In the ever-advancing world we live in, new professions and career prospects come up every day. One such profession that is trending these days is Disc Jockey (DJ). To begin with, the primary accessory of a DJ is the headphone. Artists use the best DJ headphone available to check their mixes and listen to music before playing it to the audience and also while making music. This profession very much influences the youth and is looking for opportunities to learn and grow. The main highlights are being able to travel to different places, partying, and living a chilled-out life; however, becoming a professional DJ is not a piece of cake. It takes an immense amount of dedication, skill, and patience to become somebody like Martin Garrix. DJing is a profession that is gaining popularity day by day.
The youth is feeling motivated and influenced by the world’s best DJ headphones. The interactive sessions with them, many courses being offered in schools and colleges, and online content are all helping budding artists brush up their skills and step up to the big leagues. The internet has a huge reach and power; it can make or break one’s career. This power should be used wisely and fruitfully. Beginners can start learning and uploading their content on the internet, work on the feedback, improve their skills and get better at what they are doing.
The alphabet is the building block of the English language, likewise having a good sense of music is the basic requirement to become a DJ. Also, a good DJ has sound knowledge of music technology and equipment too and is familiar with the present music trends. The technology and equipment are not just restricted to the DJ pad/ console or headphones but a lot more like the music software, microphones, and other equipment.
In this article, we focus on headphones. If you are a new DJ artist and looking for a pair of good DJ headphones and cheap DJ headphones, or the best beginner DJ headphones, this article will guide you through buying the same. The article will provide you with a buying guide and will then feature a list of the top best DJ headphones.
Not all headphones are built and created equally or in the same way or for the same purpose. A plethora of headphones are available in the market for casual listeners, but if you are a DJ, you need the best DJ headphone. It does not matter if you are performing live or live streaming a show; using top-rated headphones is a must.
This is because the best DJ headphone is designed to filter the artificial music enhancements and block out noise to ensure that the DJ can work more professionally and accurately. Some headphone companies manipulate the audio quality to improve on certain factors like the treble or the bass, but the companies that make the best DJ headset do not do so and maintain a flatter sound profile with no sound bias. The main focus of the companies that manufacture DJ headphones is audio clarity because DJs mix a lot of music and should be able to hear all the sounds clearly and in the most accurate form.
In today’s times, we have wireless and truly wireless earphones and headphones, but professional DJs and artists still prefer wired ones. This is because though the wireless ones provide a hassle-free experience, the traditional wired headphones offer the best audio quality without any audio bias or distortion or connectivity problems. Wireless headphones must be charged at all times, which is not convenient as compared to wired headphones. The traditional headphones have an outdated design, but the features and audio quality they offer is unmatched, and no wireless headphone can compete against them.
The in-ear monitors or in-ear headphones are a must in your kit if you are a DJ or a musician. These lightweight and compact pair of headphones come in handy most times. They isolate the outside noise pretty well and help you listen to your music more precisely. Most drummers and vocalists use in-ear monitors to listen to the music that is being played or sung and avoid any other distracting noises.
The best in-ear monitors available in the market are Shure SE215, Shure SE846 Wireless, Sennheiser IE40, Mackie MP240, and Mackie MP460. This list features the best overall headphones as well as the best cheap DJ headphones in the in-ear headphones category
Best DJ headphone – Buying Guide
Often, people confuse regular big over-the-ear headphones with DJ headphones. DJ headphones are specially designed and manufactured while keeping in mind all the important factors for a professional artist, unlike casual music listeners.
You might have to compromise on one or two factors but make sure you choose the pair of headphones while keeping in mind maximum factors. There is no perfect machine or equipment; while some might offer good sound quality but bad design; prioritize your need and requirements before buying. You will find the most important factors to consider while buying a pair of headphones below.
Factors to look for while buying headphones from the best DJ headphone brands
The factors that should not be overlooked while buying a pair of DJ headphones are:
- Solid build quality: Durability is one of the most important factors since a DJ uses his headphones the most. Do not buy headphones with rigid headbands; instead, go for flexible ones as they are more practically built. You do not want your headphones to snap in two pieces during a show.
- Comfort: Since a pair of headphones is the primary equipment that you will always be using, make sure it is comfortable. Badly designed headphones will start giving you a grim feeling after some time of continuous usage, and therefore headphones that are good for extended use should be preferred.
- Noise isolation: Make sure the headphones you are buying isolate the outside noise, otherwise the outside noise will keep interrupting, and you will end up increasing the volume from the mixer which will eventually damage your ears and affect your hearing ability. Good pair of headphones will have good noise isolation, thus allowing you to listen to your music properly.
- Accurate sound: Noise isolation is not the only factor related to sound. The highs, lows, and mids should be crystal clear in your headphones. Sound mixing requires precision, and you should be able to listen to every sound as the music plays. Headphones with accurate sound are the key to tight mixing.
- Sufficient bass: Buy a pair of headphones that have enough bass as well as good detail in the high end. Most headphones need to be burnt in before they give out their best sound, so have patience and ensure that your headphones get better with usage.
- Sturdy lead: Though wireless headphones are now in trend; professionals prefer to use wired ones only. While buying, ensure that the cord of your headphones is coiled and not straight as coiled leads are longer and provide a hassle-free experience even while moving around. Straight leads are generally preferred for personal use with shorter lengths. The quality of the lead should also be looked at carefully as some are made of very smooth material and degrade very soon.
- Movable earcups: This improves the storage and portability of the headphones and ensures the safety of the equipment. Headphones with movable ear cups or foldable headbands are easy to carry around and comfortable to use as they can be adjusted according to your requirements.
- Replaceable parts: See to it that your headphones’ parts can be removed and replaced individually like the earcups or the headband. This is to save time and money from buying a new pair every time a minor issue takes place.
Best DJ headphone to buy and best DJ headphone review
Pioneer is a well-known audio brand in India that makes and sells various audio equipment starting from earphones to car stereos and DJ consoles. This Pioneer model is one of the best beginners DJ headphones.
- Pioneer offers a high-quality finish that looks attractive.
- Comfortable on the ears and head.
- Headphones feature specially designed and tuned dynamic drivers.
- A Bluetooth variant is also available.
- Foldable design for safety and portability.
- Designed for heavy use.
Numark is a very popular and trusted DJing brand along with Pioneer. It offers a wide variety of DJ equipment. This pair of headphones fall in the DJ headphones low-price category.
- 7 different adjustable position settings.
- Superior noise isolation.
- Light in weight and superiorly comfortable.
- Best connectivity options with a 6-foot hard-wired cord with a 1/8” TRS connector.
- 1/8” and 1/4” TRS adapters are included in the box.
- Single cord hassle-free set-up.
Sennheiser is a global leader in the music equipment industry. Right from casual listeners to professional DJs, Sennheiser is trusted by all. The HD25 model of Sennheiser’s range of DJ headphones is among the best noise-canceling DJ headphones.
- Comfortable for longer durations of time.
- Signature Sennheiser sound quality.
- Very lightweight and durable.
- Tough, detachable, and single-sided durable cord.
- Swiveling earcups for single-ear listening.
- Capable of handling very high sound pressure levels.
These Vogek DJ headphones are one of the best affordable DJ headphones available in the market. Although they cost a little less, there is no compromise on the sound quality.
- 6.6-feet XLR cable and 2-in-1 plug for added connectivity.
- Superior comfort.
- Exceptional stereo sound quality.
- Best-in-class compatibility.
- Durable and portable with 90 degrees rotatable earcups.
Monoprice is a well-established and popular American brand in the wired category; however, they make some good quality DJ headphones too. This model of the Monoprice Premium DJ headphones is an affordable DJ headphones pair.
- Thick comfortable padding ensures good noise isolation.
- 50mm drivers promise great bass and sound quality.
- 100dB sensitivity makes sure premium sound clarity.
- Maximum comfort and superior durability.
- Removable wire port with a 3.5mm universal jack.
2Canz offers this pair of DJ headphones for budding DJ artists. Without spending much, you get great quality headphones with premium sound and added comfort.
- 50mm Neodymium drivers for crisp and clear sound.
- Unmatched comfort.
- Ergonomic design with padded earcups for added comfort.
- 2 cord jacks on each earcup. One 3.5mm jack and one 1/4” jack for added versatility.
- Premium over-ear design.
OneOdio is a monitor headphones brand that offers the best value DJ headphones. It is gaining popularity after the launch of its Studio Pro-10 headphones. Although it is a newcomer to the DJ headphone market, it has started to earn customers’’ trust and build good-quality audio equipment.
- 50mm high-resolution audio-certified drivers.
- Offers maximum comfort with memory-protein earmuffs made in Germany.
- Single-sided monitoring and foldable design.
- Dual-duty sturdy cord.
- Two audio jacks, 3.5mm, and 6.5mm on both headphones.
- Adjustable headband for added comfort.
LyxPro is a brand that makes musical instruments like a guitar; however, they have now entered the DJ headphones market as well. LyxPro offers great pair of affordable best DJ headphones without leaving out the features and premium sound quality.
- Closed-back design.
- Pro-grade headphones are suitable for mixing and monitoring.
- Telescopic stainless-steel arms for better adjustment.
- Powerful NdFeB magnetic system supports instant dynamic response.
- Comfortable leather earpads and leather headband for added comfort.
- Screw-on jack and single-sided straight cable.
Cowin is a Chinese speakers manufacturer that has come into the headphones market. It makes beautifully crafted, comfortable, noise-canceling, and the best budget DJ headphones on the market. The brand offers outstanding sound quality with great design and build quality. This model is one of the best wireless DJ headphones available.
- Offers active noise canceling technology which ensures significant outside noise reduction.
- 45mm large-aperture drivers with deep, accurate, and bass response.
- Built-in high-quality NFC technology and microphone for hands-free calls.
- 30 hours of playtime with a 750mAh battery.
- Professional 90 degrees swiveling earcups for comfort and portability.
Audio Technica is one of the best DJ headphones brands available in the market. They offer best-in-class DJ equipment and headphones that offer unbeatable sound quality and versatility. Though it is one on the expensive side, the product is worth the price.
- 53mm large diameter ensures accurate sound reproduction.
- The high maximum input of 1600mW achieves a powerful frequency response.
- One-year monitoring capability.
- Detachable cable with screw-on design.
- 50 degrees and 90 degrees swiveling earpieces for comfort, adaptability, and portability.
FAQs
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What headphones do DJs use?
Professional DJs unlike casual music listeners use heavy-duty headphones for obvious reasons. They first look at the comfort and durability of the headphones as they will be wearing them for longer durations of time and the headphones must be adjustable and comfortable to wear. Next comes the sound quality of the headphones; this is a no-compromise factor as it is what the headphone is meant for, to help the DJ listen to all the sounds crystal clear.
Not all headphones are built and created equally or in the same way or for the same purpose. A plethora of headphones are available in the market for casual listeners, but if you are a DJ, you need the best DJ headphones. It does not matter if you are performing live or live streaming a show; using top-rated headphones is a must.
This is because the best DJ headphone is designed to filter the artificial music enhancements and block out noise to ensure that the DJ can work more professionally and accurately. Some headphone companies manipulate the audio quality to improve on certain factors like the treble or the bass, but the companies that make the best DJ headset do not do so and maintain a flatter sound profile with no sound bias.
Some of the most used DJ headphones are Sennheiser HD25, V-MODA Crossfade M-100, Beats (by Dr. Dre Mixr), and Audio Technica ATH-M50. These professional headphones do not compromise on any of the above-mentioned factors and do their job very well. -
What are the best in-ear DJ headphones?
The in-ear monitors or in-ear headphones are a must in your kit if you are a DJ or a musician. These lightweight and compact pair of headphones come in handy most times. They isolate the outside noise pretty well and help you listen to your music more precisely. Most drummers and vocalists use in-ear monitors to listen to the music that is being played or sung and avoid any other distracting noises.
The best in-ear monitors available in the market are Shure SE215, Shure SE846 Wireless, Sennheiser IE40, Mackie MP240, and Mackie MP460. This list features the best overall headphones as well as the best cheap DJ headphones in the in-ear headphones category. -
What are the best DJ headphones under 100?
The simple answer to this question is no good pair of headphones come in under Rs. 100. If you want to buy a decent pair, you will have to spend at least Rs. 1,500. The best DJ headphones with maximum comfort and the best sound quality can range in between Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 as well. The cheap ones will do a good job for some time or if you are a beginner, but later you will have to buy the premium ones to improve the output sound quality.
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What headphones do professionals use?
Studio headphones or professional headphones are the ones that help in monitoring, mixing, creating, mastering, and producing professional music. The studio headphones used by professionals differ from the regular headphones used for casual listening. These have greater accuracy, higher clarity, unmatched comfort, and give out transparent audio without any sound bias.
Professional DJs unlike casual music listeners use heavy-duty headphones for obvious reasons. They first look at the comfort and durability of the headphones as they will be wearing them for longer durations of time and the headphones must be adjustable and comfortable to wear. Next comes the sound quality of the headphones; this is a no-compromise factor as it is what the headphone is meant for, to help the DJ listen to all the sounds crystal clear.
Some of the most used DJ headphones are Sennheiser HD25, V-MODA Crossfade M-100, Beats (by Dr. Dre Mixr), and Audio Technica ATH-M50. These professional headphones do not compromise on any of the above-mentioned factors and do their job very well. -
What are the best DJ headphones under 50?
No brand or company sells a good pair of headphones for Rs. 50. It is simply impossible to find a decent pair without having to pay at least Rs. 1,500. The best DJ headphones with maximum comfort and the best sound quality can range between Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 as well. The cheap ones will do a good job for some time or if you are a beginner, but later you will have to buy the premium ones to improve the output sound quality.
The professionals use premium headphones because of their exceptional sound clarity, no audio bias, and comfort factor. These factors should always be kept in mind before buying a pair of headphones. -
Do you need headphones to DJ?
We are all used to picturizing a DJ with a headphone, but not many of us know why do they have them on all the time while performing. It is a common myth that they put them on to protect their ears from all the high-volume sounds and block the noise coming from the audience. Although it is partially true, the primary reason is something else. One of the most important parts of DJing is cueing.
They play the next song on the headphone and keep listening to it so that whenever the beat matches with the current song, the next one’s volume can be increased. Once the rhythm and beats match the two songs, only then can the DJ mix them properly. This is called cueing and the main reason behind DJs wearing a pair of headphones while performing is cueing. The headphones sure help in isolating or blocking some noise from the audience and protect the DJ’s ears from blasting speakers.
The headphone, though, is not a compulsory accessory. If the DJ has a pre-ready mix, he does not need a pair of headphones while performing because the mix is already ready and there is no cueing done, or if the DJ plays a pre-recorded set, he/ she would not need headphones. But to be on the safer side, DJs always wear their headphones while performing. -
Are beats good for DJing?
Yes, Beats headphones can be used for DJing. DJs like David Guetta and Marshmello use Beats headphones. Though Beats headphones were not designed for DJ purposes initially because of their equalizing and tuning, now Beats sells professional headphones too. The new iterations of the headphones offer sound output without any audio bias, unlike bass-heavy sound in the earlier versions. The sound offered by Beat’s headphones is now neutral and accurate, which means they can be used for DJing. They are not the best but give good competition to the best ones.
The most preferred Beat headphones for DJing are the Dr. Dre Mixr and Powerbeats by Dr. Dre.
Hi, I am William. I am a music enthusiast. I play the guitar and ukulele. I like to try out all instruments and review them, to help others make an informed decision. You must choose the right instrument to get that sweet sound you desire. When I am not on my instruments I will be found reading or cooking.