To become a successful DJ in the DJ world, you need more than just an ‘ear for music’. You need the right DJ gear that will help you deliver a great sound quality, enabling you to sound your best and keep you mixing and performing at your peak in loud environments
So, what is the one thing you shouldn’t underestimate? Choosing the right headphones to DJ with.
We’re talking about the hidden heroes that are as crucial as those fancy CDJs, top-notch DJ mixers, professional DJ software, or even that drop-dead gorgeous DJ controller you’ve double-tapped on Instagram or TikTok.
Finding the best DJ headphones, whether they’re over-ear, on-ear or even wireless with some cool Bluetooth functionality, is a choice every DJ has to take. Without these bad boys, how are you going to listen to your mixes in a bustling recording studio or on stage?
Trust us, it ain’t fun not being able to hear your own sound (been there, done that!).
DJ headphones typically offer sweet sound isolation to keep the background noise at bay, and trust us, you won’t want to hear anything else but your beats, especially when you’re mid-set. Because yes, distractions do happen… a lot! (And we’re looking at you, rowdy buddies!)
From budget DJ headphones to premium models like the Pioneer HDJ-X10 or Audio Technica ATH M50X, the DJ headphone market has got something for every DJ.
So let’s embark on this quest to find your next trusty sidekick, shall we?
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Best Overall
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Value Pick
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Premium Pick
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5.0
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4.0
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4.5
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$149.95
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$199.00
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Best DJ Headphones: DJ Tech Review’s Choice
Over the years, the DJ headphone market has seen a multitude of solid choices, yet one pair remains a timeless classic. Our top pick, the high-performance Sennheiser HD 25 DJ headphones, have been a leading contender for over three decades.
These dedicated DJ headphones provide superior sound quality, deep bass response, and excellent sound isolation, essential for working in loud environments. Built with an exceptionally durable design, these headphones have the added advantage of replaceable parts, ensuring they’ll never let you down mid-set.
To see what spare parts are available visit the Sennheiser Spare Parts finder.
There’s a compelling reason why these DJ headphones are a favourite among leading DJs around the globe. They offer unrivaled performance, comfort, and reliability in the studio and in the DJ booth. Try a pair out for yourself, and experience the punchy bass and clear, crisp highs that have made these headphones a staple in the DJ world.
The photo below showcases a select array of DJ headphones, featuring the best in the DJ headphone market, that we always have on hand at the DJ Tech Reviews office. Not surprisingly, this collection boasts some of the most DJ headphones typically recommended in our reviews.
After all, it is crucial for us to have only the best headphones at our disposal when we are testing DJ gear!
Best DJ Headphones: Product Guide
Without any more delay, let’s take a look at the very best options in the market available today. We have options for every budget, use-case, and DJ type.
1. Sennheiser HD 25 – Best Overall DJ Headphones
Specifications
- Type: On-ear
- Frequency Response: 16Hz – 22kHz
- Connection: Wired
Overview
I am going to show my age here! I’ve had a pair of Sennheiser HD25s for DJing since the mid-1990s!
British Airways handed these out on Concorde in order for some of the external noise to be blocked out. To cut a long story short, an “enterprising” individual (whose name shall remain a secret forever) “liberated” dozens of pairs and they found themselves on sale under the counter in record shops in and around London.
They even had the British Airways logo printed on the headband. True story and that is only the beginning of the remarkable Sennheiser HD25 story.
Sennheiser is a hugely popular name in the pro-audio industry with Professionals and Audiophiles being massive fans. The Sennheiser HD 25 DJ headphones deliver an excellent level of high sensitivity and superb sound quality.
These DJ headphones not only sound brilliant at high-pressure levels but they’re extremely lightweight and comfortable. Let’s face it when you’re seen wearing these bad boys in the DJ booth – people know.
We would also class these as the best wired dj headphones in this list.
What we like about these, apart from the amazing sound, is the option to either have a straight cable or an optional coiled cable. Call us old-school, but we love a bit of a long straight cable!
Due to them being closed-back headphones, when wearing them, they block out ambient noise really well which makes this headset a good choice for the pro DJs out there. This is quite remarkable considering they have an on-ear design when you would typically associate this with an over-ear design. Fair play to Sennheiser!
The detachable single-sided cable is a nice touch too. You can remove the wire if you need to during transit to prevent breakage as well as able to purchase spares if you need them – even the ear pads!
The HD25s have sat at the top of the best DJ headphones list for decades and for good reason.
Read our review here: Sennheiser HD 25 Headphones Review
- Durable & lightweight design
- Excellent sound quality
- Rotatable capsule
- Fantastic comfort
2. Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 – Best Value DJ Headphones
Specifications
- Type: On-ear
- Frequency Response: 5Hz – 30kHz
- Connection: Wired (wireless version also available)
Overview
We’ve had a set of the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 headphones in the office, which also comes with a cable, for a couple of years and they are awesome! I have used these regularly for everything from testing and reviewing tonnes of DJ gear, to running, and hitting the gym daily!
I would say they have had hundreds of hours of use, been dropped countless times and had gallons of sweat poured onto them and they haven’t missed a beat!
They are only now, after years of heavy usage, showing a bit of wear and tear on the foam ear pads.
Normally, you will doubt the reliability of an inexpensive set of DJ headphones for your audio-focused profession. Often, a lower price indicates that the manufacturer has compromised on some aspects, such as comfort, sound quality, or durability. However, Pioneer DJ has defied all expectations with their HDJ CUE1 headphones.
If you’re a fan of Pioneer DJ technology, as most DJs are, you know that they produce quality products across the board. These affordable headphones may be low-priced, but they don’t appear, feel, or sound cheap.
The HDJ-CUE1 headphones are an excellent choice if you want to upgrade your look before you hit the club and experience some great mixing.
Whether you opt for the Bluetooth or wired version, you’ll have an intuitive experience that’s ideal for entry-level DJs. The sound is clear, the design is comfortable, and when you’re finished playing, you can easily fold your headphones and store them. It really is very hard to come up with a valid reason not to invest in headphones like these.
- Affordable Price
- Extremely durable
- Long Semi-Coiled Cable Included
- Powerful Bass
- For the price - Nothing!
3. AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ – Best Premium Pick DJ Headphones
Specifications
- Type: On-ear
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 40kHz
- Connection: Wired (wireless version also available)
Overview
This is another set of headphones we use religiously in the DJ Tech Reviews office! We first reviewed the AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ headphones in the office last year and, to be brutally honest, they are in a totally different league of their own. No other pro audio company provides such a cool, slick, high-quality, easy-to-use, and customer-friendly modular headphone system.
TMA sent us loads of different ear pads and speaker driver variations for us to try out and we actually still use them for our DJ tech reviews and for loads of everyday general use,
AIAIAI has achieved something truly remarkable with the TMA-2 headphone modular custom build options. These powerful headphones are modular, with various shapes and sizes available to suit every need.
Regardless of your choice, you can be confident that you’ll receive a dependable and durable set of headphones, designed with quality in mind. AIAIAI is also making a commendable effort to reduce its environmental impact by utilizing sustainable materials and recyclable components.
You can also enhance the functionality of your headphones by purchasing additional cables, ear cups & ear pads, speaker units, and headbands at a later stage, enabling you to mix and match components to suit different scenarios.
Even if building your own headphones doesn’t appeal to you, AIAIAI offers a range of pre-built options designed to meet different requirements.
For example, the TMA-2 HD wireless provides the ultimate wireless listening experience, while the TMA-2 Comfort is ideal for those seeking extra comfort.
Our best overall pick, the Sennheiser HD 25 is a little bit similar due to the fact that all the parts of the headphone are replaceable. However, the Sennheiser parts are very standardized, so you will be replacing a broken or worn part for the same part, like for like.
So, if you love switching things around, experimenting, and having access to a shed load of tech variety these are the DJ headphones for you.
Read our review here: AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Headphones Review
- Excellent, well-made design
- Simple but effective
- Durable performance – ideal for regular use
- Easy to use
- Mini plugs are difficult to lock
- Not the most comfortable headset
4. Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 – Best Pioneer DJ Headphones
Specifications
- Type: Over-ear
- Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz
- Connection: Wired
Overview
The Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 headphones are some of the most impressive professional DJ headphones Pioneer DJ has released. However, the heavy construction may deter those looking for a more luxurious feel.
While the headphones are durable and well-built, they can feel a bit bulky compared to other similar products on the market, so if you’re after a sleek and sophisticated finish, you might want to look elsewhere.
On the positive side, the Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 headphones come with several extra features, including Hi-Res certification that’s not available elsewhere. DJs who want extended bass frequency response with a balanced finish across the mid-levels and highs are likely to be drawn to the sound quality of these headphones.
The sound is excellent, with no issues, regardless of the volume.
Another big advantage of the Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 headphones is the excellent noise cancellation and isolation they provide. Compared to many other DJ headphones, the HDJ-X10 offers some of the best isolation.
This makes it much easier to concentrate on your mixing in a noisy and often chaotic club environment without any distractions. The feature is even better than leading consumer products like the Bose Quiet Comforts.
If you’re looking for a set of professional headphones with excellent sound quality and top-notch noise cancellation, the Pioneer DJ HDJ-10 X headphones are an excellent choice.
However, if you prioritize a sleek or lightweight pair, you may want to consider other options such as our top overall pick the Sennheiser HD25s.
Read our review here: Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 In-Depth Review
- Well-tested and durable
- Excellent sound quality
- Popular with Professional DJs
- Very comfortable to wear for most
- Sound a little flat
- Rather large
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 – Best Bluetooth DJ Headphones
Specifications
- Type: Over-ear
- Frequency Response: 15Hz – 28kHz
- Connection: Bluetooth (wired version also available)
Overview
These wireless ATH-M50xBT2 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 battery life on these headphones is awesome as well. Coming in at a whopping 60 hours of continuous use. We think this is mainly due to them not having any noise-cancellation features which do drain battery power like crazy.
The over-ear design makes them great for cutting out ambient noise too, and the ear pads are pretty large, so if you have slightly bigger ears, then you will be absolutely fine with these.
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.
- Excellent at blocking out excess sound
- Accurate response level
- Even mid-range performance
- Bluetooth for fewer wires
- Not the best for bass
6. V-Moda M-100 Crossfade Master Edition – Most Robust DJ Headphones
Specifications
- Type: Over-ear
- Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz
- Connection: Wired
Overview
The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 headphones are an excellent upgrade to an already hugely popular set of headphones. Although these headphones are certainly not the cheapest option on the market, they provide great value for money, and there are numerous customization options available, allowing you to really make your set stand out from the crowd!
You could even consider these headphones as an investment in your image. The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 Master headphones are not only attractive and durable, but also versatile and easy to use, suitable for use in the studio, DJing, or whilst traveling or going to the gym.
They also come with a carry case and two cables included, which we think should be pretty standard these days, and sound-wise, they are beautiful!
The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 Master headphones feature a brand-new driver design, with impressive coil quality due to CCAW (Copper-clad aluminum wire). The dual-diaphragm drivers range from 5Hz to 40,000Hz, offering professionals an exceptional range.
Even when the headphones were clamped down around our ears, we still felt like the soundscape had ample room. Honestly, it’s hard to find any major drawbacks to these headphones, given their impeccable build quality and refined sound.
The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 Master headphones are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade their headphones and invest in a high-quality DJing product.
Read our review here: V-Moda M100 Crossfade Master Edition Review
- Excellent build quality
- Amazing sound
- Customizable
- Lightweight & Robust
- Cables are not long enough for some users
- Not the best fit for larger ears
7. AKG K371 – Most Comfortable DJ Headphones
Specifications
- Type: Over-ear
- Frequency Response: 5Hz – 40kHz
- Connection: Wired
Overview
The AKG K371 headphones are popular for DJs as they deliver top-notch audio quality and durable sturdy construction. Beginning with comfort, the K371 headphones offer a comfy fit, even during those marathon DJ sets.
They have an over-ear design and a cushioned headband that provides a secure and snug fit. The ear cups also swivel for easy one-ear monitoring.
The detachable cable is also a useful feature, as it allows for easy replacement if needed. We all know how easy it is to break a cable!
AKG as a brand is known for producing top-quality audio equipment, and the K371 headphones certainly live up to this reputation. They have received positive reviews from both professionals and casual listeners, proving their versatility and quality.
The frequency response of 5Hz-40kHz ensures that DJs can hear every element of their music with precise accuracy.
The closed-back design of the K371 headphones also ensures that external noise doesn’t get in the way of the music being played, making for much better headphones in a loud clubbing environment.
For DJs seeking a reliable and high-quality pair of headphones, the AKG K371 is an excellent choice. They’re headphones that deliver great sound, have an above-average sound isolation, and offer a comfy fit making them ideal for DJing and even music production.
- Good variety of cable sizes
- Studio-quality sound
- Comfortable
- Quality and robust build
- Moderate sound leaking.
- Average sound isolation.
8. KRK KNS 8402 – Best Choice for Home DJs
Specifications
- Type: Over-ear
- Frequency Response: 5Hz – 23kHz
- Connection: Wired
Most DJs are very familiar with the yellow cones of the famous KRK Systems speakers and have had some serious success over many years with their familiar-looking monitor speaker but they are lesser well-known for their DJ headphones.
We were lucky enough to be sent a pair last year by KRK and we were pleasantly surprised. In fact, very pleasantly surprised.
Just to be clear, the KRK KNS 8402 DJ headphones are targeted at the entry-level DJ market.
For beginners, these headphones are very much the tool that you would want them to be.
While they looked like standard entry-level DJ headphones – from their appearance, feel, and cable lock-in feature, to their sometimes damning accuracy – these were actually the perfect tool that I felt I didn’t even know that I needed.
If you have a bigger budget and are someone that is searching for a more pleasant-sounding set of headphones, that’s absolutely fine. There are plenty of amazing alternative headphones out there worth checking out. Try the TMA-2 for instance that we talk about above.
However, if you are on a budget, just starting out, and want to improve your track merging so that it sounds amazing to your audience when DJing, I can’t recommend the KRK 8402 headphones strongly enough.
Read our review here: KRK KNS 8402 Studio Headphones Review
- Well made
- Lightweight
- Good sound
- Great value for money
- Average looking
- Not ideal for use on the move
Key Factors To Consider When Choosing Your Headphones
Selecting the ideal pair of headphones for DJing is a distinct process from choosing studio or production headphones, or even headsets for casual or home listening. There are unique features, functionalities, and sound characteristics that you’ll need to evaluate carefully to make the right investment. Which we explore below:
1. Sound Quality
One of the foremost and essential elements that you’ll need to contemplate is the sound quality of your DJ headphones.
While it’s easy to get all hot and bothered by the “added extras” of advanced headphones, there’s nothing more pivotal than ensuring you can hear your mix properly, with every bass drop and high note standing out clearly.
Since you’ll be using your DJ headphones on stage, you definitely need a pair that can provide excellent sound isolation, drown out the ambient noise, and keep you focused on your mix.
Certain headsets are designed to cater to those who want to feel the bass and increase the intensity when the moment calls for it. Other headphones can offer clearer and more natural highs and mid-range sounds.
Whichever style you choose, ensure that the headphone output provides enough volume for a stellar experience, even in a noisy club.
Top-tier DJ headphones from leading brands offer active noise cancellation to block out external noise, allowing you to beat-match more effectively across a wide frequency range.
2. Comfort
Once you’ve found DJ headphones that deliver outstanding sound, you’ll need to ensure that you can comfortably wear them for extended periods of time – especially if you’re play all night long!
Remember, because you’re using your headphones for prolonged sessions when you’re practicing as well as performing live to all your doting fans.
The pads need to provide ample cushioning against your ears, without causing discomfort or irritation. Look for lightweight DJ headphones to prevent fatigue after a long set.
Ensure your set feels comfortable on your ears, with ear cups that are the right size to support the natural contour of your ears.
3. Design
The design of your DJ headphones plays a significant role in their comfort, versatility, and sound isolation.
For instance, a closed-back design offers more support when you’re trying to block out background noise. However, over-ear design and in-ear designs can both have their distinct advantages and drawbacks.
Over-ear headphones can be more efficient at sound isolation and excess noise cancellation but tend to be heavier and bulkier, potentially causing discomfort over time. On the plus side, many DJs prize over-ear headphones for their sound quality.
In contrast, in-ear headphones are lightweight, more portable, and often more comfortable. However, their sound isolation might not be as superior, and they can occasionally fall out of your ears during intense performances.
4. Durability
If you’re a professional DJ that plays a lot of sets, then the durability of your headphones becomes paramount. Your DJ gear will often be exposed to rough handling, which might include getting trodden on, tossed around, yanked, and continuously put under pressure.
With this in mind, it’s critical to invest in well-constructed DJ headphones that can withstand the inevitable wear and tear of a DJ’s life.
Headphones that start to deteriorate after enduring a few hours of sweat-soaked performances won’t hold up. You should also prioritize durable wires and cables that aren’t prone to breaking easily.
5. Aesthetic Appeal
“If you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, you play good”
DJ Tech Reviews
In many ways, the aesthetic appeal of your headphones ties in with the consideration of the right design as mentioned a few points above.
You might want to opt for a model with pivoting cups that allow you to communicate with an audience member or coworker without removing your headphones.
The ability to momentarily move your headphone speaker away from one ear can prove valuable when checking a DJ mix against your DJ speakers. However, you’ll need to balance functionality with appearance. As a professional DJ, it’s vital to project an image that mirrors your craft.
Investing in DJ headphones that project a professional image will draw the right attention when you’re on stage.
6. Should I get wired or wireless DJ headphones?
The debate between wired and wireless DJ headphones continues. Until DJ technology evolves a bit further, our advice is to stick with WIRED headphones for DJing.
Wireless headphones may introduce latency issues — the delay between the audio signal being transmitted and received. This latency can interfere with DJs’ ability to accurately monitor and cue tracks, potentially causing lag and impacting the smoothness of the performance.
Moreover, wireless headphones may also suffer from connectivity issues or interference, disrupting the audio signal or even causing the headphones to cut out entirely. This situation is every DJ’s worst-case scenario.
It’s best to stick with wired DJ headphones that offer a stable connection for the most accurate and reliable performance. If you decide to use wireless, brace yourself for potential challenges.
FAQs
What headphones do DJs use?
The best DJ headphones are the Sennheiser HD 25 DJ headphones. These legendary DJ headphones have been on top of their game for over 30 years now. They provide great sound, superb reliability, and fantastic durability.
However, other popular ones include the Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10, V-Moda M100 Crossfade, AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ, and if you are on a budget the popular Pioneer DJ HDJ CUE1 entry-level headphones.
How to choose headphones for DJing?
The best DJ headphones always have a high level of durability, comfort, and sound quality. The design and materials of DJ headphones should be able to withstand constant use, being dropped, and regular transportation.
DJ headphones should also provide a comfy fit perfect for extended periods of use. Importantly, when it comes to sound quality, the headphones should have a flat frequency response, allowing the DJ to hear the true sound of the music without any added coloration or distortion.
Ideally, they should have good noise isolation to prevent sound leakage and allow the DJ to focus on the music whilst working in a loud party, club, or festival environment. Other features such as swiveling ear cups, and detachable or coiled cables can also be helpful for DJ usage.
Do you need special DJ headphones?
While you don’t necessarily need special headphones to be a DJ, using DJ-specific headphones does help a great deal. DJ headphones are designed with DJ features in mind. These include features such as high durability, comfortable fit, noise isolation, and a flat frequency response that accurately reproduces the sound of the music.
Most DJ headphones have swiveling ear cups for easy one-ear monitoring and detachable or coiled cables for ease of use. These features can make it easier for DJs to mix and work in hectic and noisy environments.
Are on-ear or over-ear headphones better for DJing?
This all depends on personal preference and DJ usage. On-ear headphones tend to be much more lightweight and portable. Also, on-ear DJ headphones also tend to provide much more sound leakage, allowing DJs to hear some exterior sound monitoring the music. In some environments, this can be overbearing and off-putting.
On the other hand, over-ear headphones provide better noise isolation and are more comfortable for extended periods of use. They also have bigger ear cups fitting around the ears, which can offer a more concentrated listening experience and better sound quality overall. It really is down to personal choice and the type of DJing you are pursuing.
Best DJ Headphones: Final Thoughts
Navigating the market to find the best dj headphones for your unique needs can indeed be a right pain in the arse. It typically involves a fair bit of experimentation with different designs to discover which one resonates best with your DJing style and comfort.
Some DJs lean towards the lightweight and portable nature of in-ear headphones, while others champion the robust noise cancelling benefits that come with over-ear DJ headphones.
If you’re at the beginning of this journey and unsure where to start, we recommend experiencing different headphones in person before venturing into online shopping. This hands-on approach can provide valuable insights into what feels right and fits comfortably.
From our curated list, our standout choice has to be the Sennheiser HD 25 headphones. These high-performance DJ headphones offer an impressive level of sensitivity, crucial for capturing every detail of your sound mix, from the lowest bass drop to the highest note.
Additionally, these headphones offer a harmonious blend of durability and comfort, meaning you won’t be continually replacing your headset due to wear and tear.
We’d love to hear about what pair you think are the best dj headphones. Please share in the comments or join the conversation on social media!
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Best Overall
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Value Pick
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Premium Pick
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5.0
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4.0
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4.5
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$149.95
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$199.00
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