Disc Jockey (DJ) headphones are a little different from regular headphones in that you need to be able to hear various aspects of the music. DJ headphones are known for their high-quality sound drivers and other technology that allows professionals to mix songs more accurately. Whether you’re an aspiring DJ, have a thriving party business, or want to throw a great party for friends and family, it pays to know your options for the best DJ headphones.
So, which sets of headphones are considered the top notch? StudyFinds did the research, consulting nine tech and audio review sites in an attempt to bring you a consensus list of the best DJ headphones available on the market today. Our list comprises the five most frequently listed pairs of headphones from across these sites. Did we miss a great pair? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
The List: Best DJ Headphones, According to Expert Reviews
1. Sennheiser HD 25
Jamming on to the top spot on the list of the best headphones for DJs is the Sennheiser HD 25 headphones. The Sennheiser HD 25 headphones are lightweight, padded on-ear headphones that work great for various genres of music. Music Radar says you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more universally loved set of headphones. These headphones are also designed specifically for DJs, so you know you’re getting a quality pair of cans, as they’re called.
Sound Guys recommends these headphones for DJs at every stage of their career. The padding on the ears and headband provides you with plenty of comfort for long sessions while the ear cups swivel so you can free up one ear to focus on the crowd. The Sennheiser HD 25s are also powerful enough to hear what you’re mixing in a loud environment, pushing sound up to 120 decibels.
Finding a great pair of headphones suitable for DJing at a high level isn’t easy, and the market is filled with thousands of options. But, as Guitar Center explains, the Sennheiser HD 25 headphones are a juggernaut in the DJ headphone world. These cans check just about every box a DJ would need – they’re lightweight, durable, and deliver great sound. Although some DJs aren’t big fans of the on-ear design, these headphones press on your ear with just enough pressure to where you can hear everything clearly without causing discomfort or distortion. The HD 25s offer all the sounds you’re looking for – clear, punchy bass, mids, and highs. You can’t go wrong with the Sennheiser HD 25 DJ Headphones.
2. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Rocking into the second spot on the list of the best headphones for DJs is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. RTINGS calls the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x DJ Headphones the best set of DJ headphones on the market for their well-balanced sound and extra boom for monitoring rhythms between song transitions. These headphones have a lightweight design with plenty of padding along the ear cups and headband that makes them comfortable to wear for long periods.
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones deliver quality sound with plenty enough boom in the bass and a 15Hz to 28kHz frequency response, notes Gear News. If you’re looking for a great set of headphones to help you get people on their feet and the party flowing, look no further than these Audio-Technicas. The brand produces a wide variety of audio equipment such as turntables and turntable cartridges, so it stands to reason this company is also responsible for producing some of the best DJ headphones.
As eMastered explains, these headphones are suitable for all types of uses including DJ headphones or mixing and monitoring in the studio. These closed-back headphones deliver superb transparency, a deep bass response, and clear mids and highs to help you bring the party to life across a variety of venue types. These cool cups also come with two straight cables as well as one coiled cable so you can achieve the setup you’re looking for in the booth. Don’t overthink it, Audio-Technica is a great audio brand and you won’t be disappointed in these DJ headphones.
3. Sony MDR-7506
Thumping into the third spot on the list of the top DJ headphones are the Sony MDR-7506 headphones. Although these headphones are not marketed specifically as DJ headphones, they’re a solid option for budding mix masters. The Sony MDR-7506’s closed-back design, accurate sound reproduction, and comfortable fit make them a great choice for DJs or mixing and monitoring in the studio, notes The Vinyl Factory. The affordable price combined with reliable performance makes the Sony MDR-7506 headphones a great choice for aspiring DJs.
These over-ear headphones deliver the sound and comfort DJs are looking for without breaking the bank. As Gear News explains, the Sony MDR-7506 headphones have been around for a while. Before DJing became the industry that it is today, these Sony headphones were the go-to choice for old-school, aspiring DJs. With a frequency response of 10Hz to 20kHz, these Sony MDR-7506 DJ headphones are also a solid choice for mixing and mastering tracks in the studio.
These Sony headphones have been around for years because they get the job done, notes eMastered. The Sony MDR-7506 weighs less than one pound and comes with an ⅛ inch to ¼ inch adapter so you can stay connected to your equipment. They also fold away for easy storage and packing. Whether you need a main pair of cups or you’re investing in a quality set of backup headphones, you’ll be happy with these Sony MDR-7506 headphones.
4. AIAIAI TMA-2
Booming into the fourth spot on the list of the best headphones for DJs is the AIAIAI TMA-2 headphones. These headphones are produced by the Danish company, AIAIAI, and come with some of the latest innovations and technology available in the DJ headphones market, notes Digital DJ Tips. The latest update to the TMA-2s is a Bluetooth headband that allows you to connect wirelessly with any smartphone or tablet. From there, AIAIAI designed these headphones with different speaker drivers and ear cup sizes to enhance their versatility and comfort.
As Equipboard explains, ordering these headphones is a neat experience alone for buyers. You can create a custom set of headphones on the AIAIAI website by choosing from various components. AIAIAI also offers preset configurations based on your needs – studio mixing, DJing, and so on. Once you’ve placed your order, unboxing the AIAIAI TMA-2s is a lot of fun with all of the components coming packaged in their individual envelopes. Simply snap your headphones together and you’re ready to get the party started in a big way.
The slick, minimalistic look of these headphones makes them a great choice for DJs trying to keep things simple but who want a reliable, sturdy pair of headphones. The reinforced headband combined with various customization options means you can create the perfect pair of DJ headphones. As MusicRadar notes, the new TMA-2s are also available in a Studio Wireless+ package which was created in collaboration with Richie Hawtin. If you’re looking for a custom pair of DJ headphones, do yourself a favor and head over to the AIAIAI website and start configuring.
5. V Moda Crossfade 3
Rounding out the list of the top pairs of DJ headphones is the V Moda Crossfade 3. If you’re sick of tangled wires and getting caught up in your rig, then consider investing in a solid pair of wireless headphones. The V Moda Crossfades are considered one of the top wireless options in the industry, and V Moda is a brand that’s beloved by experienced DJs, notes Gear News.
V Moda designed these headphones to meet the demands of DJing in a club, adds Sound Guys. The robust design of the V Moda Crossfade 3s makes them an ideal choice for club DJs who need something reliable and durable. The ear cup shields help create a cool-looking DJ aesthetic and you can find them in different colors. You can also tailor these headphones to sound exactly how you need by using the customizable EQ settings in the companion app.
As Music Radar notes, the Crossfade headphones are on their third iteration and these are likely the best ones yet. The third generation of the V Moda Crossfade headphones brings a variety of upgrades and enhancements designed to make these headphones more versatile. The inclusion of Bluetooth means you can rely on these headphones for your DJ gigs at night or the morning commute to work or school. Add in a wide frequency response range of 5Hz to 40kHz and a long battery life of around 30 hours, and you’ll be able to mix beats like a pro even in loud settings.
What to look for in a good pair of DJ headphones:
- Durability: DJ headphones need to withstand the rigors of frequent use in loud environments. Look for headphones with a sturdy build quality and replaceable parts.
- Sound Isolation: DJs need to be able to hear their cue track clearly over the sound of the music playing in the club or at the party. Look for headphones with good sound isolation, which will help to block out external noise.
- Comfort: DJs often wear headphones for long periods, so it’s important to choose a pair that is comfortable to wear. Look for headphones with well-padded ear cups and a headband that is adjustable for a snug, comfortable fit.
- Frequency Response: A wide frequency response is important for DJs to be able to hear all of the nuances and various aspects of the music they are playing. Look for headphones with a frequency response that ranges from 20Hz to 20kHz.
- High Sound Pressure Levels (SPL): DJs need headphones that can handle loud volumes without distortion. Look for headphones with a high SPL rating.
- Impedance: Impedance is a measure of resistance to electrical current. Low-impedance headphones are easier to drive from a DJ mixer or amplifier. Look for headphones with an impedance of 32 ohms or less.
- Cable: DJ headphones typically come with a coiled cable that can withstand being pulled on and stretched while you’re moving around, jamming to the beats. Look for a cable that is long enough to allow you to move around freely in the booth.
- Swivel Capability: Some DJ headphones have ear cups that can swivel, which allows DJs to listen to one ear cup at a time. This can help cue up tracks or monitor the crowd’s reaction to what’s being played.
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