10 Best Headphones For Drumming

If you want to maximize your performance and improve your skills as a drummer, you’ll need the very best headphones for drumming. A quality pair of headphones allows a drummer to focus on their music while reducing outside noise from a crowd or the environment.

Smart drummers know to do their research before purchasing a pair of headphones for drumming, so they know which brand and model is right for them.

Need to make an informed decision about the best headphones for drumming based on your specific needs and budget? Here is a list of the 10 best headphones for drumming we have created to save you time and energy. Remember, the right headphones can make all the difference in your drumming career.

Top 10 Of The Best Headphones For Drumming

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1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x

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The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphone design is hugely popular with reviewers, garnering over 26,700 reviews averaging at 4.7 on Amazon. They’re in the middle in terms of price, not among the most expensive, but not inexpensive either. The sensitivity and Frequency Response are fantastic. The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x has plush padding on the ear cups to make them comfortable for long periods of time. They are airy, so the ears will not overheat over time. The headband is comfortable as well and is designed to fit most sizes. The headband looks luxurious and classy.

The high technology features incorporated within this design elevate its quality and use capabilities. The headphones are available in black neutral that can be paired with anything. The ear cups are capable of swiveling 180 degrees. This design is slightly heavier than most headphones of its kind.

They weigh 285 grams compared to 240 grams of the conventional weight. The headphones are labeled L and R for the right noise staging with adequate features designed for each side including the accessibility of the controls. This design was rated among the best headphones for drumming but the specific features of each individual headset are so well rated based on use and personal preference.

Specifications

Sensitivity 99 dB
Frequency Response 15-28000 Hz
Comes with a 3.9-9.8 foot cable

Sample Customer Review…The quality, features, and sound quality are amazing! Truthfully, I initially bought into Beats by (we know who) – 2 years back. And sure… they sound great too, but they do not showcase the full sound spectrum (only around >= 80 Hz), so the base is pronounced/accentuated to hip-hop, etc… This would be great if I was okay with only that genre, but I love all music types (.) Beats doesn’t readily publish their headphone specs (a truly painstaking search online or their website). These ATHs range from 15 – 28,000 Hz, along with other enhancements. The second time around I’m a bit smarter and refuse to be fooled.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

2. Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones V2

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These headphones are a great buy because of the terrific sound they produce. The company’s primary sales point is that noise reduction is 25 decibels. This is what makes these headphones so great for drummers playing live in concert when extra noise reduction is not as much of an issue as wanting to hear other band members playing.

It’s true that Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones don’t have the same frequency response as other Headphones, but drummers performing in concert and the studio don’t seem to think this affects their performance a great deal. The headphones are wonderful in terms of comfort and durability, and as a bonus, you receive both ¼ and ⅛ inch plugs.

Specifications

Sensitivity 110 dB, Reduces outside noise by 25 decibels
Frequency Response: 20-20000HZ
1/8 inch and 1/4 inch plugs, Cable 6 feet

Sample Customer Review...Absolutely the best for recording drums or for live recording. Gives an honest sound and blocks a ton of bleed from the outside world. They fit tightly and don’t offer much airflow, so keep that in mind for long sessions. I swear by them though.
Ream more reviews at Amazon.com.

3. Roland RH-300

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The Roland RH-300 Stereo Headphones enjoy a justifiably prestigious reputation in the music industry. The company makes every product with great attention to detail, including these headphones. The Roland RH-300 Stereo Headphones are ideal for electronic drummers because of the flat and extremely accurate sound quality.

These headphones will also look stylish for live performances, as they feature padded ear cushions housing rounded aluminum platies. Because of their adjustable design and soft, supple padding you should feel comfortable wearing them even during long live performances and studio sessions, even though some customers say they can be a bit heavy.

Specifications

Sensitivity 101 dB
Frequency response: 10-25000Hz
OFC 3.4m straight 11-foot cable

Sample Customer Review…Unlike other headphones I have tested, these are very comfortable and work great with my electronic V-Drums. They are very light, easy to adjust, and have excellent, clear sound. Color me happy with this purchase…
Read Other Reviews at Amazon.com.

4. Sony MDR-7506

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The Sony MDR-7506 is a great design of headphones for tracking and for sound mixing. The clarity of these headphones is exceptional, especially when recording. The headphones feature 40 mm drivers that have the ability to produce powerful and precise sound. The clarity is outstanding.

The high technology features incorporated within this design elevate its quality and use capabilities. The bass is where these headphones sound out in quality. They provide a tight bass sound without compromising the rest of the sound elements within the track. The Sony MDR -7506 headphones are capable of picking up frequencies as low as 10hz. The durability of this design of headphones is absolutely amazing.

They are said to last for more than 10 years. The dynamics and performance of the headphones do not match the price, as they are both affordable and high quality. This headphone design comes with a long cord that measures about 9.8 feet, and a gold-plated connector of a ¼ inch adapter. The headphones reduce external noise through their closed-back design. The thick padding further aids in the noise-canceling feature.

Specifications

Sensitivity 106 dB
Frequency Response 10-20000 Hz
Comes with a 9.8-foot cable

Sample Customer Review…Simply the best headphones I own! I wish I tried them before buying others. Tons of details accuracy even in high volume
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

5. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro

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For these Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones with a ¼ stereo adapter screwed into a 3.5 mm plug and coiled audio cable that is attached, comfort is one of the best features. The headphones are made out of a soft, synthetic leatherette material for the headband and the ear cup padding to make them as comfortable as possible.

The high technology features incorporated within this design elevate its quality and use capabilities. They are flexible in order to comfortably adapt to all users and to extend their life. The noise isolation is fantastic. The padding around the ear cup fully covers the ear and provides the seal for the best noise canceling. The material the headphones are built with also increases the bass response.

There is very little to absolutely no sound leakage so that the user can be the only one listening. The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones are 10 ounces in weight and are durable. This design is highly recommended.

Specifications

Sensitivity 113 dB
Frequency Response 8-25000 Hz
Comes with a 3.3-9.8 foot cable

Sample Customer Review…These headphones have really started to open up and are delivering some really fantastic sound. I bought these to listen to my vinyl collection quietly. They do not, of course, give you the same sound quality as 5 high-end room speakers, but they do give you a good representation of what the music should sound like and the quality of the record. They do not produce too much bass as many headphones do these days. They produce as much bass as the song calls for. This is straight forward sound, the way music was intended to be heard. These headphones have also helped me pick up some unwanted hum in my system. The noise cancelation is better than expected. I’ve never had a pair of headphones with better noise cancelation than these. They are also comfortable and adjustable. I don’t see how anyone has had a problem fitting them on their head.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

6. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro

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The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphone design was rated number one by most professional drummers for the best headphones for drumming, and they are priced accordingly. There are two possible options the user can choose within the Beyerdynamic design. The high technology features incorporated within this design elevate its quality and use capabilities. Each design from this release has specific specializations that should be kept in mind when choosing which of the two will optimize your personal use.

The Beyerdynamic DT770 M is specifically designed for drummers. This design has noise-canceling features that are ideal for drummers. The DT770 can also be used by drummers, but it lacks the noise-canceling feature desired by most drummers. They do not provide total isolation, but sufficient. Sound mixing with these headphones may not be ideal. The best fit between these two depends on preference and use. They are over-the-ear headphones and are completely black.

The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro is targeted towards drummers and sound engineers. They are durable, classy headphones with several desirable features. The only downside is the price, however, the quality is outstanding. They were designed with functionality, style, and comfort in mind so everyone can use them for a prolonged period of time without compromising comfort. If the user is only playing drums, and not mixing music, these headphones are highly recommended.

They include a sound design with an incredible bass-sounding option for the optimization sound of the full spectrum of music and its facets.

Specifications

Sensitivity 96 dB
Frequency response 5-35000 Hz
Comes with a 5.2-9.8 foot cable (1.6-3 meters)

Sample Customer Review...These headphones are extremely comfortable. I use them for voice-over work including audiobooks. I spend hours in headphones. These headphones let no noise in so they’re perfect for audio editing work.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

7. OneOdio Over-Ear Headphones with Noise Isolation

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The OneOdio Over-Ear Headphones are a terrific value. They have a price tag that’s right for hobbyists and drummers who are just starting out, but their noise cancellation, sensitivity, and frequency response are all still decent. They have a cool and elegant design and the plug and adapter are easy to use. They come with two cables, one of which is very long, 2-3 meters, though users have complained that these cables aren’t the most durable, and don’t last very long. Still, for a price so affordable, you couldn’t ask for better sound quality. They are also covered with smooth, soft leather padding and a stretchy, cotton headband, making them comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Specifications

Sensitivity 110 dB
Frequency Response 20-20000 Hz
Comes with 3.5 plug, 6.5 mm adapter, and 2 cables: longest is 3 meters

Sample Customer Review…These are very nice sounding, good bass, nice mids, and highs. No problem distinguishing the details. Decent sound isolation, cushions are thick and comfy. Haven’t had them on for a really long time, so we’ll see how comfortable they are in the long run, but fit feels a bit tight. Maybe they will loosen up. Seem well made and love the cord arrangement. Works with either 1/4″ or 3.5 mm stereo jacks with no adapters – just turn the cord around.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

8. Alesis DRP100 Extreme Isolation Headphones

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The main purpose of the Alesis DRP100 Extreme Isolation headphones was designed specifically to help monitor drum sounds. The design is constructed over-ear to further develop the noise-canceling feature. The 40 mm full-range drivers help with the frequency range. This design comes with a stereo mini-plug of 3.5 mm and an adapter of 6.3 mm.

They are higher priced with an overall lower comfortability rating. They need to improve the design for prolonged comfortability use. The Alesis DRP100 Extreme Isolation Headphones were specifically designed for drummers who enjoy recording and performing their art on stage. The noise-canceling feature helps with concentration during a live performance. The other important aspect of these headphones includes the versatility of use for drummers as they are designed with both acoustic and electronic drums in mind.

Specifications

Sensitivity 98 dB
Frequency Response 10-30000 Hz
Comes with 3.5 plug, 6.3 mm adapter, and 6-foot cable

Sample Customer Review…Love these! Excellent clear sound. Really does block out most outside sounds. Must use an electronic drum set as I live in an apartment, and this is a great product. Comfortable but hot….my ears are very sweaty after an hour of practice. Small price to pay for the great sound.
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

9. Beyerdynamic DT-770-M-80

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Favored by sound engineers, broadcasters, and percussionists internationally, the Beyerdynamic DT-770-M-80 headphones are frequently found in the recording studio. They can reproduce the full frequency spectrum with amazing precision. The Beyerdynamic-DT-770-M-80 features both a great level of noise isolation and the ideal sound quality you need.

These headphones also include a long ten-foot single-sided connecting cable with integrated volume control. Users have extolled them as comfortable to wear for long periods of time because of the soft skin ear pads.

Specifications

High-resolution sound, full frequency spectrum, perfect for studio recording
extremely high attenuation of ambient noise, ideal for percussionists
Convenient 10-foot cable

Sample Customer Review…This is easily the best headphone I’ve ever bought in my life! I’m a musician and I have never worn a more comfortable pair of headphones like these. It even has special padding for the top of the head. The sound is very deep and thick. Yet, I can hear the high frequencies clearly. I also love that these don’t break. I’ve had my headphones for a while and I can feel the strength in the side connections without it feeling tight on me. With other headphones, I’ve owned they would break when you bend them a lot to put them out in the process of stretching them to fit on your head. Not these. I give this rave review because a company finally did it right and thought about us the customer in making the right sounding headphone, a comfortable headphone where I don’t get irritated even wearing it for 10 hours straight. It even has a volume control on the wire itself connected to the headphone. The wire length is really long. Also, it’s only one wire connected to the headphone freeing up your other side of your head. I’m telling people, this is MY DREAM HEADPHONE. I wish I could give it more than five stars !!!!!
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

10. Shure SRH840

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The Shure SRH840 is comfortable and easy to use. The high technology features incorporated within this design elevate its quality and use capabilities. The clean one-color design helps keep the aesthetic classy and professional. They can be paired with any style of both music and fashion. They can be used for a long period of time without major discomfort.

The sound capabilities of this design are magnificent and the tonal balance is outstanding. The detailed sound capabilities are very good. The mids are good and the treble is extended and airy. The closed-back headphone hinders the soundstage. They have low distortion and are good for their price. There are a few improvements that could be made. The bass may sound artificial and loose.

This design was rated among the best headphones for drumming but the specific features of each individual headset are best based on use and personal preference. The Shure SRH840 is recommended for beginner drummers to learn and develop their music sense and style while remaining at a safe budget mark. They will allow the drummers to find their way into the music scene and provide all of the desired features.

Specifications

Sensitivity 102 dB
Frequency Response 5-25000 Hz
Comes with a 10-foot cable

Sample Customer Review…Fantastic headphones! I wanted an upgrade to my DT-770, which sounded muddy to me. I mix music with my DT-880’s so I wanted something I could use for casual listening and occ mixing duties. The sound is much fuller and richer than either Beyerdynamic, with a really musical quality. I also have Focal Alpha 80’s which I use for occ mixing, casual listening and movies. Worth every penny. really a bargain; I would place the price around $700 or so. They are super comfortable as well- been listening to music for several hrs a day since they came in 4 days ago. It’s like breathing new life into old songs. Highly recommended!
Read more reviews at Amazon.com.

Buying Guide: Things To Consider When Purchasing Headphones For Drumming

Overview

Giving a terrific performance is everything to a dedicated drummer. Because a drummer often practices, records in the studio, or plays in front of loud crowds, a quality pair of headphones is essential. A quality pair of headphones allows a drummer to focus on their music while reducing outside noise from a crowd or the environment. That way, a great drummer can be sure that they will be in sync with their bandmates, and really blow their audience away with their skills.

It’s important to know what performance features you should consider when buying headphones for your drumming career or hobby. There are several factors to take into account, but you should always keep your specific circumstances in mind. Forget about the “one-size-fits-all” idea, because it doesn’t apply to drumming headphones. Carefully consider all the features of each product, and select the one that seems the most suitable for your needs. When purchasing headphones, drummers usually consider the following factors.

Design

First and foremost, you must select a design. There are two headphone types to mention here: Over-the-ear headphones and In-ear headphones. Professionals usually recommend over-the-ear headphones for drummers because they offer better noise cancellation. Apart from that, over-the-ear designs tend to be more comfortable and suitable to wear during long performances. Thanks to padded ear cushions, these can maintain optimal comfort, especially if you opt for a sweat-proof product.

Sound

You’re purchasing headphones for their ability to replicate music. When performing as a drummer, you must focus on them, so clear, crisp sound quality is paramount when choosing a pair of headphones.

If you’re a talented drummer, you already know what ideal audio quality is. It’s important to select headphones that truly excel when it comes to sound quality.

Sensitivity

The headphones operate like so: they receive an electrical signal and transform and translate it into an acoustic signal. Sensitivity is the term for how well they do this. The sensitivity indicates the loudness of the headphones at a certain power level. The greater the sensitivity, the quieter the unit will be.

Frequency Response

An experienced drummer wants the full frequency spectrum available. That way, every nuance of the music is audible to the trained ear. On the other hand, for an amateur drummer, a frequency spectrum of 20Hz to 20,000Hz would suffice. It’s worth noting that producers of headphones use dummy heads to determine the frequency spectrum. However, such a method may not be entirely accurate, particularly for in-ear headphones, where the ear canal plays a key role in determining the frequency range.

Noise Reduction

Reducing outside noise is critical, particularly if you choose to use headphones in the studio. Drummers should use in-ear headphones to reduce noise but can use over-the-ear headphones for added comfort. The ideal level of noise isolation is about 25dB, but the more noise isolation you have, the more you can hear the sound without turning up the volume.

Durability

Being strongly constructed of durable materials extends the headphones’ lives, and strong construction can provide protection from damage due to smashing the headphones on surfaces or dropping them on the ground.

Purchase The Best Headphones For Drumming For You

All of the 10 headphones listed here are the best headphones for drumming. They vary in price, characteristics, and features they offer. This is the list where every drummer can find the ideal features they are looking for. The price range within this list meets a variety of budget needs. There is an option for everyone. Never let the lack of a great pair of headphones be an excuse for you not to try drumming as a new hobby or continue it within the music industry.

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Written by Zujeidy Sotelo-Gallegos and Margaret Beucke