Best DJ Headphones Under $200 (Updated Aug 2022)
Never underestimate the importance of quality headphones! Without a good pair of DJ headphones, mixing can become extremely difficult and stressful, especially in loud and noisy scenarios like clubs with large sound systems or crowded bars full of people.
With a good pair of headphones, mixing becomes tighter and more fluent and you’ll feel more confident and relaxed when delivering a top performance!
Think of headphones as an extension of your ears – they really do focus your entire DJ setup and place the mix in your head where you can gauge your tracks and mix and blend accordingly.
| Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|
| AIAIAI TMA-2 Modular DJ Preset | Dynamic 40mm Drivers; Superb Audio Quality & Aesthetic Appeal; For DJs and Live Performance; | PRICING |
| V-Moda Crossfade 2 | 50mm Dual-Diaphragm Driver; Bluetooth Wireless; Steel Frame & Headband; | PRICING |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50X | 45mm Neodymium Drivers; 90-Degree Swiveling Earcups; Extended Frequency Range for Clarity; Single-Ear Monitoring; | PRICING |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M20X | 40mm Neodymium Drivers; Tuned for Low-Frequency Performance; 3m Attached Cable; | PRICING |
| Pioneer HDJ-700 | 40mm Drivers; Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 28 kHz; Polyurethane Leather-Like Earpads; | PRICING |
| Sennheiser HD 4.5 | Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC Pairing; Intuitive Earcup-Mounted Controls; Foldable Design for Travel and Storage; | PRICING |
DJ headphones obviously don’t differ fundamentally to normal headphones but there are a few characteristics which optimize them for the role:
Sound Isolation
Sound isolation is tremendously important as we want to be able to hear the mix independently of any ambient or outside noise. If we want to instead listen to a mix as it would appear from the sound system then we can often use monitor speakers. When you stick the headphones on you want to be enclosed and shut off – this enhances your concentration, relaxes you and allows you to home in on the mix – that’s what matters the most.
Audio Quality
Commercial headphones are designed with all sorts of bias to accentuate bass or highs beyond what is reasonable or realistic. Of course, we want both the bass and the high end to be present and detailed in DJ headphones but we don’t want it to be so overblown that it covers other parts of the audio spectrum. DJ headphones, much like studio headphones, are designed to accurately represent the music for accurate monitoring.
Durability and Comfort
DJ sets can go on for some time and behind the decks, headphones can easily be knocked about or dropped. DJ headphones often feature rugged builds which aren’t fragile – they can take a good bashing behind the decks. With bigger soft earpads and comfortable headbands, DJ headphones should mold themselves around your head for superior comfort.
AIAIAI TMA-2 Modular DJ Preset
AIAIAI’s minimalist future-retro designs have been a worldwide hit amongst music fans, DJs and producers. They’re super stylish, elegant and their main selling point is the fact they can be modified with extra parts and upgrades for flexibility and expansion.
Build
The configuration we’re looking at here is the TMA-1 DJ. It swaps out the more stylish open earpads to closed sound isolating earpads which cover the ear. They still look great but they provide the isolation needed for DJing and live use. The build really is exceptional and they feel super sleek and well designed – these headphones will truly deliver the goods night after night.
Sound
With titanium-coated S02 drivers and neodymium magnets, these headphones are tuned for precision monitoring with a balanced but centralized sound stage. With emphasis on low-end dynamics, even in loud situations, these headphones are tuned precisely for DJ use. High frequencies are rolled off slightly to prevent fatigue in loud listening environments. Everything is well-optimised out-of-the-box with the DJ preset but if you want to modify your headphones, you have the option of doing so!
V-Moda Crossfade 2
These sit right on the $200 limit and may cost more in places but they’re well worth their place in any top DJ headphones list thanks to their stellar audio quality and indestructible build. They’ve really earnt their place in headphone shortlists and with 40+ awards, it’s no wonder that they’ve become one of the best selling pairs of pro DJ headphones.
Build
Touting military grade materials, the Crossfade 2 headphones have been extensively drop tested and are billed fairly as incredibly long lasting – they aren’t going to break if you happen to just throw them in your bag hastily or drop them off the stage.
The earpads are very well engineered as are the driver enclosures and headband. These headphones work with Bluetooth or in wired mode, allowing for flexibility when DJing on various setups. Not everyone trusts Bluetooth but these headphones are reportedly bulletproof when used wirelessly – they might just convert you away from cables!
Sound
Boasting award-winning sound quality, these headphones feature full-range precision engineered Japanese-built drivers. With incredible detail across the spectrum, the pure analog tone of these headphones recreates all music incredibly well. Though ultimately tuned for DJs with extensively tested bass response, these headphones please audiophiles of all types.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Studio Monitor Professional Headphones
Audio-Technica have delivered tremendous audio tech products for several decades and these ATH-M50X headphones pack pro features at a reasonable price for DJs. With classic over-ear styling and detailed frequency responses, these headphones combine the best in sound isolation, audio quality and price from a brand which has always been well reviewed amongst professionals.
Build
These headphones aren’t compact but their large earpads are very comfy and are perfectly suited to use in noisy environments. Whilst they’re technically studio headphones, they are built like true monitor headphones and are designed to isolate outside noise whilst retaining full sound quality in louder environments. Their large framed build is extremely rugged and comfortable and they’re clearly built to last.
Sound
These headphones deliver precision across the entire frequency spectrum. Realistic and full in their range, they deliver for any type of audio work or listening. Where they really excel is in their ultra-detailed low-end. This will greatly assist when lining up kick drums in the mix, even in really loud or tricky environments. Nothing is cut or emphasized beyond normal limits – these headphones are designed for reliability and precision.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20X
A big drop in price but a smaller drop in quality, the M50X’s little brother the M20X are credible as semi-pro headphones and the price is pretty remarkable. They feature renowned Audio-Technica styling and a standard of audio and build quality which clearly excels their price tag.
Build
These headphones are built similarly the M50Xs with large earpads and thick banding. They’re not exactly compact but they tick the boxes in priority areas – sound isolation and comfort. Like practically all DJ headphones, you can fold one of the earphones out for 1-on-1-off use. Whilst they might seem big and clunky to some, you might really appreciate having the extra padding around your ears during more extensive DJ sets.
Sound
The M20Xs combine quality sound isolative qualities with a well-tuned driver for studio and DJ use. Paying particular attention to the bass, they deliver a crisp image that paints a realistic picture of mixed music. For the price, you’re getting a very well tuned pair of headphones.
Pioneer HDJ-700
Pioneer will never shy away from producing anything related to audio tech and their HDJ range is proof that they’re dedicated to making top DJ equipment. These headphones look ultra-cool, distinctly Pioneer, and they unsurprisingly dedicate lots of features towards DJs specifically.
Build
Strong materials like ABS plastic and aluminum combine to create a high-quality pair of headphones that can withstand life on the road and behind the decs. Bold styling tops off a crisp overall look – these headphones look and feel tough to behold both in your hands and on your head.
Sound
With 40mm neodymium drivers, these headphones easily pack the gain and bass to present themselves over loud outside environmental sound. They isolate really well and the image is focussed and defined, easily clear enough to pick out all mix elements ranging from kicks to hats and synth melodies. Pioneer put their tremendous DJ manufacturing knowledge to good use when creating the HDJ-700s!
Sennheiser HD 4.5
Sennheiser packs their equipment with highly innovative tech. These headphones feature active noise cancellation ‘NoiseGard’ technology to filter unwanted ambient sounds smartly and subtly. This is well suited to DJing, it’s great to see active sound isolation technology in headphones of this price. The HD 4.5s do also feature large earpads – they’re not spindly or small and they provide passive sound isolation too as well as comfort.
Build
Sennheiser products often come with an unmatched elegance and these headphones don’t differ. With quality matte plastics, metal hinges and other well-engineered components, these headphones really do look and feel the part. They’re tough, stylish and can fit in a small bag for portability.
Sound
These headphones deliver a modern super-focussed but wide image with punchy bass and plenty of detail. They’re capable of a serious volume level and when pushed they don’t become distorted or compressed. They’re a joy to use when simply listening to music but even in demanding bass-pounding situations, they deliver the crispness and clarity required to make mixing an easier task.
Summary
All of these headphones are extremely well built and they deliver quality audio optimal for DJing. You can’t really go wrong with any, some may appeal on aesthetics and design whereas others may appeal on audio quality or features.
Whichever way you look at it, the level is high. Even the cheapest pair on the list by far, the Audio-Technica M20X, is well known for its reliable delivery of quality audio even in loud environments.
We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again – never underestimate the importance of owning quality headphones. They will improve your DJ skills, your confidence and your sense of the music when performing.
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