It's time to ditch the micro in lieu of supersized audio equipment. Vogue Scandinavia rounds up the best aesthetic over-ear headphones to shop now and wear forever.
Tastemakers are swapping out their tiny earphones and AirPods for something with more impact—aesthetic over-ear headphones. While sleek, minimalist earbuds have been the go-to for years, they’re now being eclipsed by bold, noise-cancelling headsets. And it is music to our ears.
This trend towards supersized headphones first kicked off on TikTok. Today, the app bursts with 'Get Ready With Me' videos where Y2K-inspired outfits are topped off with statement-making headphones. Apple’s AirPods Max, for example, quickly became a symbol of this movement. Spotted on celebrities like Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber, this covetable gadget has become known as the must-have "hot girl headphones" on social media. Videos showcasing their sleek design and various colour options — from classic Space Grey to vibrant Skye Blue — are racking up views and driving a surge in popularity. This transition from discreet earbuds to attention-grabbing aesthetic over-ear headphones reflects a broader cultural embrace of technology as part of personal style. Unlike the small earbuds once beloved for their subtlety, these headphones are designed to be noticed.
Beyond their eye-catching design, aesthetic over-ear headphones are packed with features. They offer a perfect blend of noise cancellation, long battery life, and customisable sound profiles, making them as practical as they are stylish. As tech continues to weave into every aspect of our lives, it’s naturally influencing our style, and these headphones represent a new kind of luxury — one that appeals to both the senses and the eyes.
Over-ear headphones have become essential accessories, merging cutting-edge functionality with striking design. Brands like Bang & Olufsen, Bose, and Beats are leading the way, offering models that combine premium audio quality with luxurious materials and design. Whether it’s the plush lambskin of the Beoplay H95 or the sleek minimalism of Beats studio pro wireless version, these headphones blur the lines between high-tech and high fashion.
As we prepare to hit play on our favourite playlists (mine currently is Blue Monday) while walking down the street, here are the ten most stylish aesthetic over-ear headphones worth investing in right now:
Key Details:
Sound: Adaptive EQ, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
Design: Aluminum ear cups, breathable knit mesh canopy, memory foam ear cushions
Battery Life: Up to 20 hours with ANC and Spatial Audio
Connectivity: Seamless Apple ecosystem integration via Bluetooth 5.0
The AirPods Max are a prime example of Apple’s ability to merge cutting-edge technology with sleek design. With features like Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio, these headphones offer a highly immersive listening experience. The breathable knit mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions ensure comfort during extended wear, while the aluminium ear cups provide durability. The integration within the Apple ecosystem is seamless, offering quick pairing and switching between devices, making these headphones particularly appealing for Apple users.
Why you should invest:
Investing in the AirPods Max means opting for a blend of premium audio performance and elegant design. These headphones stand out for their ability to deliver high-quality sound with adaptive noise cancellation, making them ideal for those who prioritise both style and substance. If you are deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the seamless connectivity and intuitive controls will significantly enhance your user experience.
How to style them:
We'd take our cues from Matilda Djerf and pair our AirPods Max with a boyfriend blazer and loose-fit denim.
Key Details:
Sound: 40mm titanium drivers, adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC)
Design: Brushed aluminium framework, lambskin ear cushions, foldable structure
Battery Life: Up to 38 hours with ANC, 50 hours without
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1 with support for AAC and aptX Adaptive
The Beoplay H95 headphones epitomise luxury in the audio world. Designed with premium materials such as brushed aluminium and lambskin, they offer an unparalleled blend of comfort and durability. Thanks to custom 40 mm drivers, the sound profile is rich and expansive, and adaptive ANC ensures you can enjoy your music in peace. The tactile control dials and the hard carrying case further emphasise the brand’s commitment to a refined user experience.
Why you should invest:
Investing in the Beoplay H95 is about embracing a near-bespoke level of craftsmanship and audio excellence. These headphones are perfect for those who value superior sound quality and luxurious design. The impressive battery life makes them an excellent choice for long-haul travellers or anyone who wants their headphones to last through extended listening sessions without frequent recharges.
How to style them:
Considering that the Beoplay H95 headphones have an unmatched 'quiet luxury' quality, we would pair ours with the softest cashmere roll-neck and a cocooning wool coat.
Mw75 - active noise-cancelling wireless headphones from Master & Dynamic
Via Master & Dynamic
Key Details:
Sound: 40mm Beryllium drivers, hybrid active noise-cancelling
Design: Anodized aluminum, lambskin ear pads, memory foam
Battery Life: Up to 28 hours with ANC, 32 hours without
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, supports multiple device pairing
The MW75 headphones from Master & Dynamic combine high-quality sound with a robust build. Featuring 40mm Beryllium drivers, these headphones deliver a balanced and detailed sound profile. The hybrid active noise-cancelling system effectively blocks out ambient noise, making them ideal for noisy environments. The anodized aluminium construction and leather ear pads ensure that these headphones are as durable as they are comfortable – for your long-term listening pleasure.
Why you should invest:
Choosing the MW75 means prioritising audio quality and durability. These headphones are designed for long-term use, with a sturdy build that can withstand daily wear and tear. The advanced noise-cancelling features and long battery life make them a solid investment for audiophiles who value performance and comfort.
How to style them:
We'd argue that few looks work better with these ultra-sleek headphones than a pair of angular black sunglasses and dark red lipstick.
Key Details:
Sound: Acoustic Noise Cancelling, TriPort technology
Design: Lightweight, foldable design with protein leather ear cushions
Battery Life: Up to 24 hours with ANC
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, multi-point pairing
The name says it all — Bose’s QuietComfort headphones are synonymous with effective noise cancellation and comfort. These headphones deliver clear, balanced sound even in the noisiest environments using their proprietary Acoustic Noise Cancelling technology. Their lightweight and foldable design makes them highly portable, while the protein leather ear cushions ensure comfort during long listening sessions. Our favourite part? The dreamy baby blue hue. It is the perfect addition to the brand's existing range of Scandi pastels – and will add a soft colour splash to any look.
Why you should invest:
If noise cancellation is your top priority, the Bose QuietComfort headphones are an excellent choice. They offer reliable performance, particularly in environments with constant background noise, like aeroplanes or busy offices. The comfortable design and long battery life further justify the investment, making them a go-to option for frequent travellers and commuters.
How to style them:
As Bose's headphones were made for long-haul travel, we'd wear ours with our best airport look: an oversized sweater from Soft Goat and a pair of compression travel tights.
Key Details:
Sound: 40mm dual diaphragm drivers, neutral sound signature
Design: Collapsible design, matte rubber finish, customisable headband
Battery Life: 40+ hours of wireless playtime
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, detachable coil cable for wired use
Red remains the hottest colour of the season, so naturally, these Urbanears headphones had to make our wishlist. The Zinken headphones from Urbanears stand out with their minimalist, functional design. Featuring 40mm dual-diaphragm drivers, these headphones deliver a neutral sound profile suitable for a wide range of music genres. The collapsible design and matte rubber finish make them easy to carry and durable, while the customizable headband adds a personal touch.
Why you should invest:
Investing in the Urbanears Zinken means choosing versatility and durability. These headphones are perfect for those who value a minimalist aesthetic without compromising functionality. The long battery life and the option to use them wired or wireless make them an excellent choice for everyday use, whether commuting or working out.
How to style them:
We'd match the pop of red with the rest of our accessories, most likely crimson ballet flats or a scarlet bag.
Key Details:
Sound: Custom-tuned 40mm dynamic drivers, active noise cancellation (ANC)
Design: Premium leather ear pads, foldable stainless steel frame
Battery Life: Up to 20 hours with ANC
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, integrated voice assistant support
Montblanc’s MB 01 headphones are a testament to the brand’s legacy of luxury craftsmanship. These headphones offer a finely tuned audio experience with 40mm dynamic drivers that deliver a balanced, rich sound. The combination of premium leather and stainless steel gives them a sophisticated look, while the foldable design adds practical portability. The active noise cancellation effectively reduces ambient noise, making these headphones ideal for use in various environments, from bustling city streets to quiet offices.
Why you should invest:
These headphones are perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life and want their tech accessories to reflect that. The integrated voice assistant support and reliable Bluetooth connectivity make them as functional as they are stylish, offering a premium experience for discerning users.
How to style them:
The MB 01's rich brown hue adds a touch of classic sophistication to any look, making this pair a perfect match for an autumnal ensemble. Think camel-coloured cashmere coat and knee-high leather boots.
Key Details:
Sound: Personalised Spatial Audio, active noise cancellation (ANC)
Design: Iconic Beats design, soft ear cushions, durable build
Battery Life: Up to 40 hours without ANC, 24 hours with ANC
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Apple and Android compatibility
The Beats Studio Pro Wireless headphones continue the brand’s history of delivering bass-heavy sound profiles that appeal to a broad audience. These headphones offer Personalised Spatial Audio, which creates an immersive listening experience by adapting to the shape of your ears. The durable build and iconic design make them instantly recognisable, while the soft ear cushions ensure comfort during long listening sessions. The headphones are also optimised for seamless use with both Apple and Android devices, making them versatile and user-friendly.
Why you should invest:
These headphones are particularly suited for those who enjoy powerful bass and clear, immersive audio. The long battery life and robust build make them ideal for daily use, whether commuting, working out, or relaxing at home.
How to style them:
The perfect pair for the ultimate minimalist, we'd wear these Beats headphones with clean tailoring and a crisp white cotton shirt.
Key Details:
Sound: 40mm full-range dynamic driver, adaptive ANC
Design: Lightweight aluminium frame, memory foam ear cushions
Battery Life: Up to 40 hours with ANC
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1 with aptX HD support
KEF's Mu7 headphones are designed for audiophiles who demand precise and detailed sound. With 40mm full-range dynamic drivers, these headphones deliver a crisp and expansive audio experience, making every note clear and immersive. The lightweight aluminium frame and memory foam ear cushions ensure comfort, even during long listening sessions. Adaptive ANC adjusts to your environment, providing an uninterrupted listening experience. The aptX HD support allows you to enjoy high-resolution audio wirelessly, making these headphones a top choice for music lovers.
Why you should invest:
Opting for the Mu7 is about prioritising high-fidelity sound and modern design. These headphones are perfect for those who value accurate audio reproduction and sleek, understated aesthetics. The extended battery life and adaptive noise cancellation make them versatile and suitable for both home use and travel.
How to style them:
The sleek Mu7 headphones were made for the severity of a structured oil-skin coat and a pair of classic penny loafers.
Key Details:
Sound: Custom-tuned dynamic drivers, signature Marshall sound
Design: Iconic Marshall design, vegan leather finish, collapsible construction
Battery Life: Up to 80 hours of wireless playtime
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 with multi-point pairing
The Marshall Major V headphones embody the brand's rock-and-roll history. Known for delivering powerful audio through and for its distinct signature design, these headphones feature custom-tuned drivers that provide a rich, dynamic sound. The vegan leather finish and collapsible construction make them stylish and convenient for on-the-go use. With up to 80 hours of wireless playtime, these headphones offer one of the longest battery lives on the market, ensuring you can enjoy your music without frequent recharging.
Why you should invest:
Investing in the Marshall Major V means embracing a piece of audio history with a modern twist. These headphones are ideal for those who love the signature Marshall sound and aesthetic. The exceptional battery life and durable design make them perfect for long-term use.
How to style them:
We'd embrace the rock-and-roll look of these headphones with a distressed denim jacket and a leather midi skirt.
Key Details:
Sound: Advanced electrostatic drivers for crystal-clear, high-fidelity sound
Design: CNC-machined copper with a sleek, modern aesthetic
Battery Life: Up to 55 hours of audio playback
Special Features: Integrated ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) and advanced air filtration system
Considering Dyson's reputation for sleek technological innovation, it is no surprise that the On-Trac CNC Copper headphones blend advanced technology with a striking design. These headphones offer a clear and immersive listening experience engineered for high-quality audio, and the CNC-machined copper finish provides a robust, stylish look that stands out. With up to 50 hours of battery life, these headphones are crafted for extended, uninterrupted listening. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature enhances your audio by reducing external noise, allowing you to focus entirely on your music or calls.
Why you should invest:
Opting for the Dyson On-Trac CNC Copper headphones means choosing a product that combines style, durability, and superior sound. These headphones are perfect for those who appreciate both aesthetics and functionality in their tech accessories. The long battery life and ANC capabilities make them reliable for everyday use.
How to style them:
The navy and copper palette makes these headphones the perfect aesthetic partner for an array of neutral colours. For the ultimate autumn outfit, we'd pair a hunter-green knit with brown leather trousers.