Whether you like working with old-school vinyl, dab with a pair of CDJs, or a digital controller, a good pair of DJ headphones is necessary to ensure the right volume and music mix cues. You can easily get away with using iPhone earbuds or basic consumer headphones, but honestly! You will be at a considerable disadvantage.
DJing headphones are not like regular headphones; they have a specific bass response, noise isolation, and clarity. This is why DJs can easily mix in crowded and noisy venues. Basic consumer headphones don’t provide you with that clarity; you will be relying on zero sonic details.
However, with the growing number of brands and headphone models, finding the right pair of DJ headphones has become trickier than usual.
My first pair was a Technics headphone that lasted for over 10 years and thousands of hours of use. So, make sure you make the right choice and buy headphones only once.
There are dozens of great options out there. However, we picked only the top fourteen we believe are the best according to all elements, price tag, reviews, and personal experience. The “best” DJ headphone doesn’t exist since it is a subjective matter, and in the end, it comes down to your individual needs. But we are definite that the models below will get the job done better than most.
You cannot go wrong with these picks since they are ideal for both amateurs and professionals.
Top 14 Best DJ Headphones – Reviews
1. Sennheiser HD 25 Headphones
Features:
- Headphones Type: Closed-back / On-ear
- Driver Size: 41mm
- Frequency Response: 16Hz-22kHz
- Cable Type: Straight
- Cable Length: 55” (150cm)
- Replaceable Cable: Yes
- Foldable: No
- Weight: 0.3 lbs. (136grams)
The smaller sibling of HD25-1 II is the most popular DJing headphone in the market. It is a great choice for those with a limited budget but still desires a high-end DJ pair with good sound quality. Sennheiser HD25 is professional DJ headphones used by the majority of professional DJs such as Abobe & Beyond, Solomun, Eli & Fur, and many more.
The frequency response at 16Hz-22KHz may not happily surprise you, but the sound quality is superb, with deep and punchy bass as well as, clear mids and highs. However, the HD25 is not recommended for studio use such as the Sennheiser HD8 and Beyerdynamic DT1350 that will deliver excellent work recording and monitoring in your studio. More below… It also offers a rotatable capsule and adjustable padded headband that will fit on any head size.
This pair is very lightweight, compact but still capable of handling high sound pressure levels and a maximum SPL of 120db. The same as the HD25-1 II, it has a specially made molded HardBody shell and soft velveteen inside lining that provides a comfortable and durable pair. The closed-back earcups and thick on-ear cushions block out unwanted ambient noise. There is also an HD25 Plus version with extra cable and earpads included.
The perfect entry-level DJ headphones for Techno, EDM, and most electronic music DJs!
Conclusion: Many DJs, such as myself, struggle with protecting our headphones over hardship and transfer. The package includes a Full Sized HardBody PRO Headphone Case from Slappa to give you extra protection and style with the black rubberized PVC exterior finish. If you have a budget under $200, I see no reason not to go for it. It is probably one of the best and top-rated DJ headphones in the market.
Check out our comprehensive review of the new Sennheiser HD25.
DJs using it: Nina Kraviz, Guy J, Tale of us, Avicii, Minilogue
| Comfort: | 10/10 |
| Noise-canceling: | 9/10 |
| Sound: | 9/10 |
| Build quality: | 9.5/10 |
2. Pioneer HDJ-X10 Pro DJing Headphones
Specs:
- Headphones Type: Closed-back / Over-ear
- Driver Size: 50mm
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-40kHz
- Cable Type: Straight / Coiled
- Cable Length: 63” (160cm) / 47” (120cm)
- Replaceable Cable: Yes
- Foldable: Yes
- Weight: 0.72 lbs. (328 grams)
The HDJ-X10 is the newest model of Pioneer and has already engaged a big amount of DJs and musicians out there. Same with the HDJ-2000, it is an over-ear, closed-back type of headphone. It offers a 50mm dome type driver that will give you a powerful, rich, and tight bass, clear mid-range. The frequency response of 5Hz to 40kHz and the SPL (Sound Pressure Level) at 106dB will give you clear sound rare to find it elsewhere.
They have a solid, refined design, a flexible headband, and rotatable earcups that will guarantee a long-life product.
The included hard case will help you to keep them safe in case of frequent transfer or accidents. The headset also comes with removable cables. One coiled (1.2m to 3m) and one straight (1.6m), so you have the luxury to choose according to your needs and wants. The unique feature that makes this pair stand out from the rest is its shock-resistant (which has been tested to US Military Standard MIL-STD-810G Shock test) as well as the Nano coating, which is resistant to sweat and dirt.
Conclusion: With a beautiful and stylish design combining high durability and comfort makes it a perfect entry for our list of the best DJ headphones. It is available at approximately the same price as the HDJ-2000, and between those two, it’s hard to choose.
DJs using it: Markus Schulz, Julian Jordan
| Comfort: | 9.5 |
| Noise-canceling: | 9.5/10 |
| Sound: | 9/10 |
| Build quality: | 9/10 |
3. AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Modular Headphones
Specs:
- Headphones Type: Closed-back / On-ear
- Driver Size: 40mm
- Cable Type: Straight / Coiled
- Cable Length: 55” (150cm) / Up to 124” (320cm)
- Replaceable Cable: Yes
- Foldable: No
Aiaiai TMA-2 DJ is another well-known pair of headphones worn by many worldwide DJs. Especially artists in Techno and Deep House music preference will say that this is probably one of the best DJ headphones they currently use. The superb reviews and support by many pro DJs leave no place to doubt the quality of these headphones.
This “on-ear” style might trick you into believing that they cannot offer good isolation, but the thing is that TMA-2 blocks out ambient sounds exceptionally well. So well, actually that you will see it worn by people of different professions and not just DJs.
The sound quality is excellent, with bright, punchy bass and extended highs. And all that in this extremely lightweight pair of DJ headphones.
This pair is nearly indestructible. You will find DJs that use it almost daily, and it still works fine after a decade. Even if you are unlucky to destroy a part or two, it will be easy to find a replacement and fix it. Except for its high endurance, Aiaiai offers excellent comfort.
Another plus of the TMA-2 DJ is its exceptionally lightweight size. It is one of the lightest pro pairs in the market. Many satisfied users give an excellent rating for a headphone that will probably last forever. The only thing that could’ve been made a bit better is the headband type. These headphones aren’t foldable, so they are difficult to carry. Apart from that, everything else checks out.
Conclusion: The Aiaiai TMA-2 DJ is the biggest competitor of Pioneer HDJ-2000 and Sennheiser HD 25 for the title of the best DJ headphones. With superb sound quality, suitable for any professional DJ. On the one hand, you have the well-known essential quality of Pioneer and, on the other side, the unique design and high portability to transfer it with incredible easiness.
Check out our full review of the new Aiaiai TMA-2 Modular DJ Headphones.
DJs using it: Zedd, Bonobo, Trentemoller, Richie Hawtin, Nicolas Jaar
| Comfort: | 9.5/10 |
| Noise-canceling: | 8.5/10 |
| Frequency range: | 9/10 |
| Build quality: | 9/10 |
For more Sennheiser models, check the top 10 Sennheiser headphones in the market.
4. V-MODA CROSSFADE M-100 DJ Headphones
Specs:
- Headphones Type: Closed-back / Over-ear
- Driver Size: 50mm
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-40kHz
- Cable Type: Straight / Coiled
- Cable Length: 51” (130cm) / 78” (198cm)
- Replaceable Cable: Yes
- Foldable: Yes
- Weight: 0.61 lbs. (277 grams)
If you are looking for cool-looking DJ headphones V-MODA M-100 might be the choice for you. The Italian manufacturer introduced to us a few years ago creates a complete pair of headphones for DJs.
Except for the beautiful and filled look, M-100 is very comfortable, has an excellent build, and is probably the best noise-canceling DJ headphones for mixing on stage. That is due to the flex-steel headphone band, which allows you to twist them without causing any long-term damage.
The 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers produce a powerful sound with clean and deep bass and ultra-extended highs. The frequency response is not flat, so it is not recommended for mixing and mastering in your studio.
One of the best-rated DJ headphones and highly recommended by the majority of users.
V-MODA crossfade M-100 offers comfortable foam ear-pads that are incredibly comfortable, and you can wear them for hours. The over-ear headphone type also helps to achieve splendid isolation, blocking any unwanted background sounds.
Conclusion: For those who are looking for quality and design, V-MODA Crossfade M-100 is a perfect option. It has already collected thousands of great reviews on Amazon store, and V-MODA gives a small variety of color collections (mate black metal, white-silver, shadow, and phantom chrome) to pick on your “likes”. It comes with a hard case to keep it safe from transporting and other hardships.
DJs using it: Pete Tong, Paul Van Dyk, Tiesto, Nicky Romero
| Comfort | 9/10 |
| Noise-canceling: | 9.5/10 |
| Sound: | 9/10 |
| Build quality: | 9/10 |
5. BEYERDYNAMIC DT 1350 Monitoring Headphones
Specs:
- Headphones Type: Closed-back / On-ear
- Driver Size: 80mm
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-30kHz
- Cable Type: Straight
- Cable Length: 55” (150cm)
- Replaceable Cable: No
- Foldable: No
- Weight: 0.37 lbs. (172grams)
We are used to seeing Beyerdynamic headphones in some of the top-quality recording studios. DT 1350 is a pair for DJs as well, and it is pretty amazing. All these years of headphone production from Beyerdynamic leave no room to doubt their build and sound quality.
With this closed-back type of headphones with 129dB maximum SPL, you can easily hear your music over the crowd. DT 1350 has an extraordinary bass response and clears the mids and highs. It is a superb headphone for djing. It is also an excellent option for music emphasizing bass sounds.
The overall appearance looks similar to Sennheiser HD 25-1, with small ear-cups but very good for blocking ambient sound. Ear pads are also rotatable, and the headband is very flexible, making them very durable. Same with HD-25, it is very lightweight and effortless to transfer between gigs.
If you want DJ headphones that will do an equally well job in the studio, then the DT 1350 is an excellent option.
Conclusion: The Tesla technology offers low levels of distortion, the build is high quality, the pair is portable, very durable, and I can’t find any reason not to take this headphone seriously. I would personally add that I love the design and look of DT 1350. You wouldn’t be disappointed if you decide to purchase it, it’s perfect.
| Comfort: | 9/10 |
| Noise-canceling: | 8.5/10 |
| Sound: | 9/10 |
| Build quality: | 8.5/10 |
6. SENNHEISER HD8 DJ Pro Headphones
Specs:
- Headphones Type: Closed-back / Over-ear
- Driver Size: 50mm
- Frequency Response: 8Hz-30kHz
- Cable Type: Straight / Coiled
- Cable Length: Coiled 1.5m-3.0m / Straight 3.0m
- Replaceable Cable: Yes
- Foldable: Yes
- Weight: 0,62 lb (284 grams)
The second Sennheiser model on our list of the best DJing headphones is the most expensive one. The customer reviews are nearly perfect, making it one of the top-rated headphones, with users praising its comfort, sound, and durability. It is the ideal headphone for djing and recording studios.
Sennheiser HD8 is a closed-back type offering incredible isolation from ambient sounds. Along with the over-ear earcups, it will allow you to keep focused on the music, even in the loudest confined spaces. The HD8 offers excellent sound quality with a maximum SPL capacity of 115 dB. You will hear the bass and highs amazingly well, to help you perform superb beat-matching and mixing without damaging your ears.
The top feature of the HD8 DJ is its durability, and I honestly believe that this pair can last for years, and that’s because of the metal around the ear-cups, the metal pivot at the joint, and the flexible headband. The package also includes a pair of extra velour ear pads and a premium hard case for transfer.
Conclusion: At first sight, the design and looks of the Sennheiser HD8, along with its high price range, will probably leave you with doubt. Sennheiser HD8 DJ is not very comfortable after long sessions as it weighs nearly 3 pounds (1,13 Kg.). However, it is very durable, which is quite essential for DJs who count dozens of hours DJing every month.
DJs using it: Dj Pierre, Bob Sinclair, Thomas Gold
| Comfort: | 8/10 |
| Noise-canceling: | 9.5/10 |
| Sound: | 9.5/10 |
| Build quality: | 9/10 |
7. PIONEER HDJ-2000 MKII Headphones
Specs:
- Headphones Type: Closed-back / Over-ear
- Driver Size: 50mm
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-30kHz
- Cable Type: Straight / Coiled
- Cable Length: 63” (160cm) / 47” (120cm)
- Replaceable Cable: Yes
- Foldable: Yes
- Weight: 0.65 lbs. (298grams)
Pioneer HDJ 2000 MKII is the most popular and worn pair of headphones by DJs all over the world. It is a professional closed-back hi-end pair, built to take abuse. Richie Hawtin, James Zabiela, and Moby are a few among many famous musicians who use this pair in their live events.
These DJ headphones ensure superb clarity with deep bass, crisp trebles, and clear sound. It has a very comfortable fit; the earcups rotate in every possible way, the headband is designed for stretching, and it is a product that will last over time and hardship. Also, HDJ-2000’s cables and ear pads are replaceable, which makes those headphones a long-term investment.
The frequency range is at 5Hz-30KHz, which is ideal for DJing, plus 107dB sound output to overcome the speaker and crowd volume. The closed-back type and over-ear cups offer great isolation to ambient sounds that will let you concentrate on mixing.
When we talk about DJ equipment that will use at all times, the appearance will be taken into consideration. The pair by Pioneer has a very sleek minimal look, and it looks both luxurious and professional.
Pioneer DJ produces the most significant share of DJ equipment in the market!
Conclusion: You cannot go wrong with Pioneer HDJ-2000 has everything you need, from sound quality to durability. They are at the top of our list, and even if they are a bit expensive, they are worth every penny, and I highly recommend them. Don’t forget you are paying for the legendary Pioneer name, experience, and reliability regarding DJ equipment. If you have the budget to spend, go for it. You can also go for the smaller sibling, Pioneer HDJ 1500, to reduce the budget.
DJs using it: Richie Hawtin, Moby, James Zabiela, Calvin Harris
| Comfort: | 9/10 |
| Noise-canceling: | 9.5/10 |
| Sound: | 9.5/10 |
| Build quality: | 8.5/10 |
Best DJ Headphones Under $100
8. Pioneer HDJ-X5 Pro Headphones
Specs:
- Headphones Type: Closed-back / Over-ear
- Driver Size: 40mm
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-30kHz
- Cable Type: Straight / Coiled
- Cable Length: 63” (160cm) / 47” (120cm)
- Replaceable Cable: Yes
- Foldable: Yes
- Weight: 0,59 lb (269 grams)
Pioneer has been a renowned brand in DJ accessories since the 90s. This headphone, even though it comes at a reasonable price, it offers high-end specifications. The headphone embraces lightweight metal. Hence, even though it looks chunky, it does not feel heavy.
With its over-ear ear pad fit, it provides sufficient clamping pressure. The pressure is enough to keep the headphones snug to your head. Even if you are dancing or jumping, the headphones will not fall down. The earpads have a special memory foam covered with pleather to sit on your ears with minimum fatigue comfortably.
Moving on to the sound, I must tell you these headphones have incredible sound. They were designed specifically for live concerts and studio applications. Hence, it comes with a relatively flat frequency response and an accurate sound surround.
The best part is, these headphones have been subjected to military testing as well. Thus, you should rest assured, the headphones won’t break anytime soon. Very few headphones undergo testing like these. The cherry on top is the Nano-coating that provides splash and dust resistance. It also helps in keeping the headphones from malfunctioning due to sweat.
These cool-looking headphones will fit amazingly with any pioneer DJ controller or CDJ setup. Check out the best DJ controllers under $400, or the best professional all-in-one controllers if your pocket can afford them.
DJs using it: Carl Cox
| Comfort: | 9/10 |
| Noise-canceling: | 9/10 |
| Sound: | 9/10 |
| Build quality: | 9/10 |
9. Audio-Technica ATH M40x Professional Headphones
Specs:
- Headphones Type: Closed-back / Over-ear
- Driver Size: 40mm
- Frequency Response: 15Hz-24kHz
- Cable Type: Straight / Coiled
- Cable Length: Coiled 47″ (1.19m) / Straight 117″ (2.97m)
- Replaceable Cable: Yes
- Foldable: Yes
- Weight: 0.625 lbs. (283grams)
Another famous studio DJ headphone brand that has stood its ground over the years and made its place in the market is Audio-Technica. This particular pair is used by most amateur users, and many of the popular DJs out there. The highlight of this product is its robust, durable, sturdy, and cutting-edge construction with 40 mm drivers.
The structure includes earth magnets and copper cl, making it better. Moreover, the ear pads and headband have professional-grade memory foam padding covered with leather. This not only has a snug fit instead makes the product more durable.
Sound-wise, it will impress you because the accuracy it provides is astounding. It is tuned flat for giving utterly accurate sound monitoring over the entire frequency range. In amateur headphones, we usually see the frequency response is not very flat. Surprisingly, these headphones provide a premium flat-frequency response.
Moreover, the noise isolation is very professional as well. We have circumoral contours around the ear, which helps in proper noise isolation. The best part about this headphone pair is its portability and its under 100 dollars price tag. It is easily foldable for space-saving and portability. This not only improves its portability but also prevents the headphones from breaking.
| Comfort: | 8.5/10 |
| Noise-canceling: | 9/10 |
| Sound: | 8.5/10 |
| Build quality: | 8.5/10 |
10. Beyerdynamic DT 240 PRO DJ Studio Headphones
Specs:
- Headphones Type: Closed-back / Over-ear
- Driver Size: 40mm
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-35kHz
- Cable Type: Straight & Coiled
- Cable Length: 4.1 ft. ( coiled), 9.8 ft. ( stretched)
- Replaceable Cable: Yes
- Foldable: No
- Weight: 0.43 lbs. (195grams)
These low-cost DJ monitoring headphones by Beyerdynamic are best for professional and creative users. They are ideal for producers, podcasters, filmmakers, and of course radio DJs. The construction, design, and sound quality make these headphones ideal for every environment; whether it is your home, your studio, or a noisy bar-café.
The earpads have a compact over-ear design to minimize loss and maximize sound isolation. With minimum spillover effects and high ambient noise isolation, it eliminates all distractions. This headset comes with powerful transducers installed in the ear area. Thus, you can use them in any studio you want, and with any application you want. The sound quality will be top-notch.
When it comes to construction, BeyerDynamic has done an exceptional job. The headphones feature a very robust design and a steel headband. In other parts of the headphone, we see aluminum yokes and reinforced cables which improve the durability and provide the type of snug fit and flexibility that is demanded by professionals. The headphones are lightweight. The wear is very comfortable even if you wear these for a long time. The earpads contain memory foam.
| Comfort: | 9/10 |
| Noise-canceling: | 8.5/10 |
| Sound: | 8.5/10 |
| Build quality: | 9/10 |
11. Sony MDR7506 Professional Headphones
Specs:
- Headphones Type: Closed-back / Over-ear
- Driver Size: 40mm
- Frequency Response: 10Hz-20kHz
- Cable Type: Coiled
- Cable Length: 117″ (2.97m)
- Replaceable Cable: No
- Foldable: Yes
- Weight: 0.5 lbs. (227 grams)
Sony is one of the leaders in the audio and video world. This professional yet affordable over-the-ear headphones by Sony are ideal for DJing and studio monitoring.
For all the applications where sound needs to be monitored for quality control and quality assurance, these headphones can be used. The drivers are 40 mm that produce high-quality sound and flat frequency response over the range of 10 Hz to 20 kHz. The headphones are made for quality assurance and control; hence, they are customized so that they can be used for extended periods of time.
Moreover, the earpad is constructed such that it provides a closed-ear design. The headphones come with a 9.8 feet long cord that has a gold-plated plus at the end along with a 1.4 inches adaptor.
The MDR7506 is designed for music producers, however, it is also the best Sony DJ headphones. Furthermore, this pair is also used for monitoring sounds while recording songs, during film production, mixing & mastering, or during news castings. It is the most versatile pair of DJ headphones on our list and for a very affordable price.
The MDR7506 is also featured on our list with the best studio headphones under $100.
| Comfort: | 9/10 |
| Noise-canceling: | 9/10 |
| Sound: | 9/10 |
| Build quality: | 9/10 |
12. Behringer HPX2000 High-Definition Headphones
Specs:
- Headphones Type: Closed-back / Over-ear
- Driver Size: 40mm
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Cable Type: Straight
- Cable Length: 72″ (1,83m)
- Replaceable Cable: No
- Foldable: Yes
- Weight: 0.68 lbs. (308grams)
All that you need for a comfortable listening experience is present in this pair of Behringer headphones. These old-school DJ headphones are on our list because of their high comfort and inexpensive price.
Unlike other DJ headphones, you can wear these for hours without noticing, and the best part is, they still provide you with the required noise isolation. Both the ear cups are rotating and reversible. They embrace high-resolution cobalt capsules. Since these capsules have very little resistance, you get to deliver and pass through every drop of your sound.
If you have owned a DJ headphone before, you would know how frustrating it is to deal with a tangled wire in between your performance. However, you will not have to face the same issue here, since these bad boys come with oxygen-free copper wire that resists tangling.
Sound quality-wise, we have a high-definition bass and super-transparent highs. The ultra-high dynamic range provides better control over the music you are playing. Also, it is a combination of high comfort and low price. Many well-known artists and DJs endorse this pair of headphones. Hence, I assure you, with this pair of headphones you cannot go wrong.
| Comfort: | 8.5/10 |
| Noise-canceling: | 8.5/10 |
| Sound: | 7.5/10 |
| Build quality: | 7.5/10 |
13. Monoprice Hi-Fi DJ Style Over-The-Ear Headphones
Specs:
- Headphones Type: Closed-back / Over-ear
- Driver Size: 50mm
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Cable Type: Straight
- Cable Length: 2 x 4 feet (1.2m)
- Replaceable Cable: Yes
- Foldable: Yes
Last on the list is this very cheap headphone by Monoprice that will blow your mind. The headset does not come with a fixed wire; rather, you can use an aux cable for connecting it to the adaptor or media device. Durability wise, the headset provides the best of the best. It can stay put and keep working for years and years if treated right.
Under the hood, the headphones have a 50 mm driver and 100 dB sensitivity that ensures the right amount of clarity and frequency response. Moreover, you have a very good volume, higher than most DJ headphones of the same price range. If you don’t want to use a cable with your headphones, they also have a wire-free operation via Bluetooth. However, you must know the sound quality might be degraded a little while using Bluetooth.
The best part is its on-ear controls that provide the DJ with a higher level of control over whatever he/she is listening to. It is not the most durable pair but for home practice.
| Comfort: | 9/10 |
| Noise-canceling: | 8.5/10 |
| Sound: | 7.5/10 |
| Build quality: | 8/10 |
14. OneOdio Adapter-Free Monitor Headphones
Specs:
- Headphones Type: Closed-back / Over-ear
- Driver Size: 50mm
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Cable Type: Straight / Coiled
- Cable Length: 9.8ft and 4ft Cable with mic.
- Replaceable Cable: Yes
- Foldable: Yes
OneOdio is a relatively new company in the world of DJ headphones, but in a little time, it has made its place in the industry. Premium sound quality and high-end construction it provides via this DJ earpiece.
The frequency response is flat, and the bass is such that you can monitor all notes. The headphones come with a 50 mm speaker unit driver as well as the neodymium magnets. These magnets combine with the drivers to provide very high-level sound quality and stereo.
All the good qualities of a DJ headset are available in these headphones. The earpads are padded with quality ear cushions and are design for extended use. The sound isolation is also maximized with the type of padding and contours used. Coming to the headband, it is stretchable and adjustable. You can easily set it to the desired level. These cans come with a long cord; hence, you don’t have to worry about using an adaptor.
In case you still want to use an adaptor on top of the 9.8 feet cord, the headphones come with a 25 feet adaptor cable. The ear cups have a 90 degrees swivel so that you can use the headphones for single-sided monitoring as well.
For under $50 it is considered a very cheap DJ headphone but still delivers powerful bass, good and crisp high tones, and clear vocals.
| Comfort: | 8.5/10 |
| Noise-canceling: | 8/10 |
| Sound: | 7/10 |
| Build quality: | 8/10 |
Buyers Guide – How to choose DJ Headphones
What makes a pair of headphones good for DJing?
DJ headphones are professional headphones specifically designed for DJs to help them mix music efficiently, whether they are in the studio or in a noisy area. The DJ earphones have a very defined sound. Unlike standard consumer headphones, where the sound needs to be balanced, these headphones are constructed to have a distinctive sound where the user can quickly tell the bass mids, lows, and highs.
What DJ Headphones Should I Buy?
Buy a headset that suit perfectly to YOUR needs. The most expensive DJ headphones don’t necessarily mean the best DJ headphones.
What to consider before buying DJ headphones?
If you are new to the world of DJ headphones, you need to know it is not like an ordinary headphone, rather it has several different angles to it, and you need to be vigilant about some of the categories. Here is an overview of the features you need to keep in mind while searching for DJ headphones.
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Audio quality:
This, without a doubt, is the first and foremost quality you should look for in any of the DJ headsets you decide upon. DJs usually work in a very noisy and crowded environment. In such situations, they cannot mix to their best unless and until the audio quality is top-notch. You must be able to push the volume higher than normal consumer headphones. Moreover, it should have zero distortion on high volumes.
Another thing you need to keep in mind while checking the audio quality is the frequency rate. It should be rather flat so that you can easily hear the entire frequency response clearly. On top of that, a good bass sound is extremely important. In some cases, your DJ mixer or DJ controller affects the sound quality of your headphones.
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Headphone type:
“Closed-back” – Keep in mind the DJ environment is extremely noisy. So it is critical that the pair of headphones better to be “closed-back” so that it will reduce the unwanted noises around you and hear the bass loud and clear.
“Open-back” type of headphones do no block the background noises the same well. But if you want to focus purely on sound quality, then the open-back is a winner for you. There are exceptions, of course, of open type pairs with splendid isolation.
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Earcups:
Some DJ headphones have earcups that sit on top of your ear; those are called On-Ear. And there are also the Over-Ear where the earpads (cups) cover the whole of your ear. There’s no right and wrong choice here, and it’s entirely up to your preference. On-ear headphones tend to be a little more comfortable and less dense. Over-ear headphones, on the other hand, create better isolation from the ambient noise.
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Foldable:
One important feature is swivel earcups; they either swivel or rotate. It is necessary for maximum control over the music. You need folding headphones for two reasons. First, because if they are not rotatable are much more fragile, and second, rotatable headphones are more comfortable to pack and transfer everywhere you go.
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Sound quality (Loudness/Bass):
Since we are not buying headphones for producing or other studio work, we do not care for a “flat” sound. We need to hear loud & clear the bass/kick and high frequencies of the song. Loudness, also known as “sensitivity,” is measured either in decibels (dB) or milliwatts (mW). The higher the sensitivity, the better you will listen to your tracks on headphones. The large drivers will deliver bass frequencies more efficiently and with less distortion. For that purpose, drivers around 40mm or more substantial are the perfect fit.
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Clamping pressure:
Clamping pressure has two main reasons. The first is that it needs to keep the headphones in place. If you watch DJs, you will notice they regularly move their headphones, hence without required clamping pressure; the headphone will not stay in place. The second is noise isolation. The clamping pressure ensures the ear pads areas as near to your ear as they can. This is why you often see DJs putting pressure on their earpads. Thus, a DJ headphone has more pressure than regular headphones, which is why they are tighter than usual and can get a little uncomfortable. DJ headphones are not ideal for extended wear.
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Fit and adjustment:
Getting a DJ earpiece with higher flexibility carries sheer importance. Since they need a lot of adjustment and have to undergo a number of twists, flexibility is the only thing that can help them survive such treatment. Having the wrong fit of headphones will not provide the required noise isolation or maybe it will be too tight and will cause a headache. Hence, always get the right fit for yourself. Moreover, if you decide to buy a normal pair of headphones, you will not find the required fit and flexibility in them.
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Durability:
Since DJs have to use their headphones for mixing regularly, they take it on their travels, they keep it to their studios, or they bring it to crowded places and whatnot. Falling and enduring damage is inevitable and since you are investing fairly a large amount of revenue in these headphones, durability is a must.
You will spend countless hours with your headphones, and no matter how much you take care of them, eventually, you will drop them, crushed them against other tools in your backpack, the cable will get wrapped around it, and drinks might cover them someday. Studio headphones can be treated differently, but when you are looking for DJ headphones, a highly durable pair is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best DJ headphones in the world today?
- Sennheiser HD-25
- Pioneer HDJ-X10
- Aiaiai TMA-2 DJ Modular
- V-MODA crossfade M-100
- Pioneer HDJ-2000 MKII
- Beyerdynamic DT 1350
- Sennheiser HD8 DJ
What are the cheapest DJ headphones for beginners under $100?
- Pioneer HDJ-X5
- Audio-Technica ATH M40X
- Beyerdynamic DT240 Pro
- Sony MDR 7506
- OneOdio DJ Headphones
- Behringer HPX2000
- Monoprice DJ style
DJ headphones vs. Studio headphones / What is the difference between them and what features separate them:
DJ headphones are also good for normal use, but in the studio, you want different specs. When you are playing music and mixing tracks, it is not necessary to hear a full dynamic range of a song. DJ quality headphones offer potent Kick, Snare, and HiHat, which are essential to guide you to a perfect and smooth mix. Studio headphones, on the other hand, provide better sound quality and a flat sound response.
The second feature that separates them is the headphone type. “Closed-back” is most common for loud environments and, therefore, for DJing. “Open-back” might lack isolation but offer better sound quality for the same price range. That is not a definite rule, as you can find both types delivering similar results in both Studio and Live environments.
List of DJ headphone brands:
- Pioneer DJ
- Sennheiser
- Aiaiai
- Sony
- V-Moda
- Denon DJ
- Technics
- Allen & Heath
- Beyerdynamic
- Audio Technica
- AKG
- Numark
- Shure
- Behringer
- Monoprice
- Stanton
- Philips
- Panasonic
Video: How to use your headphones while DJing?
Final Thoughts
Looking for the best headphones to DJ with can be daunting. Whether you are looking for the best budget DJ headphones, cool-looking pairs, or with the best sound quality, or noise-canceling, our picks will cover you all. And it doesn’t matter if you perform in a club, or a festival, radio or studio, practice at home or on the road, the required specifications and features of your DJ headphones remain the same.
Now that you know what to consider on every pair of DJ headphones, you can narrow down the list of available models to those that interest you the most. Investing in a pair of good-quality DJ monitoring headphones is one of the more thoughtful things you can do as a beginner DJ. As a musician, the only irreplaceable “tool” is your hearing. So, do not act cheap, pick one of the above, and you are safe.
DJing headsets are monitoring gear, and selecting the right one captivates DJs’ attention. DJ headsets by quality-monster brands such as Pioneer, Sennheiser, and Beyerdynamic, make the final choice pleasantly painful!
Once again, the final choice is up to you. If you like comfortable and light DJ headphones go for an on-ear type. If you want to focus more on isolation, then the over-ear is definitely for you. There are many different options out there, a wide variety of brands, features, and price tags, for you to choose from according to your preferences and budget.
Unfortunately, wireless and Bluetooth headphones for DJing have not yet improved to the desired level and there aren’t many worth-mentioning value-for-money choices.
Do not hesitate to post your comments and questions about the DJ headphones. What do you wish to buy? How much can you spend? My team and I would be happy to help! Have fun shopping…
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I love V- Moda Crossfade! The isolation for the headphone is solid. I like it when we can customise the metal piece. Any chance you know any company/shop that do them for cheap price?
Thanks for this amazing article!! I think i will buy the Sennheiser HD 25. I have seen most Techno DJs wear it.
Great choice. Indeed, HD 25 is very common amongst Techno DJs.