Tune In, Stand Out

Brands like Bowers & Wilkins, Focal, Master & Dynamic, Bang & Olufsen, and Devialet have elevated their offerings, blending premium materials, advanced features, and cutting-edge technology to create headphones that are both visually stunning and sonically superior.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3:

The top-of-the-line Px8 headphones stay impressive both in terms of sound and appearance, and the five-star Px7 S2e models provide the same winning combination of sleek looks and solid performance. The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, their replacement, obviously carries the same pleasing design DNA, but mere looks count for nothing if not backed up by substance. Happily, these headphones are a pleasure to manage. Each detail of their build exhibits meticulous craftsmanship—from the silky-smooth operation of the earcup hinges to the tactile-textured fabric headband and understated metallic accents that catch the light discreetly. Subjectively, few competitors at this price point appear as polished. Thanks to their lighter build and a design already known to be comfortable, the Px7 S3 feels snug and close when wearing. A play/pause button between volume controls is with the left cup featuring a sliding power/Bluetooth switch and a programmable 'Quick Action' button, pre-programmed to cycle through the noise-cancellation modes in our review sample as default.

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Focal Utopia by Tournaire:

The Focal Utopia by Tournaire is a daring reinterpretation of what luxury headphones can and should be, marrying world-class sound with opulent looks. This limited-edition, highly sought-after model is the epitome of fine craftsmanship, rich materials, and attention to detail.

Adorned with 18-karat gold, they shine brightly in light, but 6.5 carats of diamonds bring them into an elite league. The gems are carefully set to trace the curves of the headphones, presenting a breathtaking visual rhythm. Audibly, too, the bass is well-defined and strong, the midrange provides impeccable clarity and realism, and the treble twinkles without ever being harsh. Their sonic neutrality ensures all genres sound equally great, allowing you to get lost in music with unparalleled elegance and precision. Comfort is paramount for long listening, and the Focal Utopia by Tournaire performs exceptionally well. Its headband and earpads, covered in soft lambskin leather, provide a gentle, luxurious feel that rests comfortably against the skin.

Master & Dynamic MH40 Wireless (2025 Edition):

The MH40 Wireless comes ready with a USB-C charging cable and a removable audio cable. A nice touch is the beautiful transport pouch of black linen, closed with a magnetic fastener—sleek and functional. The zippered front pocket provides room to store both cables, which are sheathed in rugged, high-performance material. The gold-plated 3.5mm jack is corrosion-proof for added durability. In terms of design, each aspect exudes durability and sophistication. The earcups are made of anodised aluminium, which is strong yet light, and stress-vulnerable parts are reinforced with stainless steel. The headband and earpads are covered in lambskin and canvas, providing comfort and a classy look. Due to structural improvements in the aluminium construction, the wireless model is lighter than the wired model. With style, power, and durability all in mind, the MH40 Wireless is designed to perform. The lambskin earpads lay softly on the ears and head, cushioned by memory foam for a secure yet soft fit.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95:

Wireless over-ear headphones are a high-end option featuring active noise cancelling (ANC) and impeccable craftsmanship. Crafted from high-quality materials, they offer outstanding durability and comfort, making them great for prolonged use. With more than 42 hours of battery life, even with ANC activated, they are ideal for road trips. However, while they feel and look first-class, they lack certain features present in some other headsets within the same price range. There is no support for high-res codecs like LDAC or spatial audio, which some competing models do offer. Their ANC performs well at minimising mid and high-frequency noise but struggles with low rumbles. The headphones are designed for a comfortable fit, allowing for enjoyable, long listening sessions. Additionally, they support multi-device pairing, enabling seamless switching between devices. The built-in microphone has average noise handling, which may affect call quality in noisy environments. Moreover, the design can appear slightly heavy and unstable, making it less suitable for outdoor use.

Devialet Gemini II Opéra de Paris Edition:

True Wireless earbuds are high-end noise-cancelling buds and the second-generation successor to the Gemini I original model. They feature an active wind reduction functionality that reduces wind noise, ensuring better vocal clarity. The appearance has also been enhanced, featuring a new carry case. Other features include the support of Bluetooth 5.2, pairing of multiple devices, and rapid pairing for effortless use. A bit of indulgence is included with an edition that features detailing in 24-karat gold, made with the Paris Opera. The bass comes on strong and leans toward the low-end frequency, but still delivers well-balanced mid-range, clear vocals, and natural treble. Nonetheless, the soundstage is cut off by the in-ear design. The Devialet Gemini II True Wireless earbuds include a graphic EQ and presets with their accompanying app, where customers can personalise the sound to taste. Yet the passive soundstage is rather restricted, so the earbuds do not bring about a quite expansive or all-encompassing listening experience.