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Beyerdynamic DT 102 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£130
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Beyerdynamic DT 102 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.9

Poor

3.7

Poor

4.7

Poor

0.2
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
1.1
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
4.4
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
0.2
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
0.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.4
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
4.4
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
1.0
Can be used as a headset

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Verdict

The Beyerdynamic DT 102 is a professional single-sided, closed-back dynamic headphone specifically designed for broadcast, film, and studio applications where monitoring ambient information is essential. Key technical specifications include a frequency response of 30 Hz to 20,000 Hz, a nominal sound pressure level (SPL) of 94 dB, and an impedance of 400 ohms, though a 16-ohm version is also available. Its main characteristics and pros include a rugged, easily serviceable construction with replaceable head and ear pads, exceptional ambient noise attenuation of approximately 20 dBA, and a 3-meter detachable straight cable for long-term reliability and comfort. However, notable cons include its specialized single-ear design which is unsuitable for traditional stereo listening and its high impedance version requiring a powerful dedicated amplifier to achieve optimal volume levels.

Technical Specifications of Beyerdynamic DT 102

Overall score

3.9

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

4.1

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

1.1

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

2.9

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

6.7

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Beyerdynamic

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Beyerdynamic DT 102 vs the average headphone

Why is Beyerdynamic DT 102 better than the average headphone?

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10 mm more spacious earcup height
Beyerdynamic DT 102 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.
Importance: MEDIUM
Beyerdynamic DT 102 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.70 mm vs 60 mm
1.8 m more useful cable length
Beyerdynamic DT 102 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
What it is: Length of the supplied audio cable
When it matters: When your desk, TV, or audio setup needs more or less movement range.
Importance: LOW
Beyerdynamic DT 102 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.3 m vs 1.2 m
10x higher input power handling
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
What it is: Maximum input power the drivers can safely handle
When it matters: When you pair the headphones with stronger sources or dedicated gear.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=300 mW
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.1000 mW vs 100 mW
14 dB higher max SPL
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (124 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=116 dB
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (124 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.124 dB vs 110 dB
10 mm more spacious earcup height
Beyerdynamic DT 102 offers more spacious earcup height than the average headphone (70 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Beyerdynamic DT 102 offers a more useful cable length than the average headphone (3 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
10x higher input power handling
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a higher max input power than the average headphone (1,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
14 dB higher max SPL
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (124 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.

Why is Beyerdynamic DT 102 worse than the average headphone?

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14.7% higher weight
Beyerdynamic DT 102 is heavier than the average headphone (250 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Beyerdynamic DT 102 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No travel bag
Beyerdynamic DT 102 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
No stereo speakers
Beyerdynamic DT 102 does not have stereo speakers, while the average headphone does. 99.6% of headphones have stereo speakers.
0.7 % higher distortion
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
12 Hz weaker bass extension
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (30 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
9 dB SPL lower sound pressure level
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a lower sound pressure level than the average headphone (94 dB SPL vs 103 dB SPL). The average headphones reach a sound pressure level of 103 dB SPL.
Not headset-ready
Beyerdynamic DT 102 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
1 fewer microphones
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Beyerdynamic DT 102 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
52 years older release date
Beyerdynamic DT 102 was released earlier than the average headphone (1,965 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
No voice assistant support
Beyerdynamic DT 102 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Beyerdynamic DT 102 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No stereo speakers
Beyerdynamic DT 102 does not have stereo speakers, while the average headphone does. 99.6% of headphones have stereo speakers.
What it is: Provides left and right channel sound output
When it matters: When you want standard left-right headphone playback and need to avoid mono or single-channel listening hardware.
Importance: LOW
Beyerdynamic DT 102 does not have stereo speakers, while the average headphone does. 99.6% of headphones have stereo speakers.
0.7 % higher distortion
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
What it is: Percentage of harmonic distortion in audio output
When it matters: When cleaner sound reproduction matters at louder volumes.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <=1%
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average headphone (1 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.1 % vs 0.3 %
8 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.94 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
12 Hz weaker bass extension
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (30 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a higher lowest frequency than the average headphone (30 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.30 Hz vs 18 Hz
Not headset-ready
Beyerdynamic DT 102 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.
Importance: MEDIUM
Beyerdynamic DT 102 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
14.7% higher weight
Beyerdynamic DT 102 is heavier than the average headphone (250 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Beyerdynamic DT 102 is heavier than the average headphone (250 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.250 g vs 218 g
70.7% lower user score
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a lower user score than the average headphone (4.69 vs 8.000).
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Beyerdynamic DT 102 has a lower user score than the average headphone (4.69 vs 8.000).4.69 vs 8

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Beyerdynamic DT 102 and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Beyerdynamic DT 102?

High wearing comfort even for long periods without fatigue
Excellent isolation from ambient noise due to closed-back design
Durable, robust build quality suitable for studio and broadcast environments
Easily replaceable parts including head pads and ear cushions
Detachable cable for easy maintenance and replacement
Lightweight design (250g) for an over-ear model

What customers dislike about Beyerdynamic DT 102?

Single-sided design is specialized for monitoring and may not suit general stereo listening
High impedance (400 Ohms) requires a dedicated amplifier or high-output studio gear to drive properly
Lacks modern features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or wireless connectivity
The large form factor does not fold or swivel, making it less portable
Limited sub-bass performance compared to modern consumer headphones

Expert reviews

head-fi.org

06/09/2014

Beyerdynamic DT 102 (400 Ohms)

The Beyerdynamic DT 102 (400 Ohms) is a specialized single-sided, closed-back headphone designed for broadcasting and theater applications, featuring durable construction, soft earpads, and a comfortable, padded headband. Key advantages include its modular, user-serviceable design with fully replaceable parts, making it ideal for high-demand, long-term studio use. Conversely, the...Read more

gear4music.it

N/A

beyerdynamic DT 102 Single-Sided Headphones in Grey, 400 Ohm

The Beyerdynamic DT 102 (400 Ohm) headphones are designed for broadcasting, theater, and studio use, featuring a robust, single-sided construction that allows for one-ear monitoring while maintaining situational awareness. Key benefits include high impact resistance, user-replaceable parts, a detachable cable for serviceability, and a comfortable, high-SPL design for extended use....Read more

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