Fun fact: The Esquire staff loves over-ear or on-ear headphones. Just when you think compact in-ear earbuds might overthrow these bulky gizmos, no they don’t. Are they making a comeback? Or have they never really left? My workplace has me thinking.

Regardless, they sure are a godsend for serving as a de facto “Do not disturb” sign for anyone wandering nearby. But at the end of the day, it’d be a total shame to just shove a good headset in a drawer or toss it to the side of your monitor. Instead, it’s time to invest in a headphone stand. It’s the professional thing to do for your work desk—at home or in the office—and you know it.

This isn't just another desktop accessory; a headphone stand is more versatile than its moniker suggests. Beyond a safe and elevated (literally) place for headphones, a stand also takes away the clutter they might otherwise leave behind, like cords. Once your workspace is tidied up and leveled up, your mind can finally focus on getting some work done—or just playing Elden Ring.

Like we said, it's the professional thing to do. And the following 11 headphone stands will help you display in the most utilitarian manner while giving your desk a little oomph in the style department.