OVERALL

SPECS

VS AVERAGE

REVIEWS

ALTERNATIVES

Numark Electrowave Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£70
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

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

4.8

Poor

4.4

Poor

6.5

Good

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
0.5
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
1.1
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
2.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
1.1
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

Best prices in UK

£?

Best rankings

Verdict

The Numark Electrowave is a pair of high-quality isolating DJ headphones featuring large 50mm full-range drivers that deliver a powerful frequency response of 10Hz to 22kHz. With a low impedance of 24 ohms and a sensitivity of 100 dB, these headphones are highly efficient and easy to drive, even from mobile devices, while supporting a substantial maximum input power of 3,000 mW. Main characteristics include a robust leatherette headband, plush cushioned ear pads for passive noise isolation, and a portable, collapsible design equipped with detachable coiled and straight cables. Key pros are its exceptional comfort for extended sets, punchy bass, and distinctive glow-in-the-dark logos; however, some users find the large, 'brash' aesthetic and primarily plastic build quality to be potential cons depending on personal style and durability preferences.

Technical Specifications of Numark Electrowave

Overall score

4.8

Show more

Hide

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

5.2

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Calls & Controls

3.4

Show more

Hide

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

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

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

2.9

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Features

2.7

Show more

Hide

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

Show more

Battery

4.9

Show more

Hide

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

Design

5.4

Show more

Hide

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

Numark

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

?

Show more

Numark Electrowave vs the average headphone

Why is Numark Electrowave better than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

10 mm larger driver size
Numark Electrowave uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
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
Numark Electrowave uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.50 mm vs 40 mm
8 Hz lower bass extension
Numark Electrowave 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
Numark Electrowave 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
Foldable design
Numark Electrowave has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.
Importance: LOW
Numark Electrowave has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Numark Electrowave 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
Numark Electrowave 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
30x higher input power handling
Numark Electrowave has a higher max input power than the average headphone (3,000 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
Numark Electrowave has a higher max input power than the average headphone (3,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.3000 mW vs 100 mW
24.7 dB higher max SPL
Numark Electrowave has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (134.7 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
Numark Electrowave has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (134.7 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.134.7 dB vs 110 dB
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
Numark Electrowave has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 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
Numark Electrowave has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.22000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Foldable design
Numark Electrowave has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
1.8 m more useful cable length
Numark Electrowave 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.
10 mm larger driver size
Numark Electrowave uses a larger driver size than the average headphone (50 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
8 Hz lower bass extension
Numark Electrowave has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (10 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
30x higher input power handling
Numark Electrowave has a higher max input power than the average headphone (3,000 mW vs 100 mW). The average headphones handle max input power of 100 mW.
24.7 dB higher max SPL
Numark Electrowave has a higher max SPL than the average headphone (134.7 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
2,000 Hz higher treble extension
Numark Electrowave has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.

Why is Numark Electrowave worse than the average headphone?

Show more

Hide

77.1% higher weight
Numark Electrowave is heavier than the average headphone (386 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
Tangle-prone cable
Numark Electrowave uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Numark Electrowave has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
No voice assistant support
Numark Electrowave does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
5 years older release date
Numark Electrowave was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
January 2012
77.1% higher weight
Numark Electrowave is heavier than the average headphone (386 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
Numark Electrowave is heavier than the average headphone (386 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.386 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Numark Electrowave 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
Numark Electrowave does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
Tangle-prone cable
Numark Electrowave uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.
Importance: LOW
Numark Electrowave uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
Numark Electrowave has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 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
Numark Electrowave has a lower sensitivity than the average headphone (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
23.1% lower user score
Numark Electrowave has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.50 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.
Numark Electrowave has a lower user score than the average headphone (6.50 vs 8.000).6.5 vs 8
5 years older release date
Numark Electrowave was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
January 2012
What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2020
Numark Electrowave was released earlier than the average headphone (2,012 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2012 vs 2017
5.4% worse value for money
Numark Electrowave has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.39 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.
Numark Electrowave has worse value for money than the average headphone (6.39 vs 6.736).6.39 vs 6.74

Graphic comparison of Numark Electrowave and

Attribute category

Attribute

No results found

Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: June 2026)

What customers like about Numark Electrowave?

Powerful audio output with intense bass and crisp highs suitable for DJing
Highly comfortable design featuring soft felt padding and plush earcups for long listening sessions
Excellent sound isolation that effectively reduces room noise without excessive clamping pressure
Practical for DJs with flip-out earcups and a sturdy headband that is easy to hang around the neck
Includes two detachable locking cables (coiled and straight) and a carrying pouch
Great value for money, often performing as well as more expensive professional models
Compact portability due to a double-hinged folding design

What customers dislike about Numark Electrowave?

Large and 'comically big' visual design that many users find unsuitable for casual street wear
Primarily made of plastic materials rather than premium leather, which some may find less durable
Headband is less flexible compared to some competing high-end professional models
Sound signature is 'excitable' and not ideal for critical studio mixing or accurate audio engineering
Can feel heavy or slightly uncomfortable after 4-5 hours of continuous use for some users

Expert reviews

au.pcmag.com

06/12/2012

Numark Electrowave - Review 2012 - PCMag Australia

The Numark Electrowave is an affordable, over-ear DJ headphone pair that balances powerful audio output with functional, performance-ready features. Sonically, it delivers deep, distortion-free bass frequencies alongside crisp mid-highs and highs, effectively preserving the clarity of vocals and drum hits even at top volumes. Built specifically for the mixing environment, it...Read more

bboytechreport.com

03/04/2013

Numark Electrowave Headphones Review - bboy tech report

The Numark Electrowave Premium Isolating Headphones are slick, modern DJ cans featuring a distinctive white, silver, and electric blue design, complete with screen-printed digital level meters and vinyl adapter icons. Retailing at $149 at the time of the review, the package includes a leatherette carrying bag, a 10-foot straight cable, a coiled cable, and a 1/4" adapter....Read more

digitaldjtips.com

01/08/2013

Numark Electrowave Headphones Review - Digital DJ Tips

The Digital DJ Tips review evaluates the Numark Electrowave Headphones as a highly capable, budget-friendly option tailored specifically for the DJ booth. Priced at US$42, these headphones are noted for delivering a loud, punchy, and DJ-centric sound signature featuring a controlled bass and emphasised mid-frequencies that are ideal for beatmatching. Structurally, they are...Read more

uk.pcmag.com

21/01/2014

Numark Electrowave - Review 2014 - PCMag UK

The Numark Electrowave headphones earn an "Excellent" 4.0 rating and an Editors' Choice award for offering powerful audio performance and essential DJ features at a highly competitive list price of $149.95. Designed specifically for mixing, they feature a robust circumaural (over-ear) design with plush felt earcups that flip away easily, alongside a secure, adjustable headband that...Read more

ask.video

(No specific date)

Review: Numark Electrowave Heaphones - Ask.Video 🎧 Summary of Review Findings Target Audience: These are strictly DJ headphones, noted for their larg...

The Numark Electrowave headphones are designed for DJs and music producers, offering a robust, foldable, and lightweight design with comfortable, plush ear cups suited for long sessions. They provide impressive sound isolation and high volume output, driven by 50mm drivers, making them suitable for loud environments. However, the review indicates that the sound profile, while...Read more

bonedo.de

30/01/2013

Numark Electrowave Review", "Numark Electrowave Test

The Numark Electrowave is an unkonventionell, voluminous DJ headphone that prioritises a comfortable, "lounge-like" fit and powerful bass delivery over audio neutrality. Equipped with 50mm drivers and a 24-ohm impedance, it features a unique design with thick plush/velour ear pads and a detachable cable with a proprietary locking mechanism. On the positive side, the review...Read more

macprovideo.com

01/07/2026

Nice and comfortable but short lifespan

Hollin Jones’ review of the Numark Electrowave headphones on macProVideo.com highlights them as a solid, chunky, yet lightweight option priced at $149.95, designed primarily for DJs and music makers. A major pro is their portability, as the double-hinged design allows the headphones to fold up remarkably small to fit easily into a gig bag alongside a laptop and audio interface....Read more

ask.video

23/05/2013

Review: Numark Electrowave Headphones

The Numark Electrowave headphones, reviewed at $149.95, are designed for gigging DJs, offering a durable, double-hinged, and folding design with secure, adjustable arms. Pros include the robust build, 50mm drivers for high-volume, punchy bass, and a 30-degree twist-locking mechanism for detachable cables, ensuring they stay plugged in. Cons include a distinct, "plasticky" aesthetic...Read more

Video reviews

Best alternatives

Sony WH 1000XM4

Headphones

JBL Tour One M3

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM6

Headphones

Headphones

Headphones

Sony WH ULT900N

Headphones

Nothing Headphone 1

Headphones

Sony WH 1000XM5

Headphones

Headphones

Huawei Freebuds Studio

Headphones

Sennheiser Momentum

Headphones

JBL Tour One M2

Headphones

Compare Numark Electrowave with

Compare