Noise-Canceling Headphones for Travel – Best Picks

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with unwanted noise—crying babies, chatty passengers, airplane engine hum, or the general bustle of a busy airport. That’s where noise-canceling headphones become a game-changer. Whether you’re flying across continents, commuting daily, or working remotely in a café, these headphones help create a personal oasis of silence, allowing you to focus, relax, or enjoy music without distractions.

With rapid advancements in active noise-canceling (ANC) technology, travelers now have access to headphones that can significantly reduce background noise, ensuring a more peaceful journey. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right pair can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll review the top 10 noise-canceling headphones for travel in 2025, compare their features, and help you decide which model suits your needs.

Active vs. Passive Noise Cancellation: Which is Better?

Before diving into our top picks, let’s clarify the difference between active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive noise isolation.

  • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Uses built-in microphones to detect external noise and counteract it with anti-noise sound waves. This is the best option for frequent travelers dealing with airplane noise, traffic sounds, or chatty environments.
  • Passive Noise Isolation: Relies on the headphone’s physical build and materials to block sound. Over-ear headphones with well-cushioned ear cups offer better passive noise isolation, but they don’t actively cancel out lower-frequency sounds like ANC models do.

For air travel and loud environments, ANC headphones are the superior choice. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative, passive noise isolation can still be effective in reducing distractions.

Best Over-Ear vs. In-Ear Options – Which One is Right for You?

When choosing the best noise-canceling headphones for travel, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go for over-ear headphones or in-ear earbuds. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, so your choice will depend on your travel habits, comfort preferences, and desired level of noise cancellation.

Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones: The Best Choice for Comfort & Immersion

Over-ear noise-canceling headphones completely envelop your ears, creating a seal that blocks out external noise while providing an immersive sound experience. These are often the go-to choice for frequent travelers, especially those taking long-haul flights.

✅ Pros of Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones:

✔ Superior Noise Cancellation – Over-ear models, especially those with active noise cancellation (ANC), provide better sound isolation compared to earbuds. This makes them ideal for airplanes, trains, and busy environments.
✔ Comfort for Long-Wear Use – Padded ear cups and an adjustable headband ensure a comfortable fit, making them perfect for long flights or extended travel sessions.
✔ Longer Battery Life – Larger battery capacity means you can get 20-60 hours of use on a single charge, making them more convenient for long trips.
✔ Better Sound Quality – Due to larger drivers, over-ear headphones offer richer bass, detailed highs, and better sound separation.

❌ Cons of Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones:

❌ Bulkier & Less Portable – Even foldable models take up more space in your bag than earbuds. This can be an issue if you travel light.
❌ Can Cause Heat & Sweat – If you’re traveling to warmer climates, over-ear headphones may feel hot and uncomfortable during extended use.
❌ More Expensive – High-quality over-ear noise-canceling headphones tend to be pricier than in-ear alternatives.

🎯 Best for: Long-haul travelers, commuters, audiophiles, and those who prioritize comfort over portability.

Top Picks for Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones:

  • Sony WH-1000XM5 – Best overall noise cancellation and comfort.
  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra – Most comfortable option for long-wear use.
  • Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless – Best sound quality with long battery life.

In-Ear Noise-Canceling Earbuds: The Best Choice for Portability & Convenience

If you prefer something lightweight, compact, and pocket-friendly, in-ear noise-canceling earbuds are a great alternative. Thanks to advancements in ANC technology, many true wireless earbuds now offer impressive noise cancellation, rivaling some over-ear models.

✅ Pros of In-Ear Noise-Canceling Earbuds:

✔ Compact & Lightweight – Ideal for minimalists and travelers who pack light. They take up virtually no space in your bag.
✔ Great for Active Travelers – Perfect for walking, hiking, or even running through the airport without bulky headphones getting in the way.
✔ Seamless Connectivity – Many earbuds feature instant pairing with smartphones, multi-device connectivity, and touch controls for easy use.
✔ Decent Noise Cancellation – While not as powerful as over-ear models, premium in-ear earbuds still offer strong ANC performance, blocking out a good amount of background noise.

❌ Cons of In-Ear Noise-Canceling Earbuds:

❌ Shorter Battery Life – Most true wireless earbuds offer 5-10 hours of battery life per charge, which is significantly less than over-ear models. You’ll need to recharge them more often.
❌ Less Effective at Blocking Deep, Low-Frequency Noise – ANC earbuds are great at cutting out voices and mid-range noises, but airplane engine hum and deep bass sounds may still be faintly heard.
❌ Potential for Discomfort – Some people find in-ear designs uncomfortable, especially when worn for long hours. Finding the right ear tip size is crucial for both comfort and noise isolation.

🎯 Best for: Frequent flyers, commuters, business travelers, and those who prioritize portability over all-day comfort.

Top Picks for In-Ear Noise-Canceling Earbuds:

  • Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II – Best overall ANC performance in earbuds.
  • Sony WF-1000XM5 – Best sound quality with adaptive ANC.
  • Apple AirPods Pro 2 – Best for Apple users with seamless device switching.

Which One Should You Choose?

 

FeatureOver-Ear HeadphonesIn-Ear Earbuds
Noise Cancellation✅ Best for blocking external noise completely🟡 Good, but not as strong for deep low-frequency sounds
Portability❌ Bulky, requires a carrying case✅ Ultra-portable, fits in pockets
Battery Life✅ 20-60 hours per charge❌ 5-10 hours per charge (with case: 24+ hours)
Comfort for Long Use✅ Padded ear cups make them comfortable for hours🟡 Ear tips may cause discomfort over time
Best for…Long-haul flights, immersive listening, frequent travelersMinimalists, quick commutes, active travelers

👉 Go for Over-Ear Headphones if you prioritize comfort, superior noise cancellation, and long battery life.
👉 Choose In-Ear Earbuds if you need something compact, lightweight, and more affordable.

  • If you’re a frequent flyer, over-ear ANC headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra will give you the best noise cancellation and comfort.
  • If you’re always on the go and prefer something compact, in-ear earbuds like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II or Sony WF-1000XM5 are excellent choices.
  • If you need a budget-friendly pick, earbuds like the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC deliver good ANC without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, your choice will depend on how you travel, your noise cancellation needs, and how much space you’re willing to sacrifice for sound quality and comfort.

Top 10 Noise-Canceling Headphones for Travel – In-Depth Reviews

Finding the perfect noise-canceling headphones for travel can make a huge difference in how enjoyable and peaceful your journey is. Whether you’re flying across continents, commuting on a busy train, or working remotely in a noisy café, a great pair of ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) headphones can block out distractions and create your own personal oasis of sound.

I’ve tested some of the best options available in 2025, and here’s my in-depth, hands-on review of the top 10 noise-canceling headphones for travel.

Sony WH-1000XM5 – The Ultimate Travel Companion

Sony has long been the king of ANC headphones, and the WH-1000XM5 continues to dominate. As soon as I put them on, I noticed how lightweight and well-padded they were. The earcups fit snugly over my ears without pressing too hard, making them perfect for long-haul flights.

The noise cancellation is remarkably effective, drowning out the deep hum of airplane engines and chatty passengers effortlessly. Sony’s adaptive ANC technology means it automatically adjusts to your surroundings, so I didn’t need to fiddle with settings when moving from a plane to a quiet hotel room.

What really impressed me was the sound quality—rich, balanced, and immersive. Whether I was listening to orchestral movie scores or bass-heavy EDM tracks, the clarity and depth were exceptional. Battery life lasted well beyond my long-haul flight, and even when they ran out of juice, the quick charge feature gave me enough power for hours in just a few minutes.

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Bose QuietComfort Ultra – Most Comfortable Choice

If comfort is your top priority, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is unbeatable. I wore these for an entire 12-hour flight, and my ears never felt fatigued. The memory foam padding is soft, breathable, and lightweight, making them feel almost invisible after a while.

Bose’s noise cancellation remains one of the best in the industry, cutting out low-frequency sounds like airplane noise and rumbling trains exceptionally well. I was amazed at how they handled mid-range frequencies, reducing voices to a mere whisper.

Audio quality is crystal clear, though the bass is a bit less punchy compared to Sony. However, for podcasts, audiobooks, and classical music, the warmth and clarity of Bose’s sound profile are unmatched. If you want a stress-free, ultra-comfortable listening experience, these are a top pick.

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Apple AirPods Max – Best for Apple Users

Apple’s AirPods Max immediately stand out with their premium build and futuristic design. When I put them on, I felt like I was in my own private audio bubble. The spatial audio feature is a game-changer—it creates an immersive, almost 3D-like soundstage that moves with your head.

The active noise cancellation is top-tier, blocking out most external sounds effortlessly. The transparency mode is also fantastic, allowing me to hear announcements at the airport without taking them off.

They integrate seamlessly with Apple devices, switching from my iPhone to my MacBook without missing a beat. The only downside? They are heavier than most over-ear headphones, which may not be ideal for extended wear. But for Apple enthusiasts who want the best ANC experience, these are hard to beat.

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Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless – Pure Audiophile Bliss

If sound quality is your priority, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless delivers an exceptional listening experience. As soon as I hit play, the rich, dynamic sound blew me away. The bass is deep but controlled, the mids are clear, and the treble is crisp without being harsh.

The ANC is very effective, handling airplane noise and city traffic well. It’s not quite as aggressive as Sony or Bose, but it does a fantastic job in most environments.

Another standout feature is battery life—it lasted an entire week of travel without needing a recharge, making it one of the best for long trips. The only minor drawback? The touch controls can be a bit sensitive, but once I got used to them, they worked flawlessly.

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Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

For those who prefer true wireless earbuds, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II offer the best ANC in an in-ear format. I was shocked at how much noise these tiny earbuds could block out—almost on par with over-ear headphones.

They fit snugly in my ears, creating a natural seal that enhances both noise isolation and bass response. During a flight, I could barely hear the airplane’s rumble, and even in a busy café, voices around me were muted.

The sound quality is well-balanced, with strong bass, clear vocals, and crisp highs. They’re comfortable enough for long listening sessions, though some users may need to experiment with the included ear tips to find the perfect fit.

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Sony WF-1000XM5 – Best Sound in Wireless Earbuds

Sony’s WF-1000XM5 earbuds are another fantastic option for travelers who prefer a compact setup. They fit comfortably, and the ANC is impressive, reducing background noise significantly.

What I loved most about these was the sound quality—Sony’s LDAC support and high-resolution audio make these earbuds feel like a pair of premium over-ear headphones in a tiny package.

They lasted an entire transatlantic flight without needing a recharge, and the case provided enough backup power for a full day of use.

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Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 – Premium Feel, Incredible Sound

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 is a luxury choice with audiophile-grade sound. The build quality is gorgeous, with high-end materials that feel sturdy yet comfortable.

The ANC is effective, though it leans more towards natural sound filtering rather than absolute silence. Where these truly shine is audio performance—every detail, from the softest whispers to deep bass rumbles, is perfectly reproduced.

I found these extremely comfortable even after hours of use, making them a fantastic choice for premium travelers.

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Anker Soundcore Space Q45 – Best Budget Over-Ear Option

Not everyone wants to spend a fortune on ANC headphones, and the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 proves you don’t have to. They deliver surprisingly good ANC, blocking out a significant amount of background noise.

While they don’t have the same high-end clarity as premium brands, they offer a warm, enjoyable sound profile that’s great for everyday use. The battery life is also fantastic, making them a solid choice for long trips.

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Jabra Elite 85t – Best for Calls and Travel

If you make a lot of phone calls while traveling, the Jabra Elite 85t is one of the best choices. The call quality is exceptional, with crystal-clear audio on both ends.

The ANC is very effective, and the earbuds themselves fit securely and comfortably. They don’t quite reach Bose or Sony levels of noise cancellation, but for a travel-friendly earbud, they perform exceptionally well.

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Beats Studio Pro – Best for Bass Lovers

For those who love deep, punchy bass, the Beats Studio Pro delivers. I could feel the powerful low-end response without overwhelming the mids and highs, making them great for hip-hop, EDM, and rock music.

ANC works well enough for travel, though it’s not as refined as Sony or Bose. The design is sleek, and they fold up compactly, making them easy to pack.

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Final Thoughts

The best noise-canceling headphones for travel depend on your priorities:

  • Best Overall: Sony WH-1000XM5
  • Most Comfortable: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
  • Best for Apple Users: AirPods Max
  • Best Sound Quality: Sennheiser Momentum 4
  • Best ANC Earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Whichever you choose, these headphones will enhance your travel experience, allowing you to enjoy peace, comfort, and amazing sound wherever you go.

Key Features: Battery Life, Sound Quality & Comfort

When choosing the best noise-canceling headphones for travel, three key factors make a significant difference: battery life, sound quality, and comfort. These features determine how enjoyable and practical your headphones will be during long-haul flights, daily commutes, or remote work sessions in noisy environments.

Let’s break down each of these crucial aspects in detail.

Battery Life: How Long Can You Travel Without Recharging?

One of the most frustrating things when traveling is running out of battery mid-flight or in a noisy airport. The best noise-canceling headphones come with extended battery life to ensure you can enjoy uninterrupted music, movies, or podcasts for long periods.

Over-Ear vs. In-Ear Battery Performance

  • Over-Ear Headphones: These typically offer 20-60 hours of battery life because of their larger battery capacity. Many high-end models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Sennheiser Momentum 4 can last multiple flights without needing a charge.
  • In-Ear Earbuds: Due to their compact size, battery life is shorter, usually between 5-10 hours per charge. However, their charging cases provide extra power, extending total usage to 24-30 hours.

Quick Charging Features: A Lifesaver for Travelers

Many modern ANC headphones come with fast-charging capabilities, which is incredibly useful when you’re in a rush. Some notable examples:

  • Sony WH-1000XM5 – 3 minutes of charging = 3 hours of playback.
  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra – 15 minutes of charging = 2.5 hours of playback.
  • Apple AirPods Max – 5 minutes of charging = 1.5 hours of playback.

💡 Pro Tip: If you frequently forget to charge your headphones, look for models with USB-C charging for faster and more convenient recharging.

Which Models Have the Best Battery Life?

  • Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless – Up to 60 hours on a single charge.
  • Anker Soundcore Space Q45 – Around 50 hours with ANC on.
  • Sony WH-1000XM5 – Around 30 hours of playtime with ANC.

If you need headphones that last multiple travel days without recharging, these models are the top contenders.

Sound Quality: How Immersive is the Audio Experience?

When traveling, you don’t just want silence—you want great sound that makes your music, movies, or podcasts come alive. Sound quality varies between brands and models, so choosing headphones that match your listening preferences is key.

What Affects Sound Quality?

  1. Audio Drivers – Larger drivers (found in over-ear headphones) generally produce richer bass and clearer highs.
  2. EQ Customization – Some brands like Sony and Sennheiser allow you to tweak the equalizer settings via their apps, letting you personalize the sound.
  3. Codec Support – If you want higher-quality wireless audio, look for support for LDAC (Sony), aptX (Qualcomm), or AAC (Apple).

Best Sound Quality in Over-Ear Headphones

  • Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless – Known for its detailed and balanced sound profile, perfect for audiophiles.
  • Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 – Delivers deep bass and crisp highs, ideal for music lovers.
  • Sony WH-1000XM5 – Features adaptive sound that adjusts to the environment for the best listening experience.

Best Sound Quality in In-Ear Earbuds

  • Sony WF-1000XM5 – Offers rich, immersive sound and supports high-resolution audio (LDAC).
  • Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II – Provides warm, balanced sound with excellent noise cancellation.
  • Apple AirPods Pro 2 – Perfect for Apple users who want spatial audio and clear midrange tones.

💡 Pro Tip: If you love watching movies while traveling, spatial audio features (found in AirPods Max and Sony’s high-end models) create an immersive surround sound effect, making it feel like you’re in a theater.

Comfort: Can You Wear Them for Hours Without Discomfort?

Long flights, road trips, and daily commutes mean you’ll be wearing your headphones for hours at a time. That’s why comfort is a major factor when choosing the right pair.

Factors That Impact Comfort

  1. Weight & Fit – Heavy headphones can cause fatigue, while improperly fitted earbuds can become uncomfortable over time.
  2. Ear Padding & Cushioning – Over-ear models should have soft memory foam or breathable padding to reduce pressure on the ears.
  3. Adjustability – A good headband should be flexible but secure, while earbuds should come with multiple ear tip sizes for a customized fit.

Most Comfortable Over-Ear Headphones for Long Flights

  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra – Softest ear cushions with pressure-free comfort.
  • Sony WH-1000XM5 – Lightweight design with plush padding.
  • Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 – Uses premium materials to reduce ear fatigue.

Most Comfortable In-Ear Earbuds

  • Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II – Comes with custom ear tips and wing stabilizers for a secure yet comfy fit.
  • Sony WF-1000XM5 – Smaller and lighter than previous Sony models, reducing ear fatigue.
  • Jabra Elite 85t – Offers semi-open earbuds that don’t create as much ear pressure.

💡 Pro Tip: If you wear glasses, Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM5 are among the best over-ear options, as they have soft headbands and ear cups that don’t press too hard against the frames.

Final Thoughts: Which Feature Matters Most?

 

FeatureBest Choice
Longest Battery LifeSennheiser Momentum 4 (60 hours)
Best Sound QualityBowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
Most Comfortable for Long UseBose QuietComfort Ultra
Best ANC PerformanceSony WH-1000XM5 & Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Best for Travel-Friendly PortabilitySony WF-1000XM5 & Bose QC Earbuds II

The perfect noise-canceling headphones for travel depend on what you value most—whether it’s all-day battery life, premium sound quality, or maximum comfort. Investing in the right pair will enhance your travel experience, ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and distraction-free.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Noise-Canceling Headphones for Travel

Yes! In fact, noise-canceling headphones can make long flights more comfortable and less tiring.

How They Help:

✈️ Reduces Fatigue: Constant exposure to low-frequency sounds like airplane engine noise can cause mental and physical fatigue. ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) headphones reduce these unwanted sounds, making travel less exhausting.

🎧 Prevents Ear Strain: Many travelers increase volume to drown out background noise, which can cause hearing damage over time. With noise cancellation, you don’t need to crank up the volume, protecting your ears.

😌 Improves Sleep & Relaxation: If you struggle to sleep on flights, ANC headphones help block out chatter and cabin noise, allowing for better rest.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re flying long-haul, consider over-ear headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra, as they provide maximum comfort and ANC efficiency.

No, but they significantly reduce most background noise.

🛫 What They Block Well:
✔ Low-frequency sounds like airplane engines, traffic, and air conditioning units.
✔ Steady noises like humming, droning, and mechanical sounds.

🚦 What They Don’t Block Completely:
❌ Sudden or high-pitched sounds like crying babies, honking horns, or someone calling your name.
❌ Wind noise—ANC headphones may pick up strong gusts of wind and amplify them instead of canceling them.

🎧 Solution? Many high-end models like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM5 offer adaptive ANC, which adjusts to different noise environments for better performance.

Battery life depends on whether ANC is on or off and the brand of headphones you’re using.

Typical Battery Life Estimates:

  • Over-Ear ANC Headphones: 🕒 20-60 hours per charge
  • In-Ear ANC Earbuds: 🕒 5-10 hours per charge (up to 24+ hours with charging case)

💡 Pro Tip: If you need headphones that last multiple long flights, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 (60 hours) or Anker Soundcore Space Q45 (50 hours) are great choices.

Absolutely! ANC works independently, meaning you can enjoy peace and quiet even without audio playing.

✔ Great for meditation or relaxation on flights.
✔ Helps with focus and concentration in busy environments.
✔ Blocks distractions during work or study sessions.

Just turn on ANC mode, and the headphones will actively cancel out surrounding noise.

🔋 It depends on the model.

  • Some headphones, like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, still work in passive mode (without ANC) when the battery runs out.
  • Other models, like the Sony WH-1000XM5, require power to function properly, meaning once the battery is dead, ANC and audio stop working.

💡 Solution? Carry a portable charger or choose a model with fast charging so you can quickly power them up.

🎧 ANC works best on steady, low-frequency noises like:
✔ Airplane engines
✔ Air conditioning hum
✔ Train or car rumbles

However, ANC is less effective on sudden or unpredictable noises like:
❌ People talking loudly nearby
❌ Door slams or phone notifications
❌ High-pitched noises (sirens, baby cries, alarms)

Some brands, like Sony and Apple, use AI-powered adaptive ANC to handle a wider range of sounds, improving performance in different environments.

Yes! Many people use ANC headphones for focus and productivity.

🖥 For Remote Work:
✔ Blocks out background office noise or coffee shop chatter.
✔ Makes video calls clearer with built-in mics and noise suppression (Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Jabra Elite 85t are great options).

📖 For Studying & Reading:
✔ Creates a distraction-free environment.
✔ Perfect for libraries, co-working spaces, or home offices.

💡 Pro Tip: If you need a pair for work calls, Jabra Elite 85t is excellent, as it has clear mic quality and voice enhancement features.

😴 It depends on the model.

  • Over-ear headphones like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra are too bulky for side sleepers but work well for resting upright on flights.
  • In-ear earbuds like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II or Sony WF-1000XM5 are better for sleeping, as they’re compact and comfortable.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want headphones for sleeping, look for models with pressure-free designs and ambient noise options.