The Best DJ Sets of 2025

As we look to the future, relive the performances that defined the electronic dance music landscape in 2025.

Witnessing — or reliving — a performance is now easier than ever, as our social media feeds are constantly filled with videos from some of the dance music scene’s most notable events. Yet this abundance of content has, in part, diluted the profound effect of live music, often shifting the focus away from the artist to the experience of being at the show. We also actively participate in spoiling the culture, with crowds progressively turning into oceans of raised phones.

Meanwhile, once-rare back-to-back sets have now become oversaturated throughout the festival circuit. Pop-up shows, a concept that brought a fresh look to live music, are now being increasingly commercialized. And although there has been a trend to host “raves” in offbeat locations like delis, restaurants, and laundromats, the move feels like a cheap marketing trick. Other issues that need to be addressed are bots and rising ticket prices.

Despite these cultural critiques, 2025 was still a year full of noteworthy performances, moments in which artists pushed the boundaries of live music. Some experimented with post-show adrenaline while others tested the limits of endurance. The mainstage, which can feel a bit cookie cutter, featured plenty of new surprises, some of which bridged genres and generations. There were even a handful of b2bs that lived up to the concept’s recent appeal.

The dancefloor now finds itself at an inflection point. Do we continue on this path of overexposure, or is it time to follow NYC’s lead and put our phones down? Before we decide, let’s take a minute to look back at some of this year’s most notable sets. The answer might be in our reflection.

The Best DJ Sets of 2025 (A to Z)

Above & Beyond at Coachella

Right before the release of their latest album, Bigger Than All of Us, Above & Beyond performed at the Empire Polo Fields during Coachella. What made this set historic is that it was almost two decades in the making, with their last appearance at the Indio festival in 2008. This performance was more than just the hits; it stood as testament to dance music and its future.

Duke Dumont at EDC Mexico

Veteran producer Duke Dumont put a new spin on his house-inflected tunes, layering his iconic sound with tribal drums and kinetic beats. His EDC Mexico set offered a new portrait of the artist, one that provides listeners with a refreshing take on fan-favorite tracks.

Everything Always at Ultra Music Festival

The dance community’s favorite bromance was on center stage this year, bringing a level of chemistry that felt effortless and electric. It was a night that moved with intention and power, and Dom Dolla and John Summit‘s Everything Always set quickly became one of 2025’s standout performances.

Excision b2b ATLiens at Bass Canyon

In a festival landscape overflowing with b2bs, it feels rare to find a pairing that actually deserves the hype. The back-to-back debut of Excision and ATLiens delivered the magic that the format occasionally offers, as these two forces unleashed a cohesive, boisterous mix that hit all the right spots for any fan of bass music.

FISHER at Tomorrowland

Tragedy struck the dance music scene this year when Tomorrowland’s mainstage caught on fire just before opening weekend. The disaster could have cast a shadow over the festival, but both fans and artists rallied together. Maybe that was the energy in FISHER’s set, a performance overflowing with endless euphoria.

Four Tet at Lost Village

There’s no denying Four Tet’s status as a maestro, and this summer, he once again crafted a set that surprised the dance music community. Blending genres, tempos, and eras with effortless precision, he created a soundscape that defied definition. This set, simply put, is singular and unforgettable.

Fred again..’s Rooftop Set in Italy

Shortly after one of his shows this summer, Fred again.. tried something new: He just kept playing. What followed was an intimate glimpse into both his creative process and his emotional world — a rare look at pure authenticity.

HAAi at Movement Detroit

Movement Detroit experienced HAAi at her sharpest. With her blend of icy textures, fearless breaks, and experimental flair, she threaded a hypnotic mix that gripped the crowd from the first beat.

HorsegiirL at Movement Detroit

Few artists bring as much joy to the booth as horsegiirL. Her sets are always full of play and reckless abandon, transforming any dancefloor into a space of sweat, movement, and unfiltered fun. Her performance at Movement Detroit was no exception.

Jamie xx at Adidas Arena

Prominent producer Jamie xx showed off his mastery in an almost two-hour performance featuring a panorama of sounds. Under the glow of the disco ball, he turned the arena into a living, breathing dancefloor.

John Summit at Club Space

John Summit was practically everywhere this year, putting on standout performances at every turn. But what makes this marathon set remarkable is how he turned it into a feat of endurance and showmanship. For the length of an entire workday, exhaustion was never present in the room — only euphoria.

Lilly Palmer at EDC Mexico

Techno producer Lilly Palmer made her mark this year with performances that fused precision and power. Her set at EDC Mexico, however, carried an even stronger energy, a pressure that pulsed with some of the genre’s most forceful and uncompromising beats.

Martin Garrix b2b Alesso at Red Rocks

In 2023, Martin Garrix and Alesso delivered one of the most talked-about b2bs of the year, and it’s no surprise that their reunion at Red Rocks Amphitheatre also generated similar buzz. Their styles naturally complement each other, and their chemistry onstage is just as infectious, turning this performance into one of the most electric sets of 2025.

Sammy Viriji at Tomorrowland

Bringing the UK garage sound to the masses, Sammy Virji has quickly risen as one of the scene’s most exciting talents. His infectious smile, bright as ever, mirrors the energy of his bouncy, playful tracks, making his Tomorrowland set impossible to resist.

Skrillex b2b ISOxo at Niteharts

Skrillex has long paved the way for many artists in today’s scene, including ISOxo. Their performance at Niteharts was a conversation between past, present, and future, with these two stars delivering a set full of energy and possibility.

Swedish House Mafia at Tomorrowland

Always at the forefront of dance music, iconic trio Swedish House Mafia unleashed a set filled with euphoric highs and thrusting hits. Their 3.0 vision breathed new life into classic anthems, bridging fans from across different generations in a single electrified performance.

Tiësto at Dreamstate SoCal

Famed DJ Tiësto‘s trance homecoming has been met with both applause and debate. Regardless of where one stands, his Dreamstate SoCal set stood as testament not only to his artistry, but also his influence. This performance celebrated a legacy that continues to shape dance music today.

Zedd b2b Knock2 at Niteharts

Much like Skrillex and ISOxo’s performance at Niteharts, Zedd and Knock2 presented a mix that honored both past and present. Beyond the music, the show highlighted one of dance music’s most celebrated traits: the friendships that drive the scene forward.

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