Arguably the most important piece of gear in your DJ setup is what you’re wearing: your headphones. In addition to the right DJ controller and/or turntables for your needs, as well as any other essential gear in your rig, like USB stick and a reliable laptop loaded with the right software and music library—having the ideal set of DJ headphones gives you what you need to hear, and how you want to hear it. From pivotal DJ-friendly features like swiveling and noise-isolating earcups, to sonic characteristics like frequency response that slices through stage volume, taking the time to methodically match with a suitable set of DJ cans is a worthwhile investment of your attention.

Table of Contents

Comparing the Top DJ Headphones
The Best Headphones for DJing
   AlphaTheta HDJ-F10
   Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
   Gemini DJX-200
   Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5
   Pioneer DJ HDJ-X7
   Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10
   Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1
   Reloop RHP-10 Mono
   Sennheiser HD 25
   Sony MDR-7506
Get the Right Headphones for Your Next Gig

Comparing the Top DJ Headphones

Headphones	Driver Size	Frequency Response	Weight, Without Cable	Wireless or Cabled
AlphaTheta HDJ-F10	40 mm	5Hz–30kHz	12.56 oz	SonicLink, Bluetooth 5.2 and detachable cable
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x	45 mm	15Hz–28kHz	10 oz	Detachable cable; Bluetooth 5.0-enabled model available
Gemini DJX-200	40 mm	15Hz–20kHz	7.23 oz	Cabled
Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5	40 mm	5Hz–30kHz	9.49 oz	Detachable cable; Bluetooth 4.2-enabled model available
Pioneer DJ HDJ-X7	50 mm	5Hz–30kHz	11 oz	Detachable cable
Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10	50 mm	5Hz–40kHz	11.57 oz	Detachable cable
Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1	40 mm	5Hz–30kHz	7.58 oz	Detachable cable; Bluetooth 5.0-enabled model available
Reloop RHP-10 Mono	50 mm	30Hz–30kHz	8.68 oz	Detachable cable (XLR to 1/4")
Sennheiser HD 25	41 mm	16Hz–22kHz	4.94 oz	Detachable cable
Sony MDR-7506	40 mm	10Hz–20kHz	8.1 oz	Cabled

Best Headphones for DJing

To cut through the noise, we’ve curated this breakdown of the best DJ headphones available, from beginner-friendly standards to sets brimming with higher-end technical sophistication. They all have a few things in common, making them solid choices from the second you hit the decks. For starters, they all feature closed-back earcups—a must for minimum sound isolation in a live setting—and include cables as well as 1/4" connections. Ultimately, it’s your ears, preferences and performance setting that will decide which contestant wins this battle.

AlphaTheta HDJ-F10

Why They’re Cool: These cutting-edge cans are among the first professional-grade wireless headphones for DJing, featuring ultralow latency SonicLink technology, DJ-friendly design and all the high-volume clarity you need.

Things to Consider:

• SonicLink wireless has exceptionally low latency and high-quality audio suitable for pro DJing, unlike Bluetooth in its current form
• Unless you’ve got SonicLink-enabled gear, like the AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ, you’ll need the HP-TX01 transmitter to take advantage of its SonicLink capability
• Very robust over-ear build, and they come with a carrying bag instead of the standard old-school Pioneer DJ-style hard case

Pictured: AlphaTheta HDJ-F10 Wireless DJ Headphones

Representing the high end of the spectrum, AlphaTheta HDJ-F10 DJ headphones boast the very latest and greatest in wireless tech. The makers of Pioneer DJ gear engineered these to have superior sound isolation to their flagship HDJ-X10 headphones, in addition to active noise cancelling. And the thoughtful design extends to ergonomics, including easily accessible controls and a forward-facing headband with sweat-resistant mesh fabric similar to that used in athletic jerseys. They’re also a fantastic choice for casual day-to-day listening, hosting Bluetooth 5.2 wireless and even a cabled connection for when the wireless super speed of SonicLink isn’t needed.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

Why They’re Cool: A massively popular studio staple, these headphones are both excellent monitors for DJing, tracking and mixing, as well as fun to listen to when rocking out to your favorite tunes.

Things to Consider:

• Mostly flat frequency response with a slightly boosted low end
• Comfortable, collapsible design makes them great for traveling to the gig
• Detachable straight and coiled cables, plus 1/4" adapter and carrying pouch included

Pictured: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Closed-Back Professional Headphones

Another recording studio mainstay is the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. Compared to their less expensive studio-standard counterpart Sony MDR-7506, M50x headphones provide a burlier low end (though still have a relatively flat frequency curve), and add a bit more isolation as well. Their 90-degree swiveling ear cups and road-reliable resilience make them an attractive choice for DJs.

There’s also a version with a gorgeous all-white finish, the ATH-M50xWH—and, if you want wireless freedom, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 gives you all the benefits of the wired version, plus Bluetooth 5.0 and A-T Connect app compatibility for even more control of your sound.

Gemini DJX-200

Why They’re Cool: Far and away the most affordable headphones in this guide, these are the perfect fit for beginning and budget-conscious DJs.

Things to Consider:

• Soft ear pads make these comfortable to wear for hours on end
• They don’t fold up, but do have an adjustable headband
• Non-detachable straight cable

Pictured: Gemini DJX-200 DJ Headphones

Extremely budget-friendly, Gemini DJX-200 headphones give you the no-nonsense bare essentials to get you started on your DJing journey. While they don’t offer the accessories and collapsible form factor that many of the others do, they still pack industry-standard-size 40 mm dynamic drivers and an over-ear design that make them a solid entry-level choice for DJ headphones.

Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5

Why They’re Cool: You can get legendary Pioneer DJ-quality build and sound for an accessible price.

Things to Consider:

• With their streamlined design, they fold up nicely in between sets
• Readily available replacement parts mean your headphones will last for years
• Coiled detachable cable, 1/4" adapter and carrying pouch included

Pictured: Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5 DJ Headphones

With their stellar reputation, Pioneer DJ needs no introduction to the DJ community—though the HDJ-X5 headphones offer a first-rate intro to the world of DJing. They’re lightweight (yet isolate impressively), can be worn for long periods with ease and assert strong low end.

While also available with Bluetooth (as the HDJ-X5BT), they’re best kept only for casual listening—even minor latency can disrupt beatmatching. Special request: Always stick to the wired option instead of Bluetooth for DJing purposes.

Pioneer DJ HDJ-X7

Why They’re Cool: Pioneer DJ took feedback from their previous models to ensure these wield all the pristine, high SPL you need, plus an extremely rugged build.

Things to Consider:

• 4-core twisted-structure cable gives you exceptional L/R channel separation
• Passed the U.S. Military Standard Shock Test—they can handle a beating
• Detachable straight and coiled cables, plus carrying pouch included

Pictured: Pioneer DJ HDJ-X7 DJ Headphones

The mid-range Pioneer DJ offering in this guide, and the HDJ series on the whole, is the HDJ-X7. Endowed with a balanced frequency range and bass-reflex chambers, X7 was designed for DJs who like tight, controlled sound with some oomph in their cans. Metal components, a flexible headband with robust swivels and MIL-SPEC durability are proof Pioneer DJ engineered HDH-X7 for prolonged gigging enjoyment.

Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10

Why They’re Cool: At the top of the Pioneer DJ headphones heap, these deliver the very best in sound and durability.

Things to Consider:

• Long-lasting build, thanks to state-of-the-art nano coating and rigorous testing
• Superior right- and left-channel separation
• Coiled and straight cables, plus threaded 1/4" adapter and carrying case included

Pictured: Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 DJ Headphones

The priciest Pioneer DJ pick—if we’re not counting their AlphaTheta-rebranded HDJ-F10—in this list is their flagship HDJ-X10. They boast the widest frequency range of the pack, theoretically beyond the range of human hearing (which is typically 20Hz–20kHz), from an earth-rumbling 5Hz to an astronomical 40kHz. This gives you all the thump and sheen (and everything in between) your ears could possibly relish. A testament to their rugged dependability, the HDJ-X10 passed the rigorous U.S. Military Standard Shock Test, a confidence-inspiring omen for any abuse you may put it through over the years. Their nano-coated finish ensures easy cleaning and a look as luxurious as their sound.

Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1

Why They’re Cool: The most affordable Pioneer DJ phones on the list, these take their cues from their bigger sibling, the HDJ-X5, dishing out low-end thump and crystal-clear highs in a compact, sturdy design.

Things to Consider:

• All moving parts on the CUE1 have passed Pioneer DJ’s demanding in-house durability tests
• Ear cups turn a full 90º, letting you comfortably monitor your way
• Customizable in various colors, via the HC-CP08 accessory pack for HDJ-CUE1

Pictured: Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 DJ Headphones

For budget-conscious DJs, as well as those who prefer the stress-free experience of not taking expensive gear with them from gig to gig, Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 headphones punch well above their weight. They’ve got a flexible, compact form factor, and pack all the full-frequency oomph you need for your sets.

If you want something you can also casually listen to untethered, check out the HDJ-CUE1BT DJ headphones with Bluetooth, which include a removable cable for your latency-free DJing needs.

Reloop RHP-10 Mono

Why They’re Cool: The only mono headphone in this article, it sports an ergonomically padded handle and swivel-mounted ear cup—purpose-built for fast cueing in loud environments.

Things to Consider:

• Large neodymium driver makes sure your cues are heard loud and clear
• Sturdy XLR-to-1/4" coiled detachable cable with a right-angle connector
• Comes with a carrying bag

Pictured: Reloop RHP-10 One-Ear DJ Headphone

Made for quick and convenient monitoring in the booth, the handheld Reloop RHP-10 Mono one-ear DJ headphone was built for the task. Its XLR-to-right-angle-1/4" connection—the only one of its kind in this guide—ensures a surefire connection no matter where you set it. With its durable build and sweat-resistant faux-leather ear pad, you can count on your fast-cueing workflow night after night.

Sennheiser HD 25

Why They’re Cool: Originally designed for TV crews, these have been eagerly adopted by the DJ community and long revered as industry-standard DJ headphones.

Things to Consider:

• By far the lightest headphones on this list, and the only on-ear set (the rest are over-ear)
• While they don’t fold up like many others, their low profile makes them easy to handle and transport
• Variants available, including a bundle with additional detachable cables, extra set of ear pads and a carrying pouch

Pictured: Sennheiser HD 25 DJ Headphones

Since the debut of the Sennheiser HD 25 in 1988, the design has hardly changed—and for good reason. Sporting a dual-splayed headband for an adjustable fit, these iconic cans are the only on-ear headphones on this list, making their crossfade from TV producer headphones to industry-standard DJ cans all the more spectacular. Bolstering impressive mid-frequency isolation, DJ-ideal maneuverability, honest frequency response and time-tested durability, it’s no wonder they’re a headphone juggernaut in the DJ world.

A couple variations of the HD 25 feature the same exact earcup and driver—therefore the same beautiful sound—but with some minor differences. These are the slightly less expensive HD 25 Light, which has a simplified, non-splayed headband design, and the identical HD 25 Plus, which only differs from the HD 25 in that it includes a bundle of additional detached coiled and straight cables, a set of ear cushions and a protective pouch.

Sony MDR-7506

Why They’re Cool: Since their release in 1991, these immensely popular studio-standard headphones have doubled as excellent DJ headphones.

Things to Consider:

• Deliver a transparent, flat frequency response
• A great choice if not looking for especially robust sound isolation
• Non-detachable coiled cable

Pictured: Sony MDR-7506 Professional Closed-Back Headphones

Absolute classics seen and heard in recording studios around the world, Sony MDR-7506 headphone monitors also make for superb DJ cans. High SPL (sound pressure level), flat frequency curve (accurate sound)—these are legendary studio headphones for a reason—and their easily bendable, pivotable and collapsible form factor are top reasons these 40 mm-driver headphones are such a great choice for DJs. Plus, in the unlikely event something breaks, replacement parts and repair technicians who are familiar with them—as well as the headphones themselves—are very easy to find.

Get the Right Headphones for Your Next Gig

Whether you’re starting from scratch or have completed 33 (or even 45) revolutions around the block as a working DJ, the time is always right to fine-tune your headphone game. As with the music itself, the best outcomes happen during a little experimentation … or a lot of it. If you want to hear for yourself, feel free to try each and any of these at your local Guitar Center, where our associates will be happy to assist you in your pursuit of the perfect DJ headphones for your needs.