A good pair of DJ headphones does one job the rest do not: it lets you hear the next track in one ear while the room hears the current one. That is why the ear cups matter more than the badge on the side, and why most of the picks below are closed back designs with swivelling cups or a cable that fits a mixer.
We compared seven wired and Bluetooth pairs on Amazon Australia using their listings only. Each section gives the listing facts, the rating with its count, and an honest catch.
Best overall DJ headphones: OneOdio Pro-10
Best overall DJ headphones: the OneOdio Pro-10, because its 90 degree swivelling ear cups allow single ear monitoring and it has the most ratings of any pair here.
The listing describes large 50mm speaker drivers with neodymium magnets, soft padded ear cushions and an adjustable, stretchable headband. The 90 degree swivelling ear cups allow single ear monitoring, which the listing calls ideal for DJing or mixing. It works in wired mode only, with a 3.5mm or 6.35mm audio jack, and a shared audio port lets you connect a second pair. It holds 4.4 stars from 72,218 ratings.
It suits DJs starting out, bedroom producers and anyone who wants one pair for the decks and the computer. The honest catch: the rating count is shared across the colour listings, and the listing says it works only in wired mode, so there is no wireless option.
Best DJ brand pair: Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1
Best DJ brand pair: the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1, because it has the top rating of the well reviewed DJ models here and the listing words built to last and a customisable look.
The listing gives four short points: high quality sound, built to last, comfortable pro style design and a customisable look. It is the first pick here from a brand known for DJ gear, and it holds 4.7 stars from 2,195 ratings.
It suits DJs who want the Pioneer DJ name and a pair that looks the part in a booth. The honest catch: the listing bullets are short and give no driver or cable details, so check the full listing for what you need before you buy.
Best value DJ headphones: Numark HF175
Best value DJ headphones: the Numark HF175, because the listing words a closed back design with swivelling ear cups for DJ monitoring.
The listing describes 40 mm neodymium magnet drivers, soft padded ear cushions that help block out ambient noise, and a robust adjustable stainless steel and stitched leather headband. A 3m cable is included with a TRS 3.5mm and 6.35mm adapter. The listing names DJ monitoring, editing, streaming, podcasting and recording as uses. It holds 4.4 stars from 15,875 ratings.
It suits DJs who want a closed back pair with a long cable for a good price. The honest catch: the drivers are 40 mm against 50mm on the OneOdio Pro-10, and the 6.35mm connection uses a separate adapter.
Best with Bluetooth: Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT
Best with Bluetooth: the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT, because the listing words Bluetooth wireless technology with a swappable cable and earpads.
The listing gives high quality sound, built to last, Bluetooth wireless technology and a comfortable pro style design. The customisable look comes from swapping the cable and earpads for one of five brightly coloured replacements. It holds 4.6 stars from 788 ratings.
It suits DJs who also want to listen wirelessly between sets. The honest catch: the listing does not describe Bluetooth for live mixing, so check before relying on it at the decks.
Best adapter free: OneOdio Studio Pro
Best adapter free: the OneOdio Studio Pro, because the cable has 3.5mm and 6.3mm plugs at each end and the ear cups swivel for single side monitoring.
The listing describes a dual duty cable with gold plated 3.5mm and 6.3mm plugs on each end, 50mm driver units, noise isolation and protein leather earcups. The housing is reversible, and the ear cups swivel to lay flat and flip upward to fit a bag or laptop case. It holds 4.5 stars from 5,688 ratings.
It suits DJs who move between a mixer and a laptop and are tired of hunting for an adapter. The honest catch: it costs more than the Pro-10 for the same 50mm driver size, and it has far fewer ratings.
Best on ear: RODE NTH-50
Best on ear: the RODE NTH-50, because the listing words a closed back design, a contoured headband and a dual sided cable attachment.
The listing describes a custom 40mm driver, a closed back on ear design that helps reduce external noise and minimise sound leakage, and a lightweight professional build. The cable can be connected to either earcup. It holds 4.7 stars from 133 ratings.
It suits DJs and creators who want a lighter on ear pair for long sessions. The honest catch: only 133 ratings so far, and the listing does not mention swivelling cups.
Best premium pair: Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10
Best premium pair: the Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10, because it has the highest rating here and the listing words a nano coating and a solid refined design.
The listing is called a flagship professional over ear pair and gives high quality audio design, rigorously tested, a nano coating, a comfortable fit and a solid refined design. A note says to pull the foam down to reveal the two cable packages. It holds 4.8 stars from 361 ratings.
It suits working DJs who want a flagship pair. The honest catch: it costs far more than the other picks, and the listing bullets are short.
How to choose DJ headphones
Swivelling ear cups
Single ear monitoring is the DJ job. The OneOdio Pro-10, OneOdio Studio Pro and Numark HF175 listings all describe swivelling cups. The RODE NTH-50 listing does not, and the shorter Pioneer DJ listings do not say either way.
Closed back for noise
A closed back design keeps more of the room out. The Numark HF175 and RODE NTH-50 listings word it directly, and the OneOdio listings describe noise isolation.
Cable and plugs
Check what your mixer and laptop need. The OneOdio Pro-10 listing names 3.5mm and 6.35mm jacks, the Studio Pro has both plugs on the cable, and the Numark HF175 includes a 3m cable and an adapter. The RODE lets you attach the cable to either earcup.
Wired or Bluetooth
Six picks here are wired. Only the Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT adds Bluetooth, which suits listening away from the decks. For wireless listening on its own, see our noise cancelling headphones guide.
On ear or over ear
On ear pairs such as the RODE NTH-50 are described as lightweight and compact. Over ear pairs such as the OneOdio Pro-10 use large 50mm drivers and padded cushions. Pick the shape you are happy to wear for a full set.
Ratings and what they tell you
Counts differ a lot here: 72,218 ratings for the OneOdio Pro-10 against 133 for the RODE NTH-50. A high rating on a small count is promising, not proven. If you also need a microphone, our gaming headset guide covers headsets that have one.
Frequently asked questions
What headphones do DJs use?
DJs use closed back over ear or on ear headphones with ear cups that swivel, so one ear can listen to the next track while the other hears the room. The OneOdio Pro-10, Numark HF175 and Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 are good places to start, and the first two list swivelling cups.
What are the best DJ headphones for beginners?
The OneOdio Pro-10 is the easiest start: its listing describes 90 degree swivelling ear cups for single ear monitoring, a stretchable headband and a jack that fits 3.5mm or 6.35mm sockets. The Numark HF175 is a close second, with a closed back design and a 3m cable in the box.
What are the best cheap DJ headphones in Australia?
The OneOdio Pro-10 and Numark HF175 are the lower priced pairs here, and both have more than 15,000 ratings. The Pro-10 has 50mm drivers and the HF175 has 40mm drivers with a closed back design. The OneOdio Studio Pro costs a little more and adds an adapter free cable.
Can you use Bluetooth headphones for DJing?
The Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1BT is the Bluetooth pair here, and its listing words Bluetooth wireless technology with a swappable cable and earpads. The listing does not describe Bluetooth for live mixing, so check before relying on it at the decks. The other six picks here are wired.
Are closed back headphones better for DJing?
Closed back is the usual DJ choice because it keeps the monitor feed in your ears and the room out. The Numark HF175 and RODE NTH-50 listings both word a closed back design, and the RODE listing says it helps reduce external noise and minimise sound leakage.
Do DJ headphones need a 6.35mm jack?
Many DJ mixers use a 6.35mm socket, and the OneOdio Pro-10 listing names DJ mixers alongside 3.5mm and 6.35mm jacks. The Numark HF175 comes with a 3m cable and a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter, and the OneOdio Studio Pro has both plug sizes on its cable.
Are DJ headphones good for studio work and podcasting?
Yes, several listings say so. The Numark HF175 lists monitoring, editing, streaming, podcasting and recording, the OneOdio Pro-10 names mixing, recording and podcast use, and the RODE NTH-50 describes studio monitoring and recording. You can use one pair for both the decks and the desk.
Is Pioneer DJ or OneOdio better for DJ headphones?
They suit different buyers. The Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 has the higher rating, 4.7 from 2,195 ratings, while the OneOdio Pro-10 has 72,218 ratings and a detailed listing with swivelling cups. Pioneer DJ's listings are short on specifications, so the OneOdio gives you more to compare.
Is the Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 worth the extra cost?
Only if you want a flagship pair. The HDJ-X10 has the highest rating here, 4.8 from 361 ratings, and its listing words a nano coating and a solid refined design. It costs far more than the other picks, and the OneOdio Pro-10 or Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1 covers most DJ use.
