Best DJ Headphones Reviews 2017

Looking for the best DJ Headphones? Contrary to popular opinion, being a successful DJ is not only about the ability to hype a crowd. You need the right arsenal that will deliver the best sound and ultimately give you a better mixing experience. One of these items is a pair of professional DJ headphones. However, finding an ideal pair that will deliver can be a challenge, considering the ever-emerging imitations out there. We at Top Products have therefore done extensive research to bring you five of the best DJ headphone brands and a product from each.

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Type

Impedance

Size

Frequency

Driver Units

Our Top Choice

Sennheiser Professional DJ Headphone

Sennheiser has been determined to be the most innovative and forward-thinking brand for over 70 years, with audio-related products that reflect its mission.

Great noise-handling capacity.Great for working in loud environments. Lightweight/closed-back design. Offers one-ear listening.

They do not collapse or fold, and thus take up extra space.

Closed back; non-foldable

70 Ohms

9.6 x 7.4 x 3.3 inches; 5 oz.

16 - 22000 Hz

35mm

Best Value

Denon DJ On-Ear DJ Headphones

Denon DJ fully understands what it means to feel quality sound in your ears, and this has inspired it to create clearly audible DJ headphones for true enthusiasts.

180 pivot. Coiled cable prevents knotting, thus allowing some extra access. Folds up for efficient transportation. 1300 milliwatts and 40-millimeter drivers.

Isolated complaints of the headphones clinging too tight on the ears.

On-ear; Foldable

58 Ohms

9.1 x 3.9 x 6.7 inches; 8.8 oz.

10 - 28000 Hz

40mm

Pioneer Pro DJ Headphone

Since 1994 it first introduced its one-of-a-kind DJ player with a flat top , Pioneer has never looked back in terms of producing dependable, high-quality DJ equipment.

Perfect for use in DJ booth. Great, unhindered sound. Nice to wear with light materials and foam padding.

Cable is non-standard and may pose a challenge in terms of replacement.

Closed-back; detachable cable

32 Ohms

4.9 x 9 x 9 inches; 48 oz.

5 - 30,000 Hz

50mm

Audio-Technica Professional Monitor Headphones

Since 1962 when it started out with phonograph cartridges, Audio-Technica has steadily grown to become a devoted leader in innovative audio equipment.

Earcups are contoured. Cables can be detached. Great sound quality. Convenient features. Earcups can swivel 90 degrees.

Isolated complaints of one of the earcups sometimes failing to work.

Closed-back dynamic

38 Ohms

11.4 x 10 x 4.1 inches; 33.6 oz.

15 - 28,000 Hz

45mm

Philips DJ Style Headphones

Talk of innovation, design, credibility, and quality and Phillips will no doubt come to mind, with its unmatched technological dedication.

Cushioned ear pads. Adjustable bands. Closed design for great sound. Multiple colors available. Great for travel.

Some customers complained that they didn’t last for very long.

Closed-back, on-ear

24 Ohms

1.7 x 5.9 x 7.3 inches; 4.5 oz.

10 - 22,000 Hz

32mm

(Updated September 12, 2017)

Skip ahead and go directly to the reviews.

Related Reviews

Best Audio Mixer

in Electronics

Behringer X32 Digital Audio Mixer with 32 Programmable MIDAS Preamps

Best Turntable

in Electronics

Audio-Technica Direct Drive Professional Record Player with USB Compatibility

Best DJ Controller

in Electronics

Pioneer USB Powered Portable 2-Channel Controller for Serato DJ

Best Audiophile Headphones

in Electronics

V-MODA Crossfade II Wireless Over-Ear 3D Audiophile Headphones with Ergonomic SteelFlex Headband - Available in 3 Colors

How Do I Choose the Best DJ Headphones?

The joy of any DJ is to see the crowd dancing away to the seamless mixes from their systems. As a DJ, you don’t want anything to come between you and the fun your crowd expects to experience. Unfortunately, one device that can make or break your expertise in deejaying is the type of headphones you decide to use. Whether you’re a professional DJ or simply a music mix enthusiast, you can get a quality pair of headphones that swivels and cancels exterior noise to deliver a clear sound.

Notably, there has been a heated debate on whether there’s a real difference between the regular headphones and those usually used by professional DJs. Is it simply a marketing gimmick and too much hype for nothing? Well, the answer would be relative depending on how you may want to look at it. In as much as the DJ headphones function in the same way traditional headphones would, they also have additional features specifically suited to be used in loud environments and live performances. For instance, most of the DJ headphones, unlike in-ear headphones, are made with a closed-back design, helping them improve their capability in external noise isolation. This ensures that no external sound bleeds in—a recipe for better music being cued.

Ever noticed how DJs remove their earcup from one ear while letting the other remain in place? Well if you thought this was to show off, then think again as this is an important act that any DJ worth his salt has to master. This is known as single-side monitoring and a DJ usually does this to monitor the sound from the live speakers against the next track being cued. This requires headphones with caps that can swivel independently.

When looking for the right DJ headphones, therefore, it’s important to take into consideration factors like frequency range, driver size, weight, and flexibility while in use. Most importantly, ensure that you go for DJ headphones with the best hearing protection to avoid hearing challenges later in life.

Price

Convenience and quality come at a price. If you’re hoping to upgrade from the traditional headphones to the professional DJ headphones, then you ought to be willing to pay the price. DJ headphone prices vary based on several factors such as material, sound quality, padding design, and overall design.

For instance, closed-ear headphones cost more than open-ear versions, considering the earlier has better capabilities and prevents external noises. Similarly, foldable or collapsible versions cost more than the non-foldable types due to the comfort and convenience they offer. Some DJ headphone types have replaceable ear pads and cables, and these would cost more than those without such replacement options.

Based on these factors, therefore, good DJ headphones are expected to cost between $25 for the basic types and $350 for high-end versions with advanced sound insulation properties and better padding designs. However, note that there are cheap DJ headphones out there that promise heaven but deliver hell! Most of these are poor-quality versions that may end up compromising the health of your ears due to their poor sound delivery.

Features

Whether you’re a professional DJ or simply looking for quality headphones that can still work perfectly even in noisy environments, it’s high time you purchase those with the best noise-isolating capabilities. You want to have a pair of headphones with the best beat-matching capabilities to have your tracks playing in perfect synchrony. A good pair of DJ headphones should enable you to keep the energy high, keep the music going, and the crowd moving. Based on these factors, therefore, you’ll need to consider the following features when looking for a quality pair of DJ headphones.

Here are the notable features to look out for:

Earbuds: Each earbud should have the best cushioning to help prevent external noise from bleeding in. This is in addition to their swiveling ability that enables the DJ to do single-sided monitoring.
Material: Look for a pair of headphones made from either magnesium alloy or aluminum. These are not only lightweight but are also able to withstand regular use and constant movements.
Driver diameter: Usually, a bigger diameter is better for drivers, as this means even better bass. Ideally, a good pair of headphones should have at least 40mm (1.6-inch) drivers.
Frequency range: The frequency range of any pair of headphones will determine the quality and intensity of sound you hear. The best frequency ranges are between 20Hz and 20,000Hz.
Headband: This should be flexible enough to offer efficient adjustability whenever needed while maintaining enough side pressure, and keeping the single ear cup secure when monitoring both room and cue mixes.

Construction and Design

DJ headphones, right from their construction to their design, are made to offer convenience to the DJ while on their live performance. Notably, most DJ headphones have a closed-ear design to help them keep away ambient sound. Since headphones are meant to be worn for longer periods sometimes, they’re made of lightweight materials to avoid too much strain. Similarly, the headband is made to be flexible enough to comfortably fit well for all head sizes without exerting pressure on the ears or becoming too loose. Further, good earmuffs are made of natural materials such as leather to keep them cooler and more comfortable to wear even when working for longer periods.

Performance and Ease of Use

For better performance, DJ headphones are made with a frequency range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz for comfortable sound delivery in terms of both bass and treble. They’re mostly foldable as well—a feature that enables you to collapse them for transportation, thus taking less space in your bag and reducing chances of breakage. To help increase efficiency when working with several gadgets at a live show, good DJ headphones feature coiled cables to keep them from snapping off mid-session. The earmuffs are made of a breathable material for a cooler and much more comfortable wear, especially when working with them for extended periods.

What is the Best DJ Headphones?

A good pair of DJ headphones can only be set apart by one major factor: good, quality sound. You want a pair of headphones that will enable you to filter out outside noises so you can focus on listening to and getting the right mixes for your audience. Let us look at the five DJ headphones we’ve selected for this review.

Our Top Choice

The Sennheiser HD 25Professional DJ Headphone features a lightweight and closed-back design to help you get the most out of your deejaying sessions. Looking for Headphones that provide you with even more wearing positions? Then you’re better off with the Sennheiser HD 8 DJ Headphones with 210-degree swiveling ear cups.

Sennheiser HD 25 Professional DJ Headphone — Available in 3 Styles

Sennheiser DJ Headphones HD25- Standard Model

Features

Sennheiser is a German audio company that designs and manufactures various high-quality products including headphones, conference systems, avionics headsets, microphones, and cordless microphone systems for business, professional, and personal use. Founded in 1945 by Dr. Fritz Sennheiser, the company continues to move ahead and find solutions that offer comfort and better sound—and it does so in ways that have yet to be done elsewhere. This has led the company to a place of great success, and its customers would agree that both its products and its services are top-notch. If you’re looking for a company that you can come to rely on for your audio needs, Sennheiser may just be the name to go for.

The Sennheiser Professional DJ Headphone features high sensitivity and a high sound-handling capacity, making it a great choice for those who’ll be deejaying in louder areas.Due to its lightweight and closed-back design, you can have the headphones on your ears for a longer time without your ears feeling the pressure; this makes it suitable for extended studio monitoring. It has a single-sided cable that can easily be detached, which means that you can use one for all your headphones; this also makes it easy to hang or store. Furthermore, this pair of headphones has a rotatable capsule that enhances listening with one ear, and a tough cable that won’t break easily.

For variety enthusiasts, you have the chance to choose between the Standard Model, One Head Band and 2 Cables, and 2 Sets of Ear Pads.

Love what you see? Well there are even more options for you to check out from Sennheiser today!

Best Value

The Denon DJ Value On-Ear DJ Headphones with Swiveling Ear Cups feature 40-millimeter drivers coupled with 1300 milliwatts of power to deliver unmatched sound performance. If you prefer the over-the-ear version instead, then you can go for Denon DJ’s HP1100 Professional Over-Ear DJ Headphones with 53mm Drivers for an awesome bass experience.

Denon DJ Value On-Ear DJ Headphones with Swiveling Ear Cups – Available in 2 Styles & 3 Variants

Denon DJ Headphones HP600 - On Ear

Features

Originally established in 1910, Denon DJ is an electronics company from Japan credited for the development of the initial stages in audio technology. It has since then grown to become one of the most trusted manufacturers of high-quality and fully-professional audio equipment. The company’s primary mission is to nurture trust in its products while protecting the brand, thereby inspiring customers to do more. Through the process, the company provides an unmatched shopping experience whether you’re buying products that are simple or luxurious, new or used, commonplace or rare.

The Denon DJ On-Ear DJ Headphones are composed of 40-millimeter dynamic drivers that provide 1300 megawatts of power. The drivers are also responsible for providing a frequency response of 10 to 28 Hz, thus guaranteeing you a rich sound experience alongside a high-acoustic performance. This product has an attractive solid design that makes it durable, with the ability to stand through your deejaying sessions, as well as all of your travelling experiences.

Other notable features of the Denon DJ On-Ear DJ Headphone include:

Swivel ear caps capable of 180 pivoting that make one-ear monitoring (and packing) easy
¼-inch adapter that makes the headphones compatible with all your other equipment
A semi-coiled insulated cord that’s soft and features a 1/8-inch connector
1300-milliwatt power handling that offers a clear sound experience as you listen to music
A design which allows for folding that makes transportation easy for you

Need to explore even more? Feel free to check out other headphone options from Denon DJ today!

The Pioneer DJ Headphone with Flagship Pro-DJ Monitor Headphones are specially designed for use in your DJ booth, offering a sound experience that’s both incredibly clear and completely unhindered. Are you fascinated with fancy designs? Then you may see the need to consider the Pioneer Pro DJ HDJ-1500-N DJ Headphone that features durable magnesium alloy parts.

Pioneer Pro DJ Headphone with Flagship Pro-DJ Monitor Headphones

Pioneer DJ Headphones HDJ-2000MK2

Features

Pioneer DJ, started in 1994, has gone through many changes throughout the span of its business life—from creating the first-ever CD DJ table with a flat top, to current times when it’s putting its best foot forward for the next generations of music. For numerous products related to music, we definitely recommend checking out this brand; with unrivaled love for music and an appreciation for others with the same passion, you can be assured that this brand puts out some quality products!

The Pioneer Pro DJ Headphone offers you a ton of flexibility, due to its convenient swiveling feature (90 degrees per ear cup), along with specially-designed cords that help you avoid an unexpected pause while playing, no matter where you are. Speaking of “wherever you are”, these headphones also provide you with a simple and safe way to move them around with you, found in their design and carry case—no more nail-biting over whether your headphones survived the bumpy car ride or luggage travel. And, most importantly, these are the headphones to go for if you’re looking for incredible sound; with effective insulation techniques and the promise of a quality sound experience, there’s so much to receive from them. So, if you want to experience this all yourself, go ahead and make your purchase!

Here are its additional features:

The bindings are made of light materials for the utmost comfort
The ear pads feature foam padding for a nice and comfy fit
The headband’s oblong shape lets it naturally wrap around your head
The large 50mm speaker drivers deliver abundant but soft bass
The leather-like ear pads’ cover enhances durability

Need to sample even more designs? Well, Pioneer has a myriad of options you can go for today!

The Audio-Technica Professional Studio Monitor Headphones feature earcups with a contoured design for music listening that’s the best of the best. Prefer DJ earphones with multi-layer air damping technology instead? Then the Technica ATH-MSR7BK SonicPro High-Resolution Audio Headphones would come in handy.

Audio-Technica Professional Studio Monitor Headphones — Available in 2 Colors

Audio-Technica DJ Headphones ATH-M50x - Black

Features

Audio-Technica is a brand that you can most certainly trust for whatever your music or audio needs may be—considering the Presidents, GRAMMY awards, and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame have gotten wonderful results from it, we’re sure you’ll find satisfaction with its products too. That said, it has a vast array of products available to you, from headphones to mixers—whatever you’re hoping to find for your next music-listening experience or deejaying gig, this is the place to look. Did we mention it’s been around for over half a century?

The Audio-Technica Professional Monitor Headphones feature earcups that are designed to swivel 90 degrees to fit your one-ear monitoring needs. This pair of DJ headphones has quite a streak of awesome reviews from the top dogs in the industry, and it’s no wonder considering its more-than-worthy sound quality and noise cancellation properties.

Other distinct features of the Audio-Technica Professional Monitor Headphones include:

A collapsible design to enhance portability and give you more space when packing
The headband and earpad are made from professional-grade material
Contours with a circumaural design so you can listen nice and clear even in busier places or gigs
Drivers are of large aperture, and feature aluminum/copper coils and earth magnets that process high-quality sound
Detachable cables to ensure safe-keeping while making the headphones less bulky
An extended range frequency that gives you awesome response from the bass, and nice-sounding music

If black isn’t your cup of tea, then you have the option to go for the white version.

Not yet decided? Well, worry not as Audio-Technica has lots of DJ headphone options for you to check out.

The Philips DJ Style Headphones offer extraordinary comfort with their cushioned ear pads and adjustable bands. This, along with awesome sound quality, make them a noteworthy pair of headphones. Prefer DJ headphones with Bluetooth capabilities instead? Then consider going for the Philips Wireless Bluetooth Headphones.

Philips DJ Style Headphones – Available in 4 Colors

Philips DJ Headphones SHL3060WT/27 – White

Features

Nothing makes a company more credible than vast experience. With more than 100 years in the industry, Philips is a company to reckon with. Being in partnership with the greater innovation community, the company’s research activities shape the future by exploring how to best apply the developments in science and technology to come up with transformative innovations. Its world-class design abilities are vital to ensuring that its innovations are unique, meaningful, relevant, powerful, and intuitive. Its team of experts uses state-of-the-art designs, engineering paradigms, and software to create dependable modern products and services.

The Philips DJ Style Headphones are both comfortable and offer you quite a grand listening experience in terms of sound quality. With adjustable headbands that ensure a proper fit and 32mm drivers for sound like you’ve only dreamt about, this is a pair of headphones that’s bound to find you much happier while listening to music. Still better, you won’t be confined to your home or deejay booth with these, as they’re specifically designed for use just about anywhere. Why not get a pair for yourself today? Oh, and in case you don’t like the white color, they’re available in several colors for you to choose from. Convinced yet?

Still curious? Then feel free to check out other Philips DJ headphone options today!

Get the Best DJ Headphones of 2017!

There you have it! Now that you’ve gone through reviews for some of the best DJ headphones out there, we believe that you’re in a better position to choose the best models that will help you keep the show alive and the audience dancing away to your mixes. If you feel the need to sample even more models, feel free to check out other options from the trusted DJ headphone brands we have reviewed.

Our Top Choice

Sennheiser Professional DJ Headphone

Best Value

Denon DJ On-Ear DJ Headphones

Pioneer Pro DJ Headphone

Audio-Technica Professional Monitor Headphones

Philips DJ Style Headphones