6 Honest DJ Headphones Product Reviews | Best Over The Ear

14 min readNov 4, 2020

Without the best DJ headphones, a DJ will be quickly sunk. Headphones are needed in all aspects of a DJ’s job, whether it’s blocking out all ambient noise when mixing, protecting them from the crowd’s noise, or allowing them to hear the recordings making in the studios properly. Since they are such an important tool, the correct wired over the ear headphones must be purchased.

The thing about purchasing the best tools for a job is that quality costs money. If You want to have the best, you have to be willing to look at it as a long-term investment. As with all significant financial commitments, the best way to enter into it is to research ahead of time and know the pros and cons of all your options.

In this DJ headphone guide, you will see some of your top options to make your business’s best possible decision.

The Best and Worst Aspects of DJ Headphones

Sennheiser HD 8

Product Highlights

Priced at $399, these are the most expensive pair of DJ headphones on this list. They are an ear headset with a closed-back design. The ear cups have an ellipse design, with heavy padding on the cup’s inside for maximum comfort. The bass line is extended, and the frequencies are optimized for higher levels. These headphones are built to last and meant to be used daily. The design allows for maximum noise reduction.

Sennheiser HD 8 has been in the sound game for 70 years. It is one of the best well balanced headphones. This has allowed them to invent a proprietary acoustics system that they have worked with top DJs to perfect. The metal parts are reinforced and have built-in swivel earcups-these swivel up to 210 degrees.

Price — $399.99 (Amazon Link)
Features

Collapsable design
Two-year warranty
Frequency Response 8–30,000 Hz frequencies
SPL 112 dB
Less than .1 percent total harmonic distortion

What To Like About the Sennheiser HD 8

With these headphones, Sennheiser has combined its proprietary sound design to create a headset for perfect mixing in even the noisiest environment. This pair of headphones come with both a coiled and straight cable that can attach to either Ear. The cables are both 3.5 mm in length. They have been built to optimize their compatibility with all kinds of DJ equipment. They even come with soft, flexible velour earpads.

What Not To Like About the Sennheiser HD 8

The Sennheiser HD 8 DJ Headphones only has wired connectivity. Other people have complained that others can hear the music they are playing if the environment is not loud. These DJ headphones have been said to have a painful cramping feeling if kept on for too long. With the clamping intensity felt, the earcups are tight and can cause the ears to become hot and sweaty rather quickly.

Pros

Amazing sound quality
Isolates the different frequencies of sound
Subwoofers for bass enhancement
Longer Cable

Con

Clunky and heavy
The top can make your head sore.
Not comfortable for long-time use

Pioneer HDJ-X10 DJ Headphones

Product Highlights

An over the ear headset, 328 g black DJ headphones that are made out of durable materials. The X10 come in either black or silver and will include a flat carrying case. Within that case, there is also room for additional devices such as a scan disc card or a USB device. All Pioneer products are put through rigorous testing to ensure the ability for them to last. These headphones will always give you a great title, also providing high-quality, separated channel designs.

Price — $338.28 (Amazon Link)Features

What To Like About the HDJ-X10

Type Closed/Dynamic
50 mm dome-type driver units
1.2 m coiled cable — extended 3 m length
Straight cable, 1.6 m
Maximum Input Power 3500 mW
106 dB Output Sound Level
Frequency Response Range 5–40000 Hz — Impedance 32 Quartz

What Not To Like About the HDJ-X10

They create a great seal to block out external sounds entirely. These studio headphones have a great sound with pumped up bass. The X10 has received a lot of praise for preparing and mixing music. The fit and material make this headset comfortable for long time wear. The material parts can be easily cleaned and should last longer than most due to advanced nano-coating technology. These headphones have been said to have excellent sound isolation, which makes production easier.

Pros

The description says that they are Bluetooth enabled, but they are not. Some people have also noted that the cup of the Ear is on the smaller side. Though many people find the sound to be good, there is room for improvement. They have a lower max volume cap than more high-end brands. Some have also complained that these headphones do not stand up as well during performing as producing.

Cons

Stays steady on the head.
Silver or Black
Built to survive heavy use
Portable
Comes with coiled and straight cables
Detachable Cables
Includes L-type mini-jack
Threaded Adaptor
Build Quality
Lightweight
Only wired connectivity
Noise reduction, not Noise cancelling
Many people have complained about an unsealed box on delivery.

Product Highlights

Pioneer HDJ-X7-K

With their second entry onto the guide, Pioneer enters their bargain headphones onto the list. Coming in under $190, these headphones are of high quality for lower-end pricing. These are flexible, lightweight headphones. They are built for heavy usage and to survive any kind of extreme wear and tear. They were developed with a new 50-mm driver constructed to drive the sound quality even higher.

Price — $182.85 (Amazon Link)

Features

All of the moving parts were built with reinforced metal materials. The headset comes with a carrying case, multiple cables, and has easy access to any needed replacement parts.

What To Like About the HDJ-X7-K

Under three pounds
102 dB sound outputs
Dome type driver
Threaded stereo plug adapter 6.3 mm
3500 mW input power
Frequency Response Range 5–40000 Hz — Impedance 32 Quartz

What Not To Like About the HDJ-X7-K

The frequency response of this headset are perfect for mixing. The bass does not overpower the rest, as it is likely to happen in powerful headphones like this. There have been many updates on how the set lasts, and they continue to be of good quality. The ear coverings hold and do not peel or crack, and the structure stays intact. High volumes even allow for clean monitoring no matter the volume. There is an independent ground wire with a four-core twisted cable for the separation of the channels.

Pros

Heavier than some other DJ headphones, it has been said that they can cause some head and neck pain if used for an extended period of time. These only come with a carrying pouch and not a hard-sided case. Many have also said that they are too tight on the ears and may not fully encompass them. This may be because the ear cups are round and not elongated.

Cons

Metal, durable frame
Flexible headband
Bass Reflex Channel
Adjustable fit
Black or silver
Build Quality
L-type mini-jack
Only wired connectivity
Earcups slightly smaller than normal
Heavier than some

Product Highlights

Audio Technica ATH-M50X

These headphones are crafted mainly for audio monitoring, making them suitable for DJing. These are made of heavy-duty plastic that feels nice and sturdy. They fold up and have moveable ear cups for easy movement. They have comfortable headbands and ear padding. Pads are available for replacement if needed, with a solid base and sturdy construction.

Price — $149.00 (Amazon Link)
Features

These Audio Technica headphones can be customized and have reliable sound quality. With clean bass sounds and mid-range sound frequencies, the higher-end frequencies have a fantastic quality that drives this headset even further. These are a great deal at $149.

What To Like About the ATH-M50X

Extended Frequency Range
Deep Bass Response
45 mm Driver
38 ohms
1600 mW max input
Requires One Lithium Polymer battery

What Not To Like About ATH-M50X

These are a terrific headset for monitoring sound, which makes them an excellent DJing headphone. They give a great depiction of sound direction and superior sound quality. These headphones have circular earcups that swivel 90 degrees. They make one Ear listening easy, making monitoring and mixing a breeze. They have proprietary 45 mm aperture drivers made of copper-aluminum wire coils and earth magnets.

Pros

These headphones are described by many as being good, but nothing extraordinary. Though they have excellent framework durability, the earpad material does not withstand the material as much. The sound is suitable for monitoring, and you will not want to use them for casual use. These also have a clamping force upon the ears, and the material on the earcups cracks and breaks easily.

Cons

Both Wired and Wireless Connectivity options
Four available colors — Black, Gunmetal, White, Purple/Black
Sonic Performance
Sound Isolation — Noise Isolation
Accessories included
Collapsible
90-degree swiveling ear cups
Battery required but not included
Replacement padding makes sound quality worse
Made of plastic, not metal
Material deteriorates easily

Product Highlights

Shure SRH750DJ

Price — $149.00 (Amazon Link)

Features

These DJ headphones are built for terrific bass output. They have a 90-degree swivel in their earcups. They have a replaceable cable and replaceable ear pads for increased longevity. These are a closed-back headphone design built for comfort and noise-reduction. These also have to lock mechanisms to keep the cable securely attached to the headset.

What To Like About the Shure SRH750DJ

High-output bass
90-degree Swivel Earcups
50 mm Neodymium Drive
106db/mW
32 Ohm
3000 mW max input power

What Not To Like About the Shure SRH750DJ

These DJ headphones are designed for working with high-output devices. They are terrific at isolating noise in even the most crowded environment. These DJ headsets work with great quality at full power, with absolutely no distortion. These earphones work great at long stints with them on. They are also great for withstanding a lot of rugged use, let alone daily wear and tear. They come with an exceptionally long cord. The sound quality on these is great for bringing out the mix of music. No volume hurts the sound quality. At under $150, these are a great bang for your buck.

Pros

These Shure headphone’s major flaws revolve around their comfort level and lack thereof. The top of the band is very flat and makes the top of your head sore when it presses down. It is also hard to find any replacement pads as the cup size is large and medium. It causes them to often sit on the ears and not over them. This can detract from the sound quality when the cups do not sit where they are supposed to.

Cons

Sound Quality is Excellent
The price can’t be beaten.
Good for mixing and performing
Long cord
Build Quality
Easy to replace cords with standard jacks
Only wired connectivity
Only Gold Color
Circular Earcups
Plastricky and Creaky
Cup Arms can break easily.

Product Highlights

Numark Red Wave Carbon

Price — $100.85 (Amazon Link)

Features

Few headphones are this kind of quality for only the $100 price tag that this set has. Best for amateur or new DJs, these are not headphones that are meant for long-lasting use. They are best if not used heavily. Honestly, for the quality, you can not beat the Numark Red Wave Carbon DJ Headphones. With deep bass sounds and clarity at increased volumes, you will be able to work on crafting your DJ skills without a lot of upfront investment.

What To Like About the Numark Red Wave Carbon

50-mm drivers
High Temp Voice Coils
Frequency Range 15–20 kHz
Input Sensitivity 98 +/- 3 dB
Max load 3500 mW
24 ohms

What Not To Like About the Numark Red Wave Carbon

These DJ headphones have a full-range frequency response with 180-degree swiveling earcups. These allow for monitoring and performing efficiently. They come with a 1/8-inch adapter with a detachable cable, allowing them to be used with all kinds of DJ gear. The music that comes out of these headphones is detailed, dynamic, and real. The pads are made with leather that is breathable to allow the ears to stay cool and comfortable. Even during the most extended DJ session, you can be sure that these will allow comfort and quality.

Pros

These headphones’ maximum volume has been described as not loud enough to silence ambient sound when performing. They are heavier than many other headsets out there and are good for those just starting. However, they are not seen as great for more experienced DJs. After a certain amount of time, the wires have been reported to give out, causing one or both of the earcups to stop working.

Cons

Comfortable
180 Swivel Technology
Breathable leather to prevent sweat
Only wired connectivity
Not Long Lasting
One Ear often gives out sooner than the other

BUYER’S GUIDE

You cannot be a DJ without the Best DJ Headphones. It is merely a necessity more than any other piece of equipment for you. Keep in mind that without at least a decent pair of headphones, mixing and preparing music will be infinitely harder.

The best headphones allow you to listen to music in intricate detail. With headphones, you can hear each frequency and sound on its own and determine the best mix that will have your next crowd up and dancing in no time.

However, as a DJ, you will need some other equipment that you will have to use your DJ headphones with — so the number one rule is to research in-depth to ensure you are not buying a pair of headphones that are not compatible with your other DJ equipment in the DJ booth and at home .

You will need at the bare minimum a computer, Headphones and DJ software to begin your career. As your clientele grows, you will need a DJ Controller, Laptop Stand and Speakers. There are many more specified pieces.

The piece of equipment you will use with everything, however, is your DJ headphones. That is why it is vital to ensure that they will work with all your gear and adapt to ensure it will work with all jacks.

The amount of quality you need will depend not only on your experience level but also on your endgame goals. If you plan on just mixing for yourself or playing family and friends’ parties, you can go with a lower quality.

That is not to say you will want to buy a cheap pair of headphones meant for casual listening. You are going to need headphones that will allow you to do the bare minimum for DJing. This means the quality will need to be at least a higher low-end to let you succeed.

DJ headsets need to isolate sounds so you can hear them as you prepare the music. Mixing is essential to DJing, so clear channel separations and an ability to distinguish between different frequencies to make the music precise and rich. Other features would be helpful to have but are not necessary to do the bare minimum.

It is possible to DJ without ear cups that swivel. However, swiveling ear cups will help you immensely. This allows the ear cups to be turned and used over one ear while listening to the music with two different qualities.

Avoid any headsets made of only plastic if at all possible. Headphones that have only plastic for their framework are often not as durable as ones that have been made of lightweight metal. Plastic materials simply are not made to last over long periods of heavy use, and eventually, you will see stress fractures that can ultimately lead to complete breaks.

The earpad material matters as well. If you get earpads with less flexible foam, they can grow uncomfortable on the ears. They also can deform over time, rendering them unusable. The material covering that foam also matters. Anything that is again, plastic is likely to crack, fade, or even completely break.

A more breathable leather will last longer, give the foam more structure, and will allow your ears to stay cooler and less sweaty.

The earcups can be round or an elongated ellipse shape. Circular earcups often receive more complaints from those who use them often and for long periods. Human ears, after all, are not round but are more of an elongated elliptical shape.

The size is also something to focus on. If your earcups are not big enough, then they will not sit properly. If too small, they can pinch the ears, and they can sit on the ears instead of around them. This can destroy the sound quality.

If too large, the sound will not be dispersed correctly. It will distort and destroy the purity of the sound.

If you are wondering about wired versus wireless connectivity, this, of course, is overall a personal preference. Headphones like V Moda Crossfade M 100 might be good headphones But the V Moda Crossfade M 100 is not a good DJ headphone. However, many experienced DJs will caution those starting against wireless connectivity. Wired connections offer clarity and security that wireless ones simply can’t give you.

Conclusion

The six above DJ headphones are some great options for DJ’s of all experience levels. What you want to look for in the quality of the headset you choose for your DJing is the material’s comfort and quality. In the booth or at home. Not only do you want to make sure that they are comfortable enough for at least short sets of performances and mixing periods.

If you are not on a tight budget and can invest in a good pair of headphones that you can, you will want to go to the higher end of the scale. If you can get both wired DJ headphones and wireless connectivity headset, that would be ideal. However, ensure the quality when using both options is excellent.

Our top choice for beginners is the Numark Red Wave Carbon Professional DJ Headphones. It is an affordable investment that will provide you with enough quality to give you a feel for your DJ skills.

Not Listed is the Sennheiser HD 25 — Their website calls is a Industry Standard. The Sennheiser HD 25 are very lightweight. I never tried a pair of the Sennheiser HD 25 so I can not give you a honest review.

For those with a lot more experience, The Pioneer HDJ-X10 DJ Headphones are your best option. They have the comfort and quality that will allow you to grow your DJ skills and experiences. Though wired only, they provide what you need to put on the best show possible.

Have the best of luck with your purchase and music, and always remember to drop that beat.

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