Best DJ Headphones For Mixing And Performing

Whether you’re mixing a track in the studio, at your home studio, or playing a live set – you’ll need a solid pair of headphones. We compiled a list of the Best DJ Headphones for mixing and performing to save you the time and research. 

If you need some extra guidance on what kind of headphones would fit your needs, take a look at our headphone buying guide. 

If you already know what to look for, continue reading to see how we selected each pair and a list of our favorites!

Best DJ Headphones For Mixing and Performing

Here are the 4 main areas you’ll want to pay attention to when you’re looking for the perfect pair:

• Sound Quality
• Comfort
• Durability
• Folding Design

The sound quality is among the most important features to pay attention to (for obvious reasons). If you can’t hear every piece of audio and be able to monitor the levels

Comfort plays a big role as well since you’ll be wearing your headphones for longer periods of time (at least 1+ hours). 

Durability is important, especially for DJs since you’ll want a pair that will be able to withstand some punishment/wear and tear. When you’re playing a set or mixing at home (or in the studio) you’ll be twisting the ear cups, swiveling and switching from one ear to two ears listening. If your ‘phones break after a few swivel motions, that’d be a huge inconvenience and ultimately a low-quality pair, to begin with. 

This brings us to the next area – having a pair of cans that can fold into a compact package. When you’re traveling around playing shows it’s nice to be able to pack your headphones without having to think too much about where you can store them. 

Now that we’ve covered what the most important areas of focus will be, here are the Top 10 picks:

1. American Audio HP 550
2. Vic Firth SIH1 Stereo Isolation Headphones
3. Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back (Best Bang For Your Buck)
4. Sony MDR7506 
5. Akai Professional Project 50x
6. Audio Technica ATH-M50x
7. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 
8. Sennheiser HD 25 PLUS 
9. Audio Technica ATH-R70x 
10. Sennheiser HD 8 (Best Overall Pick)

Let’s dive into the sea of options and take a closer look at the Top 10 best models!

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1. American Audio HP 550 Pro DJ Headphones

Features & Specifications:

• Compact folding design
• Large 57 mm driver
• Colors available: Black or Lime
• Headphone carrying bag + 1/4″ + right angle 1/4″ stereo adapters included 
• Extra-long 4 meter (13 ft.) cord included 
• Headphone Impedance: 64 Ohms
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 30 kHz
• Weight: 1.3 lbs.

Sound Quality

The HP 550s are less expensive than the other models on this list so you shouldn’t expect the same level of sound quality from them. You can expect them to have an accurate bass response, clear treble, and more powerful mids. 

They aren’t as “true-to-sound” as you might want them to be, but at this price point, you can’t really complain. As a side note, they also utilize sound isolation to make sure that outside noise doesn’t leak into your song. 

Comfort

After wearing these for longer than an hour or so, your ears will tend to get a little sweaty. This is mostly because the ear cushion covering is made of a leatherette material. 

The headband padding is adequate but nothing to brag about. Overall, you can expect average comfort. 

Durability

The HP 550 is constructed with mostly plastic. They have a little bit of giving, but not too much. For a live DJ performance, they will be durable enough to keep up with your movements. Overall, a pretty solid piece of hardware that won’t break the bank. 

Folding Design

These also have a compact folding design. They break down and fold up, fitting nicely into the included carrying pouch. 

Watch this quick review video to see some more details:

Prices may vary, use the button below to see current price

The Final Verdict – Yes, or No?

The American Audio HP 550 Pro DJ Headphones would be perfect for you if you’re on a tight budget but you need something that will perform. 

You can sacrifice some sound quality and the extra bells and whistles. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, click the button below. 

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2. Vic Firth SIH1 Stereo Isolation Headphones

Features & Specifications:

• Designed by Vic Firth (Musician and founder of Vic Firth Company)
• Includes a 6-foot straight cord 
• Broad foam ear cushions for extra comfort
• Extremely durable construction (designed by professional drummers)
• Utilizes sound isolation to keep unwanted noise out
• Headphone Impedance: 250 Ohms 
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Weight: 13.6 oz.

 

Sound Quality

If “the bigger the bass, the better” is your motto, you’ll want to skip over this one. They don’t necessarily lack bass, but there is more of an emphasis on the mids and trebles. The SIH1’s sound signature is tuned for reproducing a more true-to-life representation. 

So if you’re looking for a pair that you’ll use primarily for EDM, dubstep, or hip-hop – keep scrolling. 

Comfort

The SIH1s will fit snugly against your skull and can be worn for hours without causing too much discomfort. If you have a bigger head, they might be a little too tight, but it really depends on your specific head shape. 

Their broad foam ear cushions will help block out any background noise from leaking in too much. In the video below, you’ll see a drummer explain that in more detail. 

Durability

Durability is one area that these headphones shine. They’re constructed with materials that professional drummers specifically picked to withstand heavy use. (If you’ve ever seen the blisters on a drummer’s hands after an intense recording session, you know how much they value durability.)

Folding Design

They fold up into a pretty compact shape and size. In the video below, you’ll see that they can fit in an area such as the pocket of your hoodie or a small bag pretty easily. 

Watch this short review video to see more about them:

Prices may vary, use the button below to see the current price

The Final Verdict – Yes, or No?

The Vic Firth SIH1 Stereo Isolation Headphones would be a great fit for you if you spend a lot of time in the studio tracking vocals, drums, or guitar. They’re a rugged, durable pair of ‘phones that would be great for in-studio and live performance. 

You don’t need flashy logos and packaging to sell you on audio playback and practicality. Click the button below to see it’s current retail value. 

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3. Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Studio Monitor Headphones (Best Bang For Your Buck)

Features & Specifications:

• 50 mm drivers 
• Closed-back circumaural (over-ear) build design
• A well-balanced sound signature that’s perfect for mixing, performing, recording
• Includes 2 separate cables (coiled and straight + 1/4″ adapter)
• Compact folding design (for easy transport in a backpack, etc.)
• Headphone Impedance: 32 Ohms 
• Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 30 kHz
• Weight: 13.2 oz.

Sound Quality

When you open these up and plug them in, you’ll be blown away at the level of sound quality for headphones in this price range. Rather than having a low or high-heavy sound profile, they’ll give you more well-rounded audio playback.

It’s important to note this because if your headphones emphasize one area more than the others, your mix won’t sound the same when other people listen to it on their own ‘phones or speakers. 

Comfort

The comfort of the CB-1 headphones surpasses many more-expensive models. Status Audio designs all of their cans with zero visible outside branding.  A circumaural (over-ear) build design is ultra-comfortable and sound isolating.

With extra plush ear cushions, a comfortable headband, and 90° swiveling ear cups – these are a strong competitor. 

 

Durability

You’ll be able to see (in the video below) that you can bend and twist these ‘phones with quite a bit of give. Rather than spending extra money on flashy logo designs, Status Audio made sure to step it up and make these more durable. 

Folding Design

You can swivel the ear cups, fold them flat, do some single-ear monitoring/referencing, and easily transport the CB-1s in virtually any bag you choose. 

Watch this review video to see all the features in action: 

Prices may vary, use the button below to see the current price

The Final Verdict – Best Bang For Your Buck

The Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Studio Monitor Headphones will do everything you need them to as a DJ. They’d be the perfect fit for you if a sleek, minimal design and stellar performance is your main concern. 

Status Audio constructed a powerful contender that’s stripped down to 2 things – a performance that exceeds all expectations and a price that can’t be beaten for the sound quality and durability. Click the button below to check it’s the current asking price or click here to see our full Status Audio CB-1 Review. 

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4. Sony MDR7506 Professional Large Diaphragm Headphone

Features & Specifications:

• Includes a 9.8 foot 3.5 mm headphone cord 
• Compact folding design
• 40 mm drivers (for powerful bass response)
• Closed-back, supra-aural (on-ear) design
• Headphone Impedance: 63 Ohms 
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 20 kHz
• Weight: 8.1 oz.

Sound Quality

The MDR 7506 are an industry-standard pair of headphones. They might not look like it, but they’ve been around for as long as they have for a reason. They have 40 mm drivers that pack a pretty powerful punch. 

Although they have 40 mm, drivers, their bass response isn’t overpowering. Mids and highs perform also perform well and you’ll notice a stronger upper range of frequencies. 

 

Comfort

The supra-aural (on-ear) design is lightweight and comfortable. Sometimes on-ear headphones can become uncomfortable after an hour or two. The MDR 7506 stay comfortable even after a longer studio/DJ session. 

They aren’t as comfortable as the Status Audio CB-1, but they will keep your ears happy. 

Durability

Don’t let the lightweight design trick you into thinking these aren’t durable. Being an industry-standard model, the MDR 7506s have proven themselves as a super solid, all-around pair of ‘phones that can take some punishment. 

Folding Design

Sony included a soft carrying pouch that will keep them in good condition. They also fold into an ultra-portable, lightweight shape that makes these a popular choice for DJs, musicians, and audio professionals. 

These cans are nearly identical to the Sony MDR V6, so it might be helpful to read our full Sony MDR V6 review here for more details.  

Watch this review video to see more details in action:

Prices may vary, use the button below to see the current price

The Final Verdict – Yes, or No?

Does the Sony MDR7506 industry-standard headphone seem like a great option? These will work perfectly for you if you trust thousands of audio professional’s reviews and opinions. Do they look as good as a higher-end model? No, but they’ve been around long enough to secure a top spot in the DJ headphone race. 

Click the button below to see the current retail value and/or more customer reviews. 

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5. Akai Professional Project 50x Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones 

Features & Specifications:

• 50 mm drivers (for bigger bass)
• Closed back, circumaural (over-ear), swiveling ear cup design
• Folding design for better portability
• Comes with a travel carrying pouch 
• Includes two 6 foot detachable cables (straight/coiled + 1/4″ adapter)
• Headphone Impedance: 32 Ohms 
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 30 kHz
• Weight: 16 oz.

Sound Quality

For a headphone that’s being offered at a price as low as these are – they exceed expectations. Each ear cup has a 50 mm neodymium driver. You can expect a fuller, clearer sound that doesn’t over-accentuate lows, mids, or highs.

Since they are a circumaural (over-ear) model, they’ll help block outside noise using sound isolation. Overall, they have great sound quality that some say is “almost as good as the Audio Technica ATH-M50x“.

 

Comfort

Over-ear headphones tend to be more comfortable (on average). Due to their soft ear cushioning and snug fit against your skull – this serves two purposes. It blocks ambient noise AND keeps your ears happy during longer mixing/DJ sessions. 

 

Durability

The Akai Project 50x have also been compared to the ATH-M50x in terms of durability. Both pairs have a similar level of durability – but these are a lot less-expensive. Although they’re constructed with plastic material, they’re lightweight but also durable under most conditions. 

 

Folding Design

This model also utilizes a compact folding design that makes them easy to take with you on-the-go. They also come with a leatherette carrying pouch. Unfortunately, the do not have swiveling ear cups. You can still get away without needing that feature, but it’s one downside to consider. 

Check out this quick review video to get another opinion:

Prices may vary, use the button below to see current price

The Final Verdict – Yes, or No?

The Akai Professional Project 50x Over-Ear Studio Monitor Headphones aren’t the most expensive. They don’t have the best sound quality either. What they do have, is an extremely affordable price tag, above average performance for headphones in this range, and durability that make them a good choice for on-the-go use. 

Click the button below to see their current retail value and/or more customer reviews. 

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6. Audio Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones 

Features & Specifications:

• 40 mm large aperture drivers
• Critically acclaimed performance (professional DJs, musicians, and audio engineers)
• Includes 3 separate cables (3.93 ft. coiled and 3.93 straight, 9.8 ft. straight + 1/4″ adapter)
• 90° swiveling ear cups (for single ear monitoring)
• Circumaural (over-ear) design for better sound isolation
• Headphone Impedance: 47 Ohms 
• Frequency Response: 15 Hz – 20 kHz
• Weight: 2.78 lbs.

Sound Quality

Heralded by many audio professionals and casual listeners, the ATH-M50x will meet all your demands as a DJ. Any track that you’re mixing or listening to will feature a powerful (but accurate) bass response. It’s not as overpowering as a pair of Beats Studio Wireless, but it will be noticeable. 

The original Audio Technica ATH-M50 are a pretty good reference point to base their performance off – except these cans are much more improved. 

Comfort

It’s circumaural (over-ear) design will help keep most outside noise from leaking into your mix. The over-ear design, plus it’s comfortable ear cushions (covered with a soft leatherette material) make these a great choice for marathon mixing, listening, or monitoring sessions. 

 

Durability

Much like other Audio Technica headphone models, the M50x are constructed of mostly plastic. This might steer some of you away but the material is extremely lightweight and durable. As another industry standard set of cans, it’s proven itself as a comfy, durable mainstay in the audio world. 

Folding Design

A 90° ear cup swiveling feature can go a long way as a DJ. It can get annoying trying to balance your ‘phones on your head without it. The ATH-M50x have the ear cup swivel feature and also fold into a pretty compact package. 

You’ll also get a nice protective carrying pouch to minimize scratches and other cosmetic issues from keeping them in a backpack or purse. 

Take a closer look at the M50x in the video below:

Prices may vary, use the button below to see current price

The Final Verdict – Yes, or No?

The Audio Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones are another industry standard pair of cans. They do tend to be a little bit more expensive, but sometimes you get what you pay for. 

Their sound quality has stood the test of time and their durable construction and trusted brand make these an awesome choice for live DJs and studio recording. 

Click the button below to see their current retail value and/or more customer reviews. 

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7. Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Studio Headphone

Features & Specifications:

• Closed back circumaural (over-ear) design
• Features velour-covered, replaceable ear pads 
• Has a v-shaped sound signature (powerful lows/bass, quieter mids, and strong highs/treble)
• Includes a 9 foot coiled cable (for less problems with a tangled cord)
• Headphone Impedance: 32, 80, and 250 Ohm options available
• 250 Ohm model is ideal for use in the studio (or live performances)
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 35 kHz
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.

Sound Quality

Some of Beyerdynamic’s headphones have a strong focus on maintaining a well-balanced sound profile. The DT 770s take a different approach. It features a v-shaped sound signature that emphasizes the lows and highs. 

That, plus the extended frequency response make these a great choice if you like to not only hear, but also feel your music/mix. These are available in a 32, 80, and 250 Ohm version depending on your needs and/or preference. (We recommend the 80 or 250 Ohm models.)

 

Comfort

Velour ear pad covering is some of the most comfortable material you can wear on your ears. The ultra-comfy ear cushioning will fit snugly around your ears, and also work perfectly for you if you wear glasses. 

The velour covering is extremely breathable and lightweight. You can keep the DT 770s on your head for hours at a time without experiencing any major discomfort. 

 

Durability

These have a very sturdy build design that will be able to take a beating. Since they are more durable, they aren’t the most lightweight pair of cans, which takes us into the next section. 

Folding Design

Your DT 770s won’t fold into a compact shape and don’t have swiveling ear cups either. Where they lack in portability, they make up for in sound quality and durability. 

Take a look at this in-depth first impression review:

Prices may vary, use the button below to see current price

The Final Verdict – Yes, or No?

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO 250 Ohm Studio Headphones are available in 3 different versions. They’d be a great choice if you like the option to choose the Ohm level and you can’t pass up on the velour ear pads. 

If you’ve ever listened to a pair of Beyerdynamics, you can attest to the outstanding quality and performance. Click the button below to check their current asking price and/or more customer reviews. 

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8. Sennheiser HD 25 PLUS On-Ear Monitor DJ Headphones

Features & Specifications:

• Part of the Sennheiser Pro DJ Series
• Supra-aural (on-ear) headphone design with adjustable headband
• Features a well-balanced sound signature (perfect for getting the right mix)
• Comes with a double wired single-sided detachable cable
• Includes hard body carrying case (with black ballistic nylon finish)
• Closed back, 90° rotating (up and back) ear cups perfect for single ear mixing
• Headphone Impedance: 70 Ohms 
• Frequency Response: 16 Hz – 22 kHz
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.

Sound Quality

The HD 25 are one of the models featured in the Sennheiser Pro DJ series. Their extended frequency response provides a strong low end/bass response. You can turn the volume up as loud as you need to for achieving the perfect mix. 

Even though they have a powerful low-end, Sennheiser made sure that they didn’t neglect the upper ranges. These are perfect for being able to hear every detail necessary for making sure your track sounds as flawless as possible. 

 

Comfort

The closed back build design does add a little extra weight, but not so much that your comfort suffers. (They’re actually more lightweight than a lot of other closed back cans.) 

Some people aren’t a big fan of the supra-aural (on-ear) design (if that’s the case, you’ll like these better). The HD 25s are ultimately a lightweight, fully-adjustable, comfortable model for marathon mixing/listening sessions. 

 

Durability

The HD 25s by themselves are durable. With the included hard-shell carrying case, you won’t have to worry about keeping these in pristine working condition. Their build design is lightweight but can take some punishment and bounce back.

Folding Design

These fold nicely into a compact shape and also feature a 90° swiveling ear cup design. When you’re in the middle of a set and you need to switch from two to one ear monitoring – it’s super convenient. 

Take a look at this short review video for more in-depth analysis:

Prices may vary, use the button below to see the current price

The Final Verdict – Yes, or No?

The Sennheiser HD 25 PLUS On-Ear Monitor DJ Headphones have a similar build design to the Beyerdynamic DT 1350, but have a stronger low-end performance. An ultra-lightweight, comfortable, and overall strong performance give the HD 25 On-Ear a real competitive edge. 

If everything we covered peaked your interest and you can’t resist at least getting more info, click the button below. 

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9. Audio Technica ATH-R70x Professional Open-Back Reference Headphones

Features & Specifications:

• Open back circumaural (over-ear) design
• Open back design allows for more true-to-life sonic experience
• Ultra lightweight build that’s perfect for extended studio sessions
• Upgraded 3D wing headband design 
• Has a well-balanced, natural sound signature that’s perfect for mixing and studio use
• Features a dual-sided cable connection (left/right ears are independent of one another)
• Includes protective carrying pouch to keep your headphones in prime condition
• Headphone Impedance: 470 Ohms 
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 40 kHz
• Weight: 7.4 oz.

Sound Quality

The ATH-R70x open back headphones have extremely detailed and true-to-life audio reproduction. Their flat response is perfect for detecting minute changes that need to be made to your mix. They don’t over-accentuate lows, mids, or highs. 

The sound profile caters to the attention to detail needed for mixing and mastering tracks (not live performance). Overall, the R70x have the best sound quality on this list. The main downside is that they’re not designed for live performances as much as in-studio work. 

Comfort

Velour ear pads, in addition to the open back design, make these extremely lightweight. Less weight pulling down on your head makes for a more comfortable experience, for longer. 

In 2016, the ATH-R70x received a NAMM TEC Award for their innovative 3D wing headband design. 

For a headphone in this price range, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable pair (especially considering its sonic performance).

Durability

Although these are extremely lightweight, the build quality holds up, but they’re not designed to take heavy punishment. 

Normal wear and tear is fine, but don’t plan on bringing these with you everywhere (or on the road). For use in-studio, they are about as durable as you’ll need – as long as you take care of them. 

 

Folding Design

The ATH-R70x do not fold, since they’re meant to stay in one place for the most part. Another downside is the lack of swiveling ear cups. 

They’re light enough that you can do some single ear monitoring but there are better options if that’s a deciding factor for you. 

Take a look at this in-depth review video to get a better look:

Prices may vary, use the button below to see current price

The Final Verdict – Yes, or No?

You might be new to open back headphones, maybe you’re an experienced vet. Either way, the Audio Technica ATH-R70x Professional Open-Back Reference Headphones are an awesome choice if you need a pair that you can keep in the studio for extra-detailed studio monitoring and mixing. 

Click the button below to see more customer reviews and the current asking price. 

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10. Sennheiser HD 8 DJ Headphones (Best Overall Pick)

Features & Specifications:

• Part of the Sennheiser Pro DJ Series
• Circumaural (over-ear) closed back ear cup design
• Includes 2 different cables – 3 m coiled/3 m straight
• The design allows for ambient noise isolation
• Includes velour ear pads + leatherette ear pads (for better comfort/ventilation during longer sessions)
• Build design utilizes noise isolation to block ambient noise
• 210 degree rotating (up) ear cups for single ear monitoring
• Headphone Impedance: 95 Ohms 
• Frequency Response: 8 Hz – 30 kHz
• Weight: 10 oz.

Sound Quality

The Sennheiser HD 8 has a sound signature puts emphasis on the lows/bass and highs/treble. They’re specifically tuned to perform at a high level during live performances and the studio setting. 

They also have a circumaural (over-ear) sound-isolating build design. It not only blocks outside noise but also protects your audio from leaking out. (Which is an important feature, mainly for use in a quiet setting around other people.)

Overall, they have a vast, expansive, and rich sound profile that’ll give you hours and hours of quality mixing/monitoring. 

 

Comfort

You’ll get 2 pairs of ear cushions when you purchase a pair of HD 8 headphones. One pair is covered with leatherette material, and the other pair is made of velour. 

The velour ear cushions are extremely breathable and comfy. Their build is designed to provide long-lasting comfort. Some users have had minor issues with slight discomfort after a few hours of use (then again, 2+ hours of extended comfort is far above average). 

Durability

Sennheiser is well known for making extremely durable headphones that also perform well in other areas. The hard shell carrying case will help keep your HD 8s in perfect working condition. The headphones alone, are constructed with premium metal-crafted reinforced materials. 

No matter how many times you need to use the swivel/folding features – your headphones will remain strongly intact. 

Folding Design

You can fold these up into a compact shape and tuck them away into the included protective hard shell case. They also have a 210­­° swivel feature. Rather than the more standard 90° forward-facing swivel – they flip behind your ear and up. You can see it demonstrated in the video below.

Check out this overview and unboxing video from Unbox Therapy:

Prices may vary, use the button below to see the current price

The Final Verdict – Best Overall Pick!

After analyzing all the features (+ some bonuses) the Sennheiser HD 8 DJ Headphones are by far our favorite overall pick. They will cost a bit more, but once you try them for yourself, you’ll see why. 

They have the best overall mix of pros, and the only con is a steeper price tag. If you’re serious about your live DJ performances, in-studio mixing, or just a casual listener – the HD 8s will elevate your sonic experience and exceed all expectations. 

You’d be doing yourself a disservice by not at least taking a closer look. Click the button below to check it’s current retail value and/or more customer reviews. 

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This Is The End – (Of Your Search For The Perfect Fit)

I hope you found these Best DJ Headphones For Mixing and Performing countdown helpful. You know our 2 favorite picks out of these 10 models, but what’s your favorite? Were there any pairs of headphones that you would add to this list?

I’m sure you’ll be satisfied with any pair you decide to pick. (This was a Best Of list after all, right?) If you’re not ready to decide, bookmark this page to revisit later, when you’ve made up your mind!

I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below! Feel free to ask a question or leave a comment below. I always do my best to respond as quickly as possible!

Sonic Elevation: Ride The Waves.