When they were originally announced, Bowers & Wilkins' swanky PX8 noise-canceling headphones were supposed to cost $549 or essentially the same price as Apple's AirPod Max headphones. When they finally hit stores, the PX8's price jumped to $699 or a full $300 more than the company's step-down PX7 S2 headphones, which are also excellent (see below).
The biggest difference between the PX8, which weigh in at 320 grams, and the PX7 S2 are the PX8's all-new 40mm Carbon Cone drive units that are "inspired" by the Carbon Dome drive units used in the company's 700 Series loudspeaker line. Bowers & Wilkins says these units help deliver superior resolution, detail and timing with even more accurate sound than the PX7 S2.
Based on my tests, that's true. While I liked the PX7 S2, the PX8 headphones do sound more special, with a touch more openness and overall clarity. They're right near the top for sound in Bluetooth headphones and are also comfortable to wear for long listening sessions (there's no listening fatigue with these guys). For the best sound, you can listen to lossless files on a computer in wired mode with a USB-C to USB-C cable.
As for the noise-canceling function, it's good but not quite on par with what you get from Sony's WH-1000XM5. And while the voice-calling capabilities are solid, these don't reduce background noise quite as well as some headphones like the Sony when you're on calls (the transparency mode is top-notch).
While I can't say they're worth $300 more than the PX7 S2, they're a great set of cans if you can afford them. I do prefer the sound and overall performance of the more expensive Focal Bathys, though the Bathys don't have such strong noise canceling, but the PX8 headphones are a close second.
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Keys, wallet, headphones — it’s the modern commuter’s checklist before running out the door. Stylish headphones are as consistent in a day’s uniform as an everyday bag or carry-all tote and have quickly taken on a certain model-off-duty panache. Over the decades, headphones evolved from clunky headgear to minimal wired buds and barely-there bluetooth pods, and all of the above are worn as style accessories today. Whichever sonic style you choose, headphones have transcended mere function to communicate personality through tech, and are versatile enough to polish off any look, from an elevated ensemble to an airport-chic sweatsuit.
Apple’s AirPods Max headphones are one of the most prominent pairs seen on street style stars and celebs. The burnished, boxy headphones have been styled by every fashion force that’s in-the-know, including Bella Hadid, Timothée Chalamet, Sarah Jessica Parker, Dua Lipa, Hailey Bieber, Ariana Grande, Chiara Ferragni — the list goes on. The fixation has inspired a new category of accessorizing, as myriad contemporary designs have flooded the market since AirPods Max’s December 2020 launch. Vintage-inspired tech has also flung to the forefront in a new context. See: The fashionable comeback of Apple’s wired EarPods or retro aesthetics iterations from Beats and Koss.
A New York Fashion Week guest seen wears AirPod Max headphones in September 2022. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesWhile headphones are nothing new, the way we consume audible media definitely is. Streaming platforms have spurred the rise of highly personalized listening habits — whether it’s a curated playlist, podcast or audiobook you’re listening to on-the-go. Headphones not only signal your taste in music, but also your personal style. And, like any fashion accessory, you can curate your headphone rotation to fit all kinds of outfits and functions, like if you prefer wired EarPods for work calls, bluetooth earbuds for exercising, or over-ear headphones for traveling and running errands.
Whether you’re upgrading your tech game or on the hunt for a stylish gift for him or her that they’ll actually use, there are so many new fashionable headphones to shop that come with special features like total noise cancellation, high-quality microphones, luxurious leather lining, and plush cushioning. Ramp up the volume with these trendy It-headphones that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and head-turning styles.
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Timothée Chalamet is seen in New York City wearing Apple AirPods Max headphones on July 26, 2023. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)
GC ImagesApple AirPods Max are undoubtedly fashion’s favorite over-ear headphones. Since their launch in 2020, the luxe-looking headphones have been seen slung around the necks of countless fashion week show-goers and the most style-savvy celebs. On top of their lustrous, sleek aesthetic, these headphones render immersive noise cancellation and spatial audio listening features, along with memory foam ear padding and a 20-hour battery life.
Price upon publish date of this article: $479
Courtesy of Amazon
$479
$549
13% off
A Paris Fashion Week guest is seen wearing Apple AirPods headphones on June 21, 2023. (Photo by Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesApple Airpods Pro are a subtle statement if wire-free listening is your jam. The 2nd Gen iteration comes in several size options for a custom fit and floats in the ears to deliver exceptional sound quality. And they come with a USB-C compatible charging case, so you can conveniently charge your laptop and headphones with the same cord. Take cues from Rosie Huntington-Whiteley or Camila Cabello, who’ve been seen in their AirPods Pro while running errands or on the way to a workout.
Price upon publish date of this article: $189
Courtesy of Amazon
$189
$249
24% off
The viral Koss Porta Pro headphones have over 35 million views on TikTok, with approval from Gen Z fashion influencers like Emma Chamberlain. They’re surprisingly affordable for their ultra-retro aesthetic and high sound quality, along with an in-line wire microphone and convenient collapsable design.
Price upon publish date of this article: $34.99
Courtesy of Amazon
$34.99
$59.99
42% off
Sarah Jessica Parker sports Beats headphones on a stroll in New York City. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
GC ImagesBeats Studio Pro Wireless headphones have been around for over 15 years, but their newest upgrade offers satin-finish, neutral colorways that are sported by celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker, Bella Hadid, and Selena Gomez. With wireless bluetooth connectivity, two listening modes, a USB-C port, and up to 40 hours of battery life, these headphones are ideal for chic travel gear or for sophisticated listening on the go.
Price upon publish date of this article: $349.95
Courtesy of Amazon
$349
These brand new silver earbuds from Sony practically double as earrings. They shine for their metallic detailing, high-resolution audio, AI noise reduction, built-in Amazon Alexa function, and water-resistant protection. Plus, they’re made with recycled plastic and come delivered in sustainable packaging.
Price upon publish date of this article: $278
Courtesy of Amazon
$278
$298
7% off
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 12: A guest wears black headphones from Bose, black sunglasses , a white hoodie sweater, a black long coat, outside Ulla Johnson, during New York Fashion Week, on February 12, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesWhen Lily-Rose Depp isn’t plugged into wired headphones on the streets of New York City, she’s posting selfies at home of her blocking out the buzz in Bose’s new QuietComfort Wireless Headphones. She can still opt for a cord with the included microphone audio cable, while sinking her ears into cushioned ear cups that feature total noise cancellation and high-quality audio.
Price upon publish date of this article: $349
Courtesy of Amazon
$349
The Beats Studio Buds + will give you Y2K flashbacks. You can match your retro dad shoes (à la Steve Jobs) with these transparent tech-core buds that offer in-ear surround sound, bluetooth connectivity, and a variety of silicone tip sizes to fit your ears.
Price upon publish date of this article: $169.95
Courtesy of Amazon
$169.95
Model Dana Smith is seen wearing Marshall headphones outside the Louis Vuitton show during Paris Fashion Week in March 2023. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesMarshall’s popular Major IV headphones are wrapped with textured vinyl for a distinct vintage flair, and have been embraced by tastemakers like Zoë Kravitz, who often wears hers with a city-chic street style look. These on-ear headphones feature updating ear cushioning and an ergonomic design for long-wear comfort, with new fold clips for easy storage in your go-to shoulder bag. There’s even a bonus jack, so a friend can tune into your sound with you.
Price upon publish date of this article: $113
Courtesy of Amazon
$113
$149
24% off
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones will add a touch of shine to any outfit with the new black and copper colorway. Music lovers will relish in the ability to customize listening preferences in the paired app, along with optimal audio resolution and adaptive noise cancellation features. You’ll never be caught in dead air with these women’s and men’s headphones, as they hold a charge for up to 60 hours of playback time.
Price upon publish date of this article: $299.95
Courtesy of Amazon
$299.95
$399.95
25% off
Best for those who love dressing in buttery beige tones, Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX Wireless Earphones are minimal and chic, while still providing a stellar sound experience. Their clean design, coupled with noise cancellation technology and finely tuned acoustics, make these stylish earbuds a sonic standout.
Price upon publish date of this article: $378.81
Courtesy of Amazon
$378.81
$399
5% off
The new colorways of Master Dynamic’s MW75 Wireless Headphones fit right in with your morning commute — their design was inspired by urban architecture. The ear pads and headband are crafted with soft lamb leather, so they’re comfortable whether on your head or resting on your neck, and the ear cups feature aluminum and ornate tempered glass.
Price upon publish date of this article: $599
Courtesy of Master Dynamic
$599
Whether you’re heading to pilates, the gym, or scaling the city blocks, Jabra Elite 8 Active Earbuds are a sleek style for a sweat sesh’. They come in four matte colorways to match your workout clothes and are waterproof, drop-resistant, and designed to cling to the ears no matter the intensity of your activity.
Price upon publish date of this article: $199.99
Courtesy of Amazon
$199.99
These Nappa leather headphones from Bowers & Wilkens will rival even your most luxe designer handbags in quality and feel. They feature an updated acoustic system for sharp sound clarity, two external microphones for amazing call and audio recording quality, and innovative cushioning that’s designed to mold to your head shape without digging in.
Price upon publish date of this article: $519
Courtesy of Amazon
$519
$699
26% off
Beyond the built-in aesthetics of the coolest headphones, you can customize your tech with fashionable accessories, too. There’s always a room for added flair, and there are so many ways to deck out over-ear stylish headphones, wireless buds, and even wired EarPods. You can stock up on printed AirPods Max covers to diversify their outfit impact, add a necklace or earring chain to earbuds that also prevents them from getting lost, or cop a designer case to match your favorite handbag.
Price upon publish date of this article: $6.99
Courtesy of Amazon
$6.99
Price upon publish date of this article: $19.99
Courtesy of Amazon
$19.99
$24.99
20% off
Price upon publish date of this article: $181.19
Courtesy of Bottega Veneta
$250
Price upon publish date of this article: $13.99
Courtesy of Amazon
$13.99
Price upon publish date of this article: $10.95
Courtesy of Amazon
$10.95
$11.88
8% off
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Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. On her commute to WWD’s office, she can be seen plugged into to her favorite playlists and podcasts on her reliable wired Apple EarPods Headphones or heading to a workout class in her Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones.