6 of the most stylish headphones for bringing together form and function
In the world of audio accessories, headphones have evolved from a simple utility to a stylish statement piece, and Apple’s AirPods were the catalyst for this transformation. Initially met with skepticism for their wireless design, AirPods have paved the way for over-ear headphones to become fashionable staples in everyday life, often seen adorning the ears of commuters and coffee shop patrons alike. As a headphone tester, I can confirm that the best headphones not only deliver exceptional sound quality and comfort but also enhance one’s outfit. With this in mind, I’ve compiled a list of the most stylish headphones tested by the Mashable team, showcasing options for every budget—from affordable models to luxury picks.
Starting with the budget-friendly **Sony WH-CH520**, these headphones are a steal, especially when on sale for around $38. Known for their impressive 50-hour battery life and dynamic sound quality, they have been praised for their ability to deliver an energetic listening experience. Contributor Alex Bracetti highlights their great sound reproduction, particularly with contemporary tracks. The vibrant yellow design adds a pop of color, making them not just functional but also a fashionable choice for everyday wear. On the other end of the spectrum, the **Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2** headphones epitomize luxury with a price tag of $799. Crafted from premium materials like Nappa leather and machined aluminum, these headphones are designed for audiophiles who appreciate high-end aesthetics and sound quality. While they may not have the best active noise cancellation, their rich audio performance and elegant design make them a worthy investment for those who value both style and sound.
In between these extremes, the **Beats Studio Pro** and **Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (2nd gen)** offer a balance of style and functionality. The Beats Studio Pro, priced at $149.95, combines a neutral color palette with high-quality sound and effective noise cancellation, making them a versatile accessory for any outfit. Meanwhile, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones stand out with their adjustable ANC and luxurious design, available in various colors, including a stunning driftwood sand option. Priced at $449, they promise comfort and top-notch audio quality, catering to those who seek both fashion and function in their audio gear. Each of these headphones not only enhances the listening experience but also serves as a stylish accessory, reflecting the evolving landscape of modern audio technology.
Remember when
Apple’s AirPods first hit the market
, and people couldn’t help but clown on their wireless design?
We’ve come a long way since then, with over-ear headphones becoming a mainstay on commutes and coffee shops, essentially cementing their status as a modern-day outfit accessory.
As someone who tests headphones for a living, I can attest firsthand to the fact that while great headphones will have a good balance of sound quality and comfort, the
best headphones
do that
and
have the power to complement an outfit.
With that in mind, I’ve rounded up the most stylish headphones the Mashable team has tested, with pairs at every price point, from $69.99 all the way up to $799.
Sony WH-CH520
The yellow WH-CH520 headphones are just one of seven colorways available.
Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable
The
Sony WH-CH520
are relatively affordable at their full price of $79.99, but an absolute steal at their frequent sale price of $38. (We’ve seen them hit
an even lower price of $33
). Mashable contributor Alex Bracetti deemed them the best headphones under $50, thanks to their incredible 50-hour battery life and great sound quality. He writes in his
review
, “Contemporary tracks sound energetic, while live performances have a dynamic presence, thanks to airy vocal reproduction. Fidelity is taken up a notch when enabling my favorite feature for enhancing sound on Sony headphones:
DSEE
.”
Deputy Shopping Editor Miller Kern bought the yellow version of these headphones for herself over July’s Prime Day, and despite having five pairs of premium headphones in her home office (the perks of being a product tester), she reaches for these ones regularly. She calls the yellow “gorgeous” and said that though this on-ear design comes without noise cancellation, they’re great for passively blocking sound, whether she’s working or on a flight.
Sony WH-CH520
$38
at Amazon
$69.99
Save $31.99
Shop Now at Amazon
Nothing Headphone (1)
Unsurprisingly, Nothing came up with a headphone design not found anywhere else.
Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable
Divisive as the design may be, I had to include the
Nothing Headphone (1)
on this list. Their transparent and rectangular design feels both retro and futuristic. Though it won’t be to everyone’s taste (personally, they’re not my favorite), for the people that love the look, it’s hard to find another option quite like them. You’ll have the choice between a silver and a black colorway.
As for how they perform, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. When
I first tried them
, I immediately noticed that they lean on the heavier end of the spectrum, with more of a snug fit. For some people, that can be the comfiest kind of fit. Mashable contributor Alex Bracetti noted in his review that these headphones come with excellent adaptive ANC, long battery life at 35 hours per charge, and dynamic sound. They only come at a more mid-range price point of $299, but the price isn’t suspiciously low. The connectivity can be touch-and-go, and the equalizer is necessary for the best sound possible.
Nothing Headphone (1)
$289
at Amazon
Shop Now at Amazon
Beats Studio Pro
Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable
The
Beats Studio Pro
are for anyone who loves a neutral color palette and paying Beats prices for AirPods Max-quality headphones. On the former point, you’ll have your choice between varying shades of black, brown, and white. The sleek design and subtle Beats logo pretty much guarantee these headphones will work as a matching accessory to any outfit.
On the latter point, Mashable contributor Alex Bracetti named the Studio Pro the
best Beats headphones
, and for good reason. These headphones come with noise cancellation that’s on par with the AirPods Max, and sound quality that stands above the Apple headphones. The battery life is also better, 24 hours per charge with ANC on, as compared to the AirPods Max’s 20 hours. Beats headphones are designed to connect just as easily to Apple devices as AirPods, but Android users will enjoy feature parity.
Beats Studio Pro
$149.95
at Amazon
$199.95
Save $50
Shop Now at Amazon
Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (2nd gen)
Bose did something so right with the shiny metal accent.
Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable
Generally, Bose headphones earn their acclaim for having excellent ANC and comfort. More underrated is their extensive colorway options, and it’s with the company’s latest release, the
second-generation QuietComfort Ultra headphones
, that they really shine. At the time of writing, there are five colorway options available, from more subtle all-black options to the striking driftwood sand colorway, which combines a cream colorway with gold accents. These accent metal pieces give them an overall premium feel. Bose also has a tendency to add colorways throughout their headphones’ tenure.
As for their performance, these headphones deliver top-quality adjustable ANC and the
best wear I’ve experienced on any headphones
. The ear cups are removable, which bodes well for giving these headphones a nice long life (which you’ll want to with their $449 price tag). The sound quality is rich, with premium features like spatial audio and the option for USB-C playback. Overall, they’re a great pair of premium headphones with looks to match.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (2nd gen)
$449
at Amazon
Shop Now at Amazon
Apple AirPods Max
A classic choice for stylish headphones.
Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
The
Apple AirPods Max
are the quintessential stylish headphones. In classic Apple form, the brand modified the standard design of headphones ever so slightly, offering a slightly different ear cup shape, a mesh headband, and an array of colorways. For the USB-C version, you can pick them up in black, blue, orange, purple, and starlight. They look striking, which is probably why they’re common to spot out in the world.
That said, in 2025, they’re not the best headphones available, spec-wise. Apple users will enjoy
lossless audio
and super easy connectivity, as well as Apple’s excellent spatial audio, solid ANC, and an overall balanced sound profile. However, these
headphones were initially released just under five years ago
, and since that release, have only received one update in September 2024, which swapped in a USB-C port over the original Lightning. That means they still come without a real carrying case, only 20 hours of battery life, and no dedicated power button, all for $549 — one of the higher prices in the consumer headphone market. If you can, I’d recommend waiting for the new generation to drop —
we’re just not quite sure when that will be
. Still, as the OG pretty headphones, I couldn’t not include the Apple AirPods Max on this list.
Apple AirPods Max
$479.99
at Walmart
$888.08
Save $408.09
Shop Now at Walmart
Shop Now at Amazon
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones are undeniably gorgeous (and expensive).
Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable
There’s no beating around the bush — the
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
headphones are gorgeously sleek and exorbitantly expensive. At $799, these headphones put the AirPods Max and Dyson OnTrac prices to shame, which is impressive in its own right, though not exactly ideal.
Still, if you’re looking for a professional, elevated aesthetic when it comes to your headphones, the Px8 S2 are a really strong candidate. The Nappa leather and machined aluminum give the overall feel of high quality (which, for $799, they absolutely should!). Mashable Editor Timothy Beck Werth got his hands on these headphones and
reported back
: “Radiohead, Florence and the Machine, and Michael Jackson all sounded as good as they ever have. I’d rate them alongside the
Panasonic Technics AZ100 earbuds
in terms of elite audio products, and they’re a clear step up from the likes of Sony.” The
ANC isn’t quite on par with Sony and Bose
, but the weighty quality of the design (and the secure comfort they provide) helps offset that con. Still, if you’re not super into the aesthetic
and
an audiophile, these might be a pass for you, with Werth writing, “If you don’t know how to activate high-res audio on your device, or if you didn’t spend several long years waiting for
Spotify to finally roll out lossless audio
, these headphones will be wasted on you.”
If you like the overall shape of the Bowers & Wilkins design, the
Px7 S3
are a slightly more affordable option.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
$799
at Amazon
Shop Now at Amazon
