Spending so much time up close makes headphones a DJ’s most intimate tool, choosing the right ones, therefore, deserves some attention!
No matter a DJ’s style, these are a mixing must-have. For selectors carefully lining up rare gems from dusty archives to performance DJs firing out fresh jams every 21 seconds. Cutting, cueing, mixing and EQing; the magic all takes place in the headphones.
Here we score some well-tested, leading models against several categories and compare results to help you find the best DJ headphones.
Find out who reigns supreme across sound quality, value, durability, adaptability, comfort and design!
Oneodio Studio Pro 10 – Best Budget DJ Headphones
These headphones are about as cheap as they come but are surprisingly high quality given the price. Sound-wise, they’re reasonably clear, although they lack the low-end punch and general definition you’ll find on higher-end models. The build quality is one area you’ll notice the cost-cutting, however, as these don’t seem like they’ll survive too many DJ gigs.
For a first pair for beginners, they’re a good option, but it might be worth investing in something that’s built to last.
RRP – $35
Pioneer HDJ Cue 1 – Best Value DJ Headphones
Looking good, sounding better and with a cost which is even more attractive! These are easily the best DJ headphones under $100. We end up reaching for these headphones time and time again in the Crossfader studio as they simply feel and sound fantastic. They’re not too big or heavy and have a strong low-end kick for beatmatching.
They also average very well across our whole board of categories, so they represent a true middle-road, do-it-all solution for DJs!
RRP – $69
Oneodio Monitor 60 – Most comfortable DJ Headphones
Comfort is the first requirement for a good match with headphones. DJs spend most of their time wearing them so it makes sense that they wear well and allow the ears to breathe. Super soft and plush with a soft headband, these lightweight headphones feel as though they’re barely there and cause no discomfort, even after a 5-hour set! The trade-off is that these are pretty bulky, which makes them less attractive and portable.
For sound quality, little comes close in its price range. The fact that it holds its own in this regard against pairs costing four times as much speaks volumes to its value proposition.
RRP – $70
AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ – Best Bass DJ Headphones
The AIAIAI TMA-2s are modular headphones, which means you can choose different speaker units, ear pads, and headbands to build your perfect pair. AIAIAI’s signature sound is known for leaning heavily towards the bass frequencies, and these have a low-end thump that’s hard to beat. That’s useful for DJs who need to hear the kick of tracks they’re cueing up. It might not always be ideal if you want to use these for day-to-day listening unless you’re a dedicated bass lover.
The other thing that makes AIAIAI special is its commitment to sustainability. Made completely from recycled plastics such as old vinyl and bottles, the packaging and assembly line are also eco-friendly, and, because they’re modular, parts are easy to replace.
RRP – $200
Sennheiser HD-25 – Most durable DJ Headphones
The Sennheiser HD-25s have become probably the most popular and iconic pair of headphones in the history of DJing – and with good reason. They sound fantastic, with a good balance of punchy bass that’s not overpowering. But the number one reason these have stood the test of time is that they’re built to last. DJ booths can sometimes be rowdy and risky places for gear so you need something that can survive.
These are super solid and most of the parts are replaceable, and being the most popular DJ headphones on the planet for decades means sourcing those parts is a breeze.
RRP – $149
V Moda Crossfade M-100 Master – Best looking DJ Headphones
With a sleek look and quality materials throughout, the V Moda Crossfade M-100 Masters look the part on any DJ’s head. You can also customise them with your DJ logo or design to stand out from the crowd. They’re not just a pretty face though, these are also top-tier DJ headphones in their own right.
The sound quality is up there with the best we’ve heard, and the fit and feel of these just scream premium at every level. They’re also comfortable and versatile enough to use for daily wear or studio use.
RRP – $250
Pioneer HDJ-X10 – Best Sounding DJ Headphones
Pioneer DJ’s HDJ-X10 headphones are their flagship model and feature large over-ear cups that create great sound isolation. They’re also well-built and feel super-premium, as you’d expect of any headphones at this price. The sound of these headphones is simply the best we’ve heard on any DJ-focused pair.
They’re not as bass-forward as most, instead opting for a more transparent and neutral tonality. This quality sound makes them incredibly versatile, and they’re just as good for music production as DJing.
RRP – $369
Audio Technica ATH-M50x – Best DJ Headphones for Production
Many DJs are also music producers, so want a pair of headphones that work for both. The Audio Technica ATH-M50x has become a popular choice for these people as it’s got a great sound profile that’s suited for both pursuits. They’re also comfortable and portable
As they’re not designed for DJing, the sound isolation is poor and might not be well suited to noisy DJ booths. Overall, these might not be the best headphones for DJing, but if you want them mostly for producing, they’ll do the job behind the decks.
RRP – $149
AlphaTheta HDJ-F10 – Best Wireless DJ Headphones
DJs haven’t usually been able to use wireless headphones due to Bluetooth’s latency, but the HDJ-F10 from AlphaTheta (formerly Pioneer DJ) fixes that. Their SonicLink technology creates a wireless connection with an imperceptible 9ms latency, making them perfect for mixing.
They’re also designed to be your everyday headphones as well and have noise cancelling, Bluetooth and a built-in microphone. The sound quality is great, although it does favour the bass frequencies to an extent that might not make them ideal for daily use for many.
RRP – $389 / $499 with SonicLink Transmitter
Watch Our Review Video For A Deeper Dive!
For help putting your perfect pair to good use, learn how to DJ with Crossfader! We offer a large range of courses to suit everyone from beginners to experienced DJs wanting to take their skills to the next level.
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