9 Of the Best Budget DJ Headphones Under 100
Even the most famous and professional DJ’s often use budget headphones as workhorses
Even though DJ Headphones and studio headphones might look pretty much the same, there’s a huge difference between them. For instance, the DJ ones are often used in one ear only and should feel more comfortable around your neck than on your head. Durability and portability are two other important aspects of DJ headphones. In fact, those two are often considered as crucial as the sound quality.
In brief, there are many aspects to consider when choosing your next headphones. Based on those criteria, we’ve compiled a list of the top 9 budget DJ Headphones you’d love to check out:
1. the t.bone TDJ 1000 see price
DJ Headphones need to "go loud" and that’s something you can expect from the TDJ 1000. Quiet headphones don’t fit the noisy club ambiance. You simply won’t be able to hear the nuances of your own mix if using quiet gear. The TDJ 1000 features 64Ohms impedance, which makes them one of the most powerful budget DJ headphones out there.
2. Allen & Heath Xone XD-40 see price
A bit smaller than classic headphones, the XD-40 offers greater portability than their counterparts. Due to their size, they might get a little bit painful and tight for your ears after being worn for several hours non-stop. On the other hand, they feel way more comfortable when hanging around your neck than the bigger models. The sound they deliver is true to the original sound source. You’ll be able to monitor your bass, kicks, snares, and hats and notice even the slightest EQ changes.
3. AKG K-518 DJ see price
The AKG K-518 are known for their portability and stylish looks. Their foldable design makes them easy to transport and store. It’s a well-known fact that big and clumsy headphones are a headache for any DJ. Combine that with their stylish design, and you’ll get a decent budget workhorse. Now, as far as sound quality goes, the AKG K-518 feature a rather balanced sound. They might not be as loud as the the t.bone TDJ 1000 is, but they offer more noise suppression.
4. Behringer HPX 2000 see price
The Behringer HPX2000 offers probably the best sound quality you can get for under €20. If you’re a mobile DJ, you’ll find those headphones perfect for cueing up music. Their solid, yet lightweight build won’t be a burden for your neck, while their swivel ear proved to be quite versatile.
5. Sennheiser HD-280 Pro see price
The key for tracking vocals is sound isolation. Unlike beats or synths, vocals can’t be pre-computed if they’re recorded live. Hence, working with them requires good headphones that’d allow you to quickly spot and fix any mistakes, or do any other required tweaks. If you work with vocals often, consider getting the HD-280 Pro. Those are probably the best budget DJ headphones you can get for that purpose. They’re silent, clear, loud, and well-isolated.
6. AKG K-81-DJ see price
The AKG K-81-DJ feature above-average sound isolation for their price range. They’re also often used for dubstep due to their great bass response. The K-81-DJ might not be as comfortable and as portable as the AKG K-518 DJ. Instead, the K-81-DJ feature a “tank-like indestructibility”, as one of the DJs described them.
7. Shure SRH750 DJ see price
Shure is famous for manufacturing the Shure SM58 LC, a microphone that works even after being run over by a truck. Road-tested performance is what defines Shure products, and the SRH750 DJ are just another proof of that.
Those DJ Headphones are probably the most durable in our list - looks like they were specially designed to be used under extreme conditions. We all know how hard it is to keep your gear safe during live performances. Besides that, the SRH750 feature an outstanding high response and a powerful, sharp bass. Some professional DJs complain that the bass is overpowered and thus lacks accuracy. Others claim that it’s a matter of personal tastes. The fact is - the SRH750 is used worldwide by thousands of DJs.
8. Sennheiser HD-215 see price
The HD-215 II feature a nice balance between comfort, sound quality and sound isolation. The sound they produce might be considered both flat and true, with a clear low end. That might be either a pro or a con, depending on your preferences. There are mixed opinions about whether DJ headphones should color the sound or leave it as flat as possible. We’ll leave it up to you. Those DJ headphones come with a soft faux leather cover. Thanks to their big size and ergonomic shape, The HD-215 II can be easily considered one of the most comfortable budget DJ headphones. You won’t have any ear pain even after wearing them for 5 or 6 hours straight.
9. Superlux HD-631 DJ see price
You can use any kind of cable you want with those headphones. The HD-631 feature an input jack and thus allows you to plug in any cable you’d prefer. As you can notice, most DJ Headphones come with coiled cables. If that’s an issue for you, then you’ll love the HD-631. This feature makes them easier to carry and compensates for their above-average size and weight. Their sound is rather flat and they lack a bit of bass. Again, this might or might not be an issue for you.
Bottom Line
When it comes to music gear, there’s no strict correlation between price and quality. That means that even the most famous and professional DJs often use budget headphones as workhorses.
Try to figure out the specific use you’ll be giving to your DJ headphones, and choose according to your personal preferences.
About Nik Liak
Musician, producer, DJ, promoter, and electronic music enthusiast alike, Nik Liak hails out of Thessaloniki, Greece. When not performing, he spends his time in the studio creating his own music…aided by his beloved dj gear and an upbringing in a very musically-influenced home.
Contact Nik Liak at nikliak@musicngear.com
In this section of the Musicngear blog you can find reviews, how-tos, buying guides & comparisons across a wife range of music gear.
Are you interested in writing a story for this section as a guest or joining the Musicngear team as a Contributing Author? Contact us at info@musicngear.com
Would you like to send us sample gear for reviews? Reach out to Chris Roditis at chrisroditis@musicngear.com
