The Akai Professional Project Over-Ear Studio Headphones is our best DJ headphones which has an impedance of 32 ohms for its overall quality. Also, with a frequency response range of 10 Hz up to 30 kHZ, you are surely to get the most high quality sound ever. You can definitely use these DJ headphones for recording and studio use due to its unprecedented quality. It has great and tremendous noise isolation capabilities so it is very reliable due to its closed back circumaural design that gives comfort and strength to the headphones. This studio monitor headphones goes over the ear for professional comfort as much as possible and live mixing will definitely be great using these headphones. In fact, you can even use the DJ headphones for your personal listening pleasure due to its sturdy quality and great sounds.
Our step-up pick is the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 ohms and it has a whopping impedance of 250 ohms, which makes it highly applicable for professional studio use, DJ live sets and much more. In fact, the soft ear cushions will help you wear the DJ headphones for hours and the jack plug is also gold plated for excellent durability, style and quality. Like most headphones it has an adapter from 1/8 inches to 1/4 inches or 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm. The construction of the headband is very rugged so it is able to go through a lot of concerts and live sets without breaking and its reproduction of high and mid range is quite good.
The budget pick is the Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones and its impedance is 47 ohms so it is slightly above the average ohm impedance of most DJ headphones out there. For its portability, it can save you a lot of space because it is easily collapsible and its max input power as a pair of DJ headphones is at 1,300 mW. It uses rare earth magnets that support the drivers that measure 40 mm for unprecedented quality sound from your headphones to your ears and its sensitivity is 96 dB. It has a frequency response of 15 to 22,000 Hz. A great set of headphones for field recording and DJ live sets for its great features, at only 7.8 ounces of weight, they are so light to carry around.
A Little Background
Headphones are one thing but using them for DJ and electronic music or studio purposes require different quality. Without good headphones, you would not be one with the music and you would hear the crowd instead of your beats. Whether you are in a quiet situation or a noisy EDM live show, it is important for a pair of DJ headphones to be highly reliable.
How We Picked
In choosing the best DJ headphones, we considered the following criteria:
Impedance – this refers to how much noise is cancelled out and how much quality can be heard from the DJ headphones when it comes to the overall sound.
Comfort – the comfort factor of the headphones is very important when it comes to choosing the best DJ headphones due to the fact that you will be wearing the DJ headphones for hours.
Design – make sure that the headphones can be easily collapsed or have a smooth and flawless design.
Our Pick
Akai Professional Project Over-Ear Studio Headphones
Our best pair of DJ headphones is the Akai Professional Project Over-Ear Studio Headphones which has an impedance of 32 ohms for its overall quality. As a matter of fact, this studio monitor headphones goes over the ear for professional comfort as much as possible. Also, it has great and tremendous noise isolation capabilities so it is very reliable due to its closed back circumaural design that gives comfort and strength to the headphones.
Live mixing will definitely be great using these headphones and you can definitely use these DJ headphones for recording and studio use due to its unprecedented quality. Also, with a frequency response range of 10 Hz up to 30 kHZ, you are surely to get the most high quality sound ever. In fact, you can even use the DJ headphones for your personal listening pleasure due to its sturdy quality and great sounds and you can even use the DJ headphones for cueing and the like.
You will be guaranteed with a rich and deep bass sound due to the exclusive quality of this studio monitor headphones thanks to its dynamic transducer which measures 50 mm. Also, a travel pouch made from leatherette is included so you can take it anywhere on live DJ performances or over at the recording studio. And adding to its portability is its collapsible design which allows you to bring it with you while traveling.
The Akai Professional Studio Headphones comes with a straight cable measuring 6 feet and a coiled cable which also measures 6 feet and its driver magnets are made from neodymium material for excellent music quality. Alongside that, there is also a 1/8 inch standard connector or 3.5 mm audio jack and there is a 1/4-inch adapter from your 1/8-inch connector so you can use it with a lot of music equipments out there.
Likewise, because it is 32 ohms in its impedance, it is highly compatible with a wide range of studio and recording equipment or even DJ equipment. Also, the headband of the headphones is also highly adjustable to give you the best comfort during live EDM concerts and the ear cups give you the best comfort due to being soft and padded without sacrificing the bass response for the best endurance in any situation. The cable also unplugs right at the ear cup to prevent ripping when it gets caught on something and you can easily wear it for ours without getting uncomfortable.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
Some things to note about the Akai Professional Project Over-Ear Studio Headphones that are not too pleasing but not very threatening to its overall quality as the best DJ headphones include the fact that its noise cancelling may not be as good as higher priced DJ headphones but nonetheless still provide you with great studio quality.
Step-up Pick
Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 ohms
For our step-up pick, we chose the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 ohms which have a whopping impedance of 250 ohms, which makes it highly applicable for professional studio use, DJ live sets and much more. As a matter of fact, the unique thing about this step-up pick as the best DJ headphones is its Bass Reflex technology which makes the use of diffuse field systems that are closed to help improve the response of the bass so it will give you unmatched quality when it comes to rich and deep bass sounds.
Its reproduction of high and mid range is quite good and the construction of the headband is very rugged so it is able to go through a lot of concerts and live sets without breaking. Like most headphones it has an adapter from 1/8 inches to 1/4 inches or 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm and the jack plug is also gold plated for excellent durability, style and quality.
The soft ear cushions will help you wear the DJ headphones for hours and the headphone fit for these DJ headphones is circumaural so it is very comfortable. Also, you are guaranteed with accurate DJ sounds for this pair of headphones. The ear pads are made from velour material so you can use it for long hours without straining your ears due to its awesome cushioning capability as a pair of DJ headphones.
In fact, its build quality is quite robust and reliable so you can use it for the many years to come and its low frequency reproduction is very good so it is able to give you the best kind of bass sounds possible. The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty of 2 years.
Budget Pick
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones
The Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones is our budget pick and is a great set of headphones for field recording and DJ live sets for its great features. In fact, you can definitely use these headphones for mixing and mastering tracks and sounds on your studios as well as other studio work due to its great sound quality.
As for the quality, its impedance is 47 ohms so it is slightly above the average ohm impedance of most DJ headphones out there and it has a frequency response of 15 to 22,000 Hz. Its sensitivity is 96 dB. Also, if you are a sound engineer, a bedroom musician or a DJ or any person with a meticulous taste in music then you should definitely get these budget headphones if you are on a tight budget or if you are just starting out.
This headphone uses rare earth magnets that support the drivers that measure 40 mm for unprecedented quality sound from your headphones to your ears and the wire voice coils are made from copper clad aluminum for the best durability in its build. Its mid range definition is unmatched and very excellent and it has also been finely tuned to give you the richest details of music and sound possible and its max input power as a pair of DJ headphones is at 1,300 mW.
For its portability, the Audio-Technica Professional Studio Monitor Headphones can save you a lot of space because it is easily collapsible. Also, the fitting type is circumaural so it is very comfortable to your ears. At only 7.8 ounces of weight, they are so light to carry around.
Ideal DJ Headphones with a Semi Open Design
AKG K 240 Semi-Open Studio Headphones
Our best semi open pair of DJ headphones is the AKG K 240 Semi-Open Studio Headphones and it has a semi open design so it is very comfortable in its build and reliable in its stability. It is made for use in studio quality purposes and it includes a cable that spans at 3 meters and is also replaceable. In fact, it has a frequency range of 15 Hz up to 25,000 Hz so it is very reliable in its sound range.
With this pair, you can wear the DJ headphones for hours because of the circumaural design that helps you keep your ears comfortable. As a standard, it has connections for 1/4 inch as well as 1/8 inch mini jack for its stereo connection. As for quality, it has a very low impedance of only 55 ohms so it is very reliable when it comes to delivering high quality sound. And in fact, the optimum fitting of these DJ headphones is thanks to its headband that has self-adjusting capabilities.
The AKG Studio Headphones has one single cable so it save you a lot of time and frustration on tangle d cables and it also comes with the screw type OFC cable along with the headphones. For its unique features and quality, its dynamic transducer is very accurate because of the semi open air design of the DJ headphones. Also, its venting structure behind the DJ headphones’ element helps you achieve a natural and high quality sound because it has been acoustically tuned.
This pair of headphones can be used with a wide range of studio gear such as drum machines, keyboards, studio equipment and the like. For the years to come, the headband is also backed by a steel cable for durability. And also, its suspension is a gimbal type to help you stabilize even through hours of playing and it is also flexible and can be bent without breaking.
Using the steel structure of the DJ headphones, it is very sturdy and durable for many years of use. Also, it uses Varimotion Diaphragm technology so it gives you the most accurate kind of response in any situation and any listening level because of the transducers having a large size to give your music more fullness. Likewise, the copper that makes up the cable is 99 percent free from oxygen so it will not rust as much as other DJ headphones out there.
The AKG K 240 Headphones comes with mini XLR connectors that fit tightly and securely to any unit. It comes with standard 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch stereo adapter jacks so you can use it for a wide range of studio equipment and both ends of the cable are made from gold plated plugs so you can get durability that is unmatched. The detachable cord spans at a length of 10 feet. Without the risk of fatigue, the comfortable ear pads help you listen for hours of music or mixing.
Unique DJ Headphones with Bluetooth and Radio Functionality
ION Audio Tough Sounds Protection Headphones
Our ideal and unique DJ headphones with Bluetooth and radio functionality is the ION Audio Tough Sounds Protection Headphones and this awesome headphones have an NRR or noise reduction rating of 25 decibels so it is very high quality in its sound and you can easily block away really loud sounds outside so your ears stay safe and protected.
You can also use these DJ headphones for Bluetooth and wireless syncing and listening to various sources such as tablets, smartphones, devices and many more due to its unique design. Aside from the Bluetooth function, it is also built with a fully functional radio feature which has AM and FM functionality with over 20 presets to choose from.
You can use the AM/FM radio for your listening pleasure while on the go so the product is more than just a pair of DJ headphones. It is also rechargeable as a wireless set of DJ headphones with its battery power estimated to last up to 20 hours or more of regular use due to being powered with a lithium ion battery that has no memory effect so you can get more battery life without losing charge when it sits idly. Also, you can also answer any kind of call using the built-in microphone as well as the multifunction button included and integrated with the headphones.
You can also have the option to change the radio channel, adjust the volume of the sound or skip tracks without having to reach for your phone while in public places. It has an auxiliary stereo input cable at 1/8 inch and comes with the needed USB cable for charging the battery. The rugged design of the DJ headphones complements its lightweight materials and overall build. You can even use the awesome headphones while using power tools without the worry of harmful noise levels while you can still listen to the radio or your music player while working. It includes a quick start guide plus a manual for the warranty and the safety of the headphones.
Best Closed Back Design DJ Headphones
Orange ‘O’ Edition On-Ear Closed-Back Headphones
The driver of the Orange ‘O’ Edition On-Ear Closed-Back Headphones has a size of 40 mm and it has a closed back or on-ear design as a set of headphones. It has a standard studio quality impedance of 32 ohms so it is quite good in its sound quality and it has a sensitivity level of 116 dB which is at 0.5 VRMS at 1 kHz. It can also be used with smartphones and many other studio equipment or music players due to its versatility and it comes with a standard 3.5 mm TRS cable plus a TRRS cable at 3.5 mm with a remote control plus a microphone for speaking or taking calls.
The frequency response of this set of headphones span from 20 Hz up to 20 kHz and a carrying case used and included is a zipped clamshell case to help protect your headphones from damage and for portability while traveling.
You can also experience hands free and voice activation use because of the remote control function. Feel free from rusting due to its gold plated jacks that add durability and improve signal transfer. The ABS molding of the headphones adds to its durability for the many years to come. Its arms are made from high quality stainless steel that will last for a long time with proper use.
The soft rubber coat helps you add more noise isolation which has been reinforced with the plastic mold. Artists who use these DJ headphones include Stephen Carpenter of Deftones, Jim Root of Slipknot, Jesse Hughes of EoDM and James Kim. It is only 0.48 pounds in its weight so it is super easy to manage.
Ideal DJ Headphones with Passive Isolation Technology
KAT Percussion KTUI26 Ultra Isolation Headphones
The KAT Percussion KTUI26 Ultra Isolation Headphones has a frequency response of 20 Hz up to 20,000 Hz so it is good in its range of sound and durability is not compromised because of its great construction of material. The light weight feel of the headphones add to its comfortable feel as a pair of DJ headphones. There are no batteries required for this set of DJ headphones due to the very fact that it uses passive isolation technology for eliminating noise in the background. It has a noise reduction rating of 26 dB that enables it to reduce external noise.
It comes with a standard 1/8 inch stereo headphone jack (3.5 mm) plus an adapter for 1/4 inch or 6.35 mm and the headband of the DJ headphones are padded and are highly adjustable to give you comfort on the go. The cord spans at a length of 6 feet and adding to its comfort factor are the ear cushions that are large and made from high quality and soft foam that will last for a long time of use.
User fatigue will not be a problem due to the very fact that you can wear it for long hours without compromising durability as well as sound quality. You can use it for recording, privately listening to music, working at a studio and many more
DJ Headphones with Flexible Padding and Adjustable Headband
Direct Sound EX-29 Dynamic Closed Headphones
With the Direct Sound EX-29 Dynamic Closed Head, you do not need to supply batteries to the headphones because of its natural passive isolation technique so it is also very friendly to the environment. It comes with an adapter at 1/4 inch or 6.3 mm that is gold plated along with the regular stereo 3.5 mm or 1/8 inch audio jack that is also gold plated in its durability. It comes with closed back drivers along with the closed back dynamic design of the DJ headphones and comes with a convenient extension cable which spans at a length of 10 feet.
Moreover, it can also be easily stored due to the fact that it is ultra compact and foldable for added portability and the headband can also be adjusted to your preferences which makes the headphones great for its comfort level. Also, the user’s ears will also not experience a lot of strain and fatigue due to its IncrediFlex padding system on the headphones.
It is available in both black and white colors to choose from and it has a standard impedance of 32 ohms so it is of studio quality. As for the fit type, it has an over the ear type of fitting and it has a sensitivity level of 96 dB per mW. Moreover, it has a frequency response of 20 Hz up to 20 kHz. Its drivers measure 40 mm and it can be used on stage for EDM or live bands. It is a great pair of DJ headphones for noisy environments.
Ideal DJ Headphones for Women
SODEE Over-the-Ear Foldable Wired Girls Headphones
The SODEE Over-the-Ear Foldable Wired Girls Headphones is foldable in its build so it is very portable so you can take it anywhere and it has a nice light pink color but is also available in blue color. These DJ headphones are very flexible and comfortable in their design and it has a standard 3.5 mm audio jack that can be compatible with a wide range of studio equipment. Its driver measures 40 mm and has been made from magnetic neodymium material that is of high quality.
It has a volume limiting system of up to 93 dB so it helps you be shielded from high and dangerous volume levels and keep your ears safe and the ear pads are made from leatherette that give comfort while you wear them. The ear pads are also friendly towards the skin and do not induce irritation or allergies and it can also be used by kids as a helpful pair of DJ headphones. It has a unique sharing port so you can share music with various people. It has a frequency response of 20 Hz up to 20 kHz and it only weighs 120 grams so it is very easy to handle. Its cable spans at a length of 1.6 meters and it comes with a convenient travel pouch plus a manual.
Best Collapsible and Portable DJ Headphones
Koss UR40 Collapsible Over-Ear Headphones
Around the ears, the Koss UR40 Collapsible Over-Ear Headphones has a very light seal using the ear cushions that are closed in design. It provides you with a hear through sound using the ear cups that have been screened so you still know what is going on around you and the DJ headphones have an over-ear design with an open style and a closed style hybrid design.
It has a frequency response of 15 Hz up to 22,000 Hz that is very wide and its cushioned ear cups are made from closed leatherette material that is very comfortable. It can give you high accuracy in its sound due to the diaphragms that have been coated with titanium and are also high polymer in their material and magnet structures are made from rare earth materials such as neodymium, boron and iron to give you the best clarity and performance for music.
The headphones are also very light weight in design at only 0.93 pounds and it also has a 1/4 inch stereo adapter other than its 3.5 mm headphone jack. The titanium coating is 2-mil for an excellent quality and the 1/8 inch plug is also gold flashed and also L-shaped in its design.
The Competition
Other DJ headphones that did not make it to our list are the DJ headphones that are not satisfactory when it comes to the impedance level as well as the comfort level. The factor of comfort is very important as well as the performance and noise cancelling abilities of the DJ headphone is very important when it comes down to quality of the product.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the criteria for choosing the best DJ headphones?
A: According to Digital DJ Music , you should value comfort and reliability for its build and make sure that the headphones can be worn for hours without straining your ears. Make sure that the headphones are loud enough so that you can use them for easily monitoring your music and filtering out external noise around your background. Closed back designs also add noise reduction. The portability of the headphones also matter so that you can take them with you on any trip. In fact, some of them also have bags for storing them.
Q: What are the types of headphones and how are they different from each other?
A: According to The Hub: Musician’s Friend , circumaural types are the most common types of headphones due to its mechanism of being worn over the ear and these types of headphones have a padding that goes around the ear so that it can form a seal that is comfortable. The circumaural headphones also add to the ease of use and comfort factor for the user and the supra-aural types of headphones are similar but they rest on the ears. Open air or open back headphones are more for casual purposes.
Wrapping It Up
Overall, the Akai Professional Project Over-Ear Studio Headphones is our best set of DJ headphones to depend on live concerts and the like or just for mixing at the studio or at home.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.