Many aspiring DJs get it wrong – they tend to think that their skills are dependent on the quality of their DJ controllers alone.
While it’s true that the playing experience may be different when using a good-quality DJ controller, let’s not also forget that a controller is not the end-all tool of DJs – the headphones play a very important tool too! After all, to play good music, you need to be a good listener too.
Now, you might be thinking, what’s so special about DJ headphones anyway? Can’t you use one of those casual headphones other people are using?
Well, imagine this – you are at a party and the loudspeakers are booming. People are shouting at each other because the music’s too loud, and there you are, above it all at a stage and ready to play.
How can you hear the sound you are creating if your headphones aren’t good enough?
Also, cheaper headphones usually entail cheaper quality of materials and craftsmanship. Can you imagine playing for hours with a pair of headphones that hurt your ears? What if that pair suddenly decides to break while you are at a gig? That said, it is very important to invest on a really good pair of headphones.
But let’s face it – buying a pair of good-quality DJ headphones isn’t easy. If technical terminologies make your head hurt, we’ve made a roundup to help make shopping a little bit easier for you.
Below is a list of our personal favorites – the best DJ headphones available in the market today. Check it out and see which ones fit your needs.
Contents
Top 10 Best DJ Headphones in 2024 (reviews)
- Sennheiser HD8 DJ Headphones
- HDJ-X7-K Professional DJ Headphone
- Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones
- Denon DJ A- B Box
- Sennheiser HD7 DJ Headphones
- Shure SRH750DJ
- Roland AIRA M-100-AIRA Headphones
- Beyerdynamic DT-150
- Pioneer DJ Headphone
- Sennheiser HD 205-II Studio Grade DJ Headphones
Also Great | Editor's Choice | Budget Pick |
Sennheiser HD 8 DJ Headphones
Sennheiser is a beloved brand name for headphones; they’ve been creating and innovating audio equipment for over 70 years now. And with a history that long, you know that the company knows their stuff.
Personally, I think that the Sennheiser HD8 is one of the company’s best works ever. It has all the right stuff for all the right reasons.
First, it has ultra-comfortable earpieces. It sports an ergonomic design that guarantees the best fit for your years, and it is also microfiber-cushioned for guaranteed durability and comfort.
Its metal headband is also sandwiched in between layers of resonance-dampening polymers – say goodbye to unwanted vibration!
The thing that I liked most about these headphones is the fact that it produces rich and authentic sound. It’s loud enough to be heard in a noisy environment, but not to the point where the authenticity of sound is compromised.
- Made with ultra-lightweight material that is tough like titanium and non-resonant
- Comes with easy-to-maintain
- Durable and comfortable microfiber ear pads
- Includes 2 impedance matched
- Low capacitance cables
- One with a 6.3 mm connector
- And the other with a 4-pin XLR
- Not a good option for those sensitive to loud high notes
Pioneer Pro DJ Black (HDJ-X7-K Professional DJ Headphone)
If you are looking for the most affordable of the bunch, then the Pioneer Pro DJ is the option for you. These headphones come at a pocket-friendly price but they definitely do not skimp on quality. It is made to pass the high standards of the Pioneer DJ brand, and it has also been rigorously tested for quality and durability.
The Pioneer Pro DJ is lightweight but it produces a rich and full sound. What I personally love about this pair is its excellent sound isolation and bass response. For a pair of headphones with that price tag, it shouldn’t be that good.
But nevertheless, the Pioneer Pro DJ delivers. So if you are on a budget and are looking for a pair that stays true to the original sound of your music, this is the pair for you.
- Super lightweight
- Comes with a travel pouch
- Crisp and clear sounds
- Has the right amount of bass without the vibration
- Comfortable to wear and durable enough for DJ use
- Fit may be a bit too tight for some users
- Lacks adjustment capabilities
- Does not accommodate all sizes
Shure SRH1840 Professional Open Back Headphones
One look at the Shure SRH1840 and you are sure that this is the go-to headphones for professional DJs. Jokes and puns aside, this pair is seriously one of the best DJ headphones to look out for.
It looks durable and robust, only because it is made with the sturdiest materials around. The Shure SRH1840 is made with aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and stainless steel, constructed to be ultra-lightweight and flexible.
These headphones also emphasize on the quality of sound with the help of its Individually matched 40mm neodymium drivers. Not only does it highlight the smooth extended high ends and an accurate bass, it also eliminates internal resonance.
To tie it all up, the Shure SRH1840 also has a super ergonomic design, ensuring long hours of comfort no matter how hard you DJ.
- Top-notch audio quality
- Produces rich and full sound but also preserves authentic tone
- Super lightweight
- Great for long hours of DJ-ing
- One of the more expensive DJ headphones on this list
- Headband comes in leather and may not be easily replaced when worn-out
Denon DJ A- B Box
Here’s another option that is pocket-friendly but packed with all the necessary features DJs will enjoy. The Denon DJ A– has 40mm drivers with neodymium magnets and it can take up to 700mW of power-handling to deliver tremendous, articulate sound.
It also has a cushioned headband for long-term comfort. The closed-back design provides isolation for DJs while offering high acoustic-performance.
For me, I really like that these headphones come with rotating earpieces. It’s a common feature among plenty of headphones, but it’s still a great addition. Rotating earpieces are great for DJs who like to wear headphones on only one ear.
- Made with premium-grade lightweight material that is both comfortable and durable
- Capable of producing loud but authentic sound that is safe for the ears
- Has swiveling earpieces
- Perfect for DJs who like to wear headphones with one ear off
- These headphones are not noise-cancelling types
Sennheiser HD 7 DJ Headphones
The Sennheiser HD7 was built with the working DJ in mind – a great ambition for any pair of headphones but surprisingly, this pair exceeds expectations. Just like the other Sennheiser headphones, the HD7 sports an ergonomic design.
Its elliptical closed-back circumaural form provides comfort while reducing background noise. The swiveling earcups also provide flexibility for DJs who like to keep only one earpiece on.
The HD7 is also not shy when it comes to volume. It is capable of loud, high SPL (up to 115 dB) which is great for noisy environments like parties and live concerts. And don’t worry, the HD7 also has high noise isolation for safer listening as well.
- Capable of producing crystal clear sounds even at loud volumes
- Cancels out background noise
- Has noise isolation for safer listening
- Ergonomic
- Provides maximum comfort
- Flexible for DJ stances
- Comes with 2 cords
- The coiled cord may be a bit heavy for long hours of usage
Shure SRH750DJ
Looking for something simple, reliable, and reliable? Can you make do without all the fancy features? The Shure SRH750DJ is a straightforward pair that will provide you with everything you need to get started.
It has a frequency range of 5Hz to 30,000 HZ – pretty decent for a pair of headphones with a humble price tag. I also like that it comes with a 10ft detachable cable; not only does it give you more length, but it being detachable means that you can replace it every time you need a new one.
Speaking of replaceable parts, the Shure SRH750DJ also has replaceable ear pads. It even has a second pair included when you purchase these headphones.
I personally recommend the Shure SRH750DJ to those who want a product that will last longer, or for those who are looking for a sustainable option that can withstand the wear and tear during practice.
- Comes with replaceable parts guaranteeing longer life of the product
- Ultra lightweight
- Comes with a pouch and adapter making it great for travel
- Has 50mm neodymium driver that’s optimized for DJ mixing
- Also features Increased impedance and optimized power handling for DJ mixers
- Durability and choice of materials needs improvement
Roland AIRA M-100-AIRA Headphones
If the capability of sharing your music is a must-have, then the Roland AIRA M-100 is the headphones for you. These pair of headphones have an extra SharePlay extended audio cable with a built-in 3.5 mm jack, allowing two headphones to share the same source.
Personally, this feature makes the AIRA M-100 a winner for me. How many good-quality DJ headphones have this additional perk on their specs list?
But aside from the SharePlay audio cable, you’d also be pleasantly surprised with how loud and crystal clear these headphones sound. The AIRA M-100 has 50mm high definition dual diaphragm drivers and up to 530,000 Hz frequency response. In short, this pair of headphones know sound quality, and they also know how to retain it.
- Comes with an extended audio cable that allows 2 headphones to share the same source
- Produces loud and clear sound while also keeping it safe for listening
- One of the pricier options on the list
Beyerdynamic DT-150
Constantly working in loud environments? Chances are, you’re on the hunt for a pair of headphones that can truly cancel out all that noise. Good news, we’ve got just the thing you need. The Beyerdynamic DT-150 is one pair that could silence any loud environment, allowing you to focus on your own sound.
This pair is a closed dynamic headphone with powerful neodymium system. It has excellent ambient noise attenuation and reproduction accuracy. With a frequency response of 5-30,0000 Hz and its capability to handle very high SPL, what more can you ask for?
- Perfect ambient noise isolation
- Crystal clear audio quality
- Maximum comfort guaranteed with its adjustable headband and cushioned earpieces
- Bulky
- Not as sleek and stylish as the other options on the list
Pioneer DJ Headphone
Want a pair of headphones that doesn’t just sound great but have great style as well? The Pioneer DJ Headphone sports striking gold details – a perfect match for the DJ who likes to add a bit of fashion into his gear. But these headphones aren’t just all about the looks; its audio quality also deserves a gold medal.
True to the Pioneer brand, these headphones feature advanced soundproofing technology. Not only do you get authentic sound, but these headphones also give you a quiet environment for more clarity and volume.
- Pro quality sound at a very affordable price
- Perfect choice for a beginner’s headphones
- Made with the world renowned Pioneer standards
- Includes basic features inherited from the higher-end Pioneer models
- Made with high-quality materials
- Comfortability guaranteed
- Not as loud as other options on this list
Sennheiser HD 205-II Studio Grade DJ Headphones
Here’s another selection from the Sennheiser catalog that may pique your interest. If you love all the features of the other Sennheiser headphones on this list but would like something simpler and basic, this is the pair for you.
In my opinion, the HD 205-II headphones are the best option for beginners. Although it provides standard features, it assures optimum quality for each making it a durable and sustainable option for beginners in practice.
The sound on these headphones is loud and smooth. Plus, it also produces a pretty deep bass for an affordable pair. It also comes with rotatable ear cups and replaceable ear pads – a great addition for those interested in keeping this pair for the long haul.
- A super affordable option
- Great for beginners who are just starting out or for those who are looking for a pair of headphones for practice
- Loud and clear with a deep bass
- Has great audio quality for a pocket-friendly price
- Comes with swiveling earcups and replaceable ear pads
- Low durability
- Choice of materials can be improved
How To Choose The Best DJ Headphones For Professional Studio Use
Ready to go shopping for your DJ headphones? Like most musical instruments and accessories, professional DJ headphones also do not come cheap. You can easily spend a few hundred dollars even for a pair of the simplest headphones.
But as we always like to say, the price of an item shouldn’t be your deciding factor when purchasing a musical instrument or gadget. So where do you begin to look for the best DJ headphones for you?
The first thing you need to consider is comfortability. Comfort is always key, and because you will be spending a lot of time wearing your headphones, you’d want a pair that fits you perfectly.
It shouldn’t be too tight and it shouldn’t be too big or too small for your ears. No part of the headphone should chafe or catch, and it should stay in place even if you move your head around.
In relation to comfortability, you must also take into consideration your mixing stance. Most DJs like to wear headphones on just one ear; the exposed ear listens in on the sound of the speakers.
If you like doing this stance, try looking for headphones with revolving earpieces. Although not a necessity, having such a feature could help you feel more comfortable as you work on your controller.
Another important factor is volume. Most headphones will work just fine in a quiet setting. But if you are DJ-ing at a party or in any noisy environment, the volume may not be enough for you to hear your sound clearly. Consider getting louder headphones but also make sure that they are safe for your ears.
Last but definitely not the least, pay attention to your headphone jack. Most controllers are compatible with a 1/4″ jack. But the ones most people commonly use have 1/8″ jacks – there are compatible with your phones or iPods. And there you have it, a simple guideline of how to buy the best DJ headphones for you.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Building a Home DJ Studio
Our Top Pick
Considering our guidelines on how to buy the best DJ headphones, our winner for this roundup is the Sennheiser HD 8 DJ Headphones. It’s not just durable, but it also guarantees comfortability – thanks to its ergonomic ear cups, microfiber cushioned earpieces, and damped metal headbands.
You get comfort, usability, and no unwanted vibration. And besides the fact that it is comfortable and ergonomic, the Sennheiser HD 8 is also loud and crystal clear.
The ring radiator transducer technology brings out rich and authentic sounds – no matter how noisy your environment is. And the best part of it all? It’s robust but it’s also light as a feather. We believe that with all these characteristics combined, the Sennheiser HD 8 deserves a seat on the throne as the best DJ headphones.