A good set of headphones can take your DJing experience to the next level. Whether you’re practicing in your bedroom or performing to sell out crowds in a club, having that crisp quality next to your ear can help confidently decide your next song and monitor the volume of your mixes with ease. With so many DJ headphones out there, it might feel like you’re in a candy shop with an empty bag. Luckily, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to.
In this article, we’ll give you a breakdown of some of the best DJ headphones on the market. They will range from affordable to the top range. If you’re looking to replace yours or upgrade to something higher in quality, scroll down to find out more.
Affordable
Pioneer HDJ CUE 1
DJ tech Pioneer have got your back with this pair of professional headphones priced at €70/$77/£60. These are especially great for DJs who are just starting to spin or those who need a bit of extra gear. Compact, durable and portable, you can fold them easily for listening on the go and they have a removable coiled cable which gives you ultimate freedom to move when listening. These headphones pick up even the lowest frequencies of bass and drums, funneling them into a high-quality audio finish.
Audio Technica ATH-M20X
For budding DJs trying to finesse their mixing skills with crisp audio, Audio Technica’s DJ headphones are a great shout. At €58/$64/£50 these are tailor made for studio sessions at home or in a professional setting, with a sturdy and comfortable design that allows you to wear them for hours on end. You can also swap out the cable on the left earcup with a separate 6.3mm jack adapter, further optimizing your recording experience. The result is high-level audio reproduction and sound isolation while you create your next mix.
Soundcore Life Q20
Another steal at €58/$64/£50, Soundcore’s wireless noise canceling headphones contain hi-res audio, capturing frequencies of up to 40 kHz. You can enjoy them for 30 hours without needing a recharge – just in case you’re planning a non-stop 30-hour mix! Their BassUp technology traces music for low frequencies and automatically increases them. The headphones’ leather lining give them a comfortable exterior ideal for any head shape.
Mid-range
Sennheiser HD 25
If you like your mixes to be loud or play music with a lot of bass, , Sennheiser’s DJ headphones are extremely effective. At €150/$165/£129, the HD 25s are a fantastic options for DJs and have a rotatable capsule that allows for one-ear listening. They can also withstand high sound pressure levels. On top of that, they immediately diminish background noise and are lightweight and comfortable, allowing you to use them in any capacity.
AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ
AIAIAI’s DJ headphones prioritize clarity. Their TMA-2s offer crystal clear sound even at the highest volume levels so that your mixes don’t sound distorted during a set. These modular headphones possess powerful bass that will knock your socks off. Built to reduce distortion, they also have a reinforced headband built for the most rugged environments. A great option for DJs, the TMA-2s are a sound investment at €210/$230/£180.
Technics EAH-DJ1200
As well as their industry-leading turntables, Technics’ DJ headphones also cover your needs. Their EAH-DJ1200s, going for €199/$217/£170, give you a clear sound that is well-balanced from low to high ranges, so that DJs are not hampered by distorted sounds or ineffective monitoring. They are easy to use, with adjustable earcups that allow for one-ear listening – perfect for when a DJ is blending the right track – and a detachable jack for ease-of-use.
Top of the range
JBL Tour One M2
JBL is known for its top-o-the-line products and their headphones are no different. For €327/$358/£280, their Tour One M2s address all of your DJing needs in one. With their Smart Ambient technology, they give you full freedom to control your personal amplification so you can change up your audio levels at will when you’re in the mix. heir VoiceAware allows you to control your voice levels when practicing. A premium noise canceller built with Spatial Sound so you get the full experience of listening, the Tour One M2’s are a great option if you have a bit of money to spend.
Pioneer HDJ-X10
On the more expensive end, Pioneer is here to supply the HDJ-X10s. They are designed to be flexible, with a swivel mechanism that allows for ultimate comfort if wearing them for a long period of time. So if you have a four-hour shift mixing at the club, these headphones have your back. Meanwhile, they are very durable, able to withstand the worst weather conditions. They also come in a flat carry case for extra protection when you’re not wearing them. They’re available now for €350/$384/£300.
Bose QuietComfort 45
Another industry leader in music technology, Bose’s DJ headphones offer a comprehensive experience. Its wireless QuietComfort 45s are priced at €373/$409/£320 and have a strong Bluetooth connection built in, which is consistent for up to 30 feet and plays for up to 22 hours without a charge. Their adjustable EQ gives you the freedom to tune your favorite music however you please, which is perfect if you want to hear some extra bass or treble in your tunes. This is especially helpful when you’re on the decks and need an extra boost to your sound. Their four built-in microphones allow for clarity when you’re speaking and work to cancel noise as you do so. You can also sync these headphones with Bose speakers to enhance your listening experience.
Prices in €/$/£ correct at time of writing.
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If you’re a producer looking for more gear, check out this list of affordable production tools.