Best DJ Headphones (Updated Aug 2022)
Top quality headphones that reproduce sound faithfully are an absolutely essential accessory for every DJ.
Whether mixing or mastering, in the studio or on the road, the best DJ headphones are ones that are built to fit comfortably and sound amazing for a lot of hours of listening.
Of course, you demand headphones that please your ears and deliver all the richness of all the sounds in the music that you mix. That being said, here are some of the best DJ headphones we have come across lately.
| Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|
| Sennheiser HD25 Plus | For Mixing, Mastering, and DJing | PRICING |
| Sennheiser HD8 DJ | Designed for DJ Applications | PRICING |
| Pioneer HDJ 2000MK2 | Sound Isolation Earpads | PRICING |
| RCF Iconica Supra-Aural Headphone | Compact, on-ear design | PRICING |
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x | Circumaural, Sound-Isolating Design | PRICING |
| Sony MDR-7506 | Closed Design | PRICING |
| Sennheiser HD 600 | Closed Design | PRICING |
| Samson Professional SR950 | Closed ear design for maximum isolation | PRICING |
| RCF Iconica By Benny Benassi | Extended LF response and noise cancellation | PRICING |
| TMA-2 Modular Headphone System | For On-the-Go & Home Listening | PRICING |
| Pioneer Pro DJ HDJ-1500-N | Closed-Back Design | PRICING |
| Sennheiser HD 700 | Thick Around-Ear Cushions | PRICING |
| Beyerdynamic DT990 PRO | Open over-ear headphones | PRICING |
| Status Audio CB-1 | Designed for audio professionals | PRICING |
| Allen & Heath Xone XD2-53 | Closed-Back Over-Ear | PRICING |
| Shure SRH750DJ | Closed-Back Design | PRICING |
| AKG K181-DJ | The ultimate tool for professional DJs | PRICING |
| Stanton DJ Pro 2000 | Closed Ear Design | PRICING |
| Behringer HPX2000 | Rugged, yet Comfortable Design | PRICING |
| V-MODA Crossfade M100 | Steel Frame & Headband | PRICING |
1. Sennheiser HD25 Plus
A well-known model from a name you will hear again and again and find on any list of the best DJ headphones, the Sennheiser HD25 Plus come with a closed-back design that lets you hear the track clearly without distractions of the environment. The headband pads and earcup cushions, on the other hand, give the comfort you’ll need to wear the pair for long, long hours.
Furthermore, the flexible mounts let you easily slide up one side to just the right spot for live listening. Lightweight, yet sturdy to last for many hours behind the decks, the HD25 Plus sets the pro standard with clear reproduction and functional design.
Sennheiser HD25 Plus Highlights
 |
|
2. Sennheiser HD8 DJ
You know what to expect from the company, and the Sennheiser HD8 DJ headphones can definitely deliver. Relying on the proprietary acoustic system found on the HD25, these headphones provide quality sound, richness, and clarity that you’ll be able to get from much more expensive models.
Built to look and last great, with a good amount of flex in the nicely padded headband, the HD25 ear cups rotate a full 210° to handle one-ear monitoring with style and comfort.
Sennheiser HD8 DJ Highlights
 |
|
3. Pioneer HDJ 2000MK2
Some of the outstanding comfort and performance features of the Pioneer HDJ 2000 MK2 include details like memory foam in the ear cups for exceptionally tight but still remarkably comfortable seal that provides great sound isolation. With flex in the headband and magnesium alloy hinges designed to rotate 180° upward and swivel 90° it is easy to find the sweet spot where one cup can rest for ideal one-ear listening and on-ear comfort.
Outstanding sound quality with superior accuracy comes from large 50mm drivers and the copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils. Pioneer is a brand known for innovation and top technology, and the HDJ 2000 MK2 live up to that legend with bass reflex system featuring a sound isolation chamber to effectively isolate low and mid-range frequencies.
Pioneer HDJ 2000 MK2 Highlights
 |
|
4. RCF Iconica Supra-Aural Headphone
While RCF may not be the first name that usually comes to mind when thinking of professional headphones, the Iconica Supr-Aural have undoubtedly their place on the list of best DJ headphones. Great for starters looking to limit initial investment in equipment, Iconica Supra-Aurals deliver good accuracy in frequency response and sound performance.
Known especially for great bass range, these are compact and portable headphones with a foldable design. The headband adjusts to fit most head sizes just right and ear cup cushioning is meant to be comfortable for hours on the decks.
RCF Iconica Supra-Aural Headphones Highlights
 |
|
5. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
A very popular entry in their M-series, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are favoured by a multitude of audio engineers and DJs around the world mainly due to the outstanding sound quality and comfort they provide. Circumaural sound cups hug the ears for sound isolation that is just right for studio work or playing in loud environments.
The comfortable fit is snug with a padded headband and ear pads designed for long hours in comfort. Clarity throughout an extended frequency range comes from rare-earth magnets, 45mm drivers and copper-clad aluminum wire coils.
Audio-Technika ATX-M50X Highlights
 |
|
6. Sony MDR-7506
Light and sturdy for home studio or even outdoor use, Sony MDR-7506 features closed-ear design for elimination of loud environment distraction and limitation of “headphone bleed” that can interfere with microphones and recordings.
The MDR 7506 is a great set of headphones for DJs spinning live or musicians in the studio. Sony is known for musical gear boasting quality components and lasting materials, and these are no exception. With 40mm drivers, the MDR 7506 deliver deep bass tones, reduced distortion, and outstanding dynamic range.
Sony MDR-7506 Headphones Highlights
 |
|
7. Sennheiser HD 600
From the brand known for some of the best in the business comes the powerful sound quality of Sennheiser HD 600. Full of the performance you’d expect, the lightweight headphones are comfortable enough for wearing for a long show live or in the studio.
The crisp range of audio spectrum comes from unique two-layer “Duofol” diaphragm construction designed to cancel standing waves out and provide minimal distortion at the extremes. The Neodymium-ferrous magnets control diaphragm movement optimally, delivering lows that are full and well defined.
Sennheiser HD600 Headphones Highlights
 |
|
8. Samson Professional SR950
A closed-back design gives the Samson Professional SR950 plenty of isolation for picking out details of the music. Firm, closed ear cups hold sound in well for limited sound bleed. These substantial headphones weigh in at almost 11 ounces, heavier than some others, but feature performance details like 50mm drivers and Neodynium magnets
Padding and movement of the ear cups allow for long-wearing comfort. The performance the SR950 delivers is exceptional for the price point, with value worth the investment.
Sampson Professional SR950 Headphones Highlights
 |
|
9. RCF Iconica By Benny Benassi
Electronica legend Benny Benassi adopted the RCF Iconica with his signature model. From a company more known, originally, for loudspeaker technology than headphones, the quality materials and design here make this model worthy of the name.
In the box, you get a zippered clamshell case, coiled cable and a cable with a remote. While they provide deep bass and look great, on-ear models are not made to hold out noise like some full ear covering models. In a loud environment, the Iconica by Benny Benassi might require a bit more volume up to get the music, but the look and feel are what a lot of DJs really prefer.
RCF Iconica by Benny Benassi Headphones Highlights
 |
|
10. TMA-2 Modular Headphone System
Build your own adventure with a TMA-2 Modular Headphone System. AIAIAI lets you choose details from the modular unit on the company’s website. You get choices of details constructed around the popular TMA-1 design. Choose components to create your ideal headphones, from cables to speaker drivers, ear pads to connectors.
The TMA-2 Modulars work the way you do, and if you like what you heard from the company’s earlier iterations, you will likely enjoy the customizable version as well.
TMA-2 Modular Headphones Highlights
 |
|
11. Pioneer Pro DJ HDJ-1500-N
The name known for audio gear excellence offers some outstanding DJ tools. With 5 to 30,000 Hz there’s plenty of range and response on the low end for deep bass in live settings. The 50 mm drivers deliver sound around 108 db at peak, and HDJ-1500-N feature noise-isolating design lets you get all details you need in your ears, even with distractions in the area.
Not too heavy at 10 ounces, these sturdy and foldable headphones are some of the best DJ headphones for a live performance. The comfortable, firm and form-fitting pads of the ear cups feel good through long use.
Pioneer Pro DJ HDJ-1500-N Highlights
 |
|
12. Sennheiser HD 700
Going for the best of both worlds, the Sennheiser HD 700 feature open-back design with circumaural ear cups for clear directional sound typical of closed-back headphones. The blend allows a lot of the extra sound associated with an open back style.
With a flat sound profile associated with studio use, the HD700 go through a range 15 to 40,000 Hz for good coverage. Sennheiser makes use of a ventilated magnetic system designed to clear up sound and eliminate distracting artifacts you would encounter in a lower cost headphone. Premium construction shows in the details of the HD 700 with extra padded velour for supreme comfort and the cord featuring oxygen-free silver-plated wiring.
Sennheiser HD 700 Highlights
 |
|
13. Beyerdynamic DT990 PRO
Everyone seems to have an opinion on one side or the other of the closed or open-back headphone debate. Many studio engineers and pros appreciate the fuller, richer sound of open-back headphones for mixing and mastering applications. Audiophiles find that the slightly louder, deeper bass-heavy tone typical of open back style delivers a range closer to speakers than headphones in many ways.
That being said, the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro is the quintessential open-back headphone. Operating at 250 ohms they give full coverage over a frequency range 5 to 35,000 Hz. With 96 dB nominal sound level, these beauties sound and feel smooth from the soft cushioned ear padding to the fully adjustable and sturdy headband down to a 9.8 foot cord.
For mastering or mixing headphones, where sound bleed is not an issue but comfort and performance, are at a premium, the DT990 Pro delivers great results.
Beyerdynamic DT990 PRO Highlights
 |
|
14. Status Audio CB-1 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
With a look and style reminiscent of Audio Technica ATH-M50s but at substantially lower cost, many sound pros are surprised and impressed by what they hear from Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Studio Monitor Headphones. Appearance is one thing, but headphones need to perform and reproduce sound while feeling good on your head.
With 50 mm drivers you’ll get full bass performance alongside clear, crisp sound quality just right for studio monitor headphones. Something about the plastic construction gets some critics complaining about the feel of the CB-1, but most users find that the feel on the head is just right.
Coming in at 13 ounces, these are some of the heftier ‘phones around, but the extra thick cushions on the ear pads and lightweight but strong plastic body construction keep the feel from being too much for long hours of use. In the box with the CB-1 comes a connection option that gives you choice from the start on one of the key features most regular headphone users have strong feelings about, which is the preference for a straight or coiled cable. Choose your connector with the detachable cables included with the CB-1.
Status Audio-SB1 Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones Highlights
 |
|
15. Allen & Heath Xone XD2-53
From a name that many DJs know for top gear comes the Allen & Heath Xone XD2-53 a set that has been found ranked among the best DJ headphones for good reasons. Built to function well and last long, the foldable joints of the XD2-53 will hold up to repeated use. Detachable cables let you customize your connections with the length and style you prefer.
Large 53 mm drivers deliver a wide frequency range, 5 to 33 Hz and 36 Ohms impedance. Ease and comfort come in features like well-padded ear cups that rotate through wide range of motion. Packed with a carrying pouch for transport protection.
Allen & Heath Xone XD-2-53 Highlights
 |
|
16. Shure SRH750DJ
Considered a solid choice for many uses in studio or out, Shure SRH750DJ headphones are lightweight but provide decent sound quality. Compared to some bigger models that sit heavy at 11 to 13 ounces, these weigh in at 8 ounces but deliver plenty of sound.
From a name known in microphone and headphone technology for decades, Shure SRH 750DJ feature replaceable ear pads to customize the feel and extend the life of your headphones. Carry bag included in the box helps keep transport secure to protect your investment.
Shure SRH750DJ Highlights
 |
|
17. AKG K181-DJ
Not the first brand that a lot of musicians or DJs think of, still the AKG K181-DJ provides value for the price and includes some unique features. The available “bass boost” button may not be for pros in the studio trying to master or mix tracks, but there are other times where this feature on the K181-DJ might be just the sound you are looking for.
Other details from AKG include 50 mm drivers, a folding feature that works well and helps to pack down tight for transport, and detachable cables for options in how you hook up.
AKG K181-DJ Highlights
 |
|
18. Stanton DJ Pro 2000
With good size 50 mm drivers and detachable cord – stock comes with the coiled option a lot of DJs prefer to limit risks of stepping on and tangling cords – Stanton DJ Pro 2000 are good quality DJ headphones with style and performance. From a company known for a high-quality DJ gear, the Pro 2000 packs with mini-jack adapter and carrying bag for transport security.
Features that catch attention and get appreciated include the rotating ear cups and aluminum shell construction that shines in the spotlight and stands up to a lot of use.
Stanton DJ Pro 2000 Highlights
 |
|
19. Behringer HPX2000
From one of the most inexpensive options on the list of best DJ headphones, the Behringer HPX2000 provide surprisingly good sound and comfort, perhaps proving that it really doesn’t take a loaded trust fund to start out as a DJ. Sturdy but comfortable headband nicely connects two rotating ear cups with decent padding and a good dynamic range.
Details of performance and specs won’t catch anyone’s eyes (or ears) as anything especially outstanding, but for the price, you get solid performance that makes a nice value and does the job you need from your headphones. Whether as backups to keep with your gear or starters to get going, you can get some good results from this simple set of ‘phones.
Behringer HPX 2000 Highlights
 |
|
20. V-MODA Crossfade M100
The solid fit of the snug ear cups on V-Moda Crossfade M100 headphones cancel outside noise and hold in sound well. Despite gripping firmly around the ears they feel remarkably comfortable and provide enhanced sound quality with clean bass range and clear upper end.
Design options abound to customize your Crossfade M100s just how you want: custom engraving, color combinations, or even your logo on the side. Built with durable metal framing and packed with a case that holds the folded headphones for transport, these headphones are designed to last through a lot of active use.
V-Moda Crossfade M100 Highlights
 |
|
Features to Consider
Comfort
Headphones are only as good as they feel. If they rub wrong, sit strange when in use, or irritate your ears or head, you won’t want to keep them on and keep working. If that happens, what good is all the high tech sound delivery worth to you? For all the similarities in headphone architecture, with the basics of two padded ear cups connected by an arching headband above and a cable out to the source of the sound, there remains a lot of variety in feel and comfort. Naturally, the best DJ headphones sound great, but of course they have to feel good, too.
Sound
A pair of nice comfortable ear covers is great, but headphones have to deliver consistent and clear reproduction of musical tones directly into your ear canals. The sound has to be right, and only you decide what that right sound is. Headphones play to an audience of one. You be the judge of what sounds right for you based on technical specifications and experience.
The generally accepted standard audible frequency range of headphones is 20 to 20,000 Hz to deliver the depth and range of music. The best DJs headphones have to reproduce essential elements of sound from high range of hi-hats to sharp snap of snares and deep resonance of bass notes when mixing tracks.
A wider range of frequency delivers more tone and texture in the sounds you hear. For louder and stronger lows, look for drivers of 40 mm or larger in your headphones of choice.
Construction
Shells are largely impact-resistant plastic in black or various colors, but on some headphones, metal is for more than just cables and mounts for earpieces. Headphones of aluminum or alloys result in attractive metal models don’t usually weigh much more, and sometimes less, than similar headphones made with other materials.
Many DJ headphones fold for storage and travel. Good hinges and frames to support the moving parts are paramount. A lot of DJs slide one ear piece up and down on the head a lot, listening to the environment and the tracks being mixed, and the style of headphones you use makes a difference in how well they work and how long they last. Some earpieces rotate up and down, not just side-to-side. Pieces that move are also pieces that can give out, over time.
Consider the reputation and design of the DJ headphones you buy, as you would with all your gear. Value The amount of money you pay for the DJ headphones you choose is up to you and it varies a lot based on what you need them for, the quality and features that are most important to you, and, honestly, the brand and reputation of the gear in many cases. Decide what is most important and find the best DJ headphones for you and the type of work you do the most.
You may also like:
