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 spacious and well-padded ear cups can swivel and allow you to keep tabs on the venue's mix. They're also quite 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 a variety of 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, which can make 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 Sony MDR-7506 are the best DJ headphones under $100 that we've tested. These compact over-ears can fold to help reduce their overall footprint, which makes it easier to fit them into a bag if you're traveling between sets. They also have an iconic retro look that some users may prefer.

They have a balanced, slightly v-shaped sound profile that's suitable for a variety of audio content. The touch of extra bass adds thump and boom while vocals and lead instruments sound bright, ensuring they don't get lost in the mix. Thanks to their decently lightweight and comfortable fit, you shouldn't feel too much discomfort if you're wearing them during long sets.

Unfortunately, their build quality feels a little cheap, and their audio cable isn't detachable, so if this part is damaged, you need to replace the entire unit. They also struggle to block out background sound around you, which may less than ideal for crowded venues. Still, these classic headphones offer a lightweight design and balanced sound suitable for DJing.

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.