Best Budget DJ Headphones In 2024

Want to get into DJing but are worried about the cost of DJ headphones? You’re not alone. We believe price shouldn’t be a barrier to enjoying DJing, so in this guide, we dive in and reveal the leading budget DJ headphones so you can get started DJing without massive cost.

Our Editor’s Choice is the Audio-Technica ATH-M30X. Audio-Technica is a well-respected brand, and this budget pair of DJ headphones offers excellent comfort and dynamic sound.

We are passionate about all things related to music. Our site features extensive gear guides, reviews, and handy tips for DJs, studio producers, and live performers. Backing this up is over 15 years of experience.

The research phase for this guide was immense. We evaluated over 100 candidates in the crowded budget market to arrive at a premium list of candidates. Next on our agenda was to whittle this list further via rigorous testing to arrive at the top choices you can buy today.

Product Reviews

With some fantastic options available there has never been a better time to pick up a set of headphones. Check out our list of the best headphones for DJing if you’re on a budget.

Audio-Technica ATH-M30X Review

Specifications

Pros

• Satisfying Sound Profile – Large frequency response range. Lows are punchy and the mids are clean. A little tinniness in the high end but still outstanding for the price.
• Compact Collapsible Design – Folds up into a small compact profile. Easily slips into the supplied carry pouch. Makes them an excellent option for travel.
• High Comfort Level – Ear cups are comfortable and sit cleanly around the ear. Headband also offers a good level of padding for increased comfort.
• Excellent Isolation – Passive noise isolation is excellent on these DJ headphones. Allows you to focus on your mix and also prevents sound leakage.

Cons

• Exposed Wires – I’m always nervous when I see exposed wires as these are often prone to accidental damage.

Audio-Technica makes some of the best DJ headphones. The ATH-M30X is an excellent option in their line-up. Build quality is above average at this price point. The durable hard plastic can take a fair bit of punishment.

The long cable is both great and bad depending on how you intend on using them. Not ideal for your daily commute but handy when DJing. These headphones also offer strong isolation that is ideal for DJing.

If you are on a tight budget the Audio-Technica ATH-M30X is an excellent pair of headphones for DJing.

Read our full Audio-Technica ATH-M30x review for more detailed information.

Mackie MC-100 Review

Specifications

Pros

• Punchy Bass – The MC-100 delivers plenty of low-end to satisfy bass lovers. Kicks are punchy and bass is warm. Great for beatmatching.
• Excellent Price Point – These come in at a very reasonable price point. The balance between performance and price is spot-on.
• Comfortable Fit – Headband padding is soft and the ear cups offer plenty of room. The lightweight frame combines with a stable and secure clamping force that isn’t excessive.
• Durable Construction – Despite a full plastic build, these headphones don’t feel cheap and flimsy. Robust and capable of handling frequent use.

Cons

• Hard Wired Cable – The cable is not detachable which might be a dealbreaker for some people. You’ll have to step up in price in the MC lineup to get detachable cables.

The Mackie MC-100 is an excellent budget pair of DJ headphones. Perfectly positioned at the entry-level of the MC series these pack a powerful punch without sacrificing too much in terms of build quality.

The sound profile is bass-heavy with a distinct recess in the mids and highs. Great for DJing and enjoying bass-focused genres. But if you want a more balanced sound profile you’ll need to look elsewhere.

There is a lot to like about these headphones. Clean and smart design. An affordable price point. And a meaty sound that satisfies. One of the best budget DJ cans on the market.

Behringer HPX2000 Review

Specifications

Pros

• Good Sound – For the price this pair of headphones deliver. Bass tones are clean, Mids are pleasant and the highs are crisp.
• Excellent Value – One of the cheapest set of headphones available. At this price point, you’d expect poor sound and features but that’s not the case here.
• Foldable – The ear cups fold into the band for compact transport.
• Good Comfort Level – Ear cups are comfortable and the head grip is just right. While the padding is good the thin coating will flake off after consistent use.

Cons

• Not Very Attractive – At a distance, these look okay but as you get closer the silver finish is not the best.

At first glance, you’d think the Behringer HPX2000 would be a very bad pair of DJ headphones. The price is so low that even I wasn’t expecting much from them. But, I was pleasantly surprised at how good these are.

Sound quality is great and even gives DJ headphones 5 times the price a run for their money. Don’t get me wrong these are not super high end but at this price, it’s really hard to fault these. An impressive set of headphones for DJing.

The best choice for DJs and producers on a small budget.

512 Audio Academy Review

Specifications

Pros

• Clear Audio Delivery – Excellent clarity across the whole frequency range. Clean delivery of low frequencies for minimal boominess.
• Excellent Comfort Level – Secure fit that is both stable and comfortable. Padding on the headband and earcups is high-quality.
• Fantastic Accessories – Two cables along with an adapter. The included hardshell case offers premium protection for your headphones.
• Good Quality Components – Despite an all-plastic build these headphones feel robust and utilize high-quality components.

Cons

• Simplistic Appearance – Nothing groundbreaking when it comes to design. Plain black with some logo accents but it does look clean and professional.

The 512 Audio Academy closed-back studio monitoring headphones are an excellent choice for content creators. The excellent isolation and comfortable fit are perfect features for DJs that stream.

These also offer fantastic value for money with a range of included accessories. Extra features like detachable cable and 90-degree swivel earcups make these a versatile pair of headphones.

Despite a lackluster appearance, these headphones are among the best budget DJ headphones available.

Read our full 512 Audio Academy review for more detailed information.

Sony MDR-7506 Review

Specifications

Pros

• Detailed Sound – Bass response is warm and pleasant, mids are clean without muddiness and the highs don’t deliver any harshness. Impressive balance across frequencies.
• Hybrid Design – Offering an excellent balanced output while maintaining good isolation. A good choice for DJing and producing.
• Excellent Ear Cups – Comfortable and roomy. These earpads also offer some level of resistance to sweat. The cups also swivel which is great for one-ear monitoring.
• Long Cord – The cable is long. It may appear overly long but it’s a coiled design. It offers you the flexibility to stand a good distance away from your gear.

Cons

• Upper Budget Level – These are not as cheap as other headphones on this list. However, the jump in price does deliver on both the build quality and sound front.

The Sony MDR-7506 headphones are a great choice if you can stretch your budget that little bit further. The excellent audio profile makes these a solid option for the production-orientated DJ.

The build quality is also a step up from the other budget options. The fit is comfortable but a little firm. People with larger heads may find the clamping force a little uncomfortable for longer DJ/listening sessions.

They are pushing the limits of price when it comes to budget headphones. But, the ability to use these for both DJing and producing offers exceptional value.

Read our full Sony MDR-7506 review for more detailed information.

AKG K72 Review

Specifications

Pros

• Comfortable Design – The headband is very comfortable and the ear pads do an excellent job to encase your ear. Great for long listening/DJing sessions.
• Good Value – AKG makes some excellent headphones and this affordable pair is aggressively priced. Good value for money.
• Long Cable – At nearly 10 feet (3 meters) the cable gives you plenty of flexibility to move around.
• Solid Isolation – The closed-back design and firm over-ear coverage give these headphones good isolation. A much need feature in DJ headphones.

Cons

• Bass is Weak – The mids are more pronounced at the expense of the lows. If you enjoy bass-heavy music these headphones will disappoint.

The AKG K72 is a solid pair of DJ headphones. The headband and ear pads make them one of the most comfortable headphones on this list. Build quality is also good while maintaining a very low weight.

Where it does fall short is in the sound profile. Not horrible but certainly not balanced. Mids are very forward creating an imbalance.

Despite the less than stellar sound, the K72 is a cheap pair of headphones with a lot going for them.

Sennheiser HD 200 PRO Review

Specifications

Pros

• Fun V-Shaped Sound – The HD 200 PRO emphasizes the bass and treble to deliver an engaging and lively sound profile that is great for DJing and casual listening.
• Impressive Isolation – With up to 32dB of sound isolation these headphones do a great job of passively blocking exterior noise.
• Attractive Design – With a unique ear cup design, these headphones draw the eye without looking overly tacky. Clean and simple with just enough flair.
• Great For Long Sessions – The soft padding and low weight make these very comfortable to wear over extended periods. The clamping force is also secure but not too tight.

Cons

• Non-Detachable Cable – As with many budget headphones the cable is hardwired. If this cord is damaged you’ll need to buy new headphones.

While the marketing for the Sennheiser HD 200 PRO is aimed at studio professionals the sound signature is far more suited to DJing and casual listening. Punchy bass and clear highs.

The build quality is reasonable for headphones at this price point but they don’t offer as much value and versatility as some other choices. They don’t collapse and the cable is hardwired.

Despite a few minor issues, these headphones are among the best budget DJ headphones available.

Read our full Sennheiser HD 200 PRO review for more detailed information.

LyxPro HAS-10 Review

Specifications

Pros

• Loud Output – These headphones can deliver on the volume front. Hitting 96dB they are loud enough for DJing.
• No Distortion – Considering how loud these get it’s great to see that the audio quality isn’t hampered. Clean and clear when pushed to their limit. Excellent to prevent ear fatigue.
• Good Construction – Solid build quality throughout. from the padded headband to the aluminum components.
• Minimal Bleed – Sound leakage is practically non-existent.

Cons

• Comfort Could Be Better – Earpads are not the best. This tight fit leads to discomfort when using them for extended listening sessions.

The LyxPro HAS-10 is a loud powerhouse pair of headphones. Isolation is decent and leakage is minimal. The loud volume allows you to focus on your mix.

Sound quality is reasonable but does vary. For example, piano elements come across as a little muddy. For the price, the build quality is also good. I don’t expect them to last a lifetime but they do offer good value for money.

A good all-round option for DJs that want cheap but loud headphones.

Tascam TH-02 Review

Specifications

Pros

• Good Sound Quality – Remarkably decent for a pair of DJ headphones that are this cheap. The mids are clean and the highs also deliver.
• Foldable Design – These fold down into a compact form. But, there is no included bag.
• Nice Low End – Low end is warm and satisfying. Good for lovers of bass-heavy music.

Cons

• Small Ear Cups – The small ear cups don’t offer much in the way of comfort or isolation.
• Cheap Feeling – Plastic creaks and feels low quality. The attached cable will eventually wear at the connection.

The Tascam TH-02 is another aggressively cheap pair of headphones. The price point is evident in the build quality but it is hard to expect too much considering how affordable they are. Well suited as a backup pair of headphones that deliver on the sound front.

They are foldable and reasonably comfortable. But, isolation is a little poor. If it wasn’t for the pleasant bass response it would be hard to recommend these to DJs.

If you need a super cheap set of DJ headphones these are worth considering due to the solid sound quality.

Read our full Tascam TH-02 review for more detailed information.

Our Expert Buying Guide

Striking the balance between quality and price is a challenge. Here are some things to consider when buying cheap DJ headphones.

Sound Quality

If you are a DJ you’ll want headphones that offer a deep low end along with lots of loudness. Having pleasant mids and highs is also important. You’ll likely have the headphones blasting at a high level so you don’t want to have to suffer through tinny highs or muddy mids. Good frequency response is essential for enjoyable DJing.

If you also produce music aim for a neutral sounding set of headphones that maintain a good balance. This allows for more accurate monitoring.

Using DJ Headphones

You’ll likely have seen the classic image of a DJ listening and preparing their mix with one side of their headphones. This allows you to beatmatch and prepare the transition to the next track. DJ headphones that offer a durable headband respond best to this type of use.

Good quality DJ headphones allow you to mix comfortably for hours.

Comfort is also important when it comes to headphones. DJs often perform for several hours. This is in addition to the amount of practice time you’ll rack up. You’ll want a pair of headphones that are comfortable to wear. This will allow you to mix for hours.

Durability

DJ headphones get put through a lot of punishment. To cut costs you’ll find that components are below average. Avoid exposed wires and plastic hinges as much as possible. These tend to be the first things that will break on your headphones.

Earcup padding is another component that often shows the first signs of wear and tear. Lower quality padding will mean this happens sooner.

Solid padding is essential for both comfort and durability.

The attached cables also run the risk of breaking early. One good accidental tug and the wires will suffer damage.

As with a lot of things the more you take care of your gear the longer it will last. Even then don’t expect budget DJ headphones to last you a lifetime.

Good Budget Headphones Vs Premium

Striking the balance between price and quality is very difficult. In most cases, more expensive headphones will deliver better sound quality and components. But, there are also overpriced headphones out there. If you pay extra attention to the details you can pick up good cheap DJ headphones that won’t break your budget.

FAQ

Can You DJ Without Headphones?

While you can mix without headphones they allow you to prepare and listen to your upcoming mix. This makes headphones an essential component for executing engaging and clean DJ mixes.

Can You Use Any Headphones For DJing?

You can use all types of headphones for DJing. But, DJ specific headphones do give you some added benefits. They have deeper bass, noise isolation, swivelling earcups, and collapsible designs.

You can use any headphones for DJing but proper DJ headphones offer more features.

What Are DJ Headphones Good For?

You can use DJ headphones for a variety of things beyond DJing. Due to the excellent sound isolation, they are great for commuting and travel. The deeper low-end response is also satisfying if you like bass-heavy music.

Which One Is Best For Beginners?

There are plenty of good choices available in the budget category. But there is one that stands out as the best of the bunch.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M30X delivers excellent value. The feature set is solid and the build quality is good enough to handle the rigors of regular DJing. An impressive set of headphones at an affordable price. This makes them the best beginner DJ headphones currently available.

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