5 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel

For the modern traveler, the journey is often as much a part of the experience as the destination itself.

But whether you’re soaring through the clouds, chugging along on a train, or waiting in a bustling airport terminal, this journey is frequently punctuated by a relentless chorus of noise.

The deep, pervasive hum of a jet engine, the constant chatter of fellow passengers, and the crackle of airport announcements all contribute to an environment that is anything but peaceful.

This relentless airplane noise and other ambient sounds don’t just distract; they contribute to ear fatigue, increase stress, and make it difficult to find a moment of peace.

This is where ANC headphones or Active Noise-Cancelling headphones become an indispensable tool for frequent travelers. They are more than just a device for listening to music; they are a shield against the sensory assault of travel.

By using a sophisticated technology that actively neutralizes external noise, these headphones create a quiet bubble of tranquility, allowing you to relax, focus, or simply enjoy your entertainment with crystal-clear sound clarity.

They transform a noisy, stressful journey into a calm, personal retreat, enhancing your travel comfort and making the time fly by.

This guide will walk you through the essential features and considerations for choosing the perfect pair of headphones for your next trip. We promise to help you cut through the distractions and find a model that makes every journey, no matter the distance, a more enjoyable and peaceful experience.

1 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

 

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra is an excellent choice for those who prioritize a silent journey above all else. Its reputation as a top-tier premium ANC travel headset is well-earned, but it’s important to consider all aspects.

• Pros:
  • Unrivaled ANC: The noise cancellation is the best on the market, especially for the low-frequency drone of an airplane engine. It creates a complete sense of calm, making it ideal for frequent travelers and reducing ear fatigue.
  • Supreme Comfort: The plush earcups and lightweight design are perfect for long-haul flights. They can be worn for hours without causing discomfort, a crucial factor for aviation comfort.
  • Excellent Voice Pickup: The microphone is highly effective at isolating your voice during calls, which is great for business travelers who need to take calls in noisy environments.
  • Wind Noise Reduction: A specific feature that makes these headphones great for outdoor use, like walking through a windy airport terminal.
• Cons:
  • Limited Battery Life: At around 24 hours with ANC on, the battery life is good but not best-in-class compared to some competitors.
  • Proprietary Audio Cable: The headphones use a 2.5mm to 3.5mm audio cable for a wired connection, which means you have to use the one provided and can’t use a standard headphone cable if it’s lost.

 

2 Sony WH-1000XM5

 

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is an all-around powerhouse, combining excellent ANC with a suite of smart features that make it incredibly convenient for travel. It’s the go-to choice for tech-savvy travelers.

• Pros:
  • Top-Tier ANC: Sony’s noise cancellation is a very close second to Bose, and some users prefer its sound profile and features. It’s incredibly effective at blocking out a wide range of noise, from engines to voices.
  • Adaptive Sound Control: This smart feature automatically adjusts the noise cancellation level based on your environment (e.g., from an airport terminal to an airplane cabin), which is incredibly convenient for long flight headphones.
  • Long Battery Life: With up to 30 hours of playback with ANC on, these headphones can easily last for a long-haul international flight and the return trip without needing to be charged.
  • Bluetooth Multipoint: The ability to connect to two devices at once (e.g., your phone and your laptop) is a huge time-saver for travelers.
• Cons:
  • Larger Case: Unlike the foldable XM4 model, the XM5 can only fold flat, resulting in a slightly larger carrying case that takes up more space in a bag.

3 Apple AirPods Max

 

The AirPods Max is a beautiful piece of luxury travel gear that offers a seamless user experience, but its premium build comes with a few trade-offs.

• Pros:
  • Exceptional Sound Quality: The audio quality is superb, with a balanced and immersive soundstage that makes music and movies truly enjoyable.
  • Best-in-Class Integration: For users of the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Max is a dream. It pairs instantly with all your devices and can seamlessly switch between them without any hassle.
  • Strong ANC: The noise cancellation is among the best, effectively creating a quiet oasis for focused work or relaxation during your journey.
  • Premium Build: The aluminum and steel construction feels incredibly durable and well-made.
• Cons:
  • Heavy: At 387 grams, they are significantly heavier than the competition, which can lead to some neck fatigue on longer flights.
  • No Foldable Design: They do not fold, which makes them less portable than other models, and the included “Smart Case” offers minimal protection for the headband.
  • Lower Battery Life: With only 20 hours of battery life, they have the shortest runtime among the premium competitors.

4 Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

 

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless is the perfect companion for the audiophile travel headphones enthusiast who needs a battery that won’t quit.

• Pros:
  • Outstanding Battery Life: The most impressive feature is its incredible 60-hour battery life with ANC on, making it the leader in extended battery life and eliminating any need to worry about charging during a long journey.
  • Superb Audio Quality: Sennheiser is an audio brand first, and these headphones deliver a detailed, balanced sound that will please even the most discerning listeners.
  • Travel-Friendly Design: They fold flat and are comfortable to wear, with a design that’s both modern and practical for travel.
• Cons:
  • ANC is Not Best-in-Class: While the ANC is very good, it doesn’t quite match the top-tier performance of Bose and Sony. It’s sufficient for travel but not as a complete “silence” solution.
  • No In-line Controls: There are no buttons on the headphone cable for wired use, which is a minor inconvenience for in-flight entertainment.

5 Anker Soundcore Space One

 

The Anker Soundcore Space One proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great travel experience. It’s an excellent budget travel gear option that offers surprising performance for its price.

• Pros:
  • Affordable Price: This is its biggest advantage. It offers a solid set of features at a fraction of the cost of the premium models, making affordable ANC headphones accessible to everyone.
  • Foldable Design and Case: They feature a collapsible design and come with a travel case, ensuring they are easy to pack and protected in transit.
  • Good ANC for the Price: The noise cancellation is effective enough to significantly reduce ambient noise, making air travel much more comfortable.
  • Great Battery Life: With up to 40 hours of battery life, it surpasses some of the most expensive headphones on the market.
• Cons:
  • ANC is Not as Strong: The noise cancellation is not as powerful or as effective as the premium models. It will reduce noise but won’t provide the same profound silence as a Bose or Sony.
  • Build Quality: The plastic build is lightweight but doesn’t have the same premium, durable feel as the more expensive headphones.

How We Tested and Why You Can Trust Us

To compile this comprehensive guide, our team of seasoned travel and tech editors at Men’s Health went far beyond simply reading product specifications. We believe that the true performance of air travel headphones can only be judged in a real-world setting. Our headphone testing methodology was designed to simulate every aspect of a modern journey, ensuring our recommendations are as reliable as the headphones themselves.

We put each model through a gauntlet of tests across various travel scenarios:

• In-Flight Performance: The ultimate test. We wore each pair during flights of varying lengths, from short domestic hops to long-haul international journeys. We evaluated how well they blocked out the constant, low-frequency hum of the engines, the chatter of passengers, and the announcements over the cabin speakers. We also tested their ability to enhance the sound clarity of in-flight movies and music.
• Train and Bus Commutes: We tested the headphones on daily commutes to see how effectively they handled the rumble of train tracks and the general ambient noise of public transport. This allowed us to assess their versatility beyond just air travel.
• Noisy Terminals: The real-world travel experience often includes long waits in loud, bustling airports. We wore the headphones while walking through terminals and waiting at the gate to see how well they provided a sanctuary of quiet amid a constant barrage of sounds.
• Long-Term Comfort: A crucial factor for long flight headphones. We wore each pair for more than six hours continuously to gauge their comfort, headband pressure, and ear fatigue. Any model that caused significant discomfort was noted and factored into our final rating.
• Connectivity and Features: We evaluated the functionality of their Bluetooth multipoint, testing how seamlessly they switched between a phone and a laptop. We also used the included wired adapter to connect to in-flight entertainment systems, ensuring they were fully compatible for travelers who want to watch movies and shows without needing to rely on a separate device.

Our commitment to providing independent and unbiased reviews is paramount. We do not accept sponsorships from any headphone brand. Our recommendations are based solely on the data and insights gathered from our real-world travel review process. You can trust our reviews because they are a direct reflection of genuine user experience.

 Why Noise-Cancelling Headphones Are Essential for Travel

For anyone who has ever taken a long-haul flight, the benefits of noise-cancelling headphones are immediately apparent. The constant, low-frequency roar of the engines is a perfect target for ANC technology, which works by using a microphone to detect these sound waves and then creating an “opposite” sound wave to cancel them out before they reach your ears. This isn’t just about making your music sound better; it’s about fundamentally changing the travel environment.

• Blocks Engine Noise, Chatter, and Airport Announcements: The primary benefit of ANC headphones is their ability to combat airplane cabin noise. While standard headphones or passive noise isolation might muffle some sound, ANC actively erases it. This is particularly effective against the low-frequency drone of engines on planes, trains, and buses. A good pair of ANC headphones can make this intrusive noise almost disappear, leaving you with a quiet space to think, read, or watch a movie. They also do an excellent job of dampening the higher-frequency sounds like loud conversations and the sharp crackle of airport announcements.
• Reduces Ear Fatigue and Stress on Long Trips: Prolonged exposure to loud, constant noise can be physically and mentally draining. It causes ear fatigue and can lead to heightened levels of travel stress reduction. By blocking out this persistent noise, ANC headphones reduce the cognitive load on your brain, allowing you to arrive at your destination feeling more rested and refreshed. This is crucial for passenger comfort, especially on long-haul flights or layovers. It means you can arrive ready to take on your vacation or get straight to work without feeling exhausted from the journey itself.
• Makes In-Flight Movies and Music Clearer: Without the roar of the engines competing with your audio, you no longer have to turn up the volume to unsafe levels just to hear dialogue or music. This not only protects your hearing but also significantly improves sound clarity. In-flight movies become easier to follow, music sounds richer and more detailed, and podcasts are finally audible without straining to hear every word. A good pair of ANC headphones allows you to get the most out of your in-flight entertainment, making your journey feel shorter and more engaging.

3. Key Features to Look for in Travel Headphones

Choosing the right headphones for travel is about more than just finding a good pair of headphones. They must be purpose-built for the unique challenges of a long journey. Here’s what you should prioritize.

• ANC Strength for Low-Frequency Airplane Noise: This is the most important feature. The effectiveness of the noise cancellation varies significantly between models. Look for headphones with strong ANC performance that specifically targets the low-frequency hum of engines. While many headphones are great at canceling out voices, the best air travel headphones excel at providing a deep, consistent silence that makes a world of difference in a loud cabin.
• Comfort and Lightweight Design for Long-Haul Flights: A flight from New York to London can be 7 hours long, while a trip to Sydney can exceed 20 hours. You’ll be wearing these headphones for a long time, so comfort is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Look for headphones with soft, plush earpads that fit comfortably around your ears without causing pressure. A lightweight design is also crucial to prevent neck strain during extended wear. Some models have a more ergonomic design that is specifically built to be worn for hours on end, which is a major bonus.
• Battery Life with Quick-Charge Option: You don’t want your quiet bubble to pop midway through a flight. Look for headphones that offer a long battery longevity, with at least 20 hours of playback on a single charge with ANC on. This ensures they’ll last for even the longest international trips. A quick-charge feature is also incredibly useful for those last-minute power boosts. It can give you several hours of listening time from just a 15-minute charge, which is perfect for a quick stop at an airport lounge before boarding.
• Portability (Foldable Design, Travel Case): Space is a premium when you travel. A good pair of travel headphones should have a foldable design that allows them to be packed neatly into a carry-on bag or backpack without taking up too much room. The included travel case is also a key feature; it protects your headphones from being crushed or damaged in transit.
• Connectivity (Bluetooth Multipoint, In-Flight Wired Mode): Modern travelers use multiple devices. Bluetooth multipoint is a great feature that allows you to connect to your phone and laptop at the same time, so you can listen to a podcast on your computer and seamlessly take a call on your phone without re-pairing. Additionally, many in-flight entertainment systems still require a wired connection. Make sure your chosen headphones include a detachable audio cable so you can plug into the screen on the back of the seat in front of you. This ensures you can access all the available movies and shows without being tethered to a low-quality pair of airline-provided headphones.

Comparison Table

 

Travel Tips for Using ANC Headphones

 

Your noise cancelling for journeys can be a game-changer, but knowing how to use them effectively can make the experience even better. Here are some pro tips to help you get the most out of your headphones on your next trip.

• Use Airplane Mode with a Wired Adapter: For in-flight movies, it’s best to switch your headphones to airplane mode and use a wired connection. This not only saves battery but also allows you to plug directly into the seatback entertainment system. Most premium models come with a 3.5mm audio cable for this purpose. This is a crucial piece of airplane headphone use advice that ensures you can enjoy a full suite of movies without draining your battery.
• Carry an Extra Charging Cable and a Portable Power Bank: While today’s travel gadgets offer excellent battery life, unexpected delays and long layovers can quickly eat away at your charge. Always pack an extra charging cable for your headphones, and consider bringing a portable power bank. A quick 15-minute charge at the gate can give you several hours of extra listening time, which is invaluable for a long journey. This simple charging tips strategy can save you from a silent flight.
• Store Headphones in a Hard-Shell Travel Case: A headphone’s worst enemy is an overstuffed carry-on. Leaving your headphones unprotected can lead to crushed earcups, bent hinges, or scratches. Always use the provided hard-shell travel case to store your headphones when not in use. This protects your investment and is a crucial part of travel packing for a smooth trip.

FAQs for Travel Headphones

1. Do noise cancelling headphones really work on airplanes?
   Yes, ANC headphones block low-frequency engine noise effectively, making flights quieter and less tiring.

2. Are noise cancelling headphones safe to use during long flights?
   Yes, they are safe. Many travelers report reduced ear fatigue and stress compared to regular headphones.

3. Can I use Bluetooth headphones with airplane entertainment systems?
   Not directly. You need a Bluetooth adapter or use the wired mode included with most ANC headphones.

4. Which is better for travel, over-ear or in-ear noise cancelling headphones?
   Over-ear models provide stronger ANC and comfort for long flights, while in-ear models are more portable.

5. Do airlines allow noise cancelling headphones during takeoff and landing?
   Yes, airlines generally allow them as long as they are in airplane mode or used with a cable.

Conclusion

In the noisy, often chaotic world of modern travel, ANC headphones have emerged as an essential tool for creating a personal sense of calm and control. They don’t just reduce sound; they reduce stress, enhance travel comfort, and allow you to arrive at your destination feeling more rested and prepared.

Whether you are a frequent flyer seeking the profound silence of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WH-1000XM5, an audiophile who values the superior sound of the Sennheiser Momentum 4, or a budget traveler who appreciates the value and functionality of the Anker Soundcore Space One, there is a perfect pair of travel gadgets for you.

Ultimately, choosing the right airplane headphones is a matter of personal preference and how you travel. The right pair will not only make your journeys quieter and more relaxing but also more enjoyable.