Are you a DJ on a tight budget? We have compiled a list of the TOP 10 Best Budget DJ Headphones to meet your DJing sound and bank balance needs.
The TOP 10 Best Budget DJ Headphones have been researched, tried and tested by users to bring you the best the market has to offer.
I know what you’re thinking. Is it really possible to get a great set of cans on a budget?
Yes! It absolutely is. As a DJ you want great quality sound from the downbeat to the break. You want to be able to hear the bass accurately for hardswaps, so trainwrecks don’t happen too frequently. What else is important when looking for a great set of cans on a budget?
Sound Quality
As a DJ you need headphones that deliver rich bass tones and can handle loud volumes. The mids and highs are also important and these need to be distortion free even at high volumes. A good frequency response is also going to be important to get that full spectrum, balanced sound. The size of the drivers will also play a part in the sound quality. Look for 40mm or above. All of those listed here as the best DJ headphones 2022 have drivers 40mm or above.
Comfort
You need headphones that allow hours of comfort, don’t make your ears sweaty and have good flexibility in the headband. Swivelling ear cups for one ear monitoring are also a must. The headphones listed below have different headband and ear cup designs, so you will need to choose the best fit for you. The weight is also important. The lighter they are, the more comfort you will get.
Sound Isolation
Over-ear headphones will provide sound isolation if they have a good seal. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is not common in DJ headphones and very difficult to get on a budget. There are some good brands with ANC, such as JBL, but you would be looking to spend around $200-$300 on those bad boys. None of those listed below use ANC technology, but they all offer good sound isolation.
Durability
Whether you are a pro or hobbyist you need your headphones to be able to take a knock or 2. It’s possible to get sturdy build quality within a budget. The Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5-S on this list are the most durable after passing the U.S Military Standard Shock Test. And they cost under $100.
Introducing the TOP 10 Best Budget DJ Headphones!
These have been researched, tried and tested by users to bring you the best the market has to offer.
The Best Premium Budget DJ Headphones | Best Budget Headphones for DJing | The Most Widely Compatible DJ Headphones |
1. Audio-Technica ATH-M30X
If you are looking for the best DJ headphones on a budget then Audio-Technica are a good place to start. For under $100 the ATH-M30X have everything you need for your DJing needs. With 40mm drivers and an excellent frequency range, you get great quality sound. The large over-ear design with a padded headband provides hours of comfort and good noise isolation. The extra long cable is great for DJing, but a pit of a pain for everyday use.
Specifications | Pros | Cons |
Driver Size: 40mm | Great frequency range | No ANC |
Frequency Range: 15Hz-22kHz | Foldable, portable design | Exposed wires |
Cable Type: Straight | Comfortable fit | |
Cable Length: 117″ (297cm) | Great noise isolation | |
Plug Size: 1/8″, 1/4″ adapter
Replaceable Cable: No |
Solid build quality | |
Foldable: Yes | ||
Weight: 0.49 lbs. (222 grams) |
2. Shure SRH440A
The Shure SRH440A headphones offer a more transparent, natural and accurate sound profile than the Audio Technica ATH-M30X. The frequency response range goes a little lower, but the drivers are the same 40mm neodymium drivers. In terms of fit and style, these provide more padding in the ear cups and headband for increased comfort. As a result, you will find the noise isolation a little better as well. The cable on these Shure headphones is basically the same length as the Audio-Technica ATH-M30X, but this one is detachable. So, on days when you want to use these for something other than Djing, you could use another cable with less length. In terms of price, these are around $20 more than Audio-Technica, but that’s not a lot extra to pay for the best DJ headphones on a budget.
Specifications | Pros | Cons |
Driver Size: 40mm | Excellent sound quality | No ANC |
Frequency Range: 10Hz – 22kHz | Durable design | |
Cable Type: Straight | Detachable cable | |
Cable Length: 9.8ft. (298cm) | Foldable, portable design | |
Plug Size: 1/8″ plug, 1/4″ adapter | ||
Replaceable Cable: Yes | ||
Foldable: Yes | ||
Weight: 0.6 lbs. (272 grams) |
3. Behringer HPX2000
The Behringer HPX2000 are the best DJ headphones under $100 without question. For under $20 you get high-definition bass, super transparent highs and ultra-wide dynamic range. The design is padded and comfortable with reversible ear cups, and a foldable style for transportation. Despite the price, these headphones are not cheaply made. The cable is made from oxygen-free copper and designed to resist tangling. The cable on the Behringer HPX2000’s is significantly shorter than the other 2 above. But the headphones have a ¼ ” TRS adapter for the 1⁄8″ TRS connector for ultimate compatibility with other cables and devices.
Specifications | Pros | Cons |
Driver Size: 40mm | Sound quality is great for the price | The design may not be as sturdy as more expensive headphones. |
Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz | Foldable design with reversible ear cups | |
Cable Type: Straight | ||
Cable Length: 72″ (183cm) | ||
Plug Size: 1/8″, 1/4″ adapter | ||
Replaceable Cable: No | ||
Foldable: Yes | ||
Weight: 0.68 lbs. (308 grams) |
4. Sony MDR-7506
These Sony MDR-7506 are professional studio monitor headphones, so are higher quality than the others above, but the price is still under $100. The bass response is warm, mids are clear and highs are soft, giving a nice balanced sound. The design provides a good level of comfort and the large ear pads help to isolate sound. They also deliver some level of resistance to sweat, which is great for long DJing sessions out or at home. If you are looking for the best DJ headphones 2022, then these should be top of your list.
Specifications | Pros | Cons |
Driver Size: 40mm | Detailed sound | Do not offer as much padding so not as comfortable as other brands |
Cable Type: Coiled | Long, coiled cable. | |
Cable Length: 117″ (297cm) | Sweat resistant, swivelling ear cups. | |
Plug Size: 1/8″, 1/4″ adapter | ||
Replaceable Cable: No | ||
Foldable: Yes | ||
Weight: 0.5 lbs. (227 grams) |
5. AKG K72
These AKG K72 headphones are one of the best DJ headphones on a budget. They are under $100, provide good sound and a comfortable fit and design. The drivers produce sensitive, yet powerful sound and the frequency response range provides the detail. Due to their low impedance these headphones are as good with your professional DJ equipment as they are with your phone. The earpads are breathable and lightweight so you can be confident that your ears won’t suffer from too much pressure or heat build-up.
Specifications | Pros | Cons |
Driver Size: 40mm | Design | Sound is not balanced with pronounced mids and weak bass. |
Frequency Range: 16Hz – 20kHz | Long cable | Quite bulky and not foldable |
Cable Type: Straight | Great value for money | |
Cable Length: 117″ (297cm) | Great noise isolation | |
Plug Size: 1/8″, 1/4″ adapter | Self-adjusting hammock headband | |
Replaceable Cable: No | ||
Foldable: No | ||
Weight: 0.4 lbs. (181 grams) |
6. LyxPro HAS-10
The LyxPro HAS-10 are designed for professionals looking for comfort and reliability on a budget. The aluminium ear shells seal in the sound and minimise sound leakage, making them the best DJ headphones under $100. The leather earpads and headband provide a comfortable fit for long periods of use. The 180-degree rotatable ear cups allow for single-ear listening, perfect for mixing. The LyxPro have larger 45mm drivers, an extended frequency response and a 98dB sensitivity rating giving you undistorted sound, even at full volume.
Specifications | Pros | Cons |
Driver Size: 45mm | Loud sound with little distortion even at top volume | Tight fit |
Frequency Range: 10Hz – 26kHz | Secure seal for minimum sound leakage | |
Cable Type: Straight | Sturdy build | |
Cable Length: 117″ (297cm) | ||
Plug Size: 1/8″ plug, 1/4″ adapter | ||
Replaceable Cable: No | ||
Foldable: No | ||
Weight: 0.65 lbs. (295 grams) |
7. Tascam TH-02
The Tascam TH-02 deliver sound quality of headphones 3 times the price. With pristine, rich and balanced sound produced by the 50mm drivers, and great frequency sensitivity you wouldn’t know these headphones cost under $50. For such a cheap price you wouldn’t expect great comfort, right? Wrong! Tascam have designed these with cushioned ear pads and a padded headband for hours of use. The foldable design and 90-degree rotating ear cups offer flexibility and portability, but the ear cups are a little small so may not provide sufficient noise isolation for those of you with bigger ears.
Specifications | Pros | Cons |
Driver Size: 50mm | Foldable design | Small ear cups |
Frequency Range: 18Hz-22Khz | Good sound quality | Cheap feeling build quality |
Cable Type: Straight | Great for bass | |
Cable Length: 117″ (297cm) | ||
Plug Size: 1/8″, 1/4″ adapter | ||
Replaceable Cable: No | ||
Foldable: Yes | ||
Weight: 0.5 lbs. (227 grams) |
8. Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5-S
Pioneer have designed these headphones following feedback and analysis from professional DJs. They feature 40mm drivers that deliver high-quality audio, providing distortion-free monitoring, even at high volume. The ear cups have a swivel mechanism for one sided listening, and because these headphones have passed the U.S Military Standard Shock Test, you won’t need to worry about knocks during transport. These headphones have been designed to reduce pressure on your head, while maintaining a secure fit.
Specifications | Pros | Cons |
Driver Size: 40mm | Come in black or silver | Noise cancellation is almost non-existent |
Frequency Range: 5Hz – 30kHz | Durable build | Cord gets tangled easily |
Cable Type: Coiled | ||
Cable Length: 70”(180 cm) | ||
Plug Size: 1/8″ plug, 1/4″ adapter | ||
Replaceable Cable: Yes | ||
Foldable: Yes | ||
Weight: 0.59 lbs. (269 grams) |
9.Sennheiser HD 25 Lite
The Sennheiser HD 25 Lite are designed for professional monitoring. They deliver excellent sound reproduction with rich bass tones and lifted treble. They also provide excellent noise isolation. They can handle high levels of sound pressure and contain lightweight aluminium voice coils for high sensitivity. The design is ultra-lightweight and flexible with soft ear cushions for ultimate comfort. The cable is shorter than other brands on this list, but this just means less chance of tangling. You won’t be disappointed with the build quality- these are made for everyday use and to take a few knocks here and there.
Specifications | Pros | Cons |
Driver Size: 40mm | Rugged build quality | Feel a little cheap |
Frequency Range: 16 Hz-22kHz | Lightweight | Short cable |
Cable Type: Straight | ||
Cable Length: 59” (149 cm) | ||
Plug Size: 1/8″ plug, 1/4″ adapter | ||
Replaceable cable: Yes | ||
Foldable: No | ||
Weight: 0.26lbs. (120g) |
10.Bopmen Over Ear Headphones
Looking for the best DJ headphones on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice on quality? Then these are for you. The 40mm drivers provide clear, confident sound with strong bass, pristine vocals and clear treble. The design is high quality and padded for maximum comfort and noise isolation. The headband is flexible and self-adjusting so you will barely notice the headphones. Bopmen have added the additional feature of a jack lock system, so you don’t need to worry about connection problems. Another nice feature is a 3.5 mm cable and another 6.35mm cable that can be connected simultaneously to 2 devices, and this will be transmitted to your ears at the same time.
Specifications | Pros | Cons |
Driver size: 40mm | Foldable design | Build quality is what you would expect from the price. |
Frequency Range: Not stated | Good sound quality | |
Cable Type: Straight | Great value for money | |
Cable Length: 47” (119 cm) | ||
Plug size: 1/8” plug, 1/4″ adapter | ||
Replaceable cable: Yes | ||
Foldable: Yes | ||
Weight: 0.84 lbs. (381 grams) |
FAQs
What headphones should I get for DJing?
The TOP 10 best headphones for DJing are:
- Audio-Technica ATH-M30X
- Shure SRH440A
- Behringer HPX2000
- Sony MDR-7506
- AKG K72
- LyxPro HAS-10
- Tascam TH-02
- Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5-S
- Sennheiser HD 25 Lite
- Bopmen Over Ear Headphones
Are wireless headphones good for DJing?
Yes. Wireless Bluetooth headphones with low latency are good for DJing. Many Djs prefer to use wired headphones because of a more stable connection and zero latency. But Bluetooth technology is so good now that you can achieve close to zero latency with wireless headphones for DJing.
Why do DJs use Beats Headphones?
Beats Headphones are used widely by DJs because they provide good sound replication. They can be slightly bassy, but this doesn’t stop them from being a great choice for DJing. Their noise cancellation technology is some of the best so as a DJ you can concentrate on the music, and nothing else.
Can you DJ with Airpods?
The Apple Airpods Max are Apple’s contribution to over-ear headphones. They have a great sound profile, excellent ANC technology and offer good low latency connectivity. They also can be used in wired mode for DJs.
If you are are looking for the best earbuds for small ears, we have compiled an fantastic list of options here best earbuds for small ears.
If you are looking for the best DJ headphones 2022 on a budget, then look no further than our list above. All of them offer good sound quality, comfort and durability at low prices to match most budgets. They do offer different features, styles, sound profiles and designs so you will have no issue finding something to match your DJing needs.
Are you having trouble pairing your Bluetooth headphones to your Android phone? Check out our step-by-step guide here connecting bluetooth headphones to android.