10 Best Headphones for Airplane Travel in 2025

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Why good headphones matter when You fly

We all love it. Getting on a plane and playing our favorite music. At first, everything sounds fine. But once you’re in the air, the loud noise from the plane makes it hard to enjoy your music. That’s why noise-canceling headphones are a must for long flights. In this article, I’ll share the best ones and explain why they’re worth it.
Airplane travel, while often necessary, can present a unique set of challenges that require careful consideration for a smooth experience. Among these challenges, cabin noise stands out as one of the most significant factors that can detract from passenger comfort. The hum of the engines, the chatter of fellow travelers next to you, and the sounds of in-flight services contribute to an environment that can prove distracting. For example the approx. noise level for boarding a plane is about 60-65 db, and when the plane is at cruising altitude about 70-85 db. Where you sit on the plane can also make a big difference. That’s why good headphones are even more important. Especially if you want to enjoy your own music, podcasts, or movies during the flight.

The longer the flight, the more it impacts your overall experience. Lots of people take long flights that last for hours. Sitting in a small seat for so long can get uncomfortable, so finding ways to stay entertained is really important. A competent pair of headphones can provide an essential escape from the uncomfortable atmosphere, allowing you to immerse yourself in your chosen media or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility amidst the chaos. And the headphones that are given by the airline staff is not sufficient enough for long haul flight. You can read an fun story in this blog about it.

More and more people are buying headphones made for travel, especially for flying. Most of these headphones have noise canceling, which helps block out background noise and makes listening more peaceful. They also often have long battery life, soft ear cushions, and a lightweight design.
With all these improvements, it’s clear that good headphones aren’t just a luxury. They’re a must-have for a better flying experience. As we look at the best options for 2025, it’s important to see how great sound and travel-friendly features can really make a difference.
But first I want to explain: what is Noise Canceling and how does it work?

Noice canceling explained

Noise-canceling headphones reduce unwanted sounds around you — like airplane engine noise, chatter, or traffic — so you can hear your music or calls more clearly. In simple terms: They don’t just play your music. They silence the background too. And there are two ways to do this. You have a passive way and a active way.

Passive Noise Canceling

• Works by physically blocking sound
• Uses padded earcups to cover your ears like earmuffs
• Reduces high-pitched sounds (like voices) a little bit
• No power or extra battery needed

Active Noise Canceling (ANC)

• Uses microphones to listen to outside noise
• Then creates opposite sound waves to cancel it out
• Great for low, steady sounds like airplane engines or AC
• Needs a battery to work

For airplane travel I recommend headphones with active noise cancellation. This is because the build-in microphones can excellent filter out the outside noise. Here is an example of a budget friendly headphone with Active Noise Cancellation. This is a popular model, and very affordable for the quality that you get.

Top features to look for in travel headphones

Frequent travelers are hot, particularly by airplane, so selecting the best travel headphones is essential for an enjoyable experience.
In 2025, the best headphones for flying all have a few key features. One of the most important is strong noise cancellation. This helps block out background noise, like the sound of the engines or other passengers, so you can enjoy some peace and quiet during your flight.

Comfort and fit are equally critical when choosing travel headphones. Long flights can be uncomfortable, and headphones that fit well without causing pressure points or discomfort over extended periods are essential. Look for ergonomic designs and materials that feel good against the skin, as well as adjustable features that cater to different head sizes.

There are different types of headphones you can choose from. Let’s dive into it.

Over-Ear Headphones

• Description: These fully cover your ears, offering a comfortable fit and excellent sound isolation.
• Best for: Noise-canceling, immersive listening, long-term comfort
• Pros: Deep bass, great sound quality, effective noise cancellation
• Cons: Bulky, less portable

On-Ear Headphones

• Description: Sit on top of your ears instead of around them.
• Best for: Casual use, lightweight travel
• Pros: Lighter than over-ear, more breathable
• Cons: Can cause ear fatigue after long use, less noise isolation

In-Ear Headphones (Earbuds)

• Description: Fit directly in your ear canal.
• Best for: Portability and convenience
• Pros: Compact, good passive noise isolation, wireless options. Can be great for shorter flights.
• Cons: Less immersive sound, may be uncomfortable for long periods

Bone Conduction Headphones

• Description: Sit outside the ears and transmit sound through your cheekbones.
• Best for: Outdoor activities where you need environmental awareness
• Pros: Safe for outdoor use, keeps ears open
• Cons: Poor noise isolation, not ideal for noisy environments like airplanes. Not recommended for flights

Lightweight is another feature that enhances the travel experience. Folding or collapsible designs that easily fit into carry-on luggage are advantageous, as they save space and provide convenience. For example the Bone Conduction Headphone is an excellent headphone, but you have to use it for the right activity. And for short flights or long-haul flights its not the best. Besides that, battery life is very important and has improved a lot over the years. Headphones that offer long-lasting use on a single charge, especially those that can last the duration of long-haul flights, are preferable. Additionally, quick charging features can be invaluable for last-minute travelers.

Sound quality is really important when choosing travel headphones. Good audio makes watching movies or listening to music on a flight much more enjoyable. These days, most headphones use Bluetooth, but it’s still helpful to have both wireless and wired options. That way, you can connect easily when you’re using your phone or plugging into the airplane’s entertainment system.

To sum it up: the best travel headphones for flying in 2025 should have great noise canceling, be comfortable, easy to carry, last long on a single charge, sound great, and work with different devices. Over-ear headphones are usually the most comfortable for long flights. Here’s my top 10 list.

Top 10 best travel headphones for Airplane Travel in 2025

10

Anker Soundcore Life Q30: This headphone is budget friendly and has a very decent noise cancellation. This headphone also has a very strong battery life of 40 hours. That is excellent for long flights.

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• 40-hour battery life
• Comfortable for long wear

Cons

• Active Noice Cancellation not as strong as premium brands
• Plastic build quality

9

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: Sennheiser is known for its good sound quality. This Momentum 4 delivers a strong ACN (Active Noice Cancellation) and a very good 60 hours battery life.

Pros

• Good sound quality
• 60-hours battery life
• Excellent ANC performance

Cons

• Bulky and big with no carrying case
• Design is more functional than stylish
• Not a good app integration.

8

Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2: studio-grade sound with premium ANC controls. This brand brings clarity and control which is great for travelers who want a customizable audio experience. This one also supports multiple high-res codecs.

Pros

• Audiophile sound quality
• Adjustable ANC and environment modes
• 45 hours battery life

Cons

• Bulky and less comfort then other premium brands
• Complex interface to setup
• Buttons on headphone are poorly positioned

7

JBL Tour One M2: This mid-range pick offers a crisp, warm sound profile and a customizable ANC experience. It is great for traveling, streaming or listening to podcasts. This headphone has an ambient mode for airport awareness.

Pros

• Good and strong Adaptave noise canceling
• Good detail in sound
• Compact and foldable design

Cons

• Tight fit for some people
• Hard to use touch controls
• Build quality not so good for it’s price
• 24 hours battery life

6

Beats Studio Pro: Great headphone is you love bass. Excellent for music lovers who want both: fashion and fuction. This version has an updated ANC and does have support for lossless audio via USB-C. Very stylish headphone.

Pros

• Strong bass for music lovers
• Spatial audio support (Works perfect with Apple iPhones)
• Multiple colour options including the Kim Kardashian collection.
• 40 hours battery life

Cons

• Bass can be overpowering at higher volumes
• No auto play/pause function like the Airpods Max has
• Button placement is not the best

5

Apple AirPods Max: The ultimate headphone for your Apple gear. It has spatial audio that brings your sound experience to a next level. The ANC is excellent and it offers a good transparency mode. Updated model with USB-C connection.

Pros

• Spatial Audio + Dolby Atmos for music and movies (Apple Music subscription is required)
• Excellent ANC and Transparency Mode
• Premium material and comfy fit
• Works perfect with iPhone, iPad and MacBook.

Cons

• Expensive
• 20 hours battery liffe
• No foldable design. Less compact for travel
• Only works with Apples Ecosystem

4

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2: This headphone is for style-conscious travelers who still care about warm and authentic sound. Its great for music lovers.

Pros

• Rich, natural sound tuned for music lovers
• Elegant, high-end design with premium materials
• 30-hour battery life with quick charge
• Great for both travel and daily listening

Cons

• ANC is not the best
• Average call quality
• Limited app control compared to other brands

3

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Lightweight and supremely comfortable with adaptive ANC and spatial audio support. Ideal for sleeping or watching movies in long-haul flights.

Pros

• Top notch ANC
• Spatial Audio Support
• Great fit for long flights
• Soft ear cups

Cons

• 24 hours battery life
• Touch control buttons over sensitive
• No EQ customization in app. Limited ability to tweak the sound profile.

2

Sony WH-1000XM6 The successor of the popular XM5 headphone. But this one is even better! It has an improved Enhanced Noise Cancellation, improved sound quality and a foldable design. Perfect headphone for long-haul flights.

Pros

• Enhanced Noise Cancellation with 12 built in microphones
• Foldable design is back
• 30 hours battery life

Cons

• No aptX HD support (Popular codec for audiophiles)
• No audio playback on USB-C. Charging only
• Big and bulky travel case

1

JBL Tour One M3: Latest flagship model from JBL. Designed for travelers that care about high quality sound. It has Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 and JBL Spatial 360 sound. The battery life is massive: 70 hours

Pros

• Smart Tx transmitter that enables wireless audio from non-Bluetooth source
• 70 hours battery life
• Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 with 8 microphones
• Soft ear cushions and light weighted. Perfect for long-haul flights

Cons

• Build quality may not be as premium as other brands
• Harsh sound at higher volumes
• Sensitive touch controls

Final Thoughts

I’ve handpicked these top 10 based on what actually matters when you travel: comfort, noise cancellation, sound quality, and battery life. Some are ultra-premium, others more budget-friendly — but each has its place when you are at 30.000ft. My personal choice would be an over-ear headphone because I really like to shut out the outside world. Whether it’s in a plane or just walking outside. If you are curious I personally use an Apple Aipods Max and I am pretty happy with this one. It fulfill my needs and the sound quality is great.

I hope this list of my Top 10 Travel Headphones helped you find the perfect pair for your next flight, road trip, or quiet work session on the go. If you’re looking to shut out the outside world or simply enjoy great sound while you travel, there’s something here for every kind of traveler I believe.
You might also like the guide over the best power banks for modern traveler in 2025.

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