dj headphones are one of the most important pieces of equipment you will own. the amount of time you spend with them in your head will be enormous.
Owning a pair of professional dj headphones is an investment every dj should make, even if you’re a novice. In this guide, we take a look at the best DJ headphones currently available in a variety of categories.
Reading: Professional dj headphone reviews
top 10 dj headphones
There’s a staggering amount of choice and an even wider price range, but not all dj headphones are created equal. here are the best of the best.
dj headphone reviews
here’s our pick of the 10 best dj headphones currently available in more detail. from high quality professional options to economical options.
sennheiser hd 25 review
best headphones for edm
specifications
See also: Sennheiser PX200-II / PX200-IIi Review | The Headphone List
advantages
- lightweight: One of the biggest benefits is the lightweight feel of the headphones. this makes them great if you plan on long sessions with these on your head.
- Durable – You’d think the lightweight design would result in headphones that break easily. That’s not the case and makes these DJ headphones best suited for the traveling DJ.
- Replaceable Parts – All components are replaceable. so even if something goes wrong, you don’t want to buy a whole new pair of headphones.
- Excellent sound: A good balance across all frequency ranges. the bass isn’t overpowering but it’s still satisfying.
cons
- ear cushions: the supra-aural design can cause some sweating and are prone to wear. several pad options are available, but keep this in mind if your studio gets hot.
You’ve likely seen the Sennheiser HD 25 DJ headphones on the heads of some of the world’s top DJs, and for good reason. These over-ear headphones are loud and have excellent isolation.
The headphones are comfortable and fit perfectly in the ear. In addition, they also offer swivel ear cups for single-ear monitoring. badly worn units still hold up and any components that reach the end of their lifecycle are easily replaced.
have stood the test of time as one of the best dj headphones on the market, if not the best. It’s because of these incredible features that we recommend the HD 25 headphones as the best DJ headphones available today.
read our full sennheiser hd 25 review for more detailed information.
v-moda crossfade m-100 review
quality customizable dj headphones
specifications
See also: Sennheiser PX200-II / PX200-IIi Review | The Headphone List
advantages
- excellent build quality – high quality components throughout. Strong steel frame along with a firm yet flexible headband. These can take some punishment.
- Warm Low End: The V Moda Crossfade M-100 offers a nice clean bass response. It’s not overly braced but still has a good level of impact.
- Replaceable Panels – Angled side panels can be replaced with various colors. go one step further with custom designs.
- strong isolation: sound leakage is minimal and isolation is solid thanks to the firm grip around the ear. great for djs who need to focus on the mix.
cons
- not very good for large heads – although very comfortable, the grip on the head is a bit tight. It’s only noticeable if you have a bigger head.
the v-moda crossfade m-100 dj headphones are another excellent option and one of the most popular among the best djs. clean and defined sound along with additional functions that other brands do not offer.
v-fashion sets itself apart from the rest with the ability to customize them. has made them a favorite among professional DJs looking to inject their brand into their gear. an extra layer of awesomeness that other options don’t offer.
a popular set of headphones that offers both build quality and sound quality.
audio-technica ath-m50x review
perfect for bass lovers
specifications
See also: Sennheiser PX200-II / PX200-IIi Review | The Headphone List
advantages
- Solid Bass: Bass is right on the sweet spot. good for djs to help with beatmatching. not overbearing like some popular consumer headphone brands.
- color options: black not your thing? never fear, there are a wide variety of colors to choose from. being able to express your style through your headphones is a huge benefit.
- detachable cable: Offers two cable options (coiled and straight). The cable is detachable and locks in place with a clever twist mechanism. This means they won’t drop out while you’re in the middle of a set.
- Good Build Quality – The Audio Technica ATH-M50X offers a solid build. they can easily handle constant use.
cons
- bass creates an imbalance, while bass is very satisfying and more forward. excellent for DJing but not ideal for analytical listening.
These stylish Audio Technica ATH M50X DJ Headphones are a popular choice for DJs. offering an impressive soundscape that manages to do what few headphones do in its price range. offering a meaty and rich sound that is appropriate for dj and personal use.
a solid choice for djs who like a lot of hits in the low end.
Please read our full audio-technica ath-m50x review for more detailed information.
sony mdr-7506 review
versatile headphones for producers and djs
specifications
See also: Sennheiser PX200-II / PX200-IIi Review | The Headphone List
advantages
- good mids and highs: These headphones excel in the mid and high frequency range. The crisp definition will bring out the finer details which is useful for DJs mixing songs that have a heavy emphasis on these frequencies.
- Powerful Drivers – The 40mm drivers have a great impact and are quite loud. the full closed back insulation also helps block your ears when preparing for your next transition.
- cord length: a long 9.8 foot coiled cord along with a unimatch plug for ¼ and ⅛ inch connector support. the long cord allows you to move around while you mix, but can be a bit much if you want to take them outside of your home studio.
- translates to production – due to the emphasis on range medium and high frequency, these lend themselves to production. they’re a good option if you want to go beyond DJing without investing in another pair of headphones.
cons
- lack of bass: While the mids and highs are solid, the bass isn’t as good. the bass is there, but it doesn’t take center stage like other headphones available. if you love basses, they may not be the best option.
the sony mdr-7506 dj headphones have been around for a long time. how long? All the way back to 1991. The fact that these headphones are still on the list is a testament to the quality these headphones provide. the combination of balanced output with solid build quality sets them apart from other options in the same price range.
an excellent pair of headphones for producers looking to start DJing and vice versa.
hdj x10 pioneer review
best pioneering dj headphones
specifications
See also: Sennheiser PX200-II / PX200-IIi Review | The Headphone List
advantages
- Built Like a Tank – Passed military-grade crash tests. designed to handle the rigors of frequent use. it also features nano-coating to minimize early deterioration. well designed with the dj in mind.
- big soundstage: maxing out at 40khz, these headphones have a spacious soundscape. excellent imaging for those who prefer a wider soundstage.
- excellent ear cushions: comfortable and durable thanks to nano coating. enough grip to stay on your head without irritation thanks to the plush padding.
- clear sound quality: bass, midrange and treble are well defined and balanced. the bottom end is not as advanced as some other headphones.
cons
- on the expensive side: Pro-grade components and a pioneering name combine for an expensive headset.
the hdj x10 are highly portable thanks to the collapsible design and included carrying case. the sound is excellent although softer in the low end compared to other options. replaceable parts and industrial strength make these a durable option for the traveling DJ.
An ideal set of over-ear headphones for DJs who want balanced response in a rugged package.
review of pioneer hdj x7
high sound quality headphones
specifications
See also: Sennheiser PX200-II / PX200-IIi Review | The Headphone List
advantages
- clean sound: The overall sound profile is detailed and clear. not as wide a soundstage as the x10 that some djs may prefer.
- quality cables: the l-shaped connector is a great addition that prevents accidental disconnection . comes with two high-quality cables for maximum flexibility.
- solid components: the construction is excellent with a firm but comfortable headband. able to handle the punishment that often befalls dj headphones.
- good comfort level – firm but comfortable head grip. enough flexibility to fit a variety of head shapes. they sit comfortably in the ear without excess pressure.
cons
- They don’t come cheap: As with most pioneering pro-level gear, these don’t come cheap. excellent quality but comes at a price.
the trailblazer hdj x7 is the next step down from x10. they still inherit many of the high-quality features of those more expensive headphones. great sound quality and durable construction are the most impressive features. although it is not as complete as the x10, it saves a lot of money without a great reduction in terms of sound.
a handsome set of headphones from pioneer that can take some serious punishment.
audio-technica ath-m30x review
best cheap dj headphones
specifications
See also: Sennheiser PX200-II / PX200-IIi Review | The Headphone List
advantages
- wide frequency range – excellent sound range. capable of delivering clean bass without rumble while executing crisp mids and highs.
- Good Fit: Comfortable ear cups hug your ears. the headband also has good padding which adds to the comfort level.
- ideal for travel: easily folds into a compact shape for easy transport. includes a carry bag to protect your cans on the go.
- Affordable Price – Strikes a great balance between features, build quality, and price. good value for money for new djs looking to stretch their budget.
cons
- Cable Locked – The cable is not replaceable and will not disconnect. not a deal breaker, but a feature that many djs want in their headphones.
audio-technica is back on the list with its affordable set of audio-technica ath-m30x over-ear headphones. they maintain excellent sound despite the lower price. the smaller drivers still deliver satisfying low-end with no loss of clarity. exposed cables are not ideal but manageable as long as you take care of them.
a great choice for your first dj headphones or as a backup pair.
read our full audio-technica ath-m30x review for more detailed information.
behringer hpx2000 review
ultra-affordable option
specifications
See also: Sennheiser PX200-II / PX200-IIi Review | The Headphone List
advantages
- very cheap – when it comes to offering value, these knock it out of the park. These sound better than headphones costing twice as much.
- Amazing sound: The sound quality is excellent, especially when you consider the price. a clean, crisp sound that’s more than capable.
- Folding Design: The cups fold into the earcups to offer a compact profile. great for travel, but you’ll need to buy a case or case separately.
- good cable: the straight cable is long and durable. Cheap headphones often skimp on cable quality, so it’s good to see that behringer has chosen not to follow other brands in this area.
cons
- quality of material: cheap price results in components that are not the best. the silver finish looks a bit cheap, but the important components are still decent.
When it comes to cheap headphones, the Behringer HPX2000 offers new DJs one of the most affordable options on the market. great sound at this price point with attention to the most important aspects of the listening experience. They are not the most attractive headphones, but they do their job very well.
worth considering if you don’t have much to spend on headphones.
mackie mc-100 review
economical and durable choice
specifications
See also: Sennheiser PX200-II / PX200-IIi Review | The Headphone List
advantages
- satisfying punch: The mc-100 offers a warm, punchy low-end that is ideal for matching rhythm. generous and full without looking too flashy.
- good value for money: an excellent price point that balances function, form and value. Although not the cheapest, they are very affordable compared to professional DJ headphones.
- Thick Plastic – Thick plastic components offer an excellent level of durability. the padding on both the headband and the ears is also impressive.
- nice fit: the padding provides a tight yet comfortable seal. the insulation is good and the padding on the headband also adds to the secure fit.
cons
- non-detachable cable: These headphones have a fixed cable. It’s nice and long, but I would have loved to see detachable cables.
mackie’s basic mc-100 is another fantastic pair of headphones. they offer an affordable price point while maintaining good features. solid isolation, punchy bass and a reliable build. while it’s missing a few bells and whistles, it’s still one of the best budget options out there.
If you want a reliable but aggressively priced pair of dj headphones, these should be on your list.
v-moda crossfade 2 wireless review
best bluetooth headphones for dj
specifications
See also: Sennheiser PX200-II / PX200-IIi Review | The Headphone List
advantages
- impressive sound quality – sound detail is excellent. Deep bass with clean mids and crisp highs. v-moda gets it right again with this bluetooth option.
- Long Battery Life: At 12 hours, you have plenty of time up your sleeve. the recharge rate is also fast. you should be able to get them to 100% in about 100 minutes.
- high level of comfort: if you have an average size head, these are ideal when it comes to comfort . The earbuds have a firm grip, but that’s great for listening on the go.
- Robust Bluetooth: Bluetooth connectivity is clean and crisp, with no audio quality issues. note that standard bluetooth delay is present.
cons
- the big head problem: As with most v-moda headphones, these aren’t the best if you have a larger than average head.
v-moda crossfade 2 wireless offers the best of both worlds. they’re a solid pair of wired, over-ear headphones that are great for DJing. they also work great as a wireless pair for daily music listening.
The built-in microphone also adds additional flexibility for use beyond DJing. excellent as a gaming headset or for conference calls. it’s also the only option on this list that offers a microphone. the same customizable options as the rest of the v-moda line let you express yourself even more.
the perfect choice for the dj who wants a pair of headphones for work and play.
how to choose good dj headphones
In this guide, we break down some of the differences you’ll find in the headphone space and the most important features to look out for.
how good is the sound quality?
The best DJ headphones should offer excellent audio quality. you’ll spend a lot of time fine-tuning your transitions and preparing your mixes.
This is where you’ll want excellent bass response to make beat matching easy. if the bass is muddy and not clean, it will be harder to discern the kick drums and match them.
pro dj headphones offer excellent sound quality for precise mixing.
Similarly, the mids should sound tight. well-defined mids let you hear melodies and vocals cleanly. this can highlight any potential conflicting key issues.
Not all dj software accurately registers key, so you’ll often have to rely on your ears to make sure things sound right.
Treble should also be well balanced in the sound profile. overly metallic highs will be irritating for longer dj sessions. you probably have the volume quite high, which only makes the problem worse.
Above all else, sound quality must be well balanced across all frequencies. a slightly steeper low end is fine here and in most cases preferable.
the difference between closed and open headphones
Let’s see the difference between open and closed headphones. Check out the video below that goes over the main differences.
See also: How to Find Your Lost or Stolen AirPod Case In 5 Minutes – Headphonesty
In this review, we have selected the best closed headphones. closed models isolate the dj from outside noise. this helps you sync up your tracks correctly without being distracted by outside noise.
Being able to focus on your mix is critical to your success in mastering the art of DJing. that’s why we consider these options to be the ideal option for DJing.
Open-back earcups allow air to escape from the earcups, giving you a better overall sound experience. this is usually accomplished through some form of ventilation.
This means outside noise can also get in. when trying to match the beat, this can make it more difficult to focus on the mix.
on-ear vs over-ear: which is better?
This is a controversial topic and there is no correct answer.
Over-the-ear options generally offer better sound isolation. this makes them one of the best headphones for DJing in noisy environments. but having the earbuds wrapped around your ear can lead to heat buildup, especially with closed-back designs. the over-ear design also tends to be larger and bulkier.
On-ear designs offer an alternative to these larger headphones and are often lighter. this also results in a more compact design.
On-ear headphones are smaller and, as the name suggests, the cups sit on your ears.
if you have larger ears, you also won’t have to worry about getting your ears into the headphones.
Which option is best depends on personal preference. both types can offer excellent sound and the comfort factor can be high for both on-ear and on-ear.
what additional features do you want?
the best dj headphones usually offer some unique features not usually found in regular headphones. many of these will make DJing more enjoyable and worthwhile.
The first are swivel ear cups. these allow you to switch headphones behind the ear, allowing you to monitor with only one ear.
a great way to hear what’s happening in your live mix while still understanding the details of the incoming track. If you want maximum comfort when monitoring with one ear, you’ll want to make sure your choice offers swivel ear cups.
swivel ear cups let you keep the headset on your head instead of around your neck.
It’s also important to have a variety of cables. a long coiled cord allows you to have excellent range when mixing. it is also more compact than a straight cable.
but to reach that length pressure will be applied to the cable. this is where a straight cable might be preferable. without extra tension, but offering a lot of mobility.
It will often come down to personal preference and individual use cases, but having the choice between the two is great.
The other important feature is a collapsible design. This makes it easy to transport your equipment. When you already have a lot of gear to bring to a gig, it’s nice to have a compact pair of headphones. just make sure the connection points are solid and won’t break with regular use.
how comfortable are the headphones?
The other thing worth considering when it comes to the best dj headphones is how comfortable they are. as mentioned, he will spend a lot of time with them in his head. you want your time on the decks to be as enjoyable as possible. having a pair of headphones that dig into your head or are generally uncomfortable is not what you want.
having comfortable ear cushions is an essential feature for dj headphones.
Things to keep in mind are comfortable ear pads. Some manufacturers make a point of choosing only the best materials for their ear pads. others see it as one of the sections where they can cut costs.
I still remember how quickly the cushions on my first pair of headphones wore out. while you can choose replacement ear cushions, it’s that extra hassle you didn’t want when you were saving up for better gear.
It’s also important to assess how they feel when you only have them on one ear. if that’s how you prefer to DJ, you’ll want a set of cans that allow you to do so comfortably.
what accessories come with the headphones?
It’s worth checking what your headphones come with when you buy them.
Extras like a bag or case can keep you from having to spend more. like all your gear, treat your headphones with care. having a proper bag or case for your headphones will prevent dust from getting on the drivers. this will increase the life of your headphones.
A good case is perfect for protecting your headphones and great for travel.
good cable options are also something to consider. there will often be a coiled or straight cable. sometimes you can even include both to not only give you options but also a backup.
Also, be careful with cables. One of the most common headphone failures is damage to the cable connection.
I tend to get emotional when mixing and often find myself dancing. There have been times when I have accidentally pulled the cord. try to avoid this as much as possible, not the gouging part but the pulling part. 😉
The type of connection is also important. If your DJ equipment only supports a ¼-inch jack, you should look for headphones that have that type of connection. some headsets will come with adapters to fix this problem.
frequently asked questions
what is the difference between dj headphones and studio headphones?
dj headphones often have a greater emphasis on low frequencies. this allows for a clear, punchy bass that makes it easy to beat-match. studio headphones offer a more balanced sound that is ideal for mixing and mastering your recordings or productions.
what headphones do djs use?
some of the world’s most popular djs use the following headphones:
- dimitri vegas & like mike (v-moda crossfade m-100)
- afrojack (sennheiser hd 25)
- chain smokers (v-moda crossfade m-100)
what are the best dj headphones?
All of the headphones in our review are strong contenders, but if you were to hold me back and demand that I pick one as my favourite, I’d recommend the sennheiser hd 25.
is the gold standard and one of the best headphones for DJing. The DJ lifestyle demands durable headphones that provide excellent isolation and high-quality sound. On all of these fronts, the HD 25 delivers what makes them our pick for the best DJ headphones available today.
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