Table of Contents
Reliable headphones are essential for making your travel more pleasant, whether the noise from the sleeping person next to you, etc. We have hand-picked the best travel headphones to save you time and effort.
Let’s find out more in the next sections below!
Comparison Chart Of The 10 Best Travel Headphones
Check out the comparison chart below if you do not have time to go through each review but still want to understand which headset depends on features.
In-Depth Reviews Of The Best Travel Headphones 2022
The top-rated noise-canceling headphones for travel are listed below. You should consider carefully to choose the right option for your needs.
#1. Bose QuietComfort Headphones – Best For Overall
Bose QuietComfort
Important specification
- Ear Placement: Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- Microphone: Yes
Product’s Highlights
The Bose QuietComfort headphones are one of the best comfortable headphones to buy in . They have a closed-back headset, over-ear style with wide and well-padded ear cups that fit even the enormous ears.
You will be able to wear them for hours without getting tired of them. As a result, they are an excellent option for long trips. Noise cancellation is assisted by the ability to manage both passive and active noise.
The over-ear closed-back design offers a decent seal; however, we did notice some leakage at higher volumes, which may annoy your other passengers.
The noise-cancellation technology works quite well, particularly in the spectral bass range, which is critical for filtering off bus and plane engine rumbling.
Excessive voice disturbance, which is often a mid-range wavelength, is likewise well-handled, with just the loudest sound getting through.
With a total of 20 hours of intense usage, the battery life seems more than adequate for even the most extended trips.
However, you cannot use them while charging, which is inconvenient. On the positive side, they only need over two hours to charge fully, so this one should not be a problem with little planning.
The sound quality is excellent for wireless earphones, as it is for such a hefty price tag. They have a good amount of bass without overpowering the treble and mid regions, giving ample room to flourish.
These headphones will satisfy even strict audiophiles. The folding shape aids maneuverability, and the ear cushions can fold flat to save room. A sturdy case provides secure storage and can easily fit into many travel bags.
You can rely on this video to better understand why this option is the best travel headphones on our list.
What We Like:
- Impressive noise-canceling ability
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable wearing experience
Things To Consider:
- Hefty price tag
- Minor leakage at higher volumes
- Three levels of world-class noise cancellation for better listening experience in any environment
- Alexa-enabled for voice access to music, information, and more
Bottom Line:
Overall, these are excellent travel headphones that shine on more extended travel. Another concern is whether they’re worth Bose’s exorbitant price tag.
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#2. Poly Plantronics PRO 2 – Best Headphones For EDM
Poly Plantronics PRO 2
Important specification
- Ear Placement: Over-Ear Headphones
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- Microphone: Yes
Product’s Highlights
The Plantronics Pro 2 is a mid-priced option that delivers the best value for money in the finest travel earphones. Thanks to the well-padded headband and ear cups, the Plantronics are pleasant to use for long periods.
The only criticism we had was that these ear cups were a little low, so if your ears are protruding, you might want to seek others. This feature will not be a problem for the majority of listeners.
Plantronics may make some upgrades in the area of portability. They do not fold down towards a more compact size, which makes transportation a bit more complicated. This feature is worse because the base model lacks a carrying case.
Although a soft bag comes in the package, it does not give much protection. The upgrading package’s carrying case is likewise rather large.
The noise-cancellation capabilities are adequate but not as good as those found in our more costly versions.
High and mid-frequency noises are well-blocked, while bass-heavy noises, such as motors, are more likely to get through. The sound quality is what you would expect at this pricing point, with a mid-range reproduction standing out.
The voice and main instruments are crystal clear. Our main quibble is with the bass precision, which we found to be a touch too boomy. Hip hop or electronic dance music lovers may like this one.
- Rich Immersive Audio: From music to movies - let Backbeat Pro 2 pull you into the richness and definition of quality audio. Enjoy high notes (crisp sound), mid-tones (natural sounds) and deep powerful bass delivers low notes with minimal distortion
- Use and Battery Time: Enjoy your listening time taking you through the longest workdays or redeye flights with up to 24 hours of music, movies and calls on a single charge. Connect to two devices at once and easily switch as needed fro concentration to conversation
Pros:
- Reasonable price tag
- Ideal for EDM, hip hop music, and vocal listening
- More comfortable than others in the same segment
Cons:
- The bass is too heavy
- noise-canceling ability is not sufficient
Bottom Line:
They are one of the best choices for people on a tighter budget and those who love EDM, coming in at slightly under half the cost of the Sony and Bose headphones on this list.
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#3. Sony WH1000XM3 – Best For High Performance
Sony WH1000XM3
Important specification
- Ear Placement: Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless, Wired
- Microphone: Yes
Product’s Highlights
The Sony WH 1000XM3 earphones, like the Sony WH 1000XM4, are a fantastic set of best headphones for travel that excel in every category.
The comfort level is unrivaled thanks to the fact that its headband and ear cups are both well-padded.
They sit precisely over the years, allowing you to listen to music stress-free for an extended period. The best noise-cancellation performance of all headphones examined here comes from passive and active noise isolation.
Sony has achieved an average noise removal of about -30 dB across the spectral region, a remarkable achievement. The outside environment will have minimal impact on your audio experience.
Even at maximum volume, leakage is remarkably minimal, which is ideal if you want to turn it up without irritating others around you.
The companion app also allows you to customize the degree of active noise suppression, which is a great addition.
The battery life lasts a phenomenal 27 hours of uninterrupted usage, and it only takes 2 hours to charge completely.
If you have to consume them all, they may also be utilized as wired earphones, ensuring that you will never run out of battery life.
A 30-minute charge will give you about 7 hours of playing time. Its soundscape is bass-heavy as most Sony headphones.
If this is not your style, the program offers a variety of modification choices, including a visual equalizer and numerous preset selections.
You should make a sound that fits your personality. They are not as compact as in-ear earphones because they are over-ear, but they do not take up much space once you fold and put them in the accompanying container.
- DIGITAL NOISE CANCELING: Industry leading ANC lends a personalized, virtually soundproof experience
- PHONE CALL: A built-in mic enables you to take hands-free calls.
Pros:
- Comfortable listening experience
- Impressive noise-isolation ability
- Long battery life (7 hrs/30-minute charge)
- High-quality sound
Cons:
- A little hefty price tag
Bottom Line:
Overall, there is not much to criticize here, and even at a premium price, they offer fantastic value.
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#4. Jabra Elite 85h – Best Headphones For All Ear Sizes
Jabra Elite 85h
Important specification
- Ear Placement: Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- Microphone: Yes
Product’s Highlights
The Jabra 85h, another over-ear option, is a pair of headphones with broad, well-padded, deep ear cups that comfortably suit almost all ear sizes. Because the headband does not stretch very much, those with extended heads may pick a decent fit elsewhere.
However, many listeners should not experience any pain after lengthy durations of usage. Given that these Jabra headphones are also in the higher pricing range, the noise isolation qualities must be improved.
They are suitable for filtering out treble and mid-range noises like speech but not so good at blocking out bass noise. When you’re attempting to block out jet engines or traffic jams, this isn’t ideal.
Noise leakage is relatively low, so you can adjust for any external noise interference by turning up the level while not bothering people around you.
The bass, treble, and mids are reproduced accurately without leaking into another, resulting in a full-bodied and well-balanced sound.
When it comes to over-ear headphones, the Jabras swivel and fold flat to fit inside a case that does not cause extra heft, the case appears to be quite durable and easily fits into any baggage for clever design.
- BLOCK UNWANTED BACKGROUND NOISE: Jabra elite 85H wireless headphones are engineered for the best wireless calls and music experience with smartsound*. smart active noise cancellation responds to the environment, switching on if it detects background noise.
- SMARTSOUND AUDIO: the revolutionary smartsound audio technology in these Bluetooth headphones analyze your sound environment and automatically applies your personalized audio to give you the sound you need, when you need it.
Pros:
- It suits all ear sizes
- Not cause pain after an extended use duration
- Portable
- Balanced-sound
Cons:
- A minor noise leakage
- Weak noise-canceling functions
Bottom Line:
These headsets would be the best headphones for travel to buy if they weren’t for the fragile noise-cancellation functions.
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#5. Edifier H840 Audiophile – Best Travel Headphones For Budget
Edifier H840 Audiophile
Important specification
- Ear Placement: Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Microphone: Yes
Product’s Highlights
Edifier is a relatively recent brand in the world of high-end audio. The H840 are the most affordable headphones on the list.
Its build quality appears to be fragile due to the low price, with the rotating hinges to fold these, which is an apparent weak spot. The cable is also quite lengthy, measuring 2 meters, and it is not detachable.
It’s not the most practical for any trip, and there is no case included. However, with the low price range, people who are on a budget should consider it.
The degree of comfort isn’t quite exquisite, but you wouldn’t expect it to be. For someone with big ears, the ear cups are most likely too small.
The H840 are marketed as noise-isolating headsets, and they perform admirably in that regard. They will undoubtedly strive to maintain the world away in the noisiest situations.
- Professional sound; 40mm driver units fine tuned for quality sound output in enclosed ear cups
- Comfort matters; Ergonomic fit with over-ear design of lightweight body, comfortable soft leather earmuffs for prolonged wearing
Pros:
- Affordable price tag
- Excellent sound quality for the money
Cons:
- The long wire and no included case
Bottom Line:
These headphones’ sound quality is a significant benefit, especially considering the price. They are bass-heavy, which fans won’t appreciate, but it is acceptable for ordinary listeners who do not want to waste much money. They are not the most incredible travel headphones.
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#6. SENNHEISER Momentum – Best Headphone For Foldable Design
SENNHEISER Momentum
Important specification
- Ear Placement: Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless, Wired
- Microphone: Yes
Product’s Highlights
Sennheiser’s award-winning 2nd headphones are still the most popular among young and stylish music fans.
They’re simple to adore even before you listen to them, thanks to good leather ear cushions, a redesigned foldable frame, and oversized ear cups.
Sennheiser excels in sound quality. The captivating combination of powerful bass and delicate upper notes creates a rich performance that will make you want to relax your mind and enjoy it.
These portable headphones perform a fantastic job of reducing the external noise in a natural way of keeping unwanted sounds at bay.
- Noise Gard hybrid active noise cancellation blocks ambient noise using 4 microphones for ultimate isolation to dramatically improve sound quality in noisy environments. Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- 22 hour battery life with both Bluetooth and Noise Gard activated to ensure performance during long commutes or plane flights
Pros:
- Foldable frame
- Excellent sound quality
- Noise-reduction
Cons:
- Bluetooth needs to be improved
Bottom Line:
You could forget that they are some of the most expensive ANC headphones available with their simple 22 hours of continuous play, attractive appearance, intuitive controls, and fantastic sound quality. Is it worthwhile? It’s all up to you.
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#7. Sennheiser PXC 550 – Best Headphones For Lightweight
Sennheiser PXC 550
Important specification
- Ear Placement: Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- Microphone: Yes
Product’s Highlights
Sennheiser, a company that is always concerned about sound, created these beautiful headphones as brilliant as appealing.
Say goodbye to background noises like office hum and traffic; the PXC 550s consistently nail each note with flawless clarity.
Touch controls, voice prompts, NFC connection, automatic on/off, and thoughtful pauses are all available with intuitive user control.
Alternatively, you can go all out and utilize the Sennheiser CapTune App to control your audio player, check the battery life, and tweak your EQ settings.
Its Wireless Bluetooth technology works flawlessly, and the lightweight form makes them an excellent travel companion.
- Bluetooth 4.2 wireless technology in an ergonomically designed lightweight, comfortable and collapsible travel headset perfect for travel. Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- NoiseGard adaptive noise cancellation ensures superior sound quality in every environment. Impedance:Active 490 Ohm/ Passive 46 Ohm
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Excellent noise-cancellation
- Brilliant control system
- Elegant appearance
Cons:
- Battery life is prone to drop over time
Bottom Line:
These great sets of headphones are ideal for genuine music lovers who like to look cool. It is small enough to fold into a compact ball yet big enough to remove all the ambient noise you don’t want to hear.
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#8. Bowers & Wilkins PX – Best Headphone For Battery Life
Bowers & Wilkins PX
Important specification
- Ear Placement: Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- Microphone: Yes
Product’s Highlights
If you’re searching for something a little unusual, look no further. Bowers & Wilkins has established itself as a David against the Goliath of large companies like Bose and Sony with these best noise-canceling headphones.
They will cut out the hum of your everyday commute and allow you to focus on the music by providing a great user experience, stable Bluetooth connectivity, and easy-to-control music playback.
B&W went to great lengths to guarantee that sound quality didn’t suffer — even using the same driver units as the company’s acclaimed P9 headphones.
The drivers have also been carefully adjusted to create an all-encompassing, natural stereo sound each time you use them. These headphones are genuine, with a 22-hour standby time, an immediate power-saving mode, and a dedicated app.
- Frequency response - 20-20KHz
- ADAPTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION - Perfect sound anywhere - on a plane, in the street or in the office. The best adaptive noise cancelling headphones, customizable to your exact preference.
Pros:
- Excellent noise-cancellation
- Stable Bluetooth connectivity
- Easy-to-control music playback
- Extended battery life (22 hrs)
Cons:
- A bit hefty price tag
Bottom Line:
The PX is as intelligent as it is attractive. Do you want to turn off the music? Lift an ear cup, and they will stop playing once you throw them away.
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#9. AKG N60 Headphones – Best Headphone For Comfort
AKG N60
Important specification
- Ear Placement: On-Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
- Microphone: Yes
Product’s Highlights
These budget-friendly headphones with an aptX Bluetooth 4.0 connection can provide over 15 hours of audio enjoyment, making them ideal for people on the road.
Even more, the active noise suppression is turned on automatically by the wireless connectivity, giving them a safe option for people who prefer to listen while running, walking, or traveling.
These headphones are lightweight and comfortable to use, and they stay firmly in place on your head, so you can jump around in them without falling off. The 3D folding mechanism and travel bag make it simple to listen to when needed and stow when not.
The sound quality is likewise impressive: rhythms come with accuracy and detail, while the treble and mid-range stay delicate and crisp throughout each song.
- Connection : 3.5MM(1/8") Stereo mini-jack
- Reduces ambient noise especially when traveling to create a perfect sound environment where you can be alone with your music and yourself
Pros:
- Affordable price tag
- Lightweight
- Comfortable wearing feeling
Cons:
- Noise-cancelation needs to be improved
Bottom Line:
If you want to buy high-quality ANC headphones at a low price, the AKG N60 is a strong candidate for competing with more prominent names.
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#10. Apple AirPods Pro – Best Headphone For Apple Lovers
Apple AirPods Pro
Important specification
- Ear Placement: In-Ear
- Connectivity Technology: Wireless
- Microphone: Yes
Product’s Highlights
The Apple AirPods Pro provides even better customizable sound performance and excellent capabilities. The new, improved AirPods Pro is responsible for syncing extremely rapidly to your iPad, iPhone, and other Apple products.
They are also as light as a feather, which is more comfortable than before, thanks to various ear tips in multiple sizes that allow you to customize the fit to your ear size and shape. A slight pressure valve helps decrease the pressure within your ear, making it more convenient for longer.
The AirPods Pro is water-resistant with an IPX4 rating. It makes them considerably more durable to water and sweat than ever, which appeals to people who prefer to listen to music while working out.
However, keep in mind that water-resistant does not mean equally waterproof, and soaking them in water will ultimately destroy them.
- Active noise cancellation for immersive sound
- Transparency mode for hearing and connecting with the world around you
Pros:
- Wireless charging case
- Super lightweight
- Comfortable and fit all ear sizes
- Water-resistance
Cons:
- Challenging cleaning
Bottom Line:
The inclusion of active noise cancellation, which the listener can entirely adjust, is perhaps the most notable feature of the AirPods Pro. Switch to the transparency function to hear what is going on around you at any time, or turn out the background noises and bury yourself within the music.
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Buying Guide Of The Best Headphones For Travel
Travel With Your Headphones On
Let’s look at some of the most crucial aspects to consider when choosing your ideal set of traveling headphones.
Size & Weight
Weight and size are primary concerns when purchasing over-ear headphones, but they’re still significant considerations. When you are not using them, you’ll need a secure location to keep them.
The best noise-canceling headphones often come with a carry-on case to help with durability and storage. You may fold others in a variety of ways, giving you a variety of storage possibilities.
Weight is not as essential for packing as it is in terms of comfort. You’ll be using them for lengthy periods and do not want them to feel too heavy on the head.
Noise Canceling
Noise Cancelling Is An Essential Factor
Nowadays, there are two forms of noise cancellation technologies. There are passive noise-canceling headphones, which separate sound through physical methods. In other terms, headphones create a barrier around the ear to filter out ambient sounds.
It may come with either over-ear or in-ear headsets, with the latter providing the most significant results. Technology is used in active noise-isolation headphones to block out unnecessary noise.
They generate sounds on the other end of the spectrum from the sound you attempt to block out using an audio or a microphone processor. This feature efficiently prevents the steady drone of jet engines, but it is less effective at blocking out unexpected stimuli like a loud speech or a vehicle horn.
It is because the technology requires a brief period to match the spectrum of any entering noise. As a result, if you’re looking to remove exterior noise, we recommend investing in a decent set of passive noise-blocking headphones.
Active noise-canceling headphones are a better option if you’re going to let some background sound in. Thankfully, we have included headphones that can do both.
Over-Ear & In-Ear
Over-Ear Or In-Ear?
Both have advantages and disadvantages, but it boils down to personal preference.
Over-ear headsets are more pleasant, and since your ears are encased in the ear cups, you will have less chance to hear what is surrounding you. They are, however, more significant, more challenging to carry, and most certainly more costly.
For individuals who value adaptability, in-ear headphones, often known as earbuds, are ideal. Whether you are sitting on an airplane or going for a run, they’re perfect.
Because they are lightweight and occupy little room, packing these items is a breeze. On the negative side, some people dislike wearing headphones in the ears.
Wired & Wireless
Wireless Headphones Offer Best Experience
Although these facts are a personal choice, there are several things to consider when purchasing your next pair of headphones.
Comfort
Comfort should be a top consideration for people who have long regular commutes or frequent long-haul trips. When choosing over-ear or in-ear headphones, look for comfortable cushioning that doesn’t get too sweaty or hot.
When purchasing in-ear headsets, ensure they are a good fit and include different-sized buds and flanges to match your ear’s distinctive shape.
Battery Life
Battery Life Does Matter
The battery life of wired headphones is unaffected. While wireless headphones have a limited battery life, many high-end models provide plenty of listening time to get through the day. If you pick wireless headphones, think about how often you will be able to recharge them.
Price
Wireless headphones are usually more costly than those that are connected.
Compatibility
When picking wired headphones, ensure they are compatible with your gadget. The absence of a headphone port on the iPhone 7 and its predecessors is a great example, requiring you to purchase a separate adapter or opt for a cordless one.
Control
Control Buttons Are On Upper Section
Control buttons on wired headphones are generally found on the upper section of the cable, and most users seek them simple to operate. The controls on wireless headphones are usually available on the rear of the earbuds.
These buttons are smaller, making it more difficult for users to use them. However, keep practicing, so once you have used wireless headphones many times, you should be comfortable with the controls.
Convenience
If you are on an aircraft, you will probably not become more than a meter away from your smartphone. However, if you like to dance around your hotel, you probably do not want to do so while holding a phone.
You cannot travel more than six feet away from the device with wired headsets, while many wireless earphones have a wide range of approximately 30 feet.
Interference
Headphones, remember that the farther you are from the phone, the possible interference is. Other Bluetooth devices such as laptops and televisions can degrade sound quality. When you are not using any other device, you may shut the Bluetooth on those; external interference is always possible.
See more:
- Best Wireless Over Ear Headphones For Working Out
- In-ear, On-ear, Over-Ear: What Are The Best Headphones?
- Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safe? Everything You Need to Know
FAQs
You Can Bring Your Wireless And Wired Headphones On The Plane
Here are some frequently asked questions we have collected while researching this field.
1. Is It Possible For noise-canceling Headphones To Cause Hearing Loss?
Noise-Isolation Headphones
Because noise-isolation headphones do not produce low-level waves like cellphones, the danger is negligible. However, loud music listening on any gadget, not only noise-canceling headphones, might be harmful to your hearing.
2. Are noise-canceling Headphones Worth To Buy When Flying?
Yes, They’re Worth Buying
Yes, absolutely. Noise-canceling headphones are well worth the money, especially when traveling by plane. The faint hum of engine noise is nearly eliminated on an aircraft. However, based on your headphones’ quality, louder or transitory noises such as people’s voices and crying babies may still get through.
3. Can You Take Wired Headphones On A Plane?
Yes, You Can
If you’re wondering about carrying your wired headphones with you when flying, the answer is yes.
However, like with any other wireless headphones, you’ll almost certainly have to remove them during landing and takeoff. In some situations, you may require an adaptor, so it is a good idea to buy one before the journey.
Final Thoughts
The Sony WH1000XM3 is one of the best extended battery life that will keep you engrossed for hours. However, the Bose QuietComfort is on a level in performance and build quality, so picking a clear winner between the two is purely a matter of personal preference.
Thank you for reading!
