Whether you’re playing acoustic or electronic drums, a good pair of headphones is essential—especially if you want to play along with tracks or monitor your performance clearly. While their primary use is for practice and playback, headphones can also help you monitor your acoustic kit through microphones for more accurate mixing or recording.
Sound quality is crucial no matter how you use them. For electronic drummers in particular, headphones are a must. Since e-kits don’t come with built-in speakers, your only options are plugging into an amp or using headphones.
I’ve been playing drums for nearly two decades, covering everything from traditional acoustic sets to a wide variety of electronic kits. Over that time, I’ve spent countless hours practicing with headphones and performing live using in-ear monitors (IEMs).
RH-300V
HD 280 Pro
ATH-M20x
In this article, I’ll share my picks for the best headphones for drummers and break down the key factors that matter most when choosing a pair—from a drummer’s perspective.
1. Roland RH-300V
The Roland RH-300V headphones are specifically engineered for use with Roland V-Drums, though their standard headphone jack makes them compatible with other gear too. What sets them apart is how well they highlight the frequency range of electronic drum kits—especially those from Roland.
A redesign of the original RH-300, this model is tailored for drummers. The build quality is solid, and they’re flexible enough to be worn comfortably for extended sessions. A standout feature is the extra-long cable, which eliminates the common issue of limited reach many drummers face.
Sonically, the RH-300V delivers deep, rich lows—ideal for bass drums and floor toms—while crisp, clear highs ensure cymbals come through without distortion, even at higher volumes. Despite their closed-back design, sound isolation isn’t their strongest point—you’ll still hear pad hits on acoustic kits.
The foldable design adds portability, and the ear cups surround your ears for added comfort. Though initially stiff, they break in quickly. They’re especially suited for practice on electronic kits, thanks to their comfort and clarity. One drawback is the non-detachable cable, which feels like a missed opportunity at this price point.
2. Sennheiser HD 280 Pro
The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro headphones are a favorite among musicians of all kinds—drummers, guitarists, pianists, and more. While they’re primarily designed for studio recording, they’re also a strong choice for electronic drum kits thanks to their clear, balanced sound and user-friendly design.
They feature a flat frequency response, allowing you to shape your e-kit’s EQ without coloration from the headphones. The lows are rich and expressive, while the mids and highs come through with great clarity. This makes them ideal for dialing in precise tones.
One of their biggest strengths is sound isolation. With up to 32dB of noise reduction, you’ll barely hear the physical tapping on pads, just the sounds coming from your drum module. That also makes them a solid option for acoustic drumming by protecting your ears from excessive volume.
The HD 280 Pros are known for comfort and durability—many users report using the same pair for nearly a decade. While the coiled cable can feel heavy and get in the way at times, the overall quality outweighs this minor inconvenience.
A big bonus is Sennheiser’s replaceable parts policy, allowing you to extend the lifespan of your headphones easily and affordably.
3. Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M20x headphones are the most affordable option on this list, making them an excellent choice for drummers who need reliable headphones for their electronic kit without breaking the bank. Despite their budget-friendly price, they offer impressive sound quality and decent sound isolation.
The bass response is particularly solid, delivering the depth of kick drums and floor toms well. Other drum voices and cymbals also come through with clarity, making them suitable for everyday practice. While they’re not designed for professional mixing or detailed EQ adjustments, they’re perfect for casual playing and beginner setups.
Comfort is a common concern with lower-priced headphones, but the ATH-M20x performs well here too. The ear cups swivel up to 15 degrees, allowing a better fit for both kids and adults. They’re lightweight, easy to wear for long periods, and ideal for late-night practice sessions.
One underrated feature is their minimal sound leakage. Even at higher volumes, people around you won’t hear the audio, which is rare in this price range. I often recommend these to my students—they’re a fantastic entry-level choice for electronic drummers looking for solid performance on a budget.
4. Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
The Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro headphones immediately give off a premium feel, both in terms of build quality and comfort. Designed primarily for studio use, they deliver a wide frequency response and a closed-ear design that makes focusing on sound detail easy and natural.
For electronic drummers, this means you’ll hear every nuance of your kit with impressive clarity. The sound reproduction is accurate across the spectrum, making them equally suitable for both playing and studio tasks like mixing or mastering.
Comfort is a major highlight. The ear cups are generously padded, allowing for long practice or studio sessions—up to four hours or more—without causing fatigue. While the plush padding looks like it might trap heat, it surprisingly stays cool, even during extended use.
These headphones come at a higher price point compared to entry-level options, so they’re best suited for drummers who also do recording or audio work. If you only need headphones for casual practice, more budget-friendly models might be a better fit.
That said, the DT 770 Pro offers outstanding performance and durability, making it a worthwhile investment for serious musicians who demand high-quality sound and long-term comfort.
5. Sony MDR7506
In the music world, some products become “industry standards” for good reason. The Sony MDR-7506 headphones belong in that same category. You’ll find them in countless recording studios, largely due to their excellent value for the price.
These headphones deliver impressive sound quality with their 40mm drivers, offering crisp, clear audio across all frequencies. Electronic drums and cymbals sound clean and detailed, making them a strong choice for drummers who want accurate playback.
The closed-back design helps reduce sound leakage, though they’re more effective at keeping sound in than blocking external noise. Still, they perform well in most practice environments. Their flexible, foldable design allows for single-ear monitoring—great for live settings where you need to stay aware of your surroundings.
The biggest downside is the cable—it’s not detachable and needs careful handling to avoid damage. Also, the ear cups can get quite warm during use. In cooler climates, this adds comfort, but in hotter environments like a garage or basement, they may become uncomfortable during long sessions.
Overall, they’re a great choice—just be mindful of where and how you’ll use them.
Choosing the Right Headphones for Drumming
When shopping for headphones to use with your drum kit—especially an electronic one—there are a few key factors that can seriously impact your experience. Understanding these before making a purchase will help you find the right pair for your specific needs.
Comfort
Comfort should be your top priority. Drumming with uncomfortable headphones can quickly become frustrating—either causing ear fatigue or distracting you while you play. Over-ear headphones that fully enclose your ears offer the best comfort for long sessions.
A longer cable is another underrated comfort feature. Short cables often get tugged accidentally, and there’s nothing worse than having your headphones ripped off mid-groove because you stepped on the cord.
Sound Quality
Drums produce a wide range of frequencies, so headphones with a flat frequency response are ideal. Flat response means no single frequency range is overly boosted, allowing for a more accurate and balanced sound. This is especially helpful if you like to tweak your drum module’s EQ settings for a personalized sound.
Versatility
Consider how you’ll use your headphones beyond drumming. If they’ll live permanently beside your kit, an affordable, drum-focused pair may be all you need. But if you also plan to use them for recording, mixing, or general listening, it may be worth investing in higher-quality, more versatile headphones.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, most headphones will let you hear your electronic drums. If you’re not particularly picky about tone or sound detail, a basic, comfortable pair will do just fine.
But if you’re more experienced and sensitive to sound quality, it’s worth doing some in-depth comparisons. Each pair has its strengths, so think carefully about your needs—and choose accordingly.
