The 4 Best DJ Headphones - Fall 2024

The Sennheiser HD 25 are the best DJ headphones we've tested. These on-ear headphones are designed expressly with DJs in mind and have specific features that cater to the role, including high sensitivity so they can get loud enough to compete with the sound system in the room. The added thump, boom, and exaggerated low-mids in these headphones don't make them analytical in the traditional sense of music production. Still, for some genres, like EDM, this tuning helps for rhythm matching when cueing up the next track for slick transitions.

If you like to dance and headbang, their unique headband design splits, so you get two contact points to distribute their already extremely light weight and better keep them in place. Combined with their light clamping force and decent frequency response consistency, you won't get tired from wearing them and can rest assured they'll sound pretty much the same each time. They also have the added benefit of replaceable cabling for each driver, rather than having the wiring between ear cups enclosed and inaccessible, making them easier to fix. You can only flip the right ear cup forward or backward, and they don't swivel. If you wear glasses, flipping the ear cup forward can knock into the frame.

If you'd like to monitor your live mixes with a less bassy set of cans or prefer an over-ear fit, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x (and their optional Bluetooth variant, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless) are dependable headphones. Unlike the Sennheisers, they have a more robust build and swiveling ear cups. They also come with three cables as opposed to just one. However, they're bulkier and clamp tighter. While they supply a healthy amount of bass to kick drums and bass lines, they don't emphasize those frequencies as much as the Sennheiser.

If you want a versatile pair of cans, the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT Wireless can accommodate the dual duties of wired DJ headphones and wireless Bluetooth headphones, unlike the wired-only Sennheiser HD 25. On the way to a gig, you can listen wirelessly from your phone, and once you arrive at the venue, you can simply plug in the coiled analog cable. Their sound is pretty bass-heavy, focusing on the low rumbles of sub-bass synths through to the boom of kick drums. While their mid-range and highs sound fairly neutral, which somewhat neutralizes their slightly muddy sound, the boosted bass is still prominent enough for beatmatching.

They fold into a smaller footprint, and the ear cups swivel so you can hear the room. While they're not quite as stable as the Sennheiser HD 25's splitting headband, they have some added benefits like more ample cushioning. As a result, they feel pretty comfortable for on-ear headphones. They also isolate out high-pitched noises a bit better than the Sennheiser, although that's relative, as on-ears don't typically lead the way in noise isolation. Even if the additional Bluetooth connectivity is a little rudimentary, it's still nice to have and gives you playback controls and about 46 hours of battery life. However, if you have thick hair or glasses, it can alter how consistent the bass sounds, so take care when placing them on.

If you want headphones that fit over your ears, the Sony MDR-7506 are a wired-only alternative with slightly less bass-heavy tuning than the Pioneer DJ cans. They still supply an exaggerated thump and punch to kick drums, and their treble range is more excited, which is useful for hearing cymbals better. Their sound profile is more reliably accurate between wears if you have glasses or thick hair than the Pioneer DJ. On the other hand, they're more utilitarian with less cushioning, and the ear cups don't swivel. Their cable is also not detachable, so you'll need a soldering iron, a handy friend, or new headphones if they get damaged.

If you're a DJ contending with a tighter budget, check out the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x. These relatively inexpensive headphones aren't as versatile or portable as the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT Wireless, partly because their cable is hardwired, and they don't fold down smaller. The cable connecting the ear cups is exposed at points, which makes it easier to damage accidentally, and unlike the Sennheiser HD 25, you can't simply buy new cabling if that occurs. Still, they have a decently comfortable over-ear fit and don't put much pressure on your head.

They have a well-balanced sound profile with a neutral mid-range response, so voices and lead instruments are present, detailed, and clear. Their mostly accurate bass response ensures your audio has punch and warmth, but they lack a little low bass, so your music will be a little light on thump and rumble. Sibilant sounds, like cymbals, also seem dull. Even though the 10-foot audio cable isn't detachable or coiled, it gives you plenty of room to move around. With that said, if you want to hear the room, their ear cups don't swivel or pivot.

If our top pick isn't bassy enough for you, the AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ may be the solution. These headphones strongly de-emphasize treble frequencies, and for most music fans, they sound quite rumbly and cluttered with fairly muffled treble. However, if you're a DJ who favors genres like dubstep, this is the kind of tuning you might prefer. While their bass sounds prominent, it's also quite accurate, so the bass you hear is fairly true to the source material's mix.

If you take the plunge and their sound profile doesn't quite work for your tastes, these headphones are unique because you can buy new components from the manufacturer. This means you can change their sound by swapping out different drivers (or other parts, for that matter) for an alternate sound and fit. While doing so results in increased expenditure, this modular design expands the usefulness of the headphones so you don't get stuck with one frequency response. As is, these on-ear headphones have a sleek and modern look with a detachable, coiled cable. However, their headband isn't very comfortable and can catch on your hair. Unlike our top pick, the Sennheiser HD 25, and the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT Wireless, you can't pivot or swivel the ear cups, which means you'll need to remove them completely or pull one side off of your ear to hear the room and music simultaneously.