The 5 Best DJ Headphones - Summer 2020
Reviews

The best DJ headphones we've tested so far are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. Their balanced sound and versatile design make them well-suited for a wide range of gigs, from an upscale wedding to an underground rave. Their design is comfortable enough for long sets and they feel quite well-built, especially since they come with three different detachable cables right out of the box.

Sound-wise, they have a neutral sound profile. They accurately reproduce the deep thump of bass, while still keeping well-balanced mid and treble ranges. No matter the type of music you're playing, you should have an accurate sound, which should please your crowd. Also, the ear cups can swivel, which easily allows you to listen to the headphones with one ear while the other is monitoring the party.

Unfortunately, even when folded, they aren't the most portable headphones, but you should still be able to put them in a backpack without issue. Additionally, if you plan on using your DJ'ing headphones on a daily basis, they don't have an in-line remote to control your mobile phone. Nevertheless, these are notable headphones that have an amazing performance for the price, and a 1/4 inch adapter is even included for optimal compatibility.

The best DJ headphones we've tested so far for portability are the Sony MDR-7506. They're very popular in the studio for mixing and mastering, but they're also very well-suited for DJs on-the-go thanks to their compact, lightweight design. They can tightly fold up into a neat compact format, even with their integrated cable, and won't weigh down your equipment bag too much.

These over-ear headphones have a well-balanced sound signature, which makes them suitable for a diverse set. Some people find them a bit bass-light, especially during louder live club performances, but this isn't an issue for everyone. If you play a variety of different gigs, you'll likely prefer their fairly neutral sound profile compared to all the bass-heavy options out there.

While they feel durable enough to withstand being tossed into your bag a couple of times a day, their cable isn't detachable. This can also be a pain if the cable breaks during a gig - since it's not replaceable, you'll need to use something else for the remainder of your set. They also don't have the most secure fit, so if you tend to really get in the groove when you spin, you might want to keep a hand on them to make sure they don't go flying off your head. That said, if you're playing a tamer gig, you shouldn't have any issues.

The Beats EP are the best on-ear DJ headphones we've tested so far. Although we haven't reviewed the Sennheiser HD 25 DJ headphones just yet, the Beats are lightweight and comfortable on-ears. They also have fairly balanced and neutral audio reproduction that's suited for a variety of audio genres.

They feel decently well-built, and they come in a few colors such as red or blue as well as black, making it easy to find a look that suits your style. They have a decently performing in-line microphone so you can take calls between sets, which helps to make these headphones a little more versatile. If you like to move along to your music while you mix, they're also fairly stable on-ears, thanks to their tight fit.

On the downside, some people may also find them to be a little too tight, which could be uncomfortable for long mixing gigs. Their design is also prone to inconsistent bass delivery across re-seats and individuals. Still, if you prefer the look and feel of on-ear headphones, these are solid and stylish DJ headphones.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x are the best DJ headphones in the budget range that we've tested to date. If you're looking to save a few dollars here and there, these over-ear headphones can be an alright choice. Although their design is fairly simple and you won't stand out wearing them, they're fairly comfortable, and they even resemble the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x a bit too, which is nice.

They have a slightly punchy bass as well as a neutral and balanced mid-range, which helps them to reproduce lead instruments and vocals clearly. While their treble range sounds quite dark, some DJs may prefer this sound. It can help keep their overall sound profile from sounding too harsh or even piercing at higher volumes, and this is particularly handy if you're playing bass-heavy sets at noisy parties. For their price point, they also have satisfactory build quality, and they should be able to survive a few accidental drops without getting damaged.

Unfortunately, these headphones feel a little cheap otherwise, and they use a thin audio cable that isn't detachable, which is a bit disappointing. Unlike other more premium models from Audio-Technica's M-Series lineup, they also lack swiveling ear cups, and they aren't the most portable either, as they can't fold up into a more compact form.