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Beyerdynamic DT 252 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£180
  • Form factor: over-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Beyerdynamic DT 252 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

4.3

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

4.3

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.3

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

4.6

Sound

20.0%

2.7

Features

10.0%

7.2

Design

8.0%

6.2

Connectivity

6.0%

1.0

Battery

4.0%

2.8

Calls & Controls

Poor
?

User score

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.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 1.4
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    6.4

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    0.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 2.7
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 4.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    6.4

    Weight

    24.0%

    1.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    10

    Can be used as a headset

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £180

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Beyerdynamic DT 252 is a professional single-ear closed-back monitoring headphone featuring a high-performance neodymium magnet system that delivers a wide frequency response of 10 Hz to 30,000 Hz and a nominal sound pressure level of 100 dB. Designed for broadcasting, film, and studio use where situational awareness is critical, it offers an 80-ohm impedance, approximately 16 dBA of ambient noise insulation, and a lightweight 170g construction with a detachable 3-metre coiled cable. Main pros include its durable modular design with replaceable components, exceptional wearing comfort from soft circumaural padding, and high reproduction precision for clear monitoring. Potential cons noted by users include a lack of an integrated microphone and a requirement for higher amplification levels compared to some consumer-grade alternatives to achieve peak volume.

Technical Specifications of Beyerdynamic DT 252

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

?

Sound

20.0%

?

Features

10.0%

?

Design

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Battery

4.0%

?

Calls & Controls

4.3
Beyerdynamic DT 252 has a technical score of 4.29 points, which is lower than that of 81.2% of products in this category.
User score

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.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
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.
1.0
Beyerdynamic DT 252 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 72.7% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.3

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

5.9
Beyerdynamic DT 252 has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.9 points, which is lower than 85.5% of products in this category.
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

no
Beyerdynamic DT 252 does not support active noise cancellation. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
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

40 mm
Beyerdynamic DT 252 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
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

1
Beyerdynamic DT 252 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
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

10 Hz
Beyerdynamic DT 252 reaches a lowest frequency of 10 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 67.3% of headphones and equal to 12.5% of headphones.
Show more
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

no
Beyerdynamic DT 252 does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 45.6% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
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

yes
Beyerdynamic DT 252 is headset-ready, 84.7% is not. 15.3% of headphones can be used as headsets.
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

0
Beyerdynamic DT 252 has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 74.1% of headphones and equal to 25.9% of headphones.
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

no
Beyerdynamic DT 252 does not include a boom microphone. 15.6% of headphones have a boom microphone.
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
Show more
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

wired
Beyerdynamic DT 252 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
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
Show more
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

no
Beyerdynamic DT 252 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
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

no
Beyerdynamic DT 252 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
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
Show more
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

170 g
Beyerdynamic DT 252 weighs 170 g, lighter than 64.1% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
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

4.5
Beyerdynamic DT 252 has a clamp force of 4.5, higher clamp force than 55.1% of headphones and equal to 2.8% of headphones.
Show more

Beyerdynamic DT 252 vs the average headphone

  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones end in a built-in 3.5 mm male plug instead of relying on a separate detachable cable.
    When it matters: When direct wired compatibility with older devices or adapters matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Beyerdynamic DT 252 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 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 252 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.10 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    Beyerdynamic DT 252 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.30000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • 22% lower weight
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 is lighter than the average headphone (170 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 252 is lighter than the average headphone (170 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.170 g vs 218 g
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 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 252 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
  • 22% lower weight
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 is lighter than the average headphone (170 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • 1.8 m more useful cable length
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 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.
  • 8 Hz lower bass extension
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 10,000 Hz higher treble extension
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (30,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average headphone does not. 38.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.

Total
Design
Sound
Connectivity
  • 14 mm tighter earcup width
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (29 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • 5 mm tighter earcup height
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • No travel bag
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No stereo speakers
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 does not have stereo speakers, while the average headphone does. 99.6% of headphones have stereo speakers.
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
  • No voice assistant support
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 22 years older release date
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 was released earlier than the average headphone (1,995 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    December 1995
  • No voice assistant support
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 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 252 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • No stereo speakers
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 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 252 does not have stereo speakers, while the average headphone does. 99.6% of headphones have stereo speakers.
  • 14 mm tighter earcup width
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (29 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Beyerdynamic DT 252 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (29 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.29 mm vs 43 mm
  • 1 fewer microphones
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 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

    Beyerdynamic DT 252 has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
  • 4.65x less popular
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
    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.
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65
  • 5 mm tighter earcup height
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 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 252 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (55 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.55 mm vs 60 mm
  • 14.7% worse value for money
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.87 vs 6.736).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 has worse value for money than the average headphone (5.87 vs 6.736).5.87 vs 6.74
  • No travel bag
    Beyerdynamic DT 252 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
    What it is: Comes with a protective carrying case or pouch
    When it matters: When protection in transit matters right out of the box.

    Importance: LOW

    Beyerdynamic DT 252 does not include a travel bag, the average headphone does. 65.2% of headphones include a travel bag.
Total
Overall
Design
Sound
Calls & Controls
Features

Graphic comparison of Beyerdynamic DT 252 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Beyerdynamic DT 252?

  • Single-ear design allows for audio monitoring while maintaining full situational awareness of the surrounding environment.
  • Highly valued by broadcasters, drummers, and musicians (like cellists) who need to hear their natural voice or acoustic instrument.
  • Excellent sound isolation for the monitored ear due to the closed-back design.
  • Durable, professional build quality with a 'workhorse' reputation and replaceable components for long-term use.
  • Comfortable for long sessions thanks to soft circumaural ear pads and a lightweight steel headband.
  • Detachable coiled cable is convenient and easily replaceable if damaged.

What customers dislike about Beyerdynamic DT 252?

  • Lower sensitivity than some competitors, requiring users to 'crank' headphone amps higher for sufficient volume.
  • Single-sided pressure can feel 'lopsided' or unbalanced on the head for some users.
  • Potential build issue where a pad popping off can expose sharp metal edges near the forehead.
  • Proprietary cable connector can be difficult or expensive to replace compared to standard jacks.
  • Non-foldable design makes them less portable for on-the-go professionals.

Expert reviews

G
gear4music.de
19/04/2026
beyerdynamic DT 252 Single-Sided Headphones, 80 Ohm

The beyerdynamic DT 252 are closed-back, single-sided, 80-ohm studio headphones designed for professional broadcast and live theater, featuring a neodymium magnet system for precise audio reproduction. Pros include high-quality, fully serviceable German construction, exceptional sound clarity, and a wide 10-30,000 Hz frequency range with good passive ambient noise isolation....Read more

(Translated)Show original

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