The Best DJ Headphones for 2024 - Reviews & Guides

From premium noise-cancelling models to more affordable, portable options, we've compiled a list of high-quality headphones suitable for any level of DJ. Other essential DJ things are also available here such as best DJ controller, best DJ speakers or best DJ turntables.

1. Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10

Important Specifications 

• Brand: Pioneer DJ

• Color: Clear

• Form Factor: In Ear

• Connectivity Technology: Wired

• Wireless Communication Technology: Bluetooth

Product's highlights

Pioneer is a well-known brand in the DJ world, so you'd think its upper-mid range headphones would be good. You'd be correct as well! The Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 are kind of over-ear closed back headphones with the widest frequency range of any DJ-specific headphones, according to Pioneer. That is quite a claim, but we can attest to the excellent listening experience we received from them. The highs were high plus the lows were low, and everything was as balanced and clear as you could wish for.

Pioneer also claims that the HDJ-X10 was subjected to'military grade' testing while being developed, so you'd think they'd hold up well in small to medium-sized venues.

Pros

• Broad sound

• Durable construction

Cons

• There's not much wrong with these!

2. Korg NC-Q1

Important Specifications 

• Brand: Korg

• Form Factor: Over Ear

• Connectivity Technology: Wireless

• Wireless Communication Technology: Bluetooth

• Special Feature: USB connectivity, Noise-Canceling

Product's highlights

The NC-Q1s, Korg's first entry into the DJ headphone market, have some distinct smart features that set them apart from the competition. These are active noise canceling headphones, and the over-ear cups do a great job of blocking out background noise even in a noisy environment.

The Smart Monitoring feature that allows users to deactivate noise cancelling for one or both ears with  just a quick tap of a button is particularly interesting. The idea is to allow the DJs to monitor without constantly taking off and putting on their headphones.

These features function well, and the NC-Q1s sound great. They are, however, more complex in use than the straightforward passive pairs in this round-up. You could argue that with a multi-channel mixer and at least two players to contend with, you don't need to think about noise canceling headphones as well.

Charging is also required for the NC-Q1s to use their active features. While the battery life is adequate - and they can be used in wired, passive mode when the battery runs out - this adds another factor to consider, especially for marathon multi-hour sets.

Pros

• Monitoring features that are truly unique

• Noise cancellation that works

Cons

• Charging is required to use smart features.

3. V-Moda Crossfade 3 Wireless

Important Specifications 

• Brand: V-MODA

• Model Name: Crossfade 3 Wireless

• Color: Bronze Black

• Form Factor: On Ear

• Connectivity Technology: Wireless

Product's highlights

The Crossfade headphones from V-Moda, based in Milan, offer the 'best of both worlds' approach to headphone monitoring. On the one hand, the Crossfades can be configured to provide zero latency feedback and a wide frequency range, indicating that they have the dependability required for tight beat mixing or music production. They do, however, have Bluetooth and can be used as'regular' headphones for the walk to and from the studio. Ideal.

The Crossfade collection has recently reached its third iteration. Changes include a new color palette and a slightly punchier sound. The improved wireless battery life, which is quoted as lasting up to 30 hours on a single charge, is the highlight of Crossfade 3.

Pros

• Versatile

• Excellent sound

Cons

• Maybe more lifestyle than specialist.

4. AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ

Important Specifications 

• Type: On-ear

• Frequency response: 10Hz-40kHz

• Connection: Wired (can be customized for wireless use)

Product's highlights

The TMA-2 collection from Danish brand AIAIAI exudes Scandi design flair. The real draw of this range is the ability to create your own dream setup. Everything from the type of drivers used to the headband and cable can be customized to meet your specific needs.

There are, however, a number of models available as 'presets' if you don't want to go through the process of creating your own. This DJ-centric setup, for example, is designed for powerful, bass-heavy sound and includes a robust, reinforced headband.

AIAIAI has also recently released the new TMA-2 Studio Wireless+ headphones, which were developed in collaboration with Richie Hawtin. These feature 'ultra-low latency lossless' Bluetooth audio, but are nearly twice the price of the standard DJ configuration - and we're not convinced it's worth it for wireless functionality in the DJ booth.

Pros

• Design is completely customizable.

• Headband with reinforcements

• Elegant appearance

Cons

• It is not the cheapest option.

5. Audio Technica ATH-M50x

Important Specifications 

• Brand: Audio-Technica

• Model Name: ATH-M50x

• Color: Black

• Form Factor: Over Ear

• Connectivity Technology: Wired

Product's highlights

Audio-Technica is well-known in the DJ world, and the ATH-M50xs demonstrate why. For starters, they're well-made headphones that appear to be durable enough to last for years. We also liked the over-ear design, which, when combined with the closed back, provides excellent noise isolation.

There are also a few DJ-specific features, such as swiveling earcups and interchangeable cables, making this a solid mid-range option all around.

Pros

• Cable swappable

• Good isolation

Cons

• The sound isn't particularly well-balanced.

1. What makes a pair of headphones last?

You want a DJ headset that is lightweight and comfortable because you will be wearing it for hours at a time, but it also needs to be sturdy. In that case, look for premium materials like metal, but if you want to keep the weight down, look for something with lightweight, strong plastics and a water-resistant nano coating. Vinyl ear pads are also a good choice because they are easy to clean after a sweaty session.

2. Can headphones harm your hearing?

Of course, we must issue a strong warning here to be mindful of how much strain you place on your ears. There is no turning back once you have bombarded your ears with loud sounds and damaged the tiny cilia in your ears that are responsible for your hearing. That is a permanent state of affairs. Hearing loss occurs naturally as we age, but there's no reason to hasten the process by listening to music at an unsafe volume.

3. Are open-back headphones appropriate for DJing?

Although open-back headphones can be used for DJing, they are not recommended. This is because open-back headphones allow more outside sound in than closed-back headphones. Because the main purpose of DJ headphones is to hear the next song before everyone else does so that you can mix it in smoothly, you want that next track to be as isolated as possible in the headphones. Furthermore, because DJs frequently perform in extremely loud clubs and venues, open-back headphones will simply make the headphone mix less isolated from outside noise. As a result, none of the headphones in this guide are open-back. 

Any headphones could be used as DJ headphones in a pinch. If you really needed to, you could DJ with the crappy earbuds that come with a cheap Android phone. Of course, that would be a stressful hassle, which is the opposite of what you want from DJ headphones. You want a pair of cans that will make your job easier, which means great isolation and clarity so you can blow minds rather than blow out your eardrums or your mix, as well as durability and the most DJ-friendly construction you can get within your budget. All of the models presented here are excellent choices. The rest is entirely up to you.