The best-designed headphones you can buy right now: Our Top 9 Picks

Do the looks of your headphone matter to you?  If yes, we are in the same shoes.  When you’re on the hunt for top-notch headphones, design becomes as crucial as sound quality and features. The best-designed headphones flawlessly integrate aesthetics and functions, giving not just an audible delight but also a pleasant and attractive experience.

For some, it doesn’t bother whatever style of headphones they may have.  But if you are like me who cares about the looks and feel of your headphone whether it is wired or otherwise, I can you help you to figure out through this post the best-designed out there in the market. 

1. Apple AirPods Max Wireless

The Apple AirPods Max Wireless headphones showcase Apple’s devotion to both beauty and functionality. The AirPods Max have a stainless steel frame and a breathable knit mesh canopy that distributes weight and reduces pressure on your head, assuring comfort throughout extended use. The ear cups are anodized metal, which provides a strong and stylish surface for the memory foam ear cushions. These cushions form an efficient seal, providing optimal sound isolation and a comfortable fit.

It is evident that every element of the AirPods Max design demonstrates meticulous attention to detail. For a personalized fit, the telescoping arms seamlessly extend and stay in place to accommodate a variety of head sizes. The Apple Watch-inspired Digital Crown offers accurate control over playing, volume, and calls; the noise cancellation and transparency modes are toggled by a separate button.

By blending premium materials with skilled craftsmanship, every component has been meticulously chosen to enhance the user experience. This end product is a headset that exemplifies modern engineering and design while still providing excellent audio quality.

2. Sony WH-1000XM5 aka Sony XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a big step forward in headphones technology. It sets new standards for sound quality and noise canceling. Building on the success of its predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM4 aka Sony XM4, this model offers an even more refined and intuitive user experience.  The WH-1000XM5 is best at blocking out background noise thanks to Sony’s newest noise-canceling processor. This lets you focus on music or talks without any interruptions.

The WH-1000XM5 has a premium finish that gives it an air of luxury. Its design is sleek and modern. The ear cups and cap are made to be as comfortable as possible. They have soft, plush padding that makes sure they fit snugly but gently, making them great for long listening sessions. The headphones also have touch-sensitive controls that make it easy to handle calls, music, and volume.

In terms of audio performance, the WH-1000XM5 delivers full, clear, and well-balanced sound, and you can change the EQ settings to suit your preferences. The headphones work with high-resolution audio, which means that every note and detail is played back with great clarity.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 also has smart features, and voice helpers like Google Assistant and Alexa work perfectly with it. These headphones are built to keep up with your busy life. They have a long battery life and can be charged quickly, making them the best option for anyone looking for top-notch headphones.

 

3. Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (2023 model)

Featuring a sleek and modern design, the QuietComfort headphones are built with premium materials that ensure both durability and comfort. Among the features that make them idyllic for prolonged wear are the padded headband and the soft, protein leather ear cushions. These ergonomic elements provide a secure but comfortable fit by easing pressure on the head and ears. These ergonomic elements provide a secure but comfortable fit by easing pressure on the head and ears. 

In fierce rivalry of the Sony XM5, the 2023 model of the Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones continues to compete for truly realistic sound experiences. These headphones are also known for having great noise-cancelling technology that blocks out all other sounds.

Aside from how simple it looks, sound quality is still the most important thing to Bose when they make headphones. Bose’s own acoustic technology powers the headphones, which make sound that is clear, balanced, and full of deep bass and sharp highs. Users can change the EQ settings to make the sound output sound the way they want it to.

People who are always on the go will get the most out of these headphones, which combine good looks with great sound, superior noise canceling, and all-day comfort.

4. Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 are unique because they look high-end and have modern technological features built into them.  These headphones are made of premium materials, including soft leather and aluminum, not only offer a fashionable look but also provide long-term durability and comfort.

As a plus factor, their custom-designed 40mm drivers produce a rich and expansive soundstage with the finest details of your music.  With up to 30 hours of continuous playability on a single charge, battery performance is another excellent attribute of the Px8 headphones.  

5. Plantronics BackBeat PRO 2

I really appreciate the black and tan color of Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2.  It is modish and fashionable.

If you are not worried of wearing a headphone that looks quite bulky on your head, this one could fit your liking.  This is is not as beefy if compared to a standard design of headphones.  You can enjoy its look and elegance while wearing this headphone on the street.  It looks elegant even if you are in a formal or casual dress. 

6. Skullcandy Crusher Evo Over-Ear Wireless Headphone

This one in particular comes from Skullcandy, an American company, in its category of wireless headphones. 

The Crusher Evo retains a strong and fashionable appearance.  Durability and comfort are guaranteed by the headset’s construction, which is made of sturdy materials.  

The most notable aspect of the Crusher Evo is its haptic bass adjustment feature, which lets users customize the bass’s intensity to suit their tastes.  Rich and lively audio is what the Crusher Evo has to offer in terms of sound quality.  Users can further customize their listening experience by adjusting the EQ settings. You can get an additional features of its integrated Tile tracker that makes finding your headphones in case they disappear simple. 

7. OneOdio Pro-30 Over Ear Headphone 

There is nothing momentous with this model. 

The showpiece of this headphone is its price.  For $46.00, you won’t lose either.  Though it is not exactly a premium build because most of its materials are made of plastic, the glossy effect of its design is quite nice.

The black model is preferably for those who want a typical color.  But if you want something quintessential and modern, the combination of silver and brown is likewise appealing.

8. SE7 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphone

Plain, slim, and compact. This somewhat looks a bit similar to the Bose QuietComfort.  

I am not against the originality of this headphone.  But this one is decent and almost half the price compared to Bose QuietComfort 35.  Competition is part of the marketing industry.  In the end, it is the right of every consumer to make a choice.   

With due respect to its design, going outdoors with this headphone won’t make you feel uncomfortable.  You have nothing to bother as if jumbo elephants are covering both of your ears.  

The headband and the earcups are precisely proportioned to its size.   

 

9. Koss Porta Pro On-Ear Headphones

Among the list, this is the most simplified and portable design. 

Since its release in the 1980s, the retro and old-fashioned design may appear to put you to shame and outclass.  But the legacy of this headphone remains a vintage.  It already established its monumental status.  The headband is one-of-a-kind.  It is just a simple piece of adjustable metal.  But it is thin, super thin unlike any other. 

The concept of its on-ear multi-pivoting earplates is designed for ergonomic alignment unto your ears.  

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Read our full review: The Koss Porta Pro – A Vintage Legend of Audible Sound

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Despite the lapsed of more than two decades, the company maintained its nostalgic appearance.  

I am not in opposition that it never introduce any innovation after long years but for most fans around the world, this headphone is a respected work of art.

In my personal opinion, this is a masterpiece that won’t get old by time.    

The Bottom Line

The headphones frenzy is on the verge.  Though, it’s not just about the price or the sound quality that makes a pair of headphones exceptional; the design is crucial, too.

After taking a close look at the many features of high-quality headphones on the market, it’s clear that the ideal set combines form with function to provide exceptional acoustic performance. Carefully designed headphones are available to accommodate a wide range of aesthetic and functional preferences, from those who value understated design to those who want to make a dramatic fashion statement.  You can make sure your option lives up to your audio expectations and improves your listening experience by thinking about both design and technological prowess.

In the long run, the headphones that are considered the best in terms of design are the ones that align with your own personal taste and provide exceptional sound quality without any compromises.