When it comes to DJing, even the smallest of sounds count. High-quality headphones that produce accurate sound are required to mix and track music that people will enjoy. Unfortunately, there are a lot of dupes and dysfunctional options flooding the market that make finding good choices a difficult endeavor. Worse yet, you might not recognize a bad pair until it’s too late. Reading this review list and buyer’s guide is a good place to start if you are searching for good DJ headphones for yourself or someone that you know. It features nine trustworthy products to get your search started.
Product Name | Image | Overall Rating | Details |
---|---|---|---|
Sony MDR7506 |
10
|
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Audio-Technica ATH-M20x |
9.9
|
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OneOdio Stereo Monitor Headphones |
9.5
|
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OneOdio Over Ear Headphone |
9.5
|
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Philips SHP6000 Stereo Wired Headphone |
9.3
|
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OneOdio A71 Wired Over Ear Headphones |
8.9
|
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Vogek Over-Ear DJ Headphones |
8.8
|
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Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi Dj Style Headphones |
8.6
|
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Pioneer HDJ-X5-K Professional DJ Headphone |
8.5
|
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Sony MDR7506 | Best All-Around Professional DJ Headphones
These headphones can be safely folded up for added convenience while traveling. For those who do not mind paying a bit extra, the product can be purchased with a matching protective carrying case. Otherwise, it will just come with a soft carrying pouch and its quarter-inch adapter. The padding on this set is designed to be ultra-comfortable no matter how long you wear them. The earcups are covered in wrinkled, plush padding to provides a lot of flexibility when molding to different shaped ears. The headband is wrapped with similar soft padding, except it is smooth instead of wrinkled. Their headband is also very wide. No matter how much you move and grove during a music session, they will not be flying off of your head.
The left and right earcups are labeled accordingly since DJs often allocate certain sounds to only one side or the other. The word professional also appears on the outside of the product so that anyone who sees them knows that they are the real deal. Inside the product are super strong neodymium magnets and 40-millimeter drivers that ensure the creation of accurate sound. Because they completely envelop the ear, they also boast sound isolation capabilities.
- Best DJ headphones under $100
- Made from comfortable materials
- Suitable for professionals
- The long cord is coiled
- Can be folded up
- Option to buy the matching carrying case
- None
Customers’ Reviews from Amazon:
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x | For Mixing and Tracking on a Budget
These Audio-Technica ATH-M20x professional headphones might be a good option for those looking to save money on their headgear without sacrificing quality. Inside them are 40-millimeter drivers, magnets, and aluminum wiring that is coasted with copper for a trustworthy connection. This particular model boasts a specialty in conveying pure, low-frequency sounds and bass tones. Every DJ knows that these sounds are amongst the most important, especially when mixing and playing the type of dance-friendly music that is growing in popularity.
Padding on this product appears both over the earcups and on the underside of its headband. The earcups themselves can swivel up to 15 degrees in either direction, helping them adapt to any sized head. They also feature a circumaural design so that you can easily share what you are listening to with others at the same time. Additionally, this product’s over-ear design will help block out some exterior noise to enhance your listening experience. Unfortunately, this product is not collapsible. Utmost care should be taken when transporting them from place to place.
With this purchase, buyers also get a 6.3-millimeter adapter that can be snapped on and off of the included cable. The frequency response of this product ranges from 15-20,000 hertz and it has an ohm impedance of 47. These stats are not industry topping, but they are certainly respectable. This product is capable of producing rich sound and can be trusted to perform well in professional settings. Those who are new to the disc jockey industry or are in a bit of a pinch for cash may find these to meet and exceed their needs and expectations. These may also be a good option for those who DJ only recreationally and do not need a top-of-line product.
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black
- Beautiful sound quality
- Amazing value
- Considered a professional DJ headphone set
- Comfortable
- Left and right are labeled
- Cannot be folded up for easy storage
Customers’ Reviews from Amazon:
OneOdio Stereo Monitor Headphones | Free Yourself from Pesky Adapters
Adapters are small and all too easy to lose. With the OneOdio Stereo Monitor headphones, you can kiss having to keep track of your adapter or fiddling with its connection goodbye. Despite not having an adapter, this product is compatible with a wide range of products ranging from Apple devices to DJ boards. To produce crisp hi-fi sound, 50-millimeter drivers and neodymium magnets are used.
Wearing these bad boys is also super comfortable. Their earcups are lined with cushions that were developed with comfort and noise isolation in mind. In their centers are large indents so that any ear shape and size will work with this product pain-free. The bottom half of the product’s headband is also lined with this thick padding to reduce the possibility of getting a headache while DJing. To prevent these from sliding off during use or causing discomfort, the headband is also adjustable. Use them for hours without feeling the dreadful need to remove them and pop and ibuprofen. As an added bonus, the earcups on this model are capable of swiveling up to 90 degrees. This is ideal for single-ear monitoring or sharing sound.
Though this brand is known for its manufacturing of high-quality, luxurious products, this model is actually super affordable. Its frequency response ranges from 20 hertz to 20 kilohertz and its ohm impedance level sits at 32. This product comes in both solid black and black with green accents. Having color options is rare in this industry and should be taken advantage of. Its base material has a matte finish while some of its trimmings have a glossy finish. Along with a purchase, buyers get a 6.35 and 3.5-millimeter plugs that can slide into a phone just as easily as they can plug into an electric guitar.
OneOdio Adapter-Free Closed Back Over-Ear DJ Stereo Monitor Headphones, Professional Studio Monitor...
- Adapter-free
- Earcups swivel up to 90 degrees
- Hi-fi sound capability
- Comes in black or green
- Non-coiled cord pay get tangled
- Will not last as long as more expensive options
Customers’ Reviews from Amazon:
OneOdio Over Ear Headphone | Four Fantastic Color Options
These OneOdio Over Ear Headphones come with two cables and a user manual. The coiled cable reaches up to 9.8 feet. The other shorter one comes with a microphone. Though having a choice of color is rare in this industry, this product can be purchased in four different colors. There are silver and gray for the lovers of tradition. Conversely, for those who are looking to stand out, they are also available with bright red accents or in all pink. Their earcups are stuffed to the max with padding to provide the most comfortable experience possible. That being said, they are crafted from a breathable material, so they will never feel sweaty or stuffy. Plus, they do a good job of helping to keep down outside noise.
For single-ear monitoring purposes, this product can swivel a full 90 degrees. They can also fold up and be easily transported from your home to a gig, and back. While these headphones are adapter free, their 3.5 and 6.35-millimeter plugs are compatible with just about anything you might need headphones for. They can be plugged into computers, electric guitars, amps, phones, and more! That being said, these headphones were designed with a few specific uses in mind, such as using turntables and mixer panels. They may be a good option for a DJ who likes expressing themselves through color. They may also catch the eye of those who would prefer to have their listening and recording capabilities combined into one product.
OneOdio Over Ear Headphone, Wired Bass Headsets with 50mm Driver, Foldable Lightweight...
- The shorter cable comes with a mic
- 32-ohm impedance
- Comes in 4 color options
- No carrying case
- The sound quality leaves something to be desired
Philips SHP6000 Stereo Wired Headphone | Experience Audio in High-Resolution
Philips SHP6000 Stereo Wired Headphone model features high-quality sound via a wired connection. They are positioned as an affordable option for those who work with or listen to bass tones regularly. Due to the deepness of bass tones and their low variety compared to other sounds, the bass is often muddied by headphones. This product set out to address that problem with its 40-millimeter speaker drivers. The hard plastic blend that makes up their skeleton is coated with soft, squishy foam. While working to make your listening experience more comfortable, they also help block out exterior sounds.
Included in the purchase of this product are a 9.8-foot cable and an adapter. Because it is single-sided, the cable is less likely to get tangled up in knots. Their frequency range spreads from 8-40,000 hertz, and they have a maximum input power of 100 mW. With an ohm impedance of 32 and a sensitivity of 103 decibels, this product is ideal for home listening and hobby DJing. The long cable these come with can even stretch far enough to use for watching TV or gaming. They may not be accurate enough for professional production. That being said, they could probably handle the job if you ever found yourself in a pinch with only these for an option. Plus, their super simple design is easy on the eyes and simple enough to match most sets.
Previous buyers have adored this product and left it magnificent reviews. To take even more risk out of this purchase, the product comes from a company that you already know and trust. If you are looking for a pair of headphones that make a safe option and will meet basic listening needs, these could be a good fit for you.
Philips SHP6000 HiFi Stereo Wired Headphone with High Resolution Audio, Deep Bass...
- Comfortable foam padding
- Well-known brand
- The cord is not coiled
- Not built to last as long as alternative
OneOdio A71 Wired Over Ear Headphones | Adapter-free with Color Options
OneOdio’s A71Wired Over Ear Headphones model is a sturdy looking product, albeit they are a bit chunky. They come in two different color options like most other models put out by this brand. The first option has a black base, a silver logo, and firetruck red accents on the headband cushion and stretched over the cup where the sound comes out. The second option has a silver base color with brown cushioning and a matching brown logo. Inside the ear cups are a large printed set of “L” and “R” so you can tell which way you are supposed to wear these.
Included in the purchase of this product is a soft drawstring bag for carrying them printed with a logo. While this case will not protect the product from severe damage inflicted by physical force such as dropping, it will protect them from scratches and other minor damage. Buyers will also get a nifty user manual and two separate detachable cables. The first is a 3.5-6.35 millimeter cable, and the second is a 3.5-millimeter audio jack cable. Some extra qualities about this option are that it is adapter-free and actually features a SharePort.
With this option, users can practice sing-sided monitoring. Their earcups swivel up to 90 degrees to let you either listen on one side or share your hi-fi beats with another. The product’s headphones can also be adjusted for fitting different sized people. For those who do not want to choose between looking fashionable and great sound quality, these might be a good place to start.
OneOdio A71 Wired Over Ear Headphones, Studio Headphones with SharePort, Professional Monitor...
- Has a SharePort
- No adapter necessary
- Long cord not coiled to prevent tangling
- Newer product– not as many reviews
Vogek Over-Ear DJ Headphones | Built with Amazing Materials for the Utmost Comfort
These Vogek over-ear DJ headphones by Sopownic are designed specifically for professional DJs to use for monitoring and mixing in studios or during gigs. What stands out the most about them is their super comfortable padding. In response to buyer feedback, the manufacturers actually upgraded the artificial leather padding that used to come with this model. It was giving people earaches in as little as fifteen minutes. In this updated version, the earcups and headband are both covered with protein leather stuffed to the max with memory foam. While the headband has a standard thickness, the earcups are a bit thicker than average. Not only does it make these more comfortable, but it also helps with outside noise reduction. Note that the earcups also can swivel up to 90 degrees.
As an extra bonus, this product is available in four different color options. For those who prefer traditional options, it can be purchased in black or silver. For consumers who like to shake things up though, they also come in a flashy gold and white combo and a silver and white combo. Ever so subtly marked on the inside of the ends of the headband are an L and an R to alert users which way these should be worn. These studio headphones come with a 2-in-1 plug that works with 3.5 and 6.35-millimeter sizes. To switch them in and out, all you have do is twist them. To take these on the go, collapse them for added convenience. This product may be a good option for professionals who need to be able to wear their headphones for long hours without feeling pain or fatigue.
Vogek Over-Ear DJ Headphones, Prefessional Studio Monitor Mixing DJ Headset with Protein...
- Upgraded protein-leather padding
- Come with color options
- No included carrying case
- Previous buyers have complained about sound quality
Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi Dj Style Headphones | Make a Great Back-up Option
Monoprice is a lesser-known brand that provides DJ audio equipment on the cheap. These Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi Dj Style Headphones are likely a good option for just need a basic pair for listening. Full disclosure here– these are definitely not the most comfortable things out there. Their earcup padding is made from lower-quality materials and is relatively thin. The full headband is not even lined with padding. There are just three separate small cushion pillows on the top underside to protect the very crown of your head from pain. Do not count on being able to wear these for hours at a time without either feeling an earache, headache, digging pains, or all of the above.
With all of this being said, the product still works fine. They produce mediocre quality hi-fi sound thanks to their 50-millimeter drivers. They feature 100 decibels of sensitivity and have a standard frequency response range of 20 hertz to 20 kilohertz. They are surprisingly durable despite their price tag. In place of a fixed wire, this product features a 3.5-millimeter jack where the cable can be inserted. This will help the cable last longer since it can be wrapped up and stored properly. Included in the purchase of this product are two 4-foot long cables, one of which as a microphone and controller. The box they arrive in is study enough to transport them safely. Overall, professionals should not count on these as their go-to pair. However, they might make an excellent interim or backup pair.
Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi Dj Style Over-The-Ear Pro Headphones with a Single-Button Inline...
- Cable with microphone and controller
- Pretty durable
- Uncomfortable padding
- Neither of the cables is coiled
Pioneer HDJ-X5-K Professional DJ Headphone | Luxury Meets Outstanding Sound
Pioneer HDJ-X5-K Professional DJ Headphone model is constructed for disc jockeys who are serious about their profession. They are certainly in the category of luxury, high-end professional headphones. They have been endlessly tested and tweaked to produce the most accurate and smooth sound possible. These rounds of testing have also ensured that these headphones will last intense conditions and years of wear and tear. Eight meticulously chosen layers make up their earcups even though they have a super slim design. They can be folded up when compact travel is necessary. Their cable has a 4-core twisted structure that separates their left and right channels perfectly.
Along with a purchase come a variety of accessories. The included accessories consist of a nearly 4-foot coiled cable and an L-type miniature jack to strengthen the product’s connection. After all, an unplanned disconnection could quickly ruin a performance. If your product does begin to wear out after using it all the time, you can buy replacement parts instead of having to invest in an entirely new pair of headphones. Though this product is more expensive upfront, it could end up saving you money in the long run. Ultimately, these are a good option for people who have been in the industry for a while and now they need a good product that will last them for years to come.
PIONEER HDJ-X5-K Professional DJ Headphone, Black, (HDJX5K)
- Amazing sound quality
- High-quality construction
- Replacement parts sold separately
- Manufacturer’s warranty must be requested
Buyer’s Guide
If you are reading this, it is likely because you have been wondering, “what are the best DJ headphones?” Though this may not be the answer you were looking for, here is the truth– there is no true best option. Every DJ has a different style with unique needs. The best headphones for you might be the top model of Audio Technica or the cheapest pair that Audio Technica has to offer. Meanwhile, some music moguls may require the best Beats headphones for DJing out there, and a hobbyist DJ may not even need them. Everything depends, so when on the market for these products, first, evaluate what your true needs are. Consider everything from your preferred weight in ounces to wireless capabilities. Then, seek out a pair of headphones that meet your individual needs.
When trying to find a good pair of headphones, it is also important to consider your safety. Some products may be too powerful or loud and could end up harming your hearing either temporarily or permanently. Make sure you do your research on whether you can wear your choice for a long time without hurting yourself. Especially if you are younger, or shopping for someone who is not yet a fully developed adult. While younger ears may be able to bounce back easier, they are also more susceptible to damage.
FAQ
Why do DJs wear headphones in the first place?
Are all of these options compatible with airplane plugs?
Do all the best DJ headphones come with a built-in microphone?
Can glasses be work with these headphones?
How well can these headphones block and conceal sound?
Product Name | Image | Overall Rating | Details |
---|---|---|---|
Sony MDR7506 |
10
|
Check price | |
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x |
9.9
|
Check price | |
OneOdio Stereo Monitor Headphones |
9.5
|
Check price | |
OneOdio Over Ear Headphone |
9.5
|
Check price | |
Philips SHP6000 Stereo Wired Headphone |
9.3
|
Check price | |
OneOdio A71 Wired Over Ear Headphones |
8.9
|
Check price | |
Vogek Over-Ear DJ Headphones |
8.8
|
Check price | |
Monoprice Premium Hi-Fi Dj Style Headphones |
8.6
|
Check price | |
Pioneer HDJ-X5-K Professional DJ Headphone |
8.5
|
Check price |
How We Tested These Products
For this test, we set out to find the best DJ headphones 2020 had to offer. To do so, we wanted to make sure we were testing our headphones on a diverse array of music types and all styles of DJing. We began by sending out a request for DJs of all kinds. When our recruitment phase was done, we had four professional DJs to help us test out our options. The first was mostly a wedding and event DJ who simply had to transition from song to song. The second was a techno DJ who played clubs on the weekend and needed a headset that would accurately portray the music he was making. The third was a younger college hobbyist DJ who would mostly play fraternity parties and other lower-stake gigs. Last but not least, the fourth DJ worked for a private hip-hop dance studio and practiced with a wide array of music and techniques.
On testing day, we gathered all of these DJs in one room and helped them set up their tables with their own equipment. We wanted to make sure we were testing the headphones in realistic scenarios. Then, the DJs helped us unbox all the products, checking for things like shipping damage and manufacturing defects. When it was determined that all the products were in fine condition, we began the test. Each DJ was given an identical rating sheet to rank each product. They used all of these top DJ headphones for exactly 30 minutes before transitioning to the next one. Once every DJ tested every product, we gathered up their rankings and combined them. Then, we made this list primarily considering the order in which products were ranked by our DJ testing team.
Conclusion
Given today’s saturated market, trying to find the top djing headphones may at times feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. With some guidance, it does not have to though. All the options on this list are solid, trustworthy places to start your search. They span large degrees of quality, from professional studio options to alternatives better suited for playing children. After identifying what your individual needs are, you are likely to find a product here that meets them. Bear in mind that you do not need name brand Beats DJ headphones or other overpriced options. Make your choice based on performance instead of clout. In no time, you’ll be jamming out behind your DJ table with a sick pair of your favorite headphones on your head.