The 4 Best DJ Headphones - Spring 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 to 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 sleek and retro-looking headphones have a decently comfortable fit with large ear cups and a lightweight design. They also fold up to reduce their overall footprint, so they can comfortably fit into a bag if you're on the go between sets.

They have a slightly v-shaped sound profile that adds a touch of extra thump and rumble while vocals and lead instruments are bright. That said, they're still well-suited for a variety of audio content. They come with a non-detachable coiled audio cable, which offers over four feet of range, as well as a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter.

Unfortunately, their build feels a little cheap and plasticky, despite having a thin metal frame to help reinforce them. These headphones also have a poor noise isolation performance, so they may not be ideal when you're playing crowded venues. That said, these classic headphones offer a balanced sound and comfortable fit that should please most users.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x are the best DJ headphones in the budget range that we've tested. They have a lightweight design and don't clamp your ears too tightly, so you shouldn't experience too much fatigue during a long set. They also have a simple, understated look that shouldn't draw too much attention, regardless of where you're playing.

These over-ears have a mostly well-balanced sound profile, with remarkably neutral mids and a mostly accurate bass range, resulting in full-bodied, present, and clear vocals and lead instruments. That said, they're lacking a bit of thump and rumble due to their slightly underemphasized low-bass response and have an uneven treble range, which results in a slight loss of brightness in some higher notes. While they don't block out too much noise, that may be helpful if you want to keep tabs on your set and the venue's mix at the same time.

They aren't the most well-built option on the market, with cheap-feeling plastic construction and exposed audio cables. They're also quite bulky and don't fold into a more compact form, which can be annoying if you're taking these headphones on the go. That said, they're a solid option if you're looking for a pair of budget-friendly over-ears with a somewhat well-balanced sound profile.