Need a reliable pair of headphones for live performance and computer music production? Here are the best DJ headphones available today, from professional ones to entry-level models.
To perform beatmatching from the stage and mix tracks in the best way, DJ headphones are a very important element.
What is needed is a headset with the good build quality, with a good level of noise cancellation, of the closed-back type (closed headphones), and of the on-ear or over-ear type. Of course, wireless headphones are not very suitable for this type of activity.
DJ headphones must also have good sound pressure, to be well audible even when we are in a crowded environment and with a disco system playing at high volumes.
The sonic paste of the DJ headphones goes to personal preference. Many prefer headphones with an emphasis on low frequencies, others do well with more midrange headphones. Depending on your approach, it’s generally easier to mix between two tracks using kick drum and bass.
Not only for live events and DJ stands, the best headphones for DJs can also be useful for creating electronic music on a computer without having to buy dedicated studio monitors.
Some of the models that we present today are also very good as studio headphones, so they can be used by DJs for on-the-go music productions and for mixing the audio of different musical instruments.
Now let’s go into the details of the ranking and let’s find out which are the best DJ headphones on the market today, with technical specifications and prices for all needs.
1. Pioneer DJ HDJ-X7
The best professional DJ headphones for intensive use
Pros:
- Resistant
- Practices to use in any position
- Sound insulation and quality sound
Cons:
- The hard case is missing
The Pioneer DJ HDJ-X7 are professional DJ headphones for industry professionals. They are durable, constructed of premium materials, comfortable to wear, easy to fold and pack, and can withstand intensive everyday use.
In addition to this, thanks to the 50 mm driver they offer top-of-the-range quality, with the possibility of clean sound monitoring even at high volumes and an exceptionally high-frequency response from 5 – 30,000 Hz.
Once we open the box of the Pioneer headphones, we immediately realize why they cost so much. First we have a beautiful leatherette pouch case to carry the headphones around, although we recommend purchasing a hard case separately to protect them from bumps and drops. Then we find two jack connection cables, one spiral and the other straight.
The headphones themselves are of excellent build quality. The 4-pole structure ensures perfect separation of the left and right channels, accompanied by a flexible headband to place them in any position and foam rubber for extreme comfort.
The material chosen to connect the headband to the pavilions is metal (and not plastic) which guarantees further resistance and that associated with the swivel mechanism allows prolonged use without getting tired. The connection point is the one that usually tends to fall apart after intensive use, but in this case, we really have the feeling that the headphones can last indefinitely (thesis also supported by military-type shock tests ).
With a sensitivity of 102 dB and an impedance of 36 Ω, the sonic detail is formidable, especially in the low frequencies, where we can fully appreciate the musical capabilities of these professional DJ headphones.
For live use, the sound insulation is very good. Even in a very noisy closed environment and with loud music on the stereo system, we can hear the audio tracks of the music to be mixed well, with good sound pressure. In addition, the crystal clear sound allows you to appreciate even the highest frequencies.
2. V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Master
The best DJ headphones for build quality and flexibility
Pros:
- Virtually indestructible
- Double jack input for multiple sources
Cons:
- The pavilions do not rotate on the vertical axis
This type of headphones is great for many types of applications. Because of their build quality and durability we feel we can safely recommend them to a public of DJs looking for a professional model, also suitable for everyday use.
For those unfamiliar with the brand, these headphones are the new model of the already acclaimed 2012 V-MODA Crossfade M-100. With the addition of the Master suffix, V-MODA has built an even better version of its top-of-the-range headset , and wants to attack the professional headphone market for both audiophiles and professional DJs.
The sound signature is quite remarkable, and in the new model we find a better frequency response, expanded to 5 – 40,000 Hz. The stereo image is spacious and the sonic detail is very high.
The closing mechanism of the headphones for storing them in the case is exceptionally pleasant to use (Cliqfold design). Just push the two pavilions inside the headband and you will hear a reassuring click that will confirm the closure. Same thing when you take out the pavilions out to use them.
The circumaural ear cups are lined with memory foam and are incredibly comfortable to wear for long sessions of use. The headband is extremely flexible and very difficult to break, indeed almost impossible. The only flaw is the impossibility of rotating the pavilions on the vertical axis to easily remove one headset while wearing the other.
To mix tracks from different sources , V-MODA has seen fit to insert two jack inputs for connecting cables, so you can hear one track on the right ear while listening to the other track on the left ear, an extremely useful feature for monitoring. .
3. Sennheiser HD 25-1 II
The standard reference headphones of the music industry
Pros:
- Very light
- High sound quality for monitoring
- Soundproofing
Cons:
- They cannot be folded back
Among professional DJ headphones , the Sennheiser HD 25-1 II are great for monitoring and audio productions. They are the perfect all-rounder model for the DJ and music professional who wants a high definition headphone for everyday use.
One of the most positive features is the high wearability index . Being lightweight and very sparse, these headphones for DJs badged Sennheiser are comfortable as reliable and will be your traveling companions for a long time.
They are also modular and the various parts are easily interchangeable in case they break. The only flaw in the build quality is the impossibility of folding them into a more compact format for transport in the bag.
The sound quality is what we can expect from a high-end pair of Sennheiser headphones. The low frequencies are precise and punctual , while the mid-highs reveal an extraordinary amount of detail.
The design is supra-aural, so they do not enclose the ear as a circumaural model. The sound insulation is still good and we can use them even when the surrounding environment is very noisy.
The fact that the earpads are articulated and foldable in different directions make them particularly suitable for monitoring tracks during a DJ session, and we could keep them on our heads for hours before having to take them off due to fatigue. The bow opens in two to create more friction to avoid losing them, an intelligent and useful device for live use.
4. Pioneer HDJ-700-K
The best mid-range all-rounder headphones for DJs and everyday use
Pros:
- Emphasis on low frequencies
- Resistant and practical to use for DJs
- Value for money
Cons:
- Not foldable
If you are looking for an on-ear headphone to use for both DJs and music listening , the Pioneer HDJ-700s are a very good pair of mid-range headphones.
With this model, Pioneer Dj intends to satisfy the growing demand for multi-purpose DJ headphones and for everyday use. The design is trendy, the functions favor comfort and the build quality is of a high level.
With these on-ear headphones, you get two 40mm dome type drivers , a total weight of 220 grams, an output sound level of 105 dB, frequency response from 5 to 28,000 Hz and impedance 45 Ω.
As with all DJ headphones, the first thing we look at is the build quality and durability. Here we note that the headband is made of folding steel, to demonstrate its durability over time. The folding mechanism of the right auricle up to 60 ° is also of excellent construction, and is particularly useful for DJs for monitoring in one ear.
By sound quality, these DJ headphones from Pioneer are aimed at those who want a belly sound , full of bass, for listening to EDM or Hip Hop music. The mid-highs are still quite crystal clear, and when we wear them there is also a certain level of acoustic isolation, despite being supra-aural and non-circumaural headphones.
5. Audio Technica ATH-M50X
The best DJ headphones for price quality
Pros:
- I use live DJ and studio
- Incredibly comfortable to wear
- Excellent passive noise cancellation
Cons:
- Plastic materials
They are the most popular over-ear (circumaural) headphones for their value for money. The Audio Technica ATH-M50X solve different types of needs and are suitable for both DJs and music producers .
Not only for DJs then, but also for music professionals who need studio headphones to perfectly hear all the defects of an audio mix, without having to use studio monitor speakers. This DJ headphone model is also available in a Bluetooth version, which costs more, but allows both wireless and wired use.
The raw and honest sound of these headphones it’s a pleasure to hear, it allows us to savor every nuance of the music and hear the tracks as they were actually intended by the producer. True, they sin in the low frequencies because they are not consumer headphones like the Beats, but we really like the honesty of this model’s signature sound.
For DJ use, the sound isolation is almost equal to that of active noise canceling headphones. The pavilions envelop the whole ear well and create a pad that excludes external noises, and being easily articulated we can in a moment remove one of the two pavilions to free an ear from listening with headphones.
Once worn, we can keep them on for hours and we have no problems with tiredness or fatigue, the pavilions are soft with pads in breathable material , and are made to last over time and not to suffer cracks in the soft part.
The price range is very interesting, AT has preferred to create a professional instrument for professionals, and from a sound and practical point of view we give these headphones all the credit they deserve.
Some compromises have had to be made in the quality of the construction materials, which is the only area where these headphones give way to more expensive competitors. The ATH-M50Xs are made almost entirely of plastic (a good plastic, but still plastic), which means they will break sooner or later, but we expect it to last a few years before this happens.
6. Shure SRH750DJ
Mid-range articulated DJ headphone
Pros:
- Versatile use
- Articulated and foldable
- Well balanced frequencies
Cons:
- Plastic design
- Poor padding
- Not suitable for listening to light music
The Shure SRH750DJ are among the best live performance DJ headphones in the mid -price range. Due to its characteristics, this model is designed for an audience of professional DJs, but also for listening to electronic and techno music in everyday life or as a complement to a Hi-Fi system.
The design is mainly made of plastic, but it is quite resistant to bumps and falls. The earpads rotate 90 degrees , helping the DJ to listen with one ear. Furthermore, being articulated they can be folded inside the headband to favor a more compact and portable size.
The upper headband has little padding, so we recommend them for short to medium length listening. On the other hand, a positive note must be made of the acoustic insulation which allows the complete elimination of external environmental noises.
Thanks to the 50 mm driver and a sensitivity of 106 dB , these headphones realize the exceptional formula of powerful bass and extended highs. The audio quality is very clean in the medium and low frequencies, facilitating mixing, while the extension of the high frequencies makes them ideal for home use as well.
They are slightly different from the typical DJ headphones with covering bass and this detail manages to make us appreciate electronic and hip hop music too.. On stage, however, they are fine, they are comfortable, they remain firmly attached to the head so as not to accidentally lose them.
7. Sony MDR7506
The classic studio headphones for musicians and DJs
Pros:
- Sound accurate and real
- Studio headphones for producing music
- Industry standard for decades
Cons:
- Less suitable for live DJ sessions
- Low frequencies less emphasized
For DJs who want a pair of headphones for composing music on a computer and mixing quality, we recommend them with your eyes closed. We don’t have the classic bass punch typical of consumer headphones, but for live mixing and producing music, these headphones have an exceptional value for money.
Used as DJ headphones , the Sony MDR-7506 is an industry standard model . Having been on the market for some time, we see them used in recording studios, TV programs and live music events. For monitoring music and audio in general, these professional monitor headphones are great, and they cost very little.
Although not primarily marketed for live DJs, the Sony MDR 7506 are still recommended for this type of use.
However, we recommend them to those who are happy to perform monitoring using above all the medium-high frequencies . Since the low frequencies are not very pushed, compared to consumer models and headphones for live DJs, if you are used to using the kick box or the bass of a track as a reference, with the Sony you will have some problems distinguishing them.
However, it is enough to know the sound paste well to be able to use them well even in these circumstances. There are many professional live DJs who rely on the classic Sony MDR-7506 for mixing live tracks.
8. AKG K271 MKII
DJ headphones for music production and home recording
Pros:
- Neutral sound for professional audio productions
- Good level of comfort
Cons:
- Less suitable for live DJ sessions
We recommend the AKG K271 MKII to DJs and music producers who want a pair of headphones dedicated to home recording and neutral listening to audio mixes.
If your job is to produce music tracks and multimedia content, monitoring the sound with specific monitor headphones is one of the most important aspects, and the K271 are inexpensive DJ headphones that allow you to do it at a good value for money.
When you wear them, you will have a pleasant enveloping feeling, and sound insulation it is nothing short of excellent. So you can immerse yourself in audio mixing and work on home recording projects with a professional level of monitoring, even for on-the-go situations. They are obviously also good for recording music and vocals, and offer a very high level of comfort.
Less suitable for live events and for those who prefer beat-matching using low frequencies. These DJ headphones from AKG are recommended for those who appreciate neutral sound.
In any case, for the DJ with a trained ear once you have made the necessary acquaintance with the AKG sound signature, you can also use them for live sessions, but if you are a beginner we recommend dedicated live DJ headphones, which you can find in the high of this ranking.
9. Audio Technica Pro ATH-M20X
Best budget studio DJ headphones
Pros:
- Neutral sound
- Snodabili
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Less suitable for live DJ sessions
For the DJ looking for a circumaural headphone designed for studio monitoring , this is the most recommended budget model.
Audio Technica’s M series is specifically designed for music professionals, for neutral listening and audio mixing in the studio or for home recording. The M20X are the entry level headphones of the series, and offer a very competitive quality / price ratio.
They include 40mm neodymium drivers and a frequency response of 15 to 20,000 Hz, impedance 47 ohms.
Compared to the M40 and M50 models they sound less loaded and less detailed, but they are good enough to be able to monitor a stereo mix without creating particular errors.
For budding DJs and music producers on a tight budget, we recommend them to start composing and producing music on laptops . They provide neutral feedback, and a fairly detailed stereo image of musical instruments.
For use on stage and for live DJs, they are less suitable. If you really have to use them for live sessions, it will still be convenient to have articulated earpads like these, to remove the headphones from one ear when necessary.
10. OneOdio DJ Headphones
The entry level DJ headphone for amateur use
Pros:
- Suitable for prolonged use
- Clean and balanced sound
- Cuscinetti in memory foam
Cons:
- Sound can be improved with high volume
- Plastic design
The OneOdio are the best budget DJ headphones , ideal for mixing some tracks with friends and non-professional situations .
This model is fine, indeed very well, even for everyday use to be connected to the smartphone to listen to music around. Contained in an imitation leather bag, they offer a truly unbeatable value for money.
The design is in plastic with eco-leather padding and under the pavilions we find two jack inputs, also useful for sharing music with someone else. One of the jack cables also has a built- in microphone for answering calls.
The positive aspects of this model, in addition to the price that appeals to many, are the sound quality, the jointed earpads and the respective very large memory foam pads that guarantee maximum comfort . The controlled and dynamic bass are perfectly balanced with the more refined mid and high frequencies. The classic equalization makes them appreciable especially to those who use them for a long time. The frequency response ranges from 20 to 20,000 Hz , while with regard to sound insulation they do not completely cancel external noises, but still represent a good compromise for listening without hassles. In general, for the list price, the OneOdio are a model of highly respectable entry level DJ headphone .
Photo: amazon.com
