. The headphones feature Active noise cancellation and will provide fantastic sound quality. So, there is nothing to think twice; go and get these headphones.
| Dimensions | 3.2 x 6.7 x 7.1 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.52 lbs |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz – 20kHz |
| Sensitivity | 112.72 dB/V SPL |
What To Consider When Buying Transcription Headphones?
Before purchasing a product, there are always some factors that you have to consider to be able to make the right decision. When it comes to headphones for transcription, there are several things that you should pay attention to, and I guess many of you don’t know what you have to take into account—no worries since I am here to help you and write everything you need to know. I am sure this buying guide will be worth reading, though.
Design and Built Quality
The Design and built quality are those factors that play a significant role in the overall quality of headphones. The materials used in the construction of headphones determine whether they are well-built or not. Headphones, in general, are made of high-end plastic and metal. So, always ensure that the headphones you purchase have a sturdy build and great Design.
Comfort
Since we are discussing the best headphones for transcription, it means that you need the headphones for the job. Most probably, you will be wearing them for long hours, and due to this, they must be comfortable. Otherwise, you will face ear fatigue, and you won’t be able to perform well. The earcups and the headband play a significant role in this case. They must be well-cushioned and have a great fit.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is the main factor that we must pay attention to. If you want to hear every little detail, you must purchase a pair of headphones with well-balanced sound. You should specifically pay attention to the mids’ accuracy. Otherwise, the headphones will provide a terrible sound, and you don’t hear everything clearly, which is a real drawback.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main rules of transcribing?
There are many rules you should follow. Accuracy is one of them, and it is very crucial; you should be 99% accurate. You should also pay attention to grammar and pronunciation to provide clarity and precise work.
Do we need headphones for transcribing?
It all depends on what environment you are working in. Wearing headphones is not a must, but I would highly recommend headphones for this job. Wearing headphones will increase your concentration, and you can hear everything.
What are the best types of headphones for transcription?
The best types of headphones you can use for transcription are closed-back headphones. Those headphones will block all external noises so that you won’t get distracted by side noises.
Final Words
It is time to conclude this article and start writing another one. In the list I have compiled, you will be able to find the best headphones for transcription, all of which are top-notch products. It is a lengthy article, but it will be worth reading since I have mentioned all the possible information you need to know about headphones that fit in this category.
I hope you will like this article and find value in it.
Take care, everyone!
Further Reading
Homework is here! If this article came in handy, I have more content for you, such as the best speakers for Audio-Technica, or the best mic stand for Audio Technica, so you can be all equipped. You can also check how to get water out of speakers, or you can read about the difference between the active and passive speakers. You are welcome!
Sound Technician
I’m a sound technician, ensuring that your events and shows are heard loud and clear. Crafting audio broadcasts, studio recordings, and live mixes with finesse to provide the best quality sound experience.
