Top 5 Best Headphones for Long-Haul Flights to Keep You Entertained on Long Flights
Compared to searching for more general headphones, we somewhat rearrange our priorities when searching for the best headphones for long-haul flights. Compared to past times, we are more concerned with mobility, battery life, and active noise cancellation (ANC). The availability of a wired connection becomes even more crucial for users who are searching for anything to use while traveling.
Many of the products in our guide to the best noise-canceling headphones are included in this list of the best travel headphones because, when traveling, we recommend using ANC headphones rather than ones that merely employ padding to block out background noise. We also take into account the device’s battery life, practicality (folding up or being lightweight for carrying in a bag), and availability of a 3.5mm connector for connecting to an airplane’s entertainment system.
Top 3 Best Headphones For Long-Haul Flights: Stay Comfortable and Entertained
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Related: Best Bluetooth Headset For Calls In Noisy Environment
Although wireless earbuds don’t have cable connections, over-ear headphones perform better in terms of ANC, but earbuds are much more portable. As a result, we’ve also chosen a selection of the top noise-canceling earphones across a range of price points, including one that can connect to wired audio sources.
Long-Haul Flight Essentials: The 10 Best Headphones for Travel
Our reviewers have put all of these earbuds to the test, and as part of that testing, we tested the noise-canceling earbuds on the very transportation modes we discuss when choosing the best travel headphones: buses, trains, and airplanes.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4
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Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones with Mic for Phone-Call and Alexa Voice Control, Black WH1000XM4 | $198.00 |
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Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones - 30hr Battery Life, Over Ear Style with Mic for Phone-Call and Alexa Voice Control - Black International Version | $169.99 |
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Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Bluetooth Noise Canceling Over-Ear Headphones (Black) Bundle with 10000mAh Ultra-Portable LED Display Wireless Quick Charge Battery Bank (2 Items) | $348.00 |
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Pros
+Multi-point pairing
+Conversation awareness
Cons
SPECIFICATIONS
With every generation, the Sony WH-1000 series has improved its noise-cancelling capabilities. Even though the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are already on the market, the 2020 XM4s continue to provide an amazing blend of well-balanced music quality with outstanding ANC in a lightweight package. Even if they are a little older, these are still a far better deal than the newest model, even though you could pay more for it.
Sony WH-1000XM4 has excellent noise cancellation, especially for flying. When you take these off, that plane engine hum will become much more audible. This is made possible by Sony’s in-house QNe1 processor, which continuously samples your environment and modifies the noise suppression.
Even though the newer Sony WH-1000XM5 model is available, it lacks the folding feature and is more expensive without significantly improving the experience. Therefore, the Sony WH-1000XM4s are our top choice for the best travel headphones. Not only will annoying noises disappear, but the pleather cups are cozy and comfortable even for long-haul journeys.
2. Sony WH-CH720N
The most affordable travel headphones
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Sony WH-CH720NW Noise Canceling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones - Built-in Microphone - up to 35 Hours Battery Life and Quick Charge - Matte White | $135.59 |
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Sony WH-CH720NL Noise Canceling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones - Built-in Microphone - up to 35 Hours Battery Life and Quick Charge - Navy Blue | $99.99 |
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Sony WH-CH720NB Noise Canceling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones - Built-in Microphone - up to 35 Hours Battery Life and Quick Charge - Matte Black (Black) | $99.00 |
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Pros
+ Good active noise cancellation
+ Great extra features
Cons
– Weaker ANC than the pricier option
SPECIFICATIONS
Even though the Sony ‘XM’ model is more expensive than its flagship model, which costs about $150/£100, it still has extremely good audio quality, particularly in terms of detail and balance. The midrange is rich and warm, the instruments are clear, and the bass and treble each get their fair share of attention.
Sony WH-CH720N Noise cancellation truly helps to reduce outside noise so that you can hear dialogue during a movie on a plane, but generally, it leaks in substantially more sound than the more expensive options here (both for over-ear headphones and earbuds). It is comparable to other products sold for the same price by businesses like JBL, though.
We may overlook the fact that they don’t fold because they are quite lightweight and usually comfortable to use for extended periods. Again, that’s okay, but they don’t feel as luxurious as the other options here. We find that the stated 35-hour battery life is rather accurate, and the wired option is convenient for use on airplanes.
3. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Top travel headphones with superior sound quality and long battery life
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Sennheiser Consumer Audio Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones - Bluetooth Headset for Crystal-Clear Calls with Adaptive Noise Cancellation, 60h Battery Life, Lightweight Folding Design - Black | $229.95 |
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SENNHEISER Momentum 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with Alexa, Auto On/Off, Smart Pause Functionality and Smart Control App, Black | $279.95 |
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+ Astonishing battery life
+ Excellent ANC
Cons
– Not the lightest
SPECIFICATIONS
You see, let’s just take a moment to enjoy the 60-hour battery life before we even discuss the superb audio quality and outstanding ANC. Yes, even with ANC and at regular volume levels, 60 hours. That covers five transatlantic flights without even considering the possibility of coming into contact with a USB-C port. Oh, and you can connect it to an airplane entertainment system or use the 3.5mm connector if you do manage to run out of power.
Even though we would find that battery life sufficient, Sennheiser has also included incredibly dramatic audio. The Momentum 4 Wireless produces incredibly clear and detailed audio, regardless of the type of music. Even with over-ear cans, there’s a genuine depth to this sound. The relatively plain appearance and somewhat heavier weight of these travel cans will be quickly forgotten when you consider the fantastic ANC (which has amazing, adaptable capabilities you can customize using the app).
Our best headphones of 2024 were the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Cans because they are incredibly good headphones that perform admirably on all fronts.
4. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
The top travel earphones with outstanding noise cancellation
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Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, Wireless, Bluetooth, Proprietary Active Noise Cancelling Technology In-Ear Headphones with Personalized Noise Cancellation & Sound, Triple Black | $229.00 |
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Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Bundle with Protective Silicone Carrying Case and Cloth - Active Wireless Noise Cancelling in-Ear Bluetooth Headphones with Personalized Sound, Bose Earbuds 2 (Black) | $249.99 |
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Earbuds, Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Bluetooth Earbuds with Spatial Audio and World-Class Noise Cancellation, Black | $229.00 |
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Pros
+ Comfortable fit
+ Beautiful audio
Cons
– Not as small as some rivals
SPECIFICATIONS
The latest Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II go one step further and tailor audio to your ear canals, while some earbuds come with a variety of silicone tips so you may change the fit of your buds. The ANC and audio in these buds are both customized to fit your ears perfectly, thanks to Bose’s CustomTune technology. We may conclude that it’s doing something well based on the crystal-clear and exceptionally detailed sound that this has. Even above the roar of jet engines, these buds sing with a dynamic soundstage thanks to Bose’s best-in-class noise reduction.
With a far more comfortable fit than the previous generation, the design has been completely redesigned and is perfect for extended listening sessions. Although they are not the smallest buds, the lozenges look less thick in your ears and are lighter than the original Bose QC Earbuds. The lack of compatibility for high-resolution audio is the sole drawback, and the price is very high without this extra benefit.
Furthermore, although active noise cancellation is the finest available for earbuds, premium over-ear headphones offer even greater effectiveness, however, unlike these, they don’t fit into your pocket wherever you go.
5. Sony WF-C700N
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Sony WF-C700N Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds - Bluetooth Hi-Fi Earphones with 35-Hour Battery, Water-Resistant Design, Touch Controls for Calls and Music - Premium Audio Experience, Black | $116.99 |
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Sony WF-C700N Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Bluetooth Earbuds with Mic and IPX4 Resistance (Black) Bundle with Truly Wireless Accessory (2 Items) | $119.99 |
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LDSXAY Compatible with Sony WF-C700N Case Cover, Soft Silicone Shockproof Protective Skin Case for Sony WF-C700N Truely Wireless Earbud Headphones, Protective Cover with Carabiner (Black) | $7.99 |
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Pros
+ Very comfortable and secure
+ Strong noise cancellation
Cons
– Some small missing features
SPECIFICATIONS
These are hardly the many items that make us write in a review, “Sony just ripped our notions on what is achievable at this level to smithereens.” Proceed no further if your budget allows you to purchase a set of earbuds under $100 and yet receive optimal sound quality and noise cancellation. There is nothing like this.
It’s not only the lively, precise, and detailed audio quality; it’s also the easy-to-hear (and adjustable) active noise cancellation. Sure, over-ear or Bose headphones perform better, but they cost much more.
All of this, combined with a lengthy battery life from the buds, an extremely light and secure fit, support for Sony’s 360 Reality Audio technology for positional sound, and generally excellent app support, makes for a wonderful combination. While it’s hardly a deal-breaker, the fact that the case only comes with one additional charge is a minor inconvenience when traveling. To keep the price low, minor features like auto-pausing when you remove them and on-ear volume control have also been removed. Once more, we’re not worried.
6. Apple AirPods Pro 2
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Ear Buds with USB-C Charging, Up to 2X More Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio, Personalized Spatial Audio | $134.29 |
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Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Ear Buds, Bluetooth Headphones with Lightning Charging Case Included, Over 24 Hours of Battery Life, Effortless Setup for iPhone | $139.97 |
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Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Wireless Ear Buds, Bluetooth Headphones, Personalized Spatial Audio, Sweat and Water Resistant, Lightning Charging Case Included, Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life | $154.95 |
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Pros
+ Brilliant sound quality
+ Spatial Audio for movies
Cons
SPECIFICATIONS
The AirPods Pro 2 marked a significant advancement for the AirPods brand, offering Apple users not only an incredibly easy experience but also top-notch noise cancellation and audio quality. With extremely rich audio, there’s a broad soundscape that we haven’t experienced on earlier AirPods. Each instrument, including the bass and vocals, has a moment to shine.
The AirPods Pro 2 are the ideal traveling companions when you factor in superior ANC that trails only slightly behind Bose, as well as a smaller and lighter design compared to nearly all comparable competitors and Apple’s Find My feature in case you misplace them.
However, spatial audio is the frosting on the cake. When you watch movies on an iPhone or iPad, these devices simulate being in a movie theater with speakers all around you, as opposed to having the sound blasting directly into your ears. When traveling, it’s wonderful to feel less constrained, and these provide you with a little of that as well as an overall more immersive experience.
7. Earfun Air Pro 3
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EarFun Air Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive Sound, 6 Mics CVC 8.0 ENC, Bluetooth 5.3 Earbuds, Multipoint Connection, 45H Playtime, App Customize EQ, Wireless Charging | $75.99 |
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EarFun Free Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds, Hi-Res Sound, Snapdragon Sound with Qualcomm aptX™ Adaptive, 6 Mics ENC, Bluetooth 5.3 Earbuds, Multipoint Connection, Custom App, Wireless Charge | $79.99 |
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Pros
+ Solid noise cancellation
+ Crammed with features
Cons
– Not the smallest case
SPECIFICATIONS
To put it briefly, we dubbed these “the best cheap noise-canceling earbuds you can get” in our review. Are they as good at blocking noise as the Bose or the Sony earphones that are on this list? No, but they perform better than anything else at the same price point and are less costly (and frequently even further down).
They’re even more of a deal when you take into account their excellent battery life and future-proof features like Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio compatibility. Even if the sound isn’t as rich as more expensive models, it’s still enjoyable and captivating to listen to, and it sounds well for the price with no evident flaws.
We don’t mind the design too much because of what’s been crammed in there, even though it’s not particularly sleek. These are excellent all-arounders, and they are our least expensive choice due to the sound quality given the price.
8. Edifier Stax Spirit S3
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Edifier STAX Spirit S3 Wireless Planar Magnetic Headphone, Bluetooth Hi-Fi Headphone with Hi-Res & Snapdragon Sound with Mic for Audiophiles, Home, Studio | $348.00 |
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Pros
+ Powerful bass-heavy audio
+ Folding design
Cons
– Heavier than other options
– Expensive
SPECIFICATIONS
Nothing quite like it; therefore, the only item on this list without active noise cancellation makes it in. You can’t do better if what you’re searching for doesn’t have to muffle airplane noise and instead packs up small for packing while providing simply unrivaled audio fidelity once you arrive at your destination.
Our statement that the sound is “as good as headphones double and even triple the price” is accurate, but these are in the same price range as the Sennheisers. This is because the Edifiers use planar magnetic drivers instead of the standard dynamic drivers used by all other headphones here, which means that they can achieve levels of dynamic response and delicate detail that the other headphones can only imagine. Premium, but not excessive.
However, as we previously mentioned, they don’t have active noise reduction, and the software to adjust their settings is simple. Therefore, they’re not so great if your goal is to enjoy your music clearly during your commute, but they’re fantastic for audiophiles looking for something amazing-sounding yet reasonably priced for when they arrive at their destination.
9. Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2
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Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 Over-Ear Headphones - Advanced Noise Cancellation, Technical Fabrics, 30-Hour Battery Life, 15-Min Quick Charging, Black | $259.00 |
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Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 in-Ear True Wireless Headphones, 6 Built-in Mics, Bluetooth 5.0 Qualcomm aptX & Dual Hybrid Drivers, Adaptive Noise Cancellation, Smart Wireless Charging, Charcoal | $202.00 |
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Bowers & Wilkins PI3 in Ear Wireless Headphones - Space Grey | $124.99 |
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Pros
+ Case provides wired audio support.
+ Great control app
Cons
– ANC is hit-and-miss
– They’re big
SPECIFICATIONS
Few earphones can compare to them in terms of sound quality. In our review, we gushed that those dynamic aspects are conveyed with “more zeal and energy than we’ve heard from any set of truly wireless earbuds to date” and declared that “you’re in for a sonic masterclass.” They are unmatched in terms of sound quality.
Unfortunately, that isn’t the case for the noise cancellation quality, which allows for significantly more low-frequency rumble than we would anticipate from a device this expensive, and the battery life, which is the lowest on our list.
However, they are holding something special. These earbuds can be corded, in contrast to nearly all other genuine wireless models. Two USB-C to USB-C cables and one 3.5mm jack to USB-C cable are included with the case, so you may connect it to an audio source, like an in-flight entertainment system. Through high-quality streaming via aptX, the sound is streamed from the case to the earbuds.
While none of the earbuds on this list have wired choices, every over-ear headset on our list does. That’s how getting fully wireless works. This offers the best of both worlds. Most of the best, anyway; only the noise cancellation could be improved. Additionally, because of their size, people with little ears should test them out before committing.
Selecting the Ideal Travel Headphones for You
Choosing the right headphones for long-haul flights is a personal journey, shaped by your unique preferences and needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but there are key factors to consider to ensure you find the perfect travel companions for your auditory experience.
Earbuds vs. Over-Ear Headphones
The first decision you’ll face is whether to opt for earbuds or over-ear headphones. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, making your choice largely subjective:
- Earbuds:
- Portability: Earbuds are compact and easily fit into your pocket, making them highly travel-friendly.
- Fit Options: Most modern earbuds come with a variety of silicone tips to ensure a secure fit, which is essential for effective noise cancellation. If you worry about them falling out during your flight, look for models that offer multiple tip sizes for a customizable fit.
- Noise Isolation: A good seal with your earbuds can enhance the effectiveness of active noise cancellation (ANC), reducing the ambient sounds of a busy airport or the drone of an airplane.
- Over-Ear Headphones:
- Audio Quality: Over-ear headphones typically offer superior sound quality and enhanced bass response, which can make your travel playlists even more enjoyable.
- Comfort: Brands like Sony and Bose have built a reputation for their incredibly comfortable over-ear designs, which can be a blessing on long flights.
- Noise Cancellation: Many over-ear models provide exceptional noise cancellation, blocking out environmental noise and allowing you to relax during your journey. Look for models that include a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you can connect to in-flight entertainment systems without resorting to those uncomfortable, low-quality headphones provided by the airline.
Budget Considerations
Once you’ve settled on the type of headphones, it’s time to consider your budget.
- High-End Investment: If you travel frequently, investing in a premium pair of ANC headphones may be worthwhile. These models often deliver superior sound quality and noise cancellation, making them perfect for frequent flyers.
- Affordable Alternatives: If you’re taking only a short trip, there are many budget-friendly ANC options available that won’t break the bank. While you may have to sacrifice some features, you can still find models that offer good audio quality without the hefty price tag.
Understanding Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
ANC technology is a game-changer for travel headphones, allowing you to filter out distracting environmental noises. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Noise Filtering Levels: Generally, the more you spend, the better the noise cancellation. However, it’s essential to check user reviews and product testing to find models that strike the right balance between cost and performance.
- Prioritizing Immersive Sound: If your primary goal is to create a rich soundscape rather than just blocking out noise, ensure you explore options that excel in audio fidelity.
How Do We Evaluate the Best Travel Headphones?
At the core of our evaluation process is rigorous testing across a variety of scenarios:
- Real-World Testing: We put headphones through their paces in real travel environments, including airplanes, busy cities, buses, and trains. This ensures we understand how they perform in real-world conditions, not just in controlled settings.
- Audio Fidelity Assessment: We analyze sound quality using various sources, from high-resolution streaming services like Tidal to more standard options like Spotify. We also evaluate popular platforms such as YouTube and podcast services to understand how headphones perform across different types of media.
- Application Experience: Many contemporary headphones accompany apps that can enhance or hinder the user experience. We assess these apps to understand their impact on functionality and usability.
- Battery Life Testing: We extensively use the headphones to evaluate battery life claims and comfort during prolonged use. This ensures you can enjoy your music for hours without worrying about recharging mid-flight.
Conclusion
Ultimately, selecting the ideal travel headphones involves a mix of personal preference, budget, and intended use. Whether you lean toward compact earbuds or luxurious over-ear models, consider factors like comfort, sound quality, and noise cancellation features to ensure a pleasant listening experience during your travels. By taking the time to understand your needs and testing different options, you’ll find the perfect headphones to enhance your journey.
