Headphones are an item you need to use multiple times a day: on your commute, at work, at the gym, while you’re doing the dishes, while traveling. They should be high-quality, long-lasting and, for the aesthetically-sensitive, beautiful. Though there are many in-ear and over-ear headphones on the market that, it can be difficult to find a pair that looks as good as the sound they provide. Luckily Denmark and Sweden have a strong headphone game that includes a minimalist aesthetic and some of the best brands in the industry, much like the rest of Scandinavian design.
Here are the best Scandinavian and minimalist headphones:
Beoplay from Bang & Olufsen
For luxury and looks, nothing beats Beoplay, an off-shoot of Danish design royalty Bang & Olufsen. Their headphones, much like their speakers, are expensive, but they’re also gorgeous and made to last. All Bang & Olufsen headphones have lots of extra features like wireless play (including their in-ear buds), bluetooth, and leather details for additional comfort.
We recommend
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In-ear E8 Earbuds✔ Noise cancelling | Over-ear H9 Third Gen ANC Headphones✔ Noise cancelling |
AIAIAI
AIAIAI is a Danish brand making headphones that are the height of fashionable minimalism. In addition to their great look, the headphones can be customised for whatever your particular needs are; heightened bass, wider soundscape, whatever. For the quality and durability, the price points are very fair.
We recommend
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In-ear Pipe Earphones✔ One button microphone | Over-ear TMA-2 All Around Preset✔ Suitable for DJ and live performers |
Sudio Sweden
Named after the Phil Collins song “Sussudio,” Sudio is producing headphones that fit an active, city-based life. The Tre in-ear headphones have an extra wing tip to hold the bud in place, so they’re great for working out or people on-the-go. The gold detailing on the Regent over-ear headphones give them a little extra oomph; they’re both minimalist and a bit glamorous.
We recommend
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In-ear The Vasa Bluetooth headphones✔ Wireless connection | Over-ear The Regent II headphones✔ Built-in microphone |
Happy Plugs
Happy Plugs, founded by Andreas Vural in 2011, is all about quality audio that also takes playful color and fashionable pattern into account. They’re well-priced for the quality and offer a little fun along with great sound.
We recommend
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In-ear Air 1 ANC True Wireless Headphones✔ Noise cancelling |
Libratone
Libratone has set itself apart in the audio world with unique design and a focus on portability for both their headphones and speakers. Both in and over-ear headphones are extremely comfortable as well as beautiful.
We recommend
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In-ear Q Adapt In-Ear Headphones✔ Four button remote | Over-ear Q Adapt On-Ear Headphones✔ Adjustable noise cancellation |
Marshall
Known worldwide as a top-tier speaker company, Marshall makes great headphones as well. Their Mode in-ear headphone has a rubber coating that makes them tangle-resistant, which is reason enough to buy them! While it’s true that Marshall wasn’t founded in Scandinavia, they are licensed by Swedish audio industry giant Zounds Industries, so they make the Scandi cut.
We recommend
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In-ear Mode headphones✔ Integrated microphone | Over-ear Major II ANC headphones✔ Noise cancelling |
Urban Ears
Good quality, clean look and great price points: Urban Ears is the Swedish audio company combining slick aesthetics with accessibility, both in terms of functionality and price.
We recommend
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In-ear Sumpan headphones✔ Cable loop for easy storage | Over-ear Plattan 2 headphones✔ Foldable design |
JAYS
Based out of an old brewery in Stockholm, Sweden, JAYS makes an array of hardworking, high-quality headphones that will look great and last for years.
We recommend
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In-ear a-Jays Six✔ 12 hours playtime | Over-ear x-Five Wireless✔ Foldable design |
Urbanista
Swedish brand Urbanista offers sleek, often colorful, and high-quality over-ear and in-ear headphones that are ideal for every day.
Note: Header image contains the Urbanista Miami
We recommend
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In-ear London True Wireless headphones✔ Noise cancelling | Over-ear Miami Active Noise Cancelling headphones✔ Noise cancelling |
Kreafunk
Danish audio brand Kreafunk makes fun and funky headphones that look unique and chic. They’re well-priced, sound great, and come in a range of colors.
We recommend
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In-ear bGem Headphones✔ Around ear design for comfort | Over-ear aHead Wireless Headphones✔ Noise cancelling |
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Header image is Urbanista Miami over-ear headphones.
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