15 Best Headphones for Live Streaming

In every live streamer's rig, there has to be a pair of fantastic headphones. The right headphones can significantly improve your listening experience, fully immersing you in the world of sound. But choosing one of the best headphones for live streaming can be pretty confusing, thanks to a suite of design options and features.

In this post, we'll walk you through the things you need to consider while buying headphones and the 15 best headphones for live streaming.

Before we get to that, first, let's take a look at the different types of headphones for live streaming.

Types of Headphones for Live Streaming

Over-Ear Headphones

These headphones are particularly suitable for audiophiles and professional use in the recording studio. They provide a comfortable fit and are perfectly designed to transfer clear sound between headphones and ears.

In-Ear Headphones

When it comes to portable audio, the in-ear variant is the most common. They are often called earbuds or earphones, and they usually come with portable media players, such as smartphones and tablets. You may have a pair of Apple EarPods. If you're just getting started with your live stream journey, these will work, but you'll want to upgrade to improve the audio quality. They may sound good to you, but your audience hears something different.

On-Ear Headphones

On-ear headphones come with bands that go behind your head or over it. They don’t go into your ear canal, so they don't block out as much noise. Instead, they sit on your outer ears. These kinds of headphones come with driver casings that are placed on your ears to let the music slide through. If you are streaming for hours on end, you'll want to consider headphones that are built for comfort.

Depending on your needs, you can go for over-ear, in-ear, or on-ear headphones.

Buying the Best Headphones for Live Streaming | Things to Consider

Various headphones available in the market are worth a purchase, but consider the below-mentioned factors before buying a pair for yourself:

Powerful Bass

It is essential to consider the headphones according to their frequency response. The human ear can detect frequencies ranging from 20 to 20,000Hz. If you stick to this range, you get to experience smooth and precise sound quality.

Noise Cancellation

Go for those headphones which have the noise cancellation feature. They work best for those who don't want any ambient noise and listen to almost every sound beat. They're great if you're live streaming in a noisy environment.

Wired or Wireless Design

Both come with their respective boons and banes. With wireless, you are free to move without getting worried about accidentally yanking the cord. However, you have to worry about the battery running out during your broadcast. Wired headphones generally produce better sound quality. When you're live streaming, you'll likely want to go with a wired design to ensure there isn't audio interference. If you pair wireless headphones, such as Apple AirPods or other wireless designs, you run the risk that your headphones can disconnect during your broadcast, especially if the battery runs low.

Comfort

It is essential to consider your convenience while choosing headphones for live streaming. So, make sure that your headphones' ear pads are made of soft material and are not harsh on the skin. They must have adequate ventilation if you plan to wear them for prolonged periods.

Microphone

A built-in microphone in the headphones is a must-have if you are a gamer or a live streamer. If you're keen on having a portable mic, consider buying headphones that come with a detachable microphone. Remember, the voice quality matters here – for a good mic is your key to superb live stream audio.

Now that you know about the types of headphones and what to consider before buying them, let's move on to the best headphones for live streaming.

15 Best Headphones for Live Streaming

1. HyperX Cloud II

With a plush style and an even deluxe audio tone, this one from Kingston is an attractive streaming headset. It has an exceptionally comfortable design with memory foam ear cushions and a padded leatherette headband to keep you focused on the game.

The HyperX Cloud II comes with supreme audio quality and virtual 7.1 surround sound effect output. And its stable, durable aluminum frame is built to withstand the blows of daily use. An affordable option retailing at $99, this one is pretty popular for its closed ear cup and passive noise cancelation that block out outside distractions – helping you stay in the game.

2. SteelSeries Arctis 7 

The SteelSeries Arctis 7 is wireless, which makes it perfect for live streaming. Its durable elastic headband can adjust to different head shapes and sizes, which means you don't have to worry about a poor fit with the Arctis 7.

It features a versatile design, 24-hour battery life, and lossless wireless audio with ultra-low latency and zero interference. It comes with a retractable microphone standard with an audio jack on the left earcup and a power button, and a volume slider on the right ear cup. 

If you are looking for a headset with various features and good battery life, this is a good option for $179.99.

3. beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO

The beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is a pair of stunning circumaural headphones with an innovative bass reflex system. Available in three different models, these headphones offer incredibly detailed resolution and transparent sound to make your live streams better.

And speaking of better live streams, these headphones offer high wearing comfort owing to their soft, replaceable ear pads. In addition, the closed-back model delivers great flexibility, and the robust spring steel headband provides a secure fit. Adding to your convenience is the single-sided cable, which ensures that the headphones can be put on and taken off quickly without the hassles of untangling cables.

Loaded with all these features and available for a price of $159, the beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO ensures you get your money’s worth.

4. EPOS | Sennheiser GAME ONE

A superb headset for Xbox One streaming, the GAME ONE is a good-looking and well-built headset, famous for its high-quality sound. It has a modern, lightweight yet robust design featuring plush velour-covered ear pads for extreme comfort. A professional quality noise-canceling microphone is located on the left side. It can be raised quickly to the user's mouth to ensure crystal-clear conversations with volume control on its right ear cup.

The GAME ONE is compatible with several platforms such as PC and Mac. It can also be used on mobile devices like phones and tablets with 3.5mm jack input. Retailing at $‌179, this is an excellent buy for gaming lovers who want the best headphones for live streaming.

5. beyerdynamic Xelento remote

This premium in-ear headset features an ergonomic design and is the first to employ a miniaturized version of the Tesla driver. For added comfort, the ear tips go straight into your ear canals. Quality with stunning looks – what's not to like?

The Xelento includes a remote for controlling the audio levels and comes with 7 pairs of silicone eartips (available in different sizes) and 3 Pairs of Comply™ foam eartips for you to find the right fit. If you want to have premium quality earphones, then this is the best choice at $899.

6. Sennheiser IE 800 S

Sennheiser's IE 800 S is currently the smallest extra wide-band sound transducer available with a patented dual-chamber absorber (D2CA) system in the world of high-end sound quality. Designed, developed, and produced in Germany to explore your music in all its glorious depth, this one is an elegant yet modern piece of kit.

Packed with attractive features that promise you distortion-free sound, it's capable of performing even at high sound pressure levels. It offers brilliant trebles and improved bass sound to create the most beautiful musical landscapes for your mind.

With ergonomically designed viscoelastic memory foam ear tips from Comply™, the IE 800 S lets you enjoy the sound with supreme comfort. Priced at $999.95, this one is for you if you're looking for the finest and have no constraint on your budget.

7. Logitech G432

The Logitech G432 is one of the most basic and affordable headsets, but it has a lot going beyond its unbelievably low price. Its big 50 mm audio drivers ensure you get full, expansive sound during your live streams. And its enlarged 6 mm mic produces excellent sound without the need for an additional mic.

The flip-to-mute boom brings absolute silence to the stream whenever you want. And there’s 3D audio that goes over 7.1 channels, enabling the best sounding streams for you. You can also adjust volume straight from the earcup mounted volume wheel. At a price tag of $49.99, this one is highly recommended.

8. Shure SE846

The Shure SE846 Sound Isolating™ Earphones are designed in the USA with quad hi-definition micro drivers to ensure extended high-end clarity and unparalleled low-end performance that deliver the perfect sound output.

This product is lightweight and features a low-profile shape with an optimized nozzle angle designed to fit comfortably and securely in your ears. For seamless communication, it has an inline mic and three-button control. It also has a mic and a remote to play/pause the music, receive/decline the calls and adjust the volume.

Although it may seem a bit exorbitant at $825, this is one of the best sound quality headphones and is worth its price tag.

If you're looking for an alternative pair of budget-friendly headphones for live streaming, check out the wired Shure SE215 at $99 (wired) or KBear in-ear headphones at $20.

9. Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones  

The Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless over-ear headphones are known for their rich sound and exclusive looks. With an over-ear design and custom 40mm drivers, they deliver the performance we all expect from the best headphones for live streaming.

If you produce live streams, you want a pair of headphones that is comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. You can use them in wired or wireless mode. They also include Bluetooth 5.0, a 100ft/30m connectivity range, and 18 hours of playtime, these work great for live streamers. To ensure optimum comfort, the MH40 wireless headphones have memory foam ear pads wrapped in lambskin. And they are removable too. Now that's a significant win for the hygiene-lovers out there. At $249, it's one of the best wireless headphones you can give a try.

10. Audio Technica M50x

If you’re an Audio Technica fan and need a pair of headphones with all the bells and whistles of an Audio Technica marvel without splurging, the M50x is for you. It boasts the coveted sonic signature but with an additional feature of detachable cables.

Other top specs include large-aperture drivers, sound-isolating earcups, and solid construction. You also get contoured earcups sealed tight for perfect sound isolation and minimal bleed. There’s also oodles of comfort, of course, and an admirable price point of only $149.

11. beyerdynamic Aventho wireless

A true beast on the list, the Aventho wireless is powered with Supraaural Tesla Bluetooth® and a battery life of over 30 hours. Also equipped with dynamic sound personalization and a touchpad integrated into the ear cup with a handsfree microphone, it's all you'd need for hassle-free live streaming.

Try it for its stylish design or its impressive sound quality backed by the aptX™ HD codec by Qualcomm®; you'll not be disappointed. And at a price point of $250, it's a great deal.

12. ASTRO A50

This sleek-looking wireless headset and base station combo is all about brilliant sound and performance. The ASTRO A50 is best known for its splendid acoustics, ergonomics, and durability that live streamers often demand. From crisp highs to controlled mids and distortion-free bass, you can experience it all with this live streaming headphone.

You also get low-latency voice communication along with Dolby Audio. Moreover, the built-in MixAmp technology ensures optimized chat levels and game sounds. This unidirectional mic comes with flip-to-mute functionality for ease of use and excellent communication.

Add it all up, and you’ll get one of the best headphones for just $299.99.

13. AKG N60NC Wireless

The AKG N60NC Wireless is a compact, wireless, and great noise-canceling audio device. The battery life of these headphones is stable and can last for multiple days on a single charge with moderate usage. It also includes Bluetooth connectivity.

While its built-in mic and remote make it different from other headphones, the N60NC's USP is compact. And at $79.99, it doesn't get any better.

14. ASTRO Gaming A40 TR

Now, something for the over-ear headphone fans, the A40 TR from ASTRO Gaming comes with a great fit and finish, which makes it ideal for long live streams. It also features a uni-directional mic with a swappable boom for use on either side of the headset.

Further, packed with the ASTRO Audio V2 enhancement, this headset delivers a smooth and extended frequency spectrum. Whether you love it for its noise-canceling ear cushions, padded headband, and closed back Speaker Tags, or for the sound quality it offers, at $149.99, this is a great budget buy.

15. HyperX Cloud Alpha S

The HyperX Cloud Alpha™ S, featuring HyperX virtual 7.1 surround sound1, is one of the best headphones for most live streamers. It comes equipped with an audio control mixer to help you activate the surround sound and adjust the audio and chat balance without looking for the menu buttons during your broadcasts.

The ear cups also have bass adjustment sliders, giving you the freedom to personalize your audio. And its dual-chamber driver system reduces distortion, providing better, clearer sound. If you’re looking for the next step up without breaking the bank, the HyperX Cloud Alpha S is a nifty device at $129.99.

Ready to experience quality sound with the best headphones for live streaming?

Live streamers often see headphones as an afterthought. But without a quality headset, your live streaming setup is incomplete. Now that you know about some of the best headphones for live streaming, be sure to learn how to get the best sound when streaming.

For those of you who want to upgrade your live streaming cameras, here's a good read: How To Pick The Best Camera For Live Streaming