Introduction
Airplane travel can be an exciting adventure or a long, exhausting journey, depending on your level of comfort. One of the biggest challenges passengers face is dealing with cabin noise, crying babies, and the constant hum of the aircraft. A good pair of headphones can make all the difference by providing immersive sound, noise cancellation, and overall comfort for extended periods. Whether you’re watching in-flight entertainment, listening to music, or simply blocking out the noise to relax, choosing the right headphones is essential for a pleasant journey.
When selecting headphones for air travel, factors such as noise cancellation, battery life,
comfort, and portability are crucial. Over-ear noise-canceling headphones are ideal for superior sound isolation, while compact wireless earbuds offer convenience and mobility. Features like long battery life, Bluetooth connectivity, and a comfortable fit ensure an enjoyable listening experience throughout your flight. The right headphones can turn an ordinary trip into a peaceful and enjoyable escape
| Brand & Model | Type | Noise Cancellation | Battery Life | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Over-Ear | Yes (ANC) | 30 hours | Excellent ANC, lightweight, great sound quality |
| Bose QuietComfort 45 | Over-Ear | Yes (ANC) | 24 hours | Superior comfort, clear audio, effective noise cancellation |
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 | In-Ear | Yes (ANC) | 6 hours (buds), 30 hours (case) | Compact, spatial audio, seamless Apple integration |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 | Over-Ear | Yes (ANC) | 60 hours | Exceptional battery life, premium sound |
| Anker Soundcore Space Q45 | Over-Ear | Yes (ANC) | 50 hours | Affordable, great ANC, deep bass |
| Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 | Over-Ear | Yes (ANC) | 30 hours | High-end build, rich sound quality |
| Jabra Elite 85t | In-Ear | Yes (ANC) | 5.5 hours (buds), 25 hours (case) | Compact, customizable ANC, multipoint connection |
| Beats Studio Pro | Over-Ear | Yes (ANC) | 40 hours | Strong bass, Apple & Android compatibility |
1) Sony WH-1000XM5
Pros
- Industry-leading noise cancellation
- 30-hour battery life
- Exceptional sound quality with deep bass
- Comfortable for long flights
- Adaptive sound control for different environments
Cons
- Expensive
- No folding mechanism, making it less compact
Verdict:
- Sony WH-1000XM5 is one of the best all-around choices for travelers who prioritize noise
cancellation and audio quality
2) Bose QuietComfort 45
Pros
- Extremely comfortable for long use
- Excellent active noise cancellation (ANC)
- Clear and balanced sound quality
- Strong build quality
- Good call quality
Cons
- No custom EQ settings in-app
- ANC cannot be turned off completely
Verdict:
- Bose QC45 is ideal for those who prioritize comfort and noise cancellation during long flights.
3) Apple AirPods Pro 2
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Great noise cancellation for earbuds
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
- Strong build qualityStrong build quality
- Good battery life with case
Cons
- Battery life per charge is lower than over-ear headphones
- Limited customization for Android users
Verdict:
- Great for Apple users looking for a lightweight and travel-friendly option.
4) Sennheiser Momentum 4
Pros
- Best-in-class sound quality
- Outstanding 60-hour battery life
- Comfortable fit
- Effective noise cancellation
Cons
- Bulky design
- ANC is slightly behind Sony and Bose
Verdict:
- Best for audiophiles who want superior sound and long battery life.
5) Anker Soundcore Space Q45
Pros
- Affordable price for ANC headphones
- 50-hour battery life
- Good sound quality for the price
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- ANC is not as strong as premium models
- Build quality is slightly lower than premium brands
Verdict:
- Best budget option with solid noise cancellation and battery life.
6) Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
Pros
- Premium build quality
- Rich and detailed sound
- Decent ANC performance
- Comfortable design
Cons
- Pricey compared to competitors
- Battery life (30 hours) is lower than Sennheiser Momentum 4
Verdict:
- A great choice for those who value design and audio refinement.
7) Jabra Elite 85t
Pros
- Compact design
- Customizable ANC settings
- Multipoint Bluetooth for easy device switching
- Good call quality
Cons
- Battery life is lower than AirPods Pro 2
- ANC is effective but not top-tier
Verdict:
- Great for travelers who need true wireless earbuds with adjustable ANC
8) Beats Studio Pro
Pros
- Strong bass performance
- Good ANC and transparency mode
- 40-hour battery life
- Works well with both Apple and Android
Cons
- ANC is not as strong as Bose or Sony
- Over-ear fit might not be as comfortable for long flights
Verdict:
- Best for those who love bass-heavy music and want solid ANC
Most Reliable Headphones for Air Travel
Based on durability, noise cancellation, and battery life, the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 are the most reliable options. Sony offers better sound and battery life, while Bose provides better comfort.
Final Recommendation
- Best Overall: 🎧 Sony WH-1000XM5 – Best balance of ANC, sound, and comfort.
- Best for Comfort: 🛫 Bose QuietComfort 45 – Perfect for long flights.
- Best Budget Option: 💰 Anker Soundcore Space Q45 – Solid ANC and battery at a lower price
- Best Earbuds: 🔊 Apple AirPods Pro 2 – Compact with great ANC (best for Apple users)
Cheap noise cancelling headphones for flying
When traveling by air, having effective noise-canceling headphones can significantly enhance your in-flight experience by reducing ambient noise and providing clear audio. Here are some budget-friendly options to consider:
1) Anker Soundcore Life Q20
These headphones offer active noise cancellation and high-quality sound at an affordable price point. They are comfortable for extended wear and have a long battery life, making them suitable for long flights
2) JLab Go Air Pop Wireless Earbuds
Priced at just $20, these earbuds provide good sound quality and a comfortable fit. They offer over 32 hours of playtime, including eight hours per earbud and an additional 24 hours with the charging case, making them a cost-effective choice for travelers
3) Sony WH-1000XM4
While slightly higher in price, these headphones are known for their exceptional noise cancellation and comfort during long flights. Since the release of newer models, the WH-1000XM4 can often be found at discounted prices, offering great value.
4) Anker Soundcore Space Q45
These headphones balance price and features, including a good app with an equalizer and effective noise cancellation. They support LDAC and AAC codecs, ensuring compatibility with various devices, and come with a 3.5mm cable for in-flight entertainment systems.
5) Edifier W820NB Plus
Offering a comfortable fit and decent sound quality, these headphones include active noise cancellation and are budget-friendly. However, they do not have a foldable design, which may be a consideration for travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
Are noise cancelling headphones good for flying?
Yes, noise-canceling headphones are excellent for flying. They help block
out background noise, such as the airplane engine, cabin chatter, and crying
babies, creating a more peaceful travel experience.
Benefits of Noise-Canceling Headphones for Flying:
✅ Reduces cabin noise – Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) blocks
low-frequency sounds, making flights more comfortable.
✅ Improves audio quality – Music, movies, and podcasts sound clearer
without external noise interference.
✅ Enhances relaxation – Less noise means less stress and better sleep during
long flights.
✅ Protects hearing – Reducing background noise allows you to listen at lower
volumes, preventing ear strain.
For the best experience, over-ear models like Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose
QuietComfort 45 provide superior noise cancellation, while earbuds like Apple
AirPods Pro 2 are great for portability
Is it better to wear headphones or earbuds on a plane?
It depends on your comfort, noise cancellation needs, and personal preference.
🎧 Over-Ear Headphones (Best for Noise Cancellation & Comfort)
✅ Superior Noise Cancellation – Blocks out more engine noise and cabin chatter.
✅ More Comfortable for Long Flights – Cushioned ear cups reduce ear fatigue.
✅ Better Sound Quality – Larger drivers offer richer bass and clearer audio.
❌ Bulkier – Takes up more space in your carry-on.
Best Picks:
● Sony WH-1000XM5 (Best overall)
● Bose QuietComfort 45 (Most comfortable)
🎵 Earbuds (Best for Portability & Convenience)
✅ Compact & Lightweight – Easy to carry and store.
✅ More Discreet – Less noticeable, great for sleeping.
✅ Good Noise Cancellation (Premium Models) – High-end earbuds like AirPods
Pro 2 offer effective ANC.
❌ Less Effective Noise Blocking – May not cancel noise as well as over-ear
headphones.
❌ Can Cause Ear Fatigue – Some people find prolonged use uncomfortable.
Best Picks:
● Apple AirPods Pro 2 (Best for Apple users)
● Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II (Best ANC in earbuds)
Final Verdict:
● If you prioritize noise cancellation & comfort, go for over-ear headphones.
● If you prefer portability & ease of use, choose wireless earbuds.
Can you use normal earphones on a plane?
Yes, you can use normal earphones on a plane, but their effectiveness depends on the
environment and your needs. Standard earphones work well for listening to music,
watching movies, or making calls, but they do not offer noise cancellation, which means
you may still hear engine noise, cabin chatter, and other background sounds. If you’re
flying on an airline that provides in-flight entertainment with a headphone jack, you may
need an adapter if your earphones use a different connector, such as USB-C or
Lightning.
For a better travel experience, noise-canceling headphones or earbuds are
recommended, as they block out unwanted noise and enhance sound quality. However,
if you prefer lightweight and compact options, standard earphones can still be useful,
especially if you combine them with foam ear tips to improve passive noise isolation.
Ultimately, while normal earphones work on a plane, investing in noise-canceling
models can significantly improve comfort and sound quality during the flight
Can headphones prevent airplane ear?
Headphones, especially noise-canceling ones, do not completely prevent airplane
ear (ear barotrauma), but they can help reduce discomfort in some cases. Airplane ear
occurs due to rapid changes in cabin pressure, causing a blockage in the Eustachian
tubes, which leads to ear pain, discomfort, or temporary hearing loss.
How Headphones Can Help:
✅ Noise-canceling headphones reduce external noise, helping you stay relaxed and
reducing stress-related ear discomfort.
✅ In-ear earbuds with a good seal can provide some passive pressure relief by
maintaining a stable air environment in the ear canal.
However, headphones alone won’t prevent pressure changes. To relieve airplane
ear, try the Valsalva maneuver (pinching your nose and blowing gently), chewing
gum, yawning, or swallowing frequently to help equalize pressure. Specialized
filtered earplugs designed for flying may be more effective in preventing ear pain than
headphones alone
How can I listen to my headphones on a plane?
In-Flight Entertainment Systems typically have a 3.5mm headphone jack in the armrest.
To use Bluetooth headphones, you will need to connect a Bluetooth transmitter to the
headphone jack and pair with your headphones. These can be found on Amazon and
other electronics stores.
can you use wireless headphones on a plane to watch movies?
Yes, you can use wireless headphones on a plane to watch movies, but it depends on
the in-flight entertainment system. Most airline screens do not support Bluetooth
connections, so you may need a Bluetooth transmitter (a small device that plugs into the
headphone jack and transmits audio to your wireless headphones).
If you’re watching movies on your own phone, tablet, or laptop, you can easily connect
your wireless headphones via Bluetooth. Some airlines may have restrictions on
Bluetooth use during takeoff and landing, so check with the airline if you’re unsure.
Can you use Bluetooth headphones in airplane mode?
Yes, you can use Bluetooth headphones in airplane mode on most devices. When you
activate airplane mode, all wireless connections (Wi-Fi, cellular, and Bluetooth) are
turned off by default. However, you can manually turn Bluetooth back on to connect
your headphones.
Most airlines allow Bluetooth use during the flight, but some may have restrictions
during takeoff and landing. It’s always best to check with the airline’s policy
