In this article, we explore the 15 best noise-canceling headphones for airplane travel, perfect for travelers seeking comfort and quality during long flights. These headphones combine advanced noise cancellation with immersive sound, long battery life, and travel-friendly features to enhance your in-flight experience.
Whether you prioritize sound quality, battery life, or additional features such as fast charging and seamless multi-device connectivity, this list covers top choices that cater to a variety of needs, ensuring a peaceful and enjoyable journey.
Let’s dive into the details of each model and discover the best headphones for airplane travel.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra
Check Price From AmazonThe noise-canceling feature in these headphones works by actively blocking out external sounds, especially low-frequency noises like airplane engines. It uses Quiet Mode to create a peaceful listening environment, allowing users to enjoy their audio without distractions. This feature is particularly beneficial for travelers, providing a more comfortable and immersive experience during flights.
These noise cancelling headphones for airplane offer up to 24 hours of battery life on a full charge, allowing for extended listening sessions. With Immersive Audio mode, battery life extends up to 18 hours. For quick recharges, a 15-minute charge provides up to 2.5 hours of playtime, or up to 2 hours with Immersive Audio, ensuring you stay powered up even on the go.
For airplane passengers, the spatial audio feature provides a lifelike, immersive listening experience, making long flights more enjoyable. CustomTune technology personalizes sound for optimal clarity, even amidst cabin noise. Together, these features enhance in-flight entertainment, making travel more comfortable.
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation
Impressive sound quality
Premium build quality
Extremely comfortable fit
Elegant, simple design
Cons
- Inconsistent power button
Overemphasized bass tones
JBL Tune 230NC
Check Price From AmazonIn an airplane, Active Noise Cancelling blocks out engine noise and chatter for a quieter, more peaceful flight. Ambient Aware allows you to stay aware of important announcements without removing your headphones. talkThru makes it easy to converse with flight attendants or fellow passengers without interrupting your listening experience.
With up to 40 hours of battery life, these noise cancelling headphones for airplane ensure you stay powered throughout even the longest flights. When noise cancelling is active, you still get a full 8 hours of listening, plus an additional 24 hours from the charging case. If you need a quick boost, a 10-minute Speed Charge provides 2 hours of playtime, perfect for layovers or quick recharges during your journey.
The JBL Pure Bass Sound feature, powered by 10mm drivers, delivers deep, resonant bass, allowing you to fully enjoy your music even amidst airplane noise. This ensures that every beat is felt, enhancing your in-flight entertainment experience. The Dot form factor provides a snug fit, keeping the sound immersive and preventing outside noise from disturbing your listening.
Pros
- Amazing sound quality
Exceptional battery life
Durable and sturdy
Easy touch controls
Affordable price point
Cons
- Inconsistent playback controls
Lower maximum volume
Soundcore by Anker Life Q30
Check Price From AmazonThe Advanced Noise Cancellation Technology in Life Q30 headphones uses dual microphones to filter out up to 95% of low-frequency ambient sounds, such as airplane engine noise. This feature allows you to maintain focus and enjoy your music without distractions during your flight. It ensures a peaceful, immersive listening experience, making long journeys more comfortable.
The 40-hour playtime in noise-cancelling mode ensures your Life Q30 headphones last through even the longest flights. In standard mode, the playtime extends to an impressive 60 hours, perfect for extended travel. If you’re short on time, a quick 5-minute charge gives you 4 hours of listening, keeping you powered up during layovers or unexpected delays.
For airplanes, Life Q30’s Transport mode is designed to specifically target and reduce the low-frequency hum of airplane engines, making your flight experience quieter. This mode effectively filters out engine noise while maintaining the clarity of your audio. By reducing distractions from ambient sounds, it helps create a more relaxing and immersive environment for listening to music or movies.
Pros
- Impressive noise cancellation
Rich, balanced audio
Extended battery life
Multiple ANC modes
Affordable price point
Cons
- Durability issues reported
Slightly heavy comfort
JBL TUNE 750BTNC
Check Price From AmazonFor airplane travel, the charging cable allows easy recharging during layovers or in-flight, ensuring your headphones are always ready. The quick start guide helps you quickly set up and use the features, so you can immediately enjoy noise cancellation and high-quality sound. This enhances your travel experience by providing convenience and continuous comfort.
The Active Noise Cancellation in JBL TUNE 750BTNC headphones effectively reduces airplane engine noise and cabin chatter, creating a quieter environment for your in-flight experience. This feature allows you to focus on your music or movies without distractions. It enhances travel comfort by providing a more peaceful and immersive audio experience.
For airplane travel, these noise cancelling headphones for airplane ensures your music and movies have deep, immersive bass, making in-flight entertainment more enjoyable. Despite background noise, this feature enhances audio quality, so you feel every beat and sound effect. It helps you stay engaged and entertained during your flight.
Pros
- Comfortable for hours
Effective noise cancellation
Excellent sound quality
Powerful added bass
Long battery life
Cons
- Random disconnections occur
Blips during movement
Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus
Check Price From AmazonFor airplane travel with the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus, the USB-C charging cable ensures quick and efficient recharging. The additional audio cable provides a wired option if needed, especially when wireless connectivity is limited. The padded carrying case keeps your these noise cancelling headphones for airplane protected and easily accessible, making them travel-ready and convenient.
For airplane travel, Immersive HD stereo sound with a built-in 5 Band EQ and customizable sound modes enhances your listening experience by tailoring audio to your preferences. Adaptive hybrid ANC ensures noise-free audio, effectively reducing airplane engine and cabin noise. This combination provides clear, personalized sound and a more enjoyable, immersive flight experience.
For airplane travel, quick charge technology offers 5 hours of sound with just a 10-minute charge, perfect for short layovers. The 50-hour total battery life ensures extended use without frequent recharging. Combined with customizable sound modes and adaptive hybrid ANC, it provides a personalized, noise-free audio experience throughout your flight.
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation
Great sound quality
Long battery life
Comfortable all-day wear
Effective for gaming
Cons
- Feels somewhat flimsy
Sound is underwhelming
Technics Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Check Price From AmazonIndustry-leading noise cancelling blocks out airplane engine noise and cabin chatter for clear, immersive audio. Ambient mode allows you to hear announcements without removing your headphones, while Attention mode helps you focus on conversations with flight attendants. This ensures a balanced and uninterrupted listening experience during your flight.
For airplane travel, audiophile-grade listening delivers exceptional sound quality, making your in-flight entertainment feel more immersive. The Bluetooth convenience allows for wireless freedom, so you can move comfortably without tangled cords. These features ensure a superior and hassle-free listening experience throughout your journey.
For airplane travel, the lightweight, comfortable fit with large, soft earpads ensures a snug yet comfortable experience for long periods. The soft density foam enhances noise cancellation by creating a proper seal around your ears. The optimized headband of these noise cancelling headphones for airplane pressure distributes weight evenly, reducing discomfort during extended flights.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
Superior noise cancellation
Comfortable for hours
Clear, precise bass
Expansive soundstage experience
Cons
- Heavier than expected
Not audiophile-level quality
Beats Studio Pro
Check Price From AmazonWith fully-adaptive Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), Beats Studio Pro headphones effectively reduce airplane engine noise and cabin chatter for an immersive experience. **Transparency mode** allows you to hear important flight announcements and interactions with crew members without removing the headphones. These modes provide a customizable listening experience tailored to your travel needs.
For airplane travel, up to 40 hours of total battery life ensures you have plenty of listening time for long flights. The 10-minute Fast Fuel charge gives you an extra 4 hours of playback, perfect for quick recharges during layovers. This extended battery life and rapid charging keep your Beats Studio Pro headphones ready and reliable throughout your journey.
For airplane travel, one-touch pairing makes connecting to your devices quick and easy, so you can start enjoying your music or movies without delays. Enhanced compatibility with both Apple and Android features ensures seamless integration with your devices. This convenience streamlines your in-flight entertainment setup and keeps you connected throughout your journey.
Pros
- Long battery life
Comfortable to wear
Great value purchase
Soft, comfortable design
Attractive color options
Cons
- Mixed sound quality
Questionable build quality
Sony WH-1000XM5
Check Price From AmazonFor airplane travel, two processors controlling 8 microphones deliver top-tier noise cancellation, effectively reducing engine and cabin noise. The Auto NC Optimizer automatically adjusts the noise-canceling settings based on your environment and how the headphones fit. This ensures a consistently quiet and immersive listening experience throughout your flight.
For airplane travel, the 30-hour battery life of the Sony WH-1000XM5 ensures extended use throughout long flights. The quick charging feature provides 3 hours of playback with just a 3-minute charge, ideal for brief recharges during layovers. This combination keeps your noise cancelling headphones for airplane ready for continuous, high-quality listening.
With multipoint connection on the Sony WH-1000XM5, you can effortlessly switch between your phone and tablet during the flight. This allows you to easily take calls while watching movies or listening to music. The feature enhances convenience, ensuring you stay connected and entertained without interrupting your in-flight experience.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life
Comfortable for long-term
Effective noise cancellation
Good sound quality
Durable build quality
Cons
- Problematic volume controls
Complex software interface
Sennheiser Consumer Audio
Check Price From AmazonFor airplane travel with Sennheiser headphones, the included carry case keeps your headphones protected and easy to store. The USB-C charging cable ensures efficient recharging, while the audio cables (3.5mm and 2.5mm) and airplane adapter allow for seamless connectivity with in-flight entertainment systems. These accessories provide convenience and flexibility, enhancing your travel experience.
With top-tier battery life on Sennheiser noise cancelling headphones for airplane, you can enjoy extended listening throughout long flights without needing frequent recharges. This ensures uninterrupted entertainment from takeoff to landing. The long battery life enhances convenience and comfort, making it ideal for extended travel.
For airplane travel, Sennheiser Signature Sound with a 42mm transducer system and aptX Adaptive provides premium audio quality, making your music and movies sound exceptional. This maximum audio resolution ensures a detailed and immersive listening experience, even with cabin noise. Enjoy high-fidelity sound throughout your flight for enhanced entertainment.
Pros
- Clean, pure audio
Comfortable plush pads
Long battery life
Easy-to-use app
Solid build quality
Cons
- Sensitive auto-pause feature
Inconsistent touch controls
JBL Tune 660NC
Check Price From AmazonFor airplane travel, JBL Pure Bass sound in the Tune 660NC headphones delivers deep, resonant bass, enhancing your music and movie experience despite cabin noise. This signature sound provides an immersive listening experience, making it feel like you’re at a live concert. Enjoy rich and dynamic audio throughout your flight, adding to your travel comfort.
For airplane travel, the 44-hour battery life with active noise cancelling ensures long-lasting enjoyment throughout your flight. The 55-hour battery life with Bluetooth only provides extended use, and a 5-minute charge gives you an additional 2 hours of playtime. Additionally, using the detachable cable in wired mode ensures you can keep listening even if battery power runs low.
For airplane travel, active noise cancellation in the JBL Tune 660NC blocks out engine noise and cabin chatter, letting you fully immerse in your music. This feature enhances your in-flight experience by providing a quieter environment for uninterrupted listening. Enjoy a more relaxing and focused journey with minimal distractions
Pros
- Comfortable plush ear cups
Effective noise cancellation
Clear call quality
Long battery life
Intuitive touch controls
Cons
- Inconsistent tapping noise
Less neutral sound
INFURTURE Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Check Price From AmazonFor airplane travel, the USB-C fast charging function offers 2 hours of listening time with just a 10-minute charge, ensuring quick top-ups during layovers. With up to 40 hours of playtime on a full charge, you can enjoy extended, uninterrupted listening. Turning off Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) when not in use helps conserve battery life, making these headphones ideal for long flights.
For airplane travel, the Infurture noise cancelling headphones for airplane effectively reduce a broad range of environmental noise with advanced active and passive noise reduction technologies. This feature minimizes the sound of aircraft engines and cabin chatter, creating a quieter in-flight environment. Enjoy a more peaceful and immersive listening experience throughout your journey.
For airplane travel, the 40mm drivers in Infurture headphones deliver powerful bass and crisp, high-fidelity sound, enhancing your music and movie experience. The active noise-cancelling technology ensures a quiet environment by reducing engine and cabin noise, allowing for extraordinary clarity. This combination provides a rich and immersive listening experience throughout your flight.
Pros
- Outstanding sound quality
Comfortable for hours
Compact and portable
Long battery life
Cute carrying pouch
Cons
- Ineffective noise canceling
Loose fit issues
4o mini
Apple AirPods Max
Check Price From AmazonFor airplane travel, the Apple-designed dynamic driver delivers high-fidelity audio with rich, detailed sound, making your music and movies more engaging. This technology ensures clear and balanced audio despite background noise. Enjoy an immersive listening experience and superior sound quality throughout your flight.
For airplane travel, 20 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation and spatial audio enabled ensures long-lasting enjoyment of music, movies, or calls throughout your flight. The Active Noise Cancellation reduces cabin noise, while spatial audio provides an immersive experience. This feature keeps you entertained and focused with high-quality sound for the duration of your journey.
For airplane travel, Active Noise Cancellation blocks out cabin noise and engine sounds, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music or movies. This feature creates a quieter environment, reducing distractions and enhancing your audio experience. Enjoy uninterrupted and immersive entertainment throughout your flight.
Pros
- Excellent for Apple
Great sound quality
Comfortable fit design
Effective noise canceling
Long battery life
Cons
- Expensive for value
Sony model issues
Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT
Check Price From AmazonWith the multipoint pairing function on the Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT, you can stay connected to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, such as your phone and tablet. This allows for seamless switching between devices, making it easy to answer calls while watching movies or listening to music. Enjoy uninterrupted connectivity and convenience throughout your flight with these noise cancelling headphones for airplane.
For airplane travel, 40mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils provide enhanced low-frequency performance, delivering deep, powerful bass. This feature ensures rich and immersive sound even amidst cabin noise. Enjoy a more engaging and enjoyable audio experience throughout your flight.
For airplane travel, 60 hours of continuous use on a full charge ensures you can enjoy long flights without worrying about battery life. The 10-minute rapid charge provides 3 hours of additional use, perfect for quick recharges during layovers. This feature offers both extended listening and convenience, making your journey more enjoyable.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
Affordable price point
Comfortable to wear
Decent battery life
Easy Bluetooth pairing
Cons
- Muddy bass response
Average build quality
Apple AirPods Pro
Check Price From AmazonFor airplane travel, the Apple-designed H2 chip enhances intelligent noise cancellation, reducing cabin noise for a more immersive experience. The custom-built driver delivers crisp highs and rich bass, ensuring clear and detailed sound. This technology provides a premium audio experience, making your music and movies more enjoyable during your flight.
For airplane travel, next-level active noise cancellation in Apple AirPods Pro minimizes distracting noises, enhancing your focus. Transparency mode lets you hear important announcements and interactions without removing the earbuds. Adaptive Audio adjusts settings automatically for optimal listening, whether you’re working on your laptop or relaxing with music.
For airplane travel, the customizable fit with four sizes of silicone tips ensures all-day comfort and a secure fit. The tips create an acoustic seal to enhance noise cancellation and keep the AirPods Pro in place, preventing them from falling out during movement. This provides a comfortable and effective listening experience throughout your flight.
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation
Great call quality
Comfortable all-day wear
Superior case design
Intuitive spatial audio
Cons
- Wind noise handling
Amplifies loud noises
Sony ULT WEAR Noise Canceling
Check Price From AmazonFor airplane travel, the ULT button on the Sony ULT WEAR headphones lets you boost the bass, enhancing the power and depth of your music. This feature allows you to experience incredible bass even amidst cabin noise. Enjoy a more dynamic and immersive audio experience, making your flight more enjoyable.
For airplane travel, the 30-hour battery life ensures extended listening without frequent recharges. The quick charging feature provides 90 minutes of music with just a 3-minute charge, perfect for brief layovers. This combination keeps your headphones ready for long flights and quick refreshes during travel.
For airplane travel, multipoint connection allows you to stay connected to two devices simultaneously, such as your phone and tablet. This enables seamless switching between calls and media without disconnecting. Enjoy uninterrupted connectivity and easy management of your devices throughout your flight using these noise cancelling headphones for airplane.
Pros
- Powerful bass boost
Excellent noise cancellation
Customizable sound profile
Lightweight and comfortable
Long battery life
Cons
- Frequent disconnections issues
Expensive for performance
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are noise cancelling headphones worth it for flying?
Yes, noise-cancelling headphones are definitely worth it for flying. They significantly reduce the constant hum of airplane engines and cabin noise, allowing for a more peaceful and enjoyable listening experience. Noise-cancelling headphones can also help minimize fatigue during long flights by blocking out unwanted sounds, which makes it easier to relax, sleep, or enjoy in-flight entertainment without distractions. For frequent travelers, these headphones can be a valuable investment.
2. What are the best headphones for canceling airplane noise?
The best headphones for canceling airplane noise include models with top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology. These models are consistently ranked among the best for delivering a quiet and immersive experience on planes.
3. Can I use my noise cancelling headphones on a plane?
Yes, you can use noise-cancelling headphones on a plane. In fact, they are designed to work well in environments with constant low-frequency noise, such as airplane engines. Many models come with airplane adapters, allowing you to connect them to in-flight entertainment systems. Additionally, you can use them wirelessly via Bluetooth or in wired mode if needed. Just ensure that wireless connectivity is allowed during the flight, as some airlines have specific rules during takeoff and landing.
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