The Best Headphones for DJs
and recommendations Everything Else
In addition to playlists, from time to time I like to branch out and write reviews of gear I love. I only do this for products I can stand behind 100%, and that I have tested for hundreds of hours. My first article was on my favorite DJ backpack. Only one piece of gear has failed me more often than my packs over the years. Through hard use I have DESTROYED so many pairs of headphones, and only one set has withstood the test of time. DJs are FULL of opinions, and when it comes to headphones, there are multiple brands and styles people love. Over the years, I have tried out every size, style, and brand with varying degrees of success. Headphones are relatively expensive, and relatively fragile. You can go ahead and skip to my favorite pair here if you don’t want to read the whole article.
Why should you trust me?
For 16 years as a professional DJ, I have been drunkenly abusing my headphones with reckless abandon. They get thrown in puddles of beer, stepped on, played at a ridiculous volumes while clipping, and smashed in the bottom of my DJ bag. I play in loud clubs where I need headphones that can be heard over the club system, and I require the clarity to beat match and pick out the highs, mids, and lows.
The Losers
Although I love them, I have broken more pairs of AIAIAI headphones. The headband tends to snap in the center, and they have other durability problems as well. I love the way they fit, sound, and perform outside of this issue, but they’re too expensive to continually have durability problems.
The Winning Pair
Hands down the best headphones I have ever used are Sennheiser HD25 Plus Earphones. (The regular models are also great).
Why Do We Love Sennheiser’s?
First off, these headphones put up with abuse. When these headphones do break, they are easy to repair. You can replace the cords, ear pads, and and band foam. I suspect there other replacement parts, but these are the easy parts I have replaced myself. I started using these headphones around 2015, and I now have 3 pairs. I like that they are lightweight, do not cover my ears, and are very flexible. While I would recommend other headphones for studio or home use, these are great for DJs. Grab them here on Amazon.
What Headphones are Best for Daily Use?
Keep it simple. The Airpod Pro II earbuds are great, and I see no reason to get other headphones. If you like full size headphones, it is tough to beat the Airpod Max.
Best Headphones for the Studio?
When reference level audio quality is important, I stand behind the Focal Professional Studio Headphones. They sound incredible, I find them very comfortable, and they provide excellent noise isolation. These are the most expensive headphones I recommend. Beyond this, you are unlikely to notice any real results. These headphones are great for frequent ant intense use over long periods of time.
What Headphones Do You Love and Why?
I’m always open to trying out new gear! Tell me in the comments which headphones are your favorite.