DJ headphones - Which are the right DJ headphones for you? 2025
We have tested DJ headphones in various price ranges and give you tips on how to find the right model for you.
TL;DR: Our recommendations
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Closed, robust headphones are a must for DJing
There are a few things that make a DJ headphone. They are always closed and soundproofed so that you can still hear something on the headphones even at very high sound pressure levels in the club. They also need a low impedance. 250 Ohm models such as the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro version are therefore not desirable, as they are too quiet and more suitable as studio headphones. 32 Ohm models are definitely better. More on the topic: Impedance
The high sound level is another factor. The “most powerful” headphones in our list are the ATH-M20x with a maximum sound pressure level of 96 dB SPL. From 102 dB SPL, you can be sure that you will always be able to hear something, even in super loud clubs or festivals.
In addition, the headphones should usually be wired and, if you need them, foldable so that you can transport them safely to gigs. They also need to be robust, as the headband and padding of DJ headphones really have to withstand a lot. So compare well before you simply buy a cheap pair of DJ headphones.
Wired headphones are simply less susceptible to interference, such as dead batteries or excessive latency. The AIAIAI offers the only stable solution with very low latency, but of course your battery must always be charged before DJing. More information below.
The 8 best DJ headphones in comparison:
Audio Technica ATH-M20x
Sound: The ATH M20x delivers a balanced sound with tight bass and clear mids and highs. It is clean in quiet environments and delivers enough precision to identify the kick and hi-hat without any doubt. Compared to more expensive models, it is slightly less airy, but offers convincing control in its price range. ATTENTION: It is the quietest in this comparison with 96 dB SPL.
Comfort: The low weight and generous ear pads surround the ears comfortably. The headband adapts well and distributes the weight evenly. Even during longer sessions, you hardly feel any fatigue and it remains stable on your head, even if you move around a lot while pre-listening.
Robustness: The workmanship is durable despite the relatively simple materials. With normal use, it will last a long time and become a loyal gig companion. Slight signs of wear on the pads are possible, but can be easily repaired with replacement pads.
Special features: Solid workmanship and high-quality drivers for the price. The cable can be replaced and it often comes with a carrying bag. For beginners, it is a reliable companion in the home studio and when practicing on the go.
Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1
Sound: The HDJ CUE1 offers a rich, bass-driven sound with clear mids and highs. It makes loud environments more transparent and emphasizes the kick drum so that cueing is successful even at very high levels. The tuning is lively and invites you to cue basslines and percussion quickly.
Comfort: Padded contact surfaces and rotatable ear cups allow single-ear listening and adapt to a wide range of head sizes. This makes them very comfortable to wear. It sits securely, even if you move around a lot while wearing it. Foldable and with a small pack size, they are easy to transport and store.
Robustness: The workmanship is high quality and can withstand the strain of live use. Reinforced brackets and stable joints provide good service for frequent assembly and disassembly. You can tell that it was designed for everyday club use.
Special features: Replaceable pads and cables allow easy maintenance. Coiled cable versions are available and professional features such as reinforced headband reveal that these are specific DJ headphones. This means you can move the headband in any direction without fear of it breaking.
Sony MDR‑7506
Sound: The MDR 7506 impresses with its neutral and precise sound. Subtleties in the mid-range appear clearly and it provides insight into sound details that are helpful in loud environments. The bass remains controlled and is not overemphasized, so you are not tempted to turn up the volume too loud when mixing.
Comfort: The lightweight design and the well-padded holder allow you to wear them for hours without any annoying pressure. The ear cups adapt to the shape of your head and sit securely, even if you move around a lot. Only the freedom of rotation is somewhat limited in everyday DJ life, but this rarely bothers you.
Robustness: The materials used look high-quality and hard-wearing. It withstands frequent folding and unfolding and accompanies intensively used setups. With occasional cleaning of the pads, the impression remains positive for a long time.
Special features: It is a classic in the studio sector and popular with broadcasters because it sounds reliable and is robust. Interchangeable cables and adapters are included, allowing flexibility with different devices. The closed design provides sufficient isolation from external noise, making the MDR-7506 very suitable for DJs.
Sennheiser HD 25 (the most popular DJ headphones)
Sound: Powerful and balanced frequency response with boosted bass and clear treble makes fast monitoring easier. It shows details despite high ambient volumes, so that cueing is reliable even on loud stages. The tuning is dynamic and contributes to an energetic mix feel.
Comfort: Extremely lightweight and minimalist in design, it ensures a barely perceptible impression of weight. One ear cup can be folded away, making mobile pre-listening easy. Even during long sessions, it sits so unobtrusively that you often don’t feel it.
Robustness: The robust construction made of lightweight materials can withstand tough touring conditions. Numerous professional DJs report that it still works reliably after years of intensive use. Low susceptibility to repairs and simple spare parts ensure a long service life.
Special features: The HD-25 has become synonymous with DJ monitoring and offers clear one-ear functionality without the frills. Interchangeable cables and pads allow for customization and replacement when worn. There are now 2 different models, so here is a brief explanation:
The HD-25 Light is a more affordable solution with a slightly reduced sound pressure level and without a swiveling ear cup. The materials are also slightly different.
The HD-25 Plus is a current standard model, but you also get replacement ear pads, a carrying case and additional cables. The Plus therefore only stands for an extended scope of delivery, not for a different headphone model.
Audio‑Technica ATH‑M50x
Sound: The Audio-Technica ATH M50x scores with defined bass, clear mids and precise highs and delivers a level of detail worth listening to. Large drivers ensure that even subtle nuances in the track come to the fore and the timing can be precisely assessed. When compared with studio models, it often comes surprisingly close and enables solid decisions to be made when mixing.
Comfort: Ear-enclosing pads insulate well and fit comfortably, even if the contact pressure could be a little tighter. The folding mechanism makes transportation easier and protects the shells on the go. It remains stable on the head even during prolonged use.
Robustness: Solid materials and reinforced joints withstand intensive use. Replaceable pads extend the service life and allow easy maintenance. Suitable for frequent travelers and studio professionals alike.
Special features: Detachable cables in various lengths offer flexibility when used with a controller or mixer. It combines a studio look with DJ-compatible resilience and remains versatile.
Technics EAH-DJ1200
Sound: The EAH DJ1200 delivers a natural and detailed sound that remains distortion-free even at high levels. The newly developed 40 millimeter drivers ensure powerful bass, clear mids and brilliant highs. Even complex tracks are easy to understand and allow precise CUEing even in loud environments.
Comfort: With their low weight, these on-ear headphones sit almost unnoticed and the padded headband distributes the pressure evenly. The ear cups can be swiveled 270 degrees and folded away individually, making one-ear monitoring child’s play. The synthetic leather pads are sweat-repellent and offer a comfortable fit even for hours on end.
Robustness: The EAH DJ1200 is designed for a long service life and can reliably withstand tough club conditions. The robust mechanism for the swivel movement of the ear cups and the high-quality materials ensure that it will continue to work well even after many gigs. Replacement pads and cables can be easily changed if necessary, significantly extending the period of use.
Special features: The headphones come with interchangeable cables in spiral and straight cable format as well as an adapter for different uses. A locking mechanism prevents accidental disconnection of the cable, which is very practical for live use. The matt design fits in perfectly with classic Technics DJ setups and conveys a modern, professional impression.
AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Wireless
Sound: Wireless freedom with professional quality through W Plus Link technology with ultra-low latency means that cueing works almost without delay. Frequency range up to 40 kilohertz delivers powerful bass and clear treble and supports precise timing. There are no compromises compared to wired models when DJing.
Comfort: Lightweight design with modular parts allows comfortable adjustment to individual head shapes. Ear pads fit snugly and provide solid isolation. App-controlled EQ allows sound customization according to environment and personal preference.
Robustness: High-quality materials and modular construction can withstand the rigors of live use. Cable operation can be used as a backup if the battery runs out. Spare parts and upgrade kits ensure that the headphones stay up to date for a long time.
Special features: Wireless DJing without tangled cables increases freedom of movement on stage. Long battery life allows multiple gigs without recharging. Modular design allows drivers, pads and earpieces to be replaced for long-term use. In everyday life, you can also use the headphones via Bluetooth.
Pioneer HDJ‑X10
Sound: The closed DJ headphones are the flagship model with an extended frequency spectrum up to 40 kilohertz for detailed reproduction. 50 millimeter drivers deliver powerful and controlled bass without booming and fine resolution for mids and highs. This allows complex arrangements to be assessed precisely and even at high levels you can keep an overview.
Comfort: Flexible swivel mechanisms allow different listening positions and take the strain off the head. The headband and shells with water-repellent nano-coating are easy to clean and ensure hygienic use. Despite the heavier weight, the fit is designed to avoid pressure points and ensure that long sets remain comfortable.
Robustness: High-quality materials and sturdy construction cope with tough club and festival conditions. Spare parts facilitate repair and maintenance. It is designed to withstand years of intensive use without any noticeable loss of quality. However, you also pay a proud price for this.
Special features: Bass reflex chamber technology supports clean bass without overemphasis. Replaceable parts such as pads, cables and joints make maintenance uncomplicated. The design is geared towards professional touring requirements and can even withstand exposure to heat and moisture.
Our conclusion: The best DJ headphones are not always the most expensive
Finding the perfect headphones for DJs is not easy, because everyone wants something different. If you want a combination of sound isolation, precise sound and robust workmanship in a foldable format, then the Pioneer HDJ-X10 might be something for you. Many DJs still swear by the Sennheiser HD 25 or HD 25 light. If you have a slightly lower budget for your DJ equipment, you can go for the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 with a clear conscience. If you’re looking for even higher-quality models for your home, take a look at our studio headphones comparison.
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