A current to perpendicular to plane (CPP) differential magnetoresistance (DMR) read head using current confinement proximal to an air bearing surface (ABS) is disclosed. The CPP DMR read head includes a first electrically conductive lead, a first MR sensor formed on the first lead, and a non-magnetic electrically conductive spacer formed on the first MR sensor proximate to the ABS. The CPP DMR read head further includes insulating material on the first MR sensor distal to the ABS. A second MR sensor is formed in contact with the conductive spacer such that the second MR sensor is in electrical contact with the first MR sensor proximate to the ABS and is electrically isolated from the first MR sensor distal to the ABS. A second electrically conductive lead is in contact with the second MR sensor. Sense current injected into the first and the second MR sensor is confined proximate to the ABS.