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
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.
Pros
Cons
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.