Of all recent technological advancements, noise-cancelling headphones might just be the best for frequent travelers. You no longer have to sit through a screaming toddler’s episode or deal with the incessant chatting of the stranger in the seat next to you.
Whip out your headphones, activate noise cancellation, and drift off into your own world. Here are six of the best headphones that will help you fly in peace and quiet this year.
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Planes
Bose QuietComfort: Still the TOP-rated Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- From $359.00
Bose’s QuietComfort headphones lead the way for noise-cancellation technology.
They have active noise cancellation (ANC), which uses microphones to detect external sounds and generate inverse sound waves. These cancel incoming noise before it reaches your ears, reducing background sounds on flights, be it engine noise, screaming babies, or overly chatty neighbors.
You can toggle between active and quiet listening; the former turns off ANC and produces sound similar to that of standard headphones.
These headphones are also super comfortable, with plush over-ear cushions and a comfy padded band that keeps them in place.
The battery life is impressive, and you can listen for up to 24 hours on a single charge. There’s also a fast-charge option – use the USB-C cable to charge for 15 minutes, and your headphones will give you 2.5 hours of extra playtime.
When you put the headphones on, you will immediately hear how much battery you have left, which can help you prepare for your upcoming journey.
| ⭐️Amazon Rating | 4.6/5.0 (18,225+ reviews) |
“These Bose QuietComfort headphones are absolutely worth it. The noise cancellation is top-tier — it genuinely blocks out background noise, letting you focus or relax without distractions. The sound quality is crisp, balanced, and powerful without being overwhelming, whether I’m listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks.” Dweezy, Amazon Buyer.
Sony WH1000 XM4/S Noise Cancelling Headphones: Best for Adaptive Sound Control
- From $349.99
One of our favorite things about Sony’s WH1000 XM4 headphones is the adaptive sound control. This feature automatically adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on changing environmental noise, setting it apart from active noise cancellation, which is fixed.
With adaptive sound control, the system constantly monitors the surrounding environment, delivering the best possible listening experience based on what’s happening around you.
The battery life on these Sony headphones is even better than the Bose QC, and you can expect up to 30 hours of playback on a full charge, while a quick ten-minute charge offers up to five hours of playtime.
Another handy feature is the touch sensor controls on the headphones, which make it easy to pause and skip tracks, or answer phone calls when you’re not airborne.
If you order these headphones directly from Sony, you’re eligible for a $150 discount and a complimentary three-month Audible subscription (limited-time offer).
| ⭐️Amazon Rating | 4.4/5.0 (315+ reviews) |
“Amazing headphones. The noise-cancelling feature is a revelation, does a fantastic job, and feels natural. I kept forgetting I had them on and would take them off and suddenly hear how noisy everything was around me.” Melina, Amazon Buyer.
NiceComfort 95 Hybrid ANC Headphones: Best Budget Noise-Cancelling Headphones
- From $79.00
Though noise cancellation is a premium feature of headphones, you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy this technology. NiceComfort’s 95 Hybrid model is a good option if you’re looking for ANC headphones under $100.
Available in white or green, these headphones use the same technology as Bose’s QC range, cancelling about 95% of outside noise. Sure, the noise cancellation isn’t as crisp as in more premium models, but for the price, it helps you slip into your own world on a long flight.
As for battery life, you can expect up to 100 hours of playtime from a single full charge, while a quick 10-minute charge should add three additional hours of playback.
You can connect to your device through Bluetooth 6.0 or the provided 3.5mm audio cable. Note, though, that ANC mode is not supported when you connect with the wire.
It’s worth checking the Amazon listing for these headphones (designated as an Amazon Choice product), as you can currently get a 32% discount on the listed price.
| ⭐️Amazon Rating | 4.4/5.0 (1,175+ reviews) |
“I bought these mainly for daily use and commuting. They’re comfortable to wear, and the headband doesn’t feel tight, even after longer sessions. The noise cancellation is better than I expected for the price, especially for constant background noise.” Lin Shinshin, Amazon Buyer.
Technics Reference Class Hi-Fi Earbuds: Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds
- From $299.99
If you prefer earbuds to headphones, Technics outperforms most of its competitors in several key areas. First, it uses adaptive sound control rather than active noise cancellation, adjusting in real time to environmental changes to ensure the best listening experience.
Also, Technics’ advanced magnetic fluid drivers minimise distortion, sharpen bass response, and deliver smoother mids and highs, revealing detail and depth you might never have noticed before.
You can connect to three devices simultaneously, including your phone, tablet, laptop, and gaming device. The Bluetooth connection is excellent, and you don’t need to worry about the patchy service we’ve come to expect from cheap, inferior products.
You can expect ten hours of playback on a single charge, but when you add the earbuds to the case, you can listen for up to 28 hours. While not as good as the battery life on the Bose, NiceComfort, and Sony headphones, it’s decent enough for earbuds.
| ⭐️Amazon Rating | 4.2/5.0 (1,125+ reviews) |
“These earbuds provide excellent audio with clear highs, rich mids, and satisfying bass. They fit comfortably in my ears for hours without discomfort. The touch controls are easy to use and responsive. The battery life is solid, lasting a full day with moderate use.” CoyotesLuck27, Amazon Buyer.
See our list of the best noise-cancelling earbuds here.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 With Ear Hooks
- From $249.99
If you like buds with ear hooks, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 offer excellent noise cancellation to help you relax on a long-haul flight. Like Bose, Beats uses ANC and lets you switch to transparency mode when you need to increase your awareness of what’s happening around you.
Though ideal for flying, they’re actually designed for workouts, as the ear hooks stay securely in place and the device even monitors your heart rate. It is rated IPX4 for water resistance, helping prevent damage when you work out in the gym.
The buds are powered by the Apple H2 chip and are fully compatible with all Apple devices. Their adaptive EQ uses built-in microphones to analyse what you hear and automatically fine-tune the sound for optimal clarity.
You can expect up to 45 hours of battery life with the charging case under moderate use.
| ⭐️Amazon Rating | 4.2/5.0 (4,065+ reviews) |
“These pack a punch with clear audio and solid bass without feeling overwhelming. They stay put during workouts (…) and the battery life is another big win. I can get hours of use without needing to recharge.” Tiffany, Amazon Buyer.
Sonos Ace: For Unrivaled Sound Quality
- From $399.00
Sonos Ace, available in black or soft white, are among the best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy from a sound perspective.
Sonos delivers high-fidelity audio through custom-tuned 40mm drivers and a ported acoustic design that adds real depth to the bass. With support for lossless audio via USB-C and Bluetooth, the Ace delivers a rich, balanced sound profile with excellent clarity.
As for noise cancellation, Sonos uses ANC to neutralize external sounds, giving you peace and quiet as you fly. Sonos’ battery life is excellent, and you can expect up to 30 hours of uninterrupted playback, even with noise-cancellation activated.
The fast-charging feature means that charging them for just three minutes gives you an extra three hours of playback.
While they’re not cheap, the Sonos Ace headphones offer exceptional sound quality and top noise cancellation, so they’re a decent option if you’re a frequent flyer.
| ⭐️Amazon Rating | 4.3/5.0 (1,160+ reviews) |
“For me, these are by far the most comfortable over-ear, wireless noise-cancelling headphones I have tried. Usually, two to three hours into a flight, I can start to have some significant discomfort. With these, I don’t have any issue.” WP Arch, Amazon Buyer.
Our Verdict: Which Are the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Travel?
Bose’s QuietComfort headphones take some beating, but each of the products introduced here can improve your in-flight experience. If you’re unsure which to buy, use the table to help you decide:
| Headphones | Price | Who They’re Best for |
| Bose QuietComfort | From $359.00 | Frequent flyers wanting maximum comfort and industry-leading noise-cancellation performance |
| Sony WH-1000XM4 | From $349.99 | Travelers needing adaptive noise cancellation and excellent battery life |
| NiceComfort 95 Hybrid ANC | From $79.00 | Budget travelers wanting effective noise cancellation without spending too much |
| Technics Reference Class Hi-Fi Earbuds | From $299.99 | People preferring premium earbuds with excellent sound and adaptive performance |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 | From $249.99 | Active travelers wanting earbuds with hooks for flights and workouts on arrival |
| Sonos Ace | From $399.00 | People looking for the bet possible sound quality during long flights |
