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Electronic drums are a great option for drummers who want to practice without making too much noise. And using electronic drum headphones give you more flexibility and allow you to play drums without disturbing others.
Choosing a suitable set of electronic drum headphones is essential if you want to get the most out of this versatile instrument. The headphones allow you to rehearse quietly or hear your monitor mix clearly when in recording sessions or live performances.
In this guide, we’ve found the most impressive headphones for electronic drum playing in terms of comfort, clarity, and build quality. We’ve also included options to suit all budgets so that everyone can enjoy playing their electronic drum sets as much as possible.
Contents
- What are the Best What are the Best Headphones For Electronic Drums?s?
- How I Tested and Selected the Best Headphones for Electronic Drums
- In-Depth Electronic Drum Headphone Reviews
- Electronic Drum Headphones Buying Guide
- What Makes The Best Headphones for Electronic Drums?
- What Features Should I Look For?
- The Importance of Comfort
- Frequency Response
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is The Difference Between Closed Back and Open Back Headphones?
- Are Earbuds Good for Electronic Drums?
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What are the Best What are the Best Headphones For Electronic Drums?s?
| Image | Recommended ProductsProduct | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Value Headphones  |
| Read Review | |
Best Overall Sound  |
| Read Review | |
Best Budget Headphones  |
| Read Review | |
Most Comfortable Headphones  |
| Read Review | |
Affordable Runner-Up  |
| Read Review | |
Best Headphones for Sound Separation  |
| Read Review |
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How I Tested and Selected the Best Headphones for Electronic Drums
I’ve been privileged enough to test out dozens of pairs of headphones over the years. I’ve owned several pairs, and I’ve been invited to try out various options at various trade shows.
I largely prefer playing acoustic drums to electronic ones, but I’ve always tried to make the electronic drumming experience as realistic as possible, and that involves owning amazing headphones.
I’ve selected the top electronic drum headphones that excel in key criteria. I focus on factors such as sound isolation to ensure you hear your drumming clearly without external distractions.
Sound quality is paramount; my recommendations deliver dynamic, detailed sound for your electronic drum kit. Comfort during extended sessions is also essential, so I consider ergonomics and cushioning.
Lastly, I’ve chosen headphones that cater to different budgets and styles, striking a balance between performance and affordability. Whether you’re practicing at home or rocking a live gig, these picks guarantee an immersive electronic drumming experience.
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In-Depth Electronic Drum Headphone Reviews
Gideon Waxman
Best Value Headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Headphones
A reliable set of headphones that are capable of producing the entire frequency range of electronic drums with clarity and precision.
- Comfort
4.5
- Build Quality
4.0
- Sound Quality
4.5
- Versatility
4.0
- Value
5.0
Gideon Waxman
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Headphones Review
The winner of the best electronic drum headphones goes to Audio-Technica for this powerful and versatile set of headphones. They are tuned for an enhanced low-frequency performance that packed a huge punch when I used them together with electronic drums.
These Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Headphones are assembled with high quality features to provide a comfortable, crystal clear listening experience. They are designed and engineered to be used within recording studio environments and offer an incredible level of sound detailing.
In operation these headphones sound excellent. The 40mm drivers and rare neodymium magnets deliver sharp highs and pummeling lows that truly bring the electronic drums to life.
The kick drum is full bodied and punchy, whilst the cymbals are clear and expressive, and all of the nuances of the snare drum are captured with excellent detail.
These headphones are rugged and very well built. Not only are they great headphones for electronic drums but also they are versatile enough to be used as regular headphones and to be used as studio reference monitors.
For the money these are the best headphones for electronic drums available. They are engineered to deliver the best sounds and that will enhance your drumming experience!
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Crystal clear sound detailing
- Excellent dynamic range
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Gideon Waxman
Best Overall Sound
Roland RH-300V V-Drum Stereo Headphones
Excellent headphones that deliver stunning sound quality, a highly comfortable, cushioned fit, and impressive build quality.
- Comfort
4.5
- Build Quality
5
- Sound Quality
5
- Versatility
4
- Value
4.5
Gideon Waxman
Roland RH-300V V-Drum Stereo Headphones Review
These premium quality Roland RH-300V V-Drum Stereo Headphones are specifically designed for electronic drum monitoring. They offer an incredible full-range response with exquisite detail and an expansive dynamic range.
The Roland RH-300V headphones look and feel extremely high quality. They are priced considerably higher than other electronic drum headphones featured in this guide, but the sound quality and comfort are unparalleled.
These headphones are superb. I found the 40mm full-range drivers to deliver deep low end and crisp high frequencies ensuring a premium listening experience.
The over-ear design of these headphones provided outstanding comfort and allowed me to practice without any distractions for a long time. The sound isolation was also highly effective and really did a good job blocking out external noise whilst playing.
These are the best headphones for electronic drums that deliver the ultimate in sound quality and comfort. Although they are expensive, the RH-300V are some of the best headphones for electronic drums available today.
Pros
- Premium quality headphones
- Extremely comfortable
- Powerful 40mm drivers
Cons
- Premium price tag
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Gideon Waxman
Best Budget Headphones
Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones
A highly affordable pair of headphones with a closed-back design, producing a wide frequency response with prominent mids and pretty powerful bass.
- Comfort
3.5
- Build Quality
3
- Sound Quality
3.5
- Versatility
4
- Value
4.5
Gideon Waxman
Behringer HPS3000 Studio Headphones Review
Up next we have a fantastic pair of headphones that make an excellent choice for electronic drum sets. These are packed with high-quality features that provide rich, accurate sounds, and a comfortable listening experience.
These Behringer HPS3000 Headphones are made with high-quality, rugged components to ensure maximum comfort and durability. They feature optimized oval-shaped ear cups that contain high-resolution cobalt capsules to deliver a wide dynamic range of sounds.
The very best thing about these headphones is their incredible price. You really do get fantastic value for money – offering a performance that I thought far exceeded what their price may suggest.
They have a wide frequency response that produces deep, resonant bass and transparent highs. The sound reproduction for the price is remarkable and they will really help bring your electronic drums to life!
For the money, these are the best headphones for electronic drums on a budget. They are durable, comfortable, and deliver detailed sounds. They have everything you want from a set of headphones and at an unbeatable price.
After using them for an extended amount of time, I could easily see how these are the best option for beginner players and anyone on a budget.
Pros
- Best budget electronic drum headphones
- Deep, resonant bass and clear highs
- Good build quality and durable design
Contents
Gideon Waxman
Most Comfortable Headphones
Sony MDR7506 Professional Headphones
Sleek and stylish headphones that have a sturdy headband and soft earpads to reduce the tension when wearing them to play electronic drums.
- Comfort
4.5
- Build Quality
4.0
- Sound Quality
4.0
- Versatility
3.5
- Value
4.0
Gideon Waxman
Sony MDR7506 Professional Headphones Review
The Sony MDR7506 Headphones deliver outstanding performance with clear sound detailing. These are the best headphones for electronic drums available for delivering high quality, clear sound reproduction.
I think these headphones are excellent for accurate monitoring as they offer crystal clear highs, present mids, and a deep low end that allow for expressive playing on electronic drums.
The Sony MDR7506 headphones are ideal for all manners of sound monitoring in professional studios. They are an immensely popular choice amongst professionals due to their rugged design and powerful 40mm drivers.
Offering a full-range response with crisp and clear detailing, the closed-ear design delivers both comfort and a high level of sound reduction from external noises.
If you are looking for unmistakably high sound quality and performance, these are the best headphones for electronic drums.
Pros
- Great performance for the price
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Versatile headphones
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Not designed specifically for electronic drums
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Gideon Waxman
Affordable Runner-Up
Roland RH5 Electronic Drum Headphones
These circumaural headphones provide an ideal balance between powerful low-end frequencies, punchy mids, and clear highs, making them great for playing electric drum sets.
- Comfort
4.0
- Build Quality
4.0
- Sound Quality
4.5
- Versatility
4.0
- Value
4.5
Gideon Waxman
Roland RH5 Electronic Drum Headphones Review
Next on the list, we have the Roland RH5 Electronic Drum Headphones that are equipped with high-performance 40mm drivers for premium sounds.
I love how comfortable and lightweight these electronic headphones feel to wear. They also provide a natural, flat playing response that is balanced across the frequency spectrum.
They have a good dynamic range across all the frequencies to enable you to hear everything in full.
These are designed for use with Roland electronic drum sets. These headphones provide a good quality sound and they are ideal for practicing with.
These headphones deliver rich, premium sounds without you having to break the bank. Overall, I thought they were a really good choice, and I know a few drummers who prefer practicing with them over any of the other options.
Pros
- Designed for electronic instruments
- Large scale, lightweight design
- Premium and natural sounds
Cons
- Not the best value headphones
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Gideon Waxman
Best Headphones for Sound Separation
Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones
A clear-sounding set of headphones designed to enhance the definition of sounds and samples, making it easy to hear your electronic drums.
- Comfort
4.0
- Build Quality
4.0
- Sound Quality
4.5
- Versatility
4.0
- Value
4.5
Gideon Waxman
Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones Review
Lastly we have a set of drumming headphones that provide an enormous sound reduction of external noise. These Vic Firth Headphones reduce noise levels by 25 decibels so that music can be listened to and played along with at safe volumes. It also eliminates unwanted distractions so you can truly focus on your playing!
These headphones are ideal for both electronic drums and acoustic drums. They feature a large driver within the ear cups that delivers a powerful low end, clean mids, and clear highs for a clear, powerful sound.
These are the best headphones for electronic drums to reduce significant levels of external noise. These are the ideal choice for you if you live in a noisy environment and you want to knuckle down and rehearse without any distractions.
When first trying them, I didn’t actually enjoy the amount of sound isolation with electronic drums. However, they do cater well to onboard sound effects.
A lot of drum modules offer various room and reverb settings, and these headphones completely immersed me in that experience, making it sound more like I was playing drums in a stadium than it did with any of the other options. They’re great for that!
Pros
- Extreme noise isolation
- Excellent for acoustic and electric drums
- Improved dynamic speakers
Cons
- Can feel quite uncomfortable to wear
- Short, non-removable cable
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Electronic Drum Headphones Buying Guide
Electronic drum headphones are essential for your electronic drums to be heard. You can use an electronic drum amp, but amps take up a lot of space and are also expensive compared to headphones.
Headphones also give you more flexibility and allow you to play drums without disturbing other people.
Because the sound you hear will be dependent on the quality of your electronic drum headphones, it’s important to consider what you can afford so you can achieve the best quality sounds for your budget.
You want to buy the best headphones for electronic drums that are comfortable to wear so that you can play for extended periods of time, as well as offer exceptional sound quality so that you can hear every nuance of your playing with clear detailing.
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What Makes The Best Headphones for Electronic Drums?
You do not necessarily need to buy headphones that are exclusively designed for use with electronic drums. All good audio manufacturers offer over-ear headphones that perform well.
Most high-quality studio headphones deliver an unmistakably high-quality sound that works well.
However, headphones that are designed specifically for use with electronic drums will provide the full-spectrum sound and expansive dynamic range that makes them ideal for monitoring electronic percussion instruments.
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What Features Should I Look For?
Here are some important and desirable features you should look for in a pair of headphones to be used with electronic drums:
- Durable, rugged design with solid components. You don’t want them to feel cheap or flimsy because they will most likely break within a couple of months.
- Good sound isolation. Even headphones that aren’t specifically designed for electronic drums will combat external noise with earcups that contour around your ears to allow you to focus on your playing.
- Premium, rich sound detailing, and a wide frequency response so that you can hear every part of the drum set with accuracy and crisp definition.
- Large drivers for powerful, punchy sounds and the ability to be played loud.
- Comfortable ear cups and headband that won’t irritate or annoy you whilst playing.
- A ¼ inch adapter so you can connect your headphones to the electronic drum set module.
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The Importance of Comfort
One of the most important things you need to consider when looking for headphones for electronic drums is how comfortable they feel, particularly when worn for long periods.
It’s easy to get carried away when playing electronic drums, losing track of time and playing for many hours continuously.
Headphones with poorly-constructed headbands, earcups, or unforgiving foam padding can quickly become uncomfortable and diminish your enjoyment of playing.
This is why it’s important to look for headphones that provide both comfort and stability. Not only will this make them easier to wear for long periods, but they’ll also be durable enough to withstand the inevitable wear and tear that occurs from being used often.
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Sound Isolation & Noise Cancelling
As I’ve previously mentioned, isolation of different sounds is vital when playing electronic drums, as it makes them sound more realistic and improves the overall experience of playing them.
The level of sound isolation will depend on the quality and design of your headphone- closed-back headphones tend to offer better sound isolation, as well as noise cancellation.
Full noise cancellation would be ideal for playing electronic drums at home, but if you’re performing with a group, you may want to hear some of the sounds that are going on outside of your headphones.
It’s a good idea to look for headphones that provide good sound isolation as, this will allow you to hear the sounds of your electronic drums more clearly and accurately, without any background noise getting in the way.
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Frequency Response
Electronic drum samples cover a vast range of frequencies, and therefore it’s essential to choose headphones that can reproduce the full frequency range.
This will ensure that all of the nuances of your drum samples are heard clearly and that no notes are lost or obscured in the mix.
Look for headphones with a wide frequency response of around 20 Hz-20 kHz, as this will cover all of the sounds that your electronic drum set can produce.
Kick drum samples and floor toms are likely to be the lowest sounds produced by the electronic drums, while hi-hats, cymbals, and snares will likely be higher in frequency.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Difference Between Closed Back and Open Back Headphones?
The obvious difference between closed-back and open-back headphones is their physical design. Closed-back headphones have a solid enclosure around the speaker, which minimizes spill and prevents sound from entering the ear from outside the headphone.
Open-back headphones, on the other hand, allow the listener to hear more external sounds when wearing them. This can be beneficial for some applications, but for electronic drums, closed-back is usually the preferred choice.
Are Earbuds Good for Electronic Drums?
Earbuds can be a decent option for electronic drumming, particularly if they’re wireless and can connect to the instrument via Bluetooth. However, they won’t provide you with the same level of sound quality, frequency response, or isolation as headphones do.
The issue with using earbuds over headphones is that you won’t be able to hear the electronic drum samples as clearly, and you’ll probably hear more of the external noise, such as your sticks hitting the electronic pads. This is why most people choose headphones or speakers when playing electronic drums.
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