Best Electronic Drum Headphones

by Alex.   Last Updated On April 30th, 2024.
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If you are a drummer who loves to play electronic drums, you know how important it is to have a good pair of headphones. Headphones can make or break your drumming experience, whether you are practicing, recording, or performing.

But how do you choose the best headphones for electronic drums? There are so many options available in the market, with different features, prices, and styles. How do you know which one suits your needs and preferences?

Don’t worry, we are here to help you. In this article, we will give you our top recommendations for the best electronic drum headphones. We have selected two headphones that are best for budget-conscious drummers, one that is best for on-ear comfort, one that is best for closed-back isolation, and one that is best for premium sound quality.

We will also give you a guide on how to choose the best headphones for electronic drums, based on some key factors and criteria.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Table of Contents
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Comparison of the Best Electronic Drum Headphones

Best Budget Electronic Drum HeadphonesSee On Amazon
photo of the Roland RH-5Roland
RH-5
Another Best Budget Electronic Drum HeadphoneSee On Amazon
photo of the Alesis DRP100Alesis
DRP100
Best On-Ear Electronic Drum HeadphoneSee On Amazon
photo of the Sennheiser HD25Sennheiser
HD25
Best Closed-Back Electronic Drum HeadphoneSee On Amazon
photo of the Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO Beyerdynamic
DT 770 PRO
Most Expensive Electronic Drum HeadphoneSee On Amazon
photo of the Roland VMH-D1Roland
VMH-D1

If you are looking for a pair of headphones that won’t break the bank, but still deliver decent sound quality, the Roland RH-5 might be the one for you.

See On Amazon

Specs:

  • Type
    • Closed Back, Over Ear
  • Connectivity
    • Wired
      • 3meter cable
        • 3.5mm TRS Male Jack
  • Impedance
    • 32 Ohms
  • Frequency Response
    • 10 Hz – 22,000 Hz
  • Driver Size
    • 40mm
  • Driver Type
    • Dynamic

Roland RH-5 headphones are the cheapest on our list, but they are not cheap in performance. They are ideal for beginners who are just starting to play electronic drums, or for anyone who wants to use them with any digital instrument.

They are also comfortable to wear for long drum sessions, thanks to their lightweight design and soft ear pads. They come with a conversion plug that allows you to use them with mini headphone connectors, which is a nice bonus.

However, they are not very travel-friendly, as they cannot be folded or stored easily. They also look a bit cheap, which might not appeal to some drummers who care about style. But hey, you get what you pay for, right?

What We Like

Comfortable to wear for long drum sessions.

Decent sound quality.

Know Before Buying

Cheap-looking headphones.

See On Amazon

If you are looking for a pair of headphones that are made for electronic drummers, and that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, the Alesis DRP100 might be the one for you.

See On Amazon

Specs:

  • Type
    • Closed Back, Over Ear
  • Connectivity
    • Wired
      • 1.8-meter cable
        • 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) stereo mini-plug
        • 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) headphone plug adapter
  • Impedance
    • 32 Ohms
  • Frequency Response
    • 10 Hz – 30,000 Hz
  • Driver Size
    • 40mm
  • Driver Type
    • Dynamic

Another option for budget-conscious drummers is the Alesis DRP100. These headphones are specially designed for electronic drummers, and they do a great job of delivering clear and accurate sound.

They are perfect for practicing, playing as a hobby, or even performing on stage. They have a simple and sleek design, with a silicone rubber strap that helps with comfort and flexibility. They are also comfortable to use for long periods of time, as they have soft and cushioned ear cups.

They come with a 1/4-inch headphone plug adapter, which is convenient for connecting to different devices. They also have excellent noise cancelation, thanks to their closed-back design. This means that you can focus on your drumming without being distracted by external noises.

However, they are not very travel-friendly, either, as they are bulky and have a non-detachable cable. They also lack some features that more expensive headphones have, such as wireless connectivity or active noise canceling.

What We Like

Good noise cancelation.

Comfortable to use for long periods of drum sessions.

Know Before Buying

Not great for traveling.

Nondetachable cable.

See On Amazon

If you are looking for an on-ear headphone that can handle electronic drums and more, the Sennheiser HD25 might be the one for you.

See On Amazon

Specs:

  • Type
    • Closed Back, On Ear
  • Connectivity
    • Wired
      • 1.5 meter steel cable
  • Impedance
    • 70 Ohms
  • Frequency Response
    • 16 Hz – 22,000 Hz
  • Driver Size
    • 41mm
  • Driver Type
    • Dynamic

Sennheiser HD25 is known as the “Industry Standard” for DJs, and they have been used by many famous artists such as Calvin Harris, David Guetta, and many more. They are also good for electronic drums, other electronic instruments, and even for cameramen and other professional use.

They are very lightweight and comfortable to use for gigs or long hours of practice. They have a rotatable capsule that allows you to use them for single-ear listening, which is handy for monitoring your sound.

They also perform well in loud environments, thanks to their closed-back design and excellent sound isolation. They have an excellent sound signature that focuses on clarity, punch, and precision.

They are known for their detailed, accurate, and balanced sound. However, they are not perfect. They can feel hot and your ears might sweat if worn for long periods, especially during summer. They also have a design that is not very appealing, which might not suit some drummers who care about style.

But if you are looking for a pair of headphones that can do it all, and that have proven quality, the Sennheiser HD25 might be the one for you.

What We Like

Can be used in loud environments.

Parts are replaceable.

Know Before Buying

Can feel hot and your ears might swear if worn for long periods during summer.

The design is not that appealing.

See On Amazon

These headphones are not just good for playing electronic drums, but also for mixing, studio use, and even for gaming.

See On Amazon

Specs:

  • Type
    • Closed Back, Over Ear
  • Connectivity
    • Wired
      • 3 meters cable
  • Impedance
    • 250 Ohms
  • Frequency Response
    • 5 Hz – 35,000 Hz
  • Driver Size
    • 45mm
  • Driver Type
    • Dynamic

The best closed-back electronic drum headphones on our list are the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. They are made of spring steel and durable plastic, and they are comfortable to wear for long periods.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 is ideal for drummers who practice or play for long hours. They come with a 3-meter cable that allows you to move around freely without removing them. They also feature a neutral profile that provides well-balanced audio reproduction.

They have a wonderful bass that doesn’t drown out the vocals and instruments, as well as an excellent midrange. However, they are not very travel-friendly, as they are super bulky and cannot be folded or stored easily.

Beyerdynamic DT 770 is best used at home or inside a studio. They are also not ideal in noisy environments, as they have poor noise isolation. They also lack some features that more expensive headphones have, such as wireless connectivity or active noise canceling.

But if you are looking for a pair of headphones that are comfortable, durable, and have great sound quality, the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro might be the one for you.

What We Like

You can move around with their long cable.

Comfortable to wear for long hours.

Know Before Buying

They are on the bulkier side.

Noise isolation is lacking.

See On Amazon

Roland VMH-D1 is the first collaboration between Roland and V-MODA, and they are also the most unique-looking headphones on our list.

See On Amazon

Specs:

  • Type
    • Closed Back, Over Ear
  • Connectivity
    • Wired
      • 3meter cable
  • Impedance
    • 32 Ohms
  • Frequency Response
    • 5 Hz – 40,000 Hz
  • Driver Size
    • 50mm
  • Driver Type
    • Dual-diaphragm speaker drivers

The most expensive electronic drum headphones on our list are the Roland VMH-D1. They are great for those who have a lot of budget or drummers who want to splurge for their electronic drum headphones.

Roland VMH-D1 is designed exclusively for electronic drummers, and they have features that are appropriate for electronic drumming. They are made with synthetic leather headbands ear cups, and memory foam earpads.

They have a comfortable fit and can be worn for hours of drumming. They also provide superb noise isolation, as they have strong noise attenuation and they block outside noise quite well. They have a sound that is more targeted toward drumming than studio mixing, and they have dual-diaphragm speaker drivers that deliver powerful and clear sound.

However, they are not great for travel, as they cannot be folded or collapsed. They also might not fit bigger heads, as they have a tight fit. They are also very expensive, which might not be affordable for some drummers.

But if you are looking for a pair of headphones that are unique, comfortable, and have excellent noise isolation, the Roland VMH-D1 might be the one for you.

What We Like

Great comfortable fit.

Has excellent noise isolation.

Out-of-the-way cables.

Know Before Buying

Can’t be folded or collapsed.

Might not fit bigger heads.

See On Amazon

Buying Guide for the Best Electronic Drum Headphones

When choosing the best headphones for electronic drums, there are some factors and criteria that you need to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:

Price

The price of the headphones is one of the first things that you need to think about. How much are you willing to spend on your electronic drum headphones? There are headphones that range from cheap to expensive, and each one has its own pros and cons.

Generally, the more expensive the headphones are, the better the sound quality, the comfort, and the features are. However, this does not mean that you have to break the bank to get a good pair of headphones.

There are also some budget-friendly options that can still deliver decent performance. You need to balance your budget and your expectations, and find the headphones that offer the best value for your money.

electronic drum

Comfort

The comfort of the headphones is another important factor that you need to consider. How comfortable are the headphones to wear for long periods of time? How well do they fit your head and ears? How heavy or light are they? How breathable or hot are they? These are some of the questions that you need to ask yourself when choosing the headphones.

You want to avoid headphones that are too tight, too loose, too heavy, or too hot for your ears, as they can cause discomfort, fatigue, or even neck pain or jaw pain. You want to choose headphones that are comfortable, flexible, and adjustable so that you can enjoy your drumming without any hassle.

Wired or Wireless

The connectivity of the headphones is another important factor that you need to consider. Do you prefer wired or wireless headphones? There are advantages and disadvantages to both options.

Wired headphones have a cable that connects them to your device, such as your electronic drum module, your mixer, or your audio interface. This means that you have a stable and reliable connection, and you don’t have to worry about battery life or interference.

However, this also means that you have a limited range of movement, and you have to deal with the cable getting tangled or in the way.

Wireless headphones have no cable, and they connect to your device via Bluetooth or other wireless technologies. This means that you have more freedom and flexibility, and you don’t have to deal with the cable.

However, this also means that you have to worry about battery life, charging, pairing, and interference. You need to weigh the pros and cons of each option, and find the headphones that suit your preferences and needs.

Noise Isolation

The noise isolation of the headphones is another important factor that you need to consider. How well do the headphones block out external noises, such as the ambient noise in your room, the noise from other instruments, or the noise from other people?

How well do the headphones prevent sound leakage, which is the sound that escapes from your headphones and can be heard by others? You want to choose headphones that have good noise isolation, as this can improve your focus, your accuracy, and your enjoyment of your drumming.

You also want to avoid headphones that have poor noise isolation, as this can distract you, affect your sound quality, and annoy others. Generally, closed-back headphones have better noise isolation than open-back headphones, as they seal your ears from the outside noise.

However, some closed-back headphones can also have poor noise isolation, depending on their design and quality. You need to check the noise isolation of the headphones before buying them, and find the headphones that offer the best noise isolation for your situation.

Cable Length

The cable length of the headphones is another important factor that you need to consider, if you choose wired headphones. How long is the cable of the headphones? How much does it affect your movement and your setup?

You want to choose headphones that have a cable length that is suitable for your drumming. You don’t want to choose headphones that have a cable that is too short, as this can limit your movement and make you feel restricted.

You also don’t want to choose headphones that have a cable that is too long, as this can get in the way and cause accidents. You want to choose headphones that have a cable that is just right, so that you can move freely and comfortably, without compromising your safety and your convenience.

man playing electronic drum

Portability

The portability of the headphones is another important factor that you need to consider. How easy are the headphones to carry around, store, and travel with? How durable and sturdy are they? How much space do they take up?

You want to choose headphones that are portable, especially if you plan to use them outside your home or studio, such as for gigs, rehearsals, or classes. You want to choose headphones that are easy to fold, collapse, or detach, so that you can pack them easily and save space.

You also want to choose headphones that are durable and sturdy, so that they can withstand the wear and tear of traveling and handling. You also want to choose headphones that come with a case, a pouch, or a bag, so that you can protect them from dust, dirt, moisture, and damage.

FAQs

Are studio headphones good for electronic drums?

Yes, studio headphones are good for electronic drums, as they offer high-quality sound reproduction, noise isolation, and comfort. Studio headphones are designed to handle a wide range of frequencies, which is ideal for electronic drums that can produce sounds from low bass to high treble.

Do you need an amplifier for electronic drums?

You don’t necessarily need an amplifier for electronic drums, as you can also play them with headphones. Using headphones is a cost-effective and quiet way to listen to your drums, and many electronic drum sets include headphones in their package. However, if you want to play out loud, practice in your apartment with a band, or perform live, you will need an amplifier for your electronic drums.

Conclusion

Best Budget Electronic Drum Headphones
Another Best Budget Electronic Drum Headphone
Best On-Ear Electronic Drum Headphone

We have come to the end of our article on the best electronic drum headphones. We have reviewed five different headphones that offer various features, performance, and price. I have also given you some tips on how to choose the best headphones for your electronic drumming needs.

I hope that you have found this article useful and informative. Whether you are looking for cheap, comfortable, isolated, or high-end headphones, we have something for you.

Remember, good headphones can make a big difference in your drumming enjoyment and skill. So, don’t hesitate to invest in a pair of headphones that will suit your style and budget.