A good pair of closed headphones is essential for keeping drum sounds out of your ears, so you don’t have to turn up the volume to compensate. They also prevent studio microphones from leaking into your headphones.
To help you play with precision and confidence while protecting your hearing, the Drumeo team has compiled a short list of the best headphones for drummers.
These are tried and tested, and most of them have been recommended by several of Drumeo’s in-house drummers.
Best Headphones For Drummers Under $300
1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Bose’s latest premium over-ear headphones, the Ultra headphones, use test tones to calibrate noise reduction to the shape of your ear.
They work well, reducing a lot of noise in the airplane band (second only to the Apple AirPods Max).
However, those prone to eardrum damage should be aware that these headphones will cause you to feel that way more than the other headphones we tested, especially if you have vestibular issues.
Of course, you can use the app to dial down the ANC, but the strong noise-canceling is the only compelling reason to buy these headphones.
The Ultrasounds are good and are built with the lightweight, comfortable style that Bose is known for, but I wish there were more bonus features to justify the steep $430 price tag.
Many headphones under $300 are similarly comfortable and offer better sound customization, longer battery life, an always-on wake word, voice-activated recognition mode, a higher IP rating, and better mic noise reduction.
So while the cheaper Bose 700s are still on sale, most people would be better off saving their money and going for this model.
2. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are popular studio headphones known for their fantastic sound quality, especially their bass response.
The M50x comes with three detachable cables of varying lengths and soft, swiveling earcups. Audio-Technica also offers a wireless Bluetooth version for an extra $30.
However, they don’t have a strong seal around your ears, so they don’t isolate as well as some of the other models in this guide.
They block out some high frequencies, but low frequencies can still sneak in. If you want to block out more drum sounds or prevent audio leakage, try a different model.
3. Sennheiser Accentum Plus
This pair has small earcups that feel refreshingly streamlined but may be a little too small for those with larger ears.
Out of the box, the sound is pretty good, with an extra bass bump that’s most noticeable on hip-hop and rap tracks.
There’s also an extra punch to the treble that can be perceived as detail or sibilance, depending on your ear.
To EQ the sound, you’ll need to create an account in the app and take an unusual sound preference test that asks you how loud you like to play drums or strings.
There’s no option to fine-tune the sound yourself using the faders. Active noise cancellation isn’t as effective as our pick, and the mic quality is compressed, almost like using an old-fashioned landline.
4. Drumeo EarDrums
Earbuds like Apple’s EarPods aren’t the same as in-ear monitors (IEMs). They don’t offer true sound isolation, and they’re not as good as those with multiple drivers.
If you want a pair of unassuming headphones that can fit in your pocket and deliver great sound straight to your ears, the Drumeo EarDrums are true in-ear monitors with three drivers, more than most IEMs in this price range.
Nine eartips (six silicone, three memory foam) are included to help you find the perfect fit. A sleek carrying case and cleaning tool help keep these headphones safe and clean.
However the in-ear monitors offer the best isolation with custom sleeves/molds, but you’ll need to order them through your audiologist. A cable extender can be used to extend the cable length to suit your needs.
5. Vic Firth Isolation Headphone
A good pair of isolating headphones is a must for any drummer. You don’t need to turn up your music or metronome loud enough to completely cover your ears and create a tight seal to block out loud drum sounds.
The Vic Firth Isolation Headphones are popular for this reason. They are comfortable to wear and still allow you to hear music or click tracks clearly.
They can also be used as a decent hearing protection device, like commercial earmuffs. Overall, these headphones are very good for the price.
These are affordable and comfortable headphones for drummers. However, professional sound engineers or audiophiles may prefer a more expensive open-back design that focuses more on sound clarity.
6. Direct Sound EX29 Plus
There’s a reason they’re called “ultimate isolation” headphones. Comfortable, adjustable, and extremely isolating, the Direct Sound EX29 Plus is built by studio drummers and features red felt sides so you always know which cup is on the right side.
If you have larger ears, these may fit you better than the average pair. The 9-foot cable is detachable, and these headphones fold up nicely for storage or travel. A one-year manufacturer warranty is also a nice perk.
7. GK Music UltraPhones
Many professional musicians trust the UltraPhones, making them a worthy upgrade to anything they currently own.
Made by GK Music, a small company led by Steve Miller Band drummer Gordy Knudtson, the UltraPhones pack the components of the Sony 7506 headphones into comfortable 3M foam cans, providing excellent isolation and clear audio quality.
They may look like something you’d use on a construction site, but now you can listen to your music or click tracks in comfort! The long cable is also a plus.
However, not every drummer wants to spend $270 on headphones, especially if they’re not going to be used in the studio. If you’re looking for basic isolation rather than sound quality, check out the cheaper options on this page.
Also read: Best In Ear Monitors for Bassists in 2024