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10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones For Airplane Travel 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Beats Studio Pro-Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones- Up to 40-Hour Battery Life, Active Noise Cancelling, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatible- 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
10.0
Chosen by1,488
Noise Cancellation
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life

Most important from
25684 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
9.4 score

Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, White Smoke

The Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones are a great choice for airplane travelers who want to block out the noisy cabin environment. Their active noise cancellation is highly effective, helping you enjoy your music or movies without distraction. The headphones offer two listening modes—Quiet and Aware—so you can either fully shut out noise or stay alert to your surroundings when needed. Comfort-wise, these headphones excel with soft, plush ear cushions and a padded headband that make them comfortable to wear for long flights.

Rating
9.4
Noise-Cancellation Effectiveness
Comfort
Battery Life

Most important from
17802 reviews

Noise-Cancellation Effectiveness
The noise cancellation is highly effective, significantly reducing ambient sounds and making a huge difference in noisy environments.
Comfort
Comfort stands out with lightweight design and plush ear cushions that allow for extended wear without discomfort.
Battery Life
Battery life reliably lasts up to 24 hours on a full charge, comfortably supporting long flights and daily use.
Sound Quality
Sound quality delivers clean audio with deep, punchy bass and crisp highs that never feel harsh, offering a refined listening experience.
Portability
The included sturdy leather carrying case enhances portability and protects the headphones during travel.
#3
9.4 score

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen), Wireless Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over Ear Noise Cancelling with Mic, Up to 30 Hours of Play time, Black

The Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen) are designed with excellent noise cancellation that works well for airplane travel, helping to block out engine noise and cabin sounds. They offer multiple modes like Quiet Mode and Immersion Mode, allowing you to customize noise cancellation to your environment. Comfort is a strong point: soft, plush ear cushions and a metal headband distribute pressure evenly, so you can wear them for long flights without discomfort. Battery life is impressive, providing up to 30 hours on a single charge, which is enough for even long-haul flights.

Rating
9.4
Noise-Cancellation Effectiveness
Comfort
Battery Life

Most important from
1159 reviews

Noise-Cancellation Effectiveness
Noise cancellation automatically adapts to the environment, effectively blocking out everything from vacuum noise to subway chatter, creating a personal quiet zone.
Comfort
The ear cushions are incredibly soft and lightweight, providing a snug fit without causing discomfort, even during long flights or extended wear.
Battery Life
Battery life easily lasts up to 30 hours with active noise cancellation, allowing for a full week of use without frequent recharging.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is outstanding with immersive, spatial audio that delivers clear highs and rich bass, making music and movies feel alive.
Portability
The sturdy carrying case adds to the premium feel and protects the headphones during travel, reinforcing their suitability for frequent flyers.

Top 10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones For Airplane Travel 2026 in the United States

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen), Wireless Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over Ear Noise Cancelling with Mic, Up to 30 Hours of Play time, Black

Noise-Cancellation Effectiveness: Active Noise Cancellation; Quiet and Immersion Modes
Comfort: Soft ear cushions; metal headband
Battery Life: 30 Hours
Sound Quality: Spatial audio; lossless USB-C wired
Portability: Over Ear; 1.06 pounds; bulky

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

Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones Bluetooth Over The Ear Headset with Microphone, Pink

Noise-Cancellation Effectiveness: Active Noise Cancellation, Dual Sensors
Comfort: Lightweight, 192 grams
Battery Life: 35 Hours
Sound Quality: Clear, balanced, enhanced vocals, accurate music
Portability: Lightweight, Wireless, Bluetooth 5.2, 3.5h charge
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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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