You remember 2016, right? Dangerous Woman was everywhere. It was the peak "cat ear" era. And then Brookstone dropped the brookstone ariana grande headphones, and suddenly every Arianator on the planet had a new obsession.
They weren't just headphones. They were a fashion statement that happened to play music. Honestly, looking back, they were kinda the first time a major tech collaboration felt like it was actually designed for the fans rather than just a quick cash grab.
But it’s been a decade. Brookstone isn't even the same company anymore, and the tech world has moved on to spatial audio and "invisible" earbuds. Yet, if you look at eBay or specialty tech forums today, people are still hunting for these things. Why?
The Design That Changed Everything
Most headphones are boring. They’re black, gray, or white plastic.
The brookstone ariana grande headphones were the opposite of boring. They had those iconic glowing cat ears that weren't just for show—they were actually external speakers. You could be sitting in your room listening to "Into You" and then flip a switch to blast it for everyone else to hear.
It was a bold move.
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The chrome accents and the signature "Ariana Grande" autograph on the earcup made them feel like a collector’s piece. The artist Wenqing Yan, known online as Yuumei, was the one who originally designed the concept for Axent Wear before Brookstone stepped in to bring the Ariana version to life.
It wasn't just about the look, though. They had actual specs:
- Bluetooth connectivity (still works with your phone today).
- Independently controlled LED lights.
- External cat ear speakers for social listening.
- Over-ear cushions that were surprisingly plush for a "novelty" item.
Are They Actually Good for Listening?
Here is the truth: they aren't Sony WH-1000XM5s. If you’re an audiophile looking for flat frequency responses and surgical precision, you’re looking at the wrong piece of gear.
The sound profile is very "early 2010s." It’s bass-heavy. It’s warm. It's meant for pop music.
I’ve talked to people who still use them, and the consensus is that they’re "fun." The isolation is decent—nothing like modern active noise cancellation, but the thick leather cushions do a fair job of blocking out the hum of a coffee shop.
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The battery life was rated for about 5 hours on a full charge back in the day. In 2026, if you're buying a used pair, don't expect that. Lithium-ion batteries degrade. You'll likely get a few hours or need to keep them plugged in via the 3.5mm jack.
Why People Are Still Buying Them in 2026
Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.
The "Y2K" and "2010s core" aesthetics have come full circle. Gen Z and Alpha are discovering these headphones through old music videos and TikTok archives. There's a certain "retro-future" vibe to them that modern, sleek headphones just can't replicate.
Also, they’re rare. Since Brookstone went through its bankruptcy and rebranding phases, these specific Ariana units haven't been in production for ages. They’ve become a legitimate piece of pop culture memorabilia.
The Market Price Right Now
If you find a pair of brookstone ariana grande headphones for under $100, you're getting a steal. Most "Good Condition" units on the secondary market are hovering between $150 and $250.
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If you find a mint-in-box pair? You’re looking at $400 or more.
Things to Look Out For Before You Buy
Buying ten-year-old tech is risky.
First, check the charging port. It uses an older USB standard, and those ports were notorious for getting loose if someone was too rough with the cable. If the port is wobbly, the headphones are basically a paperweight once the battery dies.
Second, the "soft touch" plastic. Some older electronics develop a "sticky" texture as the rubber coating breaks down over time. It's gross. Ask the seller if the headband feels sticky or if the chrome is peeling.
Lastly, the lights. The LEDs are the soul of these headphones. If the ears light up but the cups don't, or vice versa, the internal wiring might be frayed.
Actionable Tips for Owners and Buyers
If you’re serious about getting a pair or maintaining your old ones, here’s what you actually need to do:
- Replace the Pads Early: Don't wait for the leather to flake off into your ears. You can find generic 90mm or 100mm replacement pads online that fit the Brookstone frame. It makes a world of difference for comfort.
- Use a Bluetooth Transmitter: If you're using these for gaming or movies, the older Bluetooth version might have some lag. A dedicated low-latency transmitter can help bridge that gap.
- Storage Matters: Don't leave them in a hot car. The glue holding the cat ear components together is old. Heat will make the ears sag or eventually fall off.
- Check the Autograph: Many fakes or "standard" cat ear headphones exist. Ensure the signature is present on the left earcup and matches the official 2016 promotional photos.
The brookstone ariana grande headphones represent a specific moment in time when tech and pop stardom collided in the loudest way possible. They aren't the best headphones you can buy for $200 today in terms of pure audio quality, but they are arguably the coolest looking ones ever made. If you want to feel like a pop star while you're doing your homework or streaming on Twitch, there is simply no substitute.