Greatest DJ headphones of 2022

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DJ headphones, at their core, don’t operate a lot otherwise from the very best headphones meant for on a regular basis listening or for music manufacturing. However past the fundamental idea of audio system pushing air, DJ headphones often goal their viewers with a mix of isolating pads and excessive SPLs (sound strain ranges)—which is the utmost output quantity—for blocking out and reducing via the din of crowded golf equipment with audible bass response. In spite of everything, that’s the place you retain the beat. DJ headphones additionally characteristic construct high quality for fixed placing on and taking off, and earcups that swivel or detach from the scarf for one-ear monitoring. A few of them additionally cater to busy DJs who put on out headphones rapidly by making some or all the components simply replaceable. And wi-fi DJ headphones that really have low sufficient audio latency to operate correctly for DJs are additionally now obtainable. Right here’s our spin on the very best DJ headphones.

How we chosen the very best DJ headphones

I’ve been a performing DJ for greater than 15 years and have coated DJ gear for DJ Tech Instruments, Digital Musician, Remix, Widespread Science, and different retailers. I’ve personally used 4 of the six headphones on this record for public DJ units, livestreams, or intensive evaluations, and the remaining selections are based mostly on thorough analysis, the suggestions of fellow DJs, different professional evaluations, and trusted person impressions. This choice consists of the very best DJ headphones at a wide range of value factors for both devoted DJ use, DJing plus music manufacturing, or DJing plus general use. 

Issues to think about earlier than shopping for the very best DJ headphones

This record doesn’t embrace any in-ear screens. Though some DJs use in-ear screens, that’s for a distinct model of working the place the in-ears are often stored in all through the DJ’s set they usually block out a lot or all the sound from the venue. So the DJ is listening to the primary combine via the in-ears always and likewise screens the following monitor earlier than the viewers hears it. There’s nothing incorrect with that model of DJing and it may be wholesome on the ears if it blocks out overly loud membership sound, permitting you to combine at decrease decibels. Nonetheless, DJing in a means the place you’re not listening to any of the identical most important room sound as the group could make you are feeling a little bit disconnected. And in-ear DJ monitoring remains to be not all that widespread, so this information covers solely on-ear and over-ear full-size headphones. 

Will you employ them just for DJing?

Oftentimes DJs can have headphones they solely use for DJing, whereas they use different headphones for mixing music, on a regular basis listening, and many others. That could be as a result of they wish to protect their favourite DJ headphones for unique DJ use, or it could be as a result of most DJ headphones will not be meant to be the be-all-and-end-all of feature-laden headphones. A number of key qualities of DJ headphones embrace a loud, correct, however extra energetic (some would possibly name it V-shaped) sound for reducing via noisy environment like stay venues with bass and treble. As well as, DJ headphones usually tend to have closed-back earcups with thicker foam pads for isolating sound and have a solution to monitor with one ear—often earcups that both detach from the scarf or swivel and rotate to create angles very best for holding one cup to a single ear.

If these traits are the DJ headphone maker’s solely focus, it’s possible you’ll get one thing just like the excellent Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10. What you received’t get are different options that some individuals might want in the event that they’re utilizing headphones for extra than simply DJing: an inline mic/controller on the audio cable, wi-fi connectivity, and some other powered/microphone-focused/circuit-based options, like energetic noise cancellation or 3D/EQ sound modes. 

Concerning open-back headphones: Many at-home listeners like them as a result of they’ll create a way of a bigger, airier soundstage, in addition to let the earcup “breathe” to keep away from the build-up of perspiration moisture. Nonetheless, open-back headphones let in additional noise from exterior sounds, in order that they’re not very best for monitoring DJ mixes and aren’t featured right here. 

Simplicity vs. complexity

You actually can DJ with headphones which can be a bit nontraditional. For instance, the AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wi-fi+ on this information lastly make wi-fi headphones viable for DJing as a result of they ship an ultra-low-latency audio sign. And consumer-oriented headphones just like the Yamaha YH-L700A headphones have an enormous sound and swiveling ear cups that might make them appropriate for DJing if you want. Nonetheless, the query is how sophisticated to make use of would you like your DJ headphones to be and would you like them to incorporate every kind of high-priced further options that you just don’t want for DJing? 

Within the case of the $499 YH-L700, it’s loaded with expertise—like energetic noise canceling, Bluetooth 5.0, a number of 3D sound processing modes, and onboard playback controls. These options require charging the built-in battery, drive up the value, and don’t actually apply to DJing. Some individuals could wish to strive DJing with energetic noise canceling, however that expertise does alter the sound coming from the headphones a little bit bit, which most DJs don’t wish to do. If you find yourself sporting out a pair of headphones like that whereas DJing or, worse, they get misplaced, broken, or stolen whereas DJing, you’d have spent some huge cash on options that you just most likely didn’t use to their fullest. 

Alternatively, the AIAIAI TMA-2 may be very acceptable for DJing. Its liberating low-latency wi-fi expertise enables you to transfer in regards to the DJ sales space or studio with out having to fret about getting the headphone cable caught on one thing or by accident pulling it out. However simply take into consideration whether or not or not you need your DJ headphones to require a separate wi-fi transmitter unit that you must keep in mind to maintain charged together with charging the scarf battery as nicely. 

Whereas the Yamaha, AIAIAI, and most different high-tech headphones which have battery-powered options additionally function as wired headphones with out battery energy, all their further electronics create further fail factors and complicate their upkeep in ways in which less complicated wired DJ headphones don’t. 

Worth

Should you’re the kind of DJ who buys a brand new sports activities automobile after wrecking your final sports activities automobile, go forward and purchase two or three of every little thing on this record. In any other case, the underside line often performs a task in any gear-buying resolution. Audiophile {and professional} studio-grade reference headphones can value nicely over $1,000, which makes the sub-$400 Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 headphones appear like an actual cut price. Nonetheless, that’s nonetheless appreciable cash. For probably the most half, you get one thing in return for what you pay for DJ headphones, whether or not it’s in construct high quality, sound high quality, consolation, or some mixture of every little thing. Generally identify recognition and popularity could play a small half within the value as nicely. 

While you take DJing severely, it’s price it to pay for headphones which have the sound and options you need, in order that your headphones don’t frustrate you or distract you in any means from the job at hand. However you can too get by fairly nicely on low-priced headphones, whether or not they’re your solely pair, otherwise you desire a “burner” set as a backup or as one thing that received’t devastate you if it breaks, will get misplaced, or stolen. 

The most effective DJ headphones: Critiques & Suggestions

Whereas it is probably not nearly as good as DJing itself, selecting DJ gear is a part of the enjoyable. There’s one thing further satisfying about choosing out a chunk of tech that can serve a inventive and productive objective, reasonably than simply one other toy in your amusement (though DJ headphones are that, too). So let’s get all the way down to the nice half and study the very best DJ headphones obtainable proper now.

Greatest general: Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10

Why it made the reduce: The flagship headphone from the largest DJ gear firm comes via with rugged sturdiness, huge full-spectrum sound, and lasting consolation. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.72 kilos (with out cable)
• Driver Items: 50mm dome sort high-definition drivers
• Frequency Response: 5Hz-40kHz
• Equipment: 48-inch coiled cable (extends to 118 inches), 63-inch straight cable, 1/4-inch stereo plug adapter (threaded), zippered hardshell case with deal with

Professionals

• Highly effective but clear and balanced high-resolution sound
• Reliably strong construct for skilled use
• Comfy supplies and match

Cons 

• Comparatively excessive value
• Non-standard removable cable connectors

Should you needed to boil down what’s vital in DJ headphones to at least one phrase, it could be “dependability.” As one of many key components to a stay efficiency the place errors will be catastrophic to your confidence and/or popularity, DJ headphones should be reliable within the areas of sound copy and energy, in addition to bodily reliable to take abuse but to not dish it out to your head and ears. Maybe that’s why the HDJ-X10—the top-of-the-line headphone from Pioneer DJ, the corporate that provides golf equipment and shoppers with mixers, screens, and different DJ sales space mainstays—does nothing it doesn’t must do and does every little thing it does very, very nicely. 

Initially, its audio just isn’t the loudest of all DJ headphones, however it’s loud sufficient at a 106 dB sound stage, and its over-ear, closed-back design does a very good job at isolating the headphone combine from exterior noise. The high-resolution sound from the newly developed 50mm drivers delivers an prolonged frequency response and a really clear sound all through the frequency vary. The bass may be very pronounced however not overly hyped or overpowering of midrange components. 

Bodily, Pioneer DJ constructed the HDJ-X10 meticulously for heavy DJ use. The shifting components—just like the joints for swiveling the ears cups 90 levels sideways and rotating them backward 180 levels—are of trusty metallic development. The headscarf can be robust but versatile. The headscarf and replaceable ear pads are coated in sturdy, washer-friendly polyurethane. Whereas everybody’s head and ears are totally different sizes and shapes, in order that no headphones can ever please 100% of DJs, the HDJ-X10 suits comfortably sufficient on me for all-day use. Lastly, the audio cable is an L-type locking mini-jack, so whereas it’s a little bit more durable to discover a alternative cable in case you want one, you’re additionally shielded from the doubtless panic-inducing occasion of the audio cable disconnecting in the course of a stay set. 

Greatest Bluetooth: AIAIAI TMA-2 Studio Wi-fi+

Why it made the reduce: AIAIAI has made DJing with wi-fi headphones tenable by making a set utilizing the low-latency W+ Hyperlink wi-fi format and its personal wi-fi transmitter. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.5 kilos (headphones solely)
• Driver Items: 40mm “bio-diaphragm” audio system
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Equipment: Bluetooth 5.0 headband that additionally helps a transmitter with W+ Hyperlink ultra-low latency wi-fi, USB-C charging cable, 60-inch coiled cable (extends to 126 inches), 1/4-inch stereo plug adapter (threaded), carrying pouch

Professionals

• Low 16ms latency time appropriate for DJ performances
• Modular components for replaceability
• Gentle and compact sufficient for portability
• Consists of each uncompressed wi-fi audio and Bluetooth compressed audio for longer battery life

Cons 

• Output stage is extra per studio headphones than DJ headphones

For each DJing and music manufacturing, wi-fi headphones to date have been riddled with too many caveats to make them price consideration: lossy transmissions, burdensome wi-fi transmitters, sign interference, and, worst of all, latency between the audio supply and the headphone output. In-ear screens working on devoted channels are confirmed for stay performances, however sometimes out of the value vary and off the technical rider of most working DJs. By taking within the prime considerations of working DJs and musicians, AIAIAI has made the TMA-2 Studio Wi-fi+ headphones the primary wi-fi headphones I might suggest for DJing. At first, it makes use of a compact X01 transmitter to ship ultra-low-latency (16ms) uncompressed audio (as much as 16-bit/44.1kHz) utilizing the dual-antenna W+ Hyperlink working on a 2.4GHz frequency (the identical as your private home Wi-Fi). That’s low sufficient latency to not discover the lag between manipulating your DJ gear and the audio in your cans, since human brains begin to discover audio latency at round 20-30ms. Compared, conventional Bluetooth has a latency of about 100ms, which is able to drive you loopy in case you attempt to DJ with that lag. Bluetooth 5.0 with the Qualcomm aptX codec is a lot better at 40ms, however nonetheless not quick sufficient to suggest for efficiency.

Nonetheless, the TMA-2 Studio Wi-fi+ additionally consists of Bluetooth 5.0 for longer battery life for informal listening, like when previewing doable tracks or setting cue factors for tomorrow’s gig. Each the X01 transmitter and the H10 headband (which receives the wi-fi sign) are battery-powered and recharge over USB-C. Battery life for uncompressed W+ Hyperlink playback is marketed at 16 hours, whereas Bluetooth playback will get you 80 hours of battery life. A 3-button array on the H10 headband controls play/pause/subsequent and quantity throughout Bluetooth playback, or simply the amount throughout W+ Hyperlink playback. Wired operation can be doable to bypass battery energy.

AIAIAI additionally builds the TMA-2 Studio Wi-fi+ with a contemporary aesthetic, each when it comes to its minimalist seems to be and its sustainable goals. As an illustration, the headphones’ components are modular, so you may change the scarf, ear pads, and driver items individually, and the over-ear reminiscence foam ear pads are coated with CO2-neutral Alcantara materials. 

Whereas the TMA-2 Studio Wi-fi+ are quick sufficient of their latency for DJing, comfy sufficient to put on for lengthy DJ units, and have removable ear cups for one-ear monitoring—all options I put to the check whereas evaluating them in a Nevada desert throughout the Burning Man pageant—in a single facet they’re nonetheless optimum for musicians in a music studio. They’ve, for instance, a quantity stage regular for studio headphones however a little bit decrease than what DJs usually like for stay monitoring. Phrase has it that AIAIAI is engaged on wi-fi headphones devoted to DJs, together with elevated quantity and different DJ-centric options. 

Greatest for mixing music: Audio-Technica ATH-M70x

Why it made the reduce: Audio-Technica is well-known for studio-grade sound at cheap costs and the ATH-M70 combines the wants of DJs and music producers. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.62 kilos (with out cable)
• Driver Items: 45 mm neodymium magnet drivers
• Frequency Response: 5Hz-40kHz
• Equipment: 48-inch coiled cable (extends to 118 inches), 48-inch straight cable, 118-inch straight cable, 1/4-inch plug adapter (threaded), zippered hardshell case with cable pouch

Professionals

• Flat, correct, and clear audio throughout the audio vary
• Prolonged frequency response
• Three removable audio cables included

Cons 

• Constructed extra for studio use than touring/stay exhibits, when it comes to output stage and sturdiness

Making your personal music ranks as top-of-the-line methods to face out and promote your self as a DJ. And it’s only a enjoyable factor to do, as DJs are music lovers at first. So once you want a set of DJ headphones that additionally double as your reference headphones for mixing and mastering music, the Audio-Technica ATH-M70x closed-back monitoring headphones match the invoice. They’ve an prolonged frequency vary and a flat response throughout the audio spectrum so that you could hear each ingredient of a mixture evenly. Audio-Technica headphones, on the whole, are identified for dependable audio high quality at cheap costs and the ATH-M70x delivers glorious readability and stereo imaging. The over-ear, closed-back design isolates the audio with minimal bleed from exterior noise. 

The ATH-M70x’s ear cups have metallic yokes and swivel 90 levels for one-ear monitoring, and its ear pads and headband padding are replaceable. Should you’re on the lookout for related efficiency in a DJ headphone set that’s additionally acceptable for music manufacturing however for greater than $100 much less, the very talked-about Audio-Technica ATH-M50x—one among our perpetual favourite monitoring headphones—makes for an awesome selection. The remainder of the road doesn’t have the prolonged frequency vary or as a lot metallic development because the ATH-M70x, however presents an awesome price-performance ratio.

Greatest light-weight: Sennheiser HD 25 Plus

Why it made the reduce: Apart from being very light-weight, the Sennheiser HD 25 Plus headphones have earned a long-standing popularity amongst DJs for highly effective sound that cuts via the noise and replaceable components that stretch your funding. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.3 kilos (with out cable)
• Driver Items: N/A
• Frequency Response: 16Hz-22kHz
• Equipment: Additional pair of soppy ear pads, 39-inch coiled cable (extends to 118 inches), 60-inch straight cable, 1/4-inch plug adapter (threaded), carrying pouch

Professionals

• Among the loudest headphones round, with a most SPL of 120 dB
• Trademark break up headband for locating a wide range of suits
• Light-weight plastic development is sturdy and hard, not brittle
• Flip-away ear cups allow one-ear monitoring

Cons 

• Tight on-ear match can pinch ears painfully over time

The Sennheiser HD 25 Plus headphones occupy a particular place within the hearts of touring DJs, cellular DJs, and any DJ who put their cans via a ton of use and abuse. It’s because the important components of the HD 25 Plus headphones are all replaceable and simply obtainable to buy at retailers. The audio cable that feeds into the ear cup speaker drivers is totally removable and replaceable; the motive force items themselves are replaceable; and so are the scarf, headband padding, and ear pads. But, no matter replaceability, the light-weight, largely plastic development is constructed to final; it’s robust and malleable, reasonably than the brittle plastic of some cheaply made headphones. 

Pure loudness counts as one other of the HD 25 Plus standout options. With a prime SPL of 120 dB, they’re a few of the loudest DJ headphones yow will discover and their on-ear, closed-back design blocks exterior sounds in loud environments so you may focus in your headphones combine. In contrast to most DJ headphones with swiveling earcups, the motive force items on the HD 25 Plus detach from the scarf for one-ear monitoring. In addition they have a signature break up headband meant to be a little bit extra comfy on the top over lengthy durations of time.

Should you’re trying to save $50, the HD 25 mannequin is identical set of headphones minus the additional set of soppy velour earpads, the coiled audio cable, and the carrying pouch.

Greatest mid-priced: V-Moda Crossfade LP2 

Why it made the reduce: The V-Moda Crossfade LP2 delivers a well-rounded combine of maximum sturdiness, large sound, and beauty for a mid-level value. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.57 kilos
• Driver Items: 50mm dual-diaphragm
• Frequency Response: 5Hz-30kHz
• Equipment: 52-inch cable with inline mic and 1-button controller, 78-inch audio-only cable, zippered carrying case with carabiner, 1/4-inch plug adapter, cleansing material, detachable protect plate package with further screws and screwdriver

Professionals

• Meticulous construct high quality
• Beneficiant choice of equipment, together with a hardshell case
• Smooth look with the choice to customise the aluminum ear cup shields
• Superb sound high quality with some spiked bass

Cons 

• Ear cups don’t swivel
• Enhance within the low-end doesn’t swimsuit everybody’s wants for music manufacturing

V-Moda places a whole lot of inventory within the supplies it makes use of and, consequently, they’re identified to be a few of the most sturdy and comfy headphones obtainable. The Crossfade LP2, for instance, has an especially versatile metal-core headband and Aramid fiber (Kevlar) strengthened cables made for 1 million bends. The detachable aluminum shields on the closed-back ear cups may also be personalized with the laser engraving or colour print of your selection (corresponding to your DJ identify/model)—for an additional value. A form-fitting “Exoskeleton” zippered carrying case can be glorious for peace of thoughts when transporting the headphones. 

The Crossfade LP2 isn’t just bodily strong. It additionally has an enormous, beefy sound for on a regular basis listening and DJ monitoring. The “LP” within the identify stands for Reside Play and this sequence of V-Moda headphones has a extra bass-hyped sound than its audiophile line. That further low-end will be interesting to DJs based mostly on private choice, however just isn’t all the time very best for producing music if that’s additionally part of your DJ hustle. When listening, the Crossfade LP2 foam ear cushions are supposed to match tight to the top to offer passive noise isolation—good for specializing in the headphone combine in a loud setting. In the event that they’re too tight to be comfy, you may alter the scarf for aid. 

Priced properly at round $150, the Crossfade LP2 headphones give DJs a pretty mixture of sound high quality, slick seems to be, and pristine development that’s constructed to final. Should you just like the V-Moda aesthetic of industry-leading construct high quality and customizable protect plates however don’t need the LP sound and have deeper pockets, you might spring for the Crossfade M-100 Grasp, the M-200 studio headphones, the Crossfade 2 Wi-fi Codex Version, or the mack-daddy M-200 ANC with energetic noise cancelling and wi-fi connectivity.

Greatest finances: Monoprice Premium Hello-Fi DJ Type Over-the-Ear Headphones 

Why it made the reduce: For greater than 10 years, this unassuming set of Monoprice headphones has been the go-to finances choose for DJs. 

Specs 

• Weight: 0.99 kilos
• Driver Items: 50mm
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Equipment: 48-inch cable with inline mic/controller, one 48-inch audio-only cable, 1/4-inch plug adapter

Professionals

• Good swiveling and rotating flexibility of the ear cups. 
• Removable audio cable for straightforward alternative
• Surprisingly long-lasting
• Glorious worth for the value

Cons 

• No carrying case
• Plastic development the swiveling and rotating earpieces really feel a bit flimsy

The philosophy on selecting headphones for taking up DJ gigs can vary from in search of out probably the most sturdy set—probably with replaceable components—in order that they’ll stand up to the trials of taking them on many street journeys, to choosing up the very best worth for the cash as a result of in the event that they break they’ll be low-cost to interchange. The Monoprice Premium Hello-Fi DJ Type Professional Headphones (that’s actually the identify, until you wish to name them Product #8323) is offered for nicely below $50, which actually falls below the “low-cost alternative” banner. Nonetheless, I can say from first-hand expertise that these headphones can take abuse. I’ve shoved them in a raveled gear bag after which yanked them out at what seems like 100 DJ units with out them breaking. And the removable cable is simple to interchange with a regular 1/8-inch audio twine. That’s why these Monoprice headphones are our choose if you wish to drop the beat with out dropping a Benjamin.

The plastic development of the shifting earcup joints doesn’t encourage probably the most confidence however they do present the handy mobility of swiveling the cups 90 levels and rotating them primarily backward 180 levels, making one-ear monitoring simple. Neither the consolation stage of the over-the-ear cups and the scarf nor the sound high quality are top-of-the-heap, however I’ve actually felt and heard worse. With a sensitivity of 100 dB, they do get loud sufficient to do the job in a loud membership. That’s primarily the attraction of those headphones for DJs. They aren’t wonderful in anyone facet however sound ok and are comfy and versatile sufficient to operate for skilled work, whereas being low-cost sufficient to not sting after they now not operate.

FAQs

The ultimate phrase on the very best DJ headphones

In a pinch, any headphones might be DJ headphones. You would DJ with the junky earbuds that include a cut price Android cellphone in case you actually wanted to. In fact, that may be a hectic problem, which is precisely what you don’t need out of DJ headphones. You desire a set of cans that makes the job simpler, which suggests nice isolation and readability so you may blow minds not blow out your eardrums or blow your combine, in addition to sturdiness and probably the most DJ-friendly development you may get inside your finances. The fashions listed below are all tremendous choices. The remainder is as much as you.