This article focuses on choosing the best noise-canceling headphones for use on flights. I will look at models that have things like usable design, effective noise reduction, clear audio, long battery life, and travel specific features.
- 12 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Flights
- 1. Sony WH-1000XM6
- 2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
- 3. Apple AirPods Max
- 4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
- 5. Bose QuietComfort Headphones
- 6. Sony WH-1000XM5
- 7. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
- 8. Beats Studio Pro
- 9. JBL Tour One M3
- 10. Technics EAH-AZ100
- 11. Anker Soundcore Space Q45
- 12. Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2
- Conclusion
- FAQ
I will provide a recap of the popular travel headphone models on the market, including pros, cons, specific features, and long flight/frequent travel utility.
I will also review how travel headphones compare to other models specific to their ability to provide uninterrupted entertainment and provide a peaceful listening environment.
| Noise-Canceling Headphones | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Industry-leading noise cancellation blocks engine noise during long flights. |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones | Excellent comfort and immersive sound make lengthy flights more enjoyable. |
| Apple AirPods Max | Premium materials, strong ANC, and seamless Apple device integration. |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless | Exceptional battery life and detailed audio suit frequent travelers. |
| Bose QuietComfort Headphones | Lightweight design and powerful noise cancellation provide comfortable travel. |
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Effective ANC, balanced sound, and comfortable fit for flights. |
| Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 | Premium audio performance combines with effective noise cancellation technology. |
| Beats Studio Pro | Stylish headphones deliver strong ANC and convenient wireless connectivity. |
| JBL Tour One M3 | Adaptive noise cancellation and rich sound enhance long-distance travel. |
| Technics EAH-AZ100 | Advanced noise reduction and clear audio support comfortable journeys. |
| Anker Soundcore Space Q45 | Affordable ANC headphones offer strong battery life for travelers. |
| Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 | Detailed sound and adjustable noise cancellation suit frequent flyers. |
12 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Flights
1. Sony WH-1000XM6
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is one of the best headphones for flights, ideal for those looking for active noise cancellation and high fidelity sound. The headphones utilize advanced noise cancellation technology to fight against the droning sounds of planes, engine, and cabin sounds.
The XM6s have long battery life and a comfortable design to support long listening sessions. They have a very capable set of drivers that can provide you with clear vocals, but they do lack in bass slightly.
Sony has also included the ability to connect to multiple devices to allow for quick switching improving their wireless convenience and portability. Overall, the XM6 combine travel convenient design, high fidelity sound, and long battery life with active noise cancelation.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent active noise cancellation | Premium pricing may not suit every traveler |
| Clear and balanced audio quality | Some users may prefer stronger bass |
| Comfortable for extended flights | Design is not completely compact |
| Useful multipoint connectivity | Touch controls require adjustment |
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are also great headphones for flights. These headphones prioritize comfort and strong noise cancelation for long trips, all the while allowing you to listen to music at lower volumes due to their strong ANC.
The Ultras use noise canceling technology to eliminate sounds and distractions caused by aircrafts to allow the user to enjoy their music at low volume levels.
The Ultras also have some of the best spacious sound quality in the game, and they are aesthetically pleasing with a very comfortable construction.
The Ultras have a wireless design that can be easily controlled with a single button. If you’re looking for a comfortable pair of headphones to aid you in listening to music, the Bose QuietComfort Ultras are perfect for you.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Highly effective noise cancellation | Higher price compared with basic ANC models |
| Very comfortable ear cushions | Battery life is not class-leading |
| Immersive spatial audio experience | Bulkier than compact travel headphones |
| Simple wireless controls | Immersive modes can affect battery usage |
3. Apple AirPods Max
Apple AirPods Max are a solid choice for Apple users, as they are some of the best noise-canceling headphones for flights. Transparency mode allows users to hear announcements and conversations, while active noise canceling can tune out the noise of the cabin.
These headphones have excellent vocal clarity and bass while having detailed audio. Their earcups are premium cushioned and comfortable, but the rest of the headphones may feel a bit heavy. These headphones complement the Apple ecosystem and switch automatically between devices, and they support spatial audio.
Apple AirPods Max Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong ANC performance | Heavier than many competing models |
| Excellent Transparency mode | Expensive for wireless headphones |
| Premium build quality | Best features favor Apple devices |
| High-quality spatial audio | Carrying case offers limited protection |
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 Wireless are some of the best noise-canceling headphones for flights for users who want long battery life and audio quality. These headphones have adaptive noise cancellation, and detailed audio is great for music, podcasts, and movies.
With an over ear design and wireless connection, these headphones are perfect for long trips. Combined with an impressive battery life, the headphones may make traveling easier.
For frequent travelers, these headphones are a great choice with good battery life, sound quality, and active noise cancellation.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional battery endurance | ANC is not the strongest available |
| Detailed and enjoyable sound | Large earcups may feel bulky |
| Comfortable over-ear construction | Touch controls can take practice |
| Suitable for long journeys | Premium pricing may limit accessibility |
5. Bose QuietComfort Headphones
A great choice for travelers looking for headphones that are effective in reducing noise and are lightweight and comfortable, are the Bose QuietComfort Headphones.
Long flights become less of a hassle when wearing headphones that are effective in noise reduction with their active noise cancellation.
The soft ear cushion and lightweight construction allow for comfortable and extended wear. Travelers even have the option of switching listening modes to best fit the surrounding environment and situations, and to stay aware of announcements with the built-in listening mode.
Folks will appreciate the simplicity and reliability of the controls and connectivity for added ease to their daily use.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and comfortable design | Sound profile is less detailed than premium rivals |
| Effective noise cancellation | Fewer premium features than Ultra model |
| Easy-to-use physical controls | Plastic construction feels less luxurious |
| Good choice for long flights | No advanced spatial audio experience |
6. Sony WH-1000XM5
The WH-1000XM5 is another great set of headphones ergonomically designed to be worn for long periods of time and to have effective ANC.
With its capabilities to reduce the steady background noises and sounds from the cabin and aircraft, these headphones are great to aid in relaxation during long flights.
With their balanced audio listening experience, travelers are able to enjoy a variety of music and spoken participation and entertainment. The lightweight construction of these headphones are great for added comfort when worn for long periods of time.
These headphones are great for travelers seeking to relax due to their noise cancellation and ease of awareness with built in listening modes.
Sony WH-1000XM5 Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful noise cancellation | Cannot fold as compactly as older models |
| Excellent overall sound quality | Premium launch pricing |
| Comfortable lightweight construction | Touch controls may occasionally misread gestures |
| Strong smart-device features | Some listeners may prefer a different sound signature |
7. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3
With impressive sound quality, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 is one of the Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Flights. An excellent choice for travelers who want to shut out the world and listen to some great audio in the process, this set of headphones feature excellent noise-canceling technology.
Additionally, they provide detailed and clear sound across pretty much anything you use them for. The over-ear design uses active noise cancellation to block outside noise, and provides a great seal to block noise and add comfort for even longer listening sessions.
Wireless connectivity, while a bit limited, makes these headphones great other travel, and the premium build feels both nice to the touch and durable. All in all, these headphones are for travelers who want a combination of great ANC and high-fidelity audio for their music.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detailed premium audio reproduction | Costs more than many mainstream competitors |
| Refined and durable construction | ANC performance may vary by environment |
| Comfortable over-ear fit | Heavier than some lightweight alternatives |
| Attractive premium design | App features may feel less extensive |
8. Beats Studio Pro
The Beats Studio Pro is one of the Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Flights for travelers wanting elegant design, wireless ease, and top ANC. Its ANC modes can cancel background noise from aircraft while Transparency mode allows the ISPN to humming and other background noise.
The headphones provide comfortable listening with over-ears and provide energetic and enjoyable sound.
With its flexible options of USB-C, wireless listening and traveling, its portable design, and its overall looks, this headphones are great choice for travelers who want elegant design, ANC, and functionality that isn’t sacrificed.
Beats Studio Pro Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Effective active noise cancellation | ANC is behind some flagship competitors |
| Stylish and recognizable design | Ear cushions may feel warm during long use |
| Supports USB-C audio | No automatic Apple-device switching |
| Good portability for travelers | Battery varies depending on listening modes |
9. JBL Tour One M3
The JBL Tour One M3 has excellent active noise cancellation, making it one of the best options for flights in 2023. It’s a wireless active noise cancelling headphone that adjusts its adaptive ANC to cancel background noise and offers a rich, immersive audio experience.
It has a comfortable over-ear design, and the matte black headphones block external noise, so you can listen for as long as you need to.
The JBL Tour One M3 noise cancelling headphones are a convenient travel option with on-ear audio controls that let you take or make calls, control your audio, and switch between listening modes, making them a versatile choice for travel.
JBL Tour One M3 Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Adaptive noise cancellation | Feature-rich controls may require learning |
| Strong battery performance | Larger design takes more luggage space |
| Rich and customizable audio | Premium pricing |
| Useful travel-focused features | Sound preferences may require app adjustment |
10. Technics EAH-AZ100
The Technics EAH-AZ100 is the perfect solution for travelers seeking high fidelity audio in a true wireless design. These wireless noise cancelling earbuds excel at reducing airplane and cabin noise.
Its compact design includes a charging case small enough to fit in a travel kit, and they offer secure fit and earbud housing that takes up less space than typical over-ear headphones thanks to their fit in your ear design.
The earbuds feature touch controls that help you manage your listening experience as you switch between devices, and textured controls add convenience by letting you take calls, adjust audio, and toggle listening modes.
Technics EAH-AZ100 Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact true-wireless design | Earbud fit varies between users |
| Effective noise cancellation | Smaller controls can take practice |
| Detailed and engaging sound | Charging case adds another item to carry |
| Convenient multipoint connectivity | Earbuds provide less passive isolation than over-ear models |
11. Anker Soundcore Space Q45
Best for travelers looking for high end features at a wallet friendly price point is the Anker Soundcore Space Q45. When it comes to flight headphones, these can reduce consistent external noise like jet engines.
The over ear design provides coverage for when you need to take a long flight. And thanks to a large battery, you can get a lot of listening time before you have to worry about reserving some charge.
For when you’re away, you can use available software to make adjustments to your listening experience. Fast wireless connectivity, over ear cup design, and good travel performance all circuite well with good Active Noise Cancellation, battery duration, and cost.
Technics EAH-AZ100 Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact true-wireless design | Earbud fit varies between users |
| Effective noise cancellation | Smaller controls can take practice |
| Detailed and engaging sound | Charging case adds another item to carry |
| Convenient multipoint connectivity | Earbuds provide less passive isolation than over-ear models |
12. Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2
If you like to have precise sound with adaptable noise control, the Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 are among the Best Noise Canceling Headphones for Flights. These headphones can tune out unwanted noises for longer listening sessions thanks to their over ear design.
If you want to take these headphones on a trip, easy wireless connectivity and over ear designs makes them great for longer trips. Thanks to active noise cancellation, good audio, and travel convenience, these are a great addition to your travel gear.
Shure AONIC 50 Gen 2 Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detailed audio reproduction | Heavier than several competing headphones |
| Adjustable noise cancellation | Premium price |
| Comfortable padded earcups | Bulky for compact packing |
| Strong customization options | Battery endurance is not category-leading |
Conclusion
In Conclusion Noise-canceling headphones are a great way to muffle the audio on a flight. The mosy important features to consider when looking at a pair is the level of noise reduction, comfort, audio quality, battery life and portability.
The more you spend, the better the ANC and sound quality will be, but more affordable options come with features and technology that couples well with travel.
Simply put, your travel time, audio preferences, connectivity, and price point will dictate the best option for you. The right headphones can ensure that a long journey is a quiet and comfortable journey.
FAQ
What are the Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Flights?
Sony WH-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Apple AirPods Max are popular options.
Do noise-canceling headphones block airplane engine noise?
Yes, ANC can significantly reduce consistent low-frequency engine and cabin noise.
Are noise-canceling headphones comfortable for long flights?
Over-ear models with soft cushions generally provide comfortable extended listening.
What should travelers consider when choosing ANC headphones?
Consider noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, audio quality, portability, and price.
