Picking out the best DJ headphones for using while practicing or playing at events can be pretty easy since they are pretty similar to a pair of regular headphones. They do have a few more features that make them more unique, but you can check out the buying guide below to find out just how unique they are.
Then, take a look at the top 10 headphones for DJs that we put together that are possibly the best options for any shows that you may play this year, and read until the end to find out which is the best of them all.
Buying Guide
How are they different from regular headphones?
The earmuffs
One of the most notable differences between a set of regular headphones and a set of DJing headphones is the earmuffs. Many pairs of Djing headphones are built so that the earmuffs can be rotated, folded, and moved at several different angles so that they can be worn in practically every position. This can make it easier for the DJ to wear them for several hours at a time in case they have a long event or party to play.
The sound quality
In terms of sound quality, they are pretty much the same as a regular set of headphones. They typically use a driver around 40 to 50 millimeters, a frequency range of between 10 to 30,000 Hertz, and a maximum volume of around 100 to 110 decibels.
The cable
One thing that you will have to look out for is the size of the cable that the headphones come with, or more importantly, the size of the connection itself. A regular set of headphones use an AUX cable that has a 3.5-millimeter jack, but many DJing headphones use a 6.5-millimeter jack. These are usually the older models, but there are a few new models that use a 6.5mm jack.
Depending on the equipment you use, you will most likely have to get an adapter regardless of whatever size you do get since older equipment tends to use 6.5mm jacks and newer equipment typically has 3.5mm jacks.
What are the best features they can have?
As we mentioned before, headphones that rotate and fold can be pretty invaluable since they can be more customizable and comfortable to use for longer periods of time, but possibly the best feature would be interchangeable ear muffs.
Everyone is different and has their own preferences on what kind of earmuffs they want (firm, soft, thick, thin, etc.) and one of the biggest reasons a DJ would return a pair of headphones they bought is because they did not find them comfortable.
However, recently, more headphones are being built so that you can remove the earmuffs they come with and change them out for ones that have a different size and shape. This feature can also be useful if the headphones last a long time, but the padding in the earmuffs becomes weaker over time.
What is the best way to use them?
There are a few different ways that you can wear a pair of DJing headphones while you jam out, and you can check out this quick and easy article and video from Robin Mansur that shows you some of the ways you can save your ears from overuse while playing at home or at an event.
Some of the different poses are functional, but they also help you to look more professional and composed while you are doing something as simple as listening to a song or the monitors.
Are they worth the cost?
Some people think that DJing headphones are just like regular headphones except overpriced, and they could be considered half right since they share the same technical specs as many regular headphones.
However, they are designed and built to be more versatile and customizable, as we mentioned earlier, but they are also meant to be more durable and look more professional, too.
DJs are often in plain view of listeners at the events they are playing at, and since their goal is to get the crowd in the mood for whatever type of music that they are playing, they often need equipment that looks more advanced and will make a better impression on the client who is hiring them.
Prerequisites for using this type of product.
You should always make sure to check that whatever headphone set you are looking at is compatible with most if not all of the equipment you have and figure out if you need adapters or additional parts to make it compatible.
If you plan on using a wireless set, make sure you understand that connection issues can be pretty common with them, and you will also most likely need a Bluetooth dongle to connect it to your laptop or other devices if it is compatible with them.
Top 10 best DJ headphones
#1
This is one of the more simplistic pairs of over-the-ear headphones. The fronts and backs of the earmuffs are smaller than most of the other designs, making them a little less flashy and noticeable.
Unlike many of the newer models, these headphones do not have a detachable cable, which is possibly one of the reasons they are less popular than some of the others on this list. The cable itself is strong, but the jack can distort the audio when used with an adapter.
However, this is one of the more comfortable models since it has some of the thicket memory foam paddings out there. The frame material is pretty strong and durable, too. So as long as you are careful with the jack and do not put a strain on it, it is a pretty solid choice for a long-lasting pair.
4.4 of 5 Stars
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Cons
#2
The style of these headphones is the complete opposite of the last model; these are big, bulky, and flashy. Unlike most other models, this headset is covered with a mesh, canvas material around the earmuffs and on the headband with a red, leather-like material lining the inside of the headband and slightly around the earmuffs.
The over-the-ear design uses 50mm drivers, and it comes with a detachable, coiled cable with an adapter and case. For the midrange price that it is, it has a pretty good quality between the somewhat clear sound between the different frequencies and somewhat durable frame.
Their big design can make them feel a little heavy and overbearing for users who are not used to the size and weight, but they have very little to no technical issues.
4.4 of 5 Stars
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Cons
#3
This pair is a little less movable due to its design. It has joints that allow the earmuffs to be rotated so that they are farther forward or backward, but they cannot swivel or rotated to face forward or backward.
It is because of this design that they are less popular and more fragile than some of the other models; the joints are less sturdy and prone to breaking easily when dropped. That and the cable is not detachable at all, like the first product.
However, these do seem to last for a while if you are careful with them. They do have a pretty clear sound too, even at the higher volumes, and these headphones are louder than most. The material on the earmuffs are a little old-fashioned, but they can be pretty comfy if your ears are not prone to sweating from the leather-like material.
4.5 of 5 Stars
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Cons
#4
These are the first pair on the list that are available in several colors including white with black, navy blue with black, and black with black. These have more of an older design than the last pair, especially with the double-wire frame support on the top.
They are an over-the-ear model that are semi-open, so they are okay when it comes to noise rejection, but the sound maintains its very clear and distinct quality compared to other models.
Like the second product, this one is a little larger and heavier, but this model also uses less metal and plastic for the frame, making it a little more susceptible and fragile when it comes to dropping them.
On the bright side, these do have a detachable cable which is something that is harder to find for older-looking models, and this makes them a little easier for modern DJs who prefer a classic look.
4.6 of 5 Stars
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Cons
#5
These are possibly the most uniquely-shaped on the list, having angles right above the earmuffs to make it look a little more futuristic. The outside is a hard plastic while the inside of the headband and earmuffs are a soft, leather-like material. The majority of the headset is black with blue accenting the logo on the outside and inside of the earmuffs.
These are more of a kit since the headphones also come with a hardcover case, a coiled and a straight AUX cable, and an adapter; these use detachable cables. These are a bit more movable than the previous models, but they can only swivel and hold in on themselves for storage; they cannot rotate outward or inward.
The sound quality is a bit above average, which is good considering it is one of the more expensive models. They are one of the loudest pairs, and they can sustain the clear sound at even the max volume (115 decibels). For an over-the-ear model, there are very good at rejecting any outside noise, too.
The downsides are that they can feel heavy for some users, the cables they come with are a bit more fragile than others, and it is a little hard to find because it can go out of stock every now and then.
4.6 of 5 Stars
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Cons
#6
These are very similar to the design of the third product in terms of the joints, but these are a little more updated since the joints are smaller and are designed to be rotated to nearly every possible angle, including facing forwards. They can come in a bigger and more professional-looking black model with green and silver accents or a slightly more simple plain black model.
Both come with a straight cable that have both a 3.5mm and a 6.5mm jack size, and they are one of the more popular and comfortable pairs on this list.
Because it is so affordable, however, it is rather fragile and seems to last up to a year or so depending on how well you care for them. Still, for the price that they are, they certainly have a good clarity between frequencies, and they are pretty good at rejecting some noise; deep sounds seem to be harder to reject.
4.4 of 5 Stars
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Cons
#7
These are somewhat similar to the last pair, but they have larger earmuffs, smaller turning joins on the headband, and are more smooth and less angled. They can come in black, grey, silver with white, and gold/rose gold with white.
With the large earmuffs, this pair is a little bit better than most when it comes to noise cancellation, but the max volume seems to be a bit lower than most of the models on and off this list. That, and the earmuffs are not rounded, but they have edges on the inside. This can make them feel sharper and a little more awkward, especially after wearing them for over an hour or so.
Still, they turn and fold just like the last model, making them ideal for storing and traveling. The sound is a little more detailed in this model than some of the other ones, though, making them quite a find for the price they are.
4.6 of 5 Stars
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Cons
#8
This is another very old-fashioned looking pair that is pretty affordable, but a little less popular due to the design. It does fold in on itself from the joints it has, but these joints are a little more fragile than the others because, unlike the others, they point out away from the frame.
It does look a little more unique, but if you are not careful with taking them off and putting them on, you may easily damage them. This more unique design does not affect how comfortable they are, though. The padding is pretty decent and the leather is soft like some of the other models.
The sound quality is okay, but it cannot handle the bass at higher volumes, causing distortion pretty easily. They are also more on the quiet side, only getting up to 95 decibels at max volume. Because of this, these may not be the best models for events, but they could be a decent back-up or practice pair.
4.6 of 5 Stars
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Cons
#9
You may have heard about or seen these before, and that is because Pioneer is one of the most known brands for their higher quality headphones; both DJ and regular.
They are one of the more expensive brands, and this pair is no exception, but they also seem to be one of the most comfortable between the frame and leather-like material. The padding is thinner than most but is a firm and supportive foam that really seems to work well for a while.
These are also the most customizable since they can turn in nearly every possible position, their earmuffs can be removed and replaced, and they have detachable cables. They can also fold in on themselves. Also, unlike the other models, the joints are less prone to breaking and seem very supportive.
The sound is just as high-quality being louder than most, having even support between all frequencies, and even having a slight but noticeable bass boost.
4.5 of 5 Stars
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Cons
#10
Another pair from Pioneer, this pair is a slightly older version of the last model but has practically the exact same appearance, comfort, and sound quality. The earmuffs seem to have a little more padding than the last model, making it a little better at rejecting any background noise.
The biggest noticeable difference is that the joints for this pair seem slightly more fragile than the updated version, but they still seem more durable than several of the other models on this list.
The bass boost is not as noticeable or strong as the updated versions, too, but it still has a pretty even sound between all of the frequencies.
4.5 of 5 Stars
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
When looking at the sound quality, comfortability, range of motion, cables, lifespan, and a few other features, the best DJ headphones on this list would have to be the Pioneer Pro (HDJ-X5); the last product on the list.
They are a little more affordable than the HDJ-X7, but they are just as high quality and come with almost every feature that a DJ needs from the detachable cables to the turnable and swiveling earmuffs. They can also last several years or longer depending on how well you care for them, and if these will be your main pair, you will probably need to find a hardcover case to protect them.
If you are on a tighter budget or are looking for a cheaper back-up pair, then the next best choice would probably be the OneOdio Adapter-Free DJ Stereo Monitor Headphones. They are pretty decent when it comes to performance, noise rejection, and comfortability.
