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10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones For Airplane Travel 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

Beats Studio Pro - Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones - Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatibility, Up to 40 Hours Battery Life - Sandstone

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are a solid choice for airplane travel with several notable strengths. The active noise cancellation (ANC) technology is highly effective, allowing you to block out the ambient noise of an airplane, making your travel experience more peaceful. Additionally, the headphones offer a Transparency mode, which is useful when you need to hear your surroundings without removing the headphones.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,255
Noise Cancellation
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life

Most important from
22845 reviews

Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation is amazing; you can watch Netflix or play on your iPad without hearing any background noise.
Comfort and Fit
Comfortable and stylish, these headphones fit well for long periods without causing discomfort.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting several days on a single charge even with frequent use.
Sound Quality
Phenomenal sound quality and ergonomic design make these the best headphones I've ever owned.
Connectivity
Seamless connectivity with iPhone makes setup effortless and enhances the user experience.
#2
9.8 score

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones with Mic for Phone-Call and Alexa Voice Control, Black WH1000XM4

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are a fantastic option for anyone looking for noise-cancelling headphones for airplane travel. They excel in active noise cancellation, using Dual Noise Sensor technology to effectively block out ambient sounds, making them ideal for the noisy environment of airplanes. The comfort and fit are also noteworthy, with an updated design that alleviates pressure during prolonged use, so you can wear them for hours without discomfort. The impressive battery life of up to 30 hours ensures that you can enjoy your music or podcasts on long flights, and a quick 10-minute charge provides an additional 5 hours of playback, which is very convenient for travelers.

Rating
9.8
Noise Cancellation
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life

Most important from
60242 reviews

Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation on the XM4 is almost on par with the Apple AirPods Max, with the added convenience of being able to turn it on and off with a button.
Comfort and Fit
The XM4 headphones are incredibly comfortable, even for users who wear glasses, and the ear pads are soft and do not squeeze the head.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, lasting for days without needing a recharge, and the automatic turn-off feature helps conserve battery.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is excellent, notably better than the XM5, delivering clear and crisp audio.
#3
9.5 score

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones are a solid choice for anyone seeking noise-cancelling headphones specifically for airplane travel. Their standout feature is the exceptional noise cancellation technology, which effectively blocks out engine noise and other distractions, creating a peaceful listening environment for long flights. The plush earcup cushions and padded band ensure a comfortable fit, allowing for hours of wear without discomfort—an essential factor for travelers.

Rating
9.5
Noise Cancellation
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life

Most important from
11670 reviews

Noise Cancellation
Exceptional noise cancellation that completely blocks out ambient sounds like AC noise, making it perfect for creating a peaceful environment.
Comfort and Fit
The headphones are incredibly lightweight and comfortable, even for extended wear, which is ideal for long flights.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 24 hours on a full charge and offering a quick charge feature for short layovers.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is top-notch, with deep bass, crisp highs, and clear mids, providing an immersive listening experience.
Portability
Durable and well-built, the headphones fold nicely for easy storage in the carrying case.
Connectivity
Bluetooth connectivity is seamless, allowing easy switching between devices without any drop in connection.

Top 10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones For Airplane Travel 2025 in the United States

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black

Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Comfort and Fit: Plush earcup cushions, padded band
Battery Life: 24 Hours
Sound Quality: High-fidelity audio, adjustable EQ
Portability: Less portable due to bulkiness
Connectivity: Multi-point Bluetooth, Wireless, Wired

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over Ear Noise Cancelling with Mic, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black

Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Comfort and Fit: Soft ear cushions, distributes pressure
Battery Life: 24 Hours
Sound Quality: Spatial audio, CustomTune technology
Portability: Slightly bulky
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wired
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Buying Guide for the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones For Airplane Travel

Choosing the right noise-cancelling headphones for airplane travel can significantly enhance your flying experience by reducing ambient noise and providing a more comfortable listening environment. When selecting headphones, consider factors such as noise-cancellation effectiveness, comfort, battery life, sound quality, and portability. Understanding these key specifications will help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Noise-Cancellation EffectivenessNoise-cancellation effectiveness refers to how well the headphones can block out external sounds, especially the constant hum of airplane engines. This is crucial for airplane travel as it allows you to enjoy your music or movies without being disturbed by background noise. Noise-cancellation can be divided into active and passive types. Active noise-cancellation uses electronic processing to counteract external sounds, while passive noise-cancellation relies on the physical design of the headphones to block noise. For airplane travel, active noise-cancellation is generally more effective. Look for headphones with high ratings in this area to ensure a peaceful flight.
ComfortComfort is essential when wearing headphones for extended periods, such as during long flights. Comfortable headphones should have soft ear pads, adjustable headbands, and a lightweight design. Over-ear headphones tend to be more comfortable for long-term use compared to on-ear or in-ear models. Consider your personal preferences and how long you plan to wear the headphones. If you often experience discomfort with certain types of headphones, prioritize models known for their comfort.
Battery LifeBattery life is important for noise-cancelling headphones, especially during long flights where you may not have access to charging options. Battery life can vary significantly between models, with some offering up to 30 hours of continuous use. Consider how long your flights typically are and choose headphones with a battery life that can last through your entire journey without needing a recharge. If you travel frequently, longer battery life will be more convenient.
Sound QualitySound quality refers to how well the headphones reproduce audio, including clarity, bass, and overall balance. High-quality sound can make your listening experience more enjoyable, whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. Sound quality can be subjective, so consider what type of audio you primarily listen to and look for headphones that excel in those areas. Reading reviews and testing headphones if possible can help you determine the best sound quality for your preferences.
PortabilityPortability is a key factor for travelers, as you want headphones that are easy to carry and store. Foldable designs and carrying cases can make headphones more travel-friendly. Consider how much space you have in your carry-on luggage and choose headphones that can be compactly stored. Lightweight models are also easier to carry around. If you travel frequently, prioritize headphones that are designed with portability in mind.

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