Best Headphones for Transcription

TOP 10 Best Headphones for Transcription

Are you a transcriber looking for the best headphones for transcription work? This article outlines the TOP 10 on the market in 2022.

The TOP 12 Best Headphones for Transcription in 2022 have been researched, reviewed and rated. We have found, unsurprisingly, that as transcribers you spend a large portion of your day wearing headphones and listening to voices. And you need a decent set of headphones to do that. They need to be comfortable and provide neutral sound, with a focus on the lower frequency ranges so you can hear exactly what is being said. 

What else do you need to be looking for in headphones for transcription?

Comfort and Design

The headphones you choose for transcription must be comfortable. There are 3 design styles to choose from: on-ear, in-ear or over-ear. 

On-ear can provide comfort and directed sound. In-ear will give you great noise cancelling features. Over-ear provides ultimate comfort, good noise cancellation and good directed sound. But these also can have a tight fit and make your ears and head a little hot. Basically, when it comes to comfort and design, this is an individual choice.

Noise Cancellation

Noise cancelling features are important whether you are working in a noise or quiet environment. This feature will keep you focussed and help to block out any external, ambient noise.

Frequency Response

The frequency response refers to the range of sound that the headphones are designed to pick up. Headphones for transcription need to be able to pick up the low frequency of voices. The frequency response range for each headset below has been included where possible.

Type of connection

You can choose from a wired option that comes with an audio cable. A wired option with a USB cable. Or a wireless or Bluetooth option. Some headphones come wired and Bluetooth. If you are interested in a set of headphones for more than just transcription work, then you may want to consider the best Bluetooth headphones for transcription options below.

Introducing The TOP 12 Best Headphones for Transcription in 2022!

These have been researched, reviewed and rated by users to compile a list of the best on the market today.

1. Sony MDR7506 Professional

These over-ear, closed back, wired Sony MDR7506 headphones are designed for sound monitoring in recording studios, radio, film production, video and electronic news gathering. They have 40mm drivers to deliver powerful, detailed sound. They have a frequency response of 10-20000Hz which is sufficient low to pick up most voice recordings. The large over ear cups and padded headband deliver a high level of comfort for long work hours and big projects. The closed back design and good fit provide a good seal for noise cancellation and make these one of the best headphones for transcription work.

Specifications What we like Not so much
Design: Over ear, closed back Great sound quality Bulky
Connection: Wired Sturdy design No Bluetooth or wireless option
Drivers: 40mm dynamic Comfortable fit  
Frequen cy Response: 10-20000Hz Long anti-tangle cord included  
Weight: 8.1oz Includes a carrying bag and ¼ adapter  
Impedance: 63 ohms Good for music and the spoken word  

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 2. Spectra USB Transcription Headset

Looking for the best headphones for transcription? The Spectra USB Transcription Headset is an ultra-lightweight (1oz), on-ear transcription headset. It is particularly designed for transcriptionists and provide balanced sound with crystal clear vocals.  It connects with a standard USB connection so is widely compatible. The lightweight design and speakers are perfect for the art of transcription, but don’t expect them to hit the spot with music.

Specifications What we like Not so much
Design: On-ear Good price Not great for music
Connection: Wired Lightweight Less sturdy than other style headphones
Drivers: not stated Comfortable  
Frequency Response: not stated In line controls  
Weight: 1oz Amazing vocal clarity  
Impedance: not stated    

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3. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

These over-ear, closed back HD 280 Pro’s by Sennheiser, are designed for professional monitoring applications. These are a great choice for the best headphones for transcription. They feature aggressive noise cancellation and isolation, extra-large earcups and natural sound reproduction. With 32dB attenuation of outside sound and a frequency response of 8-250000Hz, these are amazing headphones for transcription.

Specifications What we like Not so much
Design: Over-ear, closed back Collapsible design Not the sturdiest build
Connection: Wired Sturdy build  
Drivers: dynamic Comfortable fit  
Frequency Response: 8-25000Hz Aggressive noise cancellation and isolation  
Weight: 285g Swivelling ear cups  
Impedance: 64 ohms    

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4. ECS WordSlinger Deluxe USB Transcription Headset

The ECS WordSlinger Deluxe USB Transcription Headset is designed with transcription in mind. It has in line controls and a built-in sound card that bypasses the computer soundcard. It has a simple USB plug and play system for ultimate compatibility. If you want the best headphones for transcription, then these should definitely be on your list.

Specifications What we like Not so much
Design: On-ear Designed for transcription so gives great voice clarity Restricted to transcription and other monitoring activities
Connection: Wired In-line controls Lots of buttons that may not come in handy
Drivers: not stated USB plug and play  
Frequency Response: not stated    
Weight: 10.6oz    
Impedance: 64 ohms    

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5. ECS WordSmith USB Transcription Headset

The ECS WordSmith USB Transcription Headset is essentially the same as the WordSlinger Deluxe and is another strong contender for the best headphones for transcription. The difference lies in the design. These are in-ear instead of over-the-ear and there is a noticeable difference in weight. So how do you choose between the 2? It really comes down to preference. Do you prefer in-ear or over-ear?

Specifications What we like Not so much
Design: In-ear In-ear design will provide greater noise isolation Restricted to transcription and other monitoring activities.
Connection: Wired Lightweight  
Drivers: not stated In-line controls  
Frequency Response: not stated Specifically designed for transcription so picks up voice audio perfectly  
Weight: 1.8oz    
Impedance: not stated    

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6. Logitech USB Headset H570e

The Logitech USB Headset H570e is a headset designed for noisy work environments. If you are looking for transcription headphones best buy option then these are for you. Serving up excellent noise cancelling abilities, wideband audio and digital signal processing, these headphones will make your job a breeze. Padded ear cups and headband will give you the comfort you need for long-term wear and the in-line controls mean convenience. All Logitech headsets also come with a microphone for calls and dictation.

Specifications What we like Not so much
Design: On-ear Plug and play Not versatile
Connection: Wired Comfortable fit  
Drivers: not stated In-line controls  
Frequency Response: not stated Microphone  
Weight: 2.88 oz Great noise cancellation  
Impedance: not stated Lightweight  

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7. Olympus E-103 Transcription Stereo Headset

This is a high-quality transcription headset designed for comfort and high-quality audio and not much else. If you are looking for a headset that does the job for transcription, then these are a no brainer. They have transcription headphones best features at a great price.

Specifications What we like Not so much
Design: In-ear, under chin bow Comfortable Not versatile
Connection: Wired Lightweight  
Drivers: not stated Comes with 2 different sized ear tips  
Frequency Response: not stated    
Weight: 2.4 oz/68g    
Impedance: not stated    

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8. Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones

Bose are leaders in sound. Looking to spend money on something more versatile? Then the Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless headphones are the way to go. They provide 3 levels of world-class noise cancellation, balanced audio at any volume and Bose AR enabled, so you can focus on the spoken word and nothing else. These headphones are Bluetooth enabled but can also be wired with the included USB cable. If you are fashion conscious, you will be happy to hear that these come on 3 different colours. These are strong competition in this list for the best headphones for transcription work.

Specifications What we like Not so much
Design: Over-ear Battery life Price
Connection: Bluetooth and wired Sound quality Maybe more than you need for transcription work
Drivers: not stated Noise cancelling features  
Frequency Response: not stated Comfortable fit  
Weight: 8.3 oz Fold up design and carrier case  
Impedance: not stated Versatile  
Battery life: 20 hours Sturdy, high-quality build  

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9. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Audio-Technica is the choice of top engineers and audio pros. They make great headphones for audio professionals.  The closed back, over-ear design means you get good noise cancellation and isolation. These headphones deliver an extended frequency range with a deep bass response which may be a little much for transcription, but great for music. These headphones can be wired or Bluetooth and come in different colours. These are a great choice if you are looking for high-quality versatility and can compete with others on the list for best Bluetooth headphones for transcription.

Specifications What we like Not so much
Design: Over-ear, closed back Fantastic audio quality Bulky
Connection: Bluetooth or wired Comfortable fit Bass response is a little much
Drivers: 45mm dynamic Replaceable cable Frequency response may not pick up barely audible voice audio
Frequency Response: 15-28000Hz Sturdy build quality  
Weight: 285g/10oz Bluetooth or wired  
Impedance: 38 ohms Collapsible design  
Battery life: not stated    

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10. Jabra Evolve2 65 UC Wireless Headphones

These Jabra Evolve2 headphones have great stats making them the best Bluetooth headphones for transcription. The design cancels 48% more ambient sound than other brands. The 3 strategically placed microphones filter out 23% more external noise. The leak-tolerant 40mm speakers provide high-definition audio and the headset will last for 37 hours on one charge. The headphones are built with comfort and convenience in mind, with soft memory foam cushions, a USB-C Bluetooth adapter and are compatible with a variety of platforms. If you are looking for a headset for work and entertainment, these are a good choice.

Specifications What we like Not so much
Design: On-ear Comfortable design Bluetooth range is not the best
Connection: Bluetooth Amazing noise cancellation  
Drivers: 45mm Great sound quality  
Frequency Response: 15-28000Hz Versatile  
Weight: 15.5 oz    
Impedance: not stated    
Battery life: 37 hours    

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There is a fantastic range of options when looking for the best headphones for audio transcription. You can choose those that have been specifically designed for the professions or a more versatile pair for work and entertainment.

 Just keep in mind that transcription headphones best features won’t usually cost more than around $50, while more versatile headphones with Bluetooth can cost anywhere up to $500!

If you also do some video editing as part of your work or hobby, we have a great list of the best headphones for video editing 2022 here Best Headphones for Video Editing.

Curious about the difference between wired, wireless and true wireless headphones and earbuds? We have a great article outlining the differences here Wired vs Wireless vs True Wireless Headphones: Ultimate Comparison .

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Paul Goral

I am the founder of North Creek Music and I have a master’s degree in Engineering Acoustics. Sound is my passion. I wanted to start this blog and share my passion with others.

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