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The 11 Best Headphones for Drummers

25/12/2023

Having the right headphones for your drumming can make a huge difference. Whether you’re after a crisp-quality pair for an electronic kit or a top-of-the-range, noise-cancelling pair for regular practice on an acoustic, we’ve put together a list of what we think are the best headphones for drummers.

We’ve chosen these based on their comfort, sound quality, price, and general design (e.g., some fold up nicely – perfect for taking on the road). At the end of the article, you’ll find some buying advice that I’ve found useful myself, as a drummer. So, you’re sure to find the right pair of headphones for you on this list, or at least come away knowing more than you did before!

In a hurry?

Here are our top three headphones well-suited to drummers – and why we love them!

Vic Firth Bluetooth Isolation HeadphonesA comfortable solution to protecting your ears whilst drumming to songs.Check the current price
G4M HP-5 Stereo HeadphonesLightweight and affordable – great for beginner drummers.Check the current price
Sennheiser HD 280 PRO II Closed Back HeadphonesCrystal clear sound quality with ambient noise attenuation.Check the current price

The 11 best headphones for drummers

1. G4M HP-5 Stereo Headphones

G4M HP-5 Stereo HeadphonesKey features

  • Lightweight and robust design
  • Adjustable headband with comfortable padding
  • Compact, fold-down design

Pros

  • Versatile headphones suitable for home, studio, and live use
  • Compatible with almost all devices, thanks to the 3.5mm mini jack and included 1/4″ adapter
  • Folds up for easy storage when not in use

Cons

  • If you’re a professional, you may want a more premium pair of headphones

When it comes to finding the perfect pair of headphones for drummers, the G4M HP-5 Stereo Headphones are a great choice. With their detailed sound quality, lightweight design, and excellent noise isolation, these headphones provide everything a drummer needs for practice, studio work, and everything in between.

With exceptional sound clarity, you’ll be able to keep your drumming perfectly in time with the music or metronome – whether you’re practising intricate patterns or recording your band’s first EP.

Comfort is a premium with the HP-5s, meaning you can wear them for extended periods without irritation – great for those prolonged practice sessions. Plus, thanks to the headphones’ expert noise isolation, it’s easy to focus on your drumming without any distractions getting in the way.

The G4M HP-5 Stereo Headphones are definitely worth considering for any drummer looking tfor sound quality, comfort, and sleek design, without breaking the bank.


2. Alesis DRP100 Extreme Isolating Drum Headphones

Alesis DRP100 Extreme Isolating Drum HeadphonesKey features

  • Over-ear design
  • 40mm full-range drivers
  • Sweat-proof silicone headband

Pros

  • Designed specifically for electronic drum monitoring
  • Provides excellent audio isolation and comfort
  • Includes protective bag for easy transportation

Cons

  • These might be too bulky to carry around with you

The Alesis DRP100 Extreme Isolating Drum Headphones are designed specifically for electronic drum monitoring. They’re expertly voiced with 40mm full-range drivers, delivering definition and power and ensuring that every detail of your drum kit can be heard with clarity. And they isolate outside noise – making your practice sessions truly immersive and distraction-free.

In terms of comfort, the DRP100 headphones excel with their ultra-snug over-ear design. There’s also a sweat-proof silicone headband, which ensures a secure and stable fit even during energetic playing. This is quite a niche feature, and when it comes to aggressive, powerful drumming, it makes all the difference!


3. Vic Firth SiH2 Stereo Isolation Headphones

Vic Firth SiH2 Stereo Isolation HeadphonesKey features

  • Reduces external noise by 25 decibels for optimal ear protection
  • Redesigned large driver
  • 20HZ – 20kHZ frequency response

Pros

  • Excellent outside noise reduction
  • Superior sound quality
  • Comfortable to wear for long periods of time

Cons

  • Quite a big and bulky design

Vic Firth designed what’s arguably the best headphones drummers can rehearse with – the SiH2 Stereo Isolation Headphones. They offer top sound quality and guaranteed ear protection with a noise reduction rating of 25 decibels – perfect for even the heaviest hitters.

With a redesigned 50mm Mylarcon driver, you have brilliant sound with a wide frequency range that ensures the bass is right where you need it to be to keep your drumming perfectly in time. Whether you’re in the studio or regularly practising at home, these headphones ensure that you hear every detail of your drumming.

In addition to their impressive sound quality, the SiH2 headphones also prioritise comfort. The improved headband padding ensures a comfortable fit, even during long practice sessions. The headphones are also incredibly lightweight.


4. DDrum Studio Class Isolation Headphones

DDrum Studio Class Isolation Headphones, WhiteKey features

  • Superior decibel attenuation for optimal sound isolation
  • Studio-quality sound reproduction
  • 40mm drivers for enhanced audio performance

Pros

  • Excellent sound isolation for practice or studio use
  • High-quality sound reproduction
  • Comfortable fit for extended wear

Cons

  • Doesn’t include a 1/4’’ jack adapter

The DDrum Studio Class Isolation Headphones are a great choice for drummers looking for high-quality sound and exceptional sound isolation. With superior decibel attenuation, these headphones provide optimal sound isolation, allowing you to focus on your drumming without any distractions.

Equipped with 40mm drivers, the DDrum Studio Class Isolation Headphones deliver enhanced audio performance, making your practice sessions incredibly immersive.

Comfort is key during long practice sessions, and so DDrum have catered to musicians who require a snug, easy-to-wear pair of headphones that can be enjoyed for long rehearsals, without any discomfort or irritation. Plus, they’re very stylish!


5. Vic Firth Bluetooth Isolation Headphones

Vic Firth Bluetooth Isolation HeadphonesKey features

  • Up to 20 hours of battery life
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Foam cushioning

Pros

  • Tight low end with a clean midrange sound frequency
  • Excellent sound isolation
  • Bluetooth compatibility means you won’t be bogged down by cables

Cons

  • Foam cushioning may not be as comfortable as other similar headphones

Moving back to Vic Firth, their Bluetooth Isolation Headphones are another great choice for drummers looking for ear protection, sound quality, and comfort all in one. These headphones are equipped with Bluetooth compatibility to make drumming to your favourite tracks even easier, and with up to 20 hours of battery life, they’ll last for many a practice session.

Their bright orange colour probably caught your eye. This does much more than just look cool, it makes finding them in dark studios, venues, or bedrooms quick and stress-free.

If you’re after incredible noise isolation, crisp sound, and an ear-defender-like design, these are the ones for you. They also come with a 3.5mm line-in cable and headphone jack adapter for when Bluetooth isn’t an option, making them versatile and useful for all drummers.


6. Behringer DH100 Drummer Reference Headphones

Behringer DH100 Drummer Reference HeadphonesKey features

  • Two 40mm drivers
  • Closed-back, over-ear design
  • Soft, comfortable padding

Pros

  • Superior noise isolation from a closed-back design
  • Crisp, clear sound from two 40mm dynamic drivers
  • Affordable price point

Cons

  • May not offer complete ear protection

Behringer have come up with an extremely affordable option specifically designed for drummers. The Behringer DH100 Drummer Reference Headphones are a top contender on our list due to their rugged design, affordability, and great sound isolation.

Thanks to two 40mm drivers, these headphones provide a crystal-clear, powerful sound. They also have a flat frequency response from 10Hz to 22kHz, ensuring that every detail of your drumming can be heard.

The headphones fold up neatly and come with a convenient carry bag, making them perfect for taking to and from rehearsals. Better still, there’s an extra-long, stretchy 3m spiral cable included that gives you the freedom to move while practising.


7. beyerdynamic DT 770 M Monitoring Headphones, 80 Ohm

beyerdynamic DT 770 M Monitoring Headphones, 80 OhmKey features

  • Frequency range of 5Hz – 35kHz
  • Bass-reflex technology for an enhanced low-end response
  • Velour ear cups

Pros

  • Remarkable sound reproduction with precise detail
  • Effective sound isolation for focused monitoring
  • Comfortable for long periods of use without fatigue

Cons

  • Relatively high price compared to similar headphones

If you’re after professional audio fidelity, consider the beyerdynamic DT 770 M Monitoring Headphones, 80 Ohm. With bass-reflex technology built-in, they provide an enhanced low-end response, meaning you’ll have accurate sound and can easily stay in time.

As well as their outstanding sound quality, the bererdynamic DT 770 M Monitoring Headphones excel in sound isolation. They effectively block out external noise thanks to a closed-back design, and they offer excellent protection for your ears.

Better still, with their plush velour ear cups and adjustable headband, the headphones are comfortable to wear even during extended drumming sessions.


8. Sennheiser HD 280 PRO II Closed Back Headphones

Sennheiser HD 280 PRO II Closed Back HeadphonesKey features

  • Folding and rotating earcups
  • 8Hz – 25kHz frequency response
  • High ambient noise attenuation

Pros

  • Excellent sound quality for precise drum monitoring
  • Effective noise isolation
  • Comfortable fit for extended periods of use

Cons

  • Doesn’t include a carry bag

Sennheiser offer an affordable yet professional pair of headphones that suits drumming perfectly – the HD 280 PRO II Closed Back Headphones. These offer a range of features that make them perfect for both practice sessions and studio recording sessions.

The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO II delivers accurate and linear sound reproduction, allowing for precise monitoring. Plus, with effective noise isolation and ambient noise attenuation, these headphones block out distractions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music.


9. Roland VMH-D1 V-Drums Headphones

Roland VMH-D1 V-Drums HeadphonesKey features

  • Customisable shields
  • Large memory foam earpads
  • Come with 3m and 1.5m cables as well as a carry pouch

Pros

  • Immersive sound experience
  • Comfortable fit for long practice sessions
  • Accurate reproduction of drum sounds

Cons

  • Doesn’t feature Bluetooth capabilities for versatile use

The Roland VMH-D1 V-Drums Headphones feature a wide frequency response and finely tuned audio reproduction that capture every signal, beat, and cymbal crash from any electronic drum kit.

They also boast extra-thick earpads and a completely padded head brace to ensure nothing is irritating you while you’re rocking out. Plus, they’re lightweight – a very important feature if you’re to be wearing the headphones for hours on end!

Even better, the headphones come with accessories such as a carry pouch for easy portability, two detachable cables, a headphone adapter, a cable restraint, and a headphone hanger for mounting to a drum stand.


10. Direct Sound EX29 Plus Isolation Headphones

Direct Sound EX29 Plus Isolation Headphones, BlackKey features

  • High-precision audio drivers
  • Provides 36.7dB of passive attenuation
  • Dynamic over-ear headphones with closed-back design

Pros

  • Ideal for mixing, mastering, and monitoring
  • Padded earcups and adjustable headband for superior comfort
  • Detachable aircraft-grade aluminium cable for convenience

Cons

  • Relatively high price point

The Direct Sound EX29 Plus Isolation Headphones are a great choice for heavy-hitting drummers. They do exactly what it says on the tin – provide extreme sound isolation. With up to 36.7dB attenuation they allow you to hear every bit of bass and punch of the song you’re learning.

Plus, thanks to a closed-back design and over-ear cups, you can count on a snug, comfortable fit that’s immersive and distraction-free.

Not only do the EX29 Plus headphones excel in isolation, but they also deliver exceptional audio quality. The high-fidelity sound reproduction provides accurate monitoring, allowing you to hear every detail of your drumming with clarity and precision. For electronic drum kits, the balanced sound profile delivers a wide frequency range, giving you a true representation of your performance.


11. beyerdynamic DT 100 Headphones, 16 Ohm

beyerdynamic DT 100 Headphones, 16 Ohm, BlackKey features

  • Legendary, classic design
  • Excellent ambient noise attenuation
  • 94 dB SPL

Pros

  • Reliable and consistent performance
  • Widely used in the music industry
  • Rugged and easily maintainable construction

Cons

  • Square ear cup design may not be as comfortable as competitor designs

The beyerdynamic DT 100 Headphones, 16 Ohm are a legendary choice for drummers. In fact, they’re renowned in recording studios, broadcast studios, TV, film sets, and more. If you’re after an iconic set of headphones, these are some of the most highly regarded.

With an approximate noise attenuation of 20dBA, you can practise in a noisy environment and still enjoy great audio fidelity – no outside sounds will get in the way. Better still, the headphones can handle very high sound pressure levels (94 dB), so if you’re using them with an electronic kit, you’ll be able to hear every beat, no matter how loud you get.

What to look for in a pair of drumming headphones

When it comes to finding the perfect pair of headphones for drumming, there are a few things to consider.

Firstly, think about your specific needs. Are you looking for headphones to use for recording in the studio or just for general practice sessions? Depending on where you’ll use them, you may need greater noise isolation or wireless connectivity, for example.

Next, consider the type of headphones that will work best for you. There are three main types: in-ear, over-ear, and on-ear headphones. In-ear headphones fit snugly inside your ear canal, providing a comfortable fit but not the same expansive audio you’d get from over- or on-ear.

Over-ear headphones, as the name suggests, envelop your entire ear, offering superior sound quality and comfort. On-ear headphones rest on the outer part of your ears, striking a balance between portability and sound quality.

Of course, this is down to personal preference, however, over-ear headphones may be best suited to drummers as they’ll stay in place during energetic drumming sessions.

Connectors are another important aspect. Most drummers opt for headphones with a standard 3.5mm audio jack, as this allows for easy compatibility with a wide range of devices. However, if you prefer wireless connectivity, you can explore options with Bluetooth capabilities – a personal favourite to eliminate any cables getting in the way.

Lastly, cable length is worth paying attention to if you’re going for a pair without Bluetooth. Ensure that the headphones you choose have a cable long enough to connect to your drumming setup comfortably. This will give you maximum movement around your kit.

It’s important to protect your hearing!

As a drummer, your ears are your most valuable asset to stay in the groove. The thunderous sound of drums can be exhilarating, but it can also pose a risk to your hearing if your ears are not properly protected. That’s why it’s crucial that you have ear protection.

Drums produce high decibel levels that can cause permanent damage to your ears over time. Exposure to excessive noise can lead to hearing loss, tinnitus, and other auditory issues. But fear not! There are multiple effective ways to ensure your hearing remains intact while you continue to perfect your beats.

Investing in quality ear protection is a must for drummers and any musician, for that matter. In-ear or over-ear headphones specifically designed for drummers shield your ears from excessive noise. These headphones attenuate the loud sounds of the drums without compromising the quality of your listening experience.

V-drums headphones

FAQs

What kind of headphones do drummers use?

Drummers often use isolation headphones designed specifically for their needs. These headphones provide excellent outside noise reduction, allowing drummers to focus on their sound without being disturbed by external noise. Some popular options include the Vic Firth Stereo Isolation headphones and the Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Closed-Back headphones.


How do you practise the drums with headphones?

Practising the drums with headphones is a great way to control the volume and minimise noise disturbance. Simply plug your headphones into your drumming setup or electronic drum kit and adjust the volume to a comfortable level. This allows you to hear the drums clearly without creating excessive noise for others or risking hearing damage.


Do drummers have hearing loss?

Drummers are at risk of hearing loss due to the high sound levels produced by drums. Prolonged exposure to loud volumes without proper ear protection can lead to permanent hearing damage. However, by using quality isolation headphones or ear protection specifically designed for drummers, they can effectively reduce the risk of hearing loss.

Final thoughts

Ultimately, to find your perfect pair of headphones, there are three key factors to consider: sound isolation, durability, and sound quality. We hope our list of the best headphones for drummers has helped!

Looking for the perfect kit? Check out some of our previous articles:

The 12 Best Beginner Drum Sets

12 Cheap Drum Sets That Sound High-End

 

Joe is an enthusiastic drummer who has been drumming for 12 years. He plays Heavy Metal and Djent on drums and also plays some electric guitar in his spare time.

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