The 10 Best DJ Accessories - The Best Gifts for DJs
As much as I love my decks and turntables, there's something equally as important and nice about the best DJ accessories - I've found that even some small purchases can really make a huge difference to the flow, convinence, and general enjoyment of my mixing sessions.
DJing is often a very equipment heavy activity - depending on what type of setup you're using. Over my nearly 2 decades of DJing, I've tried out countless setups, bits of gear - and those all important (and fun) DJ accessories.
Whether it's a nice pair of DJing headphones, a laptop stands, DJ speakers, USB sticks, or any other piece of DJ equipment - having some good accessories can make DJing a bit easier, and a hell of a lot more fun!
In this guide, I'll share my top 10 DJ accessories - with a range of different options and prices for each category. If you're looking to treat yourself, or a DJ that you know - I've put together the perfect shopping list!
Interested in DJ gear - here are some of my other reviews:
Comparison Table: The Top 10 DJ Accessories and DJ Equipment#
Here is a broad table of my favorite DJ accessories and recomendations. After this, I get into the deeper review of each piece.
Accessory Category | Top Recommendation | Key Features |
1. DJ Headphones | Industry-standard, superb sound isolation, durable, and replaceable parts. | |
2. DJ USB Drives | Blazing-fast read/write speeds for quick library updates and reliable performance. | |
3. Microphones | Legendary durability and tailored frequency response for clear, warm vocals. | |
4. Performance Hardware | Creative sampler perfect for live remixing and adding custom sound layers. | |
5. Protective Gear | Custom-molded hard plastic covers to protect gear from dust and impact. | |
6. In-Ear Monitors | Excellent sound isolation, clear sound with deep bass, and a detachable cable. | |
7. Hearing Protection | Reduces volume without muffling sound, preserving audio clarity while protecting hearing. | |
8. Ergonomic DJ Stands | Sturdy, height-adjustable, with a telescopic design and a swiveling tray. | |
9. DJ Lighting | All-in-one system with moving heads, derbies, washes, laser, and strobe effects. | |
10. Digital Accessory | Timeline-based software for creating flawless, studio-quality mixes on a laptop. |
1. High-Quality DJ Headphones#
When you're starting out, it's easy to think that any old headphones will do. But it's really not the case. In my experience, getting a good pair of great DJ headphones made a huge difference to my enjoyment and mixing skills. By being able to precisely hear the tracks that you're cuing up, it makes it so much easier to get that perfect mix.
Of course, I think the main thing is comfort. If you want to get good at DJing, you need to spend hours mixing in your life - so you're going to want some comfy headphones that you don't even realise you're wearing!
Top 5 DJ Headphones for 2025:#
Sennheiser HD 25: The undisputed industry standard for decades, prized for its durability, excellent sound isolation, and replaceable parts. The HD25 Special Editions are even more comfortable and high quality, and are a personal favorite of mine.
Pioneer DJ HDJ-X5-S: A great choice for club and home use, with pro audio quality, comfortable pads, and strong build.
V-MODA CROSSFADE 3: A stylish, high end choice, known for its powerful bass response - and optional wireless modes for max freedom.
OneOdio Pro50: Comfy and affordable, these are a great choice if you want some light headphones you can wear for hours, at a budget price.
AIAIAI TMA-2 DJ Preset: A modular headphone that lets you customize every part, from the headband to the earcups, to create your perfect pair.
2. DJ USB Drives#
One of the most important parts of a DJ's kit is their USB stick. This holds all their music - keeping their music library organized and available. I always think about a few things when I'm buying a stick - and I think going for a nice, big one is the best. You're more likely to look after it (and not leave it behind) and more storage means more music - so it has a lot of future proofing, and you won't need to worry about juggling multiple sticks.
It's not just about capacity; it's about speed and reliability. A cheap, slow stick can cause track loading errors and kill the vibe. You need a sturdy, fast drive that can withstand the chaos of the DJ booth and keep your precious music library safe. Many DJs use a large external hard drive as a "mothership" for their entire collection and use smaller, faster USBs for their gig playlists.
Top 5 DJ USB Drives for 2025:#
SanDisk Extreme Pro SDCZ880: A top-tier USB-A drive known for its blazing-fast read/write speeds, making library updates quick and painless.
Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth: The most durable drive on the market, with a waterproof, shockproof aluminum housing perfect for touring DJs.
Samsung FIT Plus: An ultra-compact, low-profile drive that's great for leaving in a laptop or CDJ without fear of it being snapped off.
Kingston DataTraveler Max: An incredibly fast USB-C drive for DJs using modern laptops, offering some of the best transfer speeds available.
SanDisk Ultra Flair: Anotther solid drive, offering high data storage and speeds at a fair price.
3. DJing Microphones#
Even if you're not a "mic DJ," having a microphone in your kit is a smart move. I'm not a rapper or vocalist by any means, but a mic has come in handy countless times - like getting people hyped up at a party (or asking them to leave at the end of the night...)
DJ microphones are essential stock for mobile DJs who need to make announcements, but it can also be a fun tool for any DJ to interact with the crowd. A professional wireless system offers freedom but requires battery management, while wired mics are reliable and simple.
Top 5 Microphones for DJs:#
Shure SM58: The legendary, indestructible workhorse microphone for live vocals. It's the standard for a reason.
Sennheiser e 835: A strong competitor to the SM58, offering a bit more clarity in the high-end, which can help cut through a mix.
Shure BLX288/PG58 Wireless System: A reliable and straightforward dual-channel wireless system for DJs who need two mics without breaking the bank.
Rode Wireless GO II: An ultra-compact and versatile bluetooth wireless system perfect for minimalist setups or for recording your sets with high-quality audio.
Zealsound USB Microphone: A budget-friendly desktop microphone designed specifically for streamers and DJs working from home.
Remember, you'll also need a good XLR cable to plug your microphone in!
4. Performance Hardware (FX & Samplers)#
Once you've mastered the basics on your jog wheels, adding external hardware can unlock new levels of creativity. I think using extra tools like samplers, performance pads, drum machines, and effects pads opens up a huge amount of dynamic potential in your mixes, really helping you to express yourself and stand out from the crowd.
This is where you can start to blend DJing with live performance, adding instruments and samplers to your setup or using digital vinyl systems for a tactile feel.
Top 5 DJ Performance Tools, Hardware, Effects, and Samplers#
Pioneer RMX-1000: A legendary 3-in-1 effects unit, combining an isolator, scene FX, and release FX into one intuitive performance tool.
Roland SP-404MKII: A powerful and creative sampler that's perfect for live remixing and adding custom sound layers to your DJ set.
Akai Professional MPC One+: A standalone music production center that can act as a powerful sampler and drum machine alongside your DJ setup.
PIONEER DDJ-XP1: A unique additional dj controller from Pioneer DJ Pro, effects pad, and drum pad for adding some spice to your DJ sets.
Roland Aira Rhythm Performer TR-8S: A modern rendition of an iconic drum machine, perfect for laying down some extra real time drum beats to your mix. This is one of my favorite things to plug into DJ mixers.
5. Protective Gear & Transport Bags#
If you've spent good money on your equipment, you need to protect it. Dust, spilled drinks, and the hazards of transport are the enemies of every DJ - I've unfortunately learned this the hard way too many times... Investing in the right protective gear for your decks and mixer is non-negotiable, especially if you plan on taking your setup out of the house.
Top Protective DJ Gear Solutions:#
Decksavers: These hard plastic covers are custom-molded to fit specific models of controllers, mixers, and turntables, protecting them from dust and impact. From Heath Xone to Pioneer, all deck types are covered.
Flight Cases (e.g., Odyssey, ProX, Magma): Essential for any DJ transporting their gear. These heavy-duty cases offer maximum protection and often double as a stand.
DJ Bags (e.g., UDG, Mono): For a more portable solution, a high-quality padded DJ bag helps you organize and transport your controller, laptop, cables, and other accessories safely.
Cable Organizers (e.g., Gator Cases G-CABLEBAG-SM): Tangled cables are a nightmare. Simple velcro ties or a dedicated cable bag can save you immense time and frustration.
Headphone Case: An expensive pair of headphones deserves a hard-shell case to protect them from being crushed in your bag.
6. In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)#
In a loud venue with a powerful sound system, traditional headphones can struggle. In-ear monitors (IEMs) fit directly into your ear canal, providing superior sound isolation. This allows you to monitor your mix with crystal clarity at a much lower, safer volume, protecting your hearing while ensuring your beatmatching is tight.
Top 3 IEMs for DJs:#
Shure SE215: The go-to entry-level IEM, offering fantastic sound isolation and a warm, detailed sound for an affordable price.
Westone Audio Pro X10: A professional-grade single-driver IEM that delivers exceptional clarity and a comfortable, ergonomic fit for long sessions.
Sennheiser IE 100 Pro: A dynamic and clear-sounding monitor that comes with multiple adapter types, known for its punchy sound and secure fit.
7. Hearing Protection#
This is the most important accessory on the entire list. A long and successful DJing career is impossible if you lose your hearing. The loud environments we work in can cause permanent damage. A basic pair of foam plugs is better than nothing, but investing in high-fidelity earplugs is essential. They reduce the overall volume without muffling the sound, so you can still hear the music clearly and protect your ears.
Top 5 Earplugs for DJs:#
Eargasm High Fidelity Earplugs: A very popular choice that reduces noise evenly to maintain the full spectrum of sound.
DownBeats Reusable High Fidelity Hearing Protection: A discreet and effective option that comes with a durable aluminum case.
Loop Experience 2: High quality, comfortable, and safe plugs for keeping your ears out of danger.
Etymotic ER20XS: A universal fit earplug from a leader in audiology, designed for clear, accurate sound reduction.
Vibes High-Fidelity Earplugs: A low-profile earplug that's designed to be virtually invisible while offering excellent protection.
8. Ergonomic DJ Stands#
Mixing on a kitchen table or a low bedroom desk is fine at first, but it will quickly lead to back pain and discomfort. Investing in proper stands for your DJ gear is crucial for ergonomics. A comfortable setup allows you to practice and perform for longer, preventing strain and helping you focus on your mix. This applies to your DJ controller, laptop, and any other MIDI controllers in your setup.
Top 5 DJ Stands for 2025:#
UDG Creator Laptop/Controller Stand: A sturdy, height-adjustable stand with a telescopic design and a swiveling tray. This is my go-to.
A Proper DJ Booth/Table (e.g., Glorious Gig-Bar): A dedicated table set at the proper height is the foundation of any ergonomic setup.
Gorilla Stand Pro: A versatile and incredibly stable laptop stand that can be configured in multiple positions.
Odyssey LSTANDM: A classic, adjustable stand for laptops or smaller controllers that's a common sight in DJ booths around the world.
Magma Laptop Stand Traveler: A lightweight and compact option that's easy to fold up and pack in your bag.
9. DJ Lighting#
Lighting transforms a party into an experience. Whether you're a mobile DJ or just want to spice up your home streams, adding lighting is one of the most effective ways to elevate your show. You don't need a massive rig; even a few simple, sound-activated lights can make a huge difference to the venue's atmosphere.
Top 4 Lighting Options for DJs:#
Chauvet DJ GigBAR Move: An incredible all-in-one system that includes moving heads, derbies, washes, and a strobe light on a single bar.
ADJ Starburst: A classic "mirrorball" effect light that sends sharp, colorful beams of light around a room.
SoundSwitch Control One: A dedicated hardware controller that lets you sync your DMX lighting perfectly with your music in Serato or VirtualDJ.
Rockville RockPar50: A simple, affordable, and effective PAR can light that can be used for uplighting walls or washing the dancefloor in color.
10. The Ultimate Digital DJ Accessory: DJ.Studio#
Before we dive into hardware, let's talk about the most powerful tool in a modern DJ's arsenal: their software. If you want to create flawless, studio-quality mixes using just your laptop, DJ.Studio is the ultimate digital accessory, perfect for both music production and set preparation.
Unlike traditional live DJing software, DJ.Studio is designed for creating polished mixes with a mouse and keyboard. It uses an intuitive, timeline-based editor, allowing you to craft your sets with precision. This unique workflow is perfect for preparing mixes for radio shows, podcasts, or live performances.
It’s packed with smart features that speed up your mix creation process, from an AI-powered automixer that can build a harmonically perfect setlist in seconds, to advanced transition editing that gives you full control. You can integrate it with your existing libraries from Rekordbox, Serato, Traktor, and VirtualDJ, or even mix directly from Beatport Streaming.
Although there are multiple brands out there, DJ.Studio is the perfect tool to prepare your sets and explore new creative ideas.
Download the DJ.Studio Free Trial Today!
Conclusion: Your Workflow, Your Choice#
With all the right accessories, you'll have no trouble performing your best and avoiding common DJ frustrations. Do your research to find the models that best suit your budget and what you'd expect from your gear. With a wide range of options available, there's something for everyone.
But remember, while hardware is important, the most powerful tool for leveling up your game is often digital DJ software. If you want to maximize your productivity, streamline your mix creation, and enhance your direct workflow, you should get stuck in with DJ.Studio. It's the ultimate accessory for the modern best DJ.
FAQs About DJ Accessories
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