We buy our own products and put them under the same testing methodology so that you can easily compare them. Unlike most websites, we do not get our products directly from the manufacturers, which means our units aren’t handpicked and actually represent what you would buy yourself. We spend a lot of time comparing the products side-by-side to validate our results and we keep them until they are discontinued so we can continually go back and make sure our reviews are always accurate.
headphones to wear during long sessions. Rotating cups or hinges can also be very useful if you’re looking to hear the crowd while you’re mixing. Wired headphones are going to be a better choice since you don’t want any delay when you mix.
While we have yet to review some of the more popular and iconic DJ headphones from brands like Pioneer and Cymantics, we’ve tested 340 headphones and below are our top picks for DJs to buy in 2019.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x: Great-sounding DJ headphones with a sturdy build
Audio Technica ATH-M50x – RTINGS.COM RTINGS.COM
Type: Over-ear
Enclosure: Closed-Back
Wireless: No
Noise-Cancelling: No
The best DJ headphones that we’ve tested so far are the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. They have a sturdy design that’s great not only for live DJ performances but also mixing tracks in the studio. They’re comfortable over-ear headphones that can fold into a slightly more compact format. They come with 3 different cables, one of which is coiled cable, so you can choose what best suits your setup.
These headphones have a great, balanced sound signature that packs enough bass to feel exciting during a lively set without overpowering instruments or vocals. Their ear cups also swivel both inwards and outwards, so it’s easy to keep one ear on the pulse of the party and monitor the crowd while still hearing what you’re mixing.
On the downside, they don’t come with a carrying case like some of the more premium options out there. In addition, although their cables are replaceable, they use a smaller 1/16” TRS jack and have a unique locking mechanism that makes them a little harder to find than regular audio cables. That said, the M50x are still durable headphones that feel built to last and provide very good value overall.
Sony MDR-7506: Compact, lightweight headphones with an iconic look
Sony MDR-7506 – RTINGS.COM RTINGS.COM
Type: Over-ear
Enclosure: Closed-Back
Wireless: No
Noise-Cancelling: No
If you’re looking to save a few bucks and prefer a more portable design, then get the Sony MDR-7506 instead. They are not as well-built as the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, but they feature Sony’s iconic MDR design in a compact, lightweight format. They fold up tightly and are easy to toss into your bag when you’re running between sets.
They have good audio reproduction with a slightly V-shaped sound profile. Some may find they sound a bit bright, but others will appreciate their exciting sound, especially when the bass drops. Although their ear cup padding doesn’t feel quite as plush as that of some of the other headphones on this list, their lightweight design is comfortable enough to wear for a couple of hours without a problem.
Unfortunately, their fit isn’t very stable, so they might slip right off your ears if you get too much in the groove. Their audio cable is also not detachable like the M50x, which is a little disappointing. Overall, they’re simple, straightforward headphones that are well-suited for studio use, mixing, and most DJ sets.
Shure SRH 440: Comfortable headphones that sound very good
Shure SRH 440 RTINGS.COM
Type: Over-ear
Enclosure: Closed-Back
Wireless: No
Noise Cancelling: No
If you like the design of the Sony MDR-7506 but prefer something with a more stable fit, then get the Shure SRH 440. They’re not as lightweight as the Sony headphones, but they have better-padded ear cups that help keep them in place on your head and make them more comfortable to wear over time.
They have a well-balanced sound that very accurately reproduces vocals and lead instruments, which makes them a good choice for wedding gigs with more vocal-centric pop or rock music. In general, they’re a little shy in sub-bass, so they won’t produce the deep thump and rumble of your heaviest dubstep tracks, but they still have the punch necessary for most people to feel the energy of an old-school hip-hop record.
Unfortunately, they don’t reproduce bass frequencies very consistently across different subjects, which means that two people who try them on may hear a different bass response. If you pass them to someone else while preparing a track, that person may not hear your mix the same way you do, but if you’re the only one who wears them and you like the way they sound, you won’t have a problem.
V-MODA Crossfade M-100: Very well-built headphones with a unique and durable design
V-MODA Crossfade M-100 – RTINGS.COM RTINGS.COM
Type: Over-ear
Enclosure: Closed-Back
Wireless: No
Noise-Cancelling: No
If you prefer flashier headphones with a unique design that stands out from the rest without sacrificing too much on sound quality, get the V-MODA Crossfade M-100. They don’t sound quite as balanced as the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, but they’re very well-built with a great, premium build quality.
While these punchy headphones don’t have the most neutral sound profile, they’re more than suitable and sound balanced enough for most DJ sets. They’re also one of the more compact and travel-friendly headphones on this list since they come with a well-made, hard carrying case that will protect them from about just about anything in your bag.
On the downside, they’re a bit tight on the head, which means they don’t move around much but they are less comfortable than our other recommendations. That said, their metal headband is flexible enough to twist and stretch without fear of it breaking any time soon. In addition, the added benefit of having customizable backplates which you can engrave with your logo or brand definitely makes the V-Moda Crossfade M-100 a strong contender for best DJ headphones.
Beats EP: Stylish on-ear option with good sound quality
Beats EP – RTINGS.COM RTINGS.COM
Type: Over-ear
Enclosure: Closed-Back
Wireless: No
Noise-Cancelling: No
Unfortunately, they are a bit tight on the head and might not be as comfortable for some as other on-ears. They also don’t fold into a more portable format, but if you like the on-ear fit, their great sound and good build quality will make them worth your money, especially since they are quite affordable now.
credit: Forbes
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