Best headphones for transcription

If you’re a transcriptionist, there’s no greater asset to your work than a great pair of headphones. The right pair can block out all the other noise around you and help you do your job better and faster. Doing accurate transcription can be difficult depending on how fast and clearly people are talking, the clarity of the recording and the speaking voices, and how much background noise you’re facing as you’re trying to transcribe the work.

There are a few options when it comes to headphones for transcription. You’ll find ones that are designed specifically for the trade and other that were made for hearing music but are so great, they’d be perfect for transcriptionist, too. If you’re looking for a great pair of headphones to help make your job as a transcriptionist a bit easier, try one of the models below.

1. Koss KTXPRO1 Titanium Portable Headphones (Link)

The KOSS KTXPRO1 is a set of small, portable headphones that are supra aural, meaning they rest over the ears. They have inline volume control for convenience while you’re working. Considering the price, you wouldn’t expect much from these headphones, but you’d be wrong.

The sound is clean and smooth with no shrillness or tinny sounds. The headband and foam ear pieces can get a bit uncomfortable with long term use. They have a four foot long cord so you have some freedom of movement when you’re working so you don’t have to worry about moving and yanking them out of your ears.

These headphones prove that you don’t have to spend a ridiculous amount of money to get a great pair of transcription headphones. If you’re not sure about them, they come with a lifetime guarantee, so what do you have to lose?

2. Spectra SP-PC Stereo Computer Transcription Headset (Link)

This Specta Headset is specially designed for transcriptionists so it will project voices with more clarity than some other headphones that are primarily made for listening to music. They’re lightweight and comfortable with balanced sound between the two ear pieces. Speaking of ear pieces, they’re covered in a soft velvet-like material and are placed just inside your ear. They’re not too invasive plus the help cancel out some of the environmental noise because of how you wear them.

One of the great things about this unit is that it comes with power cord that’s 10 feet long. This gives you a lot of freedom when you’re working to reach your PC without hassle. If you want to sit at a different table or if you need to get up and walk around, this cord is long enough that it will let you do just that. These will only work with a PC, not a transcriber machine. They come with a nice, black storage pouch and additional ear piece covers so they’re easy to store and travel with.

3. Spectra USB Transcription Headset (Link)

The Spectra USB Transcription Headset is another one that was specifically designed for hearing people’s voices clearly. They plug directly into your computer’s USB port so you don’t have to worry about getting to a different port behind your computer to plug on your headphone. You get 10 foot long cord so you can be flexible with where you’re working and can even get up and walk around to stretch your legs without removing the toys. You get a drawstring pouch for storage and travel so you can keep your equipment safe and sound.

In-line volume control lets you easily and quickly make adjustments when you need them, the controls are right at your fingertip. This way, if someone speaks quietly on the recording, you can simply turn up the volume and keep right on working.

4. ECS OHUSB WordSlinger Deluxe Headset (Link)

This plug n play transcription headset is designed to work with transcription programs and guaranteed to increase volume and clarity bo 300%. The headband is really comfortable. The headband itself is adjustable as are the ear pads. They also have a ½ inch of padding so, even if you end up working for long periods of time, your ears and head won’t hurt.

These headphones are designed to work with Windows of iOS. They’ve been fortified and are extra strong so they’ll last a long time. ECS promises a dynamic and clear reproduction of audio files and there’s a built-in adjustable digital volume control. This is a comfortable and convenient choice for any transcriptionist.

5. Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Link)

Bose is a well known name in the audio business. They’re trusted for the technology of their speakers, iPod docks, and more. While these headphones aren’t specifically designed for transcriptions, their sound quality is rarely matched.

These headphones have advanced noise cancelling technology so, no matter where you’re trying to do transcription work, you’ll be able to hear the recording clearly and you won’t be distracted by any background noise. This will help you hear the words you’re transcribing clearly and your work will show it.

Because they use Bluetooth technology, you don’t need to worry about a cord getting in the way. It uses a lithium-ion battery which allows you to have up to 20 hours of playtime per charge. Need more time? Use the included audio cable instead of Bluetooth and you can get up to 40 minutes of playtime per charge.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are an investment. They’re quite expensive but will last you a long time. Plus, you get the quality and reputation that comes with the Bose name and products. And if something is wrong with the pair you purchased, they come with a one year guarantee.

As you can see, there are several options to choose from if you’re looking for a new pair of headphones for transcription. The quality of your transcription headphones directly affects how well you’re able to do your job, so it’s certainly worth investing in a pair that are going to let you hear everything clearly and accurately.

Further reading

Be sure to check out our guide to transcription foot pedals, the other key piece of equipment for aspiring transcriptionists.