best travel bluetooth headphones

The best travel headphones 2024, chosen by our jet-setting reviewers

Mute airplanes, trains and automobiles

• Best overall
• Best budget
• Best premium
• Best for battery life
• Best earbuds for ANC
• Best earbuds for Apple
• Best mid-priced earbuds
• Best super-cheap earbuds
• Earbuds for in-flight movies
• How to choose
• How we test
• Latest updates

When looking for the best travel headphones, we're slightly adjusting our priorities compared to looking for more general headphones. We're looking for portability, battery life and, of course, active noise cancellation (ANC) more than we might otherwise. For those looking for the best airplane headphones, the option of a wired connection becomes crucial too, for those in-flight movies.

This list of the best travel headphones overlaps heavily with the best noise-cancelling headphones , but focusing more on their battery life, whether they have a folding lightweight design, and making sure they have a 3.5mm jack. Over-ear headphones are better at ANC than wireless earbuds, and wireless buds don't have wired connections, s headphones are our first pick – but best noise-cancelling earbuds have a huge portability advantage, so we've included those too (and one of them actually can handle a wired connection).

Our reviewers have tested all of these travel headphones on the exact kinds of transport we're talking about – our recommendations are based on real-world use for flights, trains, buses and even the occasional boat.

The quick list

Want a simple way to find the travel headphones with the features and price range you want? Use our quick list below – you can click to see a longer write-up of each product for more in-depth information.

The best travel headphones for most people

These headphones offer strong noise cancellation, great sound, good battery life, wired or wireless use, and a comfortable fit in a lightweight folding design. Ideal for travel at a superb price.

Read more below

The best cheaper travel headphones

These headphones can't cut out as much noise as higher-end models, but they're excellent for the price, and come with some useful smart features. They're light, and work wired or wireless.

The best premium travel headphones

The best noise cancellation we've used to date, elite sound quality, spatial audio, and a super-comfortable design that folds up. They're expensive, though, and the battery life is short.

The best travel headphones for battery life

You get glorious sound quality and solid noise-stopping here, with some super-smart features, and wired or wireless use. Oh, and 60 hours of battery life, which crushes everything else here.

The best noise-cancelling earbuds

These offer essentially the best noise cancellation of earbuds, with a solid and secure fit. Great sound quality, smart features, and very good value for premium-level earbuds.

The best earbuds for iPhone and iPad

With noise-blocking powers to challenge the Bose, amazing Spatial Audio for watching movies on iPhone or iPad, and glorious audio quality, these are ideal for Apple fans. 

Load the next products...

The best mid-priced earbuds for noise cancellation

Half the price of Bose headphones or AirPods, and more premium than the Earfun, these hit a perfect balance. You get astounding audio quality, great ANC, and good battery life.

Read more below  

The cheap earbuds with good noise cancellation

For this price, no other buds delivers better noise cancellation. And as an added bonus, they offer a long battery life of 7 hours with ANC on. They're very future-proof for features, too.

The best wireless earbuds for in-flight movie systems

Exquisite sound, decent ANC, weak battery life – but you can connect their case to a 3.5mm jack, and it beams sound to the buds. They're uniquely good for flights, but they'll cost you.

I've been reviewing tech for 14 years, and for pretty much all that time I've been testing headphones and speakers. As one of TechRadar's most frequent travellers, I've tested a ton of headphones and earbuds on flights and train rides, and I've used experience to choose the headphones that best fit the particular priorities of people flying or taking other long journeys.

Recent updates

April 11, 2024 Added the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones based on our review.

The best travel headphones 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The best travel headphones overall

1. Sony WH-1000XM4

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Sony WH-1000 range has gone from strength to noise-cancelling strength with each iteration. While the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are now available, the 2020 XM4s still offer an incredible combination of brilliant ANC and enjoyably balanced audio quality from a lightweight set of folding cans. You could shell out the extra for the latest model but these are a significantly better buy for being slightly older. 

For travel especially, the noise cancelling here is exceptional. You’ll only realize just how loud that plane engine hum actually is when you take these off. This is thanks to Sony’s proprietary processor, which is constantly sampling the world around you and adjusting the noise cancellation accordingly. And not only will intrusive noises disappear but the pleather cups are cosy and comfortable even for long haul journeys, making the Sony WH-1000XM4s our top pick for the very best travel headphones, even though the newer Sony WH-1000XM5 is available – that model lacks the folding design, and is more expensive without being a big leap better.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM4 review  

• ^ Back to the top

2. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony's more affordable counterpart to its flagship 'XM' model can be found for under $150/£100, but delivers very impressive audio quality regardless, especially when it comes to detail and overall balance. Instruments are crisp, treble and bass both get to shine in their own way, and the mid-range is warm and full.

The noise cancellation really helps clamp down on the volume of outside sounds so that you can hear dialog in a movie on a plane, in our experience, though it does leak in noticeably more sound overall than the higher-end options here (both in terms of over-ear headphones and earbuds), so we had to significantly turn up the volume on a quiet, speech-heavy movie on a plane compared to those options. But it's as good as anything else available for the price.

They're very lightweight and are generally comfortable to use for long periods, which means we can forgive them for not folding. They don't feel as premium as other options here, but again, that's fine. The wired option is very welcome for plane use, and the quoted 35-hour battery life is essentially on the money in our experience.

Read our full Sony WH-CH720N review

The best travel headphones for elite noise cancellation

3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

These are, perhaps, the ultimate travel companion – with just one flaw that might put you off. They check so many boxes, with their best-in-class active noise cancellation at the center of the success. We found in our testing that nothing else stops the hubbub of a city or traffic around you so effectively – though we did find that they reacted oddly to extremely loud sounds (sitting by a bus engine on a hill, and during plane take-off) with some very robotic output. But we were happy to forgive these moments, since they're so good the rest of the time.

And on top of that, you get truly exceptional audio quality that's more exciting, precise and detailed than anything else in this list. They're capable of deep, velvety bass and delicate, elevated treble, with plenty of expression and clarity through the mid-range. And on top of this, they have a spatial audio mode that does a good job of feeling like the sound isn't being pumped right into your ears, from any source, which can help flights to feel less claustrophobic.

And they do all this in a fairly light design that folds up for travel, so they're great for your carry-on (and they come with a hard cases). The only real downside? The 24-hour battery life is lower than other over-ear headphones here, though it's still enough to make it through the vast majority of flights, of course. Just remember to charge when you land. All of this comes at a high price compared to the other headphones here, though we think it's well worthwhile if you can stretch to it. (If not, the non-Ultra Bose QuietComfort Headphones offer very nearly as good ANC for cheaper, and are still light and foldable).

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review

The best travel headphones for huge battery life

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless cans were TechRadar’s favorite headphones of 2022 , the year they launched, and they're seriously impressive headphones that deliver on every level. 

You see, before we even get onto the excellent audio and brilliant ANC, let’s just take a moment to celebrate the 60-hour battery life. Yes, 60 hours , even with ANC and normal volume levels. That’s enough for five transatlantic flights without even having to think about going anywhere near a USB-C port. Oh, and if you do somehow run out of juice, there’s a 3.5mm jack for just that or plugging into a plane entertainment system.

While that battery life would be enough for us, Sennheiser has also managed to cram in wonderfully dynamic audio. No matter the music genre, the Momentum 4 Wireless deliver an ultra detailed and crisp aural performance. There’s a real depth here that is rare even in over-ear cans. Add in strong active noise cancellation (with genius adaptive features you can customize through the app) and you’ll very quickly forgive the slightly basic looks and mildly chunkier weight of these travel cans.

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review  

The best noise cancelling earbuds for travel

5. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

While some earbuds come with a selection of silicone tips to make sure you can personalize the fit of your buds, the new Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II go one better and customize audio specifically for your ear canals. Thanks to what Bose calls CustomTune, both ANC and audio in these buds are personalized to best suit your ears. And going by the clear and extra-detailed sound here, we can say it’s doing something right. Combined with Bose’s best-in-class noise cancellation, these buds sing with a vibrant soundstage even over the whirr of jet engines. 

The design has been overhauled from the previous generation, with a significantly more comfortable fit that’s ideal for long listening sessions. They aren’t the smallest buds, but they are lighter than the original Bose QC Earbuds, and the lozenges don’t look nearly as bulky in your ears. The downsides here are that there’s no hi-res audio support, no spatial audio, no multi-point pairing, and the chunky design may not suit everyone, though they fit very securely.

And while the active noise cancellation is effectively the best you can get for earbuds (the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are arguably better, but not much better, and they're notably more expensive, though they do also bring spatial audio support), the high-end over-ear stuff is even more effective. But then, they don't slip in your pocket wherever you go, like these do.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 review  

The best ANC earbuds for iPhone and iPad

6. Apple AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 2 were huge leap forward for the AirPods line, delivering not just a super-convenient experience for Apple users, but audio quality and noise cancellation that's up there with the best in the class. There’s an expansive soundscape that we’ve just not heard on previous AirPods, with incredibly layered audio. Vocals, bass, and even individual instruments all get their chance to shine. 

Add in excellent ANC that's only a hair behind the Bose at #5 on this list , plus a lighter weight and smaller case than almost all similar rivals, and Apple's Find My functionality in case you leave them somewhere, and the AirPods Pro 2 are the perfect travel companions.

The final cherry on the icing for traveling is Spatial Audio, however. Use them with an iPhone or iPad to watch movies and they recreate the feeling of being in a movie theater surrounded by speakers, rather then feeling the sound is pumping right in your ears. It's nice to feel less confined when traveling, and nothing does that more effectively than these.

But this all really applies if you're deep into Apple tech; the functionality is very limited on Android. And note that the six hours of battery life per charge is very average – the Sony WF-C700N at #6 on the list offer 7.5 hours, by comparison.

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

The best mid-priced earbuds for ANC

7. Sony WF-C700N

It's not many products that leads us to say that a pair of earbuds "just ripped our notions on what is achievable at this level to smithereens" in a review, but these did. If you want to spend less than $100/£100 on a pair of earbuds while getting the best possible sound and noise cancellation from them, read no further. Nothing beats these.

It's not just the energetic, accurate, detailed audio quality, but that the effective (and customizable) noise cancellation that makes it easy to hear. Yes, the Bose earbuds or over-ear headphones do it better, but you pay a ton more to get there.

Throw in support for Sony's 360 Reality Audio tech for positional sound, plus generally great app support, a super-light and secure fit, and long battery life from the buds, and you've got a winning package. That you only get one additional charge from the case is a bit of an issue for traveling, but not a dealbreaker. It's the same with the lack of auto-pause when you remove them, or hi-res support – again, we're not concerned for the price. We love them.

Read our full Sony WF-C700N review

Best super-cheap earbuds with good ANC

8. Earfun Air Pro 3

We called these "the best cheap noise-cancelling earbuds you can get" in our review, and that's the long and short of it. Do they block noise as well as the Bose, AirPods, or Sony earbuds also in this list? No – but they're way less expensive (and often discounted further), and they do it as well as anything else at the same kind of price.

And when you then factor in the fantastic nine-hour battery life, and that they're future-proofed with features such as Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio support, they're even more of a bargain. The sound is good for the price, with no obvious weaknesses, even it isn't as rich as more elite models – it's still fun and compelling to listen to.

The design is not very svelte, but we don't mind too much considering what's been packed in there. These are such good all-rounders, and the quality of the sound for the cost makes them our cheapest pick.

Read our full Earfun Air Pro 3 review

Best true wireless earbuds for in-flight movie systems

9. Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2

When it comes to sound quality, few earbuds can match these. We said "you're in for a sonic masterclass" in our review, and raved that dynamic elements are delivered with "more zeal and energy than we've heard from any set of true wireless earbuds to date". When it comes to audio quality, they're second to none.

That's sadly not true when it comes to the quality of the noise cancellation (which let's through far more low-frequency rumble than we expect from something so premium), and the battery life, which is the lowest of anything in this list.

But they have an ace up their sleeve. Unlike basically all other true wireless earbuds, these can be used wired. The case comes with a couple of cables (one USB-C to USB-C, one 3.5mm jack to USB-C), so that you can connect the case to an audio source such as an in-flight entertainment system. The sound is beamed from the case to the earbuds over aptX high-quality streaming.

All of the over-ear headphones we've featured in this list have a wired options, but none of the earbuds does. That's the nature of going true wireless. You get the best of both worlds here. Well, most of the best – if only the noise cancellation was better. They're also very large – those with small ears should give them a test before committing.

Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 review

How to choose the best travel headphones for you

When it comes to choosing the best travel headphones, all of the important decisions are fully subjective. This is about finding the best travel headphones for  you  and not anybody else, so there are a few things to consider. 

The first one is an easy choice. Do you prefer over-ear cans or earbuds? We all have very different preferences, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Some people find in-ear buds invasive or worry about finding exactly the right fit. Thankfully if you’re fretting about the latter, most earbuds now come with a collection of silicone tips to ensure that the buds are snug enough for you not to worry about them tumbling out. Active noise cancelling depends on a good seal, so most ANC pairs have a good selection. Earbuds are also handy for travelling thanks to their compact cases that can slide into an inside pocket. 

But if you’re happy to carry something a little bigger and want some added audio oomph, there are plenty of over-ear options explicitly designed to press the mute button on airports and crowded train carriages. Brands like Sony and Bose have long reigned over the travel crowd, purely for their ultra-comfortable over-ear fit, excellent noise cancellation and satisfying audio chops.

They also fit snugly even when you’re cosied into your neck pillow on the plane, which is incredibly satisfying as you drift off. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for over-ears that come with a 3.5mm cable in the case so you can plug into the airplane entertainment system without having to resort to the free foamy monstrosities so you can watch a movie.

True wireless earbuds won't have a cable option (mostly), so if you're taking them on a flight, make sure you've filled your tablet or phone with entertainment.

Once you’ve decided on a fit, it’s time to think about your budget. If you fly regularly or want to silence a noisy metro train daily, you might want to invest in a high-end pair of ANC cans. If you’re just heading onto one short flight and don’t want to spend as much as the ticket on a pair of headphones, plenty of ANC options are available that won’t break the bank. You’ll sacrifice some bells and whistles, but audio quality doesn’t always have to suffer.

Speaking of ANC, you'll want to consider just how much you want to block out the world around you. As we said above, the more you pay the better the ANC tends to be. But that isn't always the case, so be sure to read our first-hand reviews. All of the options in this guide have some level of ANC – we consider it essential for a pair of the best travel headphones – but we also have a guide dedicated to the best noise cancelling headphones and best noise cancelling earbuds specifically if wrapping yourself up in an immersive cocoon of sound is your number one priority.

Higher-end headphones also may come with a system to adjust the air pressure between the seal and your eardrum, which is obviously nice on airplanes, when the pressure changes. Sony's WH-1000XM4 at #1 on this list feature 'Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing' tech, for example, while AirPods Pro 2 at #7 on this list also feature a pressure-balancing system.

How we test the best travel headphones

When we review headphones with active noise cancellation, we always test them for travel as much as possible anyway, since that's usually the hardest test for their noise blocking powers! We listen to them in cities among traffic, on public transport including trains and buses, and we've tested most of these options on flights, to find the best headphones for airplanes.

For audio fidelity, we test headphones from a range of sources, but mainly the best music streaming services . Our tests range from very high-quality tracks on Tidal to the very basic quality of Spotify's app, plus we'll test podcasts, YouTube , movie streams and other common ways to listen. 

We always test out the apps that most modern headphones have, to see how they can affect the experience (for better or worse), plus any features that are enabled by the apps, such as customizable noise cancellation, EQ settings, or spatial audio.

And we'll test the battery claims with actual use – and we'll use them for a long time to test the comfort, while we're at it.

We're comparing our verdicts in all these areas against other products at the same kind of price to arrive at our conclusion of not only whether something sounds good or blocks noise well, but whether it achieves good value while doing that.

Latest updates to the best travel headphones

December 6, 2023 Checked rankings against recent product launches and added in a new lead image.  

June 25, 2023 This guide launches for the first time! All entries were chosen by our team, based on our own reviews and opinions of the products.

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Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Entertainment, meaning he's in charge of persuading our team of writers and reviewers to watch the latest TV shows and movies on gorgeous TVs and listen to fantastic speakers and headphones. It's a tough task, as you can imagine. Matt has over a decade of experience in tech publishing, and previously ran the TV & audio coverage for our colleagues at T3.com, and before that he edited T3 magazine. During his career, he's also contributed to places as varied as Creative Bloq, PC Gamer, PetsRadar, MacLife, and Edge. TV and movie nerdism is his speciality, and he goes to the cinema three times a week. He's always happy to explain the virtues of Dolby Vision over a drink, but he might need to use props, like he's explaining the offside rule.

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Home » Gear » best travel headphones

The 8 Top Travel Headphones in 2024

These days a good pair of headphones is as important a travel essential as a decent travel bag or travel wallet. Travel headphones are a great way of keeping you entertained while traveling, with many of the best also offering the fantastic added extra of noise-cancelling functionality – which is always appreciated on a plane, train, or hotel with noisy air conditioning! What’s more, travel headphones are lightweight and compact too.

But which of the 250 travel headphones on the market should you spend your hard-earned money on? Check out our detailed reviews of the very best available now!

We’ve covered things like best headphones for hiking, best noise cancelling headphone, most compact, in ear, over ear, good travel headphones on a budget. You get the idea, we’ve got them all!

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Games

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• Top Travel Headphones – Bose QuietComfort 35 II
• Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $100 – Silensys E7
• Best Wireless Travel Headphones – Sony WI 1000X
• Best travel headphones for iPhone – Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Apple Devices
• Best Travel Headphones with Microphone – Skullcandy Crusher
• Best Over-ear Travel Headphones – Aftershokz Aeropex Headphones
• Best Travel Earbuds – Skullcandy Earbuds
• BONUS! Best Travel Pillow to use with Headphones – Trtl Pillow Plus

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

• > Wired and wireless
• > Noise-cancelling

Silensys E7

• > Great price
• > Active noise-cancelling

Sony WI 1000X

• > Users can adjust the sound profile

Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Apple Devices

• > Specifically made for Apple devices
• > Built-in microphone

Skullcandy Crusher

• > 40 hours battery life
• > Full range audio drivers plus subwoofer drivers

Aftershokz Aeropex Headphones

• > Lightweight
• > Can be used for fitness routines

Skullcandy Earbuds

• > Made for movement
• > Sweat-resistant

Trtl Pillow Plus

• > Comfortable
• > Perfect for travel headphones!

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These over-ear style closed-back headphones are incredibly comfortable to wear, feel sturdy in the hand, and are simple to set up and use. The QuietComfort 35 II by Bose can be used either wired or wireless and can be connected to two different devices at the same time.

These headphones also offer noise-cancelling functionality, capable of removing a large array of background sounds to create a well-balanced timbre that fits well whatever the music or podcasts you enjoy listening too, although they lack the ability to alter the sound to your own personal likes. The battery life for the QuietComfort 35 IIs is around 20 hours, with charging taking roughly two hours to fully charge.

• Wired and wireless
• Noise-cancelling
• Long battery life
• The over-ear style might not suit every user
• Cannot adjust timbre to personal choice
• Bose AR app only available for iOS users
• Quite bulky

Are the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones for me?

If you’re looking for a pair of over-ear headphones that are going to serve you well during your travels – being comfortable, well-made, and featuring noise-cancelling – then the QuietComfort 35 II by Bose are certainly a very good buy!

The team were super impressed by these headphones, especially those that wanted a superior level of noise cancellation for things like noisy flights or hostel dorms. They love the control they have over the noise cancellation with the 3 levels which is super useful for different travel situations. The addition of alexa, music sharing and the connect app not only adds extra functionality but added levels of control too. They also found the headphones to be pretty light too given their high quality feel.

A pair of travel headphones don’t have to cost hundreds of dollars. Even if you’re on a tight budget as a student or backpacker there are some fantastic pairs of travel headphones on the market to consider. The Silensys E7 active noise-cancelling headphones are one such pair! Though they might lack some of the all-round styling of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones, Silensys E7 do come in five cool colors as well as a glossy black.

More importantly perhaps for those on a budget, these headphones come in at a penny under $70, while still offering active noise-cancelling capabilities in both wired and wireless modes. A built-in microphone allows you to make hands-free calls from your smartphone, while the good-quality sound means you’ll always enjoy using your Silensys E7s.

• Great price
• Good color range
• Active noise-cancelling
• Over-ear style
• Weight of close to 1.5 lbs
• Batteries not included
• Not as sturdy as more expensive models

Are the Silensys E7 active noise-cancelling headphones for me?

Not only do the Silensys E7 headphones offer an excellent price point for anyone traveling on a budget in the need for a good pair of headphones, but also come in some cool color choices if plain black or white isn’t quite your look. Despite the price, these headphones also offer wired and wireless modes and hands-free call taking!

The team were really impressed by the levels of noise cancellation offered for such a great price. They felt that for those that don’t want to spend a few hundred $ on something that could potentially get broken, stolen or lost pretty easy on the road, these were a great solution. Another thing they liked was the cool range of colours which many other brands don’t offer.

Available in black and gold, the Sony WI 1000X are much more exciting than their name might suggest. These in-ear headphones are another closed-back form with a neckband that is both well-made and looks good. These headphones also offer some good noise cancellation despite not being an over-ear form of travel headphone.

Their basic set-up is pretty well-balanced to suit any genre of music, however, the WI 1000X also connect to Sony’s Headphones Connect app (on Android and iOS), from where users can adjust the sound profile to your exact personal tastes! These headphones provide the option of hands-free calling with vibration notifications on the neckband and have ten-hour battery life.

• Users can adjust the sound profile
• In-ear headphone
• Neckband might feel strange to some
• Only black and gold options
• Ten-hour battery life

Are the Sony WI 1000X headphones for me?

Although they are compact and lightweight, this doesn’t stop the Sony WI 1000Xs being wireless headphones with noise-cancelling functionality. They also boast the ability to receive hands-free calls, while true music lovers will adore the ability to adjust the headphones’ sound profile to exactly your preferred settings via the smartphone app.

Our team felt these were the best travel earphones for those looking for a compact in-ear configuration. They loved the deep base and clearer range of frequencies these Sony headphones offer them. They were also impressed by the fact that such a small, light and in ear headphone offers noise cancellation abilities and they felt they were very effective too.

If you have a more recent edition of an iPhone then Apple’s decision to do away with the standard 3.5mm audio jack a few years ago means you’ll be searching for travel headphones which use a lightning connector instead. Those fine folk at Bose have come to the rescue with the Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Cancelling Headphone for Apple devices.

These wired in-ear travel headphones have added StayHear+ tips to ensure the best and most comfortable fit possible, while a built-in microphone, neck-line controls and clothing clip make it incredibly easy to switch between listening to music and making calls on your iPhone.

• Specifically made for Apple devices
• No lightning adapters required
• Built-in microphone
• In-ear headphones
• 16-hour battery life
• Only in black

Are the Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Apple Devices for me?

Apple product users are limited in their choice of headphones to some extent, however, that doesn’t mean they have to settle for second best. The Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Apple devices provide all the features you’d expect from a good pair of travel headphones at this price point while being specifically made for iPhone and other Apple devices!

Our team rate these as their best travel earphones for Apple users due to their superb sound quality and the awesome effectiveness of the noise cancellation for such small headphones. They felt being so small they were pretty much perfect for travellers, especially those who spend heaps of time flying. They also remarked how comfortable these were too.

The Skullcandy Crusher travel headphones are a simply phenomenal pair of headphones all around. Their sleek look – in black, maroon, olive green, and white – make these over-ear closed-back headphones very attractive and street worthy. But more than just looking great, these headphones do their job extraordinarily well too. The use of two full-range audio drivers in addition to two subwoofer drivers creates a strongly immersive experience with adjustable bass levels.

They are also wireless, with up to 40 hours of Bluetooth battery life after a full charge of 2.5 hours, while just ten minutes of charging promises to deliver three hours of functionality. On-ear buttons together with the built-in microphone allow you to answer calls, and adjust sound settings without the need to ever reach for your smartphone!

• Full-range audio drivers plus subwoofer drivers
• 40 hours of battery life
• Over-ear headphones
• Weight of 0.6 lbs
• No horizontal or vertical swivel
• Soft packing bag supplied

Are the Skullcandy Crusher Travel Headphones for me?

Anyone looking for a good pair of travel headphones with a built-in microphone should be drawn towards the Skullcandy Crusher headphones. They have a nice look and excellent audio and subwoofer drivers, while Skullcandy seems to have upped the build quality from previous headphone models! Fully wireless, they also boast an impressive 40-hour battery life.

The team love the Skullcandy headphones for many reasons, but the main one has to be how cool they look! Ok, they’re not that shallow, they also told us just how comfortable these headphones are, in fact, possibly the most comfortable they’ve ever used. They are also great in warmer weather too with the material not being as “sticky” when sweating! They also found the battery level to be almost unbeatable too and perfect for long travel stints and times when recharging is difficult.

We’ve already given you some great examples of over-ear travel headphones in our other categories, but the Aftershokz Aeropex Headphones make the cut as our best over-ear travel headphones for a number of reasons. Firstly, they are incredibly lightweight, weighing in at an almost unbelievable 0.9 ounces! Then there’s the fact these travel headphones are waterproof and sturdy enough in their fit that they can be used for athletic events such as jogging or other fitness routines.

When it comes to tech, the Aeropex Headphones are wireless, and have a built-in microphone and volume control, while fitting snuggly behind the head/neck, allowing bone conduction technology to deliver sound through the skull so you’re still able to capture ambient sounds around you that you might need to hear!

• Lightweight
• Can be used for fitness routines
• Neckbrace style fitting
• 8-hour battery life
• Imported into the US

Are the Aftershokz Aeropex Headphones for me?

If you need a lightweight pair of headphones that aren’t going to fall off as soon as you take a couple of steps jogging, you really should consider the Aftershokz Aeropex Headphones. Weighing less than an ounce, these headphones are waterproof too, meaning you don’t have to stop training with them if and when the weather turns. Additionally, these headphones have built-in volume control and microphone for taking calls!

The team feel these are the best headphones for hiking due to the way in which the design allows you to still be very aware of your surroundings whilst listening to music or a podcast. The design is also perfect for those who want to still be able to hold conversations with their headphones on. The style is also pretty low key and they found they stayed in place well whilst hiking or running and wern’t big enough to get hot or sweaty too.

The Skullcandy Method travel earbuds, or in-ear travel headphones, are also designed with sport and movement in mind and are sweat-resistant as a result. DualLock technology, together with the neck brace or ‘collar’ mean these travel headphones are easy to keep in place even when active.

They have Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in microphone for answering any calls you might receive while out and about, while you’ll find further controls within easy reach on the collar. The battery for the Skullcandy Method Earbuds charges in just 2.5 hours, giving users nine hours of music – enough for a double marathon!

• Made for movement
• Sweat-resistant
• Controls on neck collar
• Neck collar might be uncomfortable to some
• 9-hour battery life
• Not fully wireless

Are the Skullcandy Method Earbuds for me?

Using headphones while doing heavy exercise can be difficult, but the Skullcandy Method Earbuds have DualLock technology and a neck collar to prevent the buds slipping or falling out. What’s more, the collar incorporates a whole load of useful controls alongside a built-in microphone for taking calls and wireless Bluetooth connectivity so you don’t get tangled up in wires as you break those personal training records!

The team were really impressed by the sheer range of features and functions on such a small and lightweight pair of headphones. They felt in terms of travel headphones, there size and weight makes them perfect. In terms of battery life, for their size they were again suitably impressed.

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Ok, so you’ve got some good travel headphones, but you want to use a travel pillow. Hmm, what to do!?

You’re on a plane, or train, or bus, and want to while away the time with music and podcasts but also want to be comfortable throughout by using a travel pillow. What do you do? You need a travel pillow that won’t interfere with your headphones, with the Trtl Pillow Plus a great example of its kind.

Being scarf-like wrap rather than a traditional travel pillow it is soft to the touch, lightweight and unbulky while providing all the support you need to rest well thanks to a in-built plastic headrest. Leaving the ears and lower head free, the Trtl Pillow Plus doesn’t clash with headphones, whether you prefer to use over-ear or in-ear versions, making it the perfect addition to your travel must-haves!

• Comfortable
• Perfect for travel headphones!
• In-built support limits you to one sleeping position
• One-size only
• Not a traditional travel pillow
• No direct connectivity to travel headphones

Is the Trtl Pillow Plus Travel Headphone Pillow for me?

Offering a great combination of features that are easily useable in collaboration with a pair of travel headphones makes the Trtl Pillow Plus a great choice for any traveler. Lightweight, and much less bulky than a traditional travel pillow, it provides comfortable support for those looking to rest that doesn’t get in the way of headphone use.

Our team love this new style solution to that age old problem, sleeping whilst sat upright! The neck support allows them to avoid waking up stiff and sore and the low profile and lightweight construction makes it easier to carry than a conventional pillow/ neck pilow. Most importantly for this post, they love that the design doesn’t cover the ears allowing them to wear pretty much any kind of headphones with ease.

Plantronics Backbeat

The Plantronics Backbeat over-ear headphones have an attractive vintage look of black and tan that provides up to 24 hours of wireless music before having to connect up to a cable or charge. Its Bluetooth connectivity extends to a very healthy 100 meters with the ability to be connected to two different devices at the same time, while these headphones are also great for travel because they can be twisted flat and kept in a protective travel sleeve.

On top of that, the Plantronics Backbeat headphones have active noise-cancelling that massively reduces ambient noise while providing top quality audio with powerful audio drivers which create a sound that is rich right across the sound spectrum.

• Stylish look
• Travel-friendly design
• 100m Bluetooth connectivity
• Very specific style
• 6 lb in weight
• No built-in microphone

Are the Plantronics Backbeat headphones for me?

When it comes to headphones that look the part as well as sounding the part, the Plantronics Backbeat over-ear headphones are another fine choice! Not only do they offer great sound quality, but have a battery life that lasts an entire day on one charge, and twist flat so they can be safely packed away without taking up huge amounts of space.

The team love the classic look of these headphone and for those wanting something that they can wear in professional settings, these worked perfectly. The placement of the controls is also pretty unique and the team felt that they were easier to use than many others on this list. They also loved how bassy these headphones were, especially for those favouring heavy metal and dance music.

Sennheiser HD 4.50

Although the Sennheiser brand may not be as well known as Sony, Bose, or Skullcandy, we think these over-ear headphones deserve looking at! Although wireless, the use of Bluetooth 4.0 and aptx technologies ensures a fine sound quality can still be enjoyed. Users of these headphones can also enjoy NoiseGard active noise-cancelling, removing all that irritating ambient background noise that are frequently found in offices, and on various forms of transport.

Ear-mounted buttons make it really easy and simple to stay in control, while the built-in microphone ensures you can make and take calls without reaching for your smartphone. These headphones also come with a very good battery life of 19 hours after a full charge!

• High-quality sound
• NoiseGard active noise-cancelling
• Ear-mounted buttons and built-in microphone
• Over-ear design
• No protective carry case supplied
• Weight of 8 ounces
• Not great for those larger in stature

Are the Sennheiser HD 4.50 headphones for me?

If branding isn’t all important to you, lesser-known Sennheiser has been creating noise-cancelling headphones since 1984, giving them an incredible pedigree and heritage in this sort of technology. The HD 4.50 headphones also offer wireless listening for up to 19 hours in one go, alongside a built-in microphone for making wireless calls, and ear-mounted buttons for easy control.

The Sennheiser brand is well known throughout our team and they just love the high build quality which gives them a real sense on longevity. Another plus point is the superb and accurate sound levels that really blow other options out of the water.

Jabra Elite 85h

One of the chunkier over-ear headphones on our list, the Jabra Elite 85h are fully wireless headphones with smart active noise cancellation that kicks in automatically if it detects background noise such as the hum of an aircraft. Their very clever SmartSound technology means that you’re always guaranteed the best quality sound for your environment, while even with active noise-cancelling switched on they offer a battery life of 36 hours on a single charging.

Users can also get five hours of action with just 15 minutes of charging – perfect if you’re never in the same place for very long! The Jabra Elite 85h headphones also have eight built-in microphones for the very best call quality whatever the noise coming from your background surroundings.

• Fully wireless
• Smart active noise cancellation
• 36-hour battery life
• Multiple built-in microphones for making calls
• Quite bulky to wear
• Water resistant but not waterproof
• Short charging cable

Are the Jabra Elite 85h headphones for me?

These over-ear headphones are impressive all-rounders in an ever-busier marketplace. With active noise-cancelling that is triggered automatically when it picks up background noise, and SmartSound tech that guarantees top-quality sound whatever that background, users can be sure never to miss a beat. And with 8 different microphones built-in, those you talk to wireless won’t have any problem picking up what you’re saying either!

The team felt these were a great option for those on a budget wanting headphones which offer great noise cancellation, a range of features and functionality as well as looking good too. They also felt the sound quality and the base levels were also pretty damn good too for such well priced headphones.

Bose QuietControl30

The little brother or sister of the Bose QuietControl 35 II (already reviewed above), the Bose QuietControl30 wireless headphones offer great sound despite their lightweight nature! These in-ear headphones and next collar incorporate controls on the wire connecting earbud with collar, while these headphones are otherwise wireless.

These headphones also offer the ability to alter the level of noise cancellation to your immediate surroundings, while offering both Bluetooth and NFC connectivity. A dual microphone system makes calls clearer than with headphones using a single built-in microphone and can be used for up to 10 hours on a single full charge.

• Easy access controls at ear level
• Adaptive noise cancellation technology
• Dual microphone system for clear calls
• Neck collar may be awkward for some
• Do not allow Bose music sharing
• 10-hour battery life

Are the Bose QuietControl 30 headphones for me?

If you like the sound of the Bose QuietControl 35 II but are after something a little lighter and less bulky then the BoseQuietControl 30 are the ideal alternative. With Bluetooth and NFC wireless connectivity and two in-built microphones, you can listen to music and make calls without having to reach for your smartphone, with these headphones having enough battery life to keep you entertained on the move for up to 10 hours.

Our team felt these were a close second when it comes to the best headphones for hiking given how well they stayed in their ears. More than that though they were super impressed by the levels of noise cancellation offered by headphones that are so small and light. They also loved that the Bluetooth transmitter could fit inside a planes standard jack and so connect with the inflight entertainment system easily.

Philips PH805

Folding in on themselves to reduce the amount of space they take up in a bag, these over-ear headphones by Philips have a luxurious-feeling memory foam cover than rests over or on top of your ears, to make sure they remain comfortable throughout the day! There’s in-line control and a microphone switch for moving effortlessly between listening to music and taking or making a call, while the specially-designed standalone acoustic chambers and optimized 40mm neodymium drivers ensure good sound quality. The Philips PH805 headphones also feature noise-cancellation technology, and come in at just 8 ounces in weight!

• Folding to reduce storage space
• Memory foam covers
• Great quality sound
• Noise-cancelling tech
• Lack some style
• Over/on-ear headphones
• Not wireless
• Imported to US

Are the Philips PH805 headphones for me?

These Philips PH805 headphones provide a good balance between cost, sound quality, usability, and size. Ear comfort is protected through the use of memory foam covers, while the drivers and acoustic chambers used to create a wonderful sound. Further, the Philips PH805 have noise-cancelling technology built-in, so however noisy the surrounding environment you find yourself in, you’ll still be able to enjoy music as it should be heard.

For what are a super cheap pair of headphones, the team were pretty impressed by what they offered. For less than 40 quid you get decent noise cancellation, good portability and a lightweight design. The wires might be a drawback but for those wanting to switch between their phone, laptop and the entertainment system on the plane, they know it will be quick and easy.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

How to choose the best travel headphones for you

Over-ear versus in-ear headphones

One of the first questions you should ask yourself when you’re thinking of splashing out on a new pair of travel headphones is which sort of headphone do you prefer? Are you a fan of over-ear headphones that make it much easier to become fully immersed in what you’re listening to, or in-ear headphones which tend to be lighter but have slightly reduced sound qualities as a result? Do you like the feel of the neck collars/braces that accompany many modern in-ear choices?

Also, bear in mind what activity or activities you plan to use these headphones for! For example, if you intend to primarily use your new headphones for exercise or activities with a lot of movement, be sure to pick a pair that are specifically built for the purpose. That way, you’ll be sure that your headphones will last, and resist the rigours of running, for instance.

In general, if you’re going to be running or you’re looking for as an example, the best headphones for hiking, you’re going to want ones that will stay in whilst you’re being active too. So, looking for the best travel earphones, ones that go inside your actual ear, is perfect.

Wired, wireless, and true wireless

For most people, deciding between wired, wireless, and true wireless travel headphones is a pretty easy choice coming down to personal preference and what you’re used to. We’d say doing away with wires is definitely the way to go, especially when traveling, when there are already ten different things to get tangled up in! As for the difference between wireless and true wireless, a wireless travel headphone will connect to your smartphone or device through Bluetooth but might have a wire between earbud and neck brace, while you’ll find no wires on any sort in a truly wireless travel headphone.

Other features to consider

While most brands of headphone in the same price bracket will have similar features, its worth noting down exactly what you are looking for in your pair of travel headphones. We’d say finding a pair with good noise-cancelling functionality is all important when traveling – given the amount of noisy downtime you’re likely to face on planes, trains, and elsewhere. The so-called ‘ambient’ noise on a plane can hit 60 decibels for example, which explains why its always so difficult to fully hear films using the airline’s free headphones.

In addition, are you also looking for compact size, so that your travel headphones pack down really small (another reason to opt for in-ear headphones perhaps)? Maybe it’s sound quality which is more important to you.

You will also want to decide whether or not you’re going to want a built-in microphone system, enabling you to make hands-free calls. Frankly we say that if you’re going to be using your smartphone to listen to music, why not also have that hands-free capability!

There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out travel gear, but here at The Broke Backpackers, we’ve got enough experience to have gotten pretty good at it!

When we set about testing a piece of gear, we start by handing each item out to various members of our team spread around the world. This means we always get different opinions and experiences when it comes to feedback.

Our testing revolves around a series of parameters we use for each item to fairly compare them to one another. We look at how well each piece fulfils its primary purpose. So when it comes to picking out good travel headphones that are things like portability, weight, size, noise cancellations, battery life and durability as well as sound quality.

Finally, we also take into account how an item is priced – So more expensive headphones that performed poorly were treated more harshly when it came to doling out points. On the other hand, cheaper headphones were given a bit more leeway.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

Are bluetooth headphones better than wired headphones?

That depends on your personal preference. Bluetooth headphones are definitely handier but they also need to be charged which can get a bit annoying. However, the wire connected with your headphones can get tangled in your clothes and other objects.

Can you wear bluetooth headphones on a plane?

Yes, you can wear bluetooth headphones on a plane. If you’re worried, keep them disconnected during landing and take-off.

Are noise-cancelling headphones any good?

Noise-cancelling headphones are great for people that need to work on their laptop in a busy environment. There is no disadvantage of noice cancelling, unless you need to be aware of your surroundings.

What are the best budget travel headphones?

The Silensys E7 are the best noise-cancelling headphones that are not just high in quality, but also pretty affordable.

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A final point for all those iPhone and iPad users out there

Don’t forget that if you’re a user of Apple iOS products you’re going to need to take the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack into consideration for wired headphones, or you’ll also be faced with needing to add a lightning adapter to your kit list!

When you’re thinking about travel headphones there’s a lot to consider – as you’ve probably already discovered! However, the good news is that we’ve done much of the hard graft for you guys, and we’ve cast our eyes across the 250 different travel headphones out there to bring you only the very best! What’s more, our links make it really easy to make that purchase a reality – so get clicking!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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The 11 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested noise-canceling headphones to find the best options for all of your travels.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks

Our Testing Process

• Others We Liked
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Whether you can’t get enough of music, podcasts, or audiobooks, a pair of the best noise-canceling headphones can significantly improve the quality of your listening experience — especially if you’re traveling on a plane, commuting on a busy route, or working amid an abundance of background noise. 

In our New York City lab, we tested 27 pairs of noise-canceling headphones from the industry’s leading brands, including Apple, Samsung, and Jabra. We performed a series of tests that evaluated ease of use, functionality, comfort, and, of course, sound quality. We listened to a series of noises at different frequencies, such as a screaming baby, an airplane cabin, and a siren, to discover which headphones truly have the most ear-saving power. We then also tested all of these headphones out in the real-world to guarantee the best results to guide you while you shop.

The best noise-canceling headphones we tested are the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700. These tried-and-true wireless headphones blew us away with the ability to silence any fracas with their active noise-canceling. On top of that, they are exceptionally comfortable to wear and are easy to set up and use. If over-the-ear headphones aren’t your style preference, we also have versatile earbud recommendations as well as verdicts on the best multi-use and budget options.

Best Overall

Bose noise cancelling headphones.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Functionality 5 /5
• Sound Quality 5 /5
• Noise Cancelation 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

These have a unique adjustability with an expandable headband and ear cups that slide up and down for an even better fit.

They didn't feel as secure on the head as other headphones we tested.

The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 earned the top spot on our list for the best noise-canceling headphones with superior performance across all of our testing categories. Most notably, these headphones blocked almost all outside sound with their active noise-canceling feature turned on. There are 11 levels of passive and active noise-canceling on this Bose model, and when we used the headphones at the highest setting, we couldn’t even hear ourselves voice talking. Even after six months of use, we found these to have the best noise cancellation capabilities of any headphones we tested.

Along with the great noise cancellation quality, we also love how slim the case is — those two qualities seem ideal for commuting to the office. We wore these on a five-hour flight, and they were comfortable the whole time. The right earcup has touch sensors to adjust the sound level and noise-canceling presets as well as power the headphones on and off. Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa can work with these Bose headphones to allow hands-free assistance for answering texts or changing music selections. They're simple and easy to set up, but users will need to download the Bose app to take advantage of the headphones’ full functionality. Additionally, they're comfortable to wear, but when we moved around a bit, they didn’t feel as secure as some of the other headphones we tested.

The Details: Up to 20 hours battery life | Up to 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 8.96 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Anker soundcore life p3.

• Sound Quality 4 /5
• Noise Cancelation 4 /5
• Comfort 4.5 /5

The sound quality of the music is sharp and vibrant.

The sound quality isn’t as good during phone calls and it takes a few moments to turn them off and on.

For a pair of noise-canceling headphones at such an accessible price, we were impressed with the excellent sound projected from the Anker Soundcore Life P3 during testing. When listening to music at a low level, the active noise-canceling concealed all outside sounds, including the decibel tests with a baby screaming, a siren, subway sounds, and more. However, during the phone test, the person on the other end of our call could hear outside sounds. If some background noise during phone calls doesn’t bother you, this shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s something to consider if your primary use of these headphones would be for something requiring no disturbances.

After using these headphones for a full month, we found them to be so comfortable that we often forget we're wearing them. There are also several different sizes of tips included so you can tailor your headphones to your own preference. Users will need to download the Soundcore app to control the noise-cancelation settings, but the app was simple to use and the earbuds paired to our device immediately. 

The Details: 7 hours of playing time and another 35 hours with the case | Android and iOS | 2.24 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Sound, Earbuds

Samsung galaxy buds pro.

The headphones have crisp and clear sound quality. 

The price depends on the color — some are more expensive than others.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro headphones block out all surrounding noise and provide a vibrant sound. We love how lightweight and comfortable the earbuds are to wear, and they feel secure when you’re on the move. In lab testing, the active noise-canceling feature prevented almost all outside noises from being heard, except for some ambient noise at 84.5 decibels. Other than that, we couldn’t hear a siren, a baby screaming, an airplane cabin, or a construction drill at various decibel levels. Although Samsung is an Android product, we used an iPhone to pair with the earbuds and it was simple and hassle-free. Users can tap an earbud to adjust the active noise-cancelation and transparency levels as well as pause or play a song. We loved that it does a great job of adding bass to songs, creating a vibrant listening experience.

The Details: Up to 8 hours battery life | Up to 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 1.2 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Best Sound, Over-ear

Jbl tour one m2.

The smart noise cancelation instantly adapts to mask any new sounds introduced to your environment.

Talking on the phone or during video calls takes some getting used to as your own voice may sound echoey.

For daily commuters, frequent travelers, or anyone else who wants to be completely immersed in sound, JBL's Tour One M2 headphones have the adaptive technology you need to get that concert-quality experience. You can use these over-ear headphones right out of the box without the app, you just connect them to your device as you would any other Bluetooth device. The app, however, is helpful with interactive images to help guide you through headphone setup or to change the settings including the tap controls. Throughout our tests, we were able to connect to multiple devices, and especially love how it prioritizes your phone so, if you get a call while listening to your computer, it automatically switches devices when you answer.

These headphones are perfect for audiophiles as the noise-blocking capabilities are so advanced, it actually takes some getting used to. The Tour One M2's have smart noise cancelation that continuously adjusts as you’re wearing so if, for example, a train or siren goes by, the noise is blocked along with the regular nat sound of the room. We loved listening to music on these and felt more focused when listening to podcasts and audiobooks because there wasn’t any distracting background noise. It really allows you to be in your own world with whatever you’re listening to.

The Details: Up to 50 hours battery life | Android and iOS | 9.6 ounces | Over-ear

Most Comfortable, Over-ear

Sony wh-1000xm5 headphones.

 Amazon

• Ease of Use 2 /5
• Functionality 4 /5

They completely block out loud sounds and background noises.

The set-up can be tricky at first.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are one of the most impressive all-around noise-canceling headphones we've used. We loved the lightweight and comfortable fit of the headphones; they aren't too snug or too loose but do appear slightly bulky on the head. During lab testing, these headphones impressed us with their automatic adaptive noise-canceling, which turns the noise-canceling on and off when someone starts speaking and allows users to easily skip or pause songs by tapping the side of the ear cups. When the active noise-canceling was turned on, it could prevent the sounds of a ride-on lawnmower from being heard while landscaping. And, when we walked around the city, the headphones created a “bubble” where outside noises were completely tuned out.

We did have some difficulties setting up the headphones due to a lack of instructions included by Sony, but once the app was downloaded, it became a much more intuitive experience. While the setup was tricky, these headphones more than made up for the inconvenience with incredible active noise cancelation.

The Details: Up to 30 hours battery life | Up to 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 8.8 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Most Comfortable, Earbuds

Jabra elite 85t earbuds.

• Functionality 4.5 /5
• Sound Quality 4.5 /5
• Noise Cancelation 4.5 /5

The Jabra app has a tool that tests sound leakage and recommends which size of the rubber earbud tip should be used.

You may have to read the directions to help with connecting to your computer.

Earbuds can be uncomfortable to wear for long amounts of time, but the Jabra Elite 85ts come with several thoughtful features to enhance comfort. There are three different sizes of rubber earbud tips, and the Jabra Sound+ app has a tool that emits a sound to test for leakage so that it can recommend the best fit for improving sound and comfort quality. We loved how lightweight and secure the earbuds felt.

There are 11 sound levels with active noise-canceling and a transparency mode for when you need to hear surrounding sounds better. You can toggle between six included sound settings and create custom presets on the app or by tapping the earbud. After wearing these headphones regularly for one month, we found that the noise-canceling aspect does work really well and makes for much more pleasant rides on the commuter train. These earbuds would be ideal for commuting or extended flights when travelers want to listen to music for long periods of time without having to worry about ear pain. 

The Details: Up to 25 hours battery life | 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 1.06 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen

Best Splurge

Apple airpods max.

The sound quality and noise-canceling are excellent during phone calls.

They don't turn off unless they're in the case, so you have to always carry the case with you.

Apple’s first pair of over-the-ear headphones, the AirPods Max earned our fandom with noise-canceling abilities that blocked out nearly all outside commotion while providing crisp and vibrant sound for music and phone calls. We found the sound quality to be much higher than other options, and the cancel/transparency range is larger. We also appreciated how intuitive the headphones are to use thanks to buttons along the earpiece that allow you to adjust the sound level, play or skip a song, and change the active noise-cancelation and transparency settings. During our decibel tests, the headphones only let in the sound of a screaming baby at 75.3 decibels; otherwise, the noise-cancelation blocked out sirens, talking, construction drills, and more. Even with the transparency setting on, we noted that the headphones provided a noise-blocking effect.

The headphones are comfortable to wear and shaped nicely to our heads without many adjustments needed, but they still not be the best option to use during your workouts. Although these Apple headphones have a higher price point than some, we think the sound and material quality match the cost for those who have a larger budget. Even after six months of regular use, these headphones certainly live up to the hype and continue to deliver an amazing listening experience.

The Details: Up to 20 hours battery life | 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 13.6 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Best Battery Life

Jabra elite 85h.

There are six preset equalizer settings, but you can save custom presets, too.

The noise-cancelation didn’t feel as strong as other headphones we tested.

On one single charge, the Jabra Elite 85H has a 36-hour battery life with the active noise cancelation turned on — an ideal length for travelers that might not have regular access to a power-up. To pair the headphones and control the noise-canceling abilities, users will have to download the Jabra Sound+ app, which includes features like sleep mode and a headphone tracker to find them if they get misplaced. We had no issues setting up the app and appreciated the tour the app gave that outlined how to use the headphones. After one month of regular use, these exceeded our expectations. The audio quality is amazing and the noise cancelation and hear-through mode works like a charm.

The noise-canceling feature especially impressed us by blocking out ambient noise like the sounds of an airplane cabin. We were able to hear the highest-pitched sounds like a baby screaming, but thoughtful features like the ability to play white noise from the app help block out noise. The headphones are comfortable to wear but aren’t as lightweight as the others we tested. On the plus side for portability, they fold up and fit into a compact carrying case that is perfect for air travel. 

The Details: Up to 36 hours battery life | 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 10.4 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Best for Apple Users

Apple airpods pro.

• Durability 4.5 /5

It takes Apple users seconds and almost no effort to pair Apple AirPods Pro.

After six months of use, we noticed the battery life doesn't last as long as when they were new.

Apple users who are looking to stay within the iOS family should consider the AirPods Pros. The pairing process for Apple users takes minimal effort and almost no time at all. We paired the headphones to a phone easily and were able to adjust the active noise-canceling and transparency features without issue. The sound quality of the headphones didn’t blow us away, but we were thoroughly impressed with the noise-canceling ability that silenced any outside noise, including our simulated tests with sounds like a siren, a screaming baby, and a car honking. On a flight, we were impressed with the quality and its ability to drown out the airplane noises.

To suit your size preference, the Apple earbuds come with three different earbud tips so you can customize how snug you want them to feel in your ear. Another great feature for Apple users is the ability to track your earbuds if you misplace them by using the Find My Friends app on an iPhone. Android users can certainly enjoy a pair of AirPods Pros, but we think Apple users or people new to using wireless earbuds will appreciate the convenience the most. [Note: We tested the first generation headphones here, but we've also later reviewed the newer model as well.]

The Details: Up to 5 hours battery life | Android and iOS | 0.18 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Best Multi-use

Beats fit pro noise canceling earbuds.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

You can skip songs and adjust the volume level by tapping on the earbud.

The control buttons aren't easy to locate; you may have to feel around to find them.

Whether you're traveling, commuting, or working out at the gym, you'll love how comfortable and intuitive the Beats Fit Pros are. Pairing the headphones to a phone is incredibly easy — all you have to do is open the case and the device will automatically connect via Bluetooth. These earbuds have special audio that allows users to adjust the sound transparency to completely block out noise or allow it to filter through while using the earbuds. The sound quality for playing music was powerful, and nothing leaked through the active noise-cancelation. However, when talking on the phone, you may not want to activate the noise-canceling feature, otherwise you may not sound clear on the other end. After six months of regular use, we're so impressed with the battery power on these headphones and find that they only need to be charged once a week.

The Details: Up to 24 hours battery life | 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Best Customizable

Bose quietcomfort earbuds.

• Ease of Use 4 /5
• Comfort 3.5 /5
• Noise-Cancellation 5 /5

We love the quiet mode for when you really need to focus.

They may not be comfortable for people with small ears.

When it comes to noise-canceling headphones, we usually focus on blocking out sound so you can hear your music or movie without distraction. These headphones take things one step further by allowing users to customize their own noise-cancelation mode from a full cancelation "quiet" mode to a fully aware mode that automatically adjusts based on your surroundings. There's also an app you can use to track you earbuds — not just the case — in case one gets lost. We were also very impressed with the sound quality of these earbuds when listening to music. It feels like a full surround system and the music is so clear. The downside is that the left earbud doesn't work on its own since the Bluetooth actually connects to the right bud. Both earbuds also have tap controls, so these are best used together for optimal listening.

The Details: Up to 6 hours battery life | 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 0.3 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

We gathered our product testers in our New York City lab to find the best noise-canceling headphones through a series of tests that evaluated ease of use, functionality, sound quality, comfort, noise-cancelation, and overall value. We tested 27 earbuds and headphones from industry-leading tech and audio brands like Apple, Bose, Sony, and more.

To test the ease of use, we had our participants unbox each set of headphones and note how easy it was to pair their cellphones to them. Some brands require an app to be downloaded that controls the features of each headphone, whereas others can be controlled by tapping on the earbud to adjust the settings. These features were tested for functionality to determine how difficult it was to navigate the headphones’ features.

Next, we carefully considered the comfort of each pair of headphones and earbuds. Some earbuds came with multiple sizes of rubber tips, and the over-the-ear headphones could be adjusted to fit the shape of the user’s head. Everyone made a phone call to test the microphone and asked the person on the other end of the call how clear their voice sounded. 

Our team used the headphones during a variety of noise-canceling challenges that included listening to music while walking around outside and participating in frequency assessments to listen for sounds at different levels with and without music playing. The decibel tests included a baby screaming, sirens, subway noises, construction drills, cars honking, and airplane cabin noises.

Travel + Lesiure / Vicky Wasik

Other Noise-canceling Headphones We Liked

Some noise-canceling headphones came close to making our list of top performers, but the pairs below lacked features and qualities compared to our winners. 

Bose QuietComfort 35 II : These headphones were comfortable to wear and easily blocked ambient sounds, but the sound quality didn’t impress us, and we think there are better headphones out there for the same price or less. 

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX : These have a great battery life and the app is easy to use, but the price is high considering we couldn’t fully tell the difference between the active noise-canceling and transparency settings. 

Sony WH-1000XM4 : Despite having excellent sound quality and noise-canceling abilities, the newer version of these headphones outperformed this older set during testing. 

OnePlus Buds Pro True Wireless Earbuds : These earbuds are simple to use, but they weren’t the most comfortable to wear and felt disorienting when listening to only one earbud at a time.

Tips for Buying Noise-canceling Headphones

Consider your primary use .

Depending on what you plan on using a pair of noise-canceling headphones for, be sure to consider factors like earbuds versus headphones, noise-canceling ability with phone calls versus music, and the price. If you’re planning on using a pair of noise-canceling headphones for work, consider prioritizing headphones that block out noise during phone calls specifically. For travelers, a lightweight pair of earbuds will be best for portability as well as long battery life and overall comfort for long journeys. 

Know the pros and cons of overhead versus earbuds

Overhead headphones and earbuds can both offer excellent noise-canceling abilities but differ when it comes to style, portability, and comfort. Travelers might find earbuds to be easier to carry around — especially if they are already bringing along a travel pillow — but headphones that go over the ears may end up being more comfortable for longer amounts of time. Plus, while earbuds are small and discreet, headphones are noticeable and could get in the way of workouts or sleeping on your side.

Noise-canceling headphones are designed to reduce background noise while listening to music or talking on the phone. While they can’t eliminate all surrounding sounds, active noise-cancellation can help with drowning out ambient noise and providing clear and crisp sound quality whether you’re listening to music or taking a phone call. Some headphones, like those from the Jabra brand, have white noise features that let users listen to sounds like ocean waves to help cover outside noise.

Active noise-canceling (ANC) neutralizes outside sounds using built-in microphones to pick up sounds and using sounds that are out of phase with the external sounds to counteract ambient noise. Passive noise-canceling features are the physical design of the earbud or headphones that prevent outside noise. For example, the shape and cushion of ear cups and the rubber tips on earbuds are passive noise-canceling features. 

Noise-canceling headphones, especially over-ear headphones, generally have padding and other components that block noise even when they are not projecting music. Active noise-canceling headphones (ANC) can block noise whether or not you are playing music.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best noise-canceling headphones based on a series of tests completed by our testers in our lab.

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We tested the 6 best noise-canceling headphones for travel

I can't fly anywhere without a pair of noise-canceling headphones.

Even if I'm not actively listening to music or enjoying a TV show, I often use noise-canceling headphones to drown out background noise.

If you've traveled recently, I probably don't need to convince you of the value of a pair of these headphones. These days, there are more distractions than ever in airports and on planes — there are only so many times I can hear the same canned pitch for a cobranded airline credit card.

However, if you really want to drown out everything, which pair of headphones or earphones does it best? Here's a guide to my current favorites based on portability, sound experience, comfort, battery life and, of course, how well their noise-canceling abilities fare in the TPG hair dryer test.

Apple AirPods Pro

How portable are they.

Since their introduction in 2019, Apple's AirPods Pro have been my go-to travel headphones, thanks in no small part to their portability.

AirPods Pro have two components: a charging case and the earbuds. The charging case is where the AirPods sit when they're not in your ears, and there's even a built-in speaker to help you find the case if you misplace it.

The actual earbuds are much smaller than Apple's entry-level AirPods, and they're much less bulky and unwieldy than some other earbuds on the market.

How is the sound?

Apple recently introduced the second-generation AirPods Pro with a claim of double the active noise cancellation of the legacy model. If you were on the fence about these earbuds before, this updated model should make them a no-brainer for most travelers who use an iPhone.

With the second-generation buds, I am disturbed by fewer announcements and chatty passengers than with the original model. The sound quality is also noticeably better, thanks to a more powerful audio driver.

How comfortable are they?

Aside from the portability, the AirPods Pro also excel in terms of comfort.

As you decide which headphones are right for you, you'll need to choose between in-ear and over-ear models. Back in the day, in-ear headphones didn't offer great noise cancellation. However, Apple and its competitors have since introduced earbuds that feature this travel must-have.

That's great news since I find earbuds are generally more comfortable than over-ear headphones. Also, with four tip sizes included with the AirPods Pro, you're bound to find the right fit.

How is the battery?

The second-generation AirPods Pro offer up to six hours of listening time with a single charge. The charging case offers 30 hours of listening time, and just five minutes in the case provides about one additional hour of listening time.

The hair-dryer test

To simulate the background noise on an airplane, I borrowed my wife's Dyson hair dryer and blasted it at full force next to my ears while listening to the same song (Taylor Swift's "Enchanted") through each of the following six pairs of headphones (set at the same 80% volume level).

The verdict? I could hear the blow dryer when it was at the highest setting, but only just.

Are they worth it?

The fact that the AirPods Pro fit in my pocket makes them a game changer for travel. I used to lug around bulky over-ear headphones, but why bother when you can get great sound quality in a pair of earbuds that fit in the palm of your hand?

Sure, there are headphones that offer better noise cancellation, but the AirPods Pro pack the best mix of sound, noise cancellation and portability that an iPhone user will find in a small package.

Additionally, with multiple microphones, they double as a great set of headphones for those who make phone calls while on the road.

Buy now for $199.00 and save 20% on the standard price of $249.00

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Bose's Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are the company's sleekest over-ear headphones, but you'll still need to tote around a nearly 1-pound pouch when the headphones are stowed safely in your bag.

Aside from Bluetooth wireless connectivity, I love that you can also use the provided 3.5-millimeter audio cable to plug the headphones into seatback entertainment systems that don't yet support Bluetooth.

Bose is renowned for its best-in-class noise-canceling headphones, and the 700 series builds on that legacy with some of the best sound and noise cancellation you'll get in a pair of headphones.

I always feel immersed in my music when I listen to these headphones, and the noise cancellation is among the best I've experienced.

I also love that you can adjust the noise-cancellation levels to control how much of the outside world you want to hear.

These headphones are much more comfortable than some of Bose's older models, but they aren't for everyone.

During long-haul flights, I find that my ears sometimes start feeling numb after wearing these headphones for prolonged periods (something that hasn't bothered me with other over-ear headphones like the AirPods Max).

Bose's top-of-the-line headphones offer up to 20 hours of nonstop listening. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to fully recharge the headphones, and a quick 15-minute charge will provide up to 3 1/2 additional hours of battery life.

I couldn't hear the faintest sound from the hair dryer, even when it was blasting at full force.

Back in the day, Bose was No. 1 when it came to noise-canceling headphones. The company now has some formidable competitors, but Bose builds on a very strong foundation with the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.

These are among the world's best over-ear noise-canceling headphones, and you certainly can't go wrong with them. I just wish they were a tiny bit more comfortable for prolonged periods of use.

Buy now for $299.00 and save 21% on the standard price of $379.00

Sony WH-1000XM5

Like any over-ear noise-canceling headphones, you'll need to make room in your bag for Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones, though they only weigh around 250 grams and shouldn't add too much weight to your luggage. They come with a carrying case to keep them in tip-top shape while you're on the move — just note that the ear cups don't fold in for a more compact carrying experience.

Like the Bose headphones, Sony's top-of-the-line model can connect directly to seatback entertainment systems using a 3.5-millimeter audio cable.

These headphones pack some serious active noise-cancellation chops, building on the company's already industry-leading noise-canceling technology.

Unlike the Bose offering, you can't adjust the level of noise cancellation, but you'll have no issue tuning out your surroundings when listening to music with these headphones.

I find these headphones to be perfectly comfortable for long-haul flights. They aren't too heavy on the head and ears, and the padded headband helps keep them in place throughout the journey.

Sony's headphones offer some of the best battery life you'll find. The company advertises up to 30 hours of nonstop use, with the ability to quickly charge the headphones for three minutes to unlock an additional three hours of music playback.

Just like the Bose 700s, I couldn't hear any noise from the hair dryer while listening to music with these headphones. To test them further, I blasted some music at 100% volume on my home speaker, and I could still barely hear any distractions with the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.

Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are about as good as you can get in the roughly $400 range. They've got great sound in a (somewhat) portable package with top-notch battery life.

In my experience, the Sony WH-1000XM5s slightly outperform the similarly priced Bose headphones in terms of noise cancellation — I am usually less distracted when wearing Sony's headphones on a plane.

Buy now for $328.00 and save 18% on the standard price of $399.99

Apple AirPods Max

There's no denying that these are among the sleekest headphones on the market, though that comes at the expense of some portability.

The AirPods Max include a magnetic smart carrying case, but it only protects the actual earpieces themselves. The headphones can't be folded to create a more compact configuration, so you'll need to make room in your bag for them.

While you might think that the AirPods Max only connect via Bluetooth, there's some great news. You can actually plug them directly into seatback entertainment systems using a Lightning to 3.5-millimeter Audio Cable, sold separately for $35.

As the most expensive headphones in this guide, you might not be surprised to learn that they offer the best noise cancellation I've experienced yet.

You can't control the level of noise cancellation, but when flying around with these headphones, you won't want to. With the AirPods Max, I had no trouble drowning out a crying baby sitting three rows behind me.

Combine this impressive noise cancellation with immersive sound, and these headphones offer travelers the best listening experience.

The AirPods Max aren't just sleek — they also boast an incredibly snug fit on the ear.

Apple did a great job designing the AirPods Max for inflight use, and for most domestic and transatlantic flights, your ears should stay cool and comfortable while using these headphones.

That said, some friends have complained about them getting a bit uncomfortable during the longest flights, something experts call "eardrum suck."

The AirPods Max offer up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge, and five minutes of charging provides roughly an additional hour and a half of listening.

These numbers mean that you're set for all but the longest flight in the world (nearly 20 hours from pushback in New York to landing in Singapore).

As you might expect, the AirPods Max passed the hair-dryer test with flying colors.

The AirPods Max combine a best-in-class audio experience with top-notch noise cancellation in a modern and sleek package.

As the most expensive headphones in this guide, the AirPods Max are most definitely a splurge. However, if you're already in Apple's ecosystem and looking for the best travel headphones, these are it.

Buy now for $449.00 and save 18% on the standard price of $549.00

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Much like the AirPods Pro, these earbuds are among the most portable noise-canceling headphones you'll find. They also magnetically snap into a separate charging case, which is longer and narrower than the AirPods Pro case.

The buds themselves are small and sleek and should fit into your ear without any issues — more on that below.

What sets these earbuds apart is the noise cancellation. They're just as good, if not a tiny bit better, than Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro.

That said, I find the overall listening experience on AirPods Pro to be more immersive — I don't feel nearly as engrossed with my music when using the Bose earbuds.

Bose's QuietComfort Earbuds II are very comfortable. There are three different size options for the tips and ear bands.

With nine different possible combinations, you shouldn't have a problem finding a very stable fit, no matter the shape of your ear.

Bose advertises up to six hours of battery life on a single charge, but I was able to beat that estimate by about 30 minutes on a recent flight.

The charging case offers 18 additional hours of battery life, and just 20 minutes of charging in the case should deliver up to two additional hours of listening time from the earbuds.

Bose's earbuds outperformed the AirPods Pro on the hair-dryer test. They blocked slightly more noise, but both sets of in-ear headphones should do the trick on most flights.

For most travelers, these earbuds will compete head-to-head against the AirPods Pro. If you aren't in the Apple ecosystem, the Bose buds may be the right choice for you.

For everyone else, the choice is much trickier. AirPods integrate seamlessly into the entire iPhone (and Apple product) experience. Coupled with a quick setup and familiar controls, the AirPods will certainly do the trick for many.

However, if you're looking for best-in-class noise cancellation, I'd consider the $50 splurge over the AirPods Pro for Bose's earbuds.

Buy now for $236.55 and save 21% on the standard price of $299.00

Soundcore by Anker Life Q20

One of the best travel features of the Life Q20 headphones is that they swivel inward for increased portability. They come with a drawstring travel pouch, and they won't take up as much space as the other over-ear headphones in this guide.

Aside from Bluetooth wireless connectivity, you can use the provided 3.5-millimeter audio cable to plug the headphones into seatback entertainment systems that don't yet support Bluetooth.

As you might expect for a sub-$60 pair of headphones, the Life Q20s aren't going to beat the likes of Apple, Bose or Sony.

That said, given the price tag, they offer an impressive amount of active noise cancellation. I find that the sound quality is better than expected for such an inexpensive pair of noise-canceling headphones.

With memory foam ear cups, these headphones do a pretty good job of molding to your ears. They're a bit bulkier than some of the other over-ear models, but that's a trade-off you have to make, given the price.

Of all the headphones in this guide, the cheapest ones also pack the longest battery life. Anker advertises 40 hours of wireless playback on a single charge.

If you're pressed for time, you can quickly charge these headphones for five minutes to add four hours of listening time.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, these headphones did the worst job of blocking out the background noise from the hair dryer. At the highest setting, I could definitely hear the noise from the Dyson.

If you aren't a super-frequent traveler, the Life Q20s may be a great starter option for you. The active noise cancellation and sound quality aren't as impressive as with the other, more expensive brands, but you're saving around $300 with these headphones.

Several other features may feel quite basic, including the outdated micro USB charging port. However, that's not stopping nearly 50,000 customers from leaving five-star Amazon reviews for these headphones.

Buy now for $59.99

I test headphones for a living and these are the best for travel

These long-lasting headphones are great options for work commutes, business trips and vacations

Best for business trips

Best for weekend trips, best for work commutes, best for vacations.

Having to regularly top off the battery on your wireless headphones can be a chore, right? Even the best wireless headphones I've tried don't yet support wireless charging, meaning I have to remember to hunt down the charging cable and USB-C power adapter every time my headphones need a boost. 

The last thing I want to be concerned with on a lengthy work commute, business trip, or while away on a vacation, is refilling the battery on my headphones. Just as Sod's (or Murphy's) law states 'anything that can go wrong will go wrong,' so it is highly probable that my headphones will run out of battery right while I'm in the middle of catching up on a favorite TV show, listening to a music playlist, or enjoying a podcast.

So a robust and reliable pair of headphones with great sound and practical battery life are always at the top of my travel bag wherever I go. 

As wireless headphones get more and more adaptive processing tech on board to help block out the noise of our surroundings and personalize the sound to our ears, the drain on the battery life when these features are enabled can happen more rapidly.

Thankfully, many of the latest headphone designs have managed to significantly increase their battery life, and also come with fast charging that can achieve several hours of playback time from just a 10-minute quick charge. 

So what are the best wireless headphones models for battery life? Read on to discover my recommendations for the best models I've tried that allow you to listen for longer.

1. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless  

At 60 hours with ANC fully enabled, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones have the longest battery life of any pair of noise-cancelling headphones we've ever encountered. This is exceptionally high for a headphone of its type, and by comparison outperforms the Sony WH-1000XM4 (below) by some 30 hours. 

This is a considerable step up on playback time over Sennheiser's Momentum 3 Wireless that claims 17 hours, but gave less when ANC was enabled. How the company has managed to increase battery life so dramatically hasn't been discussed, but the possibility of only ever neededing to charge these headphones every couple of weeks at most (or once a month if you listen for just two hours a day) makes them very desirable for work commutes, business travelers and the perfect model to take on a vacation. What's more, with battery life this good you may not need to take the charging cable and USB power adapter with you.   

Even when you do need to recharge it's pretty rapid, taking just 2 hours from empty to fully charged, while a 5 minute charge claims to give up to 4 hours of playback time.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: was $349 now $276 @ Amazon The 60-hour battery life is a real crowd pleaser and the ANC model to beat. Add in the easy-going Sennheiser sound and effective noise cancelling, and the Momentum 4 is one the most practical ANC headphones we've seen, perfectly built for a life on the road.

2. Cleer Enduro ANC

The Cleer Enduro ANC headphones are an incredible value for money. Battery life claims to match the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless above, and combined with an easy going fit aided by an easily adjustable headband and earcups that can both rotate and pivot in a foldable design, these are particularly good for travelers.   

Is the battery life too good to be true? As it turns out, yes, though the Enduro ANC is anything but a letdown. With ANC enabled, the volume at 50% and connected via Bluetooth, it gave over 50 hours from a single charge in our tests. Many of our  best over-ear headphones  don’t come close to that, with or without noise cancellation. 

We originally tested the Cleer Enduro ANC headphones in 2021, and back then these were easily the longest-lasting pair of noise-cancelling headphones Tom’s Guide had reviewed. Battery life may have been bettered by Sennheiser (above), but the Cleer Enduro ANC continue to be the best cheap noise-cancelling headphones overall. 

The only downside is a lengthy empty-to-full recharging time of 3 hours, though you can get 2 hours of playback time from a quick 10-minute charge. 

Cleer Enduro ANC: was $149 now $129 @ Amazon The Enduro ANC may have been around for a while but they are still by far the best pair of cheap noise-cancelling headphones we've tested, especially when it comes to battery life. The modern, feature-rich design is backed up by great sound quality and effective ANC. The transparent ambient mode works well, fit is decent, and Bluetooth supports aptX Adaptive. 

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

As I mentioned when making previous travel headphone recommendations , I feel slightly guilty that I don't prefer Sony's newer  WH-1000XM5 headphones, which replaced the XM4 last year. But there are solid reasons for making the XM4 my best travel headphones for work commutes. 

Firstly, they're foldable, which makes them so much more practical for sliding into my work or travel bag, and the protective case is a lot smaller too. And judging by the number of fellow travelers on my work commutes also sporting the older version of Sony's XM-series headphones on their head, I'm not alone.

Battery life may only run to half the time of the models mentioned above, but at around 30 hours with ANC-enabled it is similar to the new XM5 version, and long enough for most travelers. Do the math and it is enough juice to keep you entertained on a round-trip flight to Tokyo, with some power left to binge YouTube clips on Uber rides to and from the airports.   

Based on our testing, the rated time was about an hour off, as our pair lasted around 29 hours when listening with ANC on. High volume, heavy streaming, and extra features barely affected playtimes, so we have to commend Sony for its admirable job with battery management. Quick charging eases any low battery anxiety by generating 5 hours of playtime from a 10-minute boost.

4. Anker Soundcore Space Q45 

Like the Cleer Enduro ANC (above), Anker's Soundcore Space Q45 are quite the bargain with remarkable battery life, features and effective ANC performance. Anker’s never been one to cheat their consumers out of battery life. After all, they built their legacy on selling high-powered portable chargers. It should come as no surprise that the Space Q45 has some of the lengthiest playtimes in the category, no matter how you use the headphones.

A full charge gets you 50 hours with ANC on and up to 65 hours with ANC off, placing them in the same company as the Sennheiser Momentum 4 (60 hours). It's worth pointing out that these aren’t accurate playtimes, though, as high volume and features such as high-quality audio LDAC support brings them down to around between 37 to 45 hours. Anyone who uses the Space Q45 moderately can get about a month of use. Music lovers like myself should get around two weeks of ANC listening before needing a recharge, making them an ideal choice for a vacation.

If that’s not enough, Anker’s quick-charging technology helps get you 4 hours of listening time in 5 minutes, which is very impressive indeed. These are a great value travel companion and worthy of tracking down.

Anker Soundcore Space Q45: was $149 now $129 @ Best Buy The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 delivers quality ANC, lively sound and a comfortable design along with extra long battery life. The sonic soundstage is wide and immersive, and the high-quality audio LDAC support makes the Soundcore Space Q45 a versatile travel option for sound aficionados.

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As a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring.

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Notable Mentions

Recent updates, all reviews, the 7 best wireless bluetooth headphones - spring 2024 reviews.

Whether your phone has nixed the audio jack or you prefer the freedom of going wireless, Bluetooth headphones are a great way to enjoy your favorite music cable-free. There are a couple of disadvantages compared to wired headphones, like needing to keep an eye on battery levels and possible sync issues when watching videos, but not having to worry about tangled cords when you're running out the door on a busy morning makes wireless headphones worth it for many.

We've tested over 780 pairs of headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best wireless headphones to buy. Also, check out our recommendations for the  best wireless earbuds , the  best true wireless earbuds , and the best budget wireless headphones .

Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are the best wireless headphones we've tested. These premium over-ears have an outstanding noise isolation performance thanks to their adaptive noise cancelling system. They can cut down a wide variety of noise, like the low rumble of bus engines to ambient chatter and the high-pitched hum of A/C units. With their noise cancelling on, they last 29 hours continuously, so they can get you from point A to B.

These headphones have a very comfortable and lightweight fit, so you can wear them for hours without discomfort. Their bassy default sound profile is nice if you like genres like EDM and hip-hop since they deliver extra thump, punch, and warmth to audio. You can fine-tune their sound to suit your tastes using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. Additionally, they have a head tracking feature, which allows audio to follow your head movements, creating a more immersive audio experience, and they support multi-device pairing. They also have some futureproofing if you have (or plan to get) a phone with Snapdragon Sound support for CD-quality audio.

See our review

Best Upper Mid-Range Bluetooth Headphones

If you're looking for premium headphones at a slightly lower price point, you'll want to consider the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. They're the previous generation of the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless  but are still available on the market. They also offer a better noise isolation performance than their successor and even have the edge over the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless . Their ANC can easily reduce a fantastic amount of sound across the range, so you can enjoy your audio in peace. They aren't quite as comfortable as the Bose, although they're similarly well-built.

They have a pretty bass-heavy sound out of the box, but their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets for customization. They also support LDAC, Sony's proprietary codec for streaming high-quality audio. You can connect them to your PC and smartphone simultaneously, and their continuous battery life of over 37 hours means they'll easily last through long days on the go. If you're looking for even longer-lasting headphones, try the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless . They last over 62 hours continuously and even support audio while charging. However, their ANC doesn't block out as much background noise as the Sony.

Best Mid-Range Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

The Anker Soundcore Life Q45 Wireless are another great pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones available for less than the established big players. These well-built and comfortable headphones offer an outstanding noise isolation performance that's great for your commute. Their active noise cancellation (ANC) system is almost as good as what you get with the top two picks, and it can easily suppress the noise from bus engines and chatty coworkers. Their 28-hour continuous battery life is great for active days on the go, and they support multi-device pairing, so you can easily switch up your audio source.

When it comes to sound, these headphones aren't exactly neutral-sounding. Instead, they have a very excited, V-shaped sound profile with plenty of boomy bass and bright treble. They're well-suited for rock and pop, but fans of jazz or folk may find instruments and vocals sound veiled and lacking in detail. You can fix it, however, with the companion app's graphic EQ and presets, which let you personalize the sound to your liking. They include support for Bluetooth codec and LDAC, like the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless , which optimizes your connection and audio quality. Unlike our top picks, these don't have any spatial audio, but for conventional stereo sound, they're a solid pick. For the price, these versatile headphones offer a really solid performance.

However, we've also purchased the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless, which offer a longer, 50-hour continuous battery life with an ANC system. We'll update this article accordingly when we've tested them.

Best Budget Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless are our top budget pick. These headphones are less comfortable than the Anker Soundcore Life Q45 Wireless and leak more audio at high volumes, so they aren't ideal if you like blasting your music at the office. Still, their ANC performance almost matches that of the Q45. It reduces an outstanding amount of sound when set to 'Transport' mode, including rumbly bus engines, making them well-suited for your daily commute. However, there's a noticeable difference in sound quality depending on if the ANC is on or off. When turned off, your audio sounds somewhat hollow and thin compared to the fuller sound you hear with the ANC on.

Out of the box, they have a bass-heavy sound profile that can muddy and clutter mixes. If you prefer a more neutral sound, their app includes an EQ and presets for sound customization. They also support multi-device pairing, and their continuous playback time of over 44 hours means you don't need to recharge daily. Unlike our top picks, their Bluetooth support is limited to AAC and SBC codecs, without higher quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX Adaptive or LDAC. As compromises go, it's not bad for the savings.

Best Cheap Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Check out the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless for the most economical option. With three picks in a row from Anker, it's evident that this manufacturer dominates the lower-cost end of the market. These are no exception, and although they're a lot simpler in design than their successors on this list, they're still worth checking out if you're willing to sacrifice extra features for a lower price. Their build reflects their affordability, as the plasticky hinges feel hollow and could be prone to damage over time.

These comfortable over-ears have a V-shaped sound profile. It's well-suited for genres like pop and rock that benefit from extra bass and brightness. However, they don't have any customization features to help you adjust their sound if you prefer something more neutral. However, you can't adjust their ANC level to suit your environment like the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless . They also fall short when blocking out the low rumble from a bus or plane engine, but they're much better at reducing office-type noise like ambient chit-chat and whiny computer fans. They last over 32 hours continuously; you can also use them wired if you run out of power.

Best Sounding Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

If you want headphones optimized for sound quality, you'll want to check out the Focal Bathys Wireless. With a wireless design and ANC, these audiophile headphones stand out among other hi-fi models that typically are open-back and wired. You can stream your favorite hi-res tracks over Bluetooth using aptX Adaptive or wired via their USB-DAC connection, which converts digital audio signals to analog. Their sound is fairly neutral, so you get adequate bass in mixes, while vocals and instruments sound clear, although a little veiled in detail with some warmth. Their companion app also has a graphic EQ and presets to give you full reign over their sound.

Their ANC is also very good and has a few isolation settings. While it can't cut out as much low-bass noise, like rumbly bus engines or heavy traffic, as the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless , these headphones can easily isolate you from ambient chit-chat and whiny PC fans. They also support multi-device pairing and aptX Adaptive. They have a 29-hour continuous battery life that will last several workdays without recharging, and they feel comfortable enough for those extended listening sessions.

Best Wireless Bluetooth Headphones For Calls

The best Bluetooth headphones for calls we've tested are the Bose 700 Headphones Wireless. Even though low audio and mic quality are limitations of Bluetooth technology, these stand out from other options as they offer the best mic performance on this list. They outperform their successor, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless , when it comes to noise handling, as the mic easily separates speech from background noise, allowing you to take calls in noisy environments without being drowned out. Their mic also does a good job of recording your voice clearly, and they have a dedicated button for muting and unmuting the mic. They last over 20 hours continuously, which is a bit shorter than the QuietComfort Ultra, and they aren't quite as comfortable. However, you can still wear them for long periods without significant fatigue.

Their default sound profile keeps vocals clear and accurate in your audio, so voices over the phone are easy to understand. Their app also features a graphic EQ that you can use to customize their sound to suit you. Their ANC feature does an excellent job of blocking background noise so you can hear the person you're speaking with, even if you're calling from a busy office. However, if you don't mind sacrificing ANC for better battery life, check out the Audeze Maxwell Wireless . Even though they're gaming headphones, they look fairly nondescript. They last over 77 hours on a single charge, and their boom mic better isolates your voice from background noise than the Bose's integrated mic. However, the Audeze are less comfortable.

Check out more picks for the best earbuds and Bluetooth headphones for phone calls .

• Apple AirPods Max Wireless: The Apple AirPods Max Wireless are over-ear headphones with a premium design, well-balanced sound profile, and great noise isolation capability that compete toe-to-toe with our top pick, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless. However, they're more expensive with fewer customization features and inherently limit the users with Apple-exclusive software, unlike the Bose. See our review
• Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless: The Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 Wireless are audiophile-centric Bluetooth headphones with a closed-back design. While they don't have as many features as the Focal Bathys Wireless, like ANC and aptX support, their sound profile is more neutral, with a better-balanced bass range that doesn't overwhelm the rest of the mix. See our review
• Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless: The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless are premium headphones that are very well constructed, comfortable, and easy to use. By default, they sound quite excited, with a lot of boom and thump in the low end and a bright treble. Also, their battery lasts longer than our top pick, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless. However, their ANC isn't as impressive as the Bose, and they lack virtual surround sound. See our review

Apr 26, 2024: The picks haven't changed, but we've updated the text about the Apple AirPods Max Wireless to reflect our latest Test Bench 1.7. We also added the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Wireless to the Notable Mentions.

Mar 28, 2024: We've checked to ensure all products remain in stock but have made only minor changes to the text. We've also added a mention of the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus Wireless, which we've purchased and will be testing soon.

Mar 01, 2024: We've added an FAQ section at the bottom of this article to give you more info about wireless Bluetooth headphones.

Feb 14, 2024: This article has been updated to include a current table. We removed the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 3 Wireless from Notable Mentions. We've checked and not changed the picks.

Jan 16, 2024: We've made minor updates to the text and checked that the products are in stock.

Are wireless headphones really worth it?

Definitely! Wireless headphones allow you to move untethered to your device. Their range is usually longer than a cable's length, so you can still receive audio, to some extent, even if you leave the room your device is in. With leaps in Bluetooth technology, some headphones can stream higher-quality audio than before, thanks to advanced codec support like LC3+ and aptX Lossless. Others ensure a low latency audio experience, making them suitable for applications like streaming video. One caveat of a wireless design is the reliance on an internal battery. Still, many wireless headphones have over 20 hours of continuous playback time, so you don't necessarily need to recharge them every day.

Are wireless headphones better than wired?

It depends on your preferences. Wireless allows you to move around with more range to travel greater distances without losing your audio. You also don't have to worry about cables snagging on something. However, going wired has a few pros, like not stressing out about battery life or audio latency. When it comes to sound quality, the differences between wired and wireless can be subtle unless you have trained or sensitive ears. Not all Bluetooth codecs are created equal, though, and some, like aptX Adaptive or LDAC, can provide better quality than the default SBC codec.

Which is better, Bluetooth or wireless headphones?

Bluetooth is the most common type of wireless connectivity in headphones. However, other connections exist, like radio frequency or proprietary wireless. These are intended for audio-visual content like gaming or streaming movies since they can maintain low audio latency. Bluetooth headphones are a great option if you're mostly listening to music. If you're worried about latency, avoid Bluetooth if possible. The default codec, SBC, has high enough latency to cause your audio and visuals to be out of sync. There is a way around this: check for headphones that support low latency codecs like aptX Adaptive or have a dedicated 'Game' mode to lower audio lag.

Wireless headphones or earbuds: which are better?

There isn't a clear-cut answer since preference plays a large role in what's right for you. Over-ear headphones tend to be more comfortable, thanks to their generally spacious and padded ear cups, but are bulkier. On the other hand, earbuds are better if you care about portability and stability, making them a solid choice for sports or commuting. They can also passively block out more ambient sound by design. Their battery life is much shorter due to their small stature.

Do expensive headphones sound better?

Not always, though in the case of Bluetooth headphones, it can certainly help! When it comes to Bluetooth headphones, pricier options can have unique driver designs to help produce a cleaner, more detailed sound. Some also support Bluetooth codecs like aptX Adaptive or LDAC, which allow you to stream audio in higher quality, or virtual soundstage features to create a more dimensional sound. That said, each headphone is tuned differently, and you may still prefer the sound of a $100 pair of cans vs a $500 pair. If they support an EQ or presets, you can always retune your headphones to your liking.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best Bluetooth headphones to buy for most people in each price range. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

If you would like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our Bluetooth-compatible headphone reviews. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.

Sound On, Noise Off: The 7 Best Travel Headphones to Take on Your Next Trip

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

At a Glance: The Best Travel Headphones

• Best Overall: Sony WH-1000MX5
• Best Noise-Cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
• Best Sound: Bang & Olufsen Px8
• Best Under $150: Soundcore by Anker Space Q45
• Most Durable: Sennheiser Momentum 3
• Best Audiophile Sound: Bowers & Wilkins Px8
• Most Compatible: Shure AONIC 50 (Gen 2)

Traveling and daily commutes can be stressful, to say the least. Often, the culprit is noise — be it a plane engine, crying babies, or loud road-trip companions. But with a pair of the best travel headphones , flights, road trips, and train rides can quickly become a peaceful time with your favorite music, podcasts, and movies.

Related: Tune Out to Jet Off: These Are the Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Travel

Because so many people are now finding tranquility with a pair of noise-reducing headphones , dozens of brands are making solid options with travelers in mind. But only a handful of these headphones can offer the crispness, full bass, and effective noise-reduction that audiophiles and frequent flyers are looking for.

The Best Travel Headphones to Buy Right Now

1. sony wh-1000mx5.

BEST OVERALL

Sony’s WH1000MX5s aren’t just the best headphones for travel – they’re also our number one pick for some of the best noise-cancelling headphones in general. Their predecessor, the WH-1000XM4s, were great, but the WH-1000MX5s introduce some slight improvements to make them the best in the business.

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Noise-cancellation was central in the WH-1000MX5s development, as the headphones boast industry-leading noise cancellation, now with the Auto NC Optimizer. Eight microphones pick up ambient noise, run it through a Noise-Cancelling Processor — we’ve been on several flights wearing these, and there’s truly minimal outside sound whether you’re in a busy airport or on a road trip .

These stellar headphones also offer multipoint pairing, which lets you connect to multiple devices at once. This means you can seamlessly switch between, say, Netflix on your laptop and a call on your phone. This is just one of the WH-1000MX5s several convenient features, which also includes auto-pausing when you speak. Plus, the headphones feature incredible 30-hour battery life, plus three hours of battery with a quick three minute charge.

2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra

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As expected from premium headphones, sound quality with the QuietComfort Ultras is crisp and deep thanks to active EQ. You also get plenty of customizability with the sound through the Bose app. In terms of comfort, the QuietComfort Ultras get top marks as well with a lightweight, half-pound build and enough padding for hours of use while catching a long flight or grinding in the office (and with a pricey piece of tech, this is a major plus). Plus, they’ve got a stellar 24-hour battery life (18 with immersive audio turned on), so they’ll last through the longest hauls of your travels.

3. Bowers & Wilkins Px8

When celebrated audio companies try their hand at high-end headphones, it doesn’t always work. With Bowers & Wilkins , it did, and their latest PX8 headphones are the proof.

Soft earcups and a large, cushy headpiece make the Px8s comfortable enough for long-period usage, but the headphones’ real strength is audio quality. Beefy 40mm drivers and tuning by the B&W experts provide seriously good sound — no matter what type of music or movie you’re watching.

The Px8s are also very impressive technology-wise with a six-microphone setup for capturing and adapting to outside noise. They have what B&W calls “Ambient Pass-Through,” which is meant to relay the important stuff like conversational noises (so the plane engine will be silenced but you might catch the flight attendant’s drink offer). Plus, the headphones feature multipoint pairing for connecting to multiple devices at once.

For their sound quality alone, we recommend these headphones, but the added ANC and lengthy battery life makes these a great choice for travel .

4. Soundcore by Anker Space Q45

Traveling is pricey, but the best travel headphones don’t have to be. Case in point is these Soundcore Q45 headphones from Anker . At $150, the headphones are much more affordable than our other picks, but their sound quality and noise cancellation powers punch far above their price point.

In an effort to communicate better with your audio streaming device, the Q45s use LDAC technology to enhance Bluetooth files. Inside the cans are 40mm silk-diaphragm drivers, which lend enough bass for thumping hip-hop and full orchestral riffs. Noise cancellation, meantime, comes from two microphones on each earcup that pick up sound and adapt to block it out.

Other features we like about the Q45s are wearer detection (which turns off audio when you take off the headphones) and an exceptionally lightweight build. This lightness is both comfortable for long sessions and helpful when it comes to keeping luggage weight to a minimum. Overall, the headphones offer perhaps the best value of any travel headphones.

5. Sennheiser Momentum 3

Don’t get us wrong, the comfort factor is still there thanks to a headband made from genuine sheepskin leather and soft ear cushions with plush memory foam. Compared to Sennhesier’s newer Momentum 4s, we prefer the hard plastic and metal design of these headphones , especially with their sturdy frame and matte steel arms that can withstand being tossed around any carry-on bag.

Instead of plastic toggles, the Momentum 3s feature a rubberized material three-button interface that lets you quickly switch between listening to music and making phone calls, activating voice assistance, and adjusting the volume.

Sound performance is also stellar under the hood as well , with a 42-millimeter dynamic driver and an internal audio equalizer you can adjust from the Sennheiser app. Active noise cancellation and transparency mode also make it easy to wear these headphones out into the world and not worry about being interrupted while you’re playing your tunes or missing an important announcement in a train station or airport.

6. Bang & Olufsen H95

If you’re looking for a pair of luxury headphones fit for first class, check out these Bang & Olufsen H95s . The real upgrade with the H95s is in design quality, with the headphones sporting memory foam earcups, a leather headpiece, and anodized aluminum discs on the earcup exterior. These upgrades translate to more comfort (from the memory foam), an extremely elegant look, and lasting quality.

But the H95s aren’t all looks. Bang & Olufsen has equipped the headphones with Advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) which discerns and effectively blocks outside noises of different frequencies using eight microphones. And when you feel like hearing the world around you again, swipe the left earcup to activate transparency mode. The earcups also feature intuitive touch controls for pause/play, switching tracks, and so on. Further sound customization is available via the Bang & Olufsen app.

7. Shure AONIC 50 (Gen 2)

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Sound quality is very impressive with the Aonic 50s , largely thanks to the headphone’s 50mm drivers (hence the name). What’s more, the Shure headphones sound good with almost any input music as they support a very wide range of codecs. No matter what you’re listening to, expect balanced, full sound at every frequency.

Thanks to memory foam earcups, the Anoic 50s are prepared to sit comfortably on your head for long flights, road trips, and work sessions. The headpiece is also nice and chunky to avoid discomfort up top. Plus, since the design is foldable it makes it easy to carry them on the go.

You get two settings — “active noise-cancellation” and “environment mode” — but the latter (which lets in some outside noise) features multiple levels ranging from minimal noise to essentially transparent. This can be controlled via the ShurePlus PLAY app, while onboard buttons offer basic controls. You’ll also get up to 45 hours battery life with quick charge capabilities, more than doubling its runtime from the prior generation.

Buying Guide: How We Picked the Best Travel Headphones

Even top-of-the-line headphones have some variation in features and quality. Here are a few considerations we kept in mind while choosing the best travel headphones for your needs.

Noise-Cancellation : Not all noise-reduction systems are made equal. The headphones in our roundup all boast the maximum level of noise-cancellation, but some have more adjustability. This will allow you to customize noise reduction to your setting and needs (for example, transparency mode while walking down a busy street).

Comfort : The best travel headphones should be comfortable enough to wear for hours. But not all cans have the same level of comfort: some have softer ear cups and headpieces, while others are more lightweight. We’ve chosen brands that have taken extra steps to make their headphones as comfortable as possible, like adding memory foam or leather padding to the headset.

Battery : We’ve picked headphones with industry-leading battery life of at least 24 hours (or, about enough for two long-haul flights). Still, there’s some variation, and if you’re constantly on the go, a large battery of up to 40-50 hours is a must-have.

Microphone : All the headphones above have mics for making calls or talking to virtual assistants (i.e. Alexa, Siri, etc), but some have engineered their mics to block out ambient noise as well. This means your call recipient will actually hear your voice — and not the loud airport chatter around you.

Durability : Sadly, your new headphones are bound to be dropped, bumped, or caught in the rain while traveling. For this reason, we picked travel headphones with at least an IPX4-5 water resistance and a somewhat rugged build.

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5 Best Pairs of Travel Headphones in 2024: Tested by Our Gear Experts

Enjoy your entertainment everywhere you go.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

In order to find a pair of cans built for everything from road trips to long haul flights, the Men's Health tech team tested and reviewed over 20 pairs of headphones and found 5 pairs that performed exceptionally well in travel settings. Want to know our favorite pair of travel headphones? That would be the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 , and you'll find out more below as to why every traveler should consider buying them for the rest of their trips in 2023.

Best Travel Headphones Overall

Bose noise canceling headphones 700.

The Close Second, Best Overall

Sony wh-1000xm4.

Best Value Travel Headphones

Soundcore anker space q45.

Best Audio Quality

Bowers & wilkins px8.

Most Stylish

Apple airpods max.

Read more: How Men's Health Tests Products

Our testing methods for our best travel headphones involve taking the pairs out into real world first, whether it be in an Uber on the way to the airport to the actual plane ride itself. We also took headphones on trains, walks, and car rides. Next, we brought the headphones back to our office in New York City for a deeper review on potential flaws and unique features that we might find worthy to bring to light.

Ahead, you'll discover the top headphones for all types of travel. Outside of naming the Bose 700s our best pair overall, we also named headphones that are best suited for long haul flights and business travelers, as well as headphones for those on the hunt for a great deal. Let's get to the list.

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Lightweight, durable, and driven by performance, the Bose 700 showcases what has made the brand such a staple in travel bags for years. For starters, the 700 has a seriously good level of noise cancellation (11 different levels!) that can drown out everything from crowd noise in a cafe to jet engines roaring on an airplane. You also get 20 hours of battery life, which is long enough to run all the way through long haul flights.

It's true the performance of the 700 can be compared several other pairs of headphones on this list (there's actually one or two pairs that has them beat on sound quality alone), however what the 700 does exceptionally well is comfort. The band that sits on the head is thin and lightweight, which helps prevent fatigue when wearing for hours watching movies on the plane or listening to podcasts in the car. The ear pads also have what feels like the perfect shape and cushioning on the ear. Second, the 700 has actual button controls, making the headphones user friendly in the times you don't want to use its touch controls. And last, the 700 comes in a price point that packs a ton of value. Now, we realize $400 is no number to call "affordable" but the fact these headphones outperform many of the top-of-the-market headphones that are north of $500 gives assurances you're getting your monies worth.

Travel headphones should be approached as an investment if you want smoother, more comfortable travels. Going all-in on a noise cancelling pair like these will give you hours-long comfort so you can enjoy all your entertainment.

Read more: Best Travel Pillows

In many ways, the XM4 from Sony stands toe-to-toe with the Bose 700. The noise cancellation on the XM4 is about that same as the 700, blocking out deep bass and loud muffling from cars, planes, and more. The sound quality of the XM4 is also elite, with clear audio for music, movies, and podcasts.

But what the XM4 does better than the Bose 700 is in sound quality is bass. The XM4 just bumps in a bass-heavy way that makes listening to certain genres of music much more enjoyable—like hip-hop and pop. The XM4 also beats the Bose 700 is battery life with a steady 30 hours of run time, compared to the the 700's 20 hours.

So why is the XM4 a close second? Well, the Bose 700 is frankly more comfortable thanks to it's thin build and gentle positioning of the headband and ear pads. But if you are willing to sacrifice comfort for a bit better performance and a longer battery life, then the XM4 is the choice for you. Just be aware you might need to pop the headphones off after a couple hours of wearing to give your head and ears a rest.

Read more: Best Workout Headphones

You can save some money on your travel gear and get quality performance by buying a pair of Anker Space Q45 headphones. The Q45 packs an impressive level of noise cancellation that performs well on planes, and they have a great battery life of up to 50 hours with noise canceling on. Other features on the Q45 includes an accompanying app you can control the EQ on and an ability to choose between five noise canceling levels.

What we love the most is the sturdy build and friendly price point of the Q45. They are a little bulky and the sound quality is not as supreme as the other headphones on this list, but they nonetheless provide solid noise cancellation and perform much better over any other headphone you can find for $150.

These are also a great buy if you have a premium set of earbuds but have yet to get a pair of over-ear headphones to partner them with.

Read more: Best Outdoor Speakers

Bowers & Wilkins Px8

If you're looking for a Rolls Royce level of performance and comfort, then you've come to the right place. The Px8 over-ear headphones are widely regarded as having some of the best audio quality around, and we can confirm that is in fact true. Inside the headphones is a 24-bit DSP (digital signal processing) chip that helps create elite noise cancelation for music, movies, podcasts, and more. The Px8 also offers a unique addition of carbon fiber to its drivers (called a Carbon Cone) to make the sound much more rigid and help create crystal clear audio to the highest frequencies. The Carbon Cones can therefore help capture every single droplet of sound for a fully immersed experience.

To have this kind of listening while traveling is, well, pretty dang awesome. The Active Noise Cancellation performs like a champ too and can be controlled via your phone through the B&W app. We haven't even got to mention the aluminum frame and cushioned ear pads, which are comfortable and sturdy enough to handle constant long-haul wear. The last detail to point out is the awesome battery life of up to 30 hours; an impressive feature that's hard to find on headphones like these with such a high level of performance.

The glaring downside to these headphones are the price point. The Px8 is the most expensive offering from B&W and the most expensive headphones on this list, yet we believe because of how high they achieve in performance and luxury they deserve recommendation. Ultimately, we see the Px8 fit for audiophiles who are passionate about their music and for business travelers who are on the road often.

Read more: Best Travel Shoes

The most stylish and most seamless headphones for iPhone users, the AirPods Max combine high design with performance in a way that's almost unique in-and-of-itself. With the AirPods Max you get Active Noise Cancellation that drowns out plane engines and locks you into your deep and rich tunes. We found the AirPods Max work well for watching TV shows and movies on your phone, as well as for listening to music and podcasts when going for morning walks to explore a new city you're trying to get familiar with.

In many ways the AirPods Max provide similar audio performance to most of the headphones on this list. What they do exceptionally well is they blend right into the Apple ecosystem and will immediately pair with your phone when put over your ears. You have the Transparency Mode button you can press to let in surrounding sounds in (great for keeping awareness when walking), and you also have the nice little volume toggle button that makes it easy to turn your volume up or down. The magnetic ear pads have a nice airy comfort other headphones do not have, and they can be swapped out over time with ease as they wear down. The metal mesh on the headband is a good design note in the way it allows air in to keep your head cool too.

One major downside is the AirPods Max is inherently heavy due to the materials used. Apple tried to compensate for this by adding the metal mesh on the headband but the fact is if you wear these headphones for more than a couple hours at a time your head and neck can start getting tired. The headphones are also tight on the heads of people who have larger domes, which is really bothering when trying to watch movies on a flight. The price point is more elevated than one would like too.

However, if you can deal with the discomfort after long periods of wear, and you can buy-in on the price or get these headphones on sale, then the AirPods Max are a nice investment for travel. They really do have solid performance, and they have the best pairing for iPhone users and the best style of all the headphones on this list.

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• Noise Cancellation: All travel headphones should have some level of noise cancellation. Buying a pair of headphones without the tech is just going to be a pain to use for hours on end, plus the fact you'll be turning up the volume to try and drown out noise around you is not good at all for your ears. Some headphones have multiple levels of noise cancellation you can switch over to, while others have special active noise cancellation that will adjust to the environments around you in real time. It's worth mentioning once you start hitting that headphone price point of around $400 that most of the noise cancellation is at a premium level that won't be drastically improved further unless you buy headphones that are for professional use—which would not be the case in the instance of buying for travel.
• Weight: Travel headphones should obviously be comfortable, but a key detail on travel headphones that can make or break their overall comfort is weight. Even the slightest bit of weight can quicken fatigue and create discomfort, and so when you're planning on wearing headphones for long periods of time its essential to stick to a pair that's not going to make your head or neck tired after an hour or two of use.
• Battery Life: The more battery life, the better. However we believe you can sacrifice some battery life when traveling to gain in areas of comfort and performance just because you're likely going to be so close to outlets/power banks for quick charging—if you ever need to do so.
• Microphone: Most over-ear headphones have decent microphones for video calls and phone calls these days, but some of them combine their noise cancellation in with the microphone to produce an excellent mic quality. The travel headphones with the best microphone quality on our list would be the Bose 700, the Sony XM4, and the AirPods Max,

Why Trust Us

The MH tech and gear team is constantly testing all of the latest headphones to keep up with new new headphone innovations and releases. We test and review our headphones by taking them out into real world environments first, followed by a hands-on inspection here at our office in New York City. Through the entire process, we rate performance and material quality, while also looking for potential flaws and unique features we find worthy of bringing to buyers attention.

In the past three years, we have tested and reviewed well over 50 pairs of headphones and published our very best recommendations in our evergreen roundups. We also highlight our favorite new headphone releases in our annual Fitness Awards , Tech Awards , and Outdoor Awards .

How We Selected

Our MH commerce team thoroughly researched and tested 20 pairs of headphones ranging in all different price points. We evaluated headphones based on design, durability, special features, style, and price point. We also considered how each pair of headphones performed in all types of travel settings, from flying to driving, to taking the train to walking.

The list above represents our honest picks for the best travel headphones in 2023.

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Article updated on March 28, 2024 at 12:05 PM PDT

Best Travel Headphones for 2024

Looking for the best headphones to take on a trip? We've rounded up the best noise-canceling headphones for road warriors.

Our Experts

• Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

What to consider

Value can reflect quality. Consider your needs and what your budget allows.

Fit (Comfort)

Ensuring the headphones you choose fit your head help minimize any discomfort from extended wear.

Sturdy quality helps ensure your headphones hold up well over time.

What are the best overall travel headphones?

When people talk about buying headphones to use for traveling, they tend to be looking for noise-canceling headphones that do a good job muffling noise on planes, trains and in other noisy environments. There are a lot of great noise-canceling headphones to pick from, and we have a more expansive list of the best noise-canceling headphones that you may also want to check out.

I've tested and used a lot of headphones during my travels over the last 10 years, and it's tough to pick just one model as the absolute best overall travel headphones. For full-size models, I like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones , the Sony WH-1000XM5 and even the lightweight and more affordable Sony CH-720N (lighter is better when it comes to travel headphones). All these models are wireless headphones but they include a cord so you can plug into an in-flight entertainment system. They feature active noise canceling and are also good for making voice calls.

There are also plenty of great noise-canceling earbud options, including the highly-rated Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds , Apple's AirPods Pro 2 and Sony's WF-1000XM5 . True-wireless earbuds are easier to carry around and can be stored in your pocket. The downside is they don't have a wired option and won't connect to an in-flight entertainment system unless you buy a Bluetooth transceiver like Twelve South's AirFly Pro (around $50) and other similar products you can find on Amazon . (Read our full review of the AirFly Pro .)

I've tested all the headphones on this list and will update the list as new travel-friendly headphones are released.

Best travel headphones of 2024

• Design is an upgrade
• Lightweight and very comfortable
• Excellent sound and great noise canceling
• Voice-calling performance is top-notch
• Immersive Audio mode offers some sound-quality enhancements
• Higher price than the previous model
• No USB-C audio
• Immersive Audio mode hurts battery life

Best new noise-canceling headphones

Bose quietcomfort ultra headphones.

While Bose's new flagship QuietComfort Ultra Headphones may not be a huge upgrade over the company's Noise Cancelling 700 headphones, they feature a more premium design along with Bose's new Immersive Audio feature, which delivers some sound-quality enhancements. Along with excellent sound and great noise canceling, the QC Ultra Headphones are also superb for making calls, with top-notch background noise reduction. All that adds up to the best new noise-canceling headphones of 2024 and a worthy adversary to Sony's highly rated WH-1000XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.

• More refined sound and even better noise canceling
• Slightly more comfortable
• Best-in-class voice call quality
• Robust feature set
• Higher price tag than the previous model
• Larger carrying case (headphones fold flat but not up)

Best noise-canceling headphones from Sony

Sony wh-1000xm5.

When you have a product that a lot of people love, change can be risky. Such is the case for Sony's WH-1000XM5, the fifth generation of the 1000X series headphones, which were first released in 2016 as the MDR-1000X Wireless and have become increasingly popular as they've improved with each generation. Over the years, Sony has made some tweaks to the design, but nothing as dramatic as what it's done with the WH-1000XM5. Other than the higher price tag, most of those changes are good, and Sony's made some dramatic improvements with voice-calling performance as well as even better noise canceling and more refined sound.

• New smaller design
• Improved sound, noise canceling and voice calling
• Upgraded processors and drivers
• No Find My feature integrated into app

Best Sony earbuds

Sony wf-1000xm5.

When Sony's  WF-1000XM4  earbuds came out in 2021, we awarded them a CNET Editors' Choice. And while they're excellent, we had some quibbles -- they're on the large side and aren't a good match for certain ears. Clearly, Sony took those gripes to heart when it set out to design its next-generation WF-1000XM5 flagship noise-canceling earbuds. Not only are the XM5s smaller, but they also offer improved performance pretty much across the board, with better noise canceling, sound quality and voice calling. Are the XM5s perfect? Not quite. At $300 -- $20 more than their predecessor -- they're costly too. Overall they're really impressive; among the very top earbuds on the market.

• Excellent sound and best-in-class noise canceling
• Fit Kit ear tips and stabilizer system gets you a secure, comfortable fit
• Immersive Audio creates a different listening experience
• Slightly improved voice-calling
• No wireless charging or multipoint Bluetooth

Best for noise-canceling

Bose quietcomfort ultra earbuds.

While the QC Ultra Earbuds aren't a major upgrade over Bose's excellent QC Earbuds 2 that were released in 2022, they're a little better. They should fit most ears very well, and they feature superb noise canceling, arguably the best out there. A natural-sounding transparency mode with a new ActiveSense feature kicks in some ANC should the sound get too loud around you (it's sort of similar to the AirPods Pro's Adaptive Audio feature). They also sound slightly better overall, with a touch more clarity, and their new Immersive Audio feature opens up the sound a bit.

• Comfortable fit
• Good sound for their low price
• Decent noise-canceling and voice-calling performance
• ANC disabled when in wired mode
• Lacking a bit of clarity

Top new budget noise-canceling headphones

Earfun wave pro.

Earfun has made some very solid budget earbuds and now it's entered the full-size ANC headphone space with its new-for-2024 Wave Pro headphones. They list for $80, but click the $10 instant coupon on their product page and add the code EWPROCNET at checkout and the price drops to $56 . While they may not sound as good as premium noise-canceling headphones from Bose, Sony, they're comfortable to wear, feature decent sound with punchy bass (they're a bit lacking in clarity and bass definition compared to more expensive models) and offer respectable noise canceling and voice-calling performance. I found them to be a step up from the Soundpeats Space headphones, which sometimes cost a little less.

They're rated for up to 80 hours of battery life with noise-canceling off and 55 hours with it on and support multipoint Bluetooth pairing as well as Sony's LDAC audio codec for Android smartphones and other devices that support that protocol. I also like that they come with a hard case and a cable for wired listening (though noise-canceling is disabled when you go wired, which is a bit of a bummer).

• Significantly improved sound and noise canceling
• Better battery life and upgraded microphones
• Powered by Apple's new H2 chip
• Basically the same design as previous model
• No high-resolution audio

Best Apple noise-canceling wireless earbuds

Apple airpods pro 2 (usb-c).

The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are powered by Apple's new H2 chip, which delivers more processing power while being more energy efficient, according to Apple. The new chip, combined with new low-distortion drivers, allows for improved sound that offers better clarity and depth. The noise canceling is also improved -- Apple says the new AirPods have "double" the noise canceling of the original AirPods Pro. Additionally, the new AirPods add an extra hour of battery life, up from five to six hours with noise canceling on. Plus, a speaker in the case that emits a sound that helps locate your buds via Find My should they decide to hide from you.

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Good sound with very good noise canceling
• Good voice-calling performance
• 35 hours of battery life
• No carrying case
• No ear-detection sensors
• No LDAC audio codec support

Top midrange noise-canceling headphones

Sony ch-720n.

Sony's improved entry-level noise-canceling headphones, the CH-720Ns, have a bit of a plasticky budget vibe, but they're lightweight and very comfortable. Part of me was expecting them to sound pretty mediocre, but I was pleasantly surprised. No, they don't sound as good as the WH-1000XM5s. They sound more premium than they look (and feel), and their overall performance is a step up from their predecessor, the CH-710Ns. Are they worth $150? Maybe -- or maybe not. The good news is that, like the CH-710N and WH-XB910 before them, these should see significant discounts in the not-so-distant future, which is what you may want to wait for.

• Well-designed and comfortable to wear
• Good sound quality and noise-canceling performance
• Strong feature set
• Strong battery life
• Voice-calling suffers in windy environments

New mid-range JBL noise-canceling headphones

Jbl live 770nc.

The well-designed and comfortable JBL Live 770NC offers some modest improvements over its predecessor, including better battery life (up to 65 hours with ANC off and 50 hours with ANC on) and Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio (via a future firmware upgrade). Equipped with 40mm drivers, you get bold, nicely defined sound with powerful bass that's relatively tight. JBL's Ambient Aware and TalkThru features are on board along with multipoint Bluetooth pairing (the one feature that's missing is ear-detection sensors that pause your music when you take the headphones off). I thought the headphones' noise muffling capabilities were good and callers said they could hear me well even in noisier environments except when the wind picked up around me. The headphones fold up and a simple carrying pouch (no hard case) is included along with a cable for wired listening.

• Improved sound quality, noise canceling and ear pad design
• Very good voice-calling performance
• Spatial audio with head tracking for Apple users
• USB-C audio
• No Apple H2 chip
• No major design changes except for case

Best Beats over-ear headphones

Beats studio pro.

Love 'em or hate 'em, Beats Studio headphones are among the most popular headphones of all time, launching as wired headphones back in 2008. This is the fourth generation version, and they carry the same list price as their predecessor and look very similar on the outside but have some big changes on the inside that make them significantly better headphones. I'm tempted to describe them as more affordable plastic versions of the AirPods Max. That's not quite accurate due to a choice in chipsets and one notable missing feature. Read our full review to find out what makes this a very good headphone with some caveats.

Best Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones

Sennheiser momentum 4 wireless.

Sennheiser's previous-generation Momentum Wireless headphones have always had a pretty distinct look that was part retro, part modern, and stood out for the exposed metal on their headband. For better or worse, that's all gone now, and the new Momentum 4 Wireless, Sennheiser's flagship noise-canceling headphones, look a bit more subdued and also a bit more like some of their competitors.

The Momentum 4 Wireless offers superior performance over the Momentum 3 Wireless in every regard, although the biggest gains are with noise canceling and voice-calling performance as well as battery life, which is outstanding (up to 60 hours at moderate volume levels). Transparency mode allows ambient sound in, and they can create a custom sound profile in the Smart Control app for iOS and Android using the built-in EQ, sound modes and a new Sound Personalization feature that "assesses the user's listening preferences and adjusts the listening experience according to their taste." 

Equipped with 42mm drivers, Sennheiser says the Momentum 4 Wireless offers "best-in-class" sound, which is debatable. I'd say the Momentum 4's sound quality is right there with other models in this price range. They sound excellent, with the requisite well-defined, punchy bass, relatively wide soundstage (they sound pretty open) and smooth treble that brings out some of the finer details in well-recorded tracks. They're a pleasure to listen to.

• Very good sound and noise canceling
• Headphone cable now has integrated microphone
• Mostly the same as previous model but costs $50 more

Slightly upgraded Bose noise-canceling headphones

Bose quietcomfort headphones.

When Bose released its new flagship QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, it also replaced the QuietComfort 45s with a new, slightly updated model simply called the QuietComfort Headphones. Like the QC 45s, this model carries on the very comfortable tried-and-true legacy QuietComfort design that's been around for a few generations and that people continue to love. The QC Ultra Headphones add Bose's new Immersive Audio feature and have a more refined design with some metal parts (they also have Bluetooth 5.3 instead of Bluetooth 5.1). The QuietComfort Headphones still feature very good sound (the Ultras offer a small step up in sound quality), excellent noise canceling and strong voice-calling performance.

As for differences between these and the QC45s, Bose says it adjusted some of the electronics to improve battery life (now 24 hours vs. 22 hours) and adjusted the logos to make the products "visually distinguishable and more in line with its latest design language." It also added an inline microphone to the auxiliary cable to "help with some users who may prefer a plug-and-play solution rather than Bluetooth pairing." There's also a Wind Block feature and some additional small performance improvements due to software upgrades. Finally, the headphones come in new color options, including green and a light blue version that's only available at bose.com.

While the QuietComfort Headphones carry a $350 list price that's $50 higher than that of the QC 45s, we expect them to be regularly discounted to $250 and possibly less than that in 2024 -- so look to buy them when they're on sale. You can read our review of the QuietComfort 45 to get a good take on the QuietComfort Headphones.

'Noise canceling' vs. 'noise cancelling': Different spelling, same technology

Either spelling is correct, as "canceling" is more common in American English while "cancelling" is more common in British English. CNET uses "noise canceling" since the company is based in the US, but the noise is canceled just the same, regardless of spelling. If you're looking to see what different noise-impacting technology is out there for headphones, check out our article on noise-canceling versus noise-isolating headphones , which highlights differences in function (and not just a difference in spelling).

Other travel headphones we tested

JBL Live 670NC : The JBL Live 670NC is one of a relatively small number of on-ear headphones to offer active noise canceling. It's something of a value model -- no carrying case is included -- but it does have memory foam ear pads that get you a comfortable fit for an on-ear headphone. Deliver clear sound with punch bass, it has 32mm drivers and improves on its predecessor's battery life, offering up to an impressive 70 hours (or 44 hours with ANC on), and an extra three hours of battery with just five minutes of charge. This model includes the latest Bluetooth 5.3 (with LE Audio) and multipoint Bluetooth pairing. It also has JBL's Ambient Aware (transparency mode) and TalkThru features. It's available in black, white and blue and comes with a cord for wired listening.

Master & Dynamic MW75 : The MW75 are Master & Dynamic's best full-size headphones yet. Needless to say, they're pricey at $599; most people will be quite satisfied with the $400 Sony WH-1000XM5, which is lighter and more comfortable and delivers best-in-class voice calling and noise canceling. The MW75's build quality is hard to beat and they offer top-notch sound for a wireless model (I thought they sounded better than Apple's AirPods Max headphones), plus strong voice-calling and noise-canceling performance. With their support for aptX Adaptive, they have additional appeal for Android users, who can get a touch better sound quality with the right setup. I was also quite happy streaming music with my iPhone 13 Pro using the AAC codec.

Master & Dynamic MW09 : Master & Dynamic headphones and earbuds have always featured unique, eye-catching designs that include premium materials like aluminum, sapphire glass and Kevlar. Its latest MW09 flagship earbuds look pretty similar to its earlier MW08 buds, but have some upgrades on the inside that deliver better performance, particularly when it comes to battery life and noise canceling (it's now very close to what Bose and Sony offer, although not quite at their level for ANC).

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro : The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers improved noise canceling along with very good sound and voice-calling performance, plus support for high-resolution wireless audio streaming if you're a Galaxy device owner with the right setup. Their biggest upgrade may be their new design and smaller size, which make them a better fit for more ears. Aside from their somewhat high price tag, their only drawback is that some of their key features only work with Samsung Galaxy devices.

Beats Studio Buds Plus : Alas, for those of you who bought the original Beats Studio Buds, which remain on the market for now, I'm sorry to report that these new Plus buds are significantly improved, with better sound, noise canceling and battery life. Additionally, they now deliver top-notch voice-calling performance.

Beats Fit Pro : While the Beats Fit Pro technically aren't AirPods, they're built on the same tech platform as the AirPods Pro (yes, Apple owns Beats). Unlike Beats' earlier and less expensive  Studio Buds  and new-for-2023 Studio Buds Plus , the Beats Fit Pro include Apple's H1 chip and have most of the  AirPods Pro's  features, including active noise canceling, spatial audio and Adaptive EQ. I'd venture to call them the sports AirPods you've always wanted.

Google Pixel Buds Pro : The Pixel Buds Pro are Google's first earbuds to feature active noise canceling. While it's nice that they finally have a feature that most true-wireless earbuds have had for a while, what ultimately sets the Pixel Buds Pro apart and makes them worth considering -- particularly for Android users -- is their distinct design and winning fit. That helps enhance their performance on both the sound quality and noise-canceling fronts. While not quite elite for voice-calling, they also performed well as a headset for making calls. Read our  Google Pixel Buds Pro review . 

Factors to consider when choosing travel headphones

Before anything else, you'll want to figure out how much you're willing to spend on new travel headphones. The quality of value-priced noise-canceling headphones continues to improve, so you can find good affordable headphones for less than $100. The premium models, which offer better build quality and performance, tend to cost $200 or more -- sometimes much more. 

Fit (comfort)

It's key that the travel headphones you buy fit your head well. They should offer a comfortable fit that's snug yet not too snug. Ideally, you want headphones you can wear over a day with minimal breaks.

You want travel headphones that hold up well over time, so look for models that we note have sturdy build quality.

Maximize performance and features for your budget

You want the best-sounding headphones with the best noise-canceling, call quality and features for whatever fits your budget.

Return policy

It's critical to buy your headphones at a retailer that has a good return policy, in case you have buyer's remorse. Some people who are having trouble deciding between two models sometimes buy both, try them out for a few days and then return one.

How we test travel headphones and earbuds

We test travel headphones and earbuds based on six key criteria. These criteria include  design ,  sound quality , noise-canceling performance ,  voice-calling performance, features  and  value . 

• Design : Evaluating design, we assess not only how comfortable the headphones and earbuds fit (their ergonomics) but their build quality and how well the controls are implemented. When it comes to earbuds, we also look at water- and dust-resistance ratings. 
• Sound quality : We evaluate sound quality by listening to a set playlist of music tracks and comparing the earbuds to top competing products in their price range. Sonic traits such as bass definition, clarity, dynamic range and how natural the headphones sound are key factors in our assessment.
• Noise-canceling performance : We evaluate noise-canceling performance by wearing headphones in the same spot indoors near a noisy HVAC unit to see how well they do at muffling lower frequencies. Then we head out to the streets of New York to test the headphones in a real-world environment where we see how they do at muffling not only street noise but people's voices. 
• Extra features : Some great-sounding noise-canceling headphones and earbuds aren't loaded with features, but we do take into account what extra features are on board. These include everything from quick-access awareness to transparency modes (your music pauses and the headphones open up to the outside world so you can have a conversation) to special sound modes to ear-detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you take the headphones off your ears. We also take a look at the companion app for the headphones if there is one and how user-friendly it is. 
• Voice-calling : When we test voice-calling performance, we make calls in the noisy streets of New York and evaluate how well the headphones or earbuds reduce background noise and how clearly callers can hear our voices.
• Value : We determine value after evaluating the strength of the headphones and earbuds against all these criteria and what they're able to deliver compared to other models in their price class. 

Travel headphone FAQs

Are noise-canceling headphones worth it.

A few years ago, you had to pay significantly more money for active noise-canceling headphones. The feature has become pretty common and while the best noise-canceling headphones (by that I mean the headphones that offer the best noise-canceling) tend to be fairly expensive, you can find cheaper models that offer decent noise cancellation. I do think that if noise canceling is important to you, it's better to spend more money on the best pair of noise-canceling headphones you can afford. It's worth noting that many of the premium models get discounted sporadically during the year so you can often save $50 or more on many top headphones if you time your purchase right. 

Does noise cancellation block all noise?

Noise-canceling headphones have traditionally been good at blocking out lower frequency sounds such as the rumbling you hear while traveling on a plane. They haven't been so good at muffling higher frequencies (a baby screaming, for example) and even people talking around you. Companies like Bose, Sony and Apple have improved the technology in the last year or two so their noise canceling works across a wider range of frequencies. It still can't muffle all noise but top noise canceling is now doing a better job tamping down more noises that live in midrange and higher frequencies.

Does noise canceling drain the headphones' battery?

When noise canceling is engaged, it does tend to have an impact on battery life. This is more of a factor with earbuds, which tend to offer anywhere from five to eight hours of battery life with noise canceling on and seven to 12 hours with it off. Full-size headphones can offer 25 to 30 hours of battery life with noise canceling on and up to 40 to 50 hours with it off.

Does noise canceling impact sound quality?

Active noise canceling does hurt sound quality, especially if the noise canceling isn't all that good (noise canceling can create a faint background hiss). It can mess with the purity of the sound quality so it's tricky to create a noise-canceling headphone that sounds really good. As a result, often high-end noise-canceling headphones that tout fantastic sound quality don't have as powerful noise canceling (the noise canceling feels lighter). 

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10 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Travel [2023]

We independently review all our recommendations. Purchases made via our links may earn us a commission. Learn more ❯

We picked the best travel-friendly noise-canceling headphones for you in 2023.

Visiting other countries and seeing new places can be a fantastic experience; however, traveling itself can get pretty stressful.

When you’re in transit, unforeseeable things can happen – some of them unavoidable, and others downright annoying. It can be difficult to relax even when you’re on vacation with the added bother of different intrusive sounds, like engine noise and noisy passengers.

One of the best ways to stay sane during those long hours spent in transit is just to tune it all out – and that’s where noise-canceling headphones come in.

Several factors ought to be considered when picking a pair of noise-canceling headphones, and, the good news is, you don’t have to look far because we’ve compiled them all in this extensive guide. We’ve also put together a list of top-scoring noise cancelling headphones for travel that hit many of the buying factors we’ve listed.

So, let’s dive in!

How to Pick the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel?

Traveling can present many unpredictable scenarios, so naturally, the goal is to make it as stress-free as possible. Noise cancellation is undoubtedly one way to make those long hours spent in-transit more bearable, but there are also several other elements to consider to get the most out of your investment and travels.

To help guide you in choosing the best noise-canceling headphones to suit your travel needs, as yourself the following questions:

• Which type of active noise cancellation is best for traveling?
• Do the headphones have a long battery life?
• Are the headphones portable?
• How’s the build quality of the headphones?
• Are the headphones comfortable?
• How is the sound quality of the headphones?
• How much do the headphones cost?

Active noise cancellation

When traveling, you’ll want a pair of headphones that can effectively eliminate unwanted background noise, and this is best achieved with active noise cancellation (ANC) . In contrast to passive noise isolation, which only uses physical properties to block out noise and can be added to any headphones , ANC uses advanced technology built into the headphones to detect and combat unwanted ambient noise.

In fact, the first Active noise-canceling headphones were initially made for flights. After the tech was first patented in 1936, it was used mainly by airplane and helicopter pilots throughout the 1950s to help with the loud, constant drone of their engines.

Because of this, a lot of advancements in noise cancelling headphones are focused on this purpose. That’s why you can find some of the best of the best noise cancelling headphones on the market on this list.

Active noise cancellation is specifically geared towards blocking consistent, low-frequency noises such as the sound of engines humming.

Adaptive ANC

If you’ve already set your sights on a pair of ANC headphones, it’s important to remember that there are different types of active noise cancellation. The common types of ANC include feedforward , feedback , and hybrid , which only differ on how the dedicated ANC microphones are placed inside the ear cups. You can usually find these types in ANC headphones below $100.

However, if you’re someone who travels quite often or is easily bothered by the noisy disturbances we encounter while traveling, it’s more advisable to opt for adaptive ANC .

Adaptive ANC is essentially a hybrid ANC with built-in artificial intelligence. It’s designed to monitor the listener’s surroundings and make automatic adjustments depending on how loud or quiet the environment is. It continually does so as you move from one place to another.

This makes adaptive ANC perfect for travelers since the likelihood of being exposed to all manner of noises is expected. Adaptive ANC also eliminates the need to tweak your noise-canceling settings continually and is more known for better sound quality and battery life. But as with any product with built-in AI, you can expect it to be more expensive than other types.

Ambient mode

Battery life.

The sheer horror of being on a long flight and knowing your headphones aren’t going to make it until the end is a feeling that most of us would rather avoid, which is why battery life is a priority.

ANC technology requires more power to work, which is why ANC headphones come with a built-in battery dedicated solely to powering the noise-canceling system.

When that battery gets drained, the ANC won’t run, even when the device is connected via an AUX cable. In addition to that, a solid battery will give you longer listening hours so that you can enjoy your music or your favorite podcast without worrying about charging.

Portability

Another valuable feature for frequent travelers is portability. You’ll want a pair of headphones that are easy to pack and carry and won’t add to your baggage weight, especially since some airlines can be unforgivingly strict about these things.

Consider the following features:

• Weight: The lighter your headphones are, the better portability they have. Headphones on the lighter end of the weight spectrum are no heavier than 0.55 lbs, while anything weighing 0.75 lbs or more is already considered quite heavy.
• Foldable: You’ll want something compact and space-saving, particularly since some ANC headphones tend to be on the bulky side because of the materials. Check to see if the headphones can be easily folded into a smaller configuration to prevent packing headaches later on.
• Accessories: Look for a pair that comes with a sturdy carrying case (ideally not one of those drawstring bags) that’ll let you carry it on its own and give ample protection on lazy days when you can’t be bothered to organize the contents of your luggage. Also, check to see if it comes with a flight adapter, which can be helpful on long flights.

Build quality

Adventurous travelers will want to place importance on build quality so that the headphones can endure environmental and climate exposure.

Build quality refers to the soundness and durability of the headphones’ overall design, and several factors can help you determine this.

Materials used

Headphones crafted with dense, high-quality plastics and metal frames will give better longevity. Likewise, the foam and padding used on the ear cups should also feel thick and sturdy enough to endure everyday wear and tear.

Foldable headphones will have joints in the headband, and it’s important to examine their quality, as they could be potential weak spots later on. They should move smoothly and have a decent amount of resistance to stay in position. If your headphones come with wires, thicker cables encased in rubber or fabric have better durability.

Warranties don’t just assure you of added security; they’re also a great way to get a feel of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s overall design and performance. Warranties that provide two or more years of protection are good indicators that the company has invested a great deal in durability.

User reviews

Comfortable fit.

Headphones for travel are likely going to see most use during long flights, so comfortability is a huge factor to consider. It’s especially important since small nuisances, if prolonged and repeated, can flare up into bigger, more annoying problems.

Good fitting headphones don’t just assure comfort; they also give a better seal over the ears so that less sound leaks out and less noise comes in, effectively enhancing the ANC.

A sure-fire way of knowing how comfortable headphones are is to try them on, but if you’re buying online, other factors can help you determine the comfortability of headphones.

Clamping force

Clamping force refers to the headband’s tightness or tension and may affect people differently depending on the user’s head shape and size.

Go for headphones with a clamping force that’s firm enough to keep them securely in place and give your ears a good seal without making your head feel like it’s in a vice. If you cannot try on the headphones in person, your next best move is to look for reviews that talk about comfort and fit.

Aside from cushioning the ears, ear pads also act like a grip that prevents your headphones from sliding down and helps maintain good sound quality by blocking out noise. You’ll want to look for high-quality padding like memory foam, which is soft and springy yet dense and breathable. Regular foams may not offer enough support and can flatten over time.

The size or amount of the padding is also something to consider. Thin and shallow ear pads may not leave enough space between the ears and the hardware, while too-thick padding may compress the ears too much.

Adjustability

Sound quality.

Even if your only concern is blocking out ambient noise, given the hefty price range of good ANC headphones, it’d certainly be worthwhile to invest in something that sounds impeccable as well. Though we all may have different preferences regarding what sounds good, ultimately, good sound quality is determined by accuracy and clarity.

Accuracy and clarity of sound quality should give you a close-to-precise audio recreation of whatever it is you’re listening to, with less deviation between frequencies.

To get a better understanding of the sound quality of a pair of headphones, check the following:

• Driver units: Drivers are small, speaker-like devices located inside the ear cups and are responsible for delivering audio to your ears by converting electrical signals into sound waves. There can be anywhere between 1 to 4 drivers in each ear cup, ranging from 20mm to 50mm in diameter. While these variations can affect sound quality, more often than not, it’s how well a driver is manufactured that makes the difference.
• Frequency range: The average person has an audible frequency range of 20Hz to 20000Hz, which refers to the degree of high and low sounds they can perceive. Headphones that can reproduce a broader range of frequencies will give you better sound quality.
• Sound signature: Sound signatures refer to a unique combination of frequencies and how each of those frequencies is amplified or decreased. The tricky part is those sound signatures are based entirely on personal taste, so it depends on what type of music you listen to and what sound qualities you like emphasized.

For example, a flat sound signature is the most natural-sounding and is ideal for jazz or classical music because it allows the listener to hear all the instrumental elements. Fans of pop or dance music should go for a V-shaped sound signature , enhancing the bass and treble, while a balanced sound signature is best for most music genres.

• Bluetooth audio codecs: Bluetooth codecs are algorithms that compress, transmit, and receive audio data between devices. These codecs have different ways of compressing data that’s unique to them. It’s this combined with the bandwidth of the Bluetooth connection and the size of the audio file that can affect overall sound quality.

SBC, for example, is one of the most common, universally-used codecs; however, it’s also known for producing poor sound quality due to its high lossy compression.

To ensure you’re getting the best sound quality possible, go for devices that support aptX, aptX-HD, and aptX-LL audio codecs. These codecs compress data more efficiently and have higher transfer rates so that less data is lost.

• User reviews: Doing a deep dive into reviews and discussions on sites like Amazon, Youtube, Quora can yield a wealth of information from actual customers with real-world experience with these devices. A little research can help you make a more informed choice.

Additional features

Sometimes, you may find yourself juggling several things at once while traveling – handling luggage, taking last-minute calls, getting directions from airport staff, etc. Some headphones are designed with extra features that make multitasking effortless for the busiest of travelers.

If you’re one such traveler, here are a few features to keep an eye out for:

Voice assistant integration

Headphones with voice assistant integration allow you to access your phone’s default voice assistant program, such as Siri or Google Assistant, by making specific voice commands. Through this, you can easily play your music, answer calls, send messages, or check other important information online without having to take out your phone or remove your headphones.

Smart Sensors

Some headphones have smart sensors that respond when they detect movement or speech. These sensors will automatically pause your music when you’re speaking or if the headphones are removed and resume playing when worn again. This is incredibly helpful if you need to take a call or quickly listen to something without fussing with buttons.

Intuitive controls

Some headphones have more intuitive touch controls as an alternative to physical buttons for play/pause and volume. While it does take some getting used to, it can be quite convenient to swipe a finger to skip tracks or adjust volume, or simply place a palm over your ear cup to pause your music when you need to listen to essential sounds in your surroundings.

Pressure-relief technology

Active noise cancelling headphones generally come at more expensive prices than headphones with passive noise cancellation .

While expensive headphones are often better than cheap ones, it’s essential to keep in mind that a high price doesn’t always mean high quality. Sometimes, what drives up those retail prices is how stylish or popular the brand attached to them is.

Essentially, the price differences come down to the quality of the noise-canceling circuitry, drivers, and materials used.

Expensive ANC headphones are outfitted with more plush, high-quality materials that enhance the noise-canceling effect and are equipped with larger, more sensitive drivers that give listeners a more expansive “soundstage.” They also usually have a more advanced ANC technology, primarily with the use of artificial intelligence.

Budget ANC headphones , on the other hand, tend to use cheaper build materials and lower quality drivers, so the sound you’ll likely get won’t be as clear or dynamic. Some midrange ANC headphones, on the other hand, have been able to marry quality and affordability , so you’re better off just sticking to a budget and look for specific features that best suit your needs.

10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel in 2023

Here are our picks for the best noise-canceling headphones for travel:

1. Jabra Elite 85h

Key features for travel:

• Adaptive noise cancellation of up to 20-35 dB
• Eight built-in microphones for sound and call clarity
• Long battery life with fast-charge
• Wearing detection
• Rain and water-resistant
• Withstands tough temperatures

Combined with their SmartSound and HearThrough technology, the Jabra Elite 85h is designed for toughness and hands-free convenience and engineered with a sophisticated AI that adapts to your needs to deliver superior sound quality.

It’s not surprising that Jabra Elite 85h is also our top pick in the best ANC headphones under $300 category .

Zero noise wherever you go

The Jabra Elite 85h comes with adaptive noise cancellation called SmartSound Audio, which works in tandem with the eight built-in microphones. SmartSound automatically analyzes the sound levels in your environment and implements customized sound settings that enhance your listening experience, which can be helpful if you’re traveling through different places.

You can personalize the different sound settings on the accompanying app called Sound+, along with call and voice assistant settings.

Hours of convenient, hassle-free playtime

The lithium-ion battery can easily give 36 hours of ANC listening on a single full charge. Charging concerns are also no longer a worry for those who are always on the move. Thanks to the fast-charge function, a quick 15-minute charge will get you 5 hours of battery life.

The on-ear wearing detection also eliminates the need to fuss around with buttons to pause your music or mute calls. Simply remove the device from your ears, and the headphones automatically do it for you.

Tough build meant for the outdoors

One thing that brought Jabra Elite 85h on top of this article’s list is the tough build quality.

The Jabra Elite 85h is solidly built to perform in the out and open – best for venturesome travelers. The headphones’ internal mechanisms are nano-coated, making them rain and water-resistant, and able to endure temperatures ranging from -5 to 45 degrees celsius. It also comes with a 2-year warranty against water and dust, so you know you’re doubly protected.

Despite the impressive specs, the Jabra Elite 85h does have its fair share of shortcomings. The device is indeed reliable when it comes to delivering superior sound quality for music listening and ANC. Still, there are mixed reviews regarding call quality, particularly when pairing the headphones directly with a computer and taking PC calls. Additionally, some users report that the ANC may not work correctly during calls.

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• Adaptive noise cancellation that automatically adjusts to your environment
• Eight built-in microphones for optimum noise cancellation and call clarity
• Long battery life with up to 36 hours of ANC listening
• Fast-charge battery yields 5 hours of listening on a 15-minute charge
• On-ear detection pauses audio and mutes calls when the headphones are removed
• iOS and Android compatible
• 40mm drivers
• 2-year warranty against water and dust
• Comes with Sound+ app that allows you to customize your sound settings further
• Comes in 4 sleek colors
• ANC may not work correctly during calls
• May have reduced sound quality when connected directly to a PC to take calls

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

• Adaptive noise cancellation reduces noise by 25-30 dB
• Ambient sound control
• Superior sound quality
• Five built-in microphones for sound clarity
• Hands-free controls

Dubbed as having “industry-leading noise cancellation,” the award-winning Sony WH-1000XM4 comes outfitted with a slew of intelligent and adaptive tech that prioritizes premium sound quality.

Adjusts with you and the noise around you

The headphones are fitted with two microphones in each ear cup and a robust HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1 chip designed to pick up and analyze ambient noise in any setting. With these features, the ANC system can make as many as 700 real-time adjustments per second to give you the best sound quality no matter where you are.

The ANC capabilities are further enhanced with Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing, which detects the change in atmospheric pressure during flights, and Personal Optimizing, which examines the acoustic effects caused by glasses, hair, or head size and optimizes sound output accordingly.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 also comes with an adjustable Ambient Sound Control feature, which travelers can activate with a hand gesture and allows them to keep an ear out for transport calls and other audible warnings.

Listen to your favourite music like never before

The headphones are outfitted with DSEE Extreme™ software, which works in tandem with Sony’s own Edge-AI to bring superior sound quality. Together, they can better perceive the minute variations in instrumentation and vocals and enhance the overall quality by restoring compressed data almost to its original state.

The headphones are also fitted with Sony’s LDAC audio codec, which has three times the transfer rate as standard Bluetooth codecs, ensuring that less music data is lost and that you’re getting a quality sound experience on those long dreary hours in transit.

Easy controls that adapt to your needs

The Touch Sensor allows you to control your music and answer calls using simple tapping or swiping gestures over the headphones’ outer panel. Activating the Quick Attention mode is as easy as placing your palm over the ear cup. It automatically lowers music volume and lets ambient noise in – great for when you need to listen to boarding calls or voices quickly.

Its Speak-to-Chat and Precise Voice Pickup technology makes use of the five built-in microphones to listen and respond to your voice. Once you start talking, your music is instantly paused, and ambient noise is filtered in, making it easier to communicate or take calls when you can’t take off your headphones or have an armful of luggage.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 seamlessly adapts to you, regardless of where you are or what you’re doing. Wearing Detection senses when the headphones are removed and pauses playback accordingly while putting them on again resumes playback. Adaptive Sound Control also recognizes locations you frequent, which allows it to tailor your listening experience further.

Longer, more comfortable listening hours

The headband and ear cups are fitted with super-soft urethane foam and pleather padding designed to distribute pressure evenly. Its powerful battery also gives 30 playtime hours on a single full charge – great for undisturbed listening on long haul flights. The quick-charge function gives five hours of playtime on ten minutes of charging, handy when in a rush.

While the Sony WH-1000XM4 gets an undisputed five stars for its superb sound quality and adaptive noise-canceling capabilities, the hands-free controls need a bit of familiarization. Some users report that the touch controls can be confusing at first, often triggering unwanted track skips or volume adjustments.

The Quick Attention mode can be overly sensitive and activate when not needed, a feature that can be easily turned off in the accompanying app called Sony Headphones Connect. Bluetooth pairing is also done through the said app, in contrast to other headphones with a dedicated button for pairing on the device.

• Adaptive noise cancellation with sound optimizers
• Ambient sound control that allows you to listen to important sounds
• Long battery life with 30 hours of playtime
• Adaptive Sound Control adjusts sound quality based on your location
• Wearing Detection pauses playback when headphones are removed
• DSEE Extreme™ software and LDAC audio codecs ensure superior sound quality
• Quick Attention and Speak-to-Chat features enable you to communicate and hear essential sounds without removing your headphones
• High-quality plastic build with super-soft pleather and foam ear pads designed for pressure-relief
• Sensitive touch controls can sometimes trigger track skips and volume adjustments
• Bluetooth pairing is done through an app instead of a dedicated button on the device
• Quick Attention mode can activate when not needed

3. Anker Soundcore Life Q20

• Hybrid noise cancellation reduces noise up to 35 dB
• Hi-Res Audio certified sound quality
• Quick charge function
• Comfortable and adjustable build

As one of the more affordable ANC headphones in the market, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 offers decent noise cancellation and immersively clear sound quality.

Provides a more engaging listening experience

The Q20’s custom 40 mm dynamic drivers are Hi-Res Audio certified and equipped with Anker’s BassUp technology, giving listeners exceptionally clear highs, detailed midranges, and amplified bass. Sound quality is further improved by the hybrid active noise cancellation, which reduces unwanted low-frequency noise from airplane jets or car engines by up to 90%.

Use comfortably for long hours

A single full charge can yield a solid 40 hours of ANC listening, and you can get an additional 20 hours of use with the ANC turned off. If you’re transferring between flights and need to recharge your headphones quickly, you can easily get 4 hours of listening from a 5-minute charge.

The headphones are outfitted with memory foam earpads that fit snugly around the ears, 90-degree rotating ear cups, and an adjustable headband. These don’t just make them comfortable after prolonged use; it makes them easy to store in your carry-on bag too.

Hearing “popping sounds” when the ANC is activated is a common issue many users have with the Anker Soundcore Life Q20, particularly when the headphones are either jolted or exposed to percussive sounds. Some users have also reported that Bluetooth tends to disconnect at random times.

The upside is that Anker provides its customers with a 30-day money-back guarantee, an 18-month product warranty, and lifetime customer support for all its products.

• Hybrid active noise cancellation reduces 90% of low- and mid-frequency sounds
• Hi-Res Audio certified sound quality, further boosted with BassUp technology
• Long battery life with quick charge function
• Comfortable build with memory foam ear pads and adjustable headband
• Four built-in cVc 8.0 microphones for noise cancellation
• Affordable price for ANC headphones
• Comes with a micro USB charging cable and a 3.5mm audio cable
• May hear popping noises caused by jolting movement or loud sounds
• Bluetooth may randomly disconnect at times

4. Srhythm NC35

• Active noise cancellation reduces sound by up to 20-25 dB
• Lightweight, adjustable, ergonomic design
• Built-in microphones for noise cancellation and calls
• 40 mm HD Stereo drivers

Labeled as having “world-leading digital ANC,” the Srhythm NC35 combines style with portability and practical design aesthetics, making it ideal for a lifestyle on the road.

Less noise in busy surroundings

The NC35’s feedforward ANC and improved Dual Noise Reduction sensor minimizes low-frequency ambient noise by 90%, making it ideal for office work and travel. Combined with the ANC and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, the built-in cVc 8.0 microphone ensures that calls are always crystal clear, stable, and hands-free.

Outstanding comfort you can enjoy for hours

The device itself weighs in at 0.40 lbs and comes with 90°-170° multi-angle rotatable ear cups and a Japanese-designed headband that can stretch up to 8 levels to accommodate all head shapes. Soft memory foam padding and protein leather allow more breathability so that you can keep your headphones on for as long as you like – perfect for those long layovers.

And if that wasn’t enough, Srhythm goes a step further with its air pressure balance technology, which reduces the air pressure produced by the headphones’ drivers, keeping your eardrums safe even with prolonged use.

For people who are always on the go

The 800 mAh lithium-ion battery provides up to 40 listening hours, thanks to the NC35s more energy-efficient ANC algorithm. Its fast charging function affords you three hours of playtime on just ten minutes of charging, so you never have to worry about running out of juice at inopportune times.

Sound quality you can love

Two powerful 40 mm HD drivers, coupled with the headphones’ one-of-a-kind sound chambers, takes care of tinny audio and delivers high-fidelity music. Simultaneously, the Bluetooth V5.0 CSR chipset also ensures a low latency audio connection up to 33 feet away.

The Srhythm NC35 gets great marks in sound quality, comfort, and noise cancellation. However, some users have expressed frustration over some audio stutter issues when connecting the headphones to a PC and the lack of audible notifications for battery levels. Others have also reported the battery not charging after a few months.

• Feedforward active noise cancellation reduces ambient noise by 90%
• Good battery life with 40 hours of ANC listening
• Fast-charge function gets you 3 hours of playtime on a 10-minute charge
• Air pressure balance technology keeps your ears safe
• Built-in cVc 8.0 microphone for noise cancellation and call clarity
• Comfortable, lightweight, highly-adjustable design
• Comes with a USB-C charging cable, 3.5mm audio cable, and flight adapter
• Comes in three colors
• Audio may stutter when connected to PC
• May stop charging after a few months
• No audible notification for battery levels

5. Master & Dynamic MW65

• Hybrid noise cancellation up to 20-25 dB
• Long battery life with super-fast charging battery
• Aluminum metal build
• 40mm Beryllium drivers

Designed with remarkable attention to detail and engineered to last, the Master & Dynamic MW65 combines sophisticated style, durability, and impressive acoustics that will keep you entertained for hours.

Withstands daily wear and tear

A leather-padded headband and lambskin-wrapped memory foam earpads give the MW65 a luxurious yet comfortable feel, while the anodized aluminum metal frame provides durability against the wear and tear of everyday use and travel. The earpads are also removable and can be replaced if needed.

Suits any environmental noise

The headphones come with a dedicated ANC button and two ANC modes – high power and low power – which you can easily toggle depending on how noisy your environment is. It comes in handy if you’re moving from place to place and don’t want to remove your headphones.

Little to no downtime

A single full charge gives these headphones 24 hours of playtime, which you might think is relatively low until you realize how quickly you can get back on track once you’ve drained your battery. A speedy 15-minute charging session can yield a whopping 12 hours of playtime – enough to last an entire long haul flight.

Well-crafted sound quality you can enjoy

The MW65’s signature rich and warm sound is delivered through 40mm Beryllium drivers, giving you a balanced sound quality ideal for all music genres.

The Master & Dynamic MW65 leaves nothing to be desired for noise cancellation and sound quality; however, some users feel that the over-ear ear cups may be too small and tend to squish the ears.

Other snags include weak mic gain that can’t be adjusted separately, making conference calls slightly troublesome. Some have also noted that the headphone where the charging port is located can get particularly hot while being charged.

• Adjustable hybrid active noise cancellation
• Decent battery life with super-fast charging function
• Dual built-in microphones for call clarity and noise reduction
• Bluetooth 4.2 with AptX audio codecs
• 65-foot Bluetooth connection range
• Robust, stylish build
• Ear cups may be too small for some ears
• Weak mic gain that can’t be adjusted separately
• Fast charging function can make the headphones quite hot

6. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless

• Adaptive noise cancellation reduces noise up to 20-30 dB
• Ambient Sound mode
• TILE technology
• Wearing Detection
• Decent battery life with fast-charge

Classy design aesthetics, straightforward controls, and excellent sound quality make the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless an ideal all-around pick for the stylish traveler.

Keeps you aware when it matters

The Transparent Hearing feature allows you to be alerted to essential sounds by letting in ambient noise so that you never miss out on important information while in transit and addresses safety concerns when used outdoors .

Never lose your headphones again

Sennheiser’s integrated TILE technology helps you quickly locate your headphones in the event you misplace them – excellent for forgetful folks who are always on the go. The tracking app works via Bluetooth and notifies you by setting off an alarm tone on your phone or showing you your device’s last known location on a map in the app.

Physical and gesture-based controls that make life easy

The headphones have dedicated buttons for volume control, play/pause, ANC, and voice assistance that can be easily accessed. They also have gesture-based controls such as Smart Pause, which detects if you’ve removed your headphones and pauses your music accordingly, and Auto On/Off, which automatically turns off the headphones once folded.

Some of the more common complaints from users involve poor sound quality when taking calls. Some users have also reported that the headband design can be uncomfortable for those who wear glasses . If you have glasses but are determined to go with this pair, however, feel free to check out our guide on how to wear headphones with glasses comfortably .

• Adaptive noise cancellation with three modes to suit any setting
• Transparent Hearing that lets ambient noise in
• TILE technology keeps you from losing your headphones
• Decent battery life with fast charging function
• Bluetooth 5.0 multi-device connectivity
• aptX LL, aptX, SBC and AAC supported audio codecs
• Premium leather and matte steel build
• Large memory foam ear cups
• Foldable design
• Comes with a USB-C charging cable, USB-C to A adapter, and 3.5 mm cable
• Sound quality for calls may not be the best
• Can be uncomfortable for those who wear glasses

7. Bose 700

• Hybrid noise cancellation reduces noise up to 27-35 dB
• 11 settings for Ambient Sound mode
• Eight built-in microphones for noise cancellation and clear voice pick-up
• Ultra-comfortable build

Popular for its exceptional noise-canceling capabilities and unmatched sound quality, the Bose NC 700 headphones gives you full control over what you want to hear and what you don’t. It’s hailed as “the best active noise cancellation you can buy” by PCMag and won the Red Dot Product Design Award in 2020.

Adjusts to your preferences

The headphones have a total of 8 microphones, 6 of which are dedicated to the ANC, and come with 11 different settings that allow you to customize the level of noise cancellation you’re getting. Together, they work to enhance audio quality and fine-tune the noise reduction feature.

You can choose a range of ANC modes from full noise reduction for loud, busy locations to full transparency, which lets you hear ambient noises, important warnings, or transit advisories when you need to. A single push of a button also activates Conversation Mode, which takes your headphones straight to full transparency mode without having to run through the other modes.

Truly clear calls on both ends

Six microphones work to inhibit unwanted background noise, and four microphones work to boost your voice’s clarity, To ensure you’re getting the clearest calling experience. These tweaks are consistently being done in real-time, allowing the headphones to adapt even as you move so that you can have smooth, straightforward conversations no matter where you are.

Outstanding comfort you can look forward to

The ear cups, furnished with luxurious protein leather, is designed to tilt at 15 degrees to accommodate the head and ears’ natural anatomy. So, if you’re the type of traveler that likes to shut out the world or even sleep for the entirety of a long haul flight, it shouldn’t be a problem with these headphones.

The stainless steel headband also comes with soft silicone-wrapped foam padding on its underside, and though it isn’t foldable, you can slide the ear cups up and down to adjust its size. As one of the most comfortable headphones on this list, the Bose 700 will have you looking forward to using them at any chance you get.

The most common gripe that users have with the Bose 700 has to do with the Bose Music app. According to reviews, the headphones not only require the app to fully function, but users are also required to sign up for an account. The app also tends to be buggy, causing log-in difficulties and pairing problems with PCs and phones.

• Hybrid active noise cancellation with 11 Ambient Sound settings
• Eight mics for ANC and clearer voice calls
• Premium build made for comfort
• 20-hour battery life
• Quick charging gives 2.5 hours of playtime on a 15-minute charge
• Multi-device connectivity
• Comes with 3.5 mm audio cable, USB-C charging cable, and carrying case
• Users need to download and sign-up on the Bose Music app
• Users may encounter difficulties logging into the app or pairing the headphones to a PC or phone

8. Avantree ANC032

• Active noise cancellation reduces noise up to 18 dB
• Decent battery life
• Lightweight build for on-the-go listening

What the Avantree ANC032 lacks in stellar, high-powered specs, it makes up for with a portable, practical build that provides decent sound quality and active noise cancellation for an affordable price.

Don’t let its price fool you! Despite being the most affordable, this pair of headphones is truly one of the best noise cancelling headphones for travel.

Comfortable, weightless fit

At 0.39 lbs, the Avantree ANC032 is the lightest pair of headphones on this list. More lightweight headphones feel less stuffy over the ears after prolonged use and lessen the likelihood of experiencing ear, shoulder, or neck aches. Additionally, lighter headphones mean more baggage space, especially for airlines with stricter weight limitations, making this a smart choice for travelers.

The headphones are designed for convenience and fully adjustable with swiveling ear cups padded with soft protein leather and a foldable headband that accommodates all head shapes.

Keep distractions away

The headphones are equipped with feedforward ANC that works to minimize low-frequency background noises from plane engines, buzzing crowds, or large household appliances so that you can focus longer and have a more enjoyable listening experience.

Some users have reported the Avantree ANC032’s inefficiency at blocking out irregular, high-frequency sounds. However, it’s important to note that Avantree themselves put a disclaimer on ANC032’s noise reduction capacity for high-frequency sounds.

Other users also say that the plastic build can be prone to breaking over time, but the bright side is that you’ll be covered with Avantree’s 2-year warranty.

• Hybrid ANC reduces low-frequency noises
• Good battery life yields 48 hours of wired playtime with ANC, 18 hours with Bluetooth only, and 10 hours of listening with both Bluetooth and ANC activated
• FastStream, SBC & AAC audio codecs
• 40 mm stereo drivers
• Comes with 3.5 mm audio cable, micro USB charging cable, and carrying pouch
• The ANC may not block sudden high-frequency sounds
• The plastic build may break after a few months

9. Beyerdynamics Lagoon

• Hybrid noise cancellation reduces noise by up to 20 dB
• Long battery life
• Built-in microphone with Qualcomm CVC
• Lightweight, comfortable build

The German-made beyerdynamics lagoon won recognition from the CES Innovation Awards in 2019 and Goldenes Ohr in 2020 for its excellence in sound quality and noise cancellation, as well as its intuitive MOSAYC sound personalization feature.

Hours of top-notch sound quality

Equipped with hybrid ANC, the headphones come with 3 ANC modes – off, level I, and level II – and are geared towards canceling out those ever-present low-frequency droning sounds characteristic of planes, trains, and automobiles, without compromising sound quality.

Combined with a battery that yields as much as 24 hours of ANC-activated listening and integrated Qualcomm aptX, aptX LL, and AAC audio codecs, you can rely on the Beyerdynamics Lagoon to deliver hours’ worth of pristine sound quality from your iOS or Android device.

These codecs also ensure minimal sound delays. And other than the improvement in music listening, minimal sound delays also ensure a great gaming experience. So, these ANC headphones can accompany you while playing mobile games to pass time while traveling.

Using the MOSAYC sound personalization app by Mimi Defined, you can further adjust your sound quality preferences by taking the in-app hearing test and improve the audibility of your voice for calls.

Excellent voice call quality anywhere

As a company that knows how to manufacture reliable microphones, you can be sure that the beyerdynamics lagoon won’t disappoint in that arena. The headphones are fitted with a built-in microphone with Qualcomm cVc designed to make sure all your voice calls are uncomplicatedly clear, whether indoors or outdoors, making this a great all-rounder choice for traveling.

Aside from traveling, the call quality makes these an amazing option for ANC headphones for online classes . With these, you can travel anywhere without missing a lecture.

Designed for comfort and compact storage

The rotatable circumaural ear cups are cushioned with soft, high-quality memory foam and artificial leather and are designed to accommodate the natural anatomy of the ear so that you can wear it longer without problems. The headphones can also be easily folded into a more compact size, making them easy to pack into your luggage or carry-on.

The headphones’ accompanying Light Guide System (LGS) is either a hit or miss for users. The unique lights installed inside the ear cups work by flashing in specific combinations of 6 colors and patterns to alert the user to battery levels, calls, and Bluetooth connections.

It’s an innovative idea; however, some users have found it confusing and cumbersome to remember what each pattern means without whipping out the user manual every time.

• Hybrid noise cancellation with 3 ANC modes
• Long battery life gives 46 hours of non-ANC listening and 25 hours with ANC
• Built-in microphone with Qualcomm cVc for clear calls
• MOSAYC sound personalization for further sound customization
• Qualcomm aptX, aptX LL, and AAC audio codecs
• Sturdy plastic and leather build
• Light Guide System may be challenging to get used to

10. Philips PH805

• Hybrid noise cancellation reduces noise up to 27 dB
• 40mm neodymium acoustic drivers

The Philips PH805 blends reliably good specs with a sturdy premium build and decent noise cancellation for a more affordable price, making it one of the best noise cancelling headphones for traveling.

Choose what you hear

The PH805’s effective active noise cancellation takes care of distracting background noise, so you can enjoy your music or favorite podcast without turning your volume up to ear-damaging levels. When you need to get back to the real world, activating Awareness Mode helps you stay connected with what’s going on around you without needing to remove your device.

Extended listening experience you can enjoy

The headphones’ 40mm neodymium acoustic drivers are Hi-Res Audio certified and deliver detailed, balanced sound quality with clear midrange frequencies suited for many music genres. The battery yields as much as 25 hours of ANC-activated listening, and its fast charging function gets you 6 hours on a 15-minute charge, making sure you’re covered for long flights.

While the Philips PH805 performs decently when it comes to sound quality and noise cancellation, some audiophile users have reported that the bass quality can be a little weak compared to similar models.

• Hybrid noise cancellation
• Long battery life gives 30 hours of playtime and 25 hours with the ANC on
• Rapid charge function gives 2 hours of playtime on a 5-minute charge and 6 hours on a 15-minute charge
• Awareness Mode keeps you connected to your surroundings
• Built-in microphone with echo cancellation
• Memory foam and leather-padded ear cups
• Compact, foldable design
• Bass quality may not be up to par with other headphones on this list

Ultimately, when it comes to buying the best noise cancelling headphones for travel, don’t let high prices or fancy aesthetics drive you to make a purchase. Take the time to do research and read reviews, and if you’re on a budget, choosing headphones with good ANC, sound quality, and comfort at the very least will still give you the most out of your investment.

How did you find our list? Did you like our recommendations? If you think there are other devices that should’ve been on this list, please share them in the comments section below. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Related articles.

The Best Wireless Earbuds for Travel (And Everything Else)

By Sebastian Modak , Elaheh Nozari , and Louis Cheslaw

While wireless earbuds have been around for a while, the AirPods ushered in a new generation of true wireless earbuds when they made their debut at the end of 2016. So began a Bluetooth-dominated era, where earbuds aren't physically connected to your device or to each other. For travel, going wireless can be liberating—no more wire tangles clogging up your backpack and no more slack cord dipping into your in-flight meal by mistake. And for some, over-ear wireless headphones are too bulky to stow away in an already stuffed carry-on bag . Here are the best editor-tested wireless earbuds on the market right now for travel and otherwise.

(Note: We don't think sorta-wireless earbuds—the ones with a wire connecting them to each other—are worth it when there are so many great wireless options available now, so we've limited this selection to true wireless earbuds.)

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Sony WF-1000XM3 Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Sony's new wireless earbuds were industry leading from the day they landed in stores last fall for two big reasons. First, they're entirely noise-cancelling, standing up to comparison with the greatest on-ear headphones out there. Second, these compact buds contain eight hours of battery life per charge, with 24 additional hours in the charging case (which can add 90 minutes of life with a mere 10-minute charge). The WF-1000XM3's, which have a rich sound that can handle whatever bass you throw at it, can maintain a connection to two devices at the same time, making switching between a phone and laptop easy.

Battery life: Eight hours, plus 24 hours of back-up in the charging case.

Hits: Warm, expansive sound quality with excellent battery life, USB-C charging, and best-in-class noise cancelling.

Misses: None come to mind—these are the earbuds to beat. 

Buy Now: $198, amazon.com

Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Wireless Earbuds

If you're looking to spend $100 or less on wireless earbuds, the Soundcore Liberty Air 2 are your best bet. They're similar to the Apple AirPods in that they have a long cylindrical stem that sticks out of your ears, and they're remarkably comfortable. Plus, the latest version added an impressive 13 hours to the charge capacity, and sped up the charge time. Now, you can get two hours of listening time with just a 10-minute charge. They have silicone tips that seal off your ear canals so they are technically noise-isolating, but the effectiveness really depends on how well the included ear tips fit you—to that end, there are now five sizes to choose from, ranging from XS to XL. They'll definitely stay in place if you're, say, sitting at the airport, but if you're taking these on a long run or for a jaunt around the gym, they won't be as snug as the Jabra Elite Actives or Powerbeats Pro.

Battery life : Seven hours, plus an additional 28 from the charging case.

Hits : Solid noise-isolation system and comfortable fit; a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection; easy pairing to your device.

Misses : They are cheaper than most of the wireless earbuds on this list, which means they (and their charging case) also look and feel cheaper.

Buy Now: $80, amazon.com

Powerbeats Pro Wireless Headphones

The only choice for the active traveler, the latest Beats earbuds are entirely sweat resistant, with an adjustable over-the-ear hook that guarantees the buds will stay in place whether you're running a mile or taking off a sweater mid-flight. Along with the durability comes impressive sound quality, remarkable battery life, and an incredibly stable connection and clear microphone when making calls (aided by the fact that Powerbeats, owned by Apple, pair seamlessly with iPhones). The Apple benefits don't stop there: Powerbeats can be charged with an iPhone cable, and come with a new one to add to your collection.

Battery life: Nine hours, plus an additional 24 hours with the charging case.

Hits: Apple connectivity, sweat-resistant design, and never having to scramble for a fallen bud again.

Misses: At $250, there are cheaper workout headphones—and the size of the charging case takes getting used to. 

Buy Now: $250, amazon.com

Jabra Elite 65T True Wireless Earbuds

If you prioritize sound quality for music above all else, the Jabra Elite 65T are the best wireless earbuds at a more affordable price point than the Sennheiser. They carry an impressive dynamic range and come with three different sizes of silicone tips, called EarGels, so you can find a fit that will also offer very good noise isolation. The connection strength, powered by Bluetooth 5.0, is ironclad, so you won't experience dropped audio unless your phone is running on an earlier Bluetooth system. If you exercise a lot, consider getting the Jabra Elite Active 65T, which are nearly identical to the standard Elites but are sweat-resistant (and $20 more expensive).

Battery life: Five hours, plus an additional 10 out of the charging case.

Hits: Great sound; easy-to-use controls; strong Bluetooth connection.

Misses: Not the best for phone call audio quality, especially if you're on a busy city street.

Buy Now: Jabra Elite 65T, $120, amazon.com Buy Now: Jabra Elite 65T Active, $140, amazon.com

Steph Koyfman

Shannon McMahon

Charlie Hobbs

Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless Earbuds

For those who follow the evolution of earphone brands closely, it would have been pretty obvious that the German perfectionists at Sennheiser were not messing around when they released the Momentum True Wireless Earbuds in November 2018. These earbuds prove that size doesn't matter, to the point that it's easy to forget you're dealing with two tiny capsules that could easily be lost in the wash, not oversized headphones. The sound and passive noise isolation of these wireless earbuds are superb, with thumping bass and non-grating treble. An elegant, pocketable, USB-C charging case that doesn't look like it's holding your meds (hi, AirPods) is the cherry on top.

Battery life: Four hours, plus an additional eight out of the charging case.

Hits: Arena-like sound quality and an eye-catching design.

Misses: The controls—a complicated network of taps on the completely buttonless earbuds—can take some getting used to.

Buy Now: $230, sennheiser.com

Apple AirPods Pro

You can say what you want about Apple—that it doesn't innovate quite like it used to, or that it's the company that got us into this wireless mess with its nixing of the headphone jack—but the AirPods set a new standard for how Bluetooth earphones should work. Granted, they are designed for iPhone and Mac users, so if you're of a different persuasion, there are better options for you in this list. But when used to their fullest, the AirPods can be remarkable, and the noise-cancelling capability of the Pro model only improved upon the overall quality; with the Pro, you can toggle noise cancelling on and off, and there's a noticeable improvement in sound quality when turned on. The seamlessness of the connection, established as soon as you pull them out of their carrying case; the addition of ear tips for cushioning; and handy features like automatic pausing when you pull one earbud out all add up to a pretty nifty listening experience.

Battery life: Four and a half hours (five with noise-cancelling turned off), plus an additional 24 from the charging case.

Hits: Seamless Bluetooth connection; incredibly easy set up for iPhone users; sweat- and water-resistant.

Misses: The price is $100 more than standard AirPods, and the battery life is no longer top-of-class.

Buy Now: $250, target.com

TRNDLabs NOVA True Wireless Earbuds

Okay, these little guys aren't going to win any innovation awards. They're extremely simple—two tiny plastic pods with one button on each—and they do suffer from some annoying hiccups, including totally failing at syncing with video. But hey, look at that price . For something that will channel decent-fidelity music into your ears for the price of a 30-minute Uber ride in New York City, all without a wire in sight, the TRNDLabs NOVAs are a pretty great budget option, and the battery life is unmatched. There are even a few things that are really great: The disc-like carrying case is genius and if the provided extra pair of memory foam tips fit your ears perfectly, these cheap earbuds actually provide some spectacular noise isolation.

Battery life: Three hours, plus an additional 60 (yes, sixty ) with the charging case that doubles as a power bank.

Hits: A rock-bottom price tag; decent audio quality; good isolation if they are the right fit.

Misses: Crappy mics make for crappy phone calls; tons of lag when watching videos; cheap-feeling all-plastic build.

Buy Now: $49, trndlabs.com

Packing List

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10 Best Travel Headphones In 2023

In today's article, we are hand selecting a few headphones floating around on the current market for some robust, long life, comfy candidates which make for great contenders for the 10 best travel headphones in 2023.

When it comes to audio on the go you have to consider a few extra factors with portability and comfort at the forefront of it all.

Quite often we opt for in-ear models to travel as their naturally compact nature lends to their portability but they are not always the best for blocking out engine noise on a plane.

Whilst many earbud sets boast active noise cancellation they do very little to passively noise cancel and so, despite their best efforts, don't make the best airplane headphones. They are typically less hardier and the audio somewhat lacking in comparison to their overhead counterpart whom are generally speaking far more capable thanks to the extra space they have available for harboring larger drivers.

Table of Contents

At a glance: Our top 3 picks

1. cowin e7 active, 2. koss ur-20, 3. koss ksc75 portable, 4. bose quietcomfort 25, 5. paww wavesound 3, 6. beats solo3 wireless, 7. cowin e7 pro, 8. taotronics active noise, 9. edifier h840 audiophile, 10. active noise canceling headphones, what to look for when buying air travel headphones.

Today we have taken a few of the best options to compare which make for good 'pack for the airport' headphones.

• Optimized bass enhancement.
• Active noise cancellation tech.
• Affordable pair.

View The Best Travel Headphones Below

We open today with the E7 model from COWIN, which are very well designed large-aperture option with an appealing price-tag.

They are closed back, and the cups are once again free to swivel and collapse pretty flat. The cups are comfortably cushioned with a memory protein material making them comfortable to wear for long periods.

They feature bass optimized 45mm diaphragm drivers which work fairly efficiently. The electronics are engineered to respond based on a wave processing algorithm, which makes the noise cancellation tech very effective and the audio production very rich.

The built-in Bluetooth is a little older but not outdated and we have included the newly upgraded model as a product later in today's article.

The integrated microphone is good quality , supported by the ANC, and has user-friendly controls, it makes handling voice calls a breeze.

They can deliver up to 30 hours of listening between charges which is unbelievable and a very valuable asset in a travel option.

Pros: + Optimized bass enhancement. + Active noise cancellation tech. + Affordable pair.

Why We Liked It - Despite being an older model it serves up superb audio and the Bluetooth on-board is not redundant, so some of you on a shoestring can save yourselves a few bucks.

We are going to take a look at two very different Koss models now which have made their way to the top of the market with their rapidly escalating rapport.

The first model is the UR-20 set which is a low budget wireless model that manages to compare quite fairly to our other top ten choices today. Though they are intended as home headphones they provide a cheap overhead option which capably competes with some of the more travel-worthy sets we are highlighting later.

The drivers utilize neodymium magnets and are sufficiently capable with a big workload. They have a decent frequency response and serve up high fidelity audio which outperforms anything with a similarly low price.

These budget headphones are built sturdily and have the all-important cushioning required for longer listening sessions. The headband is very flexible but supported with a frame to keep them durable.

Pros: + Cheap choice. + Sturdily built. + Surprising audio.

Why We Liked It - They serve up superior audio to similarly priced cheaper options and despite not being specifically aimed at travel we think they are worth a mention for those with a more restrictive budget in mind.

The second cheap set from Koss which have caught our attention are the only set of headphones we have included which are not an overhead model.

They are actually an over-ear hook model, as they feature a sports clip that comfortably tucks behind the ear, but they have many large drivers similar to a traditional overhead model so they serve up better audio than an over-ear hook earbud set could ever produce. The drivers are titanium-coated and made with good quality components.

The mini-ear cups can pivot freely providing a self-adjusting fit that keeps them comfortable they have soft synthetic padding.

The concept endows them with a bigger sounding board to produce audio which is delivered far more powerfully. They have an extended frequency response tailored to providing better low-end. The dynamics and richly textured sound blows all typical over-ear option s out of the water.

Pros: + Versatile concept. + Strong drivers. + Great bass.

Why We Liked It - TThey provide an interesting option for people who aren't comfortable with an overhead option but want around ear audio instead of in ear audio.

We are no strangers to the QuietComfort series by Bose and neither should you be as we have reviewed models in the past. Model 25 is marketed as a set of airplane headphones and we think it epitomizes everything we love about Bose engineering.

They provide deep resonant high-definition sound and both actively and passively cancel noise, significantly reducing background hustle and bustle, and blocking out the sound of roaring engines.

They are exceptionally crafted feature quality components and are luxuriously cushion-lined to make them comfortable, allowing for a longer length of use.

They feature powerful high-performance drivers, forged with top-quality components and employ over-sized coils for richer audio.

The highs are authentically detailed and beautifully offset against the mid and bass frequencies. They have a very dynamic accurate response and cover a broad range of frequency.

They fold for convenience, making them more portable. They once again come with a storage case, which appears to be pretty durably built. They also generously include a free compatible air-travel connector, making them the perfect plane headphone choice and today's clear front runner. They do, however, unfortunately, have a retail price which reflects the many idyllic properties they offer up as an air travel headphone option.

Pros: + Premium audio with great sounding bass. + Excellent driver response and performance. + ANC and PNC. + Fold-away design concept to keep them compact. + Air travel connector.

Why We Liked It - Whilst they may not be within the realms of possibility for some with their well over one hundred dollar price-tag, something would certainly be amiss if we missed out on highlighting this airplane ready model fresh off of the factory lines of a truly superb series.

The WaveSound 3 model is a fantastic upgraded wireless overhead headphone model which presents some great features for your convenience.

They weigh less than 7 ounces and can fold compactly, making them easier to store when not in use.

They are comfortable to wear for long periods as they are garnished with ultra-light, soft protein padded ear-cups and a comfort coated headband.

They are fully adjustable and the ear cups can swivel generously making them effortless to slip on and off.

They have 40mm drivers that employ high-end beryllium magnets, which help to excel their performance and hone their accuracy. They deliver stunningly detailed audio, which is natural and high-def.

The electronics are impeccable and have been engineered to respond to customized patterns for optimal audio delegation and production.

They feature current active noise cancellation tech which helps maintain hands-free calls, with zero interference.

They have now equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and incorporate the AptX tech that you are probably familiar with from our other headphone reviews. They are very low latency and high resolution making them a step above the rest.

Pros: + Beryllium drivers. + Bluetooth 5.0. + Low latency. + Noise canceling.

Why We Liked It - They are made with premium components, which have been cost effectively manufactured to provide an affordable model which serves up superb audio.

This next set are todays highest price pair so we know a few of you may want to scroll on down but before you do just take a look at what they offer to help you set the bar in the budget regions.

These Beats headphones provide premium playback, thanks to their high-end drivers. which are exceptionally engineered and function operating within a wave-assisted algorithm innovatively conceived?

The proprietary Beat Sound tech has won itself awards, so the performance on this pair really is hard to beat. They are fine-tuned to an astonishingly accurate degree, the clarity within each register is maximized, the breadth of the audio created is staggering and fully immersive.

All materials used are top-quality, and all the components housed within are impeccably put together

They harbor an Apple W1 chip which makes them incredibly efficient in terms of energy consumption they can capably provide up-to 40 hours use. They also have a useful FastFuel option that gives a five-minute energy top-up which lasts for around 3 hours.

They are fully adjustable for custom comfort fitting. The cups sport luxurious memory protein pads which cushion your ears exceedingly well. They are aesthetically charming and come in a range of unique shades, such as this sweet rose-gold set.

Pros: + Award winning engineering. + Accurately fine tuned. + Audiophile level sound. + Next-level comfort. + 40 hours premium playback. + FastFuel quick charge function.

Why We Liked It - They are prime example of just what your money can get you and as we are discussing flight headphone options, the price tag of this set may not be as unobtainable for some of our first class frequent fliers.

Next we have the new and improved pro level upgrade of the E7 model we opened with. They are an upgraded which capably provide a stable and secure Bluetooth 5.0 connection and have be redesigned with lusher materials incorporated to serve up better comfort. They are overall far lighter than previous models but more durably built.

They feature hard working dynamic combination drivers which deliver well-balanced audio that has great depth. The middles are well mixed, the crossover provides good dynamics and details as the treble end is especially crisp.

They have a closed back design which directs sound solely to the listener, the cups themselves can rotate freely and are comfortably padded. The microphone has seen a recent upgrade as well and they deliver active noise cancellation so the hands-free voice call functions impeccably clear.

They are available in 5 different colors, are priced accessibly, and can provide a staggering 30 hours of battery life between charges.

Pros: + New and improved model. + Pro noise canceling. + Affordable option. + 30 hours battery life. + Bluetooth 5.0 connection.

Why We Liked It - They have an exceptionally long battery life and are very comfortable to wear. They provide premium level ANC without a hefty price-tag.

We have been impressed with other TaoTronics models in the past, their in-ear models are pretty innovative in terms of design concept solutions and we have been rather surprised by this overhead option as well.

They appear very well-manufactured especially for a reasonably priced set. They can fold away for more compact storage like some of the other sets we have examined with a strong concept, less likely to wear and tear them. they are incredibly lightweight and they do come with a sturdy storage case for traveling about with.

The cups can swivel up-to 90 degrees, and of course, fold inwards when put into storage mode, they are padded and lined with soft cushioning, as is the headband itself to provide a comfortable experience for listeners.

Though they are physically a little smaller than some at 40mm the drivers have a lightning response, outperforming many in their class. They offer up awesome audio with great balance and truthful resolution. The bass is powerful, with great presence but doesn't over-shadow the mids in the mix, providing an equally proportionate stereo blend.

A two-hour charge provides up to 30 hours extensive use which gives them an edge over many competitors.

Pros: + Swivel mounted cups. + Fold-up design. + Sturdy storage. + Powerful bass. + 30 hours battery.

Why We Liked It - They are very well built we like the fold up cups it means the headband itself is a little more heavy duty than on some models that feature sliding or bending mechanisms.

We are huge fans of Edifiers affordable speakers so it should be no surprise that this competitively priced headphone set has has won itself a spot in this weeks reviews.

They are expertly manufactured with solid construction, which we really can't fault. They feature good quality closed monitor cup and have a sturdy steel-reinforced headband for added durability as well as a high strength cable.

They serve-up professional sound with a wide response. The drivers work 40mm units which are carefully calibrated by engineer Phil Jones from Pure Sound to their proprietary wave-guide to provide epic dynamics with a balanced crossover.

The headband is ergonomically designed and has leather headrests in just the positioning for optimal comfort and the cups are cushioned nicely. They fold up for smaller storage and come with a case to keep them in.

Pros: + Carefully calibrated sound. + Ergonomic fit. + Super-soft leather. + Reinforced design.

Why We Liked It - They are excellently engineered and have decent on-board noise cancellation abilities and though they are lacking in-line controls serve up some of the best audio in a headphone for under $50.

Lastly we have this great set of folding lightweight overhead headphones which serve up some very deep bass and come with a compact carry pouch to store them away in when they are not in use.

They are very competitively priced and provide cutting edge ANC capabilities and are of course conveniently portable making them an excellent travel option.

The drivers onboard have fantastic performance, delivering hi-fi quality stereo sound. The low end is impressive.

They have a gold plated 3.5mm connector for better signals and the built-in microphone is very clear.

They are well-manufactured and feature easy to operate in-line controls. They can capably sustain around 20 hours of power between each full charge and can be used wired as well. Recharging takes around 2 hours until full, which shaves off a little time in comparison to other charging sets we have looked at.

Pros: + Great active noise cancellation abilities. + Decent battery life between charges. + Fold-up option with drawstring storage pouch.

Why We Liked It - They are a fab wired/wireless option, they are pretty comfortable and the folding design is very strong.

Travel Headphones Buyers Guide

There are essentially two schools of thought as briefly mentioned in our introduction and they really do depend on your travel methods.

We have reviewed many options in the past ideal for those traveling on foot or via public transport, which ticks the boxes when it comes to being weather resilient and staying in place during motion.

These are typically the less cumbersome in-earbud models which come in a multitude of forms. They have many great qualities for traveling, for starters their tinier size (especially the true wireless earbud models which are the size of a pair of marbles and charge on the go) but they have many drawbacks.

Today however we have focused on over-ear travel headphones to give our readers some great options for headphones for flying. Overhead options make the best headphones for planes for many different reasons which we will divulge in this weeks what to look for.

If you are going to be flying you will probably find that closed ear cups are the only way to go, as you won't want to disturb other passengers around you. You will also need to seek a set with noise canceling properties so you can hear your audio well above the engine racket.

You will definitely want something ergonomically designed and fully adjustable as you won't want something tight on your head as you increase altitude, or the pressure will be far too uncomfortable.

So you should look for headbands which have flexibility and cups which can rotate or swivel to some degree. The cups should be comfortably cushioned and preferably this should be with skin-friendly materials as you don't want your ears to overheat or sweat.

If you want to wear headphones on planes you may find you need a special connector to get stereo sound, the Bose QuietComfort 25 set we reviewed come with one, they also feature top-notch noise cancellation properties making them ideal headphones for airplane movies.

You will also likely want something as compact as possible if you are flying as luggage restrictions can be pretty limiting. You could consider a folding set, but think about the manner in which they fold as some mechanisms are stronger than others providing better longevity.

You also ought to opt for something with a sufficient storage solution which protects as your headphones travel.

If you are opting for a wireless set you will want something with up to date Bluetooth and NFC capabilities and decent battery life, though we would suggest a wired set for flight, so as to keep transmissions completely stutter free.

If you plan to connect your headphones to a mobile device to travel with you will probably want to consider the microphone quality, whether or not you need inline controls and the active noise cancellation properties it can provide to keep conversations free of interference.

As always the decision on what to go for is down to you as an individual, but we are quietly self-assured that we have given you some food for thought.

If you are still unsettled on the overhead versus in-ear argument then why not thumb through some of our previous headphone articles for inspiration.

However, if you are looking for a set to travel with on an airplane then we will have hopefully highlighted the benefits of overhead/over-ear models for you clearly in today's article and informative buyers guide

With an over headset of headphones the biggest choice to make is really just wired or wireless, once this is settled you can set to work sourcing a large-aperture pair which are suitably decked out for wearing for long periods. Comfort is really key when choosing a set of cups to keep your company on the go whether you are flying or not.

If you want a set of travel headphones and you aren't flying anywhere but are a sportier sort, you might find our 10 best headphones for working out article well worth a quick note, it highlights a range of models which aim to stay in place during energetic endeavors.

Did you Know

Many airline companies sell their own headphones on planes with the previously mentioned special connectors . However if you are in the know then you can come prepared, and luckily the adapters aren't too difficult to get a hold of.

If you've enjoyed this review by Music Critic , please leave a positive rating:

The Best Wireless Travel Earbuds of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II wins in a crowded field of solid earbuds

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Tripsavvy / Brian Kopinski

If it’s been a minute since you’ve looked at wireless earbuds, you’re in for a shock. Today’s models connect seamlessly via Bluetooth to deliver sound quality that’s just as good as you get with a pair of wired headphones, boasting battery lengths that last for hours (and that can carry an hour-plus-long charge after a few minutes sitting in the charging case). Fit is easier than ever to customize, and—as with our overall winner, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II —some come with apps that perform hearing tests to customize the listening experience for your ears, allow you to adjust the audio settings, and even modify the default button settings. The audio is fully immersive, the noise canceling works surprisingly well, and other features—like the ability to adjust the noise cancel level to allow for ambient sound to be heard or the ability to auto-detect when you’re talking to drop the volume—make them feel almost smart . And yes, a few even use AI.

In total, we tested 12 pairs of wireless earbuds, evaluating the ease of set-up and use of various button/swipe controls, the overall sound quality listening to a variety of different audio types, and studied both the fit over long periods as well as how well each pair stayed in place while commuting, biking, hiking, running, and exercising. We also compared real-world charging times with the promises of the brand’s specs and tested the mic quality by evaluating how well other people could hear our testers while on a call or attending an online meeting.

• TripSavvy's Picks

Other Wireless Earbuds We Tested

How we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, bose quietcomfort earbuds ii.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5
• Sound Quality 5 /5
• Battery Life 5 /5

High-quality sound

Reliable noise-cancelling

Loads of different fit options

An app that makes set-up easy and provides loads of custom settings 

The case could be a bit smaller

Bose continues to push what’s possible in a wireless earbud with their QuietComfort Earbuds II. Our tester loved that they came partially charged, which made it easy to set up—simply scan the QR code to download the Bose app, and it guides you through a quick set-up with the ability to connect to your phone, laptop, or smart TVs with Bluetooth. But the app provides so much more control over the earbuds. You can assign commands to the buttons, choose the voice prompts you want, execute an “ear fit” test to ensure you’re wearing the right size of the three tips and three stability bands, control the level of your own voice you want to hear while on a call, toggle noise canceling modes, turn on the alert setting to let some ambient sound penetrate the noise cancelation and micro-adjust every aspect of sound, including bass boost and treble controls.

We were encouraged by the ease with which they could dial the optimal fit and noted that Bose also provides additional tips if you have smaller or larger ears. And the audio was impeccable—whether listening to music or podcasts and while on Zoom calls, with four mics in each earbud to ensure that everyone can hear you speak. When the noise canceling was on, it blocked out the noisy streets of NYC, a consequence of both Bose’s technology and the well-fitting tips that created a confident seal around the tips. We also think the products will last a long, buoyed by Bose’s reputation for making high-quality products.

Playtime (battery life): 6 hours | Charge time: 1 hour for headphones, with a quick-charge time that provides 2 hours of charge in 20 minutes | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 | Charging Port: Portable charging case with USB

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Apple airpods pro (2nd generation).

Smart upgrades like better active noise cancellation

Touch controls

Longer charge life and better audio

A MagSafe-friendly charging case  

The mic creates a slight echo on other devices when on a call

Apple took the already successful AirPod Pros and upgraded nearly every aspect in the Second Generation. They deliver two times more active noise cancellation; adaptive transparency reduces external noise, a spatial audio feature lets you personalize the sound with your phone, and touch controls on the earbuds to pause/play sound and adjust the volume. As expected with most Apple products, the set-up was a breeze—and it can be paired with multiple devices, toggling to the applicable audio source when it notices that it’s playing. 

Audio quality was crisp and clear, whether listening to music or podcasts, attending Zoom meetings, or while on a call. The portable case also got an upgrade—you get 30 hours of playtime when the case is fully charged, and it’s now compatible with MagSafe, another detail that resonated with our tester. Four different tips help dial the optimal fit, and the headphones stay in place even while exercising, thanks in part to a shorter stem than the previous edition.

Playtime (battery life): 6 hours | Charge time: 1 hour, with 1 hour of listening time after a five-minute charge | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 | Charging Port: Portable charging case with USB

TripSavvy / Ellie Hertel

Best Budget

Anker soundcore space a40.

The very comfortable Soundcore Space A40 carries its charge for up to 10 hours

It provides ample noise canceling and—when paired with the Anker app—lets you customize the listening experience to your hearing 

The USB cable was a bit short, and when charging wirelessly, the case got very warm

The audio doesn’t stop playing when you remove the buds from your ears

We loved how quickly the Anker Soundcore Space A40 earbuds paired with our devices, including several laptops and smartphones—we didn’t even need to reference the instructions. And while the Anker app wasn’t required to pair the headphones, we loved how the app lets you create a sound map to improve the noise cancellation and adjust to different “scenes” to accommodate different listening experiences, whether listening to music or taking a call. In addition to the standard tap/double-tap controls to start or stop the audio, advance the audio, or take calls, you can adjust the noise canceling levels when you need to be more aware of your surroundings. 

A snug, secure fit is assured thanks to five different ear tips made of soft rubber that—as our tester happily reports—make them extremely comfortable, even after hours of continuous use. The sound quality was also much better than the earbud’s low price might suggest, and the mic worked better compared to a pair of AirPods. And the battery in the carrying/charging case lasts for 50 hours once fully charged. But perhaps best of all, the audio for listening experiences can be customized with the app using the “HearID” system, which tests your hearing by broadcasting certain tones to accommodate your hearing.

Playtime (battery life): 10 hours | Charge time: 2 hours, with 4 hours of playtime after 10 minutes | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 | Charging Port: Portable charging case with USB

TripSavvy / Jerri Ledford

Best Microphone

Sony noise canceling earbud headphones.

• Ease of Use 3.5 /5
• Comfort 4 /5

The LinkBuds S uses AI-based noise reduction logic to isolate your voice for crips calls

The noise cancellation is some of the best on the market, which pairs nicely with the auto-detection of certain ambient sounds you need to hear 

It requires numerous steps to set up entirely via the app

No wireless charging

Sony employs its own app to set up the LinBuds S—a relatively simple process (once you realize that, to pair, you need to press the button on the headphone for five seconds). After clearing that hurdle, our tester appreciated that the app also lets you adjust the sound quality and noise canceling settings, providing a degree of customization—but it also required you to take many steps in the set-up process, including photos of your ears so you can receive instructions on how to position the headphones to assure a sealed fit. 

But once it was set up, our tester reports that they provide some of the best noise canceling they’ve encountered, which also helps bolster the earbud’s audio qualities when listening to music or a podcast, watching TV, or taking a call or Zoom meeting. Sony also baked in some intelligent software that auto-detects certain ambient sounds like car horns, subway arriving at a station, or your voice to auto-reduce the noise cancelation. The buds also use an AI-based noise reduction algorithm that isolates your voice to keep your words crisp on a call, which is one of the best features.

Playtime (battery life): 6 hours | Charge time: 2 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 | Charging Port: Portable charging case with USB

TripSavvy / David Louis

Best for Samsung Users

Samsung galaxy buds2 pro.

• Ease of Use 4 /5

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pros pair perfectly with Samsung devices and deliver top-quality audio and noise cancellation 

Rather than providing you with a physical manual, you have to use the Wear app on your Samsung phone, which lets you adjust the settings and controls, and the Voice Detect was a distracting annoyance

We appreciated how intuitive the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro worked—pairing to a device was simple, and once it was paired, the headphones connected automatically when you take the earbuds out of the slim charging case. It took some time to adjust to the different tap commands and positions, but after some field testing, everything felt natural. The headphones come with three tips to accommodate different-sized ears, and the little magnets in the case make it easy to ensure they’re positioned correctly for quick charging. And the earbuds delivered incredible sound, thanks to a 24-bit hi-fi sound quality, enhanced 360-degree audio, and active noise cancellation, with a 5.3-millimeter tweeter for crisp treble and a 10–millimeter woofer to enhance the bass. The biggest drawback? Our tester found that the Ambient Mode—which lowers the volume or turns off the audio entirely when the earbuds detect a voice—is triggered too often, even from heavy breathing or while singing along. Thankfully that feature can be turned off with the app.

Playtime (battery life): 5 hours | Charge time: 75 minutes (wired) | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 | Charging Port: Portable charging case with USB

TripSavvy / Sally Slack

Best for Running

Jabra elite 7 active in-ear bluetooth earbuds.

• Comfort 4.5 /5

The Elite 7 Active earbuds provide a solid, tight fit that won’t budge, even on sweaty runs

The app lets you modify the push controls to avoid unintended triggers while exercising 

The small charging/carrying case was hard to open

Rather than using a manual or relying on your knowledge of how Bluetooth works, the Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds use audio commands that play when you first put in the headphones to guide you through the pairing of devices, a solid, user-friendly detail that isn’t found in most competitors. And though our tester noted that you don’t need to use the Sound+ app to use the device, the app delivers loads of features, including a sound test to help personalize the audio experience, control the level of noise cancellation, and more. It also lets you change the default button functions on the earbuds, which is excellent for runners who tend to touch the earbuds while running, though thanks to the ShakeGrip fit, the earbuds didn’t move, even on sweaty runs, and they’re also water- and sweat-proof. 

The audio quality was solid, and the noise canceling worked so well that our tester reported that they couldn’t even hear their partner when he was yelling—a pass-through mode, which reduces that cancellation, can be triggered with the tap of a button. The earbuds also have six microphones and delivers a clear, crisp voice transmission when talking or on Zoom.

Playtime (battery life): 8 hours | Charge time: 2.5 hours, with 1 hour of playback after a 5-minute charge | Connectivity: Class 1 Bluetooth | Charging Port: Portable charging case with USB

TripSavvy / Karen Chen

Best for Working Out

Beats by dr. dre powerbeats pro.

• Sound Quality 4.5 /5

Equipped with adjustable arms that loop over your ears, the Powerbeats Pros stay put during a rigorous workout

They boast intuitive controls, solid audio quality, and a sweat- and water-resistant design 

Phone connectivity was a breeze, but pairing the headphones to a laptop took some work

There was a connectivity lag when switching devices, and the carrying case is large

Unlike most travel-focused earbuds that rely on a tight seal with the tips to keep them in place, the Beats Powerbeats Pro uses both a tight-fitting seal from one of four ear tips and adjustable arms that loop over your ears so that they stay in place even during the most high-activity of workouts like HIIT or trail running. The streamlined design offers a low profile (though wearing glasses and headphones takes some configuration), and the device is both sweat- and water-resistant. Spacial Audio immerses you in the sound, which delivers a dynamic range and solid noise canceling. The set-up was easy, and you can also pair it with another pair of Beats earphones or AirPods equipped with Audio Sharing. Our tester found they were bulkier and a bit heavier than other earbuds, but it was a worthy trade-off to ensure they never fell out. That said, the arm design does require a larger-than-average charging case. The mics also worked wonderfully, bolstered by a motion and speech accelerometer that detects your voice and cuts down on background noise.

Playtime (battery life): 9 hours | Charge time: 2.5 hours, with 1.5 hours after a 5-minute charge | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 | Charging Port: Portable charging case with USB

TripSavvy / Samantha Aronson

TripSavvy's Picks

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II packs in the features, including a dedicated app that lets you customize the audio experience to your ears, a variety of ear tips and hooks to ensure a perfect fit, connectivity options for a variety of devices, and high-quality audio that for which the brand has earned its reputation. But if the price feels a bit dear, go with the Anker Soundcore Space A40, which carries a charge for up to 10 hours, fits comfortably over extended use, and comes with an app for audio customization.

Our testers found that the Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) connected to their device almost too easily—they paired to our tester’s phone when they were in the closed charging case inside their pocket, and a lack of a dedicated app means you can’t customize the sound quality. They also didn’t work well during active workouts. 

Regarding connectivity, the Ultimate Ears Fits earbuds had the opposite problem. It took several tries to pair with a phone and never connected to a computer. And once connected, the app used to set up the device felt rushed and buggy, primarily related to the heat molding feature that theoretically lets you mold the tips to fit your ears, an action that can’t be undone. 

Connectivity issues also plagued the Jabra Elite Active 75t earbuds—despite repeated attempts, our test was never able to pair the right earbud and found the noise canceling lacking. 

Apple’s AirPod Pros won praise for the easy-of-set-up, noise canceling, and audio quality, but our tester found the battery lacking and that taking calls drained more of the battery than while listening to other audio. 

The Jabra Elite 85t was also overall decent, but our tester was frustrated that the charging case doesn’t indicate when the earbuds have been fully charged, and they can’t pair with a MacBook Pro. The case also attracts dust, and the button controls are counter-intuitive.

To evaluate the quality of each earbud, we asked our testers to follow the set-up instructions provided with each device to validate how clear the steps were and how easily the earbuds paired with multiple devices. When applicable, they also downloaded the app and evaluated both the user experience of the app itself, as well as the level of control the app provided on the device, taking note of when you could perform hearing tests to customize the listening experience, adjust audio levels, and overwrite default button controls. 

Fit was evaluated based on the number of different ear tips provided and how well they fit. We also used them during various tasks—commuting, running, taking Zoom calls, exercising, traveling—to see how well they stayed put and how comfortable they felt after hours of continuous use. For those that boast noise canceling, we wore the devices in noisy environments like the subway or city streets to see how immersive the audio quality would be and whether the “aware mode” and other features worked as advertised. 

We listened to music and podcasts, watched movies, made calls, and attended online meetings to evaluate the sound and mic quality. We also tested the various touch controls when listening to audio and taking calls to ensure the interface was intuitive. Then we ranked each pair of headphones on a one-to-five scale across the devices’ key attributes: ease of use, functionality, sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and value.

What to Look for in Wireless Travel Earbuds

Most devices will fit the bill if you use your wireless earbuds for traveling, commuting, attending meetings, or when on a call. But if you want to use them while exercising—like cycling, going to the gym, or running—you want a pair of headphones that’s sweat- and water-resistant and ones that will stay put while you’re moving, so look for earbuds that come with different-sized ear tips to help perfect the fit, or those use more than just the ear tips to keep the headphones in place. Devices that let you change the default button controls via an app are also nice to have so that you don’t accidentally trigger a feature when adjusting the headphones mid-run. And some also come with different settings that can let in some ambient noise (think of a car’s horn) so that you’re aware of your environment. 

Sound Quality

Despite their size, wireless earbuds can deliver immersive, full audio, especially if the device also has active noise canceling to block out ambient sound, providing a sound quality that matches wired headphones. And while the specific demands of sound quality vary based on a user’s preferences (and what types of audio they most often listen to), size and fit also play a part—the better seal you get from the ear tips, the better the audio. App-enabled earbuds also provide loads of other features focused on helping you dial the optimal sound experience, including hearing tests to adjust the headphones to your hearing, equalizers to adjust the various audio levels, and features like bass boost.

Bluetooths and Mics

All wireless earbuds connect to your devices via Bluetooth, and the higher-quality ones pair automatically with your phone when the pods are removed from their case. You can pair multiple devices, like your computer, tablet, or smart TV—the best wireless travel headphones can even detect which device is playing audio and pair automatically. Today’s earbuds also stay connected over greater distances, freeing you from your device while doing interval training. They also come with microphones that let you use the headphones while taking a call or attending an online meeting. If you plan to use your headphones for many calls or meetings, look for devices with at least four mics and voice-detection/noise-reduction technologies to ensure your voice can always be heard.

You can get a decent pair of wireless earbuds for less than $100, but it's worth investing more if you plan to use them a lot. The extra cost delivers some key features not found in less expensive models, like robust noise canceling, app integration that gives you loads of controls over the hearing experience, automatic on/off when you lift the earbuds out of the charging station, higher audio and mic quality, faster charging, and longer battery life.

All wireless headphones have a charging case that protects your earbuds when not in use. To clean your buds, use a micro cloth to wipe away sweat and ear wax and a bit of water for more stubborn dirt or grime.

Since Bluetooth connectivity works while your device is in airplane mode, you can successfully use a pair of wireless earbuds while flying. But the bigger potential drawback lies in the device’s battery length, particularly on longer flights (especially if you also plan to use the earbuds before boarding the plane). Once the battery is drained, you have to place the earbuds in their charging case to replenish the battery—but several models include a quick-charge feature that gives you about an extra hour of battery life after a short charging period. To extend the battery life, you can also turn off the noise canceling feature, which uses more battery power.

Nathan Borchelt has been rating, testing, and reviewing outdoor and travel products for decades. He has amassed an embarrassingly large collection of wired and wireless earbuds to support his audiophile status. He collected testing input on 12 products and distilled the detailed notes to highlight each product's key advantages—and drawbacks—layering additional input from professional reviews and verified users.

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The 12 Best Noise-canceling Headphones To Buy for Travel [2024]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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How Do Noise-canceling Headphones Work?

Active noise cancellation explained, 1. for those who like big brand names and crave extra gadgets, 2. best for serious music enthusiasts with deep pockets, 3. older noise-canceling headphones (but still competitive), 4. for minimalist apple lovers, 5. award-winning superior quality (and perfect for anyone who really appreciates music), 6. entry-level anc headphones (that compete with the bigger boys), 7. bose-brand brilliance for budget-conscious music lovers, 8. noise-canceling headphones for those who don’t follow the crowd, 9. lightweight, enjoyable anc audio for those on a budget, 10. efficient  sennheiser headphones for those on a budget, 11. semi-noise-canceling headphones for those who like their beats on a budget, 12. acceptable noise-canceling capabilities with plenty of customizable options, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Noise-canceling headphones use fancy technology that helps eliminate annoying external noises, allowing us to concentrate only on what we want to hear.

Perfect for busy commuter trains, noisy subways, and even to drown out the sound of fellow air passengers, noise-canceling headphones are the way forward for anyone who wants to be alone, even in public.

Of course, these wonders of modern technology come with an elevated price tag to match. But if you really want to enjoy uninterrupted tunes — or simply tune out from the world while you listen to your latest audiobook — these beauties can achieve levels of peace and quiet that leave regular headphones in the shade.

Noise-canceling headphones work by creating a noise-canceling wave that is 180 degrees out of phase with the ambient noise around you.

This wave acts like a noise eraser and cancels out any surrounding sounds that diminish the audio you really want to hear. Noise-canceling headphones aren’t magic, but they can feel like something close to it in the right situations.

The clever processes that cancel out intruding sound waves only work really well at blocking out certain frequencies. On an airplane, for example, the low hum of engine noise is almost completely obliterated. But higher or transient sounds like crying babies and people’s voices may still be able to seep in depending on the quality of your headphones.

There are 2 commonly accepted forms of noise-canceling headphones available on the market. Passive noise cancellation relates more to the make and design of the headphones, which reflects the amount of noise cancellation offered by the physical device — or how well the headset works like an earplug.

But active noise cancellation is where the really clever stuff happens, as unique technological processes block out the bad sounds and emphasize the good ones.

With active noise cancellation (or ANC) technology, the headphone features a chip that “listens” to noise and generates audio that is opposite to it in nature (also known as pink noise), thus canceling it out.

Using simple physics, we know that sound travels in waves. So by firing out a sound wave that is the opposite phase and amplitude as an audio wave, you can cancel the original wave out.

Still with us? Just think of ANC technology as the antidote to unwanted sound — the unseen hero that takes care of distracting, annoying, and unwanted sounds and actively erases lower-frequency sound waves by using additional powered instruments.

ANC headphones work better when worn on your head instead of stuffed inside your ear canal. There can also be an element of decreased sound quality with ANC headphones, and a slight background hiss may be detectable over your music.

But, you win some, you lose some, right? ANC headphones still beat other types hands-down for a completely immersive listening experience.

The 12 Best Active Noise-canceling Headphones

Bose quietcomfort 45 wireless anc headphones.

Weight: 8.5 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 22 hours wirelessly, 40 hours wired

Cable Length: 3.9 feet

When is a pair of headphones not just a pair of headphones? When it can seamlessly interact with your other favorite technology, of course.

Bose doesn’t just bring the noise better than the competition — they are also world leaders when it comes to bringing the internet of things right to you, courtesy of your earholes.

These ergonomic, good-looking headphones don’t just offer fully balanced audio, hassle-free Bluetooth pairing, and noise-rejecting microphones for crystal clear sound. They now also allow you to ask Alexa to play your music or provide you with information whenever you need it. Bravo Bose, Bravo!

Of course, the biggest reason to choose Bose is the solid sound quality and future-proof technology. With the QuietComfort 45 series you can enjoy personalized settings as well as access to all future updates using the very smart and efficient Bose Connect App.

What We Like

• Alexa-enabled to control playback with your voice

What We Don’t Like

• Bluetooth connection can be intermittent

Sony WH1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Over Ear Headphones

Weight: 8.8 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 30 hours

Cable Length: N/A

These industry-leading noise-canceling headphones bring you the very best and nothing less when it comes to total musical immersion. With premium sound quality, you’ll never miss a beat thanks to the 40-millimeter liquid crystal polymer drivers, and the 30-hour battery life will keep you tapping your toes on even the longest of flights.

For those who don’t want to be left out even when listening hard, the Sony Speak-To-Chat and Quick Attention mode allows effortless conversation with those around you — without ever taking your headphones off.

A touch sensor control also allows the user to pause/play/skip tracks, control the volume, activate the voice assistant, and even answer phone calls effortlessly.

As you would fully expect from Sony, these are solidly built and include everything they promise and more. Excellent sound quality, 30-hour battery life (with a quick charge for an extra few hours when you need it), and smart auto-settings to optimize listening automatically based on your own behavior make these babies worth every last cent.

• Quick attention mode for conversations without removing the headphones
• Microphone can be sensitive to external noises when on the phone

Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH1000XM4

Weight: 9 ounces

Fly high with these awesome noise-canceling headphones from global giant Sony. With an ergonomic design that wouldn’t look out of place on the coolest of cats, these ANC headphones offer punchy bass, refined treble, and brilliant noise-canceling capabilities.

Being the 2021 model in this range, you should be able to pick these up cheaper than the Sony WH1000XM5 .

The touchpad built into the surface of the right earpiece makes it simple to control the volume of your music or come back to reality for a moment using the Quick Attention Mode. You can also easily pause/play/skip tracks, control the volume, activate the voice assistant, and even answer phone calls.

Sony’s patented Smart Listening is the piste de resistance in these cans, as the headphones cleverly detect your activity to automatically adjust the ambient sounds you hear. Genius!

Up to 30 hours of battery life with quick charging capability (10 minutes of charging for 5 hours of playback) means these headphones allow you to be as engaged with the real world as you want to be — or not!

• Quick charging for hours of playback
• Headband can break easily

Apple AirPods Pro

Weight:  0.19 ounces

Battery Life:  At least 24 hours of listening time, up to 11 hours of talk time

Cable Length:  N/A

Following the success of the first generation of Apple AirPods, the newly released AirPods Pro bring even more adaptive sound quality and high-tech features to the table.

Light as a feather, and incredibly easy to use, the new and improved AirPods Pro are designed to sync super quickly to your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple devices. They are also more comfortable than ever before, coming complete with a selection of different-sized ear tips to enable you, the user, to tailor the fit of the pod to your ear shape and size.

As a bonus, there is also a small pressure valve on the inside to help reduce the pressure inside your ear, making them feel more comfortable for longer.

To appeal to those that like to listen to music while they work out, the AirPods Pro are water-resistant and have an IPX4 rating that makes them far more resilient to sweat and water than ever before. Take note though, water-resistant is not the same as waterproof , and drenching them with water will inevitably ruin them.

Probably the most noteworthy addition to the AirPods Pro is the introduction of the active noise cancellation function that can be fully customized by the listener. Shut out the ambient sounds around you and lose yourself in the music, or set to transparency mode to allow you to hear what is happening around you at all times.

• Wireless charging case for on-the-go charging
• Speakers are very sensitive when cleaning

Sennheiser Momentum 4.0 Wireless with Active Noise Cancellation

Weight: 10.3 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 60 hours

These fourth-generation award-winning headphones from Sennheiser remain the #1 choice for hip and fashion-conscious music lovers . Thick leather ear pads, new padded headband, and foldable design make them easy to love before you’ve even started listening to them.

When it comes to sound quality, Sennheiser certainly does it well. The exciting blend of strong bass and subtle higher notes makes for a rich overall performance that’s so impressive you’ll want to close your eyes and just enjoy it.

To keep unwanted sounds at bay, these little beauties do an awesome job of lowering the external hubbub in an incredibly natural way.

With up to 60 hours of wireless play, intuitive controls, stylish looks, and awesome sound quality, you may even forget that these are some of the pricier ANC headphones on the market. Worth it? You decide.

• Exceptionally good sound quality
• Bluetooth range could be better

Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Weight: 8.0 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 30 hours wirelessly

Always serious about sound, Sennheiser developed these handsome (and surprisingly slim) cans that are as clever as they are attractive. Say goodbye to traffic noises and office hum — the PXC 550s hit each note with perfect clarity every time.

Intuitive user control means you can benefit from voice prompts, touch controls, NFC pairing, smart pause, and automatic on/off. Or go full space-age and use the Sennheiser CapTune App to manage the music player, check your battery status indicator, and adjust your EQ settings.

Its Bluetooth 4.2 wireless technology works seamlessly, and the lightweight design (paired with the clever way they collapse for storage) makes these a great choice for travel. With just one touch you can activate your voice assistant Alexa, Google, or Siri, to help you on your travels or play music.

Small enough to pack away into a compact ball but big enough to eliminate all the background noise you never want to hear, these are a smart pair of headphones for the serious music lover who wants to look cool.

• Small and compact, perfect for travel
• Battery life can reduce over time

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

Weight: 8.3 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 20 hours wirelessly, 40 hours wired

Perfect for those who want all the quality of Bose on a smaller budget, these noise-canceling headphones are a great entry-level pair. First launched in 2017, they still stand strong against the competition and will diminish most background noise to let you hear your tunes with clarity.

The lightweight and comfortable ergonomic design means you’ll never tire of wearing these little beauties, and the music, EQ, call-answer features, and other extras can be controlled simply by using your smartphone.

Designed to reduce unwanted noises while still producing powerful sounds, these headphones are comfortable enough to wear all day. And with a battery life of up to 40 hours on a single charge, there is literally nothing stopping you from doing just that.

• Has an option cable connection as well as Bluetooth
• Noise cancellation can turn off by itself

Bowers & Wilkins PX Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones

Weight: 11.8 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 22 hours wirelessly, 50 hours wired

Cable Length: 4 feet

Looking for something a little different? Bowers & Wilkins have proven their place as David against the Goliath of big brands like Sony and Bose with these really great noise-canceling headphones.

Offering a satisfying user experience, reliable Bluetooth connection, and easy-to-control audio playback, these headphones will cut out the drone of your daily commute and let you concentrate on your music.

B&W made a serious effort to ensure no noticeable drop in sound quality — even including the same drive units found in the revered P9 headphones by the same brand. It has also subtly angled the drivers to provide a natural, all-encompassing stereo sound every time you use them.

The PX is as smart as they are beautiful, too. Want to stop listening? Simply raise an ear cup — and when you’re done for the day, the PX stops playing when you put them away.

With an impressive 22-hour battery life, an instant power-saving sleep mode, and a dedicated Bowers & Wilkins headphone app, these are definitely the real deal.

• Easy to pause playback by lifting an ear cup
• Takes some time to get used to wearing them

AKG Noise Canceling Headphone Black (N60)

Weight: 5.3 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 15 hours wirelessly, 30 hours wired

Perfect for those on the go, these budget-friendly headphones can give you over 15 hours of listening pleasure using aptX Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. Better still, the wireless connectivity automatically turns on the active noise cancellation , making them a safe bet for those who like to listen while they run, walk, or travel.

Lightweight and easy to wear, these headphones remain well secured to your head, meaning you can bounce in them without them slipping off. The 3D folding mechanism and carry case also make it super easy to listen when you need to and store them when you don’t.

Sound quality is also impressive — beats are delivered with detail and precision, while the mid-range and treble remain crisp and delicate in every song. If you want great quality ANC headphones at a bargain price, the AKG N60 is a major contender that really can hold its own against the might of the bigger brands.

• Lightweight and comfortable to wear on the go
• Noise cancellation could be better

Sennheiser HD 4.50 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation

Weight: 8.4 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 20 hours

A futuristic-looking and ergonomic design is the first thing you’ll notice about these headphones. How cool will you look wearing them?

But the delight doesn’t end there: good sound quality comes in an affordable package, as the well-tuned mid-range and deep, throaty bass will have you nodding along wherever you are.

As you would expect from Sennheiser, the Bluetooth 4.0 and aptX technologies deliver seamless connectivity, while the NoiseGard active noise cancellation does its important job of reducing ambient noise levels and improving your overall listening experience.

With a 19-hour battery life, you should be all set for most long journeys — if you need to listen longer, use the connection cable for battery-free listening that still sounds great .

Ear-cup mounted controls offer intuitive options for changing tracks, upping the volume, or even making calls to tell someone how much you really love your new Sennheiser headphones. A great pair for anyone on a budget.

• Great value mid-range headphones
• You can’t charge and listen at the same time

Plantronics Voyager 8200 – Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Weight: 10.2 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 24 hours

While these may not be the prettiest things to look at, they are certainly worth considering if you want more bass for your buck. A solid choice for fans of rock music and EDM, these produce heavy, thumping low notes while keeping the mid-range crisp and clear.

Class 1 Bluetooth enabling means you can stream your favorite tunes from 98 feet (30 meters) away , and enjoy wireless connectivity for those moments when the air guitar solo comes calling.

The design of the Voyager 8200 is lightweight and practical, but not as chic as some of its main competitors. That said, the sound quality more than makes up for any loss in looks — so take your pick on which factor is more important to you.

Finally, this set’s 24-hour battery life will give you weeks of traveling joy, and you can recharge using a cable or USB.

• Great value headphones with superior sound
• The noise canceling could be improved

JBL Everest Elite 750NC Wireless Headphones

Weight: 9.88 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 20 hours wireless and up to 15 hours with noise cancellation activated

These JBLs are a solid choice for music enthusiasts looking for all-around performance paired with customizable options and an affordable price tag.

Offering Bluetooth 4.0 technology, it’s simple to stream your tunes from a variety of Bluetooth-enabled devices. The My JBL Headphones App offers simple controls and further customizable options.

End-user satisfaction is guaranteed if you don’t expect these to sound like a $400 pair of headphones . However, reliably good quality sound will come pouring into your ears, while annoying external noise will be muted for the most part. The adaptive noise-canceling technology means that you can control how much ambient noise you want to let in.

The rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery offers 15 hours of playback, and you can reach a full charge in just 3 hours.

• Handy app for checking the charge level
• Can’t use the headphones while charging

If you’re looking for an awesome pair of noise-canceling headphones that will keep the world out and the music in, there are a lot of choices out there.

For jaw-dropping sound quality that will keep you utterly immersed for hours on end, the Sennheiser Momentum 4.0 really is one of the best of the bunch . That said, the Sony WH1000MX5 is certainly on par performance-wise, and choosing a clear winner between them can only really come down to personal taste. The Bose QuietComfort 45 is also well worth considering.

However, any of these options have an investment-worthy price tag and should be treated as such. You’ll want to look after your new headphones carefully, as they may well cost more than the device you choose to stream from!

For a more affordable option, the Plantronics Voyager 8200 offers decent noise elimination and good throaty bass lines for those looking to enjoy proper tunes while they travel, while keeping those looking to drown out their daily commute perfectly happy.

If the brand is important to you or you want your headphones to look pretty, the Sennheiser PXC 550-II will give you the logo you’re looking for — but it won’t necessarily thrill you as much as the signature Momentum headphones. Alternatively, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II will give you good sound quality and a premium badge.

Are you interested in more top products to help you get the most out of your travels? Check out these other articles we’ve published:

• The Best Travel Cameras – Compact, DSLR, and Mirrorless Camera Guide
• The Best Camera Bags for Travel
• What Are the Best GoPro Alternatives? [We Found Several Options]
• The Best Laptop Backpacks to Buy for Travel
• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth buying noise-canceling headphones.

If you are prepared to invest in a quality listening experience and the added benefit of blocking external noise when you’re in noisy situations, noise-canceling headphones are worth buying.

Can noise-canceling headphones cause hearing loss?

Noise-canceling headphones do not emit low-level radiation as phones do, so the risk is minimal. However, listening to music loud on any device, not just noise-canceling headphones, may be hazardous to your hearing.

What are the best noise-canceling headphones for travel?

These are some of our favorite noise-canceling headphones:

• Bose QuietComfort 45
• Bowers & Wilkins PX Active
• Sennheiser Momentum 4.0
• Sony WH1000XM5

Are noise-canceling headphones worth it for flying?

Noise-canceling headphones are worth the price tag, especially when flying. On an airplane, the low hum of engine noise is almost completely obliterated. But higher or transient sounds like crying babies and people’s voices may still be able to seep in depending on the quality of your headphones.

How do noise-canceling headphones work?

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Best headphones for plane travel in 2024

Block out the sound of other passengers with the best headphones for plane travel

The best headphones for plane travel are essential if you want some much-needed peace and quiet on your journey. That's because when you're travelling on an airplane, there are all kinds of noises you can't control, like the sounds of passengers talking and snoring, or babies crying.

But a good pair of the best noise-canceling headphones can block out those sounds to varying degrees, making them ideal for planes. Many of the headphones in our list, like the Apple AirPods Pro 2 , below have "Active noise canceling" technology, or ANC, which refers to headphones that emit sounds to your ear that specifically cancel out certain unwanted sounds in your environment. 

In short, they provide the best possible experience. And although some won't completely block out all sounds, they do a good enough job to help you relax and even get some sleep while everyone else is eating, watching movies and chatting around you.

Block out annoying sounds with the best headphones for plane travel

You can always trust iMore. Our team of Apple experts have years of experience testing all kinds of tech and gadgets, so you can be sure our recommendations and criticisms are accurate and helpful. Find out more about how we test.

Best for Apple lovers Apple's AirPods Pro 2 slip easily into a pocket and connect to your iPhone seamlessly. Unlike previous AirPods, the AirPods Pro have active noise-canceling, making them a perfect travel companion on your next flight. They're an upgrade on the previous AirPods Pro because they have personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, which places sound around you.

Luxurious choice

These special headphones offer three noise cancellation levels, a noise-rejecting microphone, built-in Alexa, and even audio-only AR (augmented reality.) Get 20 hours of battery life from a single charge. Want to spoil yourself when you travel? This is how you do it.

Beautifully designed

Master & Dynamic MW07 Plus True Wireless Earphones offer 40 hours of total playtime with the stainless steel charging case and include active noise cancelation, as we raved about in our review. What's not to love?

Secure freedom

Read about the superior sound, secure ear hooks, and nine hours of listening time (24 hours with the charging case) with the truly wireless Beats by Dr. Dre - Powerbeats Pro in our review . Connect to any smartphone, as they are compatible with iOS and Android.

Colorful choice

While these active noise-canceling headphones come in a bunch of fun fashion colors, they are serious tech. Get 30 hours of wireless talk or playtime from a four-hour charge.

Bargain true wireless

As I pointed out in my review, you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a good pair of wireless noise-canceling earbuds. Earfun Free Pro Wireless Headphones give you a lot of bang for the buck. The charging case charges via USB-C or wirelessly, and gives you up to 32 hours of listening on a single charge. The earbuds come with several sizes of ear tips so everyone can have a perfect fit.

Ultimate headphones

While the price point may put this one out of reach for some, Apple undeniably knows sound. Get the ultimate personal listening experience with Apple's AirPods Max , the high-fidelity wonder we loved reviewing. Choose from a handful of color options.

You can't go wrong with Sony's popular premium over-ear headphones. The WH-1000XM4 gives you great sound, battery life, and comfort. They come in several neutral colors. The active noise canceling is top-notch. 

Nicely priced

Proving once again that you don't have to spend a lot to get a great pair of headphones, Anker's offering blocks up to 90% of ambient noise. Get up to 40 hours of nonstop play time while in active noise canceling mode, or up to 60 hours in standard mode. A five-minute quick charge buys you another four hours.

Apple sauce for less

Get that Apple magic in a pair of over-ear headphones that cost far less than AirPods Max. You'll get the Apple W1 chip and Class 1 wireless Bluetooth connectivity plus 40 hours of play time. Note that these do not offer active noise canceling, but the over-ear style means you'll get some passive noise blocking.

Air travel headphones don't have to be wireless; in fact, if you want to plug into the airplane's sound system, you need that headphone jack. Plug in with these nicely priced over-ear headphones from sound expert brand Sony. Watch the in-flight entertainment with these; they'll be a major upgrade over the free headphones offered by the airline.

A good mid-range option

The Anker Q35 are a good pair of commuting headphones thanks to their excellent 44 hours of battery life, comfortable fit and excellent noise cancellation. Sound is great here and the app has an option to tweak the EQ and other settings, which is good news for audiophiles.

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Which headphones are the best for plane travel?

The best headphones for plane travel tend to be noise-cancelling headphones. But that's not strictly necessary. If your headphones fit well, the passive noise isolation may be sufficient. 

If you're looking for something more compact and pocketable, we'd recommend a pair of the best true wireless earbuds , like the Apple AirPods Pro 2 , especially if you own a lot of Apple devices as they work so seamlessly together. Turn on active noise cancellation for fully immersive sound, or put on transparency mode for important airplane announcements or conversation with your travel companions. 

No list of headphones could be complete without mentioning Apple's AirPods Max . If they're within your budget, we'd highly recommend checking them out. They're not as compact as true wireless earbuds, but if you're looking for a pair of the best wired headphones, they're some of the most advanced on the market.

If you're looking for something more bargain-friendly, you'll enjoy the Earfun Free Pro Wireless Headphones . We took these on a recent flight and watched several television shows without being disturbed by the sounds around me. The sound, battery life, features, and price are quite nice.

If you don't need headphones specifically for travel but would like to know which are the top devices out there right now, then take a look at some of our other lists, including our best Bluetooth headphones for Apple Watch guide, our selection of the best wired headphones for Apple Music Lossless Audio and our best USB-C Headphones for iPad Pro list.

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Karen is a contributor to iMore.com as a writer and co-host of the iMore Show. She’s been writing about Apple since 2010 with a year-long break to work at an Apple Store as a product specialist. She's also a contributor at TechRadar and Tom's Guide. Before joining iMore in 2018, Karen wrote for Macworld, CNET, AppAdvice, and WatchAware. She’s an early adopter who used to wait in long lines on release days before pre-ordering made things much easier. Karen is also a part-time teacher and occasional movie extra. She loves to spend time with her family, travel the world, and is always looking for portable tech and accessories so she can work from anywhere.

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6 best headphones for traveling.

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Having a quality set of headphones when you are on the go can make your travel experience all the more relaxing. Fortunately, there are many options for traveling headphones that you can take on the plane or train that are compact and comfortable while still delivering high-quality sound. Here are a few considerations of headphones for traveling for different needs, including the best headphones for kids.

Girl listening to music on her headphones whilst travelling on the bus. London, UK. (Photo by In ... [+] Pictures Ltd./Corbis via Getty Images)

Best Overall: Bose QuietComfort® 45

The noise-canceling wireless Bose QuietComfort® 45 headphones are the best overall, as they have many positive customer reviews. They also provide optimal quality since they are over-the-ear headphones.

You can switch between Quiet and Aware modes offering different levels of noise cancellation. Aware Mode lets you listen to music and exterior noise simultaneously.

These wireless headphones have maximum 24-hour battery life. It takes 2.5 hours to charge fully, or a 15-minute quick charge can yield three hours of performance.

While over-the-ear headphones are relatively bulky, they can easily squeeze into your carry-on or personal item.

Noise-Canceling Headphones: Sony WH-1000XM5

The Sony WH-1000XM5 over-the-ear headphones are a competitive alternative to the Bose QuietComfort 45. You may prefer its product design more, and it also has better battery life.

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Best covid travel insurance plans.

It’s possible to get up to 30 hours of battery life. Three minutes of recharging can produce three hours of playback.

The headphone’s adaptive volume controls can automatically adjust your volume settings as you enter different areas. You can also instantly pause playback by removing your headphones. Beginning to talk will also automatically pause playback thanks to the Speak to Talk feature.

There are also integrated microphones that can help deliver crystal-clear phone calls and video conferences. Additionally, these microphones can reduce wind noise and other exterior sounds that conflict with your voice.

Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds: Skullcandy Indy ANC

The Skullcandy Indy ANC provides the convenience of wireless earbuds while enjoying active noise cancellation benefits. You also have a built-in microphone for making phone calls.

It’s possible to get up to 32 hours of battery performance and can recharge through the wireless charging case. You can customize the volume controls with the Skullcandy app.

The Indy ANC headphones also address the common problem of easily losing these tiny devices. If this situation occurs, the free Tile app can help you locate them.

Noise Cancelling Headphones Runner-Up: EarFun Air Pro SV

Consider the EarFun Air Pro SV noise-canceling earbuds if you want affordable travel headphones. The performance may not be as top-notch as better-known brands like Beats, Bose or Skullcandy, but they get the job done.

The maximum battery performance is 24 hours, and a 10-minute quick charge results in two hours of playback. In addition to active noise cancellation, eight built-in microphones enable clear conversations.

Best On-Ear Headphones: Jabra 45H

The Jabra 45H on-ear headphones are smaller than over-the-ear headphones, making them more portable while providing excellent sound quality and comfort. The Jabra mobile app lets you customize your volume settings.

It’s possible to enjoy up to 50 hours of battery life, significantly longer than those with noise cancellation technology. If you need more juice before your next flight, a 15-minute charge can provide up to 10 hours of playback.

These headphones have 2-microphone technology to help you make and accept calls and video conferences on the go. These microphones also sync with your phone voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant.

Best for Kids: Puro BT2200

The Puro Sound Labs BT2200 is the best travel headphones for kids. The Bluetooth headphones emphasize ear safety by blocking up to 82% of exterior noise while delivering up to 85db of sound, which is the World Health Organization’s volume range recommendation for children.

These headphones provide up to 20 hours of performance and 200 hours at standby. A daisy chain cable also allows up to two devices to listen to the same audio from the source.

The BT2200 over-the-ear headphones also come in various colors, making it easy to personalize if you have multiple children to outfit with travel gear.

Noise-cancellation headphones and earbuds are usually the best travel equipment to invest in. They can make it easier to relax or perform uninterrupted work in the lobby or during transit. Battery technology allows you to enjoy the best performance for your entire trip.

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7 Best Travel Headphones in 2023

Ideal for Vacations, Jogging, Commute and More

Whether you are planning a vacation with your loved ones or traveling on the bus, if you are a music lover, you need your headphones. Isn’t it? Don’t worry; we’ve got the best travel headphones covered for you right here.

We have a lot of travelers on our team who are also music lovers, and they cannot travel without their headphones. Therefore, we decided to put together a list of the best headphones for travel. We got 15 suggestions, out of which we shortlisted these 7 most loved travel headphones to help you make an informed purchase.

• Best Overall Travel Headphones – Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
• Best High-End Travel Headphones – Bose Quietcomfort 35 II
• Most Affordable Travel Headphones – Edifier W675BT Wireless
• Most Versatile Travel Headphones – Koss KSC75
• Best Portable Travel Headphones – TOZO T10 Wireless
• Travel Headphones With Best Battery Life – Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
• Best Noise-Canceling Travel Headphones – Beats Studio 3 Wireless

We’ll also discuss different factors we considered while picking them. Read further to know more.

How to Find the Best Headphones for Travel

Gone are the days when the “brand name” and “price” were the only factors headphones users considered while buying headphones. Buyers are more aware than ever and ensure they keep in mind a variety of factors that come together to make powerful headphones. Here are 4 important factors that you should consider while finding the right travel headphones:

Wired or wireless?

Most travelers prefer wireless headphones as they provide them with the freedom to travel, walk, jog or enjoy without worrying about the entangling of cords. However, if you are someone who doesn’t like to rely on Bluetooth connectivity, we suggest you buy wired headphones. 

In-Ear or Over-the-Ear?

Travelers typically buy one of these two types of headphones – in-ear or over-the-ear. Since over-the-ear headphones are bulky and large, traveling with them can be a bit of a task. Nevertheless, they are also available as portable, wireless headphones, and provide excellent hearing experience.

On the other hand, in-ear headphones are lightweight, more portable and versatile for traveling. They are also available as both wired and wireless headphones; however, the hearing experience they provide is not as powerful as the over-the-ear headphones.

Noise Canceling Technology 

If you are someone who likes to cut off from the world when traveling, walking, jogging or commuting, you must buy headphones that come with the active noise cancelation (ANC) technology. Even though noise-canceling headphones are a little expensive, they are worth purchasing for the hearing experience they provide. Traffic on the road can be loud. Therefore, if you don’t want to be disturbed, we suggest you buy noise-canceling headphones for traveling.

Battery Life

You don’t want the battery of your headphones to die in the middle of an air travel or cruise, right? Therefore, it’s of the utmost importance to ensure the battery life of the travel headphones you are planning to buy in up to the mark. 

Apart from the 4 primary factors mentioned above, you should also look at factors such as waterproof properties, weight, comfort, design, material and so on. We clubbed all the factors mentioned in this section while picking the 7 top-rated headphones for traveling.

7 Best Travel Headphones for Frequent Travelers

If you like to be spoilt for choices when it comes to the best headphones for holidaying, commuting, jogging or walking, we’ve got 7 stellar options covered. Let’s look at them one by one!

1. Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

Best Overall Travel Headphones

• Excellent noise-canceling
• Comfortable fit
• Sculpted sound with deep bass and clear highs.
• Wired and wireless options
• 24 hr battery life
• In-app EQ 
• SBC and AAC only, no aptX

The Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones are the best headphones for watching movies on a PC and Laptop. The ear cups are decent, and at 240 grams, the headset is light enough and well-distributed to be comfortable to use for extended periods. The synthetic leather ear cups are well padded, and the band adds a little more cushioning at the top for noise cancellation.

The Bose Music app for Android and iOS makes it easy to link the headphones with your device, and its Bluetooth 5.1 capability means you can listen to audio in formats like AAC and SBC.

Just power on the cans, launch the app, and the headphones will automatically connect to your phone or tablet without you having to access the Bluetooth settings.

When used in factory settings, the Bose QuietComfort 45 provides a strong low-frequency response for recordings with heavy sub-bass content. The bass is deep and doesn’t distort even when turned to unsafe levels.

However, the bass still seems forceful even at modest listening volumes, and the higher-frequency sculpting complements it well. So, no complaints in the sound quality department.

In conclusion, the Bose QC 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones are the best wireless over-ear headphones you can get if you want to tune out the world for up to 24 hours on your commute or at your job. And for many people, that’s the last chapter.

2. Bose Quietcomfort 35 II

Best High-End Travel Headphones

• Excellent audio quality
• Comfortable and durable
• Alexa voice control
• Quick Bluetooth connecting
• Available in multiple color options
• Comes with intuitive controls
• Built-in microphone
• Great battery life
• 100% noise-canceling headphones
• Cumbersome to carry

The Bose Quietcomfort 35 II Headphones are our top choice when it comes to the best premium-end headphones for travel. Even though the headphones are expensive, they can be your ideal travel buddies. These days, you can easily spot a lot of travelers on flights sporting the Bose Quietcomfort 35 II Headphones. 

Firstly, the headphones are completely wireless (equipped with Bluetooth) and noise canceling. So, if you don’t like to be disturbed while your travel mode is on, we suggest you buy these headphones without thinking too much about the price. We bet you won’t regret purchasing them; we did not either! Also, since the Bose Quietcomfort 35 II Headphones are closed-back headphones, they do not allow sound leakage. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about other people judging your music choice (just kidding). 

Secondly, the headphones are supremely comfortable. Even though the headphones felt a little heavy at first, we loved the soft ear padding. We wore the headphones for 3-4 hours and did not experience any discomfort as such. In fact, we’ve added the Bose Quietcomfort 35 II Headphones to our list of the 8 most comfortable headphones also.

Thirdly, the battery life of the headphones really impressed us. You can use the headphones for up to 20 hours in a single chart, isn’t that great? 

Other exciting features include Alexa voice control, stellar audio performance, quick Bluetooth pairing and so on. If you ask us, we really did not experience any issues with the Bose Quietcomfort 35 II Headphones apart from the fact that they are more expensive than the other travel headphones on our list.

Read the full Bose Quietcomfort 35 II review

3. Edifier W675BT Wireless

Most Affordable Travel Headphones

• Decent sound quality
• Comfortable and lightweight
• Extremely compact
• Stylish and sleek
• Good mids and highs
• More value for less money
• Detachable cable is too short

If you are looking for budget-friendly travel headphones, we highly recommend you purchase the Edifier W675BT Wireless Headphones. The headphones are not only affordable but also perfect for all your traveling needs. 

First things first, the headphones look stunning. We couldn’t find better designer headphones for traveling than the Edifier W675BT Wireless Headphones. You can easily fold the headphones and carry them wherever you want (you can even carry them in your pocket). The headphones are available in 4 colors – Blue, Black, Red and White.

Secondly, the headphones are comfortable and lightweight. Even though the Edifier W675BT Wireless Headphones are on-the-ear headphones they don’t feel bulky and massive. The adjustable headband is made of premium-quality steel, flexible steel and soft silicone. 

Thirdly, the headphones can be connected using Bluetooth or NFC. This is something we really liked about the Edifier W675BT Wireless Headphones. If you are someone who prefers NFC over Bluetooth, these headphones can work wonders for you. Not only this but the headphones also come with a 3.5 mm jack and 3.5 mm connector cable if you want to use them as wired headphones; however, the connector cable is too short and we did not like its quality. When you are using Bluetooth, you can connect the headphones with up to 2 devices at a time.

Lastly, the battery life of the headphones is at par with the battery life of the Bose Quietcomfort 35 II Headphones. All in all, the Edifier W675BT Wireless Headphones can be a great pick for those who are on a shoestring budget; you won’t find such incredible features (except noise cancelation) at such low price anywhere else.

4. Koss KSC75

Most Versatile Travel Headphones

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Stylish clip-on design
• Good sound quality
• Clear treble; bass is not very strong
• Great for traveling and walking
• Cable is fragile

The Koss KSC75 Headphones can be a good pick for travelers who are looking for wired headphones that are simple and easy to use, and provide good sound quality. These headphones are not at all fancy, expensive or over-the-top. To be honest, we included the Koss KSC75 Headphones to our list for their simplicity and great audio quality (we’ve also listed them as one of the best clip-on headphones in 2023).

Firstly, the sports-oriented clip-on design is eye-catching and makes these headphones comfortable to use while you are traveling. The clip ensures the headphones don’t fall. The Koss KSC75 Headphones are lightweight and durable.

Secondly, the Titanium-coated drivers provide excellent sound quality. Don’t get fooled by the simple looks of these headphones; you’ll be surprised to know that the headphones provide stereo-quality sound. You can use the Koss KSC75 Headphones with all devices that have a 3.5 mm jack. 

Thirdly, the headphones come with a 4-foot long headphone cable that makes it easy to move around with the headphones on your ears. Overall, the Koss KSC75 Headphones are suitable for those who prefer simplicity and versatility above everything else. Even though the headphones come with a plastic body, they are durable and sturdy.

5. TOZO T10 Wireless

Most Portable Travel Headphones

• Multiple ear caps
• Durable and sturdy
• Great sound quality
• Decent bass
• Clear highs and mids
• Quick pairing
• Cannot be used in mono mode; the buds start beeping if used alone

If portability is your primary concern, we recommend purchasing the TOZO T10 Wireless Earbuds. The earbuds come with a durable charging case and are extremely compact. Simply slip the charging case comprising the earbuds in your pocket and you are ready to go.

These little wonders are indeed powerhouses. The TOZO T10 Wireless Earbuds come with the advanced Bluetooth 5.0 technology and provide stereo-quality sound. We were impressed by the depth of the bass. It was hard to imagine these tiny earbuds providing such powerful bass.

Another compelling feature of these earbuds and their charging case is a nano-coating which makes them waterproof. Imagine, the TOZO T10 Wireless Earbuds can sit under 1 meter water for approximately 30 minutes without getting damaged. No wonder we’ve listed them as one of the best shower headphones on the market (don’t be surprised; this category exists).

The earbuds come with 8 ear caps of different sizes (including the 2 on the earbuds) to ensure proper fit. They are comfortable in-ear travel headphones and come with an ergonomic, noise canceling design.

We highly recommend purchasing the TOZO T10 Wireless Earbuds if you don’t want to travel with bulky over-the-ear/on-the-ear headphones.

6. Beats Studio 3 Wireless

Best Noise-Canceling Travel Headphones

• Excellent Bluetooth range
• 10-minute charging can provide 3-hour listening
• Great audio quality
• Purely adaptive noise cancelation
• Easy to connect

Even though we’ve already listed other noise-canceling travel headphones, such as the Cowin E7 Pro and Bose Quietcomfort 35 II Headphones in this guide, if you ask us to pick the best noise-canceling travel headphones, we’ll pick the Beats Studio 3 Wireless. The sound quality delivered by the headphones because of the ANC technology is absolutely premium. The headphones block all external noises to deliver a clear and crisp listening experience.

Even though the Beats Studio 3 Wireless Headphones are expensive, they won’t disappoint you at any front. After all, the headphones comprise the Apple W1 chip with Class 1 Bluetooth connectivity. So, you don’t need to worry about the signal strength and range offered by these headphones. Multiple ear controls allow you to play/pause songs, skip songs, increase/decrease volume and activate Siri. The headphones are compatible with both Android and iOS devices. 

In conclusion, we recommend purchasing the Beats Studio 3 Wireless Headphones if you are looking for high-quality noise-canceling headphones that are comfortable, durable and value for money.

7. Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

Travel Headphones With Best Battery Life

• Solid, sculpted acoustic performance with resonant lows and crystal-clear highs.
• Compatible form
• Easily operated physical buttons
• Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
• Integral compatibility with the Tile
• Bluetooth 5.0
• Battery life, USB-C charging
• Poor construction quality
• Sound quality is decent but not exceptional

The Hesh Evo headphones are available in black, blue/white, and gray over-ear styles. The headband’s bottom and earpads are fully padded with memory foam and lined with a material that resembles leather. Even during extended listening sessions, the fit is very cozy and secure.

The Skullcandy Hesh headphones are light and provide noise isolation owing to the soft cushioning in the ear cups and on the crown. If you misplace your headphones and want to find them again, you may use the Tile app.

A frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz is delivered internally by 40mm speakers. The headphones are Bluetooth 5.0 ready and are only compatible with the SBC Bluetooth codec, neither AAC nor AptX.

With the Skullcandy Hesh models, you can play video games or watch movies without worrying about the battery dying. When you turn on the noise cancellation is turned on, the Evo may be worn for up to 36 hours.

The headphones have a strong low-frequency response, making them ideal for listening to songs having heavy sub-bass content. If you turn up the volume to unsafe levels, you’ll be treated to a powerful thud without distortion, and if you turn it down, the bass is still quite there.

In conclusion, the Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones are a cut above the rest if you’re in the market for a comfortable, wireless set of over-ear cans. Despite its bold appearance, the Hesh Evo is lightweight and pleasant to wear for extended periods, and its battery life is second to none.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Headphones

As mentioned in the guide above, the best headphones for a plane are Cowin E7 Pro, Bose QuietComfort 35 II and Beats Studio 3 Wireless. All these headphones come with active noise cancelation to minimize all the loud noises on the plane.

Yes, you can use regular headphones on a plane. You can carry your headphones in your cabin luggage and use them per your requirement.

Yes, like regular headphones, Bluetooth or wireless headphones work on a plane. Read more on using Bluetooth headphones on a plane .

Now that you have found 7 top-rated travel headphones, have you been able to shortlist one for your next vacation? Don’t worry if you are still confused. There are lots of options out there on the market. Take time and think. Don’t rush into making a decision. 

If you ask us to pick the best headphones for travel, we’ll pick the Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones without thinking twice.

We’ve already listed these headphones as the best overall travel headphones as they comprise everything you need for a great travel experience. Whether you are planning an elaborate vacation or simply looking for headphones for jogging, we highly recommend purchasing these headphones.

We hope you found our guide on the most loved travel headphones useful. If you have more options to share, please post them in the comment section below. We would love to hear you. Also, if you have any questions about travel headphones, please reach out to us and get your question answered!

You may also like

These 10 Best Headphones Are Ideal For Airplane Travel

• LG TONE Style HBS-SL5: Retractable earbuds and multi-layer metal construction make for a convenient and immersive audio experience.
• Urbanears Plattan 2: Vegan-friendly leather ear cushions offer luxury and sustainability for a guilt-free audio journey.
• LG TONE Free T90: Dolby head-tracking technology creates a 360-degree audio environment for an ultimate headphone experience.

Traveling on an airline is a wonderful feeling, but after the first few moments, most travelers get bored of the empty expanse of the sky on both sides of them. Some tourists opt for music to make the time go by faster (especially if taking one of the longest flights in the world ). Because of this, a great pair of travel headphones is crucial to enjoying any relatively long flight.

But what makes a good pair of headphones? And what makes them great for travel? In this article, we’ll look at some options for headphones that will cover a wide range of price points and quality. That means that visitors who save money when booking their holiday flights can also chip in to get a decent pair of headphones to accompany them on the flight.

Related: Up, Up & Away: 10 Expert Travel Tips For A Comfortable Flight Journey

All featured headphones in this article were chosen based on several factors. The quality and affordability of the devices, as well as connectivity and suitability for use on an airplane, were also considered. These devices were chosen because of their wide compatibility with music players and audio transmission devices.

LG TONE Style HBS-SL5 Bluetooth® Wireless Stereo Headset

Minimalist packing for a flight means paring down belongings, and this headset is perfect for minimal fuss while traveling. With its retractable earbuds, storage becomes hassle-free, eliminating the need for tangled cords. The headphones are designed with multi-layer metal construction, enhancing sound quality to deliver a rich, immersive audio experience. These features make the LG TONE Style HBS-SL5 a practical choice for travelers seeking convenience and superior sound performance in one stylish package.

• Product: LG TONE Style HBS-SL5 Bluetooth® Wireless Stereo Headset
• Best Feature: Retractable earbuds for less complication with storage and multi-layer metal for better sound quality, even in loud airport terminals.

Urbanears Plattan 2 Bluetooth

Any traveler in the twenty-first century knows how important sustainability is, and this headset gives them the certainty they’re doing their part. These headphones feature ear cushions crafted from synthetic, vegan-friendly leather, offering a luxurious, comfortable feel during extended flights. This sustainable choice underscores a commitment to eco-consciousness, allowing travelers to revel in exceptional sound quality without compromising their principles. It's a harmonious blend of superior audio performance and a responsible approach to design, perfect for listening to a downloaded podcast while in flight.

• Product: UrbanEars Plattan 2 Bluetooth
• Best Feature: Synthetic, vegan-friendly leather makes up the ear cushions, ensuring no animals were harmed in making this pair of headphones.

LG TONE Free ® T90 Dolby Atmos® with Dolby Head Tracking™ True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

There are many things travelers can do while they wait at the airport during a long layover , and catching up on music is high on the list. The Dolby Head Tracking technology creates a virtual soundscape, immersing users in a 360-degree audio environment, adapting to head movement for an unparalleled, lifelike audio adventure. Whether enjoying music, movies, or podcasts, these earbuds provide an exceptional audio journey that feels like being at the center of the action, making them the ultimate choice for travelers seeking a next-level headphone experience.

Noise-canceling headphones not only enhance a traveler's audio experience but also provide an added safety benefit. They can help reduce the impact of loud engine noise, allowing travelers to hear important safety announcements and instructions from the cabin crew more clearly.

• Product: LG TONE Free ® T90 Dolby Atmos® with Dolby Head Tracking™ True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
• Best Feature: Dolby head-tracking technology creates a spatial soundscape, even while moving around or standing in line to board.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

No one enjoys getting tangled in wires, and these wireless earbuds cut the cords permanently. These earbuds feature world-class, proprietary noise-canceling technology, delivering a premium in-flight audio experience. With industry-leading noise cancellation, these earbuds provide a haven of tranquility, allowing travelers to escape the distractions of air travel and immerse themselves in their entertainment. Bose's legacy of superior noise-canceling technology ensures that passengers enjoy unparalleled audio clarity even in the loudest inflight environments.

• Product: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
• Best Feature: Immersive audio and world-class, proprietary noise-canceling technology unavailable in any other brand.

Related: Your Guide For When To Book Flights By Continent

Urbanears Juno

The Urbanears Juno Earbuds might be just what a traveler needs to survive long-haul flights in economy class . With the convenience of wireless charging, these earbuds are always ready for action, eliminating the need for cumbersome cables. The active noise-canceling feature further enhances the inflight experience, immersing passengers in their entertainment while minimizing external disturbances.

• Product: Urbanears Juno
• Best Feature: Active noise-canceling for loud environments (like airports) and wireless charging for ease of use.

Jabra Elite 8 Active

While the Jabra Elite 8 Active is a great option for working out, it’s also excellent as a travel companion. Dustproof, waterproof, and sweatproof, they ensure durability and reliability throughout the journey, no matter the conditions. With a commitment to versatility and resilience, the Jabra Elite 8 Active allows active passengers to enjoy uninterrupted audio quality and convenience, even during the most demanding activities or environmental challenges.

• Product: Jabra Elite 8 Active
• Best Feature: Dustproof, waterproof, and sweatproof, designed for active movement, like running from one gate to another to catch a flight.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

More than one traveler has had an earache after a long flight with a headset over their ears, but that’s because the headset wasn’t the Bose QuietComfort . Designed for extended use during long flights, these headphones envelop passengers in a cocoon of plush cushioning. This, coupled with Bose's renowned sound quality, ensures an audio experience like no other. The world-class sound fidelity is simply the icing on the cake.

• Product: Bose QuietComfort Headphones
• Best Feature: A fantastic pair of headphones demonstrating comfort for long periods of use and world-class sound fidelity.

Marshall Monitor II A.N.C.

As travelers, tech makes life much easier, and the Marshall Monitor II ANC is a good example. With powerful noise-canceling technology, passengers can escape the inflight commotion and enjoy immersive audio. Plus, the integrated Google Assistant provides seamless voice control for convenience. These headphones cater to the needs of modern travelers who crave top-tier audio quality, smart assistance, and a peaceful inflight environment, making them the ultimate choice for a connected and tranquil journey.

Travelers who enjoy listening to soothing music or white noise while sleeping on the plane may consider using on-ear headphones rather than over-ear headphones. On-ear headphones are typically more comfortable for side sleepers and won't press against their heads as much.

• Product: Marshall Monitor II A.N.C.
• Best Feature: Active noise-canceling with built-in Google Assistant capabilities.

Related: 10 (Cheap) Reasons To Start Booking Flights In The Fall

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Bose has always pushed the envelope regarding headphone technology; this pair of headphones is no exception. With a remarkable 20-hour battery life, these headphones keep travelers engaged throughout long journeys. Voice controls further enhance user convenience, allowing passengers to adjust settings effortlessly. Bose has crafted these headphones focusing on uncompromised audio quality, extensive battery life, and intuitive controls, making them the ideal choice for travelers heading to busy terminals.

• Product: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
• Best Feature: World-class noise-canceling technology, 20-hour battery time, and voice controls for ease of use.

Marshall Minor III

Earbuds were built to be unobtrusive yet immersive, and Marshall accomplishes both goals in Minor III . These earbuds deliver high-fidelity audio, ensuring every note is crisp and clear during inflight entertainment. The touch-sensitive buds provide effortless music control, eliminating the need for complicated buttons and making it easy for passengers to navigate their playlists seamlessly. For those who crave pristine sound and user-friendly functionality while on the go, the Marshall Minor III earbuds are the perfect choice for inflight audio pleasure.

• Product: Marshall Minor III
• Best Feature: Wireless earbuds with high-fidelity sound quality and touch-sensitive buds for music control without complications.

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

• Electronics

The Best Over-Ear Headphones

By Lauren Dragan

Lauren Dragan writes about audio tech and OTC hearing aids. She has tested nearly 2,000 headphones and earbuds in her decade at Wirecutter.

Over-ear headphones are for people who want to totally immerse themselves in their listening or don’t like the feeling of earbuds in their ears. The larger drivers, compared with those in earbuds, generally allow over-ear pairs to produce better sound than comparably priced in-ear models.

We’ve tested hundreds of over-ear headphones, including wireless Bluetooth, traditional wired, and noise-cancelling sets. This article provides an overview of our top over-ear picks across our different headphone guides, with links to our full coverage.

Choosing headphones

Wired headphones are simple to use and don’t need to be charged, but there’s no denying the freedom and convenience of Bluetooth.

Do you want an all-purpose pair of headphones or a pair that excels at a specific function, like noise cancellation or vocal clarity?

Comfort is crucial. Headphones should feel good on or over your ears and stay put without squeezing your head too tightly.

Today’s headphones can be loaded with features, like adjustable noise cancellation, voice control, and advanced sound equalization.

The research

How to shop for over-ear headphones, best all-purpose wireless headphones, best wireless noise-cancelling headphones, best wireless over-ear headphones for the office, best wireless over-ear tv headphones, best wired audiophile headphones for everyday use, best wired headphones under $100, best over- and on-ear headphones for kids, best budget noise-cancelling headphones around $100.

When it comes to headphones, one size does not fit all, both literally and figuratively. You have a lot of factors to consider in your personal quest to find the “best” pair of over-ear headphones. Here are some important questions to ask yourself:

Wired or wireless? Generally speaking, you can get better performance for less money if you choose wired headphones, since the cost goes mainly into performance and design instead of features like Bluetooth. And with wired headphones, you don’t have to worry about charging a battery. Still, many people love the freedom and convenience that wireless headphones bring, especially now that headphone jacks are disappearing from smartphones. If both connection methods sound appealing, consider a pair that can work both wired and wirelessly, but be sure to check whether some features are disabled in wired mode.

How will you use them? Are you looking for a good all-purpose pair of headphones that you can take everywhere? Or do you have a specific use in mind, such as travel, workouts, TV watching, office use, or gaming? Some headphones do everything well, while others excel at a certain task. Are you mostly listening to music, or do you need good microphone quality for phone calls and video chats? For office use and gaming, a headset with a boom mic might be the way to go. Do you need your headphones to be waterproof or sweatproof for workouts?

Do you want active noise cancellation? Active noise cancellation is great for reducing lower-frequency sounds like the hum of an airplane engine or an HVAC system, but it isn’t as effective with higher-frequency sounds like voices. How effective and adjustable do you need the ANC to be? Some headphones offer just on/off, while others offer adjustable ANC that makes it easier for you to find a performance and comfort level that works. If you don’t like how ANC affects your ears at all, an over-ear pair with excellent passive noise isolation may be a better choice.

How long is the battery life? Are you good about keeping your wireless devices charged, or do you need wireless headphones that can go for long stretches of time without being plugged in? Be honest with yourself on this one, or you’ll just be frustrated later.

Do you prefer an over- or on-ear design? Comfort is a crucial element of overall headphone enjoyment. Larger, over-ear designs generally cause less pressure on your ears and block sounds more effectively, but a smaller, on-ear design may be better for people who wear glasses. If you’re shopping for more audiophile-oriented headphones, you should also decide between closed-back headphones, which block out noise, and open-back designs, which can deliver a more spacious, airy sound.

What (and how intuitive) are the control options? When it comes to controlling power, volume, track skip, and the like, do you prefer physical buttons or touch-sensitive pads? We recommend that you try both kinds of controls before you buy, if possible. How important is voice control, and are you tied to a certain platform, such as Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant?

JBL Tour One M2

The best bluetooth wireless headphones.

This versatile, over-ear pair sounds great, has a long battery life, and offers premium features at a lower price than its competitors. Some controls are a bit sensitive, though.

Buying Options

May be out of stock

Who this is for: The JBL Tour One M2 has an intuitive design with a comfortable fit and great battery life, making it an excellent choice when you want a convenient and long-lasting wireless listening experience.

Why we like it: The sound is good right out of the box, and it can be further improved with the use of the EQ settings in JBL’s app. The battery life, rated at 30 to 50 hours, is excellent, and the battery recharges quickly. Voice control is available via the always-listening Alexa and Google Assistant functions, and Apple users can access Siri via a simple button push. The M2 supports dual-device connectivity, and the built-in microphones reduce wind and background noise remarkably well, ensuring clear phone calls—even on the go. Plus, this pair is water-resistant (with an IPX5 rating).

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The controls are more sensitive than we’d like, and we wish the physical volume buttons were larger. JBL has included an automatic ANC setting, which adjusts the noise-cancellation levels based on your surroundings or how much sound is leaking in. But we found the real-time changes to be disconcerting, similar to your ears popping when a plane lands, so we chose to turn off that feature.

Battery life: 30 to 50 hours Warranty: one year

For more info, see our full review of the best Bluetooth wireless headphones .

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The best wireless noise-cancelling headphones.

The Bose 700 over-ear headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

Who this is for: This set is great for frequent flyers or commuters on public transit who need strong (but adjustable) noise cancellation and prefer an over-ear design to earbuds.

Why we like it: The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is the best pair of headphones that Bose has ever released. These headphones are expensive, but we think they’re worth the cost if you put a high premium on performance and comfort.

They offer the superior noise cancellation that Bose is known for, plus more adjustability than on any noise-cancelling headphones we’ve tested. You can adjust the active noise cancellation (ANC) level on a scale from 0 to 10, so if you find that you are experiencing the uncomfortable “eardrum suck” issue —or if you just want a little more sense of your surroundings—you have more flexibility to find a level that works for you.

These headphones also have a lightweight design that is comfortable to wear for hours, and they feature an easy-to-use combination of touch controls and physical buttons that you can access without looking.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The sound quality is good but not as crisp as on the best over-ear headphones we’ve tested, and the app can be vexing. The battery life isn’t industry-leading, but at 20 hours it’s more than sufficient.

Battery life: 20 hours Warranty: one year

For more info, see our full review of the best noise-cancelling headphones .

Sony WH-1000XM5

Best wireless headphones for the office.

This feature-packed pair significantly reduces the noise of voices around you and can sound fantastic. But these headphones are pricey and require a good deal of setup.

Who this is for: The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are worth considering if you work in an open office (or a crowded home office), because they are great at blocking out voices around you.

Why we like it: We love these headphones for their comfortable fit, solid noise reduction, clear microphone sound quality, and handy add-ons, such as the voice-activated awareness mode.

Although the active noise cancellation on the Bose 700 performs better on lower-pitched, sustained sounds like airplane noise, the Sony WH-1000XM5 has superior isolation—which is more effective at blocking higher-pitched and quick sounds like barking dogs, coffee-shop noises, and the human voice.

These over-ear headphones are also comfortable enough to wear all day, and the microphones are effective at reducing background noise during phone calls and video meetings.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Out of the box, this pair’s tuning isn’t ideal, but these headphones can sound amazing with some effort put into adjusting the equalizer settings in the app. As mentioned above, the active noise cancellation isn’t quite as effective as on our top ANC picks for airplane use. Although the XM5 can handle a light spritzing rain, it isn’t built for water resistance.

Finally, Sony claims a battery life of 30 to 38 hours max. However, in our testing, we were able to eke out only 24 hours of playtime with ANC on. That’s still better-than-average performance, especially when the quick-charge feature gets you three to five hours of use from a 10-minute charge.

Battery life: 24 hours Warranty: one year

For more info, see our full review of the best Bluetooth wireless headphones.

Insignia NS-HAWHP2

The best wireless tv headphones.

The NS-HAWHP2 over-ear headphones are comfortable, with solid sound and no audio lag. The transmitter doubles as a charging base for the headphones, but the system supports only a single pair of headphones.

Who this is for: This wireless headphone system is for anyone who wants to watch TV or play video games without disturbing others in their household or who needs to listen at a higher volume to hear dialogue properly.

Why we like it: The easy-to-use Insignia NS-HAWHP2 system sounds good and delivers a comfortable fit so you can enjoy marathon binge-watching and gaming sessions. The package includes a single pair of headphones and a wireless transmitter that doubles as a docking station for storing and charging the headphones when you aren’t using them.

Insignia promises 10 hours of battery life, but we got more than 11 hours on a charge, so you could easily binge an entire eight-episode season of Stranger Things in one sitting. The NS-HAWHP2 uses radio frequency (RF) wireless transmission, and in our tests we didn’t notice significant lag between the audio and video, which can be a problem for Bluetooth-based systems.

These headphones delivered the most consistent, balanced sound in our recent tests, and they were also lighter and more comfortable than many competitors.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The main downside is that the Insignia system comes with only one pair of headphones, and you can’t add more. If you need multiple pairs of headphones, consider our also-great pick, the Power Acoustik HP-902RFT .

Battery life: 11 hours Wireless connection type: RF

For more info, see our full review of the best wireless TV headphones .

Monolith by Monoprice M565C

For your first audio upgrade.

These sealed headphones have a detailed, exciting sound that’s good for any type of music. They’re comfortable but bulky.

If you prefer open-back headphones

These open-back headphones deliver a spacious, balanced sound, but the design lets sound in and out, which may not be for everyone.

Who these are for: These types of wired headphones are for music connoisseurs who don't care about features like Bluetooth or noise cancellation. You can spend a lot more in this category, but our picks are affordable and sturdy enough that you won't be afraid to take them with you to work or school.

Why we like them: The Monolith by Monoprice M565C headphones have an exciting, detailed sound, beating out pairs that cost hundreds more. Suitable for any genre of music, the planar-magnetic drivers are housed in isolating closed-back ear cups, so you can block out distractions and focus on enjoying your playlist. They have a sturdy, comfortable build and replaceable cable, and Monoprice’s five-year warranty is about the longest of any headphones we’ve seen.

The FiiO FT3 headphones are for those who prefer an open-back design, which provides richer detail in high frequencies and a more spacious, balanced sound. This pair also has solid low-frequency output, a rarity for most open-back headphones. The sound profile can be slightly modified depending on which pair of included earpads you choose to outfit them with.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: For people who prefer to keep a lower profile when listening, the M565C may not be ideal due to its bulkier design. This pair doesn’t fold up, and the hard-sided storage case is one of the largest we tested. The M565C doesn’t deliver quite as much presence in the mids as we’d like, and some of our panelists would have preferred a little extra sparkle on the highs. Plus, the cable is a bit noisy if you move around a lot. The M565C set doesn’t come with a cable that has a remote and mic option for mobile use.

Not everyone prefers the sound created by open-back headphones like the FiiO FT3. Because the ear cups are unsealed, sound is able to filter in and out, meaning you can hear your surroundings and people around can hear what you’re listening to. The FT3’s chassis and cable are also bulkier than we prefer. This pair’s sound quality was better than that of other open-back headphones we tested, but open-back models lack substantial bass compared to closed-back headphones, and we noticed a slightly spiky emphasis in the 5 and 8 kilohertz ranges.

Other wired picks: In our guide to the best audiophile headphones for everyday use , we also have a wired, over-ear pick for those who want a serious step up in sound quality ( Dan Clark Audio Aeon 2 Closed ).

Monolith by Monoprice M565C Weight: 13.7 ounces Warranty: five years

FiiO FT3 Weight: 13.8 ounces Warranty: one year

For more info, see our full review of the best audiophile headphones for everyday use .

Sony MDR-7506

The best wired headphones under $100.

The Sony MDR-7506, a longtime favorite of audio professionals, offers more reliability, more comfort, and better sound than many headphones twice its price.

Who this is for: Audio fans, musicians, and podcasters alike will find this headphone style practical because it sounds great and never needs to be charged.

Why we like it: The Sony MDR-7506 has been a longtime studio and live-audio staple. Not only does it provide accurate-sounding bass, mids, and treble, but it also gives you a better sense of the depth and dynamics of your music than many models twice the price. Durable, comfortable, and reliable, this pair usually costs under $100.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The long, coiled cable is great for musicians and studio artists who need to move around, but it’s cumbersome for listening to music from your phone.

Accessories: storage bag, ¼-inch plug adapter Warranty: 90 days

Who this is for: Kids headphones are sized for smaller heads (roughly, ages 2 to 12), and the best ones include a volume-limiting feature to protect the hearing safety of kiddos who listen via headphones frequently.

Why we like it: We offer a variety of over- and on-ear recommendations for different uses. We like the Puro BT2200-Plus  pair for everyday music and video listening, the PuroQuiet-Plus set for travel (thanks to its good active noise cancellation), the JLab JBuddies Play headphones for online schooling and gaming (with a built-in, extendable boom mic), and for value the Onanoff BuddyPhones Explore+ (for toddlers) and Altec Lansing MZX4500 (for kindergartners to tweens).

For more info, see our full review of the best kids headphones .

Soundcore Space One

The best budget noise-cancelling headphones.

This affordable pair of over-ear headphones sounds good, is comfortable to wear, and has a long battery life. Plus the noise cancellation is above average.

Who this is for: If you spend a lot of time in environments with low-frequency, steady sounds like motor hums or plane-engine noise and want the best noise cancelling you can get for around $100, this pair is for you.

Why we like it: If you want a solid pair of wireless noise-cancellation headphones for around $100, we recommend the Soundcore Space One . The noise cancellation is effective, though not as superb as that of the Bose NC 700.

The sound quality is solid out of the box and adjustable to your taste, and the design is lightweight, with memory foam ear cups that are soft and comfortable. The three microphones ensure that your voice sounds clear over calls and video chats, and the “easy chat” hear-through mode works well with quick calls.

The 40-hour battery life with ANC on is impressive for wireless headphones at any price.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The small physical buttons (in lieu of touch controls) present a learning curve and can be difficult to navigate when you’re not looking at them. While the sound is enjoyable and adjustable, we noticed that it can become muddled when listening to male vocal ranges and coarse with higher frequencies.

Battery life: 40+ hours Warranty: 18 months

For more info, see our full guide to the best noise-cancelling headphones .

Meet your guide

Lauren Dragan

Lauren Dragan is a senior staff writer and has tested nearly 2,000 headphones for Wirecutter. She has a BA from Ithaca College in music performance and audio production. She’s been featured in Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News , The New York Times, and more. Additionally, she’s a voice actor whose work includes projects for Disney and Mattel.

Further reading

The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

by Lauren Dragan

Whether you prefer over-ear or in-ear noise-cancelling headphones, we have recommendations to help bring peace to your next trip.

The Best Headphones Under $100

If you’re looking for backup headphones or just don’t want to spend a lot, we reviewed all the best cheap headphones for you.

The Best Sleep Headphones (But We Hoped for Better)

All of the sleep headphones we tested fell short in some way, but we still have three recommendations for different uses and budgets.

The Best Bluetooth Wireless Headphones

The JBL Tour One M2 over-ear Bluetooth headphones sound great, have a long battery life, and offer premium features at a lower price than the competition.

Best wireless earbuds for travel, workouts and multitasking

Listening to audio and staying connected on the go is much easier when your hands are free. As a freelance audio engineer and writer, I’ve found that a pair of high-quality wireless earbuds is a must-have tool for my daily routine, whether I’m cycling through music, calls and meetings, or catching up on my favorite podcasts at the gym. Check out some of our favorite picks for the best wireless earbuds, for those moments where you just need some peace.

What to consider when buying wireless earbuds

Comfort and fit.

Comfort is key if you plan to wear your earbuds for any significant length of time. “Wireless earbuds are tiny high-performance speakers that fit in your ears,” says Dino Bekis, vice president and general manager of the wearables and mixed signal solutions business unit at Qualcomm . “One of the most important considerations is comfort and fit. Many earbuds come with interchangeable tips so they can fit comfortably and securely, however some earbuds simply don’t work for some — they fall out or are uncomfortable.” Bekis adds that if you can’t try a new pair of earbuds before you buy, make sure they have a good return policy.

Battery life and case

There’s nothing worse than your earbuds dying just minutes before your podcast ends, so prioritize products with lasting batteries. “There’s not a lot of room for batteries in earbuds. Still, many buds will last for several hours before needing to recharge,” explains Bekis. “The case itself can not only protect the earbuds from damage but also serves as a charging station due to the larger battery integrated into the storage case.” Bekis adds that you should consider play time and the number of charges per case. Also, keep in mind play time will decrease if you’re using noise-canceling features.

Exercise compatibility

Exercisers: Pay special attention to certain features in choosing your earbuds. “Selecting the right wireless earbuds is crucial for enhancing your workout experience,” says Chris Pruitt, certified personal trainer and CEO at WorkoutHealthy . Pruitt emphasizes the importance of sweat and weather resistance. “If you’re going to use earbuds when running or getting wet, be sure your buds are IPX-rated for water resistance,” Bekis adds, referring to the standardized Ingress Protection Ratings of electronic devices against dust and water. “Also, check for a snug fit so they don’t shake out when you’re moving. You might want buds with a band that drapes behind the neck to keep them safe if they do fall out.”

Waterproof performance

As Bekis mentions, many of the best wireless earbuds feature an Ingress Protection (IP) rating that corresponds to the design’s resistance to ingress of dust and liquids. These ratings appear in an IPXX format, where the first “X” corresponds to the level of dust protection and the second corresponds to the level of water protection. For most workouts, a rating of IPX4 — that’s protection against splashing liquid from all angles — should be sufficient for use in rain and sweat. Products rated at IPX5 are suitable for similar workout situations with the added technical benefit of resistance to low-pressure water jets.

Sound and microphone quality

Bekis emphasizes the sonic differences between wireless earbuds and their larger over-ear counterparts. “It’s hard to put big, booming speakers in tiny drivers that fit in your ears,” he explains. “Advanced technology can compensate for physical limits, but only to a point.” He recommends reading reviews from trusted audio specialists before finalizing a purchase.

Ease of use and features

Your earbuds should make your life easier, not more difficult. “Like their bigger wireless headphone cousin, earbuds vary in the physical or touch-sensitive buttons they have to control audio playback, as well as enabled features like voice controls,” says Bekis. Pruitt says for working out, features like touch control and voice guidance make usability easy and comfortable throughout your exercises.

Our picks for the best wireless earbuds

Best noise canceling wireless earbuds: bose quietcomfort ultra earbuds.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Bekis’ top pick for noise canceling earbuds feature an adjustable fit, charging case and high-performance sound isolation. While they’re not waterproof and therefore not the best option for workouts, customers give these buds high marks for comfort and natural sound, making them a good everyday option for studying and commuting.

Specifications:

• Noise canceling: Yes.
• Battery life: Six hours (single charge), 24 hours (with case).
• Waterproof: No.
• Finishes: Moonstone blue, black, white smoke.
• Return policy: 90 days.
• Warranty: One-year limited.
• Price on publish: $299.

What we like:

• Natural spatial audio.
• Touch controls.
• Custom fit.

What we don’t like:

• Not waterproof.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

These are super comfortable noise canceling earbuds that sound great and include a charging case.

Get it here: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Best wireless earbuds for iPhones: Apple AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)

iPhone users should consider earbuds that work best for their devices. “The Apple AirPods Pro earbuds are intuitive, pair easily with Apple devices, and are hence a very convenient option for iPhone users,” says Pruitt. “The touch control and [ Siri] voice guidance make usability easy and comfortable throughout your exercises.” In addition to pairing seamlessly with Mac and iOS devices, these earbuds are also compatible with Apple’s dynamic head tracking and personalized spatial audio features, giving them an immersive edge.

• Battery life: Six hours (single charge), 30 hours (with case).
• Waterproof: IP54 (dust and water resistant).
• Finishes: White.
• Price on publish: $249.
• Easy setup.
• Resistant to dust and water.

These premium earbuds pair perfectly with Apple devices and have high user satisfaction scores.

Get it here: Apple AirPods Pro

Best wireless earbuds for Android phones: Google Pixel Buds Pro

Google Pixel Buds Pro - Noise Canceling Earbuds - Up to 31 Hour Battery Life with Charging Case - Bluetooth Headphones - Compatible with Android - Charcoal

Google’s flagship earbuds feature all the bells and whistles you’d expect from premium headphones including active noise cancellation, transparency mode and a five-band equalizer. They’re also sweat- and water-resistant, making them a great workout option for Android users.

• Battery life: Seven hours (single charge), 20 hours (with case).
• Waterproof: IPX4 (splash-resistant).
• Finishes: Bay, porcelain, fog, charcoal, lemongrass, coral.
• Return policy: 30 days.
• Price on publish: $139.
• Water-resistant case.
• Below-average battery life.
• Limited return and warranty window.

Android-ready earbuds with a premium fit and finish at a fair price.

Get it here: Google Pixel Buds Pro

Best wireless earbuds under $50: Jabra Elite 3

Buy Jabra Elite 3

This pair of budget buds deliver great value for the price thanks to their passive noise isolation, hear-through mode and above-average battery life. They’re also IP55 rated against dust and water ingress, making them an effective option for strenuous workouts. While they lack active noise cancellation, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option in this price range.

• Noise canceling: No.
• Battery life: Seven hours (single charge), 29 hours (with case).
• Waterproof: IP55 (dust and water-resistant).
• Finishes: Navy blue.
• Return policy: 100 days.
• Warranty: Two-year limited.
• Price on publish: $49.99.
• Affordable.
• Longer warranty.
• Waterproof for workouts.
• No active noise cancellation.

This is a great pair of budget-friendly earbuds with a generous return and warranty policy.

Get it here: Jabra Elite 3

Best wireless earbuds for workouts: Powerbeats Pro

Powerbeats Pro - True Wireless Earbuds - Black

Pruitt’s favorite wireless earbuds for working out are IPX4-rated sweat-resistant and snug-fitting. “The Powerbeats Pro have a listening time that can last up to nine hours, making it suitable for long training,” he explains. “They are built for movement; the ear hooks ensure they stay put no matter how crazy the workout gets. They also have the signature Beats sound quality.”

• Battery life: Nine hours (single charge), 24 hours (with case).
• Finishes: Ivory, navy, black.
• Price on publish: $249.95.
• Secure around-ear fit.
• Very lightweight.
• Sweat resistant.
• Bulky case.

Lightweight earbuds with a secure, exercise-ready fit.

Get it here: Powerbeats Pro

Best wireless earbuds for small ears: 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini

1MORE ComfoBuds Mini True Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones

These are some of the tiniest earbuds available on the market, making them perfect for people with small ears. Like many of the best wireless earbuds, the 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini come with a set of variously-sized silicone ear tips for a custom fit. Due to their small size, they lack the sound quality and battery life of some competitors, but they’re still an appealing option if you’ve struck out using bigger designs.

• Waterproof: IPX5 (waterproof).
• Finishes: Obsidian black, mica white, cinnabar red.
• Price on publish: $59.49.
• Compact design with interchangeable silicone tips.
• Wireless charging.
• Small speakers deliver limited bass.
• Active noise-cancellation struggles in loud environments.

A good value for users who have had issues with fit and comfort in other products.

Get it here: 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini

Best wireless earbuds for multitaskers: Technics EAH-AZ80

Premium Hi-Fi True Wireless Earbuds with Noise Cancelling EAH-AZ80

Loaded with premium features like multipoint connectivity, touch controls and crystal-clear audio, these earbuds are ideal for working people on the go. The Technics EAH-AZ80 make pivoting between devices a seamless experience, especially if you take frequent calls. While they’re some of the most expensive earbuds on the market, you might find their high-quality design and breezy user experience worth it if you’re a busy person.

• Battery life: Seven hours (single charge), 24 hours (with case).
• Finishes: Black, silver.
• Price on publish: $299.99.
• Easy to use.
• High-quality sound, fit and finish.
• High price.

Premium earbuds that will enhance your workflow without slowing you down.

Get it here: Technics EAH-AZ80

Best wireless earbuds for traveling: Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5 The Best Truly Wireless Bluetooth Noise Canceling Earbuds Headphones with Alexa Built in, Black- New Model

These premium earbuds feature substantial single-charge battery life and adaptive sound control to modify noise canceling performance as your environment changes, making them a desirable option for people who frequently travel. They feature wired and wireless charging options as well as a unique talk-to-chat feature that pauses media and reveals the sound of your surroundings when you speak, permitting seamless conversation while on the go.

• Battery life: Eight hours (single charge), 24 hours (with case).
• Price on publish: $298.
• AI-assisted adaptive noise canceling.
• Travel-friendly communication features.

A great-sounding and reliable pair of premium earbuds that react to your environment.

Get it here: Sony WF-1000XM5

Best wireless earbuds for battery life: Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

Liberty 4 NC | True-Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

If you’re accustomed to long commutes or extended bursts of productivity, these earbuds can go up against even the best noise canceling headphones when it comes to battery life. Users love this design’s combination of active and passive noise-cancelation and the level of isolation it achieves. In the unlikely event that you exhaust the Liberty 4 NC’s generous battery, a quick 10-minute charge will deliver another four hours of use.

• Battery life: 10 hours (single charge), 50 hours (with case).
• Finishes: Velvet black, light blue, navy blue, clear white, pastel pink.
• Warranty: 18-month limited.
• Price on publish: $99.99.
• Great value.
• Long battery life and fast-charge option.
• A very small number of reviewers report issues with fit.

An affordable pair of noise canceling earbuds built for extended periods of use.

Get it here: Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

Best great-sounding wireless earbuds: Denon PerL Pro

Denon PerL Pro

These earbuds deliver exceptional audio quality thanks to built-in lossless technology from Qualcomm. “aptX audio technology [ a patented type of wireless audio compression] is designed to enhance the wireless sound quality of many of the world’s finest smartphones, speakers, headphones and tablets,” says Bekis. The Denon PerL Pro also features low audio latency, meaning they offer very little delay between receiving and playing audio, making them a great choice for pairing with the best gaming laptop. If you’re going mobile, you can also further tailor audio and create a custom listening profile using a companion smartphone app.

• Finishes: Black.
• Price on publish: $279.
• High-quality audio for calls and media.
• Workout-friendly.

No-compromise audio quality for listeners who want the best.

Get it here: Denon PerL Pro

How we selected the best wireless earbuds

This list of the best wireless earbuds aims to cover most use cases and settings, from home and work to travel and commuting. We used expert advice, personal experience and customer reviews to fine-tune our recommendations. We also aimed to provide a range of price points to satisfy every budget, and a variety of sizing and fit options for users of different sizes.

What’s the difference between wireless and true wireless?

As explained by this article on CleerAudio , “true wireless” refers to earpieces that operate together without any connective wiring between them. All of the products on this list feature true wireless operation. Wireless earbuds that are not “true wireless” are connected by a wire but do not require a wired connection to the audio device. In the vast majority of situations, true wireless earbuds are the most convenient design because they facilitate freedom of movement without cables.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which wireless earbuds have the best sound quality.

In my experience as an audio engineer, I’ve found that earbuds with larger speaker sizes deliver better bass response. However, sound quality also depends on a number of other factors including noise canceling performance and connection quality. If audio quality is your top priority, look for a model that features aptX high-resolution streaming, like the Denon PerL Pro .

Are premium wireless earbuds worth it?

Premium wireless earbuds can be worth the higher upfront cost if you are a multi-tasker or audiophile, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy solid audio quality and a comfortable fit. If you’re aiming to use your wireless earbuds daily, consider the long-term durability of a design’s build quality, which usually increases along with the price.

What is considered good battery life for true wireless earbuds?

Determining an optimal earbud battery life for your needs comes down to your lifestyle and intended use. If you’re frequently traveling and have limited access to electricity in transit, consider earbuds with a charging case and a single-charge battery life of eight hours or more. If you’ll primarily use your earbuds for intermittent workouts and can charge them often, a design with a single-charge life of as low as four hours might be permissible.

How do I choose the right size earbuds?

The best wireless earbuds come with sets of silicone ear tips of various sizes that can be swapped in and out according to your personal fit and comfort preferences, making them compatible with many different ear sizes.

What is a good frequency response for earphones?

Most earphones have a frequency response that spans from about 20 hertz to 20 kilohertz, or roughly the range of human hearing. For most listeners, raw frequency response range matters less than personal equalization options, which allow you to sculpt sounds to your liking.

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7 headphones $100 and under to improve your audio experience

The best headphones don’t have to cost hundreds of dollars. While high-end models might come packed with multiple drivers, fancy smart features and plush materials, there are still plenty of headphones $100 and under worth considering that still nail the basics of a good audio experience .

Budget headphones these days also generally benefit from wireless or true wireless technologies, which are far cheaper and more widespread than they were a couple of years ago. Just because you have a tighter budget doesn’t mean you’re stuck with poor quality —  in fact, the average audio quality of low-cost headphones is constantly improving.

If you’re looking for budget headphones, this guide has seven distinct choices, from compact in-ear models and sports earbuds to over-ear cans and even  Apple headphones. Here’s our pick of the best headphones under $100 and everything you need about headphone hunting at this price.

SKIP AHEAD  How we picked the best headphones $100 and under | The best headphones $100 and under | How to shop for the best headphones $100 and under | Frequently asked questions

Selected. Our top picks

select We tried Apple, Sony and other top earbuds. Here are our favorites

How we picked the best headphones $100 and under.

When picking these suggestions, I drew on the advice of other gadget reporters, including Connor Jewiss, a tech reviewer and staff writer, cited later in this guide — while also using my expertise as a headphones tester for TechRadar and Trusted Reviews. When choosing individual models, I kept the below criteria in mind:

• Value: Every pair of headphones in this guide costs $100 or roughly around that figure. We included the Apple Airpods 2 , which are frequently on sale. Their original price is $129 but you can often find them on sale for $100 or less. I also considered what you were getting for the price and whether the overall quality was sufficient for what someone would be paying.  
• Multipurpose: I tried to combine models that could feasibly work in several different environments — commuting, workouts, voice calls — alongside some specialized options.
• Design and comfort: Audio gear must look the part, either through compact and colorful charging cases or sleek earbuds that look better than their price would imply. Budget headphone models can sometimes be made with uncomfortable materials, especially for over-ear designs, but we made sure the over-ear options were recommended or well reviewed.

The best headphones $100 and under

In-ear headphones under $100, jlab go air pop.

It’s hard to go wrong with the JLab Go Air Pop earbuds, one of our favorite budget headphone models and a recipient of our 2023 Giftable Tech Award . These cheap pocket-sized earbuds come in 14 distinct colorways, allowing for lots of customization.  There’s also a charging case that includes a built-in USB cable, so you’ll never find yourself without a way to plug it in — a total 32-hour battery life doesn’t hurt matters either. At $25, you won’t want to spend any less on new headphones, but these basic earbuds are a great choice for the price.

Headphone type: In-ear | Battery life: 8 hours (32 hours with case) | Fast charging: Yes | Weight: 3.9g (earbud), 28.5g (case) | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1 (audio), USB-A (charging) | Water resistance: IPX4

Sony WF-C500

These budget Sony earbuds are almost as pricey as the over-ear Soundcore Life Q30 — but for those looking for in-ear headphones, the WF-C500s (personally tested by me and recommended by gadget expert Connor Jewiss) are a great choice. Sound recreation is excellent, with clear, lively audio that deftly moves between frequencies, instruments and genres of music. There’s little bass response but the sheer clarity of the sound means you don’t have to reckon with harsh notes or scratchy sound. The 20-hour battery life is sufficient for these kinds of earbuds, while an IPX4 rating ensures that they can handle a little water if needed.

Headphone type: In-ear | Battery life: 8 hours (20 hours with charging case) | Fast charging: Yes | Weight: 5.4g (earbud), 35g (case) | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 (audio), USB-C (charging) | Water resistance: IPX4

Shokz OpenMove

While not technically ‘in-ear’, these Shokz OpenMove bone conduction headphones are a fascinating piece of audio tech. The built-in speakers hang over the front of your ear, with a thick band that connects the OpenMove across the back of your head. The speakers vibrate into your bones, transmitting audio without the need to be in your ear canal. At just $80, the Shokz OpenMove are a great budget option for sports headphones that allow you to be fully aware of your surroundings. You’ll also find a 4.4/5 rating for these headphones on Amazon with almost 15,000 reviews. The main downside to consider is a six-hour battery life, in case you were planning on taking it for a long hike.

Headphone type: Bone conduction | Battery life: 6 hours | Fast charging: No | Weight: 29g | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 (audio), USB-C (charging) |  Water resistance: IP55

Apple AirPods 2

The Apple AirPods were such a trendsetter for true wireless earbuds that they effectively became synonymous with the term. While we’ve seen various iterations of the AirPods, including the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max, there’s still something to be said for its simplest iteration — especially since its usual $129.99 price tag is often and at the time of writing marked down to just $89.00. The AirPods are an obvious choice for anyone who owns an iPhone, given their fast pairing with iOS. Just note that the AirPods 2 charging case works with the Apple Lightning cable (included) rather than the more widespread USB-C standard.

Headphone type: In-ear | Battery life: 3-5 hours (24 hours with charging case) | Fast charging: Yes | Weight: 38.2g | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 (audio), Lightning port (charging) | Water resistance: IP54

Over-ear headphones under $100

Soundcore life q30.

Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless Headphones

The Soundcore Life Q30 headphones are a great choice for discerning buyers, coming in at $80 with a comfortable, adjustable fit, and a 40-60 hour battery life on a single charge. These portable headphones can be easily folded into a clamshell carrying case, making it great for commuters too. The real benefit is active noise cancellation (ANC), which cancels out environmental noise to help you listen to your headphones even better, and protects you from harsh sounds — this advanced technology is usually saved for high-end models, and it’s great to see it on a sub-$100 gadget. The Soundcore Life Q30 was a 2023 winner for our Giftable Tech Awards, so you can be sure you’re getting one of the best options out there.

Headphone type: Over-ear | Battery life: 40-60 hours | Fast charging: Yes | | Weight: 272.16g | Connectivity: Bluetooth, AUX (audio), USB-C (charging) | Water resistance: None

On-ear headphones under $100

Sony wh-ch520.

These Sony headphones are technically ‘on-ear’, meaning they will rest against your ears instead of encompassing them entirely. While these sub-$100 headphones might not have active noise canceling, it does have some useful smart features, such as multipoint pairing, which allows you to connect the WH-CH520s to multiple devices at once and switch easily between them. They also have a 50-hour battery life, plenty even for heavy-duty listeners — and the headphones have an impressive 4.5/5 rating on Amazon out of almost 10,000 reviews.

Headphone type: On-ear | Battery life: 40-50 hours | Fast charging: Yes | Weight: 147g | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 (audio), USB-C (charging) | Water resistance: None

JBL Tune 660NC

As a gadget reviewer Jewiss specifically recommends the JBL Tune 660NC, as on-ear headphones that offer excellent sound for only $100. Unlike most options in this list, you’ll get a notable bass response, as well as active noise cancelation (ANC) to help block out unwanted environmental sounds. The 660NCs offer an upgraded Bluetooth 5.0 connection from the previous model, as well as a massive efficiency jump when using ANC: now up to 44 hours, according to the brand. Great value and good sound make the JBL Tune 660NCs easy to recommend as a budget headphone, in my opinion.

Headphone type: On-ear | Battery life: 44 hours with ANC, 55 hours without ANC | Fast charging: Yes | Weight: 167g | Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 (audio), USB-C (charging) | Water resistance: None

How to shop for the best headphones $100 and under

Choosing the right budget headphones will depend on a host of factors, from your personal budget to the kind of environments you’ll be using your headphones in. We talked to two audio experts to get a better sense of what a prospective headphone shopper should keep in mind before making a purchase.

Know why you need them

Not all headphones are cut from the same cloth. There are headphones for dedicated audiophiles that prioritize sound quality over anything else, commuter headphones designed to block out environmental noise, and everything else in between. It’s crucial to know the kind of headphones you need before committing to a purchase, especially for budget headphones, which usually only excel in one of those areas, in my opinion.

Bass, clarity and harsh sounds

Budget headphones have to cut corners somewhere. You’ll usually get less bass response, particularly for in-ear headphones, because bass frequencies require larger drivers, which increase expense — it’s much easier to produce higher frequencies. So if you’re keen on thumping bass in your music and movie soundtracks, you might need to opt for a pricier model — or at least a pair of over-ear headphones that cost closer to $100.

Sound quality obviously takes a hit, too. You shouldn’t expect as much detail, or as wide a soundstage, as in premium models — you’re juggling fewer, lower quality drivers and it means your headphones have fewer tools to work with, like a solo singer compared to an entire choir. The main danger is harsh notes that aren’t recreated faithfully, with scratchy ‘s’ sounds or words that fade out of a headphones’ optimal frequency range. But there are sub-$100 headphones that are still a joy to listen to.

Comfort and portability

The longer you wear headphones, the more important comfort is going to be. “Comfort is crucial,” says Jewiss, “unless you fancy feeling like you’ve got a vice on your head, so lightweight materials and soft ear cushions are a must, especially for those marathon listening sessions.” It’s always good if you’re able to try headphones before buying, or alternatively ensure that a model comes recommended from a reviewer who has tried them at length.

It’s also good to check the portability of a pair of headphones. Some headphones will come with dedicated carry cases, drawstring bags or a collapsible design that makes it easier to fit even large over-ear models into a backpack or purse.

Consider a warranty

Lastly, budget headphones might not be built to last in the same way as pricier models — though buying from a retailer that offers a substantial warranty is generally a good choice for any electronics purchase. Jewiss says that durability is where budget headphones can cut corners so looking for a warranty can save you some headaches later on.  

Frequently asked questions

While top-notch audio or high-quality materials are saved for higher-end models – which can cost anywhere between $500 to $5,000 – a sub-$100 model can still be worthwhile.

Jewiss tells us that more affordable headphones might not sound as good as premium models but this isn’t noticeable for all people. “Even when it is noticeable, not everyone cares. If you’re only listening to music casually, while you’re running, or on transport, you’re not in the best conditions for perfect listening, and so lots of consumers aren’t as concerned with the quality of the sound. As long as it sounds acceptable, oftentimes “good enough” is exactly what people are looking for.”

It’s worth reading guides and reviews to help you narrow down your choices to headphones that actually sound good for the price or to try models in person in a brick-and-mortar store.

There are a range of factors that impact the safety and comfort of wearing headphones for long periods. Gayla Poling, PhD, Chief Research Audiologist at NIDCD , tells us that “how loud and how long is what really matters for damaging sounds or noise exposures,” noting that music can be very enjoyable while loud, but continued exposure could cause issues over time.

Particularly, Poling cites a limit of “85 decibels for eight hours a day” to not risk your hearing health, while adding “that is a general rule of thumb for safe listening, but everyone has different risks and different individual susceptibility. Everyone's ears are different. They're almost like fingerprints, and every shape and size is very different.”

In this guide you’ll find headphones of all shapes and sizes, from compact in-ear models to those that encompass your entire ears.

Jewiss explains that “In-ear headphones, the discreet little buds that fit snugly into your ear canals, offer unparalleled portability and decent passive noise isolation due to their close fit. However, their sound quality often can't quite match up to their larger counterparts. This is partially due to their passive noise cancellation: while rubber tips do form somewhat of a seal, it’s not as soundproof as something that fully covers your ears.”

He adds that “Over-ear headphones, on the other hand, envelop your ears in a soft embrace. They typically deliver superior sound quality with more pronounced bass and clearer highs, alongside more effective active noise cancellation. However, their bulk and price tag can be a bit much for just popping down to the shop. In the end, whether you lean towards in-ear or over-ear headphones depends on what sacrifices you're willing to make between sound quality, noise isolation, and portability.”

There’s also a third category of headphones, known as ‘on-ear’ headphones, which sit between in-ear and over-ear options. On-ear models generally have the same shape and design as over-ear models, but are more compact, not necessarily covering your ears entirely but offering some of the same benefits.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Gayla Poling , PhD, is the Chief Research Audiologist at NIDCD, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. She was previously Director of Diagnostic Audiology Research at the Mayo Clinic.
• Connor Jewiss is a Staff Writer for Stuff, with seven years of experience covering gadgets across print and digital media, including iMore and TechRadar. 

Why trust NBC Select?

Henry St Leger has worked as a gadget reporter since 2017, covering the latest developments in consumer hardware, from TVs and headphones to smart speakers and VR headsets. They previously worked as the News & Features Editor at TechRadar and now freelance for NBC Select, Healthline and The Independent.

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