The Best Headphones for Flights

When you’re traveling and want to immerse yourself in your own audio world, only the best headphones for flights will do. This curated list serves up the best of the best.

When you’re on the go, whether near or far, there are some essential travel items that a man simply cannot leave at home. One thing I can’t live without is a premium pair of travel headphones that can block out the noise from the outside.  

I use my headphones all day long. 

I need headphones for your daily music fix.

I need them to listen to your favorite podcasts.

I need them while working out.

Who can get through a day without great headphones? When searching for the best travel headphones, you want a user-friendly pair that possesses an adequate amount of the bells and whistles. You also want enough battery life to remain fully functional throughout your day.

While earbuds, in-ear headphones, and wired earbuds are still popular choices, here I will cover exclusively headphones designed for extended flight travel. 

There’s a lot of new technology out there, and several brands have designed excellent headphones perfect for your particular travel needs. 

Quick Take

Here are our recommendations from the list:

Read on for more info and the complete list…

Best Headphones for Air Travel

Armed with the best headphones for flights, you will never again have anxiety about getting the best sound when you’re on the go!

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless

When it comes to excellence in wireless headphones, Sony is one company at the forefront of both design and execution. Their Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless headphones are ranked as some of the finest travel headphones around. 

These top-tier headphones have features, including exceptional active noise canceling (ANC) technology. 

Users can effectively block low-frequency noises from nearby buses and plane engines and any audibles from passengers in the vicinity.

The battery life is also above average, with about 37 hours of continuous playback available. Their long life eliminates the need for constant recharges while traveling.

For users needing bass, the Sony WH-1000XM4 delivers a bombastic audio experience. You have the option to fine-tune the sound through the accompanying app’s graphical equalizer and presets. 

Thanks to a great padded design, your ears will stay comfortable, even after hours of use. 

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless

If you’re searching for premium level headphones that block out all the sound around you, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless is worth checking out. 

With these innovative earbuds, you won’t hear the planes overhead, the crying baby two rows behind you on the flight, or any other audible disturbances that may arise.

These earbuds are also noted for bringing the bass with an added layer, ideal for electronic music lovers and hip hop. 

This edition also comes with a mobile app that users can use to equalize their sonic experience and encode preset options tailored to their preferences. 

Thanks to its innovative design, the fit is also comfortable for extended hours of wearing while traveling. One drawback of this edition is the battery life of only six hours, making them ideal for shorter travel periods.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Truly Wireless

They may closely resemble the first iteration, but the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Truly Wireless has several enhancements that set them apart from their predecessor. This model includes an upgraded H2 chip for better audio quality and seamless pairing with other Apple devices.

And, should you misplace them, a U1 tracking chip is included. Plus, this version has better noise cancellation capabilities.

People constantly on the go will appreciate how lightweight and compact the second generation of AirPods are. 

Simply place the earbuds in your pocket or bag and be on your way. The battery provides six hours of continuous playback, and users will have minimal audio leakage, so even while listening at higher volumes, outside noises will not disturb you. These bad boys can be a gamechanger for travelers.

Best Headphones for Long Flights

Long flights can be an exciting journey, or they can be scattered with episodes of stress throughout. It all depends on how well you prepare. That extends to the accessories you bring along with you. 

If you like to immerse yourself in podcasts or music playlists while traveling, investing in top-tier headphones is essential to the journey. 

Great headphones for long flights can reduce background noise and give you peace of mind from takeoff to landing. There are now headphones on the market with state-of-the-art features that make your flight delightful and stress-free.

Sony WH-1000XM5

For longer flights, the next level up from the company known for its superb products is the Sony WH-1000XM5. These headphones offer some of the latest technology on the market. 

Aside from the elegant design, Sony amped up all the features across the board for this model to make them the ultimate option for extended journeys.

True to their pedigree, Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are among the best in the field at canceling outside noise, meaning users can fully engage in their music or movies without interruptions. 

To ensure optimal performance, there is also an adaptive sound control feature that your preference can set. 

The feel of these headphones is also impressive, and they can be worn for hours with no discomfort, making them the perfect accessory to bring along for long flights.

Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless

Other brands have joined the headphone industry that is worthy of mention, and Sennheiser makes the cut with versions that are on par with other better-known versions. 

Sennheiser has crafted headphones that offer a high level of cutting-edge technology and optimum quality and comfort for the most discerning users.

What can you expect from Sennheiser in terms of quality? To start with, prepare for pristine audio capabilities, as the sounds that come through these earphones are rich, crisp, and full of bass that brings resonance to music. 

Another great feature is noise cancellation technology that removes any external disruptions nearby for a great listening experience. 

The ear cushions in place allow for a cozy, secure fit, and the headband can even be tailored for each listener for optimal comfort. 

All told, Sennheiser proves that they are no slouches when it comes to entering the big leagues and competing with the best known brands on the block.

Beats Studio 3 Wireless

Some headphones claim to cancel out the additional noise, and some brands take the issue seriously and go above and beyond to listen to users’ needs. 

Beats Studio 3 Wireless ensure listeners have as optimal an audio experience as possible and are well-regarded for eliminating any nearby audible distractions.

One of the most prominent features is the 22 hours of battery life; perfect for an overnight flight. 

Also worth noting is that Beats Studio is compatible with devices from iOS and Android, and the immersive sound quality and rich bass are on par with other brands in the industry.

There is no question that this version pulled out all the stops for their fans, and users will enjoy the premium features and quality.

Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Flights

Whether by road, sea, or air, no one wants to contend with excessive noise while on a journey, and for flights in particular, the best experience involves as few outside sonic forces as possible. 

To that end, noise-canceling headphones designed explicitly for flights are considered the best choice and thus have become quite popular. 

Presently, a few brands have admirably answered the call with over-ear headphones for travel. For flights that are a bit longer, having the finest noise-canceling headphones available can be a godsend. Here are the brands that allow you to enjoy your flight as well as your favorite movie or music playlist.

Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700

Bose has earned its reputation for its premium line of noise-canceling headphones, and the 700 series takes everything one step further and higher by delivering optimal sound and noise reduction.

Users will notice how amazing the noise cancellation is with this model, and the customization controls allow you the power to block out any external noises at will. 

With one single charge, you have 20 hours of uninterrupted listening at your disposal, with a full charge taking around 1.5 hours. You can have hours upon hours of musical enjoyment on a long flight even with just a short 15-minute charge.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

Another brand that may not have the same name recognition as others but performs admirably is Anker. 

Anker has made strides with its Soundcore Life Q20 model. What stands out first is its very affordable price point, which is substantially lower than Bose, Apple, or Sony. 

Not only are they far less expensive, but what they offer users is considerable, given the retail price.

When flying on longer flights, portability is a primary concern, and the Life Q20 headphones are travel-friendly in design as they swivel inward to make them more compact for storage. 

They also come with a drawstring travel pouch for safe carrying and take up less space than other over-ear headphones on the market.

For the price, these headphones block out a good amount of the outside noise, and the sound quality is also above average for their price. 

Not only that, thanks to the memory foam around the ear cups, using them for hours on end won’t leave your ears in pain. 

They boast 40 hours of wireless playback with just one charge. In only five minutes, users can accrue an additional four hours of listening time. 

I think that these headphones are well worth the investment for your journey if you want quality and a really attractive price point!

1More SonoFlow

Another cost-effective entry on the list comes from another brand that has emerged as a contender for users searching for a dependable set of headphones that won’t break the bank.

1More SonoFlow headphones are fairly effective for their lower price point, have a sound quality that can be adjusted according to user preferences, and are made with comfortable foam ear cups to boot.

And there are other features of note as well.

Users will note how clear phone calls and video chats are due to the incorporation of five microphones. With dual connectivity included, you can easily switch between your laptop or phone as needed without going through Bluetooth settings.

Even more impressive is the 50 hours of battery life with noise-cancellation on and 70 when it’s off, a stat that most majors can’t claim.

And even though the noise cancellation doesn’t work in wired mode, these headphones are still worth your time for longer flights and can save you a bundle of money in the process.

Fly the Friendly Skies with Optimum Sound

Headphones are absolutely essential when traveling these days, and knowing that you have a dependable pair on hand can provide a peaceful escape from the chaos of your journey. 

The best choice, from budget-friendly options to high-end noise-canceling wireless earbuds, depends on your personal preferences. 

Premium headphones offer superb noise cancellation, while budget models provide practicality at a great price point. 

Regardless of your decision, the best headphones for flights can transform your experience for the better. 

What are your go-to headphones? Let me know in the comment section!