Drummers and wannabe drummers, here’s one item to have to add to the list – a solid pair of headphones. Whether you do live concerts, record tracks in the studio, or play the drums at home, you cannot say no to headphones.
Why do drummers need headphones?
Good question. Ask a drummer, and the first thing they’ll tell you is that drum beats are loud. Yep. Drums pack a punch and can virtually shake the ground. Imagine the amount of sound they generate.
The headphones minimize this sound and block background noise to help drummers concentrate on the music they are playing. It improves their focus and prevents distraction.
Electric and acoustic drums are super loud, and one should not play them without wearing proper headphones. You need to care for your ears and heart (which aligns its beat with the drumbeat).
Rather, using the right headphones will even prevent certain harmful frequencies from reaching your ears and protecting your hearing. This is vital in the long run.
So, will regular headphones work?
No, not always. You need to pick headphones with features like noise isolation, noise cancellation, good frequency response, etc. You need to listen to the track the other band members are playing, but the volume should be comfortable and without any background noise, especially during live shows.
We’ve spent the last few days trying out different headphones to determine which ones are best suited for drummers. So we compiled a list of the ten best drumming headphones in different models and price ranges.
Also, check out the factors to consider when buying drum headphones before reading our reviews and observations.
Roundup of the Best Drum Headphones
| Overall Best Drum Headphones | Alesis DRP100 |
| Most Comfortable Drum Headphones | Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones V2 |
| Best Drum Headphones for Kids | Vic Firth Kidphones Non-electronic Isolation headphones For Kids |
| Most Portable Drum Headphones | OneOdio Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones A70 |
| Most Lightweight Headphones for Drummers | Roland RH-5 Quality Comfort-Fit Headphones for Electronic Musical Inst |
| Drum Headphones With Best Sound Isolation | Koss QZ-99 Noise Reduction Stereophone |
| Most Durable Drumming Headphones | KAT Percussion KTUI26 Ultra Isolation |
| Best Budget Drum Headphones | CAD Audio DH100 Drummer Isolation Headphones |
| Best In-Ear Headphones for Drummers | BASN Professional in Ear Monitor Headphones |
| Drum Headphones With Best Design | KZ ZS10 Pro in Ear Monitor Headphones |
Things to Consider While Buying Drum Headphones
In-Ear vs. On-Ear Headphones
Which one is it? Should you go for in-ear headphones or on-ear headphones? Well, both have their advantages and disadvantages.
For example, in-ear headphones are discreet, sit directly in the ear canal, and are portable. They are lightweight and not easily visible. They are cheaper, too, but the sound quality is not excellent unless you buy the expensive models.
There are almost unlimited models of in-ear headphones on the market. You can find one for every price. Some are highly comfortable, lightweight, stylish, and have an incredible frequency range.
But others are heavy, bulky, fall off, or heat the ears due to the padding. So you have to choose a model depending on your requirements.
Cord Length
You either need headphones with a long cord or wireless headphones that don’t create a tangled mess of wires when you are drumming. Look for headphones with a meter-long cable (minimum) so that you don’t have to worry about shaking your head or shifting your position at the drums. Ten feet cords are ideal for drummers.
Noise Cancelation and Isolation
Noise-canceling headphones are necessary for drummers if you want to retain your focus on what you are playing (unless you are on the stage).
35 decibels is considered an effective noise cancelation level for drummers. 25 decibels is marked as an optimal noise isolation level, though headphones with higher noise isolation are even better.
The main difference between noise cancelation and noise isolation is how the background sounds are blocked. Noise cancelation is an electronic process, while sound isolation is physical and doesn’t require any power.
Comfort and Design
Comfort is a prominent factor to consider when choosing drumming headphones. You can determine this by measuring the average time you play the drums at a stretch.
For example, if a concert lasts for three hours, you need headphones that will feel comfortable for three hours or longer. You should also consider how the headphones will react to sweat and heat.
Types of Drummer Headphones
Do you play acoustic and electronic drums? You want headphones that reduce fatigue and have better sensitivity with optimal outside noise reduction. If you play the drums at studios, you want noise reduction headphones. Drum headphones for home are different from those suitable for studios and the models that work well for concerts.
Frequency Response
Professional drummers have to opt for headphones with the highest frequency range. You’ll never want to miss out on crucial details during a crowded show. If you are still a beginner, a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz will be enough.
Sound Quality and Sensitivity
Naturally, you want headphones that reproduce quality sound and don’t distort the audio. However, it may cost a little more for better sound quality, so be prepared.
Sensitivity measures how well the headphones are converting electric signals to acoustic signals. Headphones with high sensitivity will be louder and clearer.
Durability and Sturdiness
Drummers require headphones with strong build quality. The headphones should sustain rough use and be sturdy enough to handle the activity around. Delicate and fragile headphones won’t last long.
However, you also need to consider the weight of the headphones. Heavy models can be sturdy but uncomfortable to wear for longer durations. Find models that are lightweight yet durable.
Top 10 Headphones for Professional Drummers, Beginners, and More
The following are some of the best headphones for beginners and professional drummers available on the market:
1. Alesis DRP100
Overall Best Drum Headphones
- 6-foot cord length
- Lightweight and durable
- 40mm full-range drivers
- Sweatproof headband
- Excellent sound isolation
- Great sound quality
- We did not experience any issues with this product
Alesis DRP100 is the overall best headphones for drummers with excellent sound quality, control over the volume, and a comfortable over-ear design with a sweatproof headband.
Firstly, the headphones have been designed for electronic drummers and come with 40mm full-range drivers. We are impressed with the sound quality and the sound reproduction. The wide frequency response ensures that we don’t miss the fine details in the tracks.
Secondly, the headphones have super volume. We don’t think we’ll ever play them at full volume. That’s surely going to hurt our ears. We like that the headphones are lightweight yet sturdy enough for daily use. If only we could adjust them better for every head.
To conclude, Alesis DRP100 packs a punch in terms of sound isolation and frequency range. The cord is six feet and doesn’t come in the way. We are much pleased with this. Alesis DRP100 is good for electronic drummers who play at home, in studios, and at concerts.
View on Amazon: Alesis DRP100
2. Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones V2
Most Comfortable Drum Headphones
- Affordable price
- 20 dB noise reduction
- Extremely comfortable and padded ear cups
- Work with electronic and acoustic drums
- Can make you sweat
Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones V2 are the most comfortable drumming headphones with firth stereo isolation that works better than the first version and minimizes sound bleeding.
Firstly, the headphones can reduce outside noise by around 20-25 decibels. We like that the headphones did work as promised, though we would have liked them better if they blocked the clicking noise of the sticks as well. But the sound leak is minimum, which is a definite plus.
Secondly, we could easily fold the headphones and carry them around. Despite being made of plastic, they are quite sturdy and seem durable. They fit well, thanks to the padded ear cups and headband. But we can’t use them for longer than four hours.
In conclusion, Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones V2 are better than the first version and easy to maintain. They are nicely sealed too. The fitting might be a tad tight initially, but they loosen up in a few days and feel more comfortable. It’s important that they sit right on the head and not fall off. The frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz and average sound quality match the price. Not extraordinary, but not too bad either.
View on Amazon: Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones V2
3. Vic Firth Kidphones Non-electronic Isolation Headphones For Kids
Best Drum Headphones for Kids
- Lightweight
- Affordable and budget-friendly
- Reduce noise levels by 22 dB
- Highly suitable for kids
- Comfortable and durable
- More suitable for smaller heads
Vic Firth Kidphones are the best headphones for drummers with non-electronic isolation and have been exclusively designed for kids.
Firstly, the headphones reduce background noise by around 22dB. They don’t block noise completely but allow kids to stay focused on the job. So we tried them on our little ones, and the headphones fit well. The pair looked more comfortable on the younger one (six years old).
Secondly, these are versatile headphones. Our kids use them when practicing the drums and when there’s too much noise outside. So if you got a kid who dislikes loud sounds (fireworks, construction, etc.), try these passive noise isolation headphones to reduce the sound levels.
In conclusion, Vic Firth Kidphones use synthetic materials and have a decent build quality. But they aren’t drop-proof or super tough. They might break if kids drop them on hard surfaces. At least they are budget-friendly, so that’s a bonus. The headband is adjustable, and the cups cover their ears completely. We couldn’t try them on due to the size, but the kids assured us they liked these headphones.
View on Amazon: Vic Firth Kidphones Non-electronic Isolation headphones For Kids
4. OneOdio Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones A70
Most Portable Drum Headphones
- Multi-pairing options
- Good battery life
- Connects to two devices simultaneously
- Foldable and portable
- Convenient to use coiled cable
- Suitable for smaller heads
- Noise isolation could be better
OneOdio Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones are the most portable headphones with a comfortable design and lightweight build.
Firstly, the over-ear design with soft memory ear pads makes the headphones sit easily on our heads. Though these aren’t that suitable for large heads, we could adjust the headband to a good extent. The headphones are good-looking, and you can fold them into a compact size.
Secondly, the headphones have two jacks (3.5mm and 6.5mm), one on each side to connect to other devices. They also work with wireless Bluetooth connections. What we loved the best was that we could connect them to two devices at once.
In conclusion, OneOdio Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones A70 is a lightweight (less than a pound) headphone with punchy bass. The treble could be better, but it serves our purpose. The isolation is not as good as we hoped. The twist or jaw lock design ensures that the coiled cable doesn’t come in the way when drumming. We can use these headphones every day and not worry much about their durability or cost. The battery life is great, too (72 hours).
View on Amazon: OneOdio Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones A70
5. Roland RH-5 Quality Comfort-Fit Headphones for Electronic Musical Instruments
Most Lightweight Headphones for Drummers
- Extremely lightweight
- Adequate cable length to move around with the headphones
- Durable and reliable
- No sound leakage
- Good passive isolation
- Volume could have been louder
Roland RH-5 Quality Comfort-Fit Headphones are the most lightweight headphones with great comfort for drummers and professional musicians.
Firstly, we like the look and feel of these headphones. They are so good and light on the head that we used them for more than four hours at a stretch and didn’t feel uncomfortable. The headphones were stiff initially but softened after a while.
Secondly, the build quality is excellent. These work well with drums and electric guitar. We didn’t notice any noise leakage, and the ambient noise was reduced to a good extent, though we could hear the click of the sticks at times.
To conclude, Roland RH-5 comes with a 3m long cable that gave us enough space to move on the seat when drumming. The conversion plug included in the package was a nice move by the manufacturer. The drummer headphones have well-balanced sound reproduction, though they could be a little louder. They do the job now but can be even better with a few minor tweaks.
View on Amazon: Roland RH-5 Quality Comfort-Fit Headphones for Electronic Musical Instruments
6. Koss QZ-99 Noise Reduction Stereophone
Drum Headphones With Best Sound Isolation
- Passive noise reduction
- High-quality stereo headphones
- Volume control on ear cups
- Acoustic isolation
- We did not experience any issues with the headphones
Koss QZ-99 Noise Reduction Stereophones are the best isolation headphones with a well-built construction and balanced sound output.
Firstly, the headphones are quite comfortable to wear and have volume buttons on the ear cups. They are heavy, too, but sit nicely on the head and block out ambient noise we don’t want to hear when drumming.
Secondly, they mean business with their noise-canceling ability and acoustic isolation. The cord length is more than decent and allows us free movement. The headphones look and feel sturdy. If only they were long-lasting too. The volume button starts to cause trouble as the headphones age.
In conclusion, Koss QZ-99 let us switch between mono and stereo sounds, and we could use them as studio headphones. The volume isn’t great, so we had to up the sound a little more than usual. The sealing of the earmuffs is worth mentioning, and the ear cushions are nicely padded. Comfort isn’t an issue unless you want to lie back with the headphones. We used them mainly for drumming, so no complaints.
View on Amazon: Koss QZ-99 Noise Reduction Stereophone
7. KAT Percussion KTUI26 Ultra Isolation Headphones
Most Durable Drumming Headphones
- Noise reduction by 26dB
- Passive isolation
- Lightweight and durable
- Clear sound
- Good and loud volume
- We did not experience any issues with these headphones
KAT Percussion KTUI26 Ultra Isolation Headphones are the most durable studio headphones for professional drummers who record music often and learners who play at home.
Firstly, the headphones block external sounds and are suitable for teens and adults. We didn’t have to increase the volume either. The noise isolation is good without canceling the entire sound. We hear just enough of the drumbeat to not miss the beat.
Secondly, the headphones are good for studio recordings and work well with acoustic drums. We noticed only a slight sound bleed and almost no ear fatigue despite the long sessions at the recording studios.
In conclusion, the House of Marley Positive Vibration 2: Over-Ear Headphones can be a good option to purchase if comfort is a priority for you, along with the retro look. Not only do they have a pleasant sound, but they are made from eco-friendly materials.
View on Amazon: KAT Percussion KTUI26 Ultra Isolation
8. CAD Audio DH100 Drummer Isolation Headphones
Best Budget Drum Headphones
- Durable
- Budget-friendly and highly affordable
- Great noise cancelation
- Good ear protection
- 50mm neodymium driver
- More suited for smaller heads
CAD Audio DH100 Drummer Isolation Headphones are the best budget headphones for drummers and are suitable for recording studios and stage performances.
Firstly, headphones reduce external noise by 19 decibels. They come for a pocket-friendly price and appear to be sturdy. We feel these will be quite durable given the bulky design and weight. They aren’t too heavy but feel solid on the head.
Secondly, drivers are more than decent for the price we pay. They do their job well, even if we can’t claim that the headphones offer excellent sound quality. The sound reproduction is clear and not muffled, so that’s a plus.
In conclusion, CAD Audio DH100 Drummer Isolation Headphones blocks ambient noise and can be used at a quiet volume. We didn’t even have to turn them to 50% volume. They seem tight at first but get better after a while. We can’t compare these with Vic Firth or Audio Technica, but they can hold their own in the entry-level range. Whether we play the drums at home or outside, these are also dependable.
View on Amazon: CAD Audio DH100 Drummer Isolation Headphones
9. BASN Professional in Ear Monitor Headphones
Best In-Ear Headphones for Drummers
- In-ear monitor design
- High fidelity with an extended frequency response
- Flexible memory wire
- Worthy noise cancelation
- Comes in three colors
- We did not experience any issues with these in-ear headphones
BASN Professional Headphones are the best in-ear monitors for professional musicians, singers, and drummers. They are cost-effective and produce a balanced sound.
Firstly, we love how comfortable the headphones are. We could wear them for long hours and still not suffer from ear fatigue. Playing the drums with these in-ear headphones was a lovely experience.
Secondly, the silicone tips ensure maximum sound cancelation. The manufacturer calls this a natural fitting noise isolating model, and we have to agree. There was no ambient noise when we used them for recording music and on the stage.
To conclude, BASN Professional blocks 38dB of noise levels, the highest on our list. You can adjust the memory wire to fit the headphone cable around our ears. The package includes a portable case, a cleaning brush (yes!), and six silicone tips. We took the time to find the ear tips that were most comfortable for each of us. Oh, you can easily replace the MMCX connector. We are a little worried about the durability of these IEM headphones but are happy with the performance.
View on Amazon: BASN Professional in Ear Monitor Headphones
10. KZ ZS10 Pro in Ear Monitor Headphones
Drum Headphones With Best Design
- Comes in six attractive colors
- Smooth and clean sound
- Quality build construction
- Comfortable and durable
- Affordable and stylish
- Cable can be longer
KZ ZS10 Pro are the best drum in-ear monitor headphones with a stylish design and affordable price. They are available in six colors and are quite lightweight.
Firstly, the build quality of the earphones is worth mentioning. These use skin-friendly resin and stainless steel faceplates, making them durable and reliable. We like how they fit in the ears, though the manufacturers provide only three extra pairs of ear tips.
Secondly, each earphone has five drivers. They do pack a punch and deliver clear sound when we practice drumming. What caught our attention is the 2-pin design on the earphones (the cable can be detached and attached as required) with a protective casing. That’s a good move by the company.
In conclusion, KZ ZS10 Pro lives up to the popularity garnered by other KZ models, though these are less expensive and don’t have exceptional features. The cable works for now, but we planned to upgrade it, so that won’t be an issue in the future. The dynamic drivers have a high-frequency range. The bass, mids, and highs are detectable and more than decent. These are a real deal in IEM models and can be worthy for drummers.
View on Amazon: KZ ZS10 Pro in Ear Monitor Headphones
Frequently Asked Questions About Drum Headphones
Drummers mainly wear headphones to reduce the noise to secure levels and prevent hearing loss over time. The headphones keep the outside volume at safer levels and minimize distractions.
Drummers usually listen to a click sound to sync their drumming with the rest of the band. The click sounds help them maintain the rhythm and stay true to the beat.
Final Words
We hope you have the necessary information for buying headphones to enter the music industry as a favorite drummer. Also, we recommend Alesis DRP100 headphones for impressive noise reduction, affordability, and the ability to work with electronic drums. We also recommend Vic Firth isolation headphones for comfort and design and KZ ZS10 Pro for stylish IEM headphones.
However, take your time to understand the pros and cons of each model before you finalize a pair of headphones. Talk to other band members and ask for their opinions. However, remember that the best drum headphones are the ones that have been designed for drummers and not other musical instruments.
Do let us know which headphones you choose, and drop a word in the comments below!
