Which Headphones Do DJs Use?

Do you want to become the next upcoming DJ? Have you ever wondered which headphones are preferred by popular DJs, like David Guetta or Calvin Harris? If yes, then you have come to the right place.

One of the most important gears for a DJ is undoubtedly his headphones. The right pair of some of the best DJ headphones can make all the difference in your road to music. If you’re hesitating with headphones and earbuds, keep in mind that some wireless earbuds like the xFyro xS2  ones are so advanced that they can give you the same sound quality.

So even if you are a professional DJ or someone just starting, you can always look for the best gear to play with. Before I keep rambling on and on about music and headphones, let’s dive into our reviews, buying guides, and FAQs. 

Table of Content

 

 Top 10 Headphones Used By the Best DJs

Although we have reviewed some of the best DJ headphones below, we have also compared a few of their features for your benefit in the following table. 

 

Weight

Style

Frequency Response

Price (US$)

V-MODA Crossfade M-100

9.98 oz.

Over-Ear

5Hz to 40kHz

$230.49

Sennheiser HD25

5 oz.

On-Ear

16Hz to 22kHz

$149.95

Pioneer HDJ-X10

11.5 oz.

Over-Ear

5Hz to 40kHz

$349

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

10 oz.

Over-Ear

15Hz to 28kHz

$163

SOL REPUBLIC Tracks HD2

.5 oz.

On-Ear

-

$176.94

Beats Mixr

7.05 oz.

On-Ear

20Hz to 17kHz

$180

Shure SRH750DJ

10.26 oz.

Over-Ear

5Hz to 30kHz

$160

Numark Red Wave Carbon

9.9 oz.

Over-Ear

15Hz to 20kHz

$99

 

AIAIAI TMA-2

9.5 oz.

On-Ear

20Hz to 20kHz

$350

xFYRO xS2 Earbuds

-

In-Ear

-

$99

 

We have listed some of the best DJ headphones along with their pros and cons in the following section. Read it thoroughly to learn about all their features.

V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Over-Ear Headphones

V-MODA Crossfade M-100 Over-Ear Headphones

Founded in 2004, V-MODA engineers its headphones in Japan and designs them in Milan to give you the most stylish yet futuristic headphones. Later in 2016, this brand partnered up with Roland to develop the best headphones in the market. Their Crossfade M-100 has been preferred by famous DJs like Martin Garrix, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and The Chainsmokers.

M-100 has been built to last for a long time. The indestructible SteelFlex headband is covered with vegan leather and 3D mesh on the exterior for comfort.

Besides this, the steel frame and cables have been thoroughly tested for its durability. Such that, the latter has been reinforced with aramid fiber and 45-degrees plug that can bend without any kinks.

With a weight of 9.98oz and snug earpad cushion, M-100 has been designed for your comfort. Apart from all this, these headphones even have analog noise isolation which removes any unwanted distracting noise. Moreover, the ear cushions allow only minimal sound leakage.

Coming to the sound, this over-ear headphone offers clean deep bass without any muddy mids, clear cymbals, lifelike vocals, and vivid midrange to you. Thus, you get unparalleled 3D soundstage experience with a frequency response from five to 40000 Hz. This is because M-100 has been engineered with 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers and Japanese coils.

Even though these headphones are a little more expensive than competitors, its superb sound, durability, and versatility have made it a top choice among professional artists.

Pros

  • Dual-diaphragm offers clear bass
  • Value for money
  • Memory foam earpads for comfort
  • Durable SteelFlex headband
  • Aramid fiber-reinforced cables
  • Stylish

Con

  • Expensive

Sennheiser HD 25 On-Ear Headphone

Sennheiser HD 25 On-Ear Headphone 

Based in Germany, Sennheiser was founded in 1945 to produce high-quality microphones, loudspeakers, headphones, and wireless transmission equipment. 

With over 75 years of experience, this brand has become one of the world’s top manufacturers of audio gadgets for personal and professional applications. Such that, their HD 25 on-ear headphones have been preferred by DJs like Hardwell, Calvin Harris, and Afrojack.

To begin with, these DJ headphones have a robust construction to offer durability to you. They have been made from high-quality materials to ensure that you can use them for a longer period. Along with this, they have a unique split headband design that does not slip on top of your head.

Additionally, with a weight of only five oz., they are one of the lightest headphones in the market. Such that, they rest comfortably on your ears while you work on your next hit.

Even though these HD 25 have an on-ear style, they can still isolate noise just like over-ear headphones. These DJ headphones press on top of your ear with sufficient pressure to block out the background noise and hear the music simultaneously. On top of this, their ear cups are rotatable, allowing you to multi-task without taking off your whole headphone.

Coming to the most important feature, these DJ headphones offer high-quality clear natural sound to you. Such that, they offer punchy bass, mids, and highs all in one pair of headphones. And the best part? Their superb sound quality works even at high pressures.

Pros

  • Unique style
  • Rotatable ear cups
  • High-quality sound even at high pressures
  • Lightweight design
  • Punchy bass

Cons

  • Uncomfortable ear cushions
  • Expensive

Pioneer HDJ-X10 Over-Ear Headphones

 Pioneer HDJ-X10 Over-Ear Headphones

Pioneer DJ was established in 2014 as a branch of the Pioneer Corporation brand. With its headquarters in Japan, this brand is involved in producing a wide range of DJ products like mixers, effects units, decks, headphones, speakers, and other accessories. They aim to become the number one brand at manufacturing music products with HDJ-X10 is one of their top-selling flagship DJ headphones.

Although it is more expensive than other Pioneer headphones, HDJ-X10 has a much better design and audio. To begin with, it comes in a black-boxed packaging with a black hard-shelled carrying case. The headphone on its own has a very futuristic and refined design.

Its headband and ear cushions are made from high-quality polyurethane leather which is quite resistant to deterioration. They have a special Nano-coating that allows you to wipe off any sweat or dirt. Apart from this, they have been durably built to withstand even heavy use. Such that, HDJ-X10 have even passed the Military’s Shock Test.

These headphones have a swivel mechanism which makes them quite comfortable and flexible. Moreover, the sweat-resistant ear pads are a snug fit on top of your ears. Being one of the best DJ headphones, their over-ear style also offers excellent noise isolation.

According to research by Pioneer DJ in 2017, HDJ-X10 is the first DJ headphone in the world to produce a frequency response from five to 40000 Hz. By incorporating 50mm drivers, they allow you to hear high-resolution audio and give you an amazing soundstage experience.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Broad frequency range
  • Durable construction
  • Nano-coating makes them resistant to deterioration
  • Comfortable fit
  • Swiveling mechanism

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Lower bass than others

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Over-Ear Headphones

 Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Over-Ear Headphones

Set up in 1962, Audio-Technica has multiple companies all around the world with its headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. It is devoted to designing, producing, and marketing audio equipment like microphones, headphones, mixers, and wireless systems for personal and professional use. Their ATH-M50x over-ear headphones are preferred by many famous DJs, like Don Diablo.

To begin with, these headphones have an almost exclusive plastic body. Although this means that it does not have the durability of a metal body, they still offer a high-quality sturdy construction that will last a long time. Moreover, they weigh just 10 oz., allowing them to rest comfortably on your head.

Along with this, ATH-M50x has high-grade ear cushions and headband with velvet replacements for comfort. Their portable collapsible design even allows you to store them safely in their soft carrying case. Hence, you can carry them anywhere without damage.

The ear cushions have been designed to contour around your ears for maximum noise isolation, allowing you to produce music even in loud places. If this was not enough, the ear cups swivel 90 degrees to help you keep an ear out for others.

Ath-M50x offers superior sound quality owing to its 45mm drivers and copper-covered Aluminum coils. They provide deep punchy bass, a frequency ranging from 15 to 28000 Hz, and minimal sound leakage. Such that, they have recommended for DJs by audio experts and engineers.

Pros

  • Three detachable cables
  • Punchy bass
  • Velvet cushions for comfort
  • Minimal sound leakage
  • Portable design

Cons

  • Not built durably
  • Uncomfortable after a while
  • Carrying case does not offer much protective

SOL REPUBLIC Tracks HD2 On-Ear Headphones

 SOL REPUBLIC Tracks HD2 On-Ear Headphones

Sol Republic was founded in 2012 in Michigan, the US, with an aim to provide the best music experience to society. They are committed to producing high-quality earbuds and headphones that have even been preferred by DJs like Steve Aoki and Skrillex.

These DJ headphones have an overall metallic finish that comes in four sleek colors. These include black, gold, blue, and red. They have a minimalistic design and comfortable, extra-thick, soft, sonic ear cushions that fit right on top of your ears snugly. Apart from this, the headphone weighs only 6.56 ounces, making them well-suited and comfortable enough for those who use their headphones for longer durations.

Besides this, they are deemed as virtually indestructible. Their FlexTech headphones are tough, bendable, durable, and they fit tightly on top of your head. This allows you to move and jump around without the headphones slipping off.

Although they are relatively affordable, these pair of headphones offer crystal clear vocals, punchy bass, and smooth highs. Furthermore, they have improved noise isolation to reduce background noise and offer only minimal voice leakage.

On top of all this, these portable DJ headphones can be broken down flat into their case for traveling. The cable comes with a mic and three buttons that allow you to answer your call, pause or skip music, and alter the volume.

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable ear cushions
  • Clear vocals and powerful bass
  • Affordable option

Cons

  • The headband might be too tight for some users
  • Low-quality built

Beat Mixr On-Ear Headphones

Beat Mixr On-Ear Headphones

Dr. Dre and Jimmy Lovine established Beats in 2012 as one of the top audio brands dedicated to manufacturing high-quality earphones, headphones, and speakers. Based in California, the US, this brand has been a division of Apple Inc. since 2014.

One of their top-selling products, the Beat Mixr Headphones was manufactured in collaboration with David Guetta. It took almost a year for them to come up with the perfect pair of light yet loud headphones. Such that, they weigh only 200g, allowing you to produce music comfortably for a long time. Coming to the sound, these DJ headphones offer clear vocals and deep powerful bass even at extremely high volumes.

Beat Mixr has been manufactured for hard use with high-quality and tough materials. The housing is flexible enough to contour over your head and on your ears. With an Aluminum alloy body, these DJ headphones offer quality craftsmanship every time.

Besides this, the flexible headband is lightweight and can easily be folded for easier transportation. The folded headphones can then be placed inside its hard-shelled carrying case for protection and portability.

Apart from this, the ear pads are lined with comfortable cushions for maximum comfort. They can even be rotated almost 180 degrees, making it easier to DJ a large crowd and keep an ear out in your show. Besides this, this feature allows you to place them comfortably around your shoulder when you are not using them.

Pros

  • Sleek style
  • Flexible headband
  • Portable
  • Rotating ear cups
  • Deep bass at loud volumes
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Low quality
  • Not durable enough

Shure SRH750DJ Over-Ear DJ Headphones

 Beat Mixr On-Ear Headphones

Founded in 1925, Shure has decades of experience in producing one of the best audio equipment in the market. This brand is based in Chicago, the US, and specializes in the manufacture of earphones, headphones, speakers, and other gadgets. In 2004, this brand was awarded the Technical GRAMMY for their contributions to the music recording industry.

SRH750DJ is one of Shure’s flagship headphone models for DJs. Although they are made from high-grade, they make up for their looks in the sound department. Such that, they offer extremely high-quality sound at a very affordable price.

They have a wide soundstage and their 50mm neodymium drivers deliver high-output bass along with extended highs. Moreover, they allow you to listen to music at very high volumes without distorting the audio. With a frequency range from five to 30000Hz, you can experience high-resolution sound with these DJ headphones.

The ear cups can be rotated 90 degrees and have a soft ear cushion for extended use. Besides this, the headband is tough yet adjustable to help you wear them comfortably on top of your head. If this was not enough, the ear pads can be replaced with a second set included in the packaging.

These circumaural DJ headphones fit right over your ear and offer strong noise isolation unlike any other. Their closed-back design can help you produce your next hit in no time. 

Pros

  • Detachable cable
  • Affordable
  • Superb sound quality
  • Replaceable ear pads
  • Adjustable headbands
  • Strong noise isolation

Cons

  • Unstylish
  • Plastic built

Numark Red Wave Carbon Over-Ear Headphones

 Numark Red Wave Carbon Over-Ear Headphones

Numark is an American brand based in Rhode Island that has almost 50 years of experience in producing one of the best DJ headphones, microphones, turntables, mixers, speakers, and even controllers. Their Red Wave Carbon is one of their top-selling products.

These headphones have been professionally designed especially for DJs and including swiveling design to offer flexibility to its users. They have a robust construction and a classic red border to finish the whole sleek look. With a weight of just 280g, these headphones sit snugly over your head for a long time.

Along with this, the ear cushions and headband are made from breathable protein-leather that allows you to use them comfortably even for longer durations. The headphones can be folded fully and placed in its case for easier transportation and even features detachable cable for versatility.

Coming to the sound, the Red Wave Carbon uses 50mm neodymium driver and high-temperature coils to give you a frequency response of 15 to 20000Hz. This combination offers you potent deep bass, perfect mids and highs, and realistic music with great accuracy.  

Pros

  • Sweat-resistant comfortable padding
  • Sleek look
  • Lightweight
  • Portable
  • Comfortable
  • Swiveling ear cups

Con

  • Smaller frequency range

AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ On-Ear Headphones

 AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ On-Ear Headphones

AIAIA was established in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2006 and specializes in the production of high-quality audio products like headphones and earphones. Their TMA-2 DJ headphones have been preferred by renowned artists like Benji B, Charlotte de Witte, and Richie Hawtin.

While TMA-2 is modular, the DJ preset is preconfigured just for DJs.  All of the pieces come in their packaging and it is quite easy to put them together. The H02 Headband, for instance, is made from high-grade durable nylon and silicone which can bend and offer a snug grip on your head.

Besides this, the S02 speakers contain titanium-coated 40mm closed drivers and an internal vent, reducing distortion and offering punchy clear bass. Coming to the E02 ear pads, they are made from soft memory foam and leather, giving you high noise isolation and low-end dynamics. On top of this, they feel comfortable on your ears even during extended use.

TMA-2 DJ headphones even feature a cable lock, adjustable ear cups, and angled stereo plugs to prevent pulling away from the socket accidentally. These headphones have a frequency response of 20 to 20000 Hz with a maximum power of 70mW. Lastly, this DJ present comes with a C02 coiled cable which can extend up to 10 feet.

Even though these headphones have a plastic built, they are rugged enough to last a long time. However, on the downside, the ear cups do not swivel and the noise isolation is not as good as over-ear headphones.

Pros

  • Superb sound quality
  • Rugged yet flexible construction
  • Comfortable headband
  • Long coiled cable
  • Memory foam lines the ear pads
  • Punchy bass

Cons

  • Ear cups do not rotate
  • Low noise isolation

 

xFYRO xS2 Earbuds

 xFYRO xS2 Earbuds

Founded in 2016, xFYRO is an American Audio Tech brand with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Hong Kong. They offer high-quality audio gear at a reasonable price by combining innovative technology with style. The xS2 model is one of their top-selling wireless earbuds.

To begin with, these earbuds are completely waterproof and sweatproof, which is convenient when you’re a DJ. With an integrated microphone, you can even talk to your loved ones hands-free while on the phone.

Besides this, their in-ear design fits comfortably inside your ear and comes in multiple sizes to fit everyone. Thus, you can dance all night long without worrying about them falling out at any time.

These wireless earbuds can be connected to multiple devices simultaneously and are compatible with Android, Apple, Mac, and PC. Along with this, the latest Bluetooth technology allows you to connect with devices smoothly within a range of 30 feet.

Coming to the battery life, the earbuds connect to their battery case magnetically and offer 50 hours of continuous listening time with the charging case. The earbuds, on their own, can run for eight hours without needing a recharge, after which they can be charged to 75% in just half an hour.

Apart from all this, these earbuds have supreme sound quality with great highs and deep lows. Their noise isolation and suppression even allow you to listen to music in peace. Lastly, the charging case can function as an emergency power bank for your other devices as well.

Pros

  • Connects to multiple devices
  • Waterproof
  • Multiple sizes
  • Good sound quality
  • Bluetooth connectivity till 30 feet
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Sub-par noise cancellation tech
  • No volume control on the earbuds

Professional DJ Headphones - The Buyer’s Guide

Before you jump right into buying a pair of DJ headphones, you should know exactly to look for. This includes factors like durability, comfort, and most importantly, the sound quality. Read the following section to learn more about your next headphones

1.   Comfort

As a DJ, there is a high probability that you might have to work on ends. If your headphone is not comfortable, it could affect your work quality. Thus, it is important to look for a pair of DJ headphones that have soft ear cushions, high-quality snug headbands, and are lightweight.

Moreover, adjustable headband and swiveling ear cups can provide a better grip over your ears, especially if you have to move about on stage. In addition to this, detachable cords can also allow you to move about. 

 

  1. Durability

As a DJ, your headphones are most likely to face wear and tear. They are constantly shifted from your head to your neck and back again, stuffed into small bags, and dropped everywhere. Besides this, you badly sweat into them during your performance.

Thus, you must invest in a pair that have robust construction using only the highest quality material. Make sure to check the quality of the ear pads, leather, and the strength of the hinges. 

  1. Sound Quality

The sound quality of your headphones depends on your job. If you have to mix in the studio, you will want to invest in a pair that offers a flat-sounding frequency response. Audiophiles prefer ones that deliver natural and clear highs and mids. 

However, as a DJ, you need headphones that give you loud and punchy bass and accentuated frequency even in the loud environment of a concert or a nightclub. A superb bass response will help you feel the music and move to the groove of the beat. 

  1. Closed-Back Headphones 

There is no place for an open-back headphone in your DJ booth. Since they are open to the environment around the ear cushion, they allow background noise into the headphones for more natural audio.

On the other hand, closed-back ones have a solid casing to isolate the noise and deliver a punchy bass. Besides this, they allow you to listen to music at a lower volume to protect your eardrums from damage

  1. Portability

Even though portability might not be a huge factor, it becomes quite essential when you have to travel quite a lot. Such that, flexible headphones with adjustable headbands and rotating ear cups are much easier to pack into a hard-shelled case. Apart from making them portable, this also ensures that your expensive DJ headphones remain safe on your travels.

FAQs

What Is Audio Frequency Response in Headphones?

It is a range of frequency with bass forming the lower end of the spectrum and the treble being the other end. Usually, the standard response range is the same as the audible frequency range, 20Hz to 20 kHz. Although some great DJ headphones offer a wider range, it does not automatically mean that the sound quality will be great too.

Are DJ Headphones Suitable For Regular Use?

Since DJ headphones are much better than standard headphones in terms of sound quality, you can use them regularly. Compared to professional headphones, the latter offers low and weak bass with a flat sound. They do not offer the whole range of highs, mids, and lows that a DJ headphone can deliver to you.

Besides this, DJ headphones isolate the noise to cut out the background noise. This helps you to concentrate on the bass lines and pitches in the music.

Conclusion

Even though all the headphones have their own merits, V-MODA Crossfade M-100 is undoubtedly the best DJ headphones in the market. Not only is it durable and comfortable but it also offers the best sound quality in the market. Such that, you will see many famous DJs with this set around their neck or head.

Before investing in quality DJ headphones, make sure to read through this article for help.