Headphones for electronic drums and drummers, compared

For drumming, headphones do one of two jobs: let you hear an electronic kit without bothering anyone, or let you hear music over a loud acoustic kit. The second job needs isolation, and only some makers publish a figure for it: Direct Sound states 36.7 dB of passive attenuation for the EX-29 Plus, Sennheiser up to 32 dB for the HD 280 PRO, Vic Firth 25 dB, beyerdynamic about 18 to 20 dBA, and Shure and KZ up to 37 dB and about 26 dB for their in-ears. The table compares 14 models on what their makers say they block, how they connect, and what they cost in the US today.

By Raul Rodrigues. Checked on . 14 tools, every fact sourced.

Three questions

Which one should you try first?

What will you play?
What do you need most?
Over the ear or in it?

Every row, one standard

The table

Sort by
ToolKindFitPrice (US)ClosedIsolationOhmsDriverCablePlugWeightBluetoothPadsLimiterRetail rating
beyerdynamic DT 770 PRObeyerdynamicstudio headphonesover-ear$159.99✓Ambient noise isolation approx. 20 dBA (32 ohm version), approx. 18 dBA (80 and 250 ohm versions)32, 80 or 250 ohms (three versions)dynamic; size not stated by beyerdynamicfixed, single-sided: 1.6 m straight (32 ohm), 3 m straight (80 ohm), 3 m coiled (250 ohm)gold-plated 3.5 mm mini jack with 6.35 mm (1/4 in) adapter325 g (32 ohm), 345 g (80 ohm), 380 g (250 ohm) per spec sheet; 270 g without cable per beyerdynamic's product data✕✓?4.8 (5k) Thomann
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor HeadphonesAudio-Technicastudio headphonesover-earfrom $159✓no dB figure from Audio-Technica; Musician's Friend's listing says circumaural design for excellent sound isolation38 ohm45 mm, CCAW voice coilthree detachable cables: 1.2 m coiled (about 3 m extended), 3.0 m straight, 1.2 m straight3.5 mm with 6.3 mm adapter285 g without cable✕✓?4.7 (2k) Thomann US
Sony MDR-7506Sonystudio headphonesover-ear$114.99✓none stated by Sony; no attenuation figure on the Sony Pro page63 Ohms40.0 mm, neodymium magnet, dynamic9.8 ft coiled cord (coiled per Musician's Friend), single-sided, not replaceable per Thomanngold Unimatch plug for 1/4 in and 1/8 in jacks8.1 oz✕✓?4.7 (1k) Thomann
Yamaha HPH-MT8 Studio Monitor HeadphonesYamahastudio headphonesover-ear$199.99✓no dB figure; Yamaha says closed-back, circumaural design for excellent isolation37 ohm at 1 kHz45 mm dynamic, CCAW voice coiltwo detachable cables, 1.2 m (3.9 ft) coiled and 3.0 m (9.8 ft) straight3.5 mm stereo with threaded 6.3 mm adaptor350 g (0.8 lbs) without cable and plug✕??4.7 (92) Thomann US
Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones SIH3Vic Firthisolating headphonesover-ear$87.95✓Vic Firth: reduce outside noise levels by 25 decibelsnot stated by Vic Firth; Thomann lists 32 ohms50 mm dynamic Mylarconlength not stated by Vic Firth; Thomann lists the cable as not replaceable3.5 mm stereo plug with included 1/4 in adapternot stated by Vic Firth; Thomann lists 340 g✕??4.7 (48) Thomann US
Sennheiser HD 280 PROSennheiserstudio headphonesover-ear$99.95✓High ambient noise attenuation (up to 32 dB)64 Ωdynamic; size not stated by Sennheisercoiled, single-sided, min. 1.3 m / max. 3 m; not replaceable per Thomann3.5 mm jack plug with 6.3 mm adapter285 g without cable✕✓?4.5 (305) Thomann
Roland VMH-D1 V-Drums HeadphonesRolande-kit headphonesover-ear$193.59✓no dB figure; Roland says the earpads provide excellent isolation from acoustic pad noise32 ohm50 mm dual-diaphragmtwo detachable cables, 3 m (10 ft) and 1.5 m (5 ft)3.5 mm with 6.3 mm (1/4 in) adapter included285 g +/-5 g✕??4.6 (39) Thomann US
Shure SE215Shurein-ear monitorsin-ear$119?Sound Isolating technology blocks up to 37 dB of noise17 Ω per Shure's product datasingle dynamic MicroDriverdetachable MMCX cable, 64 in (163 cm), worn over the ear3.5 mm; no 6.3 mm adapter listed in the box30 g per Shure's product data✕✓?4.5 (131) Musician's Friend
AKG K371AKGstudio headphonesover-ear$199✓no dB figure found; AKG's copy says the closed-back design provides superior isolation in noisy environments32 ohms50 mm dynamic, titanium coated per Thomanndetachable: 3 m coiled, 3 m straight and 1.2 m straight, single-sided3.5 mm (1/8 in) with a 1/4 in adapter255 g???4.4 (335) Thomann
Roland RH-5 HeadphonesRolandstudio headphoneson-ear$54.99✓no dB figure; Roland says the closed-back design means you'll never be interrupted by external noise or sound-bleed from other instruments32 ohm40 mm3 m (10 ft), straight, not replaceable per Thomanngold-plated stereo mini plug with mini to 1/4 in adapter190 g (7 oz) without cord✕??4.2 (167) Thomann US
ISOtunes PRO 2.0ISOtunesisolating headphonesin-ear$109.99?ANSI-Certified 27 dB noise reduction rating (NRR)not stated by ISOtunesnot stated by ISOtunesno audio cable: Bluetooth 5.1; a charging cable is includednone; Bluetooth onlynot stated by ISOtunes✓✓✓3.9 (10) ISOtunes
KZ ZS10 ProKZ (Knowledge Zenith)in-ear monitorsin-earfrom $49.99?can directly isolate about 26dB of noise30 Ωhybrid: 1 dynamic plus 4 balanced armature per sidedetachable 0.75 mm 2-pin cable, 125 ± 5 cm, worn over the ear3.5 mm; no adapter listed32 ± 3 g✕✓?4.2 (94) Linsoul
Alesis DRP100 Electronic Drum Reference HeadphonesAlesise-kit headphonesover-ear$59?no dB figure; Alesis says the over-ear design provides extreme audio isolation32 ohms40 mm full-rangeattached, not detachable; Alesis lists both 6 ft (1.8 m) and 2 m on the same page3.5 mm (1/8 in) stereo mini plug with 6.3 mm (1/4 in) adapter includednot stated by Alesis✕??3.5 (5) Sweetwater
Direct Sound EX29 Plus v4.0 Extreme Isolation HeadphoneDirect Soundisolating headphonesover-earfrom $164.99✓Direct Sound: Passive Attenuation 36.7 dB32 ohm40 mm, closed back, TruSound v4.0premium detachable cord; 96 in cable extension in the box; coiled or straight not stated3.5 mm plug with 6.3 mm screw-on adapter11.5 oz✕✓?4.0 (101) Musician's Friend

Ratings and review counts are the stores' and retailers' own, pulled on 2026-10-08. A cross means the feature is not there; a question mark means neither the listing nor the maker says. Prices are US dollars as listed on the named store on the date in each card; they change, so check the store before you buy.

One by one

What each one is for, and what it is not

Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones SIH3

Vic Firth · isolating headphones · over-ear

Vic Firth's drummer headphones put closed over-ear cups between you and the kit, with Vic Firth quoting 25 dB of noise reduction so a click or a song can be heard over an acoustic kit. The SIH2 in older guides is no longer listed by Musician's Friend or Thomann US, and Vic Firth now sells the SIH3 under the same Stereo Isolation Headphones name, so this row describes the SIH3.

Best for
Over an acoustic kit
Not for
Not for anyone who wants a detachable, replaceable cable, which Thomann lists the SIH3 as lacking.
Someone does it better
Direct Sound quotes a higher passive attenuation figure for the EX29 Plus, 36.7 dB against Vic Firth's 25 dB, and gives it a detachable cord and replacement ear cushions sold by the maker.
Price (US)
Musician's Friend and Thomann US have no SIH2 listing; both prices are for the SIH3, the model Vic Firth now sells as Stereo Isolation Headphones.Checked on .
In the box
The wired headphones with a 3.5 mm plug, a 1/4 in adapter and a drawstring carry bag.
Ratings
4.7 (48) Thomann US; 5.0 (1) Musician's Friend. Maker
Sources (12)
  • The product Vic Firth sells as Stereo Isolation Headphones is SKU SIH3. SKU: SIH3 source
  • Maker isolation claim. Reduce outside noise levels by 25 decibels source
  • Maker plug spec. 3.5mm stereo plug with included 1/4" adapter source
  • Maker driver spec. 50mm Dynamic Speaker Mylarcon source
  • Bluetooth is a separate Vic Firth model with its own SKU. The ideal wireless headphones with sound isolation and clear, crisp sound. SKU: VXHP0012 source
  • A retailer describes the SIH3 as the newer version of the line. The SIH3 is the latest version source
  • Musician's Friend has no SIH2 listing. We couldn't find any products that match your request. source
  • Thomann US has no SIH2 listing. did not result in any hits source

4 more in the full Markdown version of this page.

Direct Sound EX29 Plus v4.0 Extreme Isolation Headphone

Direct Sound · isolating headphones · over-ear

Built as extreme isolation headphones, with Direct Sound quoting 36.7 dB of passive attenuation for the current v4.0, so a click or cue mix can be heard over an acoustic kit and drums can be tracked next to the mixer. Musician's Friend sells it as the EX-29 with older description copy and a different attenuation figure, though its UPC matches the maker's EX29 Plus v4.0, so check which version a seller is shipping.

Best for
Over an acoustic kit, Recording
Not for
Not for a player who mainly uses an e-kit at home and wants a light headphone, since Direct Sound lists 11.5 oz against Roland's 190 g (7 oz) for the RH-5.
Someone does it better
Roland's VMH-D1 is tuned specifically for electronic drums and ships with two detachable cables, a 3 m one for the kit and a 1.5 m one for listening.
Price (US)
Checked on .
In the box
The headphones with a 96 in cable extension with a 3.5 mm plug and a 6.3 mm screw-on adapter.
Ratings
4.0 (101) Musician's Friend. Maker
Sources (12)
  • Maker attenuation claim, v4.0. Passive Attenuation: 36.7 dB source
  • Closed back. Type: Dynamic closed type headphones with closed back speakers source
  • Driver. Drivers: 40 mm, closed back source
  • Impedance. Impedance: 32 ohm source
  • Weight. Weight: 11.5 oz source
  • Detachable cord. Cord: Premium detachable source
  • In the box: cable, plug and adapter. Premium 96" cable extension with 3.5 mm plug & 6.3 mm screw-on adapter source
  • Passive design, no batteries, so no Bluetooth or electronics. no batteries required source

4 more in the full Markdown version of this page.

Alesis DRP100 Electronic Drum Reference Headphones

Alesis · e-kit headphones · over-ear

Alesis's own headphones for electronic drums, voiced for drum monitoring rather than a flat response, with 40 mm drivers and a sweat-proof silicone headband meant to stay put while playing. Alesis still lists it, but Musician's Friend and Thomann US have no listing for it, so check that a seller near you has it before planning around it.

Best for
E-kit practice, Long sessions
Not for
Not for mixing, since Alesis says it is voiced for drum monitoring and not flat response.
Someone does it better
Roland's VMH-D1 has detachable cables in two lengths and a cable restraint, while the DRP100's cable is hard wired.
Price (US)
Read on Sweetwater's product page in a browser.Checked on .
In the box
The DRP100 headphones, a 1/4 in (6.3 mm) adapter, a protective bag and a safety and warranty manual.
Ratings
3.5 (5) Sweetwater. Maker
Sources (9)
  • Voiced for drums, not flat. Voiced for drum monitoring - not flat response source
  • Maker isolation wording, no dB figure. Over-ear design provides extreme audio isolation and comfort source
  • Cable and plug, first spec line. 6-foot (1.8m) attached cable with 1/8-inch (3.5mm) stereo mini-plug source
  • Cable, second spec line on the same page. Hard wired 2 meter 1/8" cable source
  • Impedance and driver. Impedance: 32 ohms Transducer Size: 40mm source
  • Headband. Sweat-proof silicone headband for fit flexibility and stability while performing source
  • Not listed at Musician's Friend. We couldn't find any products that match your request. source
  • Not listed at Thomann US. did not result in any hits source

1 more in the full Markdown version of this page.

Roland RH-5 Headphones

Roland · studio headphones · on-ear

Roland's entry headphones for digital pianos, guitars and e-drums: closed-back, 190 g and a 3 m cord long enough to reach a drum module from the throne. Thomann lists them as on-ear with a cable that is not replaceable, so a damaged cord cannot simply be swapped.

Best for
E-kit practice
Not for
Not for playing along over an acoustic kit, since Roland gives no isolation figure and Thomann lists it as on-ear.
Someone does it better
Roland's own VMH-D1 adds two detachable cables and earpads that Roland says isolate acoustic pad noise.
Price (US)
Checked on .
In the box
The headphones with an attached 3 m cord and a mini plug to 1/4 in plug adapter.
Ratings
4.2 (167) Thomann US; 4.5 (2) Musician's Friend. Maker
Sources (13)
  • Closed type. Closed type; dynamic source
  • Driver. 40 mm in diameter source
  • Impedance. Impedance 32 ohm source
  • Weight. 190 g (7 oz) (without cord) source
  • Cord length. Cord 3 m (10') source
  • Plug. Stereo mini (gold-plated)/ Plug adaptor (mini plug to 1/4 inch phone plug) source
  • Maker isolation wording, no dB figure. you’ll never be interrupted by external noise or sound-bleed from other instruments source
  • Made for e-drums among other instruments. digital pianos, guitars, synths, digital drums and more source

5 more in the full Markdown version of this page.

Roland VMH-D1 V-Drums Headphones

Roland · e-kit headphones · over-ear

Made by Roland and V-MODA for electronic drums, with 50 mm dual-diaphragm drivers tuned for e-kit transients, a 3 m detachable cable that reaches the module, a cable restraint behind the neck and a hanger for a drum stand. Roland gives no attenuation figure, so for loud acoustic play-along a dedicated isolation headphone with a quoted dB figure fits better.

Best for
E-kit practice, Long sessions
Not for
Not for drummers who mainly play along on an acoustic kit, where Roland gives no isolation figure and Direct Sound quotes 36.7 dB for the EX29 Plus.
Someone does it better
Direct Sound gives a passive attenuation figure for the EX29 Plus, 36.7 dB, which Roland does not give for the VMH-D1.
Price (US)
Musician's Friend shows a price drop from $219.99.Checked on .
In the box
The headphones with a 3 m and a 1.5 m detachable cable, a 1/4 in adapter, a cable restraint, a stand hanger and a carrying pouch.
Ratings
4.6 (39) Thomann US. Maker
Sources (10)
  • Over-ear. Over-Ear Circumaural source
  • Driver. 50mm dual-diaphragm source
  • Impedance. Impedance 32Ω source
  • Weight. 285g +/-5g source
  • Two detachable cables. Two detachable cables: 3 m/10 ft. cable for tangle-free drum playing and 1.5 m/5 ft. cable for everyday music listening source
  • Maker isolation wording, no dB figure. Form-fitting earpads provide excellent isolation from acoustic pad noise and other outside sounds source
  • Comfort for long sessions, maker claim. Large memory foam earpads and cushioned headband deliver extended comfort for long playing sessions source
  • Closed back and wired per retailer. Wired Circumaural Closed back source

2 more in the full Markdown version of this page.

Yamaha HPH-MT8 Studio Monitor Headphones

Yamaha · studio headphones · over-ear

Yamaha's MT Series studio monitor, with closed-back 45 mm drivers, earcups that move for one-ear monitoring and both a coiled and a straight cable, aimed at recording and mixing rather than at drums specifically. At 350 g without cable it is heavier than the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, and Yamaha gives no isolation figure.

Best for
Recording
Not for
Not for loud acoustic play-along, since Yamaha gives no attenuation figure.
Someone does it better
Audio-Technica's ATH-M50x is lighter at 285 g and ships with three detachable cables against the MT8's two.
Price (US)
Checked on .
In the box
The headphones with a 1.2 m coiled cable, a 3.0 m straight cable, a threaded 6.3 mm gold-plated adaptor and a padded carrying bag.
Ratings
4.7 (92) Thomann US; 4.5 (6) Musician's Friend. Maker
Sources (11)
  • Closed-back, over-ear. Closed-back, Circumaural (Over Ear) source
  • Impedance. 37 Ω (at 1kHz) source
  • Driver. 45 mm, Dynamic, CCAW Voice Coil source
  • Cables. 1.2 m (3.9ft), coiled cable; 3.0 m (9.8ft), straight cable source
  • Plug. 3.5 mm (1/8”) stereo with 6.3 mm (1/4”) stereo adaptor source
  • Weight. 350g (0.8lbs) (Without cable&plug) source
  • Maker isolation wording, no dB figure. Closed-back, circumaural design for excellent isolation source
  • Single-ear monitoring. Moveable earcups allow single-ear monitoring source

3 more in the full Markdown version of this page.

Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional Monitor Headphones

Audio-Technica · studio headphones · over-ear

A closed-back studio monitor on sale since 2014, with 45 mm drivers, cups that swivel 90 degrees for one-ear monitoring, three detachable cables and replacement earpads that Audio-Technica's Japanese site lists as sold separately, which suits recording and plugging into an e-kit module. Audio-Technica gives no attenuation figure, so it is not the pick for blocking out a loud acoustic kit.

Best for
Recording
Not for
Not for loud acoustic play-along, where an isolation headphone with a quoted dB figure, like the Direct Sound EX29 Plus, fits better.
Someone does it better
Roland's VMH-D1 is tuned specifically for electronic drums and adds a cable restraint and a stand hanger for the kit.
Price (US)
Checked on .
In the box
The headphones with three detachable cables (one coiled, two straight), a 6.3 mm adapter and a pouch.
Ratings
4.7 (2k) Thomann US; 4.5 (71) Musician's Friend. Maker
Sources (12)
  • Closed dynamic type (maker, Japanese site). 密閉ダイナミック型 source
  • Impedance 38 ohm (maker, Japanese site). インピーダンス 38Ω source
  • Weight without cord 285 g (maker, Japanese site). 質量(コード除く) 285g source
  • Replacement earpads HP-M50x sold separately (maker, Japanese site). 交換イヤパッド HP-M50x(BK/WH) source
  • Release date 14 Feb 2014 (maker, Japanese site). 2014年02月14日 source
  • Retailer spec: detachable cables. Detachable cable 1.2 m coiled cable 1.2 m and 3 m straight cables source
  • Retailer spec: driver. 45 mm driver with neodymium magnet system and CCAW voice coils source
  • Retailer spec: adapter. Includes 6.3 mm adaptor and bag source

4 more in the full Markdown version of this page.

Sony MDR-7506

Sony · studio headphones · over-ear

A closed-back studio headphone with 40 mm drivers, a 63 ohm load and a long coiled cord whose Unimatch plug fits both 1/8 in and 1/4 in jacks, so it plugs into an e-kit module or an audio interface without a separate adapter. Sony publishes no isolation figure and Thomann lists the cord as not replaceable, so for loud acoustic play-along, compare it with a model whose maker publishes an attenuation figure.

Best for
E-kit practice, Recording
Not for
Not for drummers who want a published isolation figure or a detachable cable, since Sony quotes no attenuation and Thomann lists the cable as not replaceable.
Someone does it better
The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO publishes up to 32 dB of ambient noise attenuation, while Sony gives no isolation figure for the MDR-7506.
Price (US)
Checked on .
In the box
The headphones with an attached coiled cord ending in a gold-plated Unimatch plug for 1/8 in and 1/4 in jacks, plus a carry pouch.
Ratings
4.7 (1k) Thomann; 5.0 (1) Musician's Friend. Maker
Sources (11)
  • Closed dynamic design. Headphone Type Dynamic, closed source
  • Driver size. Driver Size 40.0 mm source
  • Impedance. Impedance 63 Ohms source
  • Plug and cord length. Plug Type Gold, Stereo Unimatch plug 1/4" and 1/8" Cord Length 9.8 ft source
  • Weight. Weight 8.1 oz source
  • In the box. come complete with protective carry pouch and gold-plated UnimatchTM 3.5mm/6.3mm adaptor source
  • Coiled cable (retailer spec). Cable type: Coiled source
  • No Bluetooth (retailer spec). Bluetooth connectivity: No source

3 more in the full Markdown version of this page.

beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO

beyerdynamic · studio headphones · over-ear

A closed-back studio headphone sold in 32, 80 and 250 ohm versions with replaceable pads, and beyerdynamic says every component can be replaced, which suits years of e-kit practice and recording. Pick the impedance for your source (beyerdynamic labels 32 ohm for mobile devices, 80 ohm universal studio, 250 ohm professional devices) and know its isolation claim is modest at approx. 18 dBA for the 80 and 250 ohm versions.

Best for
E-kit practice, Recording, Long sessions
Not for
Not for drummers who mainly need strong isolation over a loud acoustic kit, since beyerdynamic quotes approx. 18 dBA for the 80 and 250 ohm versions and the cable is fixed.
Someone does it better
The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO claims up to 32 dB of ambient noise attenuation against beyerdynamic's approx. 18 dBA for the 80 and 250 ohm DT 770 PRO.
Price (US)
Sale price (beyerdynamic Fall Deal Days and Musician's Friend sale) with the regular price in was. beyerdynamic's US store shows the same sale and regular price for all three impedances; the 32 ohm price is read from that page's variant data. Musician's Friend did not list the 32 ohm version.Checked on .
In the box
The headphones with a fixed single-sided cable ending in a gold-plated 3.5 mm plug, plus a 6.35 mm adapter; the cable is straight on the 32 and 80 ohm versions and coiled on the 250 ohm.
Ratings
4.8 (5k) Thomann; 4.5 (43) Musician's Friend; 4.5 (10) Musician's Friend. Maker
Sources (15)
  • Closed-back model of the range. The DT 770 PRO headphones is the range’s closed-back model source
  • Three impedance versions. 32, 80 & 250 ohms (closed) source
  • Ambient noise isolation of the 32 ohm version (spec sheet line: Ambient noise isolation, 32 ohm version). approx. 20 dBA source
  • Ambient noise isolation of the 80 and 250 ohm versions (retailer spec repeating beyerdynamic's figure). Noise attenuation: Approx. 18dBA (80 ohm/250 ohm) source
  • Cable length and type by version (spec sheet). 1.6 m / straight cable (32 Ω) 3 m / straight cable (80 Ω) 3 m / coiled cable (250 Ω) source
  • Weight of the 80 ohm version (spec sheet; 325 g for 32 ohm and 380 g for 250 ohm on neighbouring lines). 345 g source
  • Weight of the 250 ohm version (retailer spec). Weight (250 ohm): 13.4 oz (380 g) source
  • Replacement ear pads listed (spec sheet). EDT 770 V Ear pads, velours, circumaural source

7 more in the full Markdown version of this page.

Sennheiser HD 280 PRO

Sennheiser · studio headphones · over-ear

Sennheiser claims up to 32 dB of ambient noise attenuation for this closed, circumaural design, so it suits playing along to music on an acoustic kit as well as e-kit practice and tracking. Sennheiser lists its contact pressure at 6 N and Thomann lists the coiled cable as not replaceable, so try the fit if you are sensitive to headband pressure, and expect a fixed cable.

Best for
Over an acoustic kit, E-kit practice, Recording
Not for
Not for players who are sensitive to clamping force or who want a detachable cable.
Someone does it better
The AKG K371 ships with three detachable cables, while Thomann lists the HD 280 PRO cable as not replaceable.
Price (US)
Sennheiser's US product page carries the same 99.95 USD offer in its structured data, but no visible price text, so it is not listed as a line.Checked on .
In the box
The headphones with an attached single-sided coiled cable and 3.5 mm plug, a 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter and a safety guide.
Ratings
4.5 (305) Thomann; 4.5 (44) Musician's Friend. Maker
Sources (12)
  • Attenuation claim. High ambient noise attenuation (up to 32 dB) source
  • Replaceable ear pads. Soft, replaceable earpads for extended comfort source
  • Coiled cable. Single-sided, coiled cable for flexibility and durability source
  • Plug and adapter. Industry-standard 3.5 mm plug with 6.3 mm adapter source
  • Weight. Lightweight design at 285g (without cable) source
  • Cable length. Coiled Cable (min. 1.3m / max. 3m) source
  • Pad set sold as a spare part. Pad Set (2016+) source
  • Closed, circumaural design (spec sheet, in the maker's spelling). Accoustic principle dynamic, closed Ear coupling circumaural source

4 more in the full Markdown version of this page.

AKG K371

AKG · studio headphones · over-ear

A light closed-back studio headphone at 255 g with 50 mm drivers, a 32 ohm load and three detachable cables, so a damaged cable on an e-kit or home studio setup is a swap rather than a repair. AKG gives no isolation figure and replacement ear pads could not be confirmed, so check pad availability before counting on it for years of daily practice.

Best for
E-kit practice, Recording, Long sessions
Not for
Not for buyers who want a stated isolation number or confirmed replacement ear pads.
Someone does it better
The Sennheiser HD 280 PRO publishes an attenuation figure, up to 32 dB, where AKG gives none for the K371.
Price (US)
Checked on .
In the box
The headphones with three detachable cables (3 m coiled, 3 m straight and 1.2 m straight), a 1/4 in adapter and a carrying pouch.
Ratings
4.4 (335) Thomann; 4.0 (16) Musician's Friend. Maker
Sources (14)
  • Closed dynamic, 50 mm driver (retailer spec). Operating principle: Closed dynamic source
  • Driver size (retailer spec). Driver size: 50 mm source
  • Impedance (AKG copy at retailer). Superior sensitivity (114dB SPL/V @ 1kHz) and impedance (32 ohms) source
  • Detachable cables in the box. cables include 3 m (9.8’) coiled cable, 3 m (9.8') and 1.2 m (2.5’) straight cables and a 1/4" adapter. source
  • Isolation wording, no figure. The K371’s over-ear, closed-back design provides superior isolation in noisy environments. source
  • Comfort for long sessions. their feather-light weight keeps ear fatigue at bay, even on the longest listening sessions source
  • Weight and box contents (retailer spec). Includes 2 straight cables (3 m and 1.2 m long) and a 3 m spiral cable, 6.3 mm adapter and storage bag source
  • Weight (retailer spec). Weight: 255 g source

6 more in the full Markdown version of this page.

Shure SE215

Shure · in-ear monitors · in-ear

A single dynamic driver in-ear that Shure says blocks up to 37 dB of noise, with a detachable MMCX cable and the low-profile fit Shure says musicians use for on-stage monitoring, so it works on a personal monitor pack or for playing along on an acoustic kit. There is no 6.3 mm adapter in the box, so an e-kit module with only a 1/4 in headphone jack needs one bought separately.

Best for
In-ears on stage, Over an acoustic kit
Not for
Not for drummers who dislike sleeves in the ear canal or who want an over-ear headphone they can slip on and off between songs.
Someone does it better
The KZ ZS10 Pro uses five drivers per side, one dynamic and four balanced armatures, where the SE215 has a single dynamic driver.
Price (US)
Shure's US store page carries the same 119 USD price for the clear and black versions in its page data.Checked on .
In the box
The earphones, a detachable 3.5 mm cable (64 in), a soft zip case, and black foam plus soft flex sleeves in S, M and L.
Ratings
4.5 (131) Musician's Friend. Maker
Sources (9)
  • Isolation claim. Sound Isolating™ technology blocks up to 37 dB of noise to eliminate distractions. source
  • Stage monitoring design. Built with the same low-profile design musicians use for monitoring on-stage. source
  • Detachable MMCX cable. Detachable 3.5 mm cable allows the SE215 Earphones to attach to different cable accessories with an MMCX connection source
  • Bluetooth only through a separate adapter. including the True Wireless Secure Fit Adapter for Bluetooth connection. source
  • Cable length in the box. 3.5 mm clear cable (64") source
  • Sleeves included and replaceable. fit kit with a variety of sleeves for the perfect fit source
  • Single dynamic driver (retailer spec). Speaker type: Single Dynamic MicroDriver source
  • Impedance (Shure product page data, not visible text). "label":"Impedance","value":"17 Ω" source

1 more in the full Markdown version of this page.

KZ ZS10 Pro

KZ (Knowledge Zenith) · in-ear monitors · in-ear

A budget hybrid in-ear with one dynamic and four balanced armature drivers per side, a detachable 2-pin cable and a 3.5 mm plug, which makes it a low-cost way to try in-ear monitoring from a personal mixer or a click. KZ sells it through its Amazon and AliExpress stores and Linsoul ships it from China rather than through US music retailers, and KZ already lists newer versions (ZS10 Pro X, ZS10 Pro 2) next to it.

Best for
In-ears on stage, Over an acoustic kit
Not for
Not for buyers who want a US music retailer and a long warranty; Linsoul gives one year on the earphones and three months on the cable.
Someone does it better
The Shure SE215 claims more isolation, up to 37 dB against KZ's about 26 dB, and is stocked by US retailers such as Musician's Friend with a two-year Shure warranty.
Price (US)
No Sweetwater, Musician's Friend or KZ US store listing; KZ's own site links buyers to its Amazon and AliExpress stores, which this research does not use. Linsoul, which calls itself an authorized distributor, sells in US dollars but ships from China, and listed the item as a 2 to 3 week pre-order today.Checked on .
In the box
The earphones with a detachable 2-pin cable, with or without an inline mic depending on the version; Linsoul lists the box as the earphones and a user manual.
Ratings
4.2 (94) Linsoul. Maker
Sources (10)
  • Driver configuration. One Side 4 balanced armature 1 dynamic source
  • Isolation claim. KZ earphones can directly isolate about 26dB of noise when properly played without music. source
  • Detachable 2-pin cable. The self-developed 0.75mm gold-plated pin plug-in structure expands the richer sound by replacing the upgraded cable. source
  • Bluetooth only with a separately bought cable. * Need to purchase a Upgrade cable separately source
  • Maker specs. Weight: 32±3g Wear: Earhook Sensitivity: 111dB Impedance: 30Ω source
  • Cable length and plug. Line Length: 125±5cm PlugType: 3.5mm Pin Type: 0.75mm source
  • KZ ear tips fit its wired earphones. KZ LS01 is compatible with all KZ wired earphones source
  • Where KZ sends buyers. Official store on Amazon US source

2 more in the full Markdown version of this page.

ISOtunes PRO 2.0

ISOtunes · isolating headphones · in-ear

A Bluetooth earbud set with a 27 dB noise reduction rating (NRR) that ISOtunes calls ANSI-certified and a volume cap ISOtunes puts at 85 dB, which lets a drummer stream play-along music from a phone while playing an acoustic kit. ISOtunes markets it for work sites, not for musicians: the page title calls it OSHA-compliant and the shop menu lists hunting and shooting, industry, construction, lawncare and woodworking. It adds a Bluetooth link whose delay ISOtunes does not publish, so it is a poor monitor for an electronic kit.

Best for
Over an acoustic kit
Not for
Not for electronic kit practice or stage monitoring, where Bluetooth delay and a work-site design get in the way.
Someone does it better
A wired in-ear such as the Shure SE215 has no Bluetooth link to add delay with an e-kit and plugs straight into a stage monitor pack.
Price (US)
  • PRO 2.0, Safety Orange: $109.99 at ISOtunes
Sold direct by ISOtunes in the US (it does not ship internationally); not found at Sweetwater or Musician's Friend. The Matte Black version was out of stock today.Checked on .
In the box
The Bluetooth earbuds with a variety pack of foam and silicone eartips, a charging cable, cable management clips, an alligator clip and a travel case.
Ratings
3.9 (10) ISOtunes. Maker
Sources (10)
  • Noise reduction rating, the maker's figure. ANSI-Certified 27 dB noise reduction rating (NRR) source
  • Volume cap, the maker's claim. SafeMax Technology™ limits volume output to 85 dB source
  • Bluetooth version. Bluetooth 5.1, supports dual pairing source
  • In the box. PRO 2.0 comes with a variety pack of foam and silicone eartips, a charging cable, cable management clips source
  • Replacement eartips sold. TRILOGY™ Tall Foam Replacement Eartips (5 pair pack) source
  • Audience: work professionals. Our best-selling product redesigned to meet the needs of our toughest professional customers. source
  • Eartips come in several sizes (manual). There are multiple sizes of eartips. source
  • Not marketed to musicians: site search. 1 result found for "musician" source

2 more in the full Markdown version of this page.

What the data says

What we found

Half the makers publish no isolation figure

Seven of the fourteen give a number for how much outside sound they block. The other seven, including the headphones made for electronic kits, describe isolation in words only, such as "excellent isolation". If you play an acoustic kit along to music, start with the models that publish a figure.

The figures are not measured the same way

Direct Sound quotes passive attenuation, beyerdynamic quotes dBA, Shure says "up to", and ISOtunes gives a US NRR. Two numbers from different makers are not a like-for-like comparison, so read the words next to each figure in the table.

Wireless is the exception

Every model here connects by cable except ISOtunes PRO 2.0, which is Bluetooth and is sold for work sites rather than music. For an electronic kit, the kit's headphone output and a cable remain the norm on this page.

Method

How we checked

Where the facts come from. Every spec, feature tick and claim comes from the maker's own page, a store listing, a manual or a retailer's spec sheet, read on 2026-10-07, and the exact words relied on are kept with each row (open "Sources" on any card). Store ratings and review counts are the stores' own on that date, pulled through Sonar, an app-store analytics service. A feature is marked yes only when one of those sources says it; when none does, it is shown as unknown rather than as no.

How it was checked. Every row was researched once and then handed to a second, independent pass whose only job was to break it: open the same pages, check every spec, every tick, every rating and every quote. Rows it could not confirm were corrected, marked unknown, or dropped before publishing.

What this page does not measure yet. We have not put a drum recording through every app at half speed and compared how the hits survive. Time-stretching smears sharp attacks, and drums are all sharp attacks, so it matters; when we test it, the method will be here.

Prices. Every price is in US dollars, read on 2026-10-07 on the store or page named next to it, with a link: Sweetwater, Musician's Friend or the maker's own store for gear and books, the US App Store's in-app purchase list or the maker's pricing page for apps. When a maker sells for less on its own website than in the app, both are shown. Prices change, so the date is part of the fact: check the store before you buy. Nothing on this page is an affiliate link.

Hearing. This page reports each maker's own isolation or attenuation figure, in the maker's words, and makes no health claim. For context, NIOSH set "a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 85 A-weighted decibels (dBA) averaged over an eight-hour workday" (NIOSH), and the WHO says "you can safely listen to a sound level of 80dB for up to 40 hours a week" (WHO). For anything about your own hearing, ask an audiologist.

FAQ

Questions drummers ask about headphones for electronic drums and drummers, compared.

Isolating headphones whose makers state how much outside sound they block, such as the Direct Sound EX-29 Plus (36.7 dB of passive attenuation, by Direct Sound's figure) and Vic Firth's isolation headphones (25 dB), or sealed in-ears such as the Shure SE215 (up to 37 dB, by Shure's figure).

Yes. Every wired model here plugs into a kit's headphone output; the Plug column shows the connector and whether an adapter is included. Closed-back models keep more of the kit's sound in your ears and less of the room.

Shure and KZ sell in-ears that seal in the ear canal; their makers state up to 37 dB and about 26 dB of isolation. A good seal depends on the fit of the tips.

For context, NIOSH set a recommended exposure limit of 85 dBA averaged over an eight-hour workday, and the WHO says 80 dB is safe for up to 40 hours a week. For anything about your own hearing, ask an audiologist.

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