Over-ear headphones are one of the most visually striking pieces of wearable technology. Whether you’re using these for work, at the gym, or purely as a fashion statement, these next 10 audio brands and their recently-released headphone models are some of the most eye-catching in the market right now that also don’t break the bank. See below for what we’d pick as more affordable alternatives to the Apple Airpod Max—Not only are these within the $100 to $400 range, they’re also diverse in colorways and style. A few of the below are even on sale for a limited time, so don’t miss out.
Beats Studio Pro Kim Kardashian Special Edition
Price: $349.95
Where to Buy: Amazon
Beats by Dr. Dre has always had an undeniable impact in pop culture, successfully pushing headphones as a fashion-forward accessory. The company’s second and latest collaboration with Kim Kardashian shakes things up further by offering its new headphone model in three nude shades, complete with a matching case and cords. Beyond the striking color choice, the Beats Studio Pro Kim Edition features noise canceling, 360-degree surround sound with head tracking, and three customized modes geared towards music listening, immersive film and game streaming, and phone calls, making them a powerful jack-of-all-trades.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
Price: $299 (on sale from $399)
Where to Buy: Amazon
Over time, Bowers & Wilkins has released a wide variety of timeless, sophisticated audio products, such as the McLaren car speakers and the 800 Series Diamond sound systems, which are used in iconic recording studios such as Abbey Road. In terms of headphones, few models stand out as much as the Px7 S2, which feature a moisture-repelling synthetic fabric cover that envelops the headband and earcups. This detailing gives them a softer look than most all-black headphones, whose exteriors are typically only of cold metal and plastic. They lack the spatial audio features that newer headphone models have, but they make up for that by having extremely comfortable memory foam padding and crisp sound output.
Sonos Ace x Sporty & Rich
Price: $449
Where to Buy: Sporty & Rich
While this Sporty & Rich edition physically shares the same minimalist shape of the traditional Sonos Ace, what makes this particular model pop are the minute engravings that detail its body. On one side, a mint green mesh and off-white Serif lettering of the Sporty & Rich logo add personality, giving the headphones the subtle and preppy look that’s emblematic of the Sporty & Rich brand. Sonically, the Sonos Ace x Sporty & Rich headphones feature excellent sound quality, noise canceling, and compatibility with Sonos speakers and soundbars. To complete the look, they come with a matching case and tote bag.
nwm ONE
Price: $299
Where to Buy: Amazon
These headphones take the open-back concept to the extreme. Instead of the solid earcup that most headphones have, Japan’s nwm ONE has a speaker that hovers slightly above slim earmuffs. While not ideal for noise isolation, it’s a striking design choice that looks futuristic and will turn heads wherever you go. So futuristic that The New Yorker raved about it.
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Denim
Price: $279.95 (on sale from $379.95 for a limited time)
Where to Buy: Amazon
Sennheiser headphones are primarily utilitarian in the sense that they prioritize high-quality audio at the expense of visual design. The MOMENTUM 4 model is a break from the brand’s retro look, finally adhering to the sleek design trends that dominate the market now. Of note is the denim variant, which screams Americana with its denim-blue exterior and tan leather earmuffs. Outside of their unique color choice, the MOMENTUM 4 Denim headphones host many of the finely-tuned audio features shared across all other Sennheiser products including adequate noise canceling, an extensive battery life, and lush sound output.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Price: $429
Where to Buy: Amazon
It used to be that Bose single-handedly dominated the market for sleek, noise canceling headphones meant for everyday use. The company’s latest QuietComfort Ultra deserves a mention for its sandstone colorway alone, which features a tapered gold headband base that breaks the otherwise monochromatic palette. Beyond that, it continues to push Bose’s technological boundaries with spatial audio, and an even more robust noise canceling technology.
Audio Technica ATH-MSR7b
Price: $244
Where to Buy: Amazon
Unlike the majority of Audio Technica’s headphones, the ATH-MSR7b goes for a sleek, minimalist exterior with few visible wires, adjustables straps, or embellishments. The black colorway in particular features subtle hints of cerulean metal in its earcup. Meanwhile, the gun metal palette of the ATH-MSR7b pairs tan leather cushioning with a gray metal frame, and would not feel out of place when worn with some Realtree camo.
Dyson OnTrac
Price: $499.99
Where to Buy: Amazon
Okay fine, these are pretty close in price to the Airpod Max, but at least you’ll stand out. Most of us may associate Dyson with vacuums, air purifiers, and hair dryers, but the OnTrac headphones are the brand’s first successful attempt at breaking into the audio industry. Its previous model Dyson Zone, which included an air-purifying mouth component, looked like it came out of a Sci-Fi movie. The OnTrac headphones are no longer an eye sore but remain visually striking, featuring a heavily padded headband, brightly colored earmuffs, and reflective aluminum outer caps. Best of all, the color combinations are mix-and-matchable. They are a refresher in a sea of minimalist headphone models that have dominated the market for years now, and a noteworthy redemption for Dyson.
Sony ULT WEAR Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Price: $173.99
Where to Buy: Amazon
Few stylish headphone models remain as affordable as these. Much like footwear, headphones have also had their own “white sneakers” moment, and the Sony ULT WEAR headphones are exemplary of that. They have a chunky yet minimalist look that remains inconspicuous by design. Sonically, the ULT WEAR headphones are bassy, making any beat pack a punch at even low volumes.
Meze 99 Classics
Price: $309
Where to Buy: Amazon
Meze headphones are known for their pristine audio quality but at steep price points, reserved only for veteran audio engineers and the most diehard audiophiles. The 99 Classics, however, are much more affordable in comparison, and have a walnut wood ear cup that gives them a sophisticated, almost antique-like quality. They do lack some of the features most modern headphones have—such as noise canceling or touch controls—but that’s a fair trade-off for an excellent sound output.
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