A long flight or a train journey can be the perfect time to unwind and enjoy some of your favorite music, podcasts or a movie. Unfortunately, constant engine noise, disruptive conversations and other factors can spoil the peace of listening to something you enjoy. These are the situations where a good pair of travel headphones can be the perfect accessory.
The right headphones can block out unnecessary sounds, providing a better listening experience, but not all are made equal. Some focus on noise cancellation, whereas others provide better battery power or are simply more comfortable for long journeys.
Whether you’re planning on taking a train overseas, going on a road trip or simply commuting to work, we’ve listed the headphones that can keep you entertained and the factors to consider before making a purchase.
What Makes a Good Pair of Travel Headphones
When determining which headphones are suitable for your journey, it’s important to consider how you intend to use them. A great pair of over-ears may not be the most practical for a weekend getaway or a busy person who simply wants to commute to work.
The following are several important factors to consider when choosing between the various headphones.
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation (ANC) can help cancel out persistent low-frequency noises by using anti-noise sound waves, allowing you to enjoy your media at a lower volume. It can be helpful for journeys, but it will not prevent disruptive ambient sounds.
- Comfort: Comfort is especially important if you plan to use the headphones for extended periods. Look for soft padding on over-ear headphones and avoid larger headbands if you’re traveling with a small bag.
- Battery life: A longer battery life may be necessary for journeys where you may not have access to power outlets or other charging methods.
- Portability: Some headphones are designed to fold and some come with a handy carrying case. If you’re looking for something compact to throw in your backpack, consider earbuds instead.
- Connection: Bluetooth connectivity is great, but it’s always good to have a backup method in case of an emergency.
- Transparency: This feature allows ambient sounds to come through clearly without having to remove the headphones.
5 Headphones Worth Considering for Travel
Instead of focusing on a price range, we’ll identify several headphones that cater to different requirements and discuss their pros and cons to help you decide which pair suits you best.
1. Sony WH-1000XM6
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is great for travelers who want a premium pair of noise-canceling over-ear headphones that aren’t too bulky and come with a variety of useful features.
One of the most annoying aspects of traveling by air is the persistent low-frequency rumble that comes from the engines. This can make it difficult to enjoy music or movies at a reasonable volume throughout the journey. ANC technology can help cancel out these sounds, making it easier to enjoy your favorite podcast or entertainment without disrupting the people around you. These headphones allow you to customize your audio experience through the companion app and are foldable for easy storage compared to other over-ear headphones.
What We Liked
- Excellent ANC for persistent low-frequency noises
- Comfortable over-ear design
- Customizable sound via the app
- Wireless ANC and standard audio jack
- Foldable and comes with a travel case
What We Didn’t Like
- Expensive compared to other options
- Bulky and takes up space
- ANC technology is excellent but will not cancel out all noises, including conversations
Who It’s Best For: This model is recommended for those who travel frequently and require an all-around great pair of ANC headphones, including long commutes.
Check Sony WH-1000XM6 on Amazon →
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)
If comfort and noise cancellation are of utmost importance, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) would be a great addition to your travel accessories.
As one of the most well-known manufacturers of noise-canceling headphones, Bose does not disappoint with this new release. By utilizing ANC technology and a comfortable fit, these over-ear headphones allow you to enjoy a more immersive listening experience with your media. ANC can be useful on planes and other modes of transportation, but it’s always good to have an alternative if you want to hear announcements.
One of the most important factors in determining the comfort of over-ear headphones is the design of the headband and ear cups. A properly fitted headband will prevent the headphones from constantly digging into the temples after extended use.
What We Liked
- ANC technology to drown out persistent low-frequency noises
- Comfortable over-ear design with adjustable headband
- Customizable ANC and audio settings
- USB-C charging and fast charging
- Immersive listening experience with included apps
What We Didn’t Like
- Premium price tag compared to other options
- Comfort may be an issue for some based on the fit
- ANC does not filter out all noises, including conversations
Who It’s Best For: These headphones are ideal for anyone who values a comfortable fit and ANC technology for long journeys.
Check Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) on Amazon →
3. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless
For those who require a longer battery life for extended use, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are a great option that utilize ANC technology to help block out unwanted noises.
One of the largest complaints against over-ear noise-canceling headphones is the battery life. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless headphones advertise up to 60 hours of playback with ANC enabled. This would be perfect for those who travel frequently or take multi-day road trips and do not want to worry about finding an outlet to recharge.
Similar to other noise-canceling headphones, these offer a more immersive listening experience that can be further enhanced through the Sennheiser suite of immersive apps. The headphones also offer a variety of customizable settings to create the perfect listening mix depending on your preference.
What We Liked
- Up to 60 hours of battery life
- Customizable ANC settings
- Wireless and standard jack connectivity
- Comfortable over-ear design with a foldable carrying case
- Includes apps for an immersive listening mix
What We Didn’t Like
- Over-ear design is not as compact as other alternatives
- Comfortable fit will depend on the size and shape
- Battery life will vary depending on volume and settings
Who It’s Best For: These headphones are recommended for those who travel long distances on planes and trains or simply want a longer battery life with ANC.
Check Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless on Amazon →
4. Apple AirPods Max
If you’re looking for a premium pair of over-ear noise-canceling headphones and use other Apple products like an iPhone, iPad or MacBook, the Apple AirPods Max would also be a great addition to your collection.
Similar to other noise-canceling headphones, the AirPods Max allow you to enjoy podcasts, music and movies at a lower volume by canceling out unwanted low-frequency noises. Transparency mode allows you to hear your surroundings if you need to. By using a proprietary connector, the AirPods Max provide an immersive listening experience for Apple users who want to use their headphones across their devices with ease.
One of the largest disadvantages of the AirPods Max is the weight. Compared to other over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max are heavier and may not be comfortable for extended use.
What We Liked
- Excellent ANC features and transparency mode
- Immersive listening experience with spatial audio
- Wireless connectivity and standard jack
- Great for Apple users who want to switch between their devices seamlessly
Who It’s Best For: These are recommended for Apple users who want a premium pair of over-ear noise-canceling headphones. The comfort and fit can be an issue due to the overall weight.
Check Apple AirPods Max on Amazon →
5. Soundcore Space Q45
If you do not want to invest in a premium pair of headphones, but still want decent noise-canceling features, the Soundcore Space Q45 are a great mid-range option. They offer many of the same features as more expensive alternatives but at a lower price point.
ANC technology can be turned on and off depending on your preference and last up to 50 hours with ANC enabled or 65 hours with ANC disabled under the right conditions, according to the manufacturer. These headphones provide a great value proposition by offering many of the same features as other noise-canceling headphones at a reduced price.
What We Liked
- Offer many of the same features as other noise-canceling headphones at a reduced price
- ANC features can be turned on and off depending on your preference
- Last up to 65 hours with ANC disabled under the right conditions
- Comfortable over-ear design
- Includes apps for an immersive listening mix
What We Didn’t Like
- ANC features may not compare to other alternatives
- Overall fit and finish may not be as luxurious as other options
- Microphone quality may not be as good in crowded environments
Who It’s Best For: These are recommended for students, occasional travelers or those who are looking for an affordable option for daily commuting.
Check Soundcore Space Q45 on Amazon →
Which Travel Headphones Are the Right Fit for You
Now that we’ve discussed several pairs of travel headphones, it’s time to determine which ones are ideal for your situation.
| Your Requirements | Recommended Headphones | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| All-in-one premium noise-canceling headphones | Sony WH-1000XM6 | Combines ANC features, comfort and travel-friendly functions |
| Comfort and noise-canceling features | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Excellent fit with ANC features |
| Long battery life | Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless | Upto 60 hours of continuous playback |
| Apple products | AirPods Max | Great for iOS users who travel frequently |
| Budget-friendly headphones | Soundcore Space Q45 | Offers many of the same features at a lower price point |
Note: Battery life can vary depending on volume levels, ANC features, phone calls and other factors. These numbers reflect the manufacturer’s claims.
Over-Ear Headphones vs. Earbuds: Which Is Better for Travel?
Both over-ear headphones and earbuds have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Based on comfort, portability and other factors, the choice between the two largely depends on your preferences.
Over-ear headphones may be a better option if:
- You plan to use them extensively on a long-haul flight
- You want a more immersive and comfortable listening experience
- You are not concerned about the overall size and weight
- You have enough space in your carry-on bag or backpack
Earbuds may be a better option if:
- You travel frequently and want something that can easily fit in a small bag
- You want something compact and portable
- You do not want to wear a headband
- You want to avoid bulky headphones when walking around
It may be challenging to determine which option is best depending on your comfort level with either over-ear headphones or earbuds. If possible, visit a retail store to try different pairs of headphones to determine which option is best for extended use.
Final Tips and Considerations for Travel Headphones
Although great-sounding noise-canceling headphones are important, there are several other considerations that can make travel more enjoyable.
Before leaving for your trip, make sure to:
- Charge your headphones: It can be disappointing to discover that your headphones are not charged when you need them the most.
- Download your media: Make sure to download any movies, TV shows, podcasts, music or audiobooks before leaving for your trip to ensure that you won’t run out of storage space or lose an Internet connection.
- Pack the right cables: Double-check that you’ve packed the right charging cord and other necessary cords for connecting your headphones to your devices.
- Determine if your headphones are compatible with your airplane seat’s entertainment system: Some airplanes only offer wired connections, which means that you may need to bring a cable to connect your headphones to the seat’s in-flight entertainment system.
- Use reasonable volume: It’s important to keep the volume at a reasonable level. Turning up the volume to the maximum will not drown out unwanted noises and can damage your hearing over time.
- Take breaks: If using over-ear headphones, make sure to take regular breaks to alleviate pressure on your ears. In general, it’s best to remove your headphones every few hours to give your ears a rest.
- Use transparency mode: Make sure to enable the transparency mode in your headphones so that you can hear any announcements or conversations that may be important.
- Protect your headphones: Always use a carrying case when transporting your headphones to avoid scratches and other damage.
If using an airplane seat’s entertainment system, make sure to bring the appropriate cable or airline audio adapter to connect your headphones to the system. Some headphones do not support passive wired audio playback when the battery is depleted. Always double-check that your headphones are compatible with the in-flight entertainment system before your departure.
Are Noise-Canceling Headphones Worth It?
Noise-canceling headphones are well worth the investment for those who travel frequently and want a more immersive listening experience without disrupting others. These headphones can be especially useful if you are not able to control unwanted noises, such as persistent low-frequency rumbling or other annoying sounds that can seep through the headphones.
Although the most expensive headphones offer the best overall performance, they may not be necessary for everyone. If you only travel infrequently, a mid-range pair of noise-canceling headphones will suffice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best headphones for long flights?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are excellent options for noise-canceling features. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless are also a great choice if you’re looking for a longer battery life.
Will noise-canceling headphones work on the train?
Yes, ANC features work on the train by canceling out persistent low-frequency noises, such as the rumbling of the train. They will not cancel out all sounds, including conversations, so make sure to enable the transparency mode if you need to hear anything important.
How much battery life should travel headphones have?
For long-haul flights, headphones with at least 20 hours of battery life are ideal. If you’re traveling across multiple destinations or taking overnight trains, make sure to get a pair of headphones with a battery life that will last you throughout the journey.
Can I connect Bluetooth headphones to the airplane entertainment system?
It depends on the airline and the headphones. Make sure to double-check if your headphones are compatible with the in-flight entertainment system on your specific flight before departure.
Are premium headphones worth buying?
It depends on how often you travel and whether you want features, such as noise cancellation or a better overall sound quality. If you travel only occasionally, a mid-range pair of headphones will suffice.
Which headphones are most comfortable for sleeping on a plane?
It depends on how you sleep. Over-ear headphones can be uncomfortable if you sleep on your side because the headphones will press against the pillow. Earbuds may be more comfortable for some, but this largely depends on how well the earbuds fit inside the ear canal.
Final Thoughts
When selecting a pair of travel headphones, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not just about the overall sound quality. The noise-canceling features will help drown out unwanted sounds, making it easier to enjoy your favorite podcasts, songs and movies. Comfort features, such as a well-fitted headband or a set of soft ear pads, will ensure that the headphones can be worn for extended periods. Additionally, the battery life is an important factor to consider when selecting travel headphones since long commutes or extended flights can drain the battery.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is a great all-rounder, whereas the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) are recommended for those who value comfort and noise-canceling features. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless offer a longer battery life, the Apple AirPods Max are ideal for iOS users and the Soundcore Space Q45 is a perfect budget-friendly option.
Before making a purchase, always consider the overall comfort, battery life, features and price range. Ultimately, the best travel headphones will enhance your listening experience, ensuring that you can enjoy your media on long commutes and prevent unwanted noises from disrupting your music, podcasts or movies.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase using the qualifying links in this article, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
