Best headphones for transcription

NOTE: This article has been reviewed and updated in October 2024 to reflect current market trends and new headphone models. While the core recommendations remain valuable, we've verified that all featured products are still available and relevant for transcription work. Note that prices and specific model features may vary from those listed, and we recommend checking the latest specifications on manufacturers' websites. Our commitment to helping you find the best transcription headphones remains unchanged, and we'll continue to update this guide as new technologies emerge.

Headphones are essential to any professional who has a noisy environment, especially one that's loud enough for them not be able use their own earplugs. These particular types of headphones come equipped with an isolation mic which will help block out external noises so you can focus on what’s being said and transcribe more accurately!

If you're looking for the best headset for transcription that will give you excellent sound quality while transcribing, the Treblab Z2 is your best choice. These headphones feature a 35-hour charge, making them perfect for long transcription sessions. Additionally, their noise cancellation technology ensures that you'll be able to focus on your work without any distractions.

Best

TREBLAB Z2

Best headphones for transcription

35h play, 3h charge

Compatible with ALL devices

Active, T-Quiet™ ANC technology

IPX4 water resistant

Active noise cancellation

Our best wireless workout headphones come with Advanced Sound 2.0 Technology and aptX high-performance neodymium-backed 40mm speakers.

Ultra Premium Materials | Super Soft Ear Pads

They’re super-comfortable, made of high-end, ultra-soft materials that mold to the natural shape of your ear for a custom fit.

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Why Do You Need Headphones Designed for Transcription?

When choosing transcription headphones, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind.

Sound quality

This is possibly the most important factor, as you need to be able to hear the audio you're transcribing clearly.

You want to be able to hear the audio you're transcribing accurately, so sound quality is key. Look for headphones that offer clear sound without any distortions.

Noise cancellation

This is an important feature to look for in transcription headphones, as it will allow you to eliminate distractions and focus solely on the task at hand.

Battery life

Transcription can often be a lengthy process, so you'll want to make sure your headphones have a long battery life. Look for transcription earphones that offer at least 8 hours of battery life.

Comfort

Since transcription can often be a long process, you'll want to make sure your headphones are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Look for headphones with soft ear cushions and a comfortable headband.

Best headphones for transcription - Treblab Z2

The Treblab Z2 is a worthy option to consider if you're looking for headphones that will keep your ears safe while working out. This transcription headset with microphone comes with noise cancellation technology and provide great sound so it's easy to understand all you need during those transcription sessions! They also have stylish design features like metal hinges which make them durable enough in any environment from gym settings, running routes or even at home doing housework - no matter what activity gets completed these days without breaking sweat.

The Treblab Z2 is a best transcription headset with dynamic drivers. The ear cups are over-ear and closed-back, providing noise isolation and good soundstage. The headphones have a frequency response of 20 – 20000 Hz, making them well-suited for all types of music. They also feature Bluetooth 5.0 aptX, which provides high-quality audio streaming. With up to 35 hours of battery life, the Z2 can keep you listening all day long. Additionally, they are IPX4 water resistant, meaning you can take them anywhere without fear of damage.  The Treblab Z2 is available in two colors: black and A-black. They weigh 252 grams, making them fairly lightweight for over-ear headphones.

The z2 headphones are everything I could have wanted from my first pair of noise cancelling, leather head phones. They're light and comfy enough that you can wear them for hours on end without feeling in any pain or discomfort- which is great if your looking to use these during flights! The sound quality also exceeded all expectations with clear highs, mids & lows as well balanced bass levels at varying volumes depending upon what level works best suited towards whatever mood might strike me whether its tiredness after work/life balance between productivity vs entertainment.

Key Features

• Clear sound without any distortions
• Noise cancellation capabilities
• Frequency response of 20 – 20000 Hz
• Bluetooth 5.0 aptX 

Spectra USB Transcription Headset - Good Headphones for Transcription

The Spectra-USB Transcription Headset is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, lightweight headset. It features dome-shaped sound chambers that fit the contour of any ear and has a 2.0 USB Direct-Connect plug with a 10' cord. This headset also has true digital volume control to give you the best sound quality possible. The LED connection indicator lets you know when your computer is connected, and the velvet drawstring pouch is perfect for storing your headset when not in use.

When I transcribe audio with a lot of background noise, this headset for transcription makes my life so much easier. By bringing the speakers voice right upfront and dulling down any other sounds around them that may be too loud or distracting for listeners' ears to handle comfortably without distortion - like traffic from outside being brought into an interview where someone's talking about themselves at home cozy-wise-, they do more than just remove what you want left in. It also helps create clarity on how something was said because there isn't anything else mixed into everything else but just pure speech which gives off its own tone depending upon who's saying it. And that's important when trying to accurately transcribe something!

Key Features

• A Direct-Connect 2.0 USB plug...no adapters required!
• A 10' cord for flexibility at the transcriber's station.
• True digital volume control

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x - Wireless Transcription Headphones

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are the perfect addition to any audio enthusiast's arsenal. These studio headphones have been critically acclaimed for their sonic performance, and have been praised by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers. The proprietary 45 millimeter large aperture drivers create an exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with a deep, accurate bass response. The circumaural design contours around your ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments, while the 90 degree swiveling earcups make it easy to monitor your audio with one ear. The earpads and headband are made of professional grade material that delivers more durability and comfort.

The Audio-Technica ATH M50x is a great choice for people who want their sound to be timeless. These headphones don't rely on batteries or Bluetooth technology so they'll always work, even if you had them 10 years ago when these types of devices were new! The no nonsense performance and fit make this wired headset worth getting your hands on as well--and we're not just talking about because it's from an industry leader like AT (although that helps).

An interesting choice for those looking to mix their music and audio recording needs. It has three cables which can be problematic when setting up creative soundscapes, but if you're just interested in casual listening or need something with specific connectivity features then this could work well!

Key Features

• For Professional Tracking/Mixing and DJing
• 45mm Neodymium Dynamic Drivers
• 15 Hz to 28 kHz Frequency Response
• Optimized for clear sound and authentic, low bass tones

ECS WordMaster USB Transcription Headset - Best Medical Transcription Headphones

The ECS WordMaster USB transcription headset is designed to deliver superior audio quality, making it easier and faster to transcribe your recordings. With its adjustable volume and clarity, you can type more efficiently with less mistakes. The headset is also comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, with an adjustable headband and padded ear cups. Additionally, the 7-foot cord gives you more freedom of movement while you work. The USB transcription headset is compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac computers.

This studio headphones is perfect for anyone who needs to listen and speak at the same time. It has excellent sound quality, and adjustable bass levels so you can hear everything clearly without having your ears stressed out by excessive noise pollution from other speakers' voices or background music playing in tandem with them- plus it's designed specifically with vocalists right off of the stage! The USB connection means no more dealing separately either between computer audio input/outputs via Addonics amps (which would be expensive) AND wanting some kind earmuffs too while also managing power cords. This one does all those tasks automatically thanks its built-in battery life of up to 10 hours.

If you are looking for a transcription headset that will allow you to type more efficiently with less mistakes, the ECS WordMaster USB transcription headset is the perfect choice. With its superior audio quality, comfortable design, and 7-foot cord, this headset will give you the freedom of movement you need to get the job done quickly and accurately.

Key Features

• Superior audio quality
• Comfortable design
• 7-foot cord for freedom of movement
• Compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac computers

Treblab Z7-Pro - Also Great Headphones for Transcription Work

Treblab Z7-Pro headphones with active noise cancelling are perfect for anyone looking for a sound-free escape. The six microphones automatically detect and block surrounding noise, while the aptX HD chipset and 40 mm drivers provide superior stereo sound. With 45 hours of battery life, you can enjoy your music all day long. The intuitive touch control allows you to start, stop, and skip tracks, answer calls, or activate the voice assistant with just a single touch. And when you're not using them, the headphones auto-pause and auto-play again when you put them back on.

Whether you're traveling, working, or just relaxing at home, the Treblab Z7-Pro headphones are the perfect way to enjoy your music in peace. The headphones come with a charging cord and a 3.5mm audio cable for wired use. The ear cups are made of memory foam for comfort, and the headband is adjustable for a customized fit. The Treblab Z7-Pro headphones are available in black or white.

The quality of audio is amazing! The range and clarity make it feel like you're right there in the music. There's no distortion at high volumes, even with full head rooms.

Key Features

• Active noise cancelling
• Superior stereo sound
• 45 hours of battery life
• Intuitive touch control
• Auto pause/play

Sennheiser HD 280 PRO - Best Transcription Headphones for Over-ear Lovers

The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO headphones are designed for critical listening and studio monitoring. They feature high ambient noise attenuation and accurate, linear sound reproduction. The earpads are made from soft materials for a comfortable fit, and the earcups can be rotated for space-saving transport. The headphones also come with a tough, single-sided cable.

The 280 Pro's sound quality for personal use has been mixed by some people, but I've found it to be quite good. The bass isn't rolled off at all angry enough without EQ which helps make up for an underemphasized mid-range; anything that relies heavily on this range will probably sounded amazing anyway since there is no harshness or clarity sacrificed in those frequencies as well - the mids are fantastic while treble still sounds great even if not perfectly balanced between 2k - 8Khz (which could lead someone thinking they're hearing things). Imaging seems spacious enough thanks mostly due its incredible design features like surround effect, low weight and good noise isolation.

Comfort is also incredible due to how light the headphones are and how well they distribute that weight. The headband is adjustable and has just enough give so that you can find your perfect fit without too much effort. I have a relatively large head (7 3/4 hat size) and these still feel great after hours of use with no fatigue whatsoever. I think anyone would be hard pressed to find a more comfortable set of full-sized cans in this price range.

The only potential downside to these headphones is that they're not the most "portable" set out there since they're a bit on the large side and don't fold up into a smaller form factor, but that's really a matter of personal preference. If you're looking for a great set of cans to use both at home and on the go, the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro should definitely be near the top of your list.

Key Features

• Durable build
• Good sound quality
• Folding and rotating earcups for space-saving transport.
• Tough, single-sided cable.

Flexfone FLX-10 Twin Speaker Transcription Headset - Lightweight Transcription Headphones

If you’re looking for professional quality listening tools that are lightweight and flexible, then the Flexfone FLX-10 is an excellent choice. It has two speakers to provide clear sound while wearing it under your chin like a headset (like our Spectra USB Transcription Headset), but these also happen to be small enough so they can slip into any ear without being too bulky or uncomfortable! The 10 millimeter drivers enable crisp high notes without distortion - perfect if what we're working on needs emphasize detail more than booming bass frequencies.

The mic is great for dictation, but it doesn't work so well in noisier environments. If you're using this in a crowded office or outdoors, expect to have to speak up quite a bit. The tradeoff is that the mic does a fantastic job of cancelling out background noise when recording, so if transcription is your primary goal then this shouldn't be much of an issue.

Overall, the Flexfone FLX-10 is a very solid choice for transcription work and general use. The sound quality is excellent, the build is strong and flexible, and the price is more than reasonable. If you need something that's going to be easy on your ears for long periods of time, this should definitely be at the top of your list.

This headset has great audio and it's affordable. I liked it the first time I used it because I didn't have any pain in my ear after wearing it for a long time. It also comes with extra covers in different colors, and you can find them from different brands like Nike. If something happens to the headset, don't worry! The cords are flexible so they will be okay.

Key Features

• Lightweight and flexible
• Two speakers for clear sound
• Small

Sony MDR-7506 - Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Transcription

The Sony MDR-7506 headphones are perfect for critical listening in the studio, or for just kicking back and enjoying your music. Featuring neodymium magnets and 40 millimeter drivers, these headphones deliver powerful, detailed sound. The closed ear design provides comfort and outstanding reduction of external noises. The 9.8 foot cord ends in a gold plated plug and is not detachable; 1/4 inch adapter included. The foldable design makes them perfect for storage or travel, and the soft case included keeps them safe when you're on the go. Frequency Response: 10 Hertz to 20 kilohertz.

The MDR-7506 has a rugged build quality that can withstand a lot of wear and tear, and the ear cups are also very comfortable. The sound quality is excellent, with clear highs and detailed mids and lows. The only downside is that the cord is not detachable, so you'll have to be careful not to damage it. Overall, the Sony MDR-7506 is an outstanding pair of headphones that should last you for many years.

For me, I prefer Sennheiser studio headphones because they have the perfect combination of quality and durability. For radio commercials or voice-overs that require thousands upon tens-of Use them every day without any issues thanks to their stately design made out some type strange flexible plastic which makes it indestructible as well as easily replaceable plug in cables with coiled cords on hand just waiting for an opportunity like this!

Key Features

• Rugged build quality
• Comfortable to wear for extended periods
• Excellent sound quality
• Long cable is perfect for studio use

Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II - Best Quality Headphones for Transcription

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II headphones are the best noise cancelling headphones on the market. Featuring advanced noise cancelling technology, these headphones provide up to 20 hours of wireless listening. The ear cups are also adjustable, so you can find the perfect fit for your head. The Bose Connect app lets you manage your music and settings, and the built-in microphone allows you to make hands-free calls.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II studio headphones are expensive, but they're worth every penny. The sound quality is outstanding, and the noise cancellation is simply incredible. If you need a pair of headphones that will let you focus on your work or enjoy your music in peace, these are the ones you want.

Key Features

• Advanced noise cancelling technology
• Up to 20 hours of wireless listening
• Comfortable ear cups
• Bose Connect app lets you manage your music and settings
• Built-in microphone for hands-free calls

How to Choose the Best Transcription Headphones?

Choosing the perfect headphones for transcription can be a bit of a challenge. There are so many different types and styles of headphones on the market, and it can be tough to know which ones will work best for your needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing transcription headsets:

• The first thing you'll want to consider is the type of headphones you need. If you're transcribing audio from a video, you'll need closed-back headphones so that you can hear the audio clearly without any outside distractions. If you're transcribing audio from a recording, open-back headphones will work just fine.
• You'll also want to consider the comfort of the headphones. Transcribing can be a long and tedious task, so you'll want to make sure that your headphones are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Look for headphones with cushioned ear cups and an adjustable headband.
• Finally, you'll want to consider the sound quality of the headphones. This is important whether you're transcribing audio from a video or a recording. Make sure to choose headphones that have clear highs and detailed mids and lows.

In-ear, over-ear, or on-ear headphones

In-ear

In-ear headphones are small and compact, making them perfect for use on the go. They sit inside your ear canal, so they can be a bit uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. In-ear headphones can also cause ear fatigue if you wear them for too long.

Over-ear

Over-ear headphones are larger and heavier than in-ear headphones, but they're also more comfortable. They have cushioned ear cups that sit around your ears, and they don't put any pressure on your ear canal.

On-ear

On-ear headphones sit on top of your ears, and they're somewhere in between in-ear and over-ear headphones in terms of size and weight. They're not as comfortable as over-ear headphones, but they're more comfortable than in-ear headphones.

Wired or wireless?

Wired

Wired headphones are connected to your device with a 3.5mm audio cable. They're typically less expensive than wireless headphones, but they can be a bit of a hassle to deal with.

Wireless

Wireless headphones use Bluetooth to connect to your device. They're more expensive than wired headphones, but they're much more convenient to use.

Do you need a microphone in transcription headphones?

No. If you're transcribing audio from a video, you'll need headphones with a built-in microphone so that you can hear the audio clearly.

Conclusion

Transcription headsets is not an easy choice. With all the different types, styles, and features available, it can be tough to know which ones will work best for your needs. Keep these things in mind when choosing headphones for transcription: the type of headphones you need, the comfort of the headphones, the sound quality of the headphones, and whether or not you need a microphone.