Picture this: You’re settling into your airplane seat, anticipating hours of travel.
The drone of jet engines fills the cabin, a baby starts crying three rows behind you, and your seatmate is gearing up for a long phone conversation. A nightmare, right?
Now imagine pressing play on your favorite playlist or podcast, slipping into a cocoon of crystal-clear audio that shuts out the world. That’s the power of the right travel headphones.
This article dives into the best headphones for travel, handpicked to deliver top-tier noise cancellation, unparalleled comfort, and premium sound quality.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, these options are your ticket to peace and immersive entertainment at 30,000 feet.
Let’s explore the eight best travel headphones that will redefine your flying experience!
The Quick List
Highlights of Top Travel Headphones
- Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM5
- Best Budget-Friendly: Anker Soundcore Life Q20
- Best for Noise Cancellation: Bose QuietComfort 45
- Best Battery Life: Jabra Elite 85h
- Best ANC Earbuds For Iphone And Ipad: Apple Airpods Pro (2nd Generation)
- Best Mid-Price Earbuds For ANC: Beats Studio Buds
- Best Super-Cheap Earbuds with Good ANC: EarnFun Air Pro 2
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Best Overall
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Best ANC Earbuds For Iphone And Ipad
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Best Mid-Price Earbuds For ANC
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Best Super-Cheap Earbuds with Good ANC
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Editor’s Pick: Overall Best Travel Headphones
When it comes to travel headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 sets the gold standard.
With class-leading noise cancellation, superb sound quality, and all-day comfort, these headphones make jet engine noise feel like a distant memory.
If you’re serious about blocking the world out, this is the one to beat.
Immerse yourself in the world of music with these noise cancelling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5.
Key Features
Aesthetic
Bass
- Balanced tuning ensures that the bass enhances rather than overpowers the mids and highs, maintaining a natural sound signature.
- The bass is dynamic and responsive.
Battery Life
- Offers an impressive 30 hours of playback with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled.
- Quick charge functionality provides 3 hours of playback with just 3 minutes of charging, ensuring minimal downtime.
Clarity
- Produces outstanding clarity, allowing even subtle details in music, podcasts, or movies to shine.
- Sony’s integrated V1 processor and custom drivers enhance overall audio fidelity, ensuring clean, distortion-free sound even at higher volumes.
Frequency Range
- Features an extended frequency response of 4 Hz to 40,000 Hz (with Hi-Res audio in wired mode).
Highs
- Crystal-clear and well-defined highs without harshness, ensuring smooth treble reproduction.
- Maintains treble accuracy even at high volumes, contributing to a balanced sound profile.
Midrange
- Warm, rich, and well-articulated midrange that complements both vocals and instruments.
- Midrange details are neither recessed nor overpowering, ensuring a balanced soundstage.
Sound Isolation
- Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) powered by Sony’s QN1 processor, effectively reduces ambient noise.
- Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts ANC based on your environment, whether you’re on a plane, in an office, or walking in a noisy city.
Bonus features
- Speak-to-Chat: Automatically pauses playback when you start speaking, resuming when you stop.
- Multi-Device Connectivity: Seamlessly switches between two connected devices, perfect for multitasking.
- 360 Reality Audio: Immersive, spatial audio support for compatible tracks and streaming platforms.
- Hi-Res Audio & LDAC Support: Provides studio-quality sound over Bluetooth with minimal compression.
- Touch Controls: Intuitive swipe and tap gestures on the ear cups for playback, volume, and calls.
- Voice Assistant Integration: Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri for hands-free control.
- Foldable Design: Slim, lightweight frame with a carry case for easy storage and travel.
- Environmentally Conscious Build: Made with sustainable materials and a plastic-free packaging design.
Best Budget-Friendly Headphones for Travel
Traveling on a budget? The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 proves you don’t have to spend a fortune for excellent noise cancellation and rich audio.
These affordable over-ear headphones deliver comfort and quality, making them an ideal choice for thrifty travelers.
Key Features
Aesthetic
Bass
Features BassUp Technology, delivering deep, punchy, and dynamic bass ideal for bass-heavy music genres.
Battery Life
Up to 40 hours of playback with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled, extendable to 60 hours in standard mode.
Clarity
Balanced sound profile with good clarity for vocals and instruments, ensuring detailed audio for music and calls.
Frequency Range
Wide range of 16 Hz to 40,000 Hz, certified for Hi-Res audio, offering rich and detailed sound across all frequencies.
Highs
Crisp and well-defined highs without harshness, delivering smooth treble tones.
Midrange
Midrange: Warm and natural mids, with clear reproduction of vocals and instruments, suitable for a variety of music genres.
Sound Isolation
Effective hybrid ANC reduces ambient noise by up to 90%, complemented by comfortable, noise-isolating ear cups.
Bonus features
- Foldable Design for easy portability.
- Multipoint Bluetooth Connectivity to switch seamlessly between devices.
- Built-in Microphone for hands-free calls.
- Lightweight and comfortable design for extended wear.
Best Headphones for Block-Out Noise on Flights
Renowned for their comfort and clarity, the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are a traveler’s dream.
Whether you’re watching movies or listening to music, their adaptive noise cancellation and lightweight design keep you immersed and relaxed, even on the longest flights.
Key Features
Aesthetic
Bass
Tight, refined, and perfectly balanced, the bass delivers depth without overpowering, making it ideal for everything from cinematic soundtracks to bass-heavy beats.
Battery Life
Enjoy up to 24 hours of nonstop listening on a single charge, with a quick 15-minute charge providing 3 hours of playback for on-the-go convenience.
Clarity
Crystal-clear audio with stunning detail; instruments and vocals sound natural and lifelike, ensuring an immersive listening experience.
Frequency Range
Covers a broad spectrum with impressive precision active wired mode show a remarkably flat and subtly tuned response from 10Hz to around 800Hz. Bass response shows a very gentle rise starting at about 400Hz to its shelf level at 60Hz around 5-6dB over baseline.
Highs
Smooth and airy treble that avoids sharpness, perfect for prolonged listening without fatigue.
Midrange
Warm and expressive mids bring vocals and acoustic elements to life, maintaining richness and balance across genres.
Sound Isolation
Top-tier noise cancellation eliminates distractions, while an Aware Mode lets you tune back into your surroundings when needed.
Bonus features
- Bluetooth 5.1 for seamless connectivity.
- Comfortable, lightweight design with plush ear cushions for all-day use.
- Multi-Device Pairing to switch effortlessly between phone, tablet, and laptop.
- USB-C fast charging and wired playback for flexibility.
Longest Battery Life: Best Headphones for Travel
Durability meets versatility with the Jabra Elite 85h.
These headphones offer powerful noise cancellation and clear calls, all while boasting a water-resistant design.
They’re perfect for travelers who need reliability both in the air and on the go.
Key Features
Aesthetic
Bass
Rich, punchy, and finely tuned bass delivers warmth and depth without overpowering other frequencies—perfect for balanced music and immersive beats.
Battery Life
A massive 36-hour playback with Active Noise Cancellation on, and 5 hours from a 15-minute quick charge ensures you’re always powered up.
Clarity
Razor-sharp clarity lets every vocal, instrument, and detail shine, providing a pristine listening experience for music and calls alike.
Frequency Range
Wide and nuanced, covering every sonic detail from deep lows to sparkling highs, with natural transitions across frequencies.
Highs
Crisp and clear highs add a touch of brightness without sibilance, enhancing intricate melodies and acoustic elements.
Midrange
Smooth and full-bodied mids bring vocals and instruments front and center, offering a lush and immersive experience.
Sound Isolation
Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) adapts to your environment, blocking out distractions for total focus.
Bonus features
- AI-Driven SmartSound adjusts audio based on your surroundings.
- Water-Resistant Coating for all-weather durability.
- Eight Microphones ensure excellent call quality and superior voice pickup.
- Customizable EQ via the Jabra app for personalized audio profiles.
Best Travel Earbuds for iOS Users
Apple fans, rejoice! The 2nd-generation AirPods Pro elevate in-flight entertainment with improved active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.
Compact, powerful, and convenient—these are a frequent flyer’s best friend.
Key Features
Aesthetic
Bass
Deep, punchy, and remarkably controlled, the bass delivers satisfying power while staying true to the music’s nuances. Perfect for anything from hip-hop bangers to cinematic soundtracks.
Battery Life
Upgraded battery life with 6 hours per charge and a total of 30 hours with the MagSafe charging case—plenty for all-day use and beyond.
Clarity
Stunning clarity ensures every instrument and vocal detail is crisp and vibrant, making podcasts, calls, and music feel incredibly lifelike.
Frequency Range
From rich lows to shimmering highs, the AirPods Pro 2 handles every frequency with finesse, offering a perfectly balanced and immersive soundstage.
Highs
Bright and clean treble tones that add sparkle to melodies without harshness, ideal for extended listening.
Midrange
Natural and well-defined mids bring vocals and acoustic instruments to life, creating a warm and engaging audio experience.
Sound Isolation
Adaptive Noise Cancellation is sharper than ever, eliminating distractions while Transparency Mode blends external sounds seamlessly when needed.
Bonus features
- Personalized Spatial Audio tailors sound uniquely to your ears.
- Touch Volume Controls on the stems for instant adjustments.
- Find My Integration with precision tracking for both earbuds and case.
- Sweat and Water Resistance (IPX4) for workouts and outdoor adventures.
Best Mid-Range ANC Earbuds for Travel
For travelers craving style and substance, the Beats Studio Buds deliver vibrant sound in a sleek, pocket-friendly package.
With active noise cancellation and a snug fit, they’ll keep you tuned into your music and out of airplane chaos.
Key Features
Aesthetic
Bass
Signature Beats bass—bold, punchy, and energetic—adds serious impact to your playlists without drowning out the finer details.
Battery Life
Enjoy up to 8 hours of listening per charge, with a total of 24 hours using the compact charging case. Fast Fuel charging gives 1 hour of playtime in just 5 minutes.
Clarity
Clear and vibrant sound ensures vocals, instruments, and details shine, making every track feel alive and immersive.
Frequency Range
Wide and responsive range handles thumping lows, crisp highs, and everything in between for a balanced sound profile.
Highs
Sparkling and smooth treble that adds brightness and detail without sharpness, perfect for extended sessions.
Midrange
Full-bodied mids make vocals and acoustic elements warm and natural, creating a dynamic listening experience across genres.
Sound Isolation
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) effectively reduces external noise, while Transparency Mode keeps you connected to your surroundings when needed.
Bonus features
- One-Touch Pairing for both Apple and Android devices.
- IPX4 Sweat and Water Resistance for workouts and outdoor use.
- Compact and Lightweight Design for ultimate portability and comfort.
- On-Ear Controls for easy playback, calls, and ANC adjustments.
Best Budget-Friendly ANC Earbuds for Travel
Surprisingly affordable and impressively capable, the EarFun Air Pro 2 punches well above its weight.
With effective noise cancellation and balanced sound, these earbuds are proof that you don’t need a big budget to enjoy premium features on your journey.
Key Features
Aesthetic
Bass
Strong, punchy, and well-defined bass gives your music a dynamic edge, perfect for bass-heavy tracks and balanced listening.
Battery Life
7 hours of playback on a single charge (with ANC on) and up to 34 hours with the charging case—enough for long days or weekend trips.
Clarity
Precise and detailed audio ensures vocals and instruments sound clear and natural, making every note stand out.
Frequency Range
Wide frequency response handles deep lows, rich mids, and sparkling highs
Highs
Clean and smooth treble adds brightness to melodies without becoming harsh, perfect for extended listening sessions.
Midrange
Rich and engaging mids bring out the warmth in vocals and acoustic tracks, ensuring a full-bodied audio experience.
Sound Isolation
Advanced QuietSmart 2.0 ANC reduces noise up to 40dB, while Transparency Mode keeps you aware when needed.
Bonus features
- Dual-Mic Noise Cancellation for crystal-clear calls.
- IPX5 Water Resistance for sweat and rain protection.
- Touch Controls for effortless playback and call management.
- Quick Charge delivers 2 hours of playback in just 10 minutes.
Choosing the Right Headphones for Travel
When selecting the ideal headphones or earbuds for travel, consider the following factors:
- Sound Quality: Look for balanced audio with clear highs, mids, and rich bass for an enjoyable listening experience.
- Noise Cancellation: Noise-canceling headphones are essential for flights, as they block out engine noise and chatter.
- Battery Life: Long flights call for long battery life; aim for at least 20-30 hours for over-ear models or 5+ hours for earbuds.
- Comfort: Lightweight, comfortable headphones make a significant difference on long trips.
- Budget: Price varies widely; be mindful of what you’re willing to invest based on usage frequency.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a frequent flyer seeking immersive audio or a casual traveler on a budget, there’s a perfect travel headphone option out there.
Evaluate your travel needs—sound quality, noise isolation, and comfort—to find a pair that complements your journey.
With the right headphones, you can transform even the longest flights into a haven of sound and serenity. Safe travels!
