The perfect items to talk to podcast lovers’ souls

There are two sorts of audio lovers on this world: the music-obsessed ones whose tastes span genres, with loads of accompanying gear lust, and the podcast-devouring ones, with a need for lifelong studying, audio storytelling, and someday going from residing vicariously to experiencing vivaciously. Purchasing for the primary isn’t exhausting—the street to audiophileville is lined with specs to comply with and plentiful detours by means of high-resolution codecs and frequency ranges. It’s not as simple to reward for the latter, nonetheless. Podcasts don’t demand the identical infatuation with driver sorts and supply gadgets to sound their finest. So what do you reward somebody whose favourite factor is airwaves, which they will’t maintain of their arms? Though you may’t reward them Ira Glass himself, there are tangible objects you may put below the tree. We’ve collected the very best items for podcast lovers that can give them aural pleasure and allow them to know that you simply take heed to them after they discuss what they take heed to. (When you’re at it, could we propose you inform the pal who would quite take heed to podcasts to tune in to The Weirdest Factor I Discovered This Week and Ask us Something, PopSci‘s personal productions.)

Greatest earbuds: Buderflys Curiosity G2 Wi-fi Earbuds

Simply because somebody says they will’t get sufficient of one thing like podcasts doesn’t imply they will get pleasure from an indefinite quantity if their physique is experiencing discomfort. And should you’ve ever tried a pair of ill-fitting earbuds, you recognize that, after some time, they will damage—and when somebody is deep in a two-hour podcast episode ready for the massive twist, they received’t wish to take to should take a breather. Buderflys tackle this potential drawback head-on (or is that ear canals first), making use of proprietary tech to prioritize snug consumption and most isolation for each distraction-free sesh. As a substitute of typical probably irritating silicone suggestions, physique heat-reactive form-flexing materials suits to the person’s particular ear geometry, that means the wearer can get pleasure from all 9.5 hours of energetic battery life provided by the tethered Bluetooth receiver (the quantity jumps to 33 hours in idle use, or infinite when used with the skinny, ultra-strong T2 Linum cable as an alternative of wi-fi). Plus, Buderflys use balanced armature drivers, initially developed for listening to aids, in order that they produce crisp, clear, high-resolution audio tailor-made to the spoken phrase and each nuanced inflection—a summit-tier improve for somebody who remains to be sporting $15 they picked up from the pharmacy. (And this tech makes them equally suited to listening to prolonged work webinars, digital conferences, and so forth.)

Greatest headphones: Bose QuietComfort 35 II

Development sounds, workplace chatter, and outdoors noise can pull you out of the world a podcast immerses you in. These headphones from Bose have three ranges of noise cancellation to regulate how a lot you’d wish to tune out. They’re Amazon Alexa-enabled, so you may search for post-podcast tidbits you had been interested by through voice command. The Bose Join app allows you to share audio so pals can get in on the most recent episode. They’re IPX4-rated, so that you received’t have to fret about them getting ruined should you pay attention outside and there’s a shock rainstorm. In the event you’re seeking to improve a good friend’s listening recreation, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is an ideal alternative.

Greatest speaker: JBL Cost 5

Individuals often take heed to podcasts whereas doing chores, cooking, working, or commuting. Nonetheless, typically it’s a must to take the earbuds out to take heed to the candy sizzle of onions carmelizing in a pan. This speaker from JBL is moveable and packs a potent punch due to its long-excursion driver, tweeter, and bass radiators. A built-in energy financial institution allows you to cost your cellphone—good to juice up after marathoning everything of “Lacking Richards Simmons.” This speaker has a 20-hour battery life, that means you received’t want a recharge after studying of the health guru’s destiny. You may even take heed to podcasts close to the pool, due to its IP67 ranking. It’s one of many the explanation why we gave it a glowing assessment.

Greatest sensible speaker: Amazon Echo Dot

Generally, you wish to study what’s happening with the climate whereas discovering out the reality behind Bragg’s apple cider vinegar on Upkeep Section. Use your voice to show up the amount when the knowledge will get juicy, ask Alexa to buy some dietary yeast, after which stream Bragg’s investor Katy Perry’s 2010 groundbreaking album Teenage Dream.

Greatest heated blanket: Westinghouse Electrical Blanket

It will possibly get chilly whereas staring up on the ceiling, listening to your favourite podcast. Heat up with this heated blanket, which has six heating ranges and 2-10 hour time settings—that means you may keep cozy and heat in your phrase cocoon. Overheat safety prevents hearth, and the blanket can also be fire-retardant—which is very good if the particular person you’re gifting to already listens to sufficient loopy heated blanket-related true crime tales.

Greatest crossover e-book: Welcome to Night time Vale: A Novel

Suppose you’re gifting to a fan of the “Welcome to Night time Vale” podcast. In that case, they’ll get pleasure from this spin-off novel that paperwork two characters’ mysteries: Jackie and her quest to seek out the person within the tan jacket who gave her a mysterious observe, and Diane’s search to reconnect along with her shapeshifter son. And it’s accessible as an audiobook, if you wish to preserve all of your media collectively, or in print should you’re frightened your eye muscle mass aren’t getting as a lot consideration as your eardrums.

Greatest e-book for true crime lovers: I’ll Be Gone within the Darkish by Michelle McNamara

True crime listeners want they might resolve a real-life unsolved crime. True crime journalist Michelle McNamara did simply that as her life’s work earlier than her sudden dying in 2016—this novel, chronicling her search, was printed posthumously. The crime was solved in 2018, two months after the e-book was printed. It’s additionally the premise of a 2020 six-part HBO documentary. Like our different e-book decisions, it’s accessible as each audiobook and bodily media.

Greatest hands-free cellphone holder: Gear Beast Cell Telephone Lanyard

Everyone knows the ache of not having sufficient arms and being compelled to place down our cellphones as we go to a different room, then discovering out the constraints of our Bluetooth headphones or earbuds proper on the climax of an thrilling episode. By no means expertise that once more with this wearable cellphone holder, which makes use of silicone bands to safe your cellphone to a lanyard. There’s additionally a cardholder for on-the-go use.

Greatest wearable blanket: THE COMFY Authentic

Podcasts are finest loved pacing round your own home, choosing up random issues Previous You determined to place down and overlook about—or perhaps that’s simply me … no, I don’t suppose so. However why depart the consolation of your blanket cocoon when you may stroll round with it? The Comfortable achieves simply that by combining a microfiber/sherpa blanket with the comfort of a hoodie. It’s good in your podcast-loving good friend who additionally occurs to be an introvert.

Greatest onesie with pockets: Simply Love Printed Flannel Grownup Onesie

Exhausting pants are each podcast’s worst enemy. Slip into one thing snug with this unisex onesie, which is available in 5 colours and 6 sizes. Even higher, it has pockets, making it good for the podcast lover who misplaces their cellphone or earbuds.

Greatest treadmill: Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill

Taking a stroll and listening to podcasts go hand in hand. Chilly climate stops that for some, depriving podcast lovers of just a bit serotonin. Repair that drawback with this treadmill, which can be utilized as a strolling pad. It even comes with a distant management for hands-free use. In the event you’re gifting to somebody seeking to kill two birds with one stone concerning health and media consumption, this treadmill makes for an awesome alternative.

Greatest mug hotter: Mr. Espresso Mug Hotter

Making a heat cup of tea and having it go chilly rapidly is one in every of life’s curses. This mug hotter re-warms your cuppa in two minutes or much less, with an indicator mild signaling when it’s time to take a heat sip. An extended energy wire means whoever you’re gifting this mug hotter to received’t have to fret about reaching for an outlet.

Greatest sensible mug: Ember Temperature Management Good Mug

In the event you’d like a step-up reward from a mug hotter, why not get a complete sensible mug? It retains a drink scorching for 1.5 hours on a full cost—one podcast episode. You may as well preserve it scorching all day by inserting it on its designated charging coaster. In the event you’re purchasing for a techie who enjoys podcasts, they’ll respect the app connection and sensible actions, like waking up when it acknowledges motion or liquid.

Greatest how-to e-book: Podcasting for Dummies

Obsessive about the podcast-obsessed capers of Solely Murders Within the Constructing? In the event you’re seeking to make a podcast or see how a podcast is made, this how-to information will paved the way. Discover ways to refine your thought, discover an viewers, file, edit, market, and monetize your creation. The particular person you’re gifting to is not any dummy, however this information will simply clarify how the sausage is made.

Greatest interface: Focusrite Vocaster Two

When you’re able to make that storyboard dreamboard a actuality, this interface was made particularly for podcasting, with labels and controls for hosts and visitors with an intuitive design. It additionally makes recording simple, due to an Auto Achieve button and live-audio recording capabilities.

Greatest microphone: Logitech Blue Sona Lively Dynamic XLR Broadcast Microphone

No podcast is full with out a good mic, and this can be a nice mic. This phantom-powered XLR mic from Logitech for Creators is made for capturing wealthy, broadcast-quality vocals due to its hyper-focused supercardioid pickup sample, dual-diaphragm capsule, and inside shockmount. Mixed with built-in 25dB ClearAmp tech and a 40Hz-18kHz frequency response (with high-pass filter and presence enhance toggles), plus a 290-degree swivel mount, these components make this mic prepared so that you can discover each angle from any angle.

Greatest increase arm: Donner Increase Arm

This increase arm from Donner has a desk clamp for straightforward set-up, with a metallic arm that can final for years. Buddies don’t let pals maintain a microphone with their shaky, unreliable arms.

Greatest acoustic panels: 52-Pack Acoustic Panels

Exterior noises and stray reflections can destroy a podcast’s high quality. Assist your good friend flip their spare room right into a recording paradise with these one-foot sq. foam acoustic panels, which are available a bountiful 52-pack. That needs to be sufficient to remodel their room to start out on their podcast or streaming desires. (In the event you’re going this route, try our primer on soundproofing a room—although there’s no podcast model but.)

Greatest for avenue interviews: Blast Mic

In the event you’re hitting the road, the Blast Mic is a must have. It’s moveable, wi-fi, and straightforward to make use of. Pair it along with your cellphone’s Bluetooth to arrange a Blast Radio account, join it to Wi-Fi (whether or not a neighborhood community or your cellphone’s hotspot), then press a button to livestream on Blast Radio—no interface vital. Two electret microphones in XY configuration with adjustable achieve and onboard DSP guarantee most sound high quality, and an 8-hour inside battery makes certain you may seize all of the actions and reactions. There are additionally 3.5mm inputs and headphone outputs should you work with a number of sources, individuals, and so forth.