Headphones. Just about everybody owns a pair for one reason or another. They're essential for surviving the morning subway commute, or listening to guilty pleasure songs without anyone knowing your affection for 2Unlimited.

But headphones are also a crucial element for anyone working professionally in music and audio. We already have comprehensive guides for studio headphones and in-ear monitors . Now we turn our attention to DJing.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or getting ready for your first gig, a pair of DJ headphones is essential. Getting a set of headphones that suits your working style will make your job easier to do and, ultimately, more fun.

But with so many headphones on the market how do you choose? We've rounded up the best headphones for DJs in this article, with something to suit every budget. There's also a buyers guide at the end to help you figure out what to look for in this crucial piece of DJ equipment.

The Best DJ Headphones: Reviews

Mackie MC-250 MC Professional Closed-Back Headphones

Specs

• Driver Size: 50mm
• Frequency Range: 10Hz - 20kHz
• Cable Type: Straight
• Cable Length: 9.8ft
• Plug Size: 1/8" plug, 1/4" adapter
• Replaceable Cable: Yes
• Foldable: Yes
• Weight: 0.6lbs

Pros

Budget friendly - At $80 these headphones will sound great without breaking the bank.

Adaptable inputs - These DJ headphones come with an 1/8" connection and a 1/4" adapter to allow for maximum flexibility.

Isolation - Considering these headphones are under $100 the noise isolation is impressive.

Cons

Comfort - These cans can make your ears hot, and can feel a little tight on the noggin.

Build quality - Some users report the headband cracking at the ear cups with only mild usage.

Overview

This offering from Mackie is proof that you don't have to splash out to get a set of quality DJ headphones. With 50mm drivers, a decent frequency range, and an increased bass response you'll be able to hear all the crucial details in the music you're cueing up.

Not only that, but the collapsible design means they'll pack up nice and small in your DJ gig bag.

The straight cable is long enough to allow you to move around the booth. Its detachability means you can replace it with a coiled cable if that suits you better.

The over-ear cups are quite sizable - something to consider if you like to work with one ear open to the room. Plus, while the build quality is fine for normal use, excessive pulling at the headband may cause it to crack over time.

Considering the price though these are the best budget choice for beginners looking to get their first set of headphones.

Sony MDR-7506 Professional Headphones

Specs

• Driver Size: 40mm
• Frequency Range: 10Hz - 20kHz
• Cable Type: Coiled
• Cable Length: 9.8'
• Plug Size: 1/8", 1/4" adapter
• Replaceable Cable: No
• Foldable: Yes
• Weight: 0.5lbs

Pros

Industry standard - These headphones have been used by industry pros for years, in the studio and on the road. There's a reason so many folks in audio trust them.

Affordable - The list price shows $130, but you can totally get these headphones for $100

Versatile - These headphones are also great for working in the studio

Cons

Fixed cable - If you reach the end of the cable length while you're bopping around the booth, something's gonna give. And since it's not detachable, the cable is also not replaceable.

Flat response - May make it tricky to hear elements of the music you're cueing in loud environments

Overview

The Sony MDR-7506 are an industry standard among audio professionals and, while not purpose-built as DJ headphones, will do a fantastic job nonetheless. You'll also be doing your wallet a favor by investing in this pair of reliable set of headphones.

They've been around for years because they get the job done. Studio engineers love them for their flat response, though this may work against you as a DJ. With no boost to the bottom end you may have a hard time hearing your cue mix in a loud environment.

That said, these headphones do have excellent sound quality, and some intermediate-level DJs trust them thanks to their sturdiness and durability.

The coiled cable and terminal options are ideally suited for a DJ workflow. The foldable design means you'll save space in your rig when you pack, and makes listening with a single ear easy.

Given the frequency response the Sony MDRs are perhaps best suited to an intermediate-level DJ who needs a solid set of headphones to use in the studio and on the road, or as an affordable and reliable back-up pair. Because you always carry a back up, right?

Sennheiser HD 25 Professional Monitoring Headphones

Specs

• Driver Size: 41mm
• Frequency Range: 16Hz - 22kHz
• Cable Type: Straight
• Cable Length: 4.9'
• Plug Size: 1/8", 1/4" adapter
• Replaceable Cable: Yes
• Foldable: No
• Weight: 0.3lbs

Pros

Replaceable cable - No worrying about wear and tear

Rotatable capsule - Great for one-ear monitoring

Lightweight and comfortable - Ideal for long sets at the decks

Cons

Straight cable - Could lead to trips and tangles

Frequency response - For a few dollars more you can get a wider range

Driver size - Other headphones on the market offer bigger drivers

Overview

The Sennheiser HD 25 DJ headphones are one of the best DJ headphones you can get in this price range. Trusted by some of the worlds top names in DJing and professional audio, they offer excellent sound quality and a durable build at a price that won't make you grimace.

The sturdy steel cable that will withstand even the harshest of gigs, and the nifty flip-away ear cups are perfectly designed for one-ear monitoring. You'll probably want to take advantage of this as the closed back design does cut out a lot of background noise.

The bass response is solid, even down to sub-frequencies, making the HD25 a great choice for DJs working in the realm of EDM. At the other end of the spectrum the highs are not harsh, which is great news for extended listening periods.

Speaking of which, the extremely lightweight design will leave your noggin feeling fresh even after an all-night set, and the ear pads wear out over time they're easily replaced. I will say though, at nearly 20% of the cost of a new set of cans, new ear pads for the HD 25 are not something you want to be buying on a regular basis.

Overall, the Sennheiser HD 25 are a great set of DJ headphones, offering good value, great quality sound, and the respect of high-ranking artists such as Sasha, Skrillex, and Armin van Buuren. Whether you're starting out or a seasoned pro, you can't go wrong with some HD 25 cans in your bag.

Audio Technica ATH M50X Professional Monitor Headphones

Specs

• Driver Size: 45mm
• Frequency Range: 15Hz = 28kHz
• Cable Type: Straight and coiled
• Cable Length: 9.8', 3.9'
• Plug Size: 1/8", 1/4" adapter
• Replaceable Cable: Yes
• Foldable: Yes
• Weight: 0.62lbs

Pros

Cable options - Comes with two straight cables and one coiled

Versatile - Ideal for use as DJ headphones, or for mixing/monitoring in the studio

Swiveling ear cups - For easy single ear monitoring, and packing away

Cons

Ear cups - Can get cracked over time from sweat

Build - Not as slender as other DJ headphones

Comfort - Not the best headphones for wearing for long periods of time

Overview

The Audio Technica ATH series of headphones offer a formidable range of options for every budget. Here we're looking at one of the top models, the closed back Audio Technica ATH-M50x.

The M50s are a solid set of cans that deliver a great listening experience whether you're behind the decks or chilling on a beach.

The neodymium drivers deliver superb transparency over the generous frequency range, with a deep bass response and clear mids and highs.

The detachable cable locks into place, which means you won't find yourself accidentally pulling it out while you traipse around the DJ booth. These cans come with not one, but two straight cables, plus a coiled one. All of these, and the ear pads are replaceable if you find them suffering from life on the road.

The ear cups fit fully over the ear to block out ambient sound, but they swivel up to 90 degrees to allow for the classic DJ monitoring pose. The cushioned headband is comfortable, but it can have a tendency to slide off the head. Maybe I have an oddly-shaped cranium, but it's something to be aware of.

For the price though these are a great set of DJ headphones. Excellent sound quality, sturdy build, and they won't break the bank.

Korg NC-Q1 Smart Noise Cancelling DJ Headphones

Specs

• Driver Size: 41mm
• Frequency Range: 10Hz - 25kHz
• Cable Type: Straight/Wireless (Bluetooth)
• Cable Length: 4.9'
• Plug Size: 1/8"
• Replaceable Cable: Yes
• Foldable: No
• Weight: 0.7lbs

Pros

Noise cancellation - Monitor your cue mix without interference from the outside world

Wireless headphones - Play a set, then call your mum on the walk back to the subway

Discrete design - For folks who don't want to show off their gear

Cons

Bluetooth - Why pay for it if you don't use it as a DJ?

Fixed ear cups - They don't got that swing

Noise cancellation - Can block out a little too much bass

Overview

Sticking a pair of wireless headphones in a review of the best DJ headphones is a bold move, I know. But in all fairness, some DJs use wireless headphones, and indeed have used this very pair with the noise cancellation function on. So if this is your bag, read on...

The NC-Q1s have (according to marketing material) been designed for folks who need to protect their lug holes from continuous abuse in extremely loud environments. Think drummers, FOH engineers, and of course, DJs.

There's even a 'smart monitoring' system that allows the user to tailor what they're hearing from the outside world without having to take off the headphones themselves.

And while noise cancellation doesn't typically work well in noisy places, the NC-Q1s have a nifty set of internal and external mics that are designed for the kind of pressure you get at a high volume. They adapt and survive, protecting your hearing even at the biggest festivals.

The sound quality is surprisingly good, and is particularly adept with electronic music. The mids and highs are fresh and the bass is powerful, sometimes almost too much so. But for a DJ who prefers boldness over detail that wouldn't be a problem.

And if you are considering using them as wireless headphones while you DJ, the battery life will serve you well. You'll get around 12 hours of bluetooth connectivity with noise cancellation enabled. Make use of the wired connection to boost this to 35 hours with noise cancellation activated.

So, yes, you'd have to continually remember to charge them, but if you're looking at taking care of your ears and don't want to compromise on sound quality these could be the best DJ headphones for you.

AIAIAI TMA-2 Modular DJ Headphones

Specs

• Driver Size: 40mm
• Frequency Range: 10Hz - 40kHz
• Cable Type: Coiled
• Cable Length: 10.49'
• Plug Size: 1/4", 1/8" adapter
• Replaceable Cable: Yes
• Foldable: No
• Weight: 0.21lbs

Pros

Modular - All parts (including the drivers) are customizable and replaceable

Comfort - Stunningly comfortable (and stylish to boot)

Frequency response - Phenomenal, especially in this price range

Cons

No carry case - Seriously guys, how much would it cost to throw in a can sack?

Comfort - Not suitable for large heads

Low end - Some users complain of a lack of clarity in the mids and highs

Overview

The TMA-2 DJ headphones from AIAIAI are the headphones of choice for artists such as Claptone and The Chemical Brothers. Not only do they sport great sound quality, but being modular they can be designed to suit your own specs.

You can choose from different speaker units for the sound your prefer (balanced, punchy or detailed); pick between headbands for comfort, style, or durability; even select you preferred type of ear cup and cable.

All this modular goodness means that any wear and tear on the cans can easily be replaced, although many users report the build is so strong they don't need to take advantage of this.

As mentioned, these DJ headphones have excellent sound quality. They're extremely comfortable to boot (and remember you can tailor each of these to your personal preferences). Some folks describe them as souped up Sennheiser HD 25 phones. They are a little more pricey, but the basic off-the-shelf model will only set you back a couple of hundred dollars. Not a bad investment at all.

Obviously, tailoring the modular parts to your needs will set you back more, but not as much as you'd think. I put together a pair of punchy-sounding, high comfort microfiber headband cans, with over-ear memory foam cups, a coiled cable and a carrying case. The total was less than $300.

What I like most about about these headphones is the manufacturer's commitment to sustainability. Materials are selected to reduce negative impact on the environment, and AIAIAI offer a lifetime trade-in guarantee to ensure more of their products stay in circulation and out of landfills.

If I could stay awake beyond 9pm these would be my DJ headphones of choice.

V Moda Crossfade M-100 Master Hi-Res Headphones

Specs

• Driver Size: 50mm
• Frequency Range: 5Hz - 40kHz
• Cable Type: Straight, coiled
• Cable Length: 4.3ft, 6.5ft
• Plug Size: 1/8", 1/4" adapter
• Replaceable Cable: Yes
• Foldable: Yes
• Weight: 0.614lbs

Pros

Excellent sound - 50MM drivers give an astonishing level of detail across the spectrum

Durable - These cans will survive falls and tumbles

60 Day Test Drive - V-Moda are so confident in their product you can try it out for 60 days risk-free

Cons

Weight - Slightly on the heavier side of DJ headphones

Ear pads - The factory-standard size can crush larger-than-normal ears

Overview

High end audio company V-Moda was founded by a DJ and audio engineer, so you'd imagine if anyone made a great pair of DJ headphones this would be the place to go.

And indeed, the M-100s don't disappoint when it comes to a great sounding pair of cans. The dual-diaphragm drivers feature a CCAW coil to deliver 'Hi-Res' audio, as certified by the Japanese Audio Society. With a frequency range of 5Hz - 40kHz this translates into a deep and rumbly bass response, and sparkling highs. In short, everything a DJ needs to hear what's going on in the cue mix.

This stellar listening experience goes beyond the booth. If you like to have your cans perform double duty these headphones will stand up when monitoring in the studio, gaming, and casual listening at home. The foldability and reinforced carry case means they'll be safe traveling with you too.

At $200 they're not the most expensive pair of headphones on this list, but they are an investment. If you're considering them, take a pair for a spin with the risk-free 60 day trial (available on the V-Moda website) .

Pioneer DJ HDJ X10 Professional DJ Headphones

Specs

• Driver Size: 50mm
• Frequency Range: 5Hz - 40kHz
• Cable Type: Coiled, straight
• Cable Length: 3.9', 5.2'
• Plug Size: 1/8" plug, 1/4" adapter
• Replaceable Cable: Yes
• Foldable: Yes
• Weight: 0.72lbs

Pros

Build quality - You can literally twist and bend these headphones and nothing will break

Comfort - Perfect for wearing for long periods

Sweat-resistant ear cups - Those long, hot gigs won't make your cans stink

Cons

Flat(ish) bass response - Those lows won't punch through in a noisy room

Cost - You could get a great set of DJ headphones, plus a cheap back up pair, for the same price

Overview

The Pioneer HDJ X10 headphones are, on the one hand, impressively durable and designed for life on the road. On the other hand, the frequency response is not as focused on the low end as other (less expensive) DJ headphones.

The around-the-ear design Pioneer HDJ cans have a pliable headband that can be twisted and bent without any destruction to internal or external parts. Even if you forget to put them in the beautiful carrying case they should be safe from harm. The ear cups and headband are nano coated so even the sweatiest of turntablists can rely on a grime-free set of headphones for years.

The ear cups swivel and rotate to suit your monitoring style, and as feel super-comfy on your ears. The headband is snug, but cushioned - perhaps not a great choice if you have a large head.

And now on to the sound quality. Don't get me wrong - it's great. The Pioneer HDJ X 10s headphones boast the largest frequency response range of any DJ headphones. So you'll get exceptional sound from them.

But (and it's a big but), the bass does run a bit flat. It's almost like the sound is too good. If you're in a big space knocking out some deep house you may end up in a losing battle cranking up the volume of your 'phones to hear the bass, and end up with overpowering highs instead.

TLDR: the Pioneer HDJ cans are comfy, durable, and sound beautiful. But, depending on your DJ style, they may not be the best choice for you.

V Moda Crossfade 2 Wireless Headphones

Specs

• Driver Size: 50mm
• Frequency Range: 5Hz - 40kHz
• Cable Type: Straight
• Cable Length: 3.9ft
• Plug Size: 1/8", 1/4" adapter, Bluetooth
• Replaceable Cable: Yes
• Foldable: Yes
• Weight: 0.69lbs

Pros

Excellent sound - 50MM drivers give an astonishing level of detail across the spectrum

Durable - These cans will survive falls and tumbles

60 Day Test Drive - V-Moda are so confident in their product you can try it out for 60 days risk-free

Cons

Weight - Slightly on the heavier side of DJ headphones

Ear pads - The factory-standard size can crush larger-than-normal ears

Wireless - Are you paying for something you don't need?

Overview

We've already looked at the M100 wired headphones. The V-Moda Crossfade are essentially a wireless version. Same wide frequency response. Same customization options. Same stylish design.

But with these cans you can listen to music on the subway, call your folks from the gym (all wire-free), then plug them in to the DJ booth using the included cable and let rip in the club.

If the idea of a catch-all set of headphones appeals to you it's worth noting that the V Moda Crossfade 2 are now available for under $200. If you want to get super-fancy, the Crossfade 3 has a longer battery life, updated Bluetooth codecs, and a choice of three finishes. They'll set you back $300, but you'll look good for longer as you listen to tunes.

The Best DJ Headphones: Conclusion

Ultimately choosing the best DJ headphones comes down to what's best for your needs, preferences, and budget. For more advice, check out our buyers guide below. Now go forth and playeth the music!

Buyers Guide: What To Look For In A Pair Of DJ Headphones

Everybody will have different needs when it comes to DJ headphones. Below is a guide of things to consider when choosing a set of headphones to get behind the decks with.

Sound Quality

Obviously you'll want great sound quality from your headphones. But depending on the type of music you're working with you might want certain frequencies being more pronounced.

If you're working primarily in EDM, or some iteration thereof, you'll want a beefy low end and crisp highs to make the bass and drums stand out

If you tend to work a more acoustic vibe you may not need, or even want, a pronounced low end.

Comfort

One of the most important considerations for a DJ is comfort. You'll be wearing your headphones for hours at a time, and having a heavy pair of clunkers sitting atop your noggin is not going to feel good. Be sure to check out the weight of any headphones you're considering.

Also consider that not all heads are made equal. While any pair of headphones can be adjusted to fit different sized heads, some can feel a bit tight on a larger head. After 6 hours of DJing this will feel like a headband death-grip.

So, whenever possible try headphones on in person to get a sense of how they feel.

Ear Cups

Over-Ear cups or On-Ear cups

Whether you want the cups to sit on your ears, or smother them in a cocoon of sound is a matter of personal preference. It's something to bear in mind when you're looking at different models.

On a similar note, while you can get great quality in-ear headphones, most DJs prefer not to use them as they're too isolating. And let's face it, you don't look as cool.

Swiveling Ear Cups

Also worth considering is your DJing style. Many DJs like to keep one ear cup off so they can hear the crowd, and the current song being played. If one-ear monitoring is your thing, having a pair of headphones with swiveling earcups will make life much easier.

Closed Back Design

A closed back design will help with sound isolation from the ambient noise of the room, so you can focus on cueing the next track. Open back headphones will let too much of the room in to help you do an effective job. So always, always choose closed back.

Cable Type

Some folks prefer straight cable to a coiled one. There's benefits to both, but a coiled cable will be less likely to wrap itself around your legs and send you a-tumbling to the floor mid-set. If you get a pair of headphones with a detachable cable you could feasibly have both a coiled and straight cable to suit your whims on any given night.

Portability & Durability

Your headphones will suffer wear and tear just like any musical instrument on the road. While you want them to be lightweight (see 'Comfort' further down), you also want the headphones to withstand all those nights on the road. So make sure the build quality is strong enough to match your DJing style.

Having a pair of headphones that folds up is a nice-to-have that makes carting your DJ gear around easier to do.

Replaceable Parts

All things fade with time, and at some point ear pads will become worn ragged, or the cable will only send an intermittent signal.

Having replaceable parts on your headphones means you can wait longer before shelling out for an entirely new pair.

Budget models are less likely to have this option, so if you plan to be using them a lot it may be worth budgeting slightly more upfront to save money in the long run.

Budget

And of course, think about money. Don't splash out more than you can afford on a pair of headphones. Decide on a budget, and find the best headphones for your needs within that price range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my regular or studio headphones for DJing?

The whole point of having headphones when DJing is so you can hear the track you're cueing up to make for a seamless segue. To this end, yes, you could feasibly use any old pair of headphones to do the job. BUT there's various factors to consider like loud environments, durability, portability, and wear and tear on the headphones themselves. Given the budget options available it's highly recommended that you purchase a set of headphones designed to handle the rigors of the DJing road.

What are the main differences between DJ headphones and consumer grade cans?

Consumer grade headphones tend to sweeten up the sound for the end user (you), and might not deliver the heavy low end or crisp mids you rely on to beat match tracks. DJ headphones are also designed to be worn for long periods of time. Comfort is almost as important as sound quality when it comes to DJ headphones.

Are wireless headphones good for DJing?

While it's true that latency in Bluetooth headphones has decreased considerably, there's still a delay between the signal being sent and you hearing it. This lag could be detrimental to your set, particularly if you're trying to match beats.

Another issue is battery life. You don't want your headphones dying mid-set, and remembering to charge your cans before each show could get cumbersome.

Also, the charging cable is another piece of gear to remember to pack for a show, or lose at a gig.

If humans can only hear up to 20kHz why should I buy headphones that have a wider frequency range?

A wider frequency response in a pair of DJ headphones results in a more accurate representation of sound. So even if you've gone to one too many Nickelback concerts and have lost everything beyond 15kHz, you'll still benefit from having those un-hearable hertz in your cans.

How much should I spend on a pair of DJ headphones?

While DJ headphones are relatively affordable compared to other audio equipment, it's always wise to stick to what you can afford. This is especially true if you're just starting out DJing. You can always trade up when you start doing fly-outs.

You can get yourself great sounding headphones for under $200. But again, work to your budget. Headphones won't make you a better DJ, they'll just help you do your job.

What do the pros use?

Several of the headphones on our list are popular among world-class DJs. To give you a sense of how close you could be to the greats check out this mini listicle:

• Carl Cox : Sennheiser HD 25
• David Guetta : V-Moda Crossfade M-100
• Tiesto : Sennheiser HD 25
• Deadmau5 : AIAIAI TMA-2
• Steve Aoki : Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10