A pair of headphones is one of the essential tools to have as a professional transcriptionist. However, there's a difference between the types generally found on the market and the ones for transcription. Most music or recording studio headphones aren't suitable for this task. We spent hours scouring the market to find the best options for you.
Based on our research, the Edifier H840 Over-The-Ear Headphones, the ECS WordSlinger Overhead Headset, and the SPECTRA SP-PC 3.5 mm Headset are the three best transcription headphones available at a lower price on the market. Check out their reviews!
Comparison Chart
Best Transcription Headphones Reviews
Edifier H840 Audiophile Over-The-Ear Headphones
The Edifier H840 is a high fidelity over-the-ear type of headphone and is a multifunctional noise-canceling model. This pair of stereo headphones can be used for transcription and listening to music.
Review
The Edifier H840 has ear cups that turn 90 degrees outward and can be laid flat. It is convenient when you wear the headphones around your neck. The pads and the headband are padded and covered with imitation leather. The arch extends enough to adapt to all head shapes.
The ear cups are flexible and rest comfortably on your ears. It serves just the right amount, and the pressure is not excessive. Once on your head, the whole device feels light. You can listen to your audio files without discomfort.
There is almost no sound leakage when using the Edifier H840 headphones; its sound will not disturb the people around you. This is because it is a noise-canceling device. It is rare to find a low-end headset equipped with a powerful noise cancellation system like the H840 headphones.
This is also a headphone dedicated to audiophiles. The 40mm drivers deliver a sound that gives pride of place to bass. It is ideally suited for EDM music or other electronic music. But for other musical genres, the instruments are not detailed enough; the soundstage is narrow.
It is difficult to achieve good separation of sound from noise in devices with low-end headphones. But this Edifier model stands out for this. It is, thus, suitable for transcription anywhere. With it, you don't have to seclude yourself in a silent closet while working.
They include a powerful 40mm driver and have a frequency response of 20Hz-20Khz with an impedance of 32Ohm. The comfortable over-ear design provides the right amount of noise isolation to withstand the sound.
The headphone is, however, made with low-quality plastic (to save cost). The volume could be slightly higher, but the range and bass provide impressive sound even at lower volume sound.
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ECS WordSlinger USB Overhead Transcription Headset
The ECS WordSlinger overhead headset excels where the Edifier model fails. This headset is specifically designed for transcribers. It performs well in preventing audio distortion and background noise, while still being made available at an under $50 price.
Review
One of the greatest nightmares of transcriptionists is the articulation sounds in international and regional accents. This makes the job challenging to do, making you spend several minutes trying to decipher each syllable, word, phrase, and sentence. Word Slinger understands these problems and came out with this overhead headset.
The highly innovative device features a premium sound card built into the unit. This technology helps bypass various computer sound cards, matching the spoken word's frequency response. This helps deliver audio with super quality and guarantees an increase in clarity and volume of sound by 300%. It thus proves that a good transcription headphone doesn't end with noise-canceling abilities.
The device is mainly engineered for the purpose of working on audio files. These wired over-ear headphones from WordSlinger offer quality sound in a comfortable, classic design. The headphones are designed to deliver realistic audio quality at an entry-level price.
The device can be used with audio software for transcription. It provides better comfort for people who sit and transcribe for long hours. The headband and the earpads are adjustable and have a foam padding of ½-inch thickness.
The volume control is fully adjustable. It comes with a 2.0 USB Direct Connect plug that requires no driver, and a cord that measures 7 feet. Finally, the headphones are built to be used with all Windows OS and macOS versions.
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SPECTRA SP-PC 3.5 mm PC Stereo Transcription Headset
The Spectra headset is a stereo headset with a 3.5mm plug, specially designed for transcribers. Compatible for use with PC sound cards, it is also suitable for use with stereo output-featuring devices.
Review
Unlike our first two models, this is a headset and is not expected to be as expensive as quality headphones. However, this Spectra sound accessory is proof that you don't need a large budget to set up as a professional transcriptionist.
First, the headset is ultra-lightweight and weighs just one ounce. It is perfectly domed to curve over the head. The device also has soft ergonomic foam covers and directional audio chambers for the best user comfort. The cord is also extra long.
Overall, the SPECTRA SP-PC PC produces a clear sound. It provides hours of optimal comfort and sound quality, making your job easier. This headset features an extra-long 10 feet of 3.5mm cord that will let you be able to reach the printer, bookshelf, or file cabinet that is nearby.
The Spectra transcription accessory comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, during which you can return it and have your money back or have it replaced if you don't like it. In addition to this, Spectra offers a 90-day warranty that covers labor and the parts.
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FINAL VERDICT
Our world is continuously invaded by noise. Added with other challenges such as poorly-recorded audio, transcribing isn't an easy task to do. This is why you should get one of the recommended headphones in this review.
Now, you don't have to spend a lot to start your career as a professional or newbie transcriptionist. The Edifier H840 is the best in this review. Our runner-up is the ECS WordSlinger Overhead Headset. With these devices, transcribing whenever and wherever is now a possibility.
