Our top picks

These are our top picks for DJ headphones:

Best DJ headphones

1. Sennheiser HD 25

Best all-rounder for DJing

Specifications

• Frequency response: 16 – 22kHz
• Max SPL: 120 dB
• Weight: 140g

Pros

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Handles high SPLs with ease
• High background noise attenuation

Cons

• Not many additional features

The Sennheiser HD 25s are an industry standard for DJs worldwide. And for good reason. The closed-back design offers excellent isolation for loud environments, with background noise being highly attenuated.

They’re specifically designed to perform well in loud environments. This is thanks to their great bass response and the capability to handle extremely high sound pressure levels.

With their rotatable capsule, one-ear listening is easy – so you’ll know that your mix always sounds great. Plus, these cans are both lightweight and comfortable – especially with their iconic split headband – perfect for when you’re in the booth for hours and hours on end.

The HD 25s are made to withstand night after night of use – especially with their tough and detachable cable. And if a component does get damaged, all the parts are easily replaceable.

Overall, these are a great pick with their affordable price, comfort, and sound quality. And their compact size means you’ll be able to fit them in your DJ bag easily. If you’re looking for a pair of cans that you can rely on while DJing, the HD 25s are for you.

Shop now | Sennheiser HD 25

2. SubZero DJH200

Most affordable DJ headphones for crystal-clear monitoring 

Specifications

• Frequency response: 12 – 25,000 kHz
• Driver size: 45mm
• Impedance: 32Ω

Pros

• Super affordable
• Wide frequency range

Cons

• Earcups aren’t rotatable
• Quite bulky

The SubZero DJH200 Professional DJ Headphones are a great budget option for those looking to start their DJing journey. With great sound quality and premium comfort, the DJH200s allow you to monitor mix in even the noisiest environments.

With 45mm drivers, the DJH200s have a wide frequency range (12Hz to 25kHz), enabling you to hear the deepest bass frequencies, the highest highs, and everything in between. The sound is both powerful and clear, so will cut through loud venues.

The 3m coiled cable is detachable and allows for fluid motion and flexibility when you’re on stage. Plus, you’ll be able to DJ for hours thanks to their comfortable ear pads and soft headband. And they’re also made to last – so even if you upgrade down the line, these will be in your DJ arsenal for years to come.

Though great for beginners, the DJH200s don’t have rotatable earcups, so you might need to look elsewhere if this is something you require. They are also slightly bulkier than some of the other items on this list – but don’t let that put you off, especially at their low price point.

Shop now | SubZero DJH200

3. Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10

Best premium DJ headphones

Specifications

• Frequency response: 5Hz – 40kHz
• Output sound level: 106dB
• Weight: 328g

Pros

• Bass Reflex chamber ensures great bass response
• Designed to be ultra-durable
• Drives to high levels without distortion

Cons

• On the pricier side
• Heavier than some other headphones on this list

The Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10s are a premium choice for DJs looking for the best headphone quality when performing. While being at a higher price point, the HDJ-X10s are made to go the distance, making them a solid investment.

Their ear pads and headband are nano-coated, offering great resistance to deterioration which is usually all-to-common with daily headphone use. And they have cleared the US Military Standard Shock Test, meaning they’re certifiably able to last under even the most intense conditions.

In terms of their sound, the HDJ-X10s are next-level. They deliver ultra-high resolution audio with a 5Hz to 40kHz frequency range, which is incredibly wide. And you can drive them to loud levels without risk of distortion too, allowing you to monitor in loud environments with ease.

While on the larger side of this list, these headphones won’t take up much storage space thanks to their compact folding design. Plus, the rotatable earcups let you mix with one ear with ease.

These headphones are ideal if you need next-level sound quality for your DJ sets. Although they aren’t for everyone – you might only need more basic headphones for most club environments – if you want a premium pick for DJing, you simply can’t get better than this.

Shop now | Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10

4. Sennheiser HD 25 Light

Best lightweight headphones

Specifications

• Frequency response: 16Hz – 22kHz
• Maximum SPL: 120dB
• Weight: 120g

Pros

• Lightweight build for long sessions
• Boasts the renowned HD 25 sound

Cons

• Fewer features than others on this list
• No rotating earcups

The Sennheiser HD 25 Lights are an even more lightweight version of Sennheiser’s flagship DJ headphones. Despite their more compact build, they still have an extended frequency response, from 16Hz to 22kHz, and an outstandingly high SPL of 120dB.

Because of their minimal build, the HD 25 Lights are great if you want a pair of cans that will just get the job done at an affordable price. They’re super comfortable for long-haul mixing sessions too, with a supra-aural format and comfortable earpads.

You won’t get all the bells and whistles of the regular HD 25s – like the rotating earcup – but what the HD 25 Lights don’t have, they make up for in affordability and comfort. If you want lots of freedom to move when you’re throwing down your tunes then the HD 25 Lights are for you.

Shop now | Sennheiser HD 25 Light

5. AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Preset

Best modular option

Specifications

• Maximum SPL: 117 dB
• Impedance: 32 Ω +/- 15
• Weight: 270g

Pros

• Modular build allows you to change components
• Powerful yet clear sound

Cons

• Beginners may not like or need such a high level of customisability

The AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Preset Headphones are designed specifically for DJs. They use a titanium-coated S02 speaker unit that drives powerful sound with an incredible bass response. Plus, the coiled cable extends up to 3.2 metres, giving you plenty of slack to move about in your DJ set.

You’ll get great comfort for extended listening sessions with the H02 headband and E02 earpads. These are designed to be easy to clean, too – ideal if you’re getting sweaty DJing into the early hours of the morning.

And because they’re fully modular, you can customise the TMA-2 how you want. For example, you could switch out the speaker unit for one with Bluetooth connectivity, or change the on-ear pads to over-ear pads.

Shop now | AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Preset Headphones

6. Pioneer DJ HDJ-CX

Toughest DJ headphones

Specifications

• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 30 kHz
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Weight: 136g

Pros

• Ultra-lightweight while still being ultra-durable
• One of the widest frequency responses on this list

Cons

• You have to be careful not to pull out the interchangeable cable

The HDJ-CX Lightweight On-Ear DJ Headphones are made by a company known for their DJ gear: Pioneer DJ. This pair has been designed to be ultra-light while still bringing amazing sound.

Their frequency response is ultra-wide, going all the way down to 5Hz and then all the way up to 30kHz. So, you’ll be able to hear every last thump of the bass and then every high-end sound with clarity.

This is all thanks to their custom PPEK-PU-PEEEK composite film diaphragm with specialised tuning for the HDJ-CXs.

On top of this, they have great isolation courtesy of built-in sound insulators within their housing. This blocks out noise so you can hear every detail of your tunes over the din of the dancefloor.

And as well as being super comfortable, the HDJ-CXs are made to go the distance, night after night. They have a steel-core headband and an ultra-tough design – tested under the US Military Standard MIL-STD-810H shock test.

Shop now | Pioneer DJ HDJ-CX

7. Denon HP1100

DJ headphones with a great bass response 

Specifications

• Power handling: 3500mW
• Connections: 3mm and 3.5mm
• Drivers: 53mm

Pros

• 180-degree rotatable ear cups
• Large 53mm drivers

Cons

• Lack of the additional features that others on this list have

The Denon HP1100 Professional DJ Headphones have oversized 53mm drivers – the best in their class – and a 3500mW power handling capacity. This makes them ideal for handling high sound levels which is a must for DJ environments.

They’re made for long listening sessions with super comfortable earpads, which, in turn, provide excellent isolation.

One unique feature is the 180-degree swivel on the ear bands. Having full pivot movement means you can easily listen with one ear and not miss a beat. Plus, such an adaptable design makes the headphones suitable for any head shape.

The HP1100s feature both 6.3mm and 3.5mm connectors, so they’re compatible with the majority of DJ gear, and they also have a folding design – making them easy to just pop in your bag and get going with.

Shop now | Denon HP1100 Professional DJ Headphones

8. Audio Technica ATH-M60x

Best for long listening sessions

Specifications

• Frequency response: 15Hz – 28kHz
• Impedance: 38 Ω
• Driver diameter: 45mm

Pros

• Great for long listening sessions
• Extremely comfortable

Cons

• They don’t have the extra features that other headphones have

The Audio Technica ATH-M60x Professional Monitor Headphones are made for long listening sessions. They have a low-profile, closed-back, on-ear design that gives you great noise isolation and a great fit. With memory foam earpads and a headband too, you’ll stay comfortable listening for hours and hours.

As well as this, they have an extended frequency range, from 15Hz to 28kHz, delivered by their 45mm diameter driver. And with a low impedance design, they can consistently deliver a high level from any source.

While being ultra-durable, the different parts of these headphones are made to be easily replaceable – so if a component does become defunct, you don’t have to buy a whole new pair.

Also, they’re supplied with three detachable cables – one coiled and two straight – and a protective pouch, making them suitable for a range of uses and stress-free to carry around.

Shop now | Audio Technica ATH-M60x Professional Monitor Headphones

9. V-Moda Crossfade 3

Best-looking DJ headphones

Specifications

• Frequency response: 5Hz – 40kHz
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Weight: 315g

Pros

• Customisable aesthetics
• Amazing sound

Cons

• Slightly on the pricier side

The V-Moda Crossfade 3s are made for next-level audio detail. They have a massive frequency response, ranging from 5Hz to 40kHz, with an impedance of 32 ohms. Giving you excellent lows, mids, and highs.

Thanks to their powerful sound and thick padded memory foam cushions, these headphones let you immerse yourself completely in the audio. Plus, they deliver excellent isolation suitable for any DJ set.

And along with excellent sound quality, there’s a great aesthetic to match, and it can be tailored to your taste. The Crossfade 3s have customisable shields that allow you to put your own twist on the headphones, such as a logo or a splash of colour – all available through V-Moda’s in-house services.

Another great feature that offers more customisation is the adjustable EQ that you can change through V-Moda’s free smartphone app. It might seem like a small feature but it’s incredibly helpful when you need the mix to sound just right for your DJ sets.

And to top it off, the V-Moda Crossfade 3 headphones offer wireless Bluetooth compatibility with enhanced codecs for even better audio quality. The battery for this mode lasts up to 30 hours on a single charge, too.

Shop now | V-Moda Crossfade 3

10.  Mackie MC-250

Comfortable and foldable design

Specifications

• Frequency response: 10Hz – 20kHz
• Impedance: 38 Ω
• Weight: 265g

Pros

• Foldable, compact design
• Made for comfortable long listening sessions

Cons

• Not many additional features

The Mackie MC-250s are great for both DJing and personal use. They combine professional sound reproduction with high levels of comfort for supreme monitoring.

Their frequency response ranges from 10Hz to 20kHz using their precision 50mm transducers – so you can listen in to every little detail of your mix, all the booming bass and crisp highs.

They’re also made for long listening sessions – which are very likely if you’re a DJ. The MC-250s use soft earpads and a comfortable headband. This prevents listening fatigue so you can keep throwing down tunes until the early hours.

The MC-250s are also easy to pack up and take with you, without the worry of them getting damaged, thanks to their foldable design. When you’re done at the end of the night, all you need to do is fold them up and put them in your bag. They even come with their own carry bag, ensuring they stay safe on the road.

Shop now | Mackie MC-250

11.  Korg NC-Q1 Smart Noise Cancelling DJ Headphones

Best noise-cancelling pair

Specifications

• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 25kHz
• Weight: 321g
• Cable: 1.5m

Pros

• Onboard attenuation – great for loud clubs
• Smart Monitoring and Sound Enhancing functions

Cons

• Possibly too many features for just DJing
• Quite heavy

The Korg NC-Q1 Headphones are a great noise-cancelling option for DJing. They also feature a range of smart options that many other DJ headphones don’t have.

A couple of these are the Smart Monitoring and Sound Enhancing modes which allow you to customise what you hear from outside sounds – such as certain frequency bands. You can also set the headphones so that you only monitor with one ear, minimising the need to move your earcups on and off.

If you regularly play in a loud club, it’s important to protect your hearing, but this can be hard to do when you need to listen to your mixes clearly! Korg’s Smart Noise Cancelling Headphones do this brilliantly thanks to Feed-Forward and Feedback Active Noise Cancelling technology which retains great sound quality while processing ultra-high sound levels, reducing the chance of hearing damage and giving you peace of mind.

It’s not just the hearing protection that enables you to use the headphones for hours, but the supremely comfortable design too. This is guaranteed by the adaptable ear cushions which use viscoelastic memory foam – providing a great fit for your ears.

They can also be used as Bluetooth headphones – so you can listen back to last night’s mix on the go.

Shop now | Korg NC-Q1 Smart Noise Cancelling DJ Headphones

Things to consider

Powerful sound

Powerful sound is especially important for DJ headphones for several reasons. One is the need to compete with crowd noise and PA systems – if you can’t hear anything with them then what’s the point?

A good bass response is also recommended, so you can hear the low end that your crowd are hearing out on the dance floor. If you can, aim for it to be 20Hz or lower.

In terms of the drivers – you want them to be 40mm or larger and have the impedance be 25 ohms or more. This will ensure that your sound is as powerful as it needs to be. And as a result, you’ll be able to pick out all the key track elements that you need to.

Noise isolation

Not able to hear your mix? You’re going to be a rubbish DJ. So, in this respect, noise isolation is vital for doing a good job.

Noise isolation refers to how much the outside world is blocked out by your headphones, letting you home in on the mix everyone is dancing to.

The more the outside world is blocked out, the more you’ll be able to spin those bangers. And isn’t that all you need from life?

Comfort

If you are DJing, your sessions will probably be very long. That’s why comfort is vital for DJ headphones.

Something you find mildly uncomfortable in a short listening session could make your DJ set a nightmare. You want to be able to forget your headphones are even there and let them become an extension of yourself, not the other way around.

Therefore, you should check the quality of your earpads, and – just as importantly – the headband. This will determine whether you’ll have a good time DJing after all.

Build quality

If your cans won’t last, why buy them? When you’re DJing every night, they’re bound to undergo a certain level of wear and tear. And you don’t want to be – as a result – burning through multiple DJ headphones in a week.

In this respect, build quality is an incredibly important thing to consider.

One element you’ll want to check is the moisture resistance. It can get sweaty up on stage and you’ll want headphones that protect against this. If you have moisture-resistant headphones, all they’ll need at the end of the night is a simple wipe and they won’t end up stinking of sweat.

Another thing to look out for is the quality of the plastic. Look out for good ABS builds as these are tougher and, as a result, last longer than other plastics.

One good defence against the wearing out of parts is to buy a modular headphone model. These have switchable parts, so if you end up breaking just one bit of your phones (i.e. the speakers), you can easily switch them out for a new pair.

You can usually tell the quality of a pair of headphones by their brand. So, try to go for a reputable brand that is known for its dedication to making high-quality products. 

Aesthetics

While looks aren’t everything… don’t you want to look cool when you’re DJing?

If you’re struggling to choose between two pairs of headphones that you think are quite similar in features, why not just choose the ones that look the best?

When you’re up on stage laying down some tunes, everyone can see you – and sometimes there are even photographers. So – with this in mind – make sure your headphones look the part.

FAQs

What headphones do most professional DJs use?

Most professional DJs use the Sennheiser HD 25s. This is because of their superior sound and build quality, matched up against their affordable price. If you go into any club, you’re bound to see a DJ using these bad boys. And if not, they’ll at least own a pair.

Does it matter what headphones you use for DJing?

It does matter what headphones you use for DJing. You should use closed-back, over-ear headphones with good noise isolation. If you use open-back mixing headphones, for example, it’s unlikely that you’d be able to hear your mix in a loud environment.

Do you need noise-cancelling headphones as a DJ?

You don’t need noise-cancelling headphones to DJ – you just need headphones with good noise isolation. While noise-cancelling headphones could be a good option, they’re often more expensive, and you just need headphones that will block out enough of the outside world so you can focus on your mix.

Final thoughts

There are lots of DJ headphones to choose from, ranging in price and features. Really, it’s up to you what you need, and there’s sure to be one on our list of the 11 best DJ headphones that will suit you. The Sennheiser HD 25 Lights is a great beginner option, but if you want a long life and switchable parts you might go for the AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Preset.

You might want to learn more about DJing, now. If so, why not check out some of our other articles on the subject?

Find the best DJ turntables with this handy guide to the ten best. And learn how to store vinyl with this step-by-step article.