Best 2022 Headphones & Earbuds for Design and Aesthetics

#2 Razer Barracuda X
4.5

Design was a major strength: reviewers repeatedly liked the subtle, understated, non-gamery look, with Chroma lighting adding style for RGB fans.

Pros: Cable quality, Hinge durability

Cons: aptX, Active noise cancellation

#3 Soundcore by Anker Space A40 Earbuds
4.2

Design was consistently described as sleek, compact, premium-looking, or stylish for the price.

Pros: Interchangeable left/right bud design, Multipoint connectivity reliability

Cons: Sensors, Hinge durability

#4 SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1
4.2

Design is usually praised as sleek, minimalist, neutral, or attractive, though some reviewers find it plain or uninspired.

Pros: Earpad replacement ease, Weight comfort

Cons: Sidetone adjustment quality, USB-C

#5 Audeze Maxwell
4.1

Design and aesthetics are mostly praised as understated, premium, sleek, and non-gamer-looking, though one reviewer finds it clunky.

Pros: Instrument separation, Maximum volume clarity

Cons: Hinge durability, Carry case quality

#6 Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones
4.0

Design reactions were mixed: reviewers liked the modern look but criticized the non-folding redesign and less premium feel.

Pros: Sound leakage, Noise isolation (passive)

Cons: Water/sweat resistance rating, Hinge durability

#7 HyperX Cloud Alpha
3.8

Design reactions are mixed: some like the black-and-red gamer style, while others call it dated or prefer subtler colors.

Pros: Maximum volume clarity, Earpad replacement ease

Cons: Bluetooth, Xbox compatibility

#8 Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless Headphones
3.6

Design reactions were mixed: reviewers liked the functional, understated approach but also called it plain or less original than prior Momentum models.

Pros: Award recognition, Battery

Cons: Water/sweat resistance rating, LDAC

#9 HyperX Cloud Stinger 2
3.5

Design opinions were mixed: reviewers liked the cleaner modern look on some models, but others called it generic, cheap-looking, or visually uninspiring.

Pros: Multi-platform compatibility, Dongle

Cons: Replaceable earpads, Preset EQ profile quality