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PRODUCT DETAILS
Our #1 Rated
Our #1 Rated
Preserves high and low-end frequencies to an exceptional degree. Punchy bass and outside disturbances are virtually non-existent.
Closed-back model with a wide frequency range, allowing you to hear the deepest of bass noises without sounding too distorted.
Powerful enough to withstand distortion and are more than capable of blocking out a good degree of external noise.
Impeccable audio quality with a comfy and lightweight design. Produces crystal-clear frequencies even in the loudest of settings.
Semi-open design gives a rich and full mid-range with a sharp treble, making tunes with vocal tones sound especially smooth.
Incomparable level of noise isolation, while bass response is unbelievably deep, full-bodied and responds even better to an amplifier.
Offer an impeccable tonality and a wide soundstage which give them a highly engaging sound.
A highly comfortable set of bass-heavy cans, with good noise-isolating abilities and a powerful mid-range.
Lightweight, on-ear design with optional Bluetooth capabilities and can be fully customized to the user’s preference.
Comfortable, robust padded headband with 2 small circular cups for reversible listening and monitoring on either side.
Headphones are an essential part of any DJ tool kit. Whether you’re a vinyl junkie, a CDJ user, or a controller whizz. A decent pair of headphones can make a real difference to how you perceive tracks, as well as the way in which you choose to mix them.
In this article, we’re going to highlight some of the best DJ headphones currently on the market; taking into account vital factors such as sound quality, price, and comfort.
In this article, we’re going to review the following DJ headphones:
Why should you choose DJ headphones?
Though you’ll often discover many types of headphones are designed to withstand the noisiest of environments, the best ones are built specifically for DJs and professional studio use. This is why they tend to be more expensive than most, and it can be tough deciding which one would is right for you if you’re not sure what to look for.
How to Choose
A good pair of headphones should be:
Sound Sufficient – Quality is something which simply cannot be compromised. Forget using your IPod headphones. You should be able to hear every high, mid and low-end frequency with little or no problems.
Comfortable – If you’re going to be wearing these bad boys for hours on end, they’ll need to fit your head properly with good clamping force.
Portable – Carrying a laptop or some records around won’t leave you much room for anything else. Fortunately some headphones fold up at the cups to make them more compact.
Durable – Whether you wear them across your head, around your neck, or hold one cup to your ear. Your headphones will take a bit of a beating over time, so they should have enough resistance to maintain their quality and shape.
Closed Back or On-Ear – Noise cancellation headphones are always a winner, but any good DJ headphones will have a closed-back or on-ear design for reducing background noise and isolating unwanted disturbances.
It’s also worth paying attention to the more technical aspects of a good pair of DJ headphones:
- Frequency Response – The range of frequencies: measured in kilohertz (kHz)
- Sound Pressure Level (SPL) – Threshold of hearing: measured in decibels (dB)
- Impedance – Resistance to an electrical current: measured in Ohms (Ω)
Now… let’s take a look at our picks for the top 3 DJ headphones to start with!
Our Recommendation:
Sennheiser’s HD series has long been the favorite choice among DJs for years, and for good reason too. Not only do they deliver an unparalleled quality of sound with a highly balanced response, they are light as a feather, durable, and can be worn for hours on end with no discomfort.
They’re also fantastic at preserving high and low-end frequencies to an exceptional degree; bass is punchy, but doesn’t drown out the treble or upper mids, while outside noise and disturbances are virtually non-existent.
They also have excellent separation and will rarely distort even at extreme volumes.
The HD25s also work well with the EQ on smart phones and other devices; making them great for leisure listening as well as live mixing and home use.
- Frequency Response – 16 kHz
- Sound Pressure Level (SPL) – 120 dB
- Impedance – 70 Ohms
PROS
- Lightweight and compact
- Very comfortable
- Excellent isolation
- Replaceable/detachable parts
- Rotatable cups
- 2 detachable cables (1 x coiled and 1 x straight)
- Leather carry pouch and ¼” jack included
CONS
- Cable could be longer
- Leather ear pads can get a bit sweaty
Why we recommend: Sennheiser have made replaceable parts available for the HD25 model, which is a huge advantage. These headphones are comfortable, sound incredible and are entirely customizable too; meaning you can swap the leather ear pads for pure foam ones, and even buy an extension to your cable if you really need to – all for a very affordable price!
So, if you are serious about your craft and don’t want to be forking out for another pair of DJ headphones in 2 years’ time, the HD25s are 100% worth the investment and any experienced DJ will likely tell you the same!
The HDJ-X5s are a closed-back model with a wide frequency range between 5 kHz-30 kHz. They allow you to hear the deepest of bass noises without sounding too distorted – a huge benefit when working with powerful PA systems.
They also come with swiveling ear cups and a highly comfortable headband which can be easily adjusted.
Despite the cheap price tag, they also look and feel much more professional than some of the other Pioneer HDJ models, and have been built to withstand a good few years of abuse.
- Frequency Response – 5 kHz
- Sound Pressure Level (SPL) – 102 dB
- Impedance – 32 Ohms
PROS
- Clear and crisp sound quality
- Comfortable for extended use
- Lightweight and compact
- Rotatable Cups
- Versatile listening
- Coiled cable and ¼” jack included
- Leather carry pouch
CONS
- Not the best for long duration listening
- Doesn’t sound as nice with non-EDM genres
Why We Recommend: Pioneer are one of the leading masters in audio equipment and their HDJ-X5 cans certainly lives up to the reputation. These headphones sound incredibly clean and crisp in club settings, but are very convenient for everyday commutes due to their comfort factor and wide frequency range. Considering they’re Pioneer, they’re also very well-priced! So they’ll last a lot longer than many other brand of headphones.
The M-100s are the 4th edition in the M-100 Crossfade series which are the go-to choice for high profile DJs like Eric Morillio and Deadmau5. They are renowned for their portable and fully customizable design, on top of their extremely rugged build. In terms of quality, the M-100s deliver a bass-heavy sound with a frequency response between 5-30 kHz, allowing them to flourish at high volumes. With the volume set at around 75%, these cans are powerful enough to withstand distortion and are more than capable of blocking out a good degree of external noise.
- Frequency Response – 5Hz
- Sound Pressure Level (SPL) – 103 dB
- Impedance – 32 Ohms
PROS
- Exceptionally durable and compact
- Fully customizable
- Kevlar-wrapped cables
- Sound great regardless of genre
- Good clamping force
CONS
- Slightly heavy
- Plastic grips wear down over time
Why We Recommend: If comfort and style are 2 of the main things you’re looking for, the M-100s have without a doubt got you covered. Not only do they already look awesome, they’re fully customizable and are built to fold up with 0 effect on durability. Though the noise cancellation is not as good as some other V-MODA models, they definitely do a great job at preventing unwanted sounds and produce an incredibly clean range of mid to low frequencies in all respects.
Though the HD25s probably remain the most popular, the HD 8 model is the latest to take the spotlight with its impeccable audio quality, its comfy, lightweight and robust design, alongside its ability to produce crystal-clear frequencies even in the loudest of settings.
The cups are large enough to fit over the ears, and can be rotated at a 90° angle to adapt to your mixing stance. They also work especially well for beat matching and cuing up tunes.
- Frequency Response – 30 kHz
- Sound Pressure Level (SPL) – 115 dB
- Impedance – 95 Ohms
PROS
- High quality, durable and comfortable
- Rotating cups with up to 210° movement
- 2 choices of cables + ¼ jack
- 1 x spare velour ear pads
- Premium carry case included
CONS
- One of the most expensive
- Clamping force is a bit weak
Why We Recommend: Admittedly, they’re one of the priciest choices. But as we said, you can’t compromise sound quality and if you have a few extra bucks to go the full yard – do it! The frequency response means you won’t have any issues with outside disturbances, and you can fully adjust the cups to your liking for better monitoring. Even sound engineers have praised these headphones to the high heavens. And after vigorous testing: we have too!
Next up is the Beyerdynamic DT 1350 Pro. Not only do these have an incomparable level of noise isolation, but the bass response is unbelievably deep, full-bodied and responds even better to an amplifier.
Every kick and snare sounds solid in these cans and the soundstage is particularly impressive for their compact size. The DT 1350s come with rotatable cups and a split headband for closed monitoring and easier portability.
- Frequency Response – 5 kHz
- Sound Pressure Level (SPL) – 109 dB
- Impedance – 80 Ohms
PROS
- Bass sounds amazing
- Excellent isolation
- No leakage
- Strong build quality
- Hard case with ¼ adaptor
- Split headband for best fit
CONS
- Clamping force a bit tight
- No detachable cable
Why We Recommend: We were relatively surprised at the bass power on this model. For a pair of on-ears, the quality is second-to-none and they are one of the best choices for professional monitoring due to their accuracy and frequency precision. Clear mids and highs, alongside a highly durable and comfortable design make these headphones a great choice for DJs as well as producers.
You might be surprised to know these headphones have actually been used by musicians and sound engineers alike for over 20 years.
Albeit they have come a long way since the first model! The 240 MKII come with a highly durable adjustable headband, complete with over-the-ear cups and 2 sets of ear cushions included for added comfort.
Their semi-open design gives a rich and full mid-range with a sharp treble, so tunes with vocal tones sound especially smooth.
The detailed response from the mids and highs also means that instruments layers are easily distinguishable, even in noisy environments.
- Frequency Response – 15 kHz
- Sound Pressure Level (SPL) – 91 dB
- Impedance – 55 Ohms
PROS
- Naturally clear and crisp mids/highs
- Phenomenal vocal range
- Lightweight and comfortable
- 2 x sets of interchangeable ear cups
- 2 x detachable cables
CONS
- Bass isn’t as punchy as other AKGs
- Plastic build feels a bit cheap
- No carry pouch included
Why We Recommend: Though these headphones lack a little bit on the bass side, the quality and natural rich sound of the mids and highs definitely make up for it. Vocals sound incredible, while the rugged headband and quirky over-ear design promises comfort and a good few years of long-standing use.
All in all, the MKIIs are very reasonably priced for their performance, and will make a good addition to your mixing setup.
These are a recent upgrade from Audio-Technica’s A-T series, and have been designed for hours of prolonged use and abuse.
Aside from being light and comfortable, they offer an impeccable tonality and a wide soundstage which give them a highly engaging sound. Bass sounds weighty without drowning out the upper mids, and the ear cups can be rotated on 2 axes for more flexible monitoring.
They also come in different colors.
- Frequency Response – 15 kHz
- Sound Pressure Level (SPL) – 99 dB
- Impedance – 38 Ohms
PROS
- Great value
- Good noise separation
- Powerful bass response
- Strong and durable build
- Color varieties available
- Choice of coiled or straight chord + ¼ adapter
CONS
- No active noise cancellation
- Carry case isn’t the best
Why We Recommend: The M50x definitely deserve more credit than its ancestors. They are the most comfortable out of the range, and have a flawless sound quality that many higher priced headphones struggle to achieve.
The fantastic soundstage makes even classical music sound sexy as hell through these badboys, and they’ll certainly make a welcome addition to the tool kit of any DJ, producer or professional audiophile.
Numark are creators of some of the best DJ gear on the market, and when it comes to their headphones – they equally hold onto that reputation! The Red Wave Carbons are a highly comfortable set of bass-heavy cans, with good noise-isolating abilities and a powerful mid-range. Vocals penetrate clearly and concisely, while percussive elements give off a real rich and smooth sound. They come in a stylish red color with over-ear design, plus swivel cups for singe-ear listening and easier portability.
- Frequency Response – 15 kHz
- Sound Pressure Level (SPL) – 98 dB
- Impedance – 24 Ohms
PROS
- Great value
- Punchy low-end
- Striking red design
- 180° swivel and dual-pivot cups
- 2 x detachable cables + ¼ adapter + carry pouch
CONS
- Muffle a bit at high volumes
- Feel a bit heavy
Why We Recommend: The Red Wave Carbon DJ headphones certainly didn’t disappoint us when it came to their depth and clarity in the mid-range, as well as ability to produce a fat-sounding bass.
They felt a little heavy on the head after a few hours, but the leather ear cups provide great coverage and do well at drowning out most outside disturbances.
The TMA-2 Modular come in a lightweight, on-ear design with optional Bluetooth capabilities and 4 fully-customizable areas; headband, ear-pads, cable and speaker units – making them appropriate for DJing, studio use, and general leisure listening.
As well as being able to choose your own components, the TMA-2s offer wireless connectivity and a battery life of up to 16 hours from a single two-hour charge.
- Frequency Response – 20 kHz
- Sound Pressure Level (SPL) – 117 dB
- Impedance – 32 Ohms
PROS
- Tailor made to the user
- Punchy bass response
- Good isolation
- Crystal-clear mids and highs
- Wireless headband and mic
CONS
- Bass can overpower the mids a little
- E03 on-ear velour set not so comfortable
Why We Recommend: These headphones are particularly interesting due to the fact you can literally build them from the ground up, making them suitable for a whole range of different uses. Mids sound warm and vibrant while high-end frequencies tinker and resonate within the mix exactly how they should. They also sit on the head perfectly regardless of which headband you go for.
Overview: Last but in no means least, is Sony’s MDR-7506 headphones. These feature a comfortable, robust padded headband with 2 small circular cups for reversible listening and monitoring on either side.
The closed-back design promises minimal leakage and a strong bandwidth delivers a solid sound quality, particularly where low-end frequencies and bass elements are concerned.
- Frequency Response – 18 kHz
- Sound Pressure Level (SPL) – 106 dB
- Impedance – 63 Ohms
PROS
- Portable and compact
- Natural soundstage
- Highly comfortable headband
- 2 x reversible cups for monitoring
- Easily repairable
- Good tonal accuracy
CONS
- No extras included i.e. case or adaptor
- A bit expensive for the build quality
Why We Recommend: Though these cans aren’t the best quality in terms of build, they are comfortable and the actual sound is something which definitely makes the price tag worth it.
They’re not the most stylish compared to Beats headphones for example, but are still very powerful, highly compact, and more than suitable for pros as well as amateurs.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a noob to the world of mixing, or you’re just a general music enthusiast who wants to expand their listening capacities. Every pair of DJ headphones we reviewed here have proven themselves to be true advocates of the craft. Whether it’s down to their unmatched sound quality, sturdy and vigorous build design, or the useful parts included – each one will serve the needs of professional DJs, musicians and audiophiles without complaint.
We have to say though…
Sennheiser’s HD25 model will probably always be at the top of our list for best DJ headphones. In comparison to the others, these cans are built to last years and make mixing in even the loudest of clubs a piece of pie. They also have affordable and replaceable parts too unlike the others, which can usually be repaired for free if they’re still within their warranty. They have excellent noise isolation and an unrivalled response to the harshest of frequencies, making any genre (especially metal and bass-driven genres) an absolute pleasure to listen to.
Know of any DJ headphones which top the HD25s? We’d love to hear your feedback!
FAQs
Are wireless headphones a good option for DJing?
Though wireless headphones can be great for leisure use, there aren’t as many good ones on the market which are good for DJing. The ones that are great quality are ridiculously expensive, so we don’t often recommend them because you’ll experience delay with most models. This would make it incredibly hard to beatmatch from your headphones as well. As much as it would be epic to have some affordable, wireless cans that mean no more tripping over or jacks breaking – you’d probably be better off using the ones that came with your ipod.
Which headphones provide the best sound isolation?
All of the headphones above do a good job at isolating external noise, however, if you’re asking from a producer or vocalist perspective – the Sennheiser HD 300 Pro will do you projects and recording sessions proud. If you’re needing something far more heavy artillery for a drummer or guitarist per say, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro are a top choice for most professionals and sound engineers, with noise cancellation up to 35dB.
Can I use different manufacturer cables for the V-Moda?
You can use alternative cables to the factory one on the V-Modas yes, but we wouldn’t say there is actually any need to replace them as the default ones are extremely durable and well-built. Using different cables could have a significant effect on the sound quality, with the possibility of latency issues too. Ensure you’re going to be using top-quality cables if you plan to change the original ones.
