Becoming a successful DJ is about more than having an ear for music.
You also need the right tech. Mixers, DJ software, controller, and monitor speakers are all essential if you want to share your music with the world. However, it’s often easy to overlook some smaller pieces of equipment, however, such as the best DJ headphones you can lay your ‘ear’ on!
Finding the top headphones for you is a critical tool for DJs. Without the proper pair, there’s no way to listen to the sounds you’re creating in a recording studio or on stage.
After all, you don’t want ambient sound or the screaming of fans to distract you.
What are the Best Headphones for DJs?
There are a huge number of excellent headphones for DJs but our best pick has been a leading contender for 3 decades. The high-performance Sennheiser HD 25 headphones provide superb sound quality for DJs, are insanely robust, and will never let you down.
Editors Pick
Best Premium DJ Headphones
Best Budget DJ Headphones
The correct DJ headphones for you will ensure you can hear every element of a composition.
These high-performance tools are a little more expensive than your standard headsets, but they also offer more functionality too.
Today, we’re going to help you choose the best headphones for your next set.
Best DJ Headphones on the Market
Getting the best headphones is a complicated thing to buy because even if you go for the most expensive option, you’re not guaranteed an excellent listening experience. The more time you spend developing your career, the more you’ll discover your individual preferences.
To help get you started, here are some of our top picks of the best headphones for DJs on the market today.
1. Sennheiser HD25
Best Overall DJ Headphones
Sennheiser is a popular name in the headset industry, for professionals and audiophiles alike. The Pro Audio HD 25 headphones deliver an excellent level of high sensitivity.
These headphones are brilliant at handling high-pressure levels, and they’re extremely lightweight and comfortable.
This makes this headset a good choice for dedicated DJs.
The detachable single-sided cable is a nice touch too. You can remove the wire if you need to during transit to prevent breakage.
Editors Pick
Pros:
- Durable & lightweight design
- Excellent sound quality
- Rotatable capsule
- Fantastic comfort
2. Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10
Best Pioneer DJ Headphones
Another top brand in the DJ landscape, Pioneer is best-known for its amazing audio equipment. The Pioneer HDJ-X10 headset comes with a high-quality audio design, thoroughly tested for durability and performance.
Every part of this headset feels solid, from the earcups to the headband.
Plus, you can adjust your headset for an extra comfortable fit.
There’s wireless connectivity, so setting up your headset is a breeze, and you don’t have to rely on wires. Another massive bonus is that this headset looks brilliant for those who want a professional aesthetic.
Pros:
- Well-tested and durable
- Excellent sound quality
- Bluetooth connection available
- Very comfortable to wear for most
Cons:
- Sound a little flat
- Rather large
3. V-MODA Crossfade 2
Best Multipurpose DJ Headphones
The award-winning V-MODA headset might look like more of a pair of gaming headphones than a DJ tool at first glance. However, don’t be fooled.
This headset was tuned by over 200 audiophiles with rigorous testing to deliver great results.
The dual-diaphragm drivers ensure excellent separation between the bass, mids, and highs. Plus, the compact design ensures that your headphones are easy to take on the road.
Unfortunately, if you need to use this headset with an iPhone, the required cable is pretty expensive.
Pros:
- Brilliant build quality
- Unique and eye-catching design
- Fantastic dual-diaphragm driver
- Compact for transportation
Cons:
- Heavier than similar headphones
- Expensive accessories for smartphone
4. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Best Bluetooth DJ Headphones
Bluetooth headphones are often excellent for DJs. When you don’t need to worry about a wire, there’s less to trip over or accidentally yank out of your system.
These wireless headphones from Audi-Technica offer a brilliant on-the-go design with critically acclaimed performance.
There are touch control and voice assistant support too!
The microphone and button control built into the ear cup means you can control things like volume and music playback with ease. Plus, you get a carrying pouch included, which makes transport a lot more convenient too.
Pros:
- Excellent at blocking out excess sound
- Accurate response level
- Even mid-range performance
- Bluetooth for fewer wires
Cons:
- Not the best for bass
5. Behringer HPX6000
Best Budget DJ Headphones
If you’re looking for the best headphones to DJ on a budget, you’ve come to the right place. These Behringer HJPX6000 DJ headphones deliver great sound quality for a relatively low price.
You get an extra high dynamic range, a removable cable, and an adjustable headband for extra comfort.
Swiveling earcups means that you can test the sound quality in seconds.
Another bonus is that there are 50mm high-output neodymium drivers built in.
Pros:
- Fantastic sound quality
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Professional look
- Removable cable included
Cons:
- Not as rugged as some alternatives
- Difficult to adjust the size
6. Pioneer DJ HDJ-X7-K
Best Mid-Priced DJ Headphones
If you have a bit of extra cash to splash on your tools, but you still want to keep costs reasonably low, then check out this headset from Pioneer. The HDKJ-X7-K delivers great sound quality, designed following feedback from experts.
This headset comes with newly developed drivers so you can enjoy cleaner monitoring even at higher volumes.
What’s more, the high-performance cable ensures excellent channel separation.
Like many of the best headphones, this headset is entirely adjustable. You can swivel the earcups to suit you and wear your headset however you prefer. There’s also no need to worry about bumps and knocks during travel because these headphones are extra durable.
Pros:
- Durable design great for travel
- Fantastic adjustable components
- Swiveling headphones
- Drivers sound great
Cons:
- Little tight around the head for some
7. Sony MDR-7506
Best Headphones for Beginner DJs
Sony is a popular brand in the audio world for a reason. These high-performance Sony DJ headphones are sure to blow you away with their unique appearance, solid sound quality, and 40mm drivers for extra-powerful sound output.
The closed-ear design allows for a more comfortable experience over long periods.
Additionally, the cord offers excellent durability, so you don’t have to worry too much about damage.
The Sony MDF-7506 folds up for convenient storage and transportation, and there’s a rugged construction, so you don’t have to worry too much about accidentally damaging your investment.
Pros:
- Super clear and focused sound
- Long-lasting performance with a durable cord
- Reasonably affordable pricing
- Excellent for transportation
Cons:
- Hurt your ears after a while
- Can’t remove the cord
8. AIAIAI TMA-2
Best Back Up DJ Headphones
You never know what is going to happen, do you? It is always sensible to have a spare set of headphones on hand just in case the worst-case scenario happens!
These are simple, super portable, yet reliable, the TMA-2 by AIAIAI headset offers everything you need for fantastic sound. These S02 headphones deliver a titanium-coated driver to reduce potential distortion.
What’s more, there’s an internal vent to provide a more clear and punchy mid-level. The H02 reinforced nylon headband also gives you comfort and durability in one.
The earpads included with this headset are comfortable and lightweight, so they don’t put too much pressure on your ears.
However, some people will find this headset a little too small to be supremely comfortable, particularly for extended periods.
Pros:
- Excellent, well-made design
- Simple but effective
- Durable performance – ideal for regular use
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Mini plugs are difficult to lock
- Not the most comfortable headset
9. Numark Red Wave Carbon
Best Lightweight DJ Headphones
A headset designed for the modern DJ, the Numark Red Wave looks and feels incredible. Lightweight and convenient, these headphones come with an ultra-durable build, and a swivel design so you can monitor house and cue audio as you work.
The high-fidelity design is excellent for achieving a full range of sound, with a 50mm driver included.
The leather padding on the ears combines comfort with style, although it’s worth noting that it can get a bit overheated after a while.
Additionally, the gold-plated adapter promises long-life reliability and performance.
You even get a detachable cable for extra convenience when taking your set on the move.
Pros:
- Eye-catching design
- Excellent swivel performance
- 50mm drivers
- Detachable headphone cable
- Case included
Cons:
- Can get warm after a while
10. SOL Republic Master Tracks X3
Probably one of the more elegant headphone options you’ll see on the market today. The SOL REPUBLIC Master Tracks X3 headset comes with a powerful set of sound engine speakers for clear highs and fantastic bass.
You’ll get fantastic vocal accuracy, and there’s even a microphone included to help you with taking calls and recording music.
Intended for regular use, this DJ headset is exceptionally durable, with a flexible headband and robust materials throughout. You also get a 1000-day guarantee included.
On top of that, you can change the headset headband too.
Pros:
- Comfortable fit for most users
- Powerful audio with deep bass and no distortion
- Cables, earcups and headband are all replaceable
- Inline microphone included
Cons:
- Lacks a bit in the mids and highs
- Ear pads get extremely hot
11. Sennheiser HD-280 Pro
Another top contender for the top DJ headphones is Sennheiser. This fantastic piece of kit comes with dynamic performance and excellent comfort – ideal for long-term use.
Lightweight and ergonomic, these headphones will fit perfectly for a lot of users.
What’s more, the extended frequency response means that you get a natural and warm sound quality.
There’s a cord included with an extra-durable design, to reduce the risk of breakage. Another bonus is that many of the components of these headphones are replaceable.
You can add a new audio cord, headband padding, earpads, and more.
Pros:
- Clean and accurate audio performance
- Comfortable fit for longer sessions
- Durable and lightweight design
- Excellent for reducing ambient noise
Cons:
- Not a detachable cable
12. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
Offering the ideal combination of advanced engineering and build quality, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x is a stunning headset. With a surprisingly low price tag, these headphones can deliver an excellent result for studio tracking and mixing.
The 40mm drivers are excellent for providing clarity.
Although these headphones are a little chunkier than some of the other options we’ve seen, the sound quality is fairly good and offers a reasonable amount of comfort.
Pros:
- Reasonably high-0quality design
- Good tuning for low-frequency
- Comfortable ear cups
- Good headband
Cons:
- Limited sound staging performance
- A little chunky and awkward
What to Shop for in The Best DJ Headphones
Selecting the best headphones to headphone with is a different process from choosing studio or production headphones, or even headsets for casual listening.
There are unique features and functionality that you’ll need to consider carefully to make the right investment.
Sound Quality
One of the first and most essential elements that you’ll need to consider is sound quality.
While it’s easy to get carried about by the “added extras” of advanced headphones, there’s nothing more important than ensuring you can hear your music properly.
Since you’ll be using your best headphones on stage, you need something that’s going to drown out the noise around you and keep you focused on your music.
Some headsets out there are designed to suit people who want to feel the bass and kick it up a notch when the time is right.
Other headphones can give you an insight into clearer and more natural highs and mid-level sounds.
Whichever design you choose, make sure that your best headphones output enough volume to give you an excellent experience, even in a noisy club.
Some of the market leaders allow you to block out external noise so that you can beat-match more effectively with a higher frequency range.
Comfort
Once you’ve found a pair of the best headphones that deliver great sound quality, you’ll need to make sure that you can work them comfortably for long periods.
Remember, you’re going to be using your headphones for hours on end when you’re practicing and performing.
The pads need to be comfortable against your ears, with nothing that rubs or annoys your skin. You’ll also need to ensure that your headphones are as lightweight as possible.
You don’t want to feel exhausted after a day at work.
Make sure your set feels great on your ears, with just the right-sized cups to support the natural shape of your earlobes.
Design
The design of your best headphones plays a big part in their comfort and versatility.
For instance, a closed-back design will offer you more support when you’re trying to block out background noise.
However, over-ear and in-ear solutions can both have their benefits.
Over-ear headphones can be more effective at sound isolation and excess noise cancellation. However, they’re also heavier, bulkier, and can be less comfortable in the long term.
On the plus side, many DJs prize over-ear headphones for their sound quality.
Alternatively, in-ear headphones are lightweight, more portable, and sometimes more comfortable too. However, the sound isolation isn’t as excellent, and it can easily fall out of your ears at times.
Durability
If you’re a performance DJ that works a lot of sets, then the best headphones that you get will often be trodden on, thrown around, yanked, and constantly put under pressure.
Ultimately, your best headphones are going to take a beating.
With that in mind, it’s essential to make sure that you’ve got a well-made set of headphones that can handle all the stress that you’re going to expose them to.
Anything that starts to lose its’ appeal after it’s been drowned in sweat for a few hours isn’t much good.
You should also look for wires that aren’t going to get broken too easily.
Looks
In some ways, the appearance of your best headphones will tie in with the consideration of the right design.
You might want to look for something with pivoting cups that allow you to listen to a customer or talk to a coworker from time to time.
The ability to move your headphone speaker away from one ear momentarily will help when checking a DJ mix against your DJ speakers.
However, you’ll need to consider aesthetic appeal too. Remember, as a professional DJ you need to look the part.
Buying a set of the best headphones that look professional will help you to attract the right attention when you’re on the stage.
Best DJ Headphones: Takeaway
Choosing the best DJ headphones for your needs is often a challenging experience. You’ll need to spend some time testing different designs to see which one appeals most to you.
Some people will prefer in-ear performance, while others will like the over-ear benefits of good noise cancellation.
If you’re not sure where to get started, consider trying some headphones on in person before you begin shopping online.
Our favorite option from this list has to be the Sennheiser HD 25 headphones. These high-performance headphones provide an excellent level of sensitivity, ideal for hearing every detail of your music mix.
What’s more, you get a design that’s both durable and comfortable, so you don’t have to continually replace your headset.
Which headphones will you be using this year? Let us know in the comments or join the conversation on social media!
