We compared all the models to find the best noise-canceling headphones for flying on a plane. For this best list, we take into account the diverse and unique needs and features that individual travelers need.
For example, we look for good noise-canceling, comfort, and connectivity. Here are our recommendations for the best headphones for airplane use, travel, and commuting.
Best Headphones for Airplane Travel
1. Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless
Traveling is expensive enough without adding the cost of premium headphones.
Luckily, if you’re looking for something cheaper, check out the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless, the best headphones for air travel we tested in this price range.
They don’t have as much battery life and aren’t as comfortable or well-made as the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless, though they do have an adaptive ANC system that adjusts itself to the surrounding noise, and they can block out a significant amount of ambient noise, including roaring engine noise.
The overall noise-canceling performance is pretty much the same as Sony’s.
These headphones feature a V-shaped sound profile that focuses on bass and treble, giving the audio a punchy, punchy punch while instruments and vocals come across as bright and somewhat harsh.
If you prefer a different sound, there’s a graphic EQ and a companion app with presets. With ANC turned on, it lasts for around 27 hours, and if you’re in a hurry.
You can always plug the included audio cable into your phone or laptop for passive audio listening.
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
This is probably the ultimate travel companion. All it takes is one drawback and you’ll be disappointed. It ticks all the boxes, and at the heart of its success is its best-in-class active noise cancellation.
Nothing effectively blocks out the noise of city traffic or the din of the surrounding area.
However, we found it to react strangely to very loud sounds, such as when sitting next to a bus engine on a hill or during takeoff, producing a very robotic output.
But the rest of the time, it’s so good that I’m willing to forgive those moments.
You get truly outstanding audio quality that’s more engaging, accurate, and detailed than anything else on this list. It delivers deep, smooth bass, detailed, high treble, rich expression, and clarity in the midrange.
Plus, it has a spatial audio mode that makes it feel like the sound isn’t pumping directly into your ears from any source, which can help reduce claustrophobia when flying.
All of this comes in a fairly lightweight design that folds up for travel, making it easy to carry around (it comes with a hard case).
The only downside? The 24-hour battery life is lower than some of the other over-ear headphones on here, but it should be enough to get you through most flights. Just don’t forget to charge it when you land.
All of this makes it a bit pricey compared to some of the other headphones on here, but if you can afford it, I think it’s worth it.
If not, the non-Ultra Bose QuietComfort Headphones offer nearly as much ANC for a fraction of the price, and they’re still lightweight and foldable Headphones.
3. Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s flagship over-ear noise-canceling headphones are the WH-1000XM5.
They’re not a must-have upgrade for those who already own the popular WH-1000XM4, but the improved noise-canceling and richer sound make them a more compelling choice for air travel in 2025.
During this year’s major holiday shopping season, these headphones dropped from $100 to $299, making them a much more affordable pair of over-ear headphones.
These headphones will be released in 2022, so we’re hoping for a bigger discount on Black Friday, but it’s still pretty good to be able to get them for under $300.
The ANC is solid, but it doesn’t really stand out from other high-end noise-canceling headphones. However, it still offers impressive noise-canceling performance and excellent audio quality for music.
Considering that noise-canceling is most effective when used with music, these headphones will appeal to music lovers and audiophiles alike.
In his review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, Miller Kern, Mashable’s associate editor for shopping and reviews, said the XM5s “are probably the best-sounding headphones I’ve ever used,” and that they’re a great choice for anyone who’s proud of their Spotify playlists.
In addition to the amazing sound, they offer great travel features with a “quick attention” mode that activates by simply covering the right earcup, so you can hear gate change announcements and flight attendants without having to completely stop your music.
Voice assistant, clear call quality, and a great battery life of up to 30 hours complete the package.
They look great, but the biggest downside is that these headphones don’t fold, and the carrying case is pretty tall. They’re thin, though.
Not ideal for travel, for obvious reasons. Still, if premium sound quality is more important to you than portability, they’re not that bulky compared to the other headphones on this list.
They also support passive playback, unlike the Bose QC Ultras, and are generally less finicky about connecting via Bluetooth or multiple devices, so you don’t have to spend half your flight figuring out why you can’t connect to your phone.
The headphones also outperform the AirPods Max and Bose in battery life, offering a total of 30 hours compared to the Max’s 20 hours and the Ultras’ 24 hours.
These headphones have the best battery life of any pair on our list, but they’re not the best over-ear noise-canceling headphones.
That honor goes to the Dyson OnTrac headphones, but we think they’re too big to recommend as travel headphones.
4. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4
Sennheiser has airplanes in mind with the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless.
The first sign that Sennheiser has designed the headphones for flight is the included airplane adapter that can be used with the detachable 2.5mm-to-3.5mm cable.
The MOMENTUM 4 Wireless doesn’t have class-defining ANC out of the box, but it still manages to block out a lot of ambient noise.
According to our review, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless feels comfortable with glasses on, and the combination of leather and fabric is great for long listening sessions.
With a whopping 56 hours and 21 minutes of battery life, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless is perfect for multiple trips without charging.
The fact that the case has ample storage space and a solid build to protect your investment can’t be overlooked, even if the headset doesn’t have a folding hinge.
For many, the MOMENTUM 4 Wireless’ outstanding sound quality pushes Sennheiser cans to the forefront.
Also, AAC, SBC, and extensive aptX support (aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive) means you won’t have to worry about lag showing up in your videos.
5. Anker Soundcore Life Q30
A simple press of a button unlocks the Bluetooth multipoint and pairs it with a second device.
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones are a great choice for air travelers who want a good balance of quality, comfort, and value.
Active noise cancellation significantly reduces low- and mid-frequency noise, minimizing cabin noise on planes.
There’s also ample padding around your ears, so you can wear them comfortably for hours, even when you’re asleep.
Of the three ANC modes, the Transmit Mode is the most useful, as it blocks frequencies that passive isolation alone can’t attenuate.
6. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
If you want a premium product at a low price, try the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless.
They’ve been replaced by the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless and are increasingly out of stock, but they still offer some of the best noise-canceling performance for long-haul travel.
The fantastic ANC feature blocks out low-end noises like bus and plane engines, as well as chatter from passengers.
They’re also good for around 37 hours of continuous use, so you won’t need to charge them during long trips.
They can be used wired, even with ANC on, and come with an airplane adapter for safekeeping in their sturdy carrying case.
They’re lightweight and well-padded, but the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless still have the edge when it comes to comfort.
However, you can wear them on long trips without getting too tired.
The bass-heavy sound profile adds a thump and rumbles to the audio, and if you prefer a different sound, you can adjust it with the app’s graphic EQ and presets.
If you need to take calls on the go, consider the Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless. These hybrid headphones are designed for casual use and gaming, but they have a sleek design that won’t stand out in a crowd.
The integrated microphone is better overall, making your voice sound clearer and more natural. However, the ANC system doesn’t block out as much ambient noise as the Sony.
7. Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus
The Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus headphone makes a solid choice for travelers, especially those who want mid-level active noise cancellation (ANC) without breaking the bank.
At under $300, these headphones come with a soft-shell carrying case, making them relatively travel-friendly, though the lack of a foldable design may be a bit of a turn-off for some.
The headphones feature touch controls for easy operation, and offer both wired (via a USB-C port and a 2.5mm TRS socket) and wireless Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, ensuring versatility while traveling.
With an impressive battery life of over 53 hours with ANC turned on, travelers won’t need to charge them often.
The ANC performance is decent, attenuating about 80% of external noise, which is good for reducing the hum of a plane or train, but not completely eliminating it.
While they won’t compete with top-of-the-line ANC headphones for noise cancellation, the comfort, battery life, and connectivity options make them a viable choice for air travelers looking for good value.
8. Skullcandy Hesh ANC Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Skullcandy wireless noise-canceling over-ear headphones are the perfect travel companion for music lovers and frequent flyers.
Featuring advanced noise-cancelling technology, these headphones are designed to block out even the loudest airplane noise, so you can enjoy your music in peace while on the go.
Featuring Bluetooth connectivity, these headphones can be paired wirelessly with your phone, tablet, or laptop, so you can listen to your favorite music or take calls without wires getting in your way.
Battery life is also impressive, with up to 22 hours of listening on a single charge.
9. Bose QuietComfort 15
The Bose QuietComfort 15 are our top-rated over-ear headphones.
Compared to the over-ear Bose QuietComfort 20i, they have larger speakers and as a result, better sound quality, especially when it comes to deep bass response.
The downside is their size, but the Bose QuietComfort 15 are lightweight and easy to store as over-ear headphones.
There are few headphones that are as comfortable as the Bose QuietComfort 15.
They’re not so hard that they’re not ideal for running, but the low pressure of the pillow-soft earcups makes them ideal for long-haul flights.
Bose offers best-in-class sound cancellation, and the Bose QuietComfort 15 is no exception. Engine roar and all bass noise are completely eliminated, making them perfect for airplanes.
Once the ambient sound is blocked out, you’ll find the audio on the Bose QuietComfort 15 to be truly amazing. It’s rich, accurate, and has deep bass.
In conclusion, the Bose QuietComfort 15 offers amazing sound quality, comfort, and excellent noise cancellation. It’s simply the best over-ear headphones for air travel.
Conclusion
Choosing the right noise-canceling headphones for air travel can greatly enhance your flight experience.
Focus on noise-canceling effectiveness, comfort, battery life, sound quality, and portability, and you’ll find a pair of headphones that perfectly fit your needs.
Whether you fly frequently or travel only occasionally, investing in the best noise-canceling headphones is a decision you won’t regret. If
FAQs
Noise-canceling earbuds vs. over-ear headphones: Which is better for flying?
When it comes to noise-canceling, over-ear headphones generally offer the best experience. Over-ears create a better seal around your ears, which helps block out more sound.
They also have a 3.5mm cable and audio jack, which allows them to be used as wired headphones, which some people prefer for in-flight entertainment.
Wired active noise-canceling earbuds are virtually non-existent, so if you prefer a wired connection, you’ll need to opt for wired over-ear headphones.
One of the biggest downsides, however, is that they take up more space in your bag or carry-on luggage than earbuds.
Earbuds are generally more comfortable to wear on long-haul flights, but they’re also more likely to drain your battery (if you’re looking for comfortable noise-canceling earbuds, we recommend the Bose QuietComfort Ultra buds).
Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between earbuds and over-ear headphones for your flight, it all comes down to your preferences and how you travel.
Most people prefer over-ear headphones, and that’s reflected in our recommendations in this guide.
What is noise cancellation?
Noise-cancelling headphones work by reducing unwanted ambient sounds using active noise control.
Microphones capture the ambient sounds around you in real time, while an amplifier creates sound waves that are out of phase with unwanted sounds.
This allows the music you’re listening to to shine through the chaos. With ANC, a crying baby, someone talking, or general airplane noises magically disappear.
Noise-cancelling is generally most effective on constant hums like airplane engines rather than harsh sounds like voices, but the best noise-canceling headphones are still effective at blocking out these sounds to some degree.
What’s the difference between noise-cancelling and active noise-cancelling?
Some headphones offer passive noise-cancelling (also known as noise-cancelling) rather than active noise-cancelling (ANC).
These headphones rely on physically blocking out external sounds instead of using microphones to filter out unwanted sounds.
This means that while it’s less effective than headphones that use active noise cancellation, it’s less taxing on battery life.
Some people prefer passive noise cancellation, as active noise cancellation is known to cause pressure in the ears.
However, this isn’t an issue when looking for the best headphones for travel, and frequent flyers will likely be willing to put up with it.
Do noise-canceling headphones actually work on airplanes?
The hum of an airplane’s engines won’t go away completely, even with the best active noise-canceling.
However, ANC can significantly reduce that hum (and the noise of other passengers) and be a really nice accessory to have when you’re looking for more peace on a plane.
Make sure you have your headphones pre-charged.
Since ANC typically uses a microphone and amplifier to cancel out unwanted noise, you won’t experience active noise cancellation while using Bluetooth headphones passively using a cable or while using wired earbuds.
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