The 4 Best DJ Headphones - Summer 2021 Reviews

The best DJ headphones that we've tested are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. They feature a relatively lightweight design that makes them comfortable to wear throughout longer sets, and their well-padded ear cups can swivel and allow you to keep tabs on the venue's mix. They're also well-built, with dense plastic construction and a trio of detachable audio cables.

They have a fairly well-balanced sound profile that makes them a good fit for many genres, though their slightly overemphasized low-bass response emphasizes the thump and rumble of EDM and hip-hop tracks. Due to their conservative-looking design and monochrome color scheme, they also shouldn't stand out too much, even if you're playing at a fairly subdued venue. If you prefer a wireless design, this manufacturer makes a Bluetooth variant of these headphones called the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT, which we've tested.

Unfortunately, they aren't especially portable, making them a bit of a hassle to carry around when not in use. Their poor noise isolation also means that you hear a lot of the sound around you, which isn't ideal if you're playing a noisy gig. Still, if you're looking for sturdy headphones with a versatile sound profile, these are a good option.

The best DJ headphones under $100 that we've tested are the Sony MDR-7506. These headphones have a classic, retro-style design and a decently comfortable fit suitable for long sets. Their ear cups can also tuck within the frame to help reduce their footprint, making it easier to fit them in bags when you're on the go.

These over-ears have a slightly v-shaped sound profile, ensuring your mixes have a touch of extra thump, rumble, and boom while vocals and lead instruments sound bright and sparkly. They also have decently consistent audio delivery, so once you get the right fit, seal, and positioning, their sound shouldn't vary greatly. Thanks to their coiled audio cable, you have roughly four feet of range to move around, and they come with a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter too, which is nice if you want to plug them into an amp or mixer.

Unfortunately, the headphones have a plasticky design that feels a bit cheap, despite the thin metal frame that reinforces their build. Although they have a closed-back design, they also struggle to block out background noise, which isn't ideal for very noisy venues. That said, if you're looking for more affordable headphones with a balanced sound, they're a suitable choice.

The best DJ headphones in the budget range that we've tested are the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x. These headphones have a simple all-black design that doesn't stand out too much, giving them an understated look that you may like. They're quite comfortable since they're lightweight and don't clamp onto your head too tightly.

Their sound profile is quite well-balanced overall, with incredible mid accuracy. Instruments and lead vocals sound clear, present, and full-bodied. Their bass response is mostly accurate as well but lacks some thump and rumble because the low-bass range is underemphasized. Their audio cable isn't detachable, but it gives you plenty of range since it's 10 feet long.

Unfortunately, their treble response is uneven, so sibilants like cymbals and S and T sounds lack brightness. They also don't have the best build quality, since they're made of cheap-feeling plastic and the cable connecting the earcups is exposed, making it more prone to damage over time. That said, they're a solid choice if you're looking for comfortable over-ears with a decently well-balanced sound.