Yes, we place our highest priority on audio performance when evaluating a new pair of headphones, but there's no shame in buying a set that looks as good as it sounds. Headphones that are ugly, uncomfortable to wear aren't appealing, or with clunky controls, even if they sound amazing. We've picked out some of our favorites here—headphones that sound as good as they look, and vice versa.
So whether it’s a modern, sporty option, or a pair that looks like the inside of a sports car, we’ve picked our favorite-looking headphones in each category, from noise-cancelling to budget-priced. Our only criteria beyond looks is they must sound good as well. They may not be the absolute best-sounding options in their respective categories (though some are), but they’ll make you happy if you like the look. And yes, they look fantastic.
Stunning Scandinavian Design
It shouldn’t be surprising that B&O Play headphones grace this list more than once—the Scandinavian audio manufacturer rarely releases a product that isn’t visually stunning. The Beoplay H4 headphones are simply gorgeous—massive, circular soft leather earpads match a soft leather headband, in alluring colors that seem intended to complement stylish outfits, including an eye-catching steel blue option. A short expanse of braided textile cabling connects the earcups to the headband, while stainless steel and aluminum elements round out the design.
With a design that truly resembles nothing else on the market, Blue's Ella headphones (and their headband modeled after the suspension of Formula One race cars) stand out from the crowd and sound good while doing so. Although Blue is best known for making stylish retro-inspired microphones, these headphones make a case for the company continuing to expand its reach.
High-End Looks for Less
The BT One headphones neither look nor sound like an affordable pair, but their relatively low price gets you quality on-ear audio performance with a stylish blend of leather-like earpad covers and metallic finishes. The detailing on the underside of the headband is something we expect from luxury options, not sub-$100 headphones.
For Athleisure Fans
The RPT-01 headphones takes their design cues from Adidas’ fashionable line of fabric-based sneakers. For the price, the headphones look cool and deliver a bass-forward audio experience. The IPX4 rating is relatively modest for sports-focused audio gear, but it means the RPT-01 can withstand a sweaty workout or be worn in light rain, and the removable earpad covers can be washed.
Luxurious Headphones for Apple Lovers
The exterior has the smooth metallic finish of an Apple laptop or iMac, the headband and interior grilles employ fabric that would look at home on a Herman Miller office chair...but looking beyond the fashion statement, the AirPods Max genuinely sound good, and also feature top-notch noise cancellation, as well as Apple’s Spatial Audio head-tracking effect.
A Cool Cloth Finish
We love the cloth-covered look of the very affordable Coloud No. 8 on-ear headphones—especially because the earpads are removable and washable. If the all-cloth look isn't your thing, we also like the look of the Urbanears Plattan 2, which are just under $50. Both pairs provide solid audio for their budget-friendly price tags.
Bang & Olufsen’s focus on top-flight materials and high functionality in the Beoplay E8 results in a charging case that looks art deco but feels modern, and earpieces that are fully waterproof. The price is high, but the E8 earphones sound great and look like nothing else on the market.
Elegant Earphones for Your Next Flight
Bowers & Wilkins makes good use of limited real estate—the PI7 earphones look regal, with materials and detailing that would be at home inside a luxury automobile. The audio performance and noise cancellation they deliver are also strong, making them good companions for tuning out the world around you on your next flight.
Another good-looking true wireless in-ear option, the Master & Dynamic MW08 earphones have a heavy focus on materials—the earpieces are ceramic, and the case is offered in stainless steel, polished graphite, or matte options. The 11mm Beryllium-coated drivers deliver high-quality audio performance, with support for AAC, AptX, and SBC (not always a given in the true wireless realm).
Wired Earbuds Can Look Good, Too
Wired in-canal earphones are a bit tricky in the style department, as there’s much less real estate to work with. But we like what Master & Dynamic did with these limitations. The Master & Dynamic ME05’s earpieces have a rounded, elegant shape, and options include laser-etched brass, palladium, or black chrome, all of which have mirror accents that reflect light. The flat black rubber cable houses a chin-level microphone for better call clarity and a separate three-button remote control farther down the cable for easier operation.
Standout In-Ear Monitors
A bold yellow design probably isn't what first comes to mind when you think of serious in-ear monitors (IEMs), but Campfire Audio's Honeydew earphones pull it off. These are wired, pro-friendly IEMs with a unique look and a bass-forward sound, and they come with 11 different pairs of eartips.