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The Best-Looking Headphones for Stylish Music Lovers

Whether you want the coolest true wireless in-ears for the gym or the most sophisticated noise-cancelling headphones for travel, these pairs look as good as they sound.

Tim Gideon
 & Tim Gideon Contributing Editor, Audio

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Our Expert
LOOK INSIDE PC LABS HOW WE TEST
65 EXPERTS
43 YEARS
41,500+ REVIEWS

Overview

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Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. Read our editorial mission & see how we test.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Related:
The Best Headphones for 2026The Best Wireless Headphones for 2026The Best Wireless Earbuds for 2026New Apple Beats Headphones Teased by Post Ahead of the World CupSennheiser Momentum 5 Brings Better ANC, Replaceable Battery
  • Blue Ella
    Design-Minded Audiophiles

    Blue Ella

    4.5 Outstanding

    Pros & Cons

      • Superb audio performance that utilizes planar magnetic drivers for precision.
      • Powered by an internal amplifier.
      • Striking design.
      • Three listening modes, including passive.
      • Ships with two removable audio cables.
      • Insanely expensive.
      • Massive frame isn't for everyone.

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Blue Ella headphones use planar magnetic drivers and an internal amplifier to deliver a truly impeccable sonic experience.

    Specs & Configurations

    Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm
    Phone Controls
    Removable Cable
    Type Circumaural (over-ear)
    Get It Now
    Learn More Blue Ella Review Review
  • Urbanista Los Angeles
    Best for Eco-Conscious Music Lovers

    Urbanista Los Angeles

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Solar-powered charging
      • Impressive audio performance with rich, deep bass and crisp highs
      • Quality noise cancellation for the price
      • Stylish design
      • No in-app EQ
      • Noise cancellation slightly impacts sound signature

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The stylish Urbanista Los Angeles headphones deliver deep bass, sculpted highs, and solid active noise cancellation in a unique design that supports solar-powered charging.

    Specs & Configurations

    Active Noise Cancellation
    Connection Type Bluetooth
    Type Circumaural (over-ear)
    Wireless
    Get It Now
    Learn More Urbanista Los Angeles Review
  • Adidas RPT-01
    Best for Sports Fans

    Adidas RPT-01

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Bass-forward sound signature
      • Stylish, sport-focused design
      • Intuitive on-ear controls
      • Removable ear covers can be washed
      • Audio performance isn't for purists

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Adidas RPT-01 Sport headphones deliver a bass-forward sound signature in an exercise-friendly, on-ear design that matches your sneakers.

    Specs & Configurations

    Connection Type Bluetooth
    Type Supra-aural (on-ear)
    Water/Sweat-Resistant
    Wireless
    Get It Now
    Learn More Adidas RPT-01 Sport On-Ear Review
  • Apple AirPods Max
    Luxurious Headphones for Apple Lovers

    Apple AirPods Max

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Excellent audio performance with rich lows and crisp, detailed highs
      • High-quality active noise cancellation, especially for low-frequency rumble
      • Stunning, unique design
      • Adaptive EQ and Spatial audio
      • Hands-free Siri access
      • Expensive
      • Sound signature and Adaptive EQ/spatial audio aren't for purists
      • No user-adjustable EQ
      • Button placement makes it easy to misfire when adjusting fit
      • Smart Case does little to protect the headphones

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Apple's AirPods Max headphones deliver excellent audio performance, top-notch noise cancellation, and a bevy of useful features in an absolutely gorgeous design for a bit too much money.

    Specs & Configurations

    Active Noise Cancellation
    Battery Life 20 hours
    Charging Support Lightning
    Chip H1 headphone chip
    Connection Type Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
    Hands-Free Siri
    On-Ear Controls Digital crown (playback, Siri, track navigation, volume); button (ANC/Transparency selecion, pairing)
    Spatial Audio Personalized Spatial audio with Head tracking
    Transparency Mode Standard
    Type Circumaural (over-ear)
    Water Resistance None
    Wireless
    Get It Now
    Learn More Apple AirPods Max Review
  • Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport
    Best for Sport-focused luxury

    Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Rich bass and clear, detailed highs
      • Stylish, fully waterproof and dust-resistant design
      • Solid battery life
      • Useful app
      • Transparent listening mode
      • Expensive

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Sure, the stylish Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport earphones are more expensive than they need to be, but that’s really the only negative about these otherwise excellent true wireless in-ears.

    Specs & Configurations

    Connection Type Bluetooth
    True Wireless
    Type In-Canal
    Water/Sweat-Resistant
    Wireless
    Get It Now
    Learn More Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport Review
  • Bowers & Wilkins PI7
    Most Luxurious Noise-Cancelling Wire-Free Earphones

    Bowers & Wilkins PI7

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Excellent audio performance with robust lows and detailed highs
      • Strong noise cancellation
      • Unique cable allows for streaming non-Bluetooth audio
      • Optimized for hi-res audio playback
      • Dust- and water-resistant design
      • Secure, comfortable fit
      • Expensive
      • No adjustable EQ
      • Charging cable is USB-C only

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Bowers & Wilkins PI7 true wireless earphones deliver high-fidelity audio and high-quality noise cancellation in a luxurious package with a price to match.

    Specs & Configurations

    Active Noise Cancellation
    Connection Type Bluetooth
    True Wireless
    Type In-Canal
    Water/Sweat-Resistant
    Wireless
    Get It Now
    Learn More Bowers & Wilkins PI7 Review
  • Campfire Audio Honeydew
    Bass-Heavy Wired In-Ear Monitors

    Campfire Audio Honeydew

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Bass-forward, warm sound signature
      • Attractive, sturdy design with detachable cable
      • Numerous eartip options
      • Cable is relatively short
      • No quarter-inch headphone jack adapter

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Campfire Audio's Honeydew earphones deliver a rich, bass-forward sound signature for those seeking a little more low-end response from their in-ear monitors.

    Specs & Configurations

    Active Noise Cancellation
    Connection Type Stereo 3.5mm
    True Wireless
    Type In-Canal
    Water/Sweat-Resistant
    Wireless
    Get It Now
    Learn More Campfire Audio Honeydew Review
  • Master & Dynamic MW08
    Noise-Cancelling Wire-Free Earphones for Audiophiles

    Master & Dynamic MW08

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Rich, clear audio performance focused on accuracy
      • Quality noise cancellation
      • Easy to operate on-ear controls
      • Good battery life
      • Expensive
      • No EQ in the app

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    Master & Dynamic's true wireless MW08 earphones deliver accurate audio performance and good active noise cancellation for a high price.

    Specs & Configurations

    Active Noise Cancellation
    Connection Type Bluetooth
    True Wireless
    Type In-Canal
    Water/Sweat-Resistant
    Wireless
    Get It Now
    Learn More Master & Dynamic MW08 Review
  • Nothing Ear (stick)
    Best Earbuds (Not In-Canal Earphones)

    Nothing Ear (stick)

    4.0 Excellent

    Pros & Cons

      • Clear, detailed sound
      • Unique, attractive design
      • Better fit than most on-ear earbuds
      • Sensitive control panel easy to toggle
      • Mediocre mic

    Bottom Line:

    Bottom Line:

    The Nothing Ear (stick) on-ear buds sound better than most other similar-style earphones—and are more interesting to look at.

    Specs & Configurations

    Connection Type Bluetooth
    True Wireless
    Type In-Ear
    Water/Sweat-Resistant
    Wireless
    Get It Now
    Learn More Nothing Ear (stick) Review
The Best-Looking Headphones for Stylish Music Lovers

Compare Specs

Select Up To 3Select Up To 2
Your Selections
Blue Ella

Blue Ella

Urbanista Los Angeles

Urbanista Los Angeles

Adidas RPT-01

Adidas RPT-01

Our Pick
Blue Ella
Blue Ella
Urbanista Los Angeles
Urbanista Los Angeles
Adidas RPT-01
Adidas RPT-01
Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport
Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Bowers & Wilkins PI7
Campfire Audio Honeydew
Campfire Audio Honeydew
Master & Dynamic MW08
Master & Dynamic MW08
Nothing Ear (stick)
Nothing Ear (stick)
Blue Ella
Blue Ella
Urbanista Los Angeles
Urbanista Los Angeles
Adidas RPT-01
Adidas RPT-01
Rating
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
4.5 Outstanding
4.0 Excellent
4.0 Excellent
Best For
Design-Minded Audiophiles
Best for Eco-Conscious Music Lovers
Best for Sports Fans
Luxurious Headphones for Apple Lovers
Best for Sport-focused luxury
Most Luxurious Noise-Cancelling Wire-Free Earphones
Bass-Heavy Wired In-Ear Monitors
Noise-Cancelling Wire-Free Earphones for Audiophiles
Best Earbuds (Not In-Canal Earphones)
Design-Minded Audiophiles
Best for Eco-Conscious Music Lovers
Best for Sports Fans
Wireless
Water/Sweat-Resistant
Water Resistance
None
Type
Circumaural (over-ear)Circumaural (over-ear)Supra-aural (on-ear)Circumaural (over-ear)In-CanalIn-CanalIn-CanalIn-CanalIn-EarCircumaural (over-ear)Circumaural (over-ear)Supra-aural (on-ear)
True Wireless
Transparency Mode
Standard
Spatial Audio
Personalized Spatial audio with Head tracking
Removable Cable
Phone Controls
On-Ear Controls
Digital crown (playback, Siri, track navigation, volume); button (ANC/Transparency selecion, pairing)
Hands-Free Siri
Connection Type
Stereo 3.5mmBluetoothBluetoothBluetooth 5.0, USB-CBluetoothBluetoothStereo 3.5mmBluetoothBluetoothStereo 3.5mmBluetoothBluetooth
Chip
H1 headphone chip
Charging Support
Lightning
Battery Life
20 hours
Active Noise Cancellation

Buying Guide: The Best-Looking Headphones for Stylish Music Lovers

Yes, we prioritize audio performance over everything else when we evaluate a new pair of headphones, but there's no shame in buying a set that looks as good as it sounds. After all, headphones that are ugly, uncomfortable to wear, or feature clunky controls aren't appealing even if they sound amazing.

So, whether it’s a modern, sporty option or something that looks like the inside of a luxury car, we highlighted our favorites in several categories, from noise-cancelling models to budget-priced ones. They might not sound the best in their respective categories (though some do), but their fantastic designs more than make up for any audio quality concessions.

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We've reviewed scores of them, but these wireless and PC speakers, in particular, should please both your ears and eyes.

About Our Expert

Tim Gideon

Tim Gideon

Contributing Editor, Audio

My Experience

I've been a contributing editor for PCMag since 2011. Before that, I was PCMag's lead audio analyst from 2006 to 2011. Even though I'm a freelancer now, PCMag has been my home for well over a decade, and audio gear reviews are still my primary focus. Prior to my career in reviewing tech, I worked as an audio engineer—my love of recording audio eventually led me to writing about audio gear.

My Areas of Expertise

  • Headphones and earphones
  • Wireless and computer speakers
  • USB mics
  • Bluetooth headsets

The Technology I Use

Probably because of their prevalence in the recording studios I worked in a long time ago, I am most comfortable on Macs—I'm writing this on the 2019 iMac I use for testing. I also have a MacBook Pro that gets plenty of similar use.

My workspace has a mini recording studio setup, and the the gear I work with there is a mix of items I've used forever (Paradigm Mini Monitors and a McIntosh stereo receiver) and newer gear I use for recording and review testing (such as the Universal Audio Apollo x16).

I'm obsessed with modern boutique analog synths—some of my favorites instruments in this realm are the Landscape Audio Stereo Field and HC-TT,  the Soma Enner, the Koma Field Kit, and the Lorre Mill Keyed Mosstone.

From my studio days, I'm comfortable using Pro Tools, and in recent years have branched out to other realms of creative software, like Adobe Premiere and After Effects.

I stream music, but I also still buy albums, digitally or on vinyl, and encourage anyone who wants fair compensation for musicians and engineers to do the same.

I also play lots of Wordle.

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