Best Headphones for Electronic Drums
On an electronic kit, your headphones are your sound — and on an acoustic kit, isolation headphones let you hear a metronome over the noise. Either way, get closed-back. Here are three worth wearing.
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- Use closed-back headphones for drumming — they isolate sound and let you play at safer, lower volume.
- Avoid open-back headphones: they leak sound and isolate poorly, which is wrong for drums.
- For an electronic kit, accurate “monitor” headphones give you an honest sound to practise against.
- For an acoustic kit, isolation headphones block the room so you can hear a click or backing track.
- Comfort matters — you will wear them for long sessions.
Closed-back, always
For drumming you want closed-back headphones, which seal around the ear to isolate outside sound. On an electronic kit, that means you hear the kit cleanly at a lower, safer volume. On an acoustic kit, isolation headphones physically block the room so you can hear a metronome or backing track over the noise — without blasting your ears.
Avoid open-back headphones (popular for mixing): they deliberately leak sound and isolate poorly, which is exactly wrong for drums. Closed-back or purpose-built isolation headphones are the rule.
Monitor sound vs isolation
There are two flavours. Studio monitor headphones (like the ATH-M40x) are tuned flat and accurate, so what you hear is honest — ideal for an electronic kit and for playing along to music. Isolation headphones (like Vic Firth’s) prioritise blocking external noise above all, which is what you want over a loud acoustic kit.
Many drummers own one of each, but to start, a good closed-back monitor covers most beginners — especially on an electronic kit. Whatever you choose, prioritise comfort, because you will wear them for hours.
Best valueOneOdio A70 Headphones
$50The value pick. The OneOdio A70 gives closed-back isolation and a 6.35mm (1/4") jack that plugs straight into an electronic kit, plus 3.5mm and Bluetooth for everything else. Comfortable and inexpensive — a solid first pair for e-drum practice without overspending.
What's good
- Built-in 1/4" jack for e-kits
- Wired and Bluetooth
- Inexpensive and comfortable
What's not
- Not as accurate as studio monitors
- Build is plasticky at the price
Best all-rounderAudio-Technica ATH-M40x
$99The all-round standard. The ATH-M40x is tuned flat and accurate, so you practise to an honest sound, with strong passive isolation that lets you keep the volume safe. Detachable cables and folding earcups make them durable and portable. The headphones most beginners should buy for an electronic kit.
What's good
- Accurate, honest monitor sound
- Strong isolation at safe volume
- Durable, detachable cables
What's not
- Over-ear bulk on long sessions
- No isolation tuned for loud acoustic kits
Best isolationVic Firth Bluetooth Isolation Headphones
$150The acoustic-kit specialist. Vic Firth’s isolation headphones are built to block the volume of a loud acoustic kit so you can hear a metronome or backing track without cranking the level — now with Bluetooth for cable-free play-along. The premium pick if you play acoustic drums and need real isolation.
What's good
- Heavy isolation for loud acoustic kits
- Bluetooth for play-along
- Purpose-built for drumming
What's not
- Priciest here
- Overkill for a quiet electronic kit
Headphones can be as damaging as the kit if you crank them. Set the volume only as high as you need to hear clearly over the pads or room, and take breaks. On a loud acoustic kit, isolation headphones (or earplugs underneath) let you keep the level lower while still hearing your click.
Before you buy
Use closed-back or isolation headphones — never open-back for drums.
For an electronic kit, accurate monitor headphones work well.
For an acoustic kit, prioritise isolation.
Check for a 1/4" jack or adapter for electronic-kit outputs.
Keep the volume reasonable — headphones can damage hearing too.
Drum headphone questions
What headphones should I use with an electronic drum kit?
Can I use open-back headphones for drumming?
What is the difference between monitor and isolation headphones?
Do I need a special adapter for my electronic kit?
Go closed-back. For an electronic kit, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x gives accurate, isolating sound and is the all-round pick; the OneOdio A70 is the value option with a built-in 1/4" jack. For a loud acoustic kit, Vic Firth’s isolation headphones are the premium choice. Whatever you pick, keep the volume sensible — headphones can damage hearing too.
The HobbyStack editorial team researches each guide using practitioner communities, published resources, and direct input from active hobbyists. Every guide is reviewed for accuracy before publication and updated when practices change.
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