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7 Best Headphones for Dubstep: Hands-On Reviews 2024

Top Pick
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
V-MODA Crossfade M-80
Pioneer Pro DJ
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Black
V-MODA Crossfade M-80 Vocal On-Ear Noise-Isolating Metal Headphone (Shadow)
PIONEER DJ HDJ-X7 Professional Over-Ear DJ Headphones (Black)
Top Pick
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Black
V-MODA Crossfade M-80
V-MODA Crossfade M-80 Vocal On-Ear Noise-Isolating Metal Headphone (Shadow)
Pioneer Pro DJ
PIONEER DJ HDJ-X7 Professional Over-Ear DJ Headphones (Black)

If dubstep could be summarized in one word, that would be bass-heavy. This electronic dance music genre is characterized by roaring synthesizers and an incredibly high amount of content in the low-end of the frequency spectrum.

So, that’s pretty obvious: if you’re looking for headphones for dubstep, you should seek bass response. But, of course, that’s not the only factor that comes into play: even if your pair has a solid bass performance, you should also consider how well it fits your particular use case. For example, the best cans for the studio aren’t necessarily the best ones for your daily life.

In our best headphones for dubstep article, we picked 7 products that we believe will please the fans from this bass-heavy genre. There are options for everyone, be you a bedroom music producer or a dubstep enjoyer on the go. Keep reading to find more about our tests.

Related: Best Studio Headphones article.

Sennheiser Pro Audio HD 650 Open Back Professional Headphone

We Tested 7 Products and Found the Sennheiser HD 650 to be The Best Headphones for Dubstep – Studio Usage

These comfortable dubstep headphones are a high-quality pair for music producers and creators.

SENNHEISER Momentum 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with Alexa

The Sennheiser Momentum 3 was our Casual Music Listening Choice

Compact and highly adjustable, you can take these with you anywhere you go.

7 Best Headphones for Dubstep in 2023

Looking for a quality pair of headphones? Are you an electronic dance music enthusiast? Well, you’ve come to the right place!

This helpful guide has everything you need to know about the 7 best headphones for dubstep in 2023.

Table of Contents

  1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2
  2. V-MODA Crossfade M-80
  3. Beyerdynamic DT 880
  4. Pioneer Pro DJ
  5. Sennheiser Momentum 3
  6. Jabra Elite 75t
  7. Sennheiser HD 650

1. Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2

Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2

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Starting off with a superb over-ear headphones pair from Audio-Technica, these have an excellent bass response. What we like the most about it, though, is the headband and ear cushions: they are extremely comfortable to wear even for long listening sessions.

Product Specifications

  • Over-Ear Headphones
  • Bluetooth
  • Closed Back

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • These are the wireless headphones version of the already acclaimed studio pair ATH-M50x, with the same excellent audio quality.
  • The padded headband and ear cups are extra cushioned, providing a more comfortable experience.
  • These headphones have an extremely solid bass response, so they are optimal for dubstep.
  • The low-latency mode makes the Bluetooth connection between your device and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x BT2 even faster, so you can use it for other applications such as gaming too.
  • These have dual high-quality built-in microphones.
  • Available in three colors.
  • The A-T Connect app can be installed on your mobile device for controlling a series of the headphone’s parameters such as EQ settings and codecs.

Cons

  • Can feel a bit bulky if you have a smaller head.

Conclusion

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50X BT2 feels pretty comfortable to use and is excellent for bass-heavy music. The extra padded adjustable headband and ear cups make this pair almost “cozy” to wear. It may feel a little bulky depending on the size of your head, though.

This Bluetooth pair is better for casual listening, but, if you’re into music production, there’s a wired version of the ATH-M50X which is great for that application too.

Best For

  • Casual Music Listening

– – –

2. V-MODA Crossfade M-80

V-MODA Crossfade M-80

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V-MODA is known for its Italian-inspired design, and this is one of its strong points. The overall look of this pair of headphones is amazing. The materials are of great quality and it’s even customizable: you can change the ear cups covers on your own. Sound quality-wise, it is, of course, optimal for bass-heavy genres, especially if you’re a dubstep DJ.

Product Specifications

  • Over-Ear Headphones
  • Wired
  • Closed Back
  • Includes Carrying Case and Adapter
  • Impedance: 28.5 Ohms

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • This pair, due to its extended sub-bass response, is a great fit for dubstep DJs.
  • The V-MODA Crossfade M-80 offers a great deal of noise cancellation. They are great to be used in noisy environments such as in subway rides.
  • The design looks extremely good and the ear cups covers are customizable.
  • Can be used as a reference pair in the studio.
  • It is extremely sturdy, durable, and resistant to wear and stress such as occasional bends.
  • Passive noise isolation technology.
  • Kevlar reinforced cables.
  • Includes a very sturdy hard carrying case.

Cons

  • None that we found.

Conclusion

Having an excellent performance for dubstep and really any style of electronic music, we couldn’t recommend these headphones more. I have a similar pair from V-Moda in my collection and I can tell you that the brand’s products are, in fact, extremely comfortable and the material quality looks reassuring. The V-MODA Crossfade M-80 are also great DJ headphones.

Best For

  • Casual Music Listening
  • DJing

– – –

3. Beyerdynamic DT 880

Beyerdynamic DT 880

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This manufacturer is well-trusted in the music production world. beyerdynamic makes some of the most loved pairs of headphones in the professional industry, and the DT 880 Pro is an excellent example of the brand’s excellence. These are a great fit for the studio.

Product Specifications

  • Over-Ear Headphones
  • Wired
  • Semi-Open Back
  • Impedance: 250 Ohms

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • The semi-open back design of these headphones gives it a more natural bass response, if compared to closed-back pairs. The stereo image is also benefited by this.
  • The velour ear pads feel pretty soft and are great for prolonged periods of use.
  • The build quality is pretty rugged and strong.
  • The high impedance of this pair makes it very detailed and great for studio use in tasks such as mixing, editing, and mastering.
  • Apart from a great frequency response and good bass performance, there is also an increased high-end.
  • Clear sound, optimal for critical listening.
  • These don’t have the most affordable price, but if we compare it to all the benefits provided by this pair, it has an excellent value.
  • Big, over-the-ear ear cups that won’t feel uncomfortable for long listening sessions.

Cons

  • The cable isn’t detachable.
  • Can feel bulky if you have a smaller head.

Conclusion

The beyerdynamic DT 880 has an unmatched audio quality for the studio. If you have the means, these are excellent pairs to invest in. We only recommend it for studio usage though, as the semi-open back design can cause sound leakage and isn’t very good to be used in public and in noisy environments.

Keep in mind: You may need a headphone preamp to properly use these headphones.

Best For

  • Music Production
  • Mixing
  • Editing
  • Mastering
  • Critical Listening

– – –

4. Pioneer Pro DJ

Pioneer Pro DJ

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The Pioneer Pro DJ is one of the most famous DJ headphones in the market. In fact, Pioneer is an industry-standard name in the DJing world. And, as a matter of fact, cans made for that purpose usually have an extra bass performance. After all, you need to be able to hear the kick drum clearly in a club setting; That’s why these are perfect for dubstep.

Product Specifications

  • Over-Ear Headphones
  • Wired
  • Closed Back
  • Impedance: 36 Ohms

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • These are perfect for dubstep DJs. In fact, they are made for that specific purpose. However, they can also be employed in day-to-day usage and casual music listening.
  • The ear cups can block ambient noise greatly.
  • The swivel ear cups design makes it great for listening with one ear cup only or storing it more effectively.
  • The Pioneer Pro DJ is foldable and very portable.
  • These are comfortable to use if you have a smaller head.
  • Can also be used as a pair for simple music production tasks and referencing.
  • Very sturdy and durable, can be taken on the road without much worrying.
  • Excellent sound response in the bass frequencies.

Cons

  • Doesn’t come with a traveling case.

Conclusion

The Pioneer Pro DJ is endorsed by a lot of enthusiasts and that’s for a reason. These headphones perform great for dubstep but even better for DJing purposes and for being a quick reference pair for music production and mixing. They also look great and can be used as a day-to-day pair; In that case, the only thing that we missed is a built-in microphone.

Best For

  • Casual Music Listening
  • DJing
  • Music Production
  • Referencing

– – –

5. Sennheiser Momentum 3

Sennheiser Momentum 3

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Sennheiser needs no introduction. There are several products by this manufacturer that are flagships in the music industry and we’ve heard great things about the Momentum 3’s bass performance. We also enjoy the fact that it is highly adjustable: as you can see in the pair’s, the ear cups can be positioned higher or lower depending on your preference.

Product Specifications

  • Over-Ear Headphones
  • Bluetooth
  • Closed Back

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • These headphones offer a great deal of adjustability and will automatically adapt to your head.
  • The ear pads material feels very durable.
  • The built-in controls in this particular model, located on the ear cups, are well-thought. They are of easy access and can be used to play/stop or control the volume of your music.
  • This pair has active noise cancellation, meaning it will adapt to the environment around you to minimize outside noise and provide a more immersive experience.
  • Automatic pairing mode.
  • One of the few Bluetooth headphones that can also be used with a standard cable.

Cons

  • None that we found.

Conclusion

Probably the fact we like the most about the Sennheiser Momentum 3 is that it can also be used with a cable, unlike most headphones of the wireless Bluetooth type. This means you don’t have to worry about battery life, as long as you have an extra cable with you. The battery life is pretty long, though: 17 hours, according to the manufacturer.

This will be a great match for dubstep music lovers on the go. Search for the frequency response of this particular pair and take a look yourself, you will see how pronounced the bass frequencies of this pair are.

Best For

  • Casual Music Listening
  • Day-To-Day Usage

– – –

6. Jabra Elite 75t

Jabra Elite 75t

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Unlike most other pairs on the list, these are in-ear headphones. An in-ear design has the advantage of being able to physically transmit the bass response better through your ear canal. This means that you not only hear the low-end well but feel it more strongly too. The Jabra Elite 75t is also compact and easy to carry with you.

Product Specifications

  • In-Ear Headphones
  • Bluetooth

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • There are 4 built-in microphones for optimal video and audio calls.
  • With the Jabra MySound technology, you can easily use the company’s app to create a personal profile based on your listening preferences and sound signature; And, of course, adjust the bass settings.
  • Supports wireless chargers.
  • Active noise cancellation activated via the Jabra Sound Plus app. This technology provides a great deal of sound isolation.
  • They’re extremely compact and easy to carry with you. The case can fit in your pocket without taking too much space.
  • The earpieces have a great fit and can adapt to most people.
  • 24 hours battery life when using the charging case.
  • Fast charging technology: 15 minutes of charge gives you 1 hour of music playback.

Cons

  • None particularly concerning.

Conclusion

As a pair of earbuds meant for those on the go, the Jabra Elite 75t are great dubstep headphones. Like we mentioned before, the in ear design has the advantage of more easily transferring the sound vibrations from the pairs to your ear canal physically, so you feel the low-end more strongly. 

Best For

  • Casual Music Listening
  • Day-To-Day Usage

– – –

7. Sennheiser HD 650

Sennheiser HD 650

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The Sennheiser HD 650 is legendary. It has an absurd frequency range and is a staple in the headphone world. Not only are these one of the best pairs for the studio and dubstep music production, but they look great and feel sturdy and comfortable. Let’s see some of the best features of this product.

Product Specifications

  • Over Ear Headphones
  • Wired
  • Open Back
  • Includes Adapter
  • Impedance: 300 Ohms

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • The completely open back design will give you a more natural bass and stereo image.
  • The ear cups are big and don’t feel like they’re pressing against your head.
  • Sennheiser is very transparent about the components used to build this pair and we like this fact.
  • Minimal distortion even at high sound pressure levels.
  • Extra cushioned headband for improved comfort.
  • The ear pads are made out of a very soft material.

Cons

  • Can’t be used in noisy environments.

Key Features to Consider When Buying Headphones for Dubstep

Now that you know all the best headphones for dubstep currently on the market, it’s important to consider the features that they offer!

When purchasing your new pair of premium headphones, weigh up the pros and cons of all the key features below so that you can make the right decision.

Bass quality and response

Perhaps the most important feature in a premium pair of dubstep headphones is the bass quality and response. 

Dubstep is known for its deep, resonant baselines, so it makes sense that your headphones should reproduce these low frequencies with power. 

The sound requires depth – because without it, you won’t get that satisfying rumble and intensity you find in all dubstep tracks!

You need to be able to feel the music, not just hear it.

Punch and clarity are core parts of a great pair of headphones too. An essential aspect of what you call bass response, punch is the headphone’s capacity to produce tight and powerful bass hits. 

On the other hand, clarity ensures that these punches remain clear and sharp without overpowering the more melodic parts of the song.

In a quality pair of dubstep headphones, you want your sound to be both impactful and balanced.

Comfort and durability

Like I said, you want to be able to feel the music. However, you also don’t want to feel the headphones digging uncomfortably in your ears.

Dubstep listening sessions can often last over an hour, so it’s important that your headphones sit comfortably on your head. 

Therefore, when purchasing a pair, look for a set that has plush ear cushions, an adjustable headband, and is built to be lightweight for extended use.

Additionally, you want your headphones to be durable, in order to maintain functionality under all sorts of conditions. 

Whether it be walking, running, or gyming, your headphones need to be able to withstand all sorts of physical activities. 

Look for a pair that is made from quality materials with a sturdy design so that you can ensure the longevity of your investment. 

Wired vs. Wireless 

To go wired or not to go wired: that is the question!

This debate has been ever prevalent in the world of headphones but ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the scenarios in which you will use them.

For example, if you want a consistent and reliable audio signal without compromising the quality of your sound, go for wired headphones. 

They are perfect for people concerned about battery life and often come at a cheaper price point.

On the other hand, if you want the freedom of movement without the potential for tangles and damage: go for wireless headphones!

Bluetooth technology has become so advanced that you can even be two rooms over and still be listening to your device. 

Admittingly, battery life and potential latency issues are still concerns for wired headphones – but the convenience and the ability to connect with all devices is simply unmatched! 

Noise isolation and ambient sound bleed

When purchasing dubstep headphones, immersion is key. 

You want to be able to block out all surrounding sounds and truly get engrossed in the music. That’s why it is essential to consider noise isolation and ambient sound bleed! 

Usually indicated by some text or a sticker on the outside of the box, noise isolation will allow you to focus on the specific details of your dubstep track without the interference of external sounds. 

This feature is usually controlled by a switch or button on the device for your convenience.

Furthermore, minimized ambient sound bleed in dubstep headphones is perfect for those wishing to not disturb the people around you. 

If you take the bus or train to work, this feature lets you listen to your music at higher volumes and appreciate the depth of the bass without the potential of annoying anybody else onboard! 

Conclusion

The Sennheiser HD 650 are the best headphones for studio usage and dubstep music production we tested. These are incredibly precise with their sound delivery and have an audio quality that just can’t be matched. The open back design makes the bass performance even better and more natural.

We wouldn’t recommend it for use in situations with lots of background noise, though, since this pair will work better in a quiet environment.

Keep in mind: You may need a headphone preamp to properly use these headphones.

Best For

  • Music Production
  • Mixing
  • Editing
  • Mastering
  • Critical Listening

– – –

FAQs

What Makes a Headphone Pair Good for Dubstep?

Dubstep is a bass intensive genre so you have to make sure that the response and sound reproduction of the particular headphones are great in that particular place of the frequency spectrum. Generally speaking, you can have an idea of this by looking at the frequency response graph of the pair.

The frequency response measures how the headphones perform across the frequency spectrum. Here, you can find the graph for the Sennheiser HD 650, take a look at it to understand it more clearly.

Of course, we have to consider factors such as overall sound quality and your particular use case. A pair of cans made for the studio isn’t going to perform its best for day-to-day usage.

Which Type of Headphone is Better for Dubstep: Open Back or Closed Back?

Both models are good, depending on what you’re going to use them for. Open-back professional headphones can give you a more natural bass sound and stereo image since the back of the ear cups are literally open. These are great for the studio but not so good for day-to-day usage in noisy environments since they let a lot of sound in and out. Semi-open back pairs stay in the middle.

Closed-back headphones have the advantage of having better noise cancellation. Their bass performance still sound great, but more confined. These are optimal if you want to use your headphones on a subway ride, for example. Consumer-grade headphones tend to be closed-back for maximum versatility.

Which is Better for Dubstep: Over-Ear, On-Ear, or In-Ear Pairs?

When speaking about conventional headphone cans, over-ear models tend to have a better bass sound since they cover your entire ear. On-ear headphones work too but due to their design being more compact, the audio driver is usually small therefore resulting in less low-end.

In-ear quality headphones tend to have a good bass performance since they usually come with extra rubber inserts so that you can use the one that better fits your ear canal size. Since low-frequencies travel physically, you will be able to feel these low sounds better.

Do I Need a Headphone Preamp?

You don’t need a headphone preamp in most cases and for most consumer-grade wired headphones. But, in case you opt for a high impedance pair like the beyerdynamic DT 880 or the Sennheiser HD 650, you may need one of these equipment.

What a headphone preamp does is match the impedance of the cans with the output. In practical terms, it gives the right amount of power that your headphones need. Keep in mind that not every preamp will work with every pair of cans.

Do High Impedance Headphones Have Better Sound?

High impedance headphones like the beyerdynamic DT 880 and the Sennheiser HD 650 have a more precise frequency response and a better performance when it comes to critical listening. But, for consumer-grade headphones, low-impedance is pretty much the norm and there isn’t much loss of quality.

Conclusion

We included an option for everyone in our guide. Depending on your particular usage, you may want a pair that performs the most convenient, so a superb bass isn’t the only factor to take into account.

That’s why we divided our top picks into two categories. Our best for the studio choice has the optimal sound quality for critical listening and for situations where you need to hear every detail of your song. This ended up being the Sennheiser HD 650.

Our best for casual music listening pick is the way to go if you want a convenient pair of wireless headphones that you can take with you anywhere and enjoy hours of non-stop dubstep music. The Sennheiser Momentum 3 was our favorite.

Sennheiser Pro Audio HD 650 Open Back Professional Headphone

Sennheiser HD 650 – Best Dubstep Headphones for the Studio

The Sennheiser HD 650 is one of the most sought-after studio headphone pairs. They are comfortable and trustable for producing, mixing, editing, mastering, and referencing your dubstep songs. Remember that a preamp may be needed since these headphones have a high impedance.

SENNHEISER Momentum 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with Alexa

Sennheiser Momentum 3 – Best Dubstep Headphones for Casual Music Listening

The Sennheiser Momentum 3 are the best headphones for those who like to take their dubstep tracks with them wherever they go. Apart from having a great design and superb audio quality, we like the fact that these cans are highly adaptive and adjustable.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 was our Runner Up for Casual Music Listening Favorite

How to Buy

The link for each product is on their respective titles on the list. We hope this article was helpful. Please make sure to check our related guides to learn more about other headphones and music production tips. Happy listening!