5 Best Buy DJ headphones on a budget
DJ headphones are the one essential piece of tech we can all agree on that every DJ needs.
Whether you play off turntables, CDJs, laptops, use CDs, records or USB, what we all have in common are our DJ headphones. They are also, much like studio monitors, highly subjective. The adage of ‘one size fits all’ definitely does not apply when it comes to what set of cans you choose to use.
READ: 5 Best Buy Studio Monitors on a budget
Investing in a set of DJ headphones, whilst not the most expensive piece of tech you may ever buy, still requires careful consideration and it doesn’t hurt if you can save a buck or two as well.
We’ve listed in price order (lowest to highest) 5 pairs of DJ headphones that are all fairly safe bets and depending on your budget should do the job for you.
American Audio HP550 – R 390
The lowdown: 
American Audio may not be the hippest DJ brand on the planet but they have made some pretty decent gear in the past. The HP550 DJ headphones offer a balanced sound but may be considered a little light on bass for some. However for as little as R 390 it’s the best for the price by far.
Why we like them: They’re surprisingly durable and include both a headphone bag and you can get replaceable earpads which simply snap on.
Features
- Large-diameter speaker unit for professional use
- Comfortable, sturdy high-powered headphones
- Includes headphone bag
- Flexible, soft-touch housing design allows for double or single ear monitoring; folds up for easy transport
- Replaceable earpads (not included) are easy to snap on
Best price online – Orange Music
AKG K81 DJ headphones – R 720
The lowdown: 
AKG Acoustics are a premium brand and have an excellent reputation in the pro audio market. The K81, whilst not anywhere near the top end of their range, are an almost indestructible pair of headphones and one of the few pairs under R 1,000 that sport the smaller round earcups which many prefer these days. Isolation is excellent and you get lots of bass.
Why we like them: For the price you get a pro looking set of ‘phones from a reputable brand which delivers an honest and present sound for DJs.
Features
- 3D-Axis folding mechanism for ease of handling and comfort
- Fold down into a thin package
- High SPL capability
- AKG sound quality
- Closed-back earphones
- Isolating ear cups attenuate ambient noise, keeping even quiet passages clearly audible
- Maximum ruggedness
Best price online – Paul Bothner Music Online
Sennheiser HD215 – R 1,140
The lowdown: 
Sennheiser have remained a premium brand for headphones and microphones for many years and although in recent years they introduced a broad range of lifestyle headphones, it’s their HD series (HD205 and HD215) that are such incredibly good value for money. They may not be the most appealing pair on the market but sound isolation, frequency separation and overall quality is unquestionably good.
Why we like them: Sennheisers are out and out workhorses. If you want headphones that will last and continue to deliver quality sound then these and the HD205 are a no-brainer.
Features
- Rotatable ear cups for listening with one ear at the mixer
- Excellent shielding from external noises
- Closed-back
- Circumaural
- Dynamic
- Impedance: 32 Ohm
- Frequency range: 12 – 22,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 112 dB
- 3 mm Screw-on jack adaptor, gold-plated
- 3 m Single-sided coiled cable
- Weight with cable: 335 g
- Weight without cable: 257 g
- One-sided cable routing
- Travel bag
Best price online – Paul Bothner Music Online
Numark Redphone DJ Stick Headphone – R 1,299
The lowdown: 
There’s not a lot of single ear ‘stick’ headphones on the market and most are quite expensive since they have a trendy value aspect to them. The Numark Redphone DJ Stick Headphone looks good, sounds great and sits very well on the ear and is surprisingly easy to use, even if you’re used to the standard type of headphones.
Why we like them: The Redphone is based on Numark’s respected Red Wave range which is professional and well made. Plus it’s something different!
Features
- Large 50 mm driver, neodymium magnet and voice coil for optimal frequency response
- Swivel design allows flexible monitoring of house audio and cue audition
- Padded, ergonomic handle with breathable protein-leather padded ear cup
- Detachable 1/8″ cable, 1/4″ adapter, and carrying bag included
Best price online – Music Mate
Pioneer HDJ-500 – R 1,949
The lowdown: 
A list of DJ headphones wouldn’t be complete without at least one set of Pioneers making the cut. The HDJ-500 are the cheapest you’ll get from this premium brand and they are a very decent and popular set of cans. They are rigid but very comfortable and the rotating earpiece makes them versatile and easy to use.
Why we like them: Detailed sound, rotating earpiece and they’re Pioneer!
Features
- Refined Design for Maximum Comfort & Reliability
- Advanced Sound Quality with low & mid ranges
- Right earpiece rotates forward and back up to 60 degrees
- Includes 1m straight leisure cord & coiled DJing cord
- Available in Red, Black, White, Green, Violet
Best price online – Music Mate
We also like these…
- Numark HF150 – R 499
- Sennheiser HD202 – R 455
- Sennheiser HD205 Stereo DJ Headphones – R 850
- Numark Electrowave – R 1,199
- AKG K67 Tiësto – R 1,499
