The Best Headphones For EDM In 2024

Electronic Dance Music (EDM) features a heavy emphasis on bass. And if you love the genre as much as I do, you’ll want thumpy headphones to bring your favorite tunes to life. But not all headphones offer this, making selecting the right pair difficult.

After testing multiple options, we’ve compiled a definitive list of the leading choices. Our Editor’s Choice is the Sennheiser HD 25. It’s a staple for DJs worldwide but also perfect for enjoying EDM.

After over 15 years of experience in the music industry we have a keen eye for good gear which led to us creating this website which covers a wide array of gear, including guides and reviews for DJs, producers, and live performers.

This comprehensive guide involved extensive research and close consultation with industry experts. Then came the fun part of meticulously testing the leading choices to see which options are worthy of a spot on our list.

Product Reviews

There are several excellent options available if you want to enjoy electronic music. Many have earned their place due to their prevalence in DJ culture. Let’s check out some of the best DJ headphones.

Sennheiser HD 25 Review

Specifications

Pros

• Excellent Noise Cancellation – Distinct isolation reduces outside noise. This lets you enjoy your music without distraction.
• Durable Construction – Built tough from durable components. All parts are also replaceable in case you do accidentally break a component.
• Clear Sound Profile – Large frequency range with a good low end. Excellent quality for listening to EDM.
• Comfortable Fit – The on-ear design fits snug without applying too much pressure. Ear cups are plush and comfortable.

Cons

• On-Ear Design Not For Everyone – While they are comfortable some may prefer headphones that fully encase your ear.

The legendary HD 25 is a staple of DJs around the world. Known as a rugged and dependable pair of headphones. The excellent sound stage lends itself perfectly to EDM music. Rich low tones that deliver a clean punch. Distinct warm mids and tight highs round out the soundscape.

A dependable set of headphones that has proven itself year after year.

Read our full Sennheiser HD 25 review for more detailed information.

V-Moda Crossfade M-100 Review

Specifications

Pros

• High-Quality Materials – From the steel frame to the flexible headband the component quality is very high. A durable set of headphones.
• Minimal Sound Leakage – No need to worry about the people around you having to hear epic bass drops. Passive noise isolation is solid as well.
• Impressive Bass Response – Speaking of bass the low end is warm and deep. If you like bass-heavy music these will not disappoint.
• Customizable – You can customize the side panels with metal plates of varying colors. You can also order a set with your logo on them. Excellent for DJs that want to extend their branding.

Cons

• Tight Fit – The headphones are comfortable but the fit is on the tighter side. For people with large heads, they may not be ideal.

The V-Moda Crossfade M-100 is one of the most popular DJ headphones on the market. Bass response is clean without bleed thanks to the large 50mm dual-diaphragm drivers. Despite their bulky appearance they are lightweight and comfortable. The ability to customize them sets them apart from other standard headphones.

An excellent set of headphones that deliver fantastic audio quality.

Read our full V-Moda Crossfade M-100 review for more detailed information.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Review

Specifications

Pros

• Punchy Bass – EDM requires solid bass and these deliver in that area. Quality low end that doesn’t sound artificially boosted.
• Strong Audio Isolation – Keeps the outside world silent so that you can focus on enjoying your music. Also excellent for DJs.
• Collapsible Design – Folds down into a compact form and includes a carry pouch. Perfect for travel.
• Cable Selection – Choice of both straight and coiled in a range of lengths. Full flexibility to handle any situation.

Cons

• Not Balanced – These are DJ headphones with a pronounced emphasis on bass response. Excellent for lovers of bass but not ideal for audio purists.

The Audio Technica ATH-M50X is one of the best headphones for EDM. The pleasant and clean bass is perfect for dance music. Ear cups are comfortable and durable. High build quality adds to the appeal along with an excellent selection of included accessories.

If you love bass these headphones should be on your list of options.

Read our full Audio-Technica ATH-M50X review for more detailed information.

Mackie MC-350 Review

Specifications

Pros

• Clean Sound – Excellent response across all frequencies. Clear and satisfying for long listening sessions.
• Thick Ear Padding – Earpads provide plenty of isolation while maintaining a comfortable fit.
• Portable – Collapsible design and included carry pouch make these headphones a good choice for commuting.
• Meaty Low End – The depth in the low end is impressive. Warm with plenty of kick.

Cons

• In-Line Microphone – The in-line microphone on one of the cables is average at best.

The Mackie MC-350 is an impressive set of headphones. The clean audio response and satisfying low end make these a great choice for listening to EDM. Isolation is very capable and great for DJing sessions. The more neutral response also makes these a great option for studio work.

A well-priced pair of EDM headphones for DJs that want a neutral yet satisfying sound profile.

Read our full Mackie MC-350 review for more detailed information.

Sony MDR-7506 Review

Specifications

Pros

• Studio-Quality Sound – Excellent balance across all frequencies. Nice bass response, clean mids, and crisp highs.
• Affordable Price – While not a budget option these are still much cheaper than other similar headphones.
• Swivel Ear Cups – Excellent for DJs that like to monitor with one ear.
• Lightweight – The low weight improves comfort levels allowing for longer listening sessions.

Cons

• Non-Replaceable Cable – One coiled cable option without any choice for replacing them. But for most people, this won’t be an issue.

The Sony MDR-7506 is one of the best music production headphones on this list. The greater balance in audio quality makes them ideal for monitoring as well as general listening. These headphones are also very comfortable thanks to the firm yet adjustable headband.

One of the best headphones for EDM that’s also appropriate for producing.

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

Pioneer HDJ CX Review

Specifications

Pros

• Precise Sound – The audio quality is fantastic. Clean and clear with plenty of precision. Punchy bass, warm mids, and distinct highs.
• Super Light – The headphones are among the lightest options on the market. Ideal for comfort but also easy to transport.
• Relaxed Feel – Thanks to the low weight these provide a natural feel that is very comfortable. It combines well with the padding and a relaxed clamping force.
• Good Value – It’s hard to find headphones this balanced at this price. Excellent value for money and a great choice for DJs that want an on-ear set of cans.

Cons

• Wires – The exposed wires are not ideal. These can hook onto objects and send the headphones flying off your head. This can lead to damage.

The HDJ CX is Pioneer’s on-ear option, and it bears a striking resemblance to the iconic HD 25 from Sennheiser. Lightweight yet surprisingly durable these headphones feature a high level of comfort. Plus the warm and well-balanced profile also makes it an appealing option.

While not quite on par with the HD 25 these are still among the best headphones for EDM you can buy today.

Audio-Technica ATH-M40X Review

Specifications

Pros

• Pleasing Thump – These headphones have a good low-end response. While not as meaty as headphones with larger drivers they are satisfying.
• High Comfort Level – Comfortable ear padding along with a firm clamping force delivers a robust experience.
• Warm Mid Range – Midrange is smooth and warm, with no muddy tones. Excellent for listening to melodic focused EDM.
• Solid Price Point – An affordable option that still comes with a pouch and two headphone cables.

Cons

• Noise Cancellation – Isolation is not as solid as other headphones. Enough for home practice sessions and studio monitoring.

Audio Technica fleshes out its range of headphones with the ATH-M40X. Despite some weak points, these headphones are durable and well-constructed. Audio is well-defined for a good listening experience. However, it would benefit from active noise cancellation.

A solid and cheaper alternative to the popular ATH-M50X.

Read our full Audio-Technica ATH-M40X review for more detailed information.

Our Expert Buying Guide

Selecting headphones for EDM is not easy. Here are some of the most important elements to consider when you’re shopping around for headphones.

Driver Size

A large amount of EDM music has an emphasis on low-end frequencies. To deliver optimum performance in these frequencies you’ll need a driver that can handle them.

Larger drivers deliver greater depth in sound when DJing

Stick to headphones with a 40-50mm driver for ideal results. Neodymium magnet-based drivers are also good as they deliver more magnetic energy per ounce compared to other magnets. This allows for increased power and better control over audio output.

Frequency Response

EDM headphones need to deliver on the audio front. The low end needs to be meaty with a defined kick. The mids should be warm and pleasant to bring out synth elements. Highs should be clean and crisp to handle hi-hat and cymbal elements.

This is where the frequency response becomes important. The average human hears down to 20Hz and up to 20kHz.

Headphones that can hit a low frequency will deliver better bass. Headphones with a high-frequency cap will also deliver cleaner highs. Aim for headphones with a good range for a better listening experience.

Audio Isolation

Noise cancellation is very important when it comes to headphones. Open-back designs lend themselves to a more natural sound but at the expense of isolation. Unless you live in a quiet environment I’d avoid open-back headphones.

Closed-back headphones block out the environment so you can focus on your mix.

Active noise cancellation is a bonus if you do use your headphones for traveling. For most other scenarios a closed-back design will do enough to block ambient noise.

Brands

Many reputable companies have been developing and producing high-quality headphones for decades. You’ll also enjoy better after-sales support and warranties with established brands. In most cases, it’s worth sticking to a well-known brand.

But the brand is not everything. Be wary of brands that place too much emphasis on celebrity endorsements. Often the hype doesn’t live up to reality.

Headphones VS Earbuds

The technology behind earbuds has evolved substantially over the last decade. The audio definition has greatly improved. But, where earbuds have often suffered is in low-end delivery. A crucial component if you like listening to EDM music.

Earbuds are very portable but not the best for DJing.

Where possible I still suggest traditional headphones over earbuds. But the difference between the two is shrinking each year. Several prominent DJs are now opting for custom made earbuds that also offer sound dampening to protect their hearing.

But for all-around performance in a DJ environment or the studio classic headphones are still the most popular.

Taking Care Of Your Ears

If you are looking at EDM headphones you’ll likely be a fan of loud music. I love loud music too but you also need to take appropriate care of your ears.

Listening to music at high volumes for extended periods will damage your ears. Anything beyond 85 dB for a consistent length of time will cause you issues eventually.

Listening to loud music consistently will damage your hearing.

This is where investing in better headphones will help. High audio quality will encourage you not to push the volume too far.

FAQ

What Headphones Do EDM Producers Use?

The best headphones for music production as used by EDM producers are:

• Martin Garrix (V-MODA Crossfade M-100)
• Hardwell (Sennheiser HD 25)
• Don Diablo (Audio-Technica ATH-M50X)

Which One Should You Buy?

There are many excellent options available when it comes to listening to EDM music with headphones. But there is one that sets itself apart as the best headphones for EDM. Sennheiser leads the pack with the HD 25. A favorite among DJs for a reason.

Excellent sound quality, comfortable fit, and strong isolation. These headphones can handle all genres of EDM with ease. A legend in the EDM scene that doesn’t disappoint.

But if the on-ear design is not for you the V-Moda Crossfade M-100 is an excellent over-ear alternative.

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