There’s some professional-grade music equipment that you probably don’t need to worry about unless you’re a musician. DJ headphones aren’t that kind of thing. Even if you’re just a casual music fan who cares about getting the full, dynamic range of the music you love, DJ or studio headphones can be a great investment. The things DJs, producers and musicians need when buying headphones also benefit commuters and frequent flyers. Namely, clear sound, portability and comfort.
What To Look For In Headphones
Where will you be using your headphones? If you’re taking them on the go, opt for a noise-canceling model.
How long will you be wearing them? Comfort is important and many higher-end models put extra emphasis on padded ear cushions and adjustable headsets.
Look at bass levels. If you like listening to heavy bass, opt for a model with a wide frequency response range.
How We Chose The Best Headphones
If you are a musician, live DJ, or radio DJ, these professional headphones are among the best. They’re great for regular listening too, whether you’re jamming out to your music, or playing your favorite online game. We’ve included a wide range of price points, as well as features like noise cancelation, in-line mics, and adjustable headpieces.
Turn up the volume and enjoy your music the way it was meant to be heard with these high-quality DJ headphones.
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
Audio-Technica is a highly regarded but reasonably priced maker of sound equipment. These DJ headphones have earcups that swivel 90 degrees, allowing for comfortable one-ear sound monitoring. Plus, they come in a wide variety of colors and have detachable coiled and straight cables.
Pros: 90-degree swiveling earcup for easy one-ear monitoring, good sounding highs and lows.
Cons: Some customers may find the earpads uncomfortable.
2. Sennheiser Pro Audio HD280PRO Headphone
Sennheiser is one of the most trusted names in audio and their Pro Audio HD280PRO Headphones make it affordable to bring high-grade, professional-quality sound with you on the go. The closed-ear headphones offer a dynamic listening experience with a nominal impedance 64 ohms and a sound pressure level (SPL) of 113 dB. High ambient noise attenuation and accurate, linear sound reproduction make these ideal for music and gaming. A single-sided cable along with folding and rotating earcups adds convenience and portability to the design.
Pros: Soft earpads, a padded headband and 32 dB attenuation of outside sound create a comfortable listening experience.
Cons: The cable adds weight to the headphones that some users may find uncomfortable.
3. Amazon Basics Lightweight On-Ear Wired Headphones
If you’re looking for a quality pair of over-the-ear headphones at an affordable price, the Amazon Basics Lightweight On-Ear Wired Headphones offer a great entry-level option. The lightweight headphones have an over-the-ear design to help minimize outside noises while providing a comfortable listening experience. A max output of 101 dB and a 12 Hz to 22,000 Hz frequency range offers impressive sound reproduction. The earcups rotate in for flat storage.
Pros: The AmazonBasics are on the smaller size and offer an excellent option for younger users.
Cons: The cord is short and users may want to invest in an extender.
4. OneOdio Wired Over-Ear Headphones
Studio quality headphones typically come with a massive price tag, but the OneOdio Wired Over-Ear Headphones made it on our list thanks to the high quality of their headphones and budget-friendly price point. Made with large, 50-millimeter speaker unit drivers combined with neodymium magnets, the OneOdio deliver a powerful bass and clear, crisp vocals and high notes. Padded ear cushions create a comfortable listening experience while also helping to block out noise. The headphones come with a DJ-style coiled cord and both a 6.35mm plug and a 3.5mm plug are included, making them a great option for plugging directly into stereo equipment or audio interface, with an in-line mic also included for phone calls. Thanks to a 90-degree swivel ear cup, single-ear monitoring is possible.
Pros: OneOdio designed their headband to be adjustable and stretch for added comfort.
Cons: Users with larger heads may find the OneOdio slightly uncomfortable.