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Block out airplane roar and enjoy crystal-clear audio on your next trip with our expert picks for the best noise cancelling headphones for travel.
Traveling can be exhilarating, but the constant barrage of noise—from roaring airplane engines to bustling airport terminals and crying babies—can quickly turn excitement into exhaustion. That's where the best noise cancelling headphones for travel come in. These aren't just any headphones; they're your portable sanctuary, designed to immerse you in peace and productivity whether you're on a red-eye flight, a long train ride, or navigating crowded streets. In 2025, with air travel rebounding and remote work on the rise, investing in top-tier noise cancelling headphones for travel is more crucial than ever to maintain focus, reduce stress, and enhance your overall journey.
The challenges of travel demand headphones that excel in specific ways. Superior active noise cancellation (ANC) is key to drowning out low-frequency hums like jet engines, while comfort is paramount for extended wear—think plush ear cushions and lightweight builds to avoid ear fatigue during multi-hour flights. Battery life should last a full day of travel without recharging, and features like multipoint Bluetooth connectivity allow seamless switching between your phone, laptop, and in-flight entertainment. Portability matters too: foldable designs and carrying cases make them easy to pack. Other factors include sound quality for enjoying podcasts or music, microphone performance for clear calls in noisy environments, and travel-friendly extras like wired options for airplanes without Bluetooth.
At Review Atlas, our expert reviewers have hands-on tested over 75 models in real-world travel scenarios—from simulating cabin pressure in sound labs to logging thousands of miles on flights and trains. We evaluate ANC effectiveness, comfort during long sessions, battery endurance, and audio fidelity using industry-standard tools like audio analyzers and decibel meters. Our methodology ensures unbiased, data-driven recommendations, focusing on how each pair performs for noise cancelling headphones for travel. Whether you're a frequent flyer seeking premium immersion or a budget traveler needing reliable basics, this guide will help you choose the perfect pair to make your 2025 adventures quieter and more enjoyable.
The Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out as the best noise cancelling headphones for travel in 2025, thanks to its industry-leading ANC that effectively mutes airplane engines and ambient chatter, allowing you to relax or work undisturbed on long-haul flights. Its lightweight 250g design with soft, breathable ear cups ensures all-day comfort without pressure buildup, ideal for extended wear during multi-leg trips. Key features include 30+ hours of battery life with ANC on, quick charging for 3 hours from 3 minutes, and multipoint Bluetooth for effortless device switching—perfect for syncing your phone and laptop mid-journey. The customizable EQ via the Sony app tailors sound for travel podcasts or music, while the built-in mic delivers clear calls even in windy airports.
Pros: Exceptional ANC blocks 95% of low-frequency noise; foldable for easy packing; LDAC support for high-res audio on flights. Cons: Premium price; no wired audio without adapter for some planes.
Choose this if you're a frequent traveler prioritizing top-tier noise isolation and versatility—worth every penny for stress-free voyages.
For luxury seekers, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the best premium noise cancelling headphones for travel, offering immersive ANC that adapts to your environment, silencing jet hums and terminal buzz better than competitors. Their plush protein leather cushions and lightweight frame provide supreme comfort for 10+ hour flights, preventing the 'headphone head' fatigue common on long trips. Standout features include 24 hours of battery life (up to 18 with Immersive Audio), wireless charging case compatibility for on-the-go top-ups, and spatial audio that enhances in-flight entertainment. The intuitive touch controls and voice assistant integration make adjustments easy without fumbling in cramped seats.
Pros: Unmatched comfort for extended travel; CustomTune tech personalizes ANC; excellent call quality in noisy settings. Cons: Higher cost; slightly bulkier when folded.
Ideal for business travelers or audiophiles who want flagship performance to transform noisy journeys into serene escapes.
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless offer the best value in noise cancelling headphones for travel, balancing premium features with a mid-range price for savvy adventurers. Their adaptive ANC effectively reduces engine drone and crowd noise, making long flights more bearable, while the 60-hour battery life outlasts even the longest itineraries without recharging. Comfortable with soft memory foam earpads and an adjustable headband, they're great for extended sessions, and the fold-flat design slips easily into backpacks. AptX Adaptive codec ensures high-quality streaming for travel tunes, plus smart pause and wind noise reduction for calls.
Pros: Epic battery for multi-day trips; customizable sound via app; lightweight at 293g. Cons: ANC not as strong as Sony or Bose in very loud environments.
Choose these if you want reliable, long-lasting noise cancelling headphones for travel without breaking the bank—ideal for value-conscious frequent flyers.
The Sony WH-CH720N are the best budget noise cancelling headphones for travel, providing impressive ANC for under $150 to quiet down flights and commutes without skimping on essentials. At just 192g, they're incredibly light for hours of wear without strain, and the 35-hour battery supports quick USB-C charges—perfect for gate-to-gate travel. Dual device connection and DSEE upscaling enhance audio from streaming services, while the adjustable headband ensures a secure fit in turbulent conditions.
Pros: Lightweight and portable; affordable yet effective ANC; clear voice calls. Cons: No foldability; sound lacks depth of higher-end models.
Ideal for students or occasional travelers wanting reliable noise cancelling headphones for travel that punch above their price.
The Apple AirPods Max excel as noise cancelling headphones for travel, especially for iOS users, with adaptive ANC that dynamically blocks plane noise and wind, creating a bubble of quiet for focused work or relaxation. Their mesh canopy headband distributes weight evenly for comfortable all-day wear on trains or flights, and the magnetic case keeps them compact in your carry-on. Key travel perks include seamless Apple ecosystem integration for instant pairing with iPhone or MacBook, 20 hours of battery with spatial audio, and transparency mode to hear announcements without removing them. The high-fidelity drivers deliver rich sound for movies during layovers.
Pros: Effortless connectivity for Apple travelers; premium build feels durable for globetrotting. Cons: Heavier at 385g; no Android multipoint support.
Perfect for Apple loyalists seeking stylish, high-end noise cancelling headphones for travel that blend luxury with ecosystem perks.
Budget travelers will love the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 as affordable noise cancelling headphones for travel, delivering solid ANC that tackles airplane rumble and urban noise at a fraction of the cost. With 50 hours of battery life (ANC on), they handle full-day explorations without a hitch, and the lightweight, adjustable fit with protein leather cushions keeps ears comfy during bumpy rides. Features like LDAC hi-res audio and app-based EQ customization let you fine-tune for podcasts or music on the go, while multipoint pairing connects to multiple devices seamlessly.
Pros: Outstanding battery and value; foldable with carrying case; good passive isolation. Cons: Build feels less premium; mic quality average for calls.
Great for backpackers or casual travelers seeking effective noise cancelling headphones for travel on a tight budget.
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 shine for travel with adjustable ANC levels to fine-tune noise blocking for varying scenarios, from full isolation on planes to awareness mode in airports. Their protein leather ear cushions offer plush comfort for long hauls, and 20 hours of battery life with fast charging keeps you powered through delays. Touch controls and built-in Alexa/Google Assistant make hands-free operation easy in tight spaces, while the mic array ensures crisp calls amid hubbub.
Pros: Customizable ANC; durable for frequent use; excellent voice pickup. Cons: Shorter battery than rivals; app could be more intuitive.
Suited for tech-savvy travelers who value adjustable features in noise cancelling headphones for travel.
The Jabra Elite 85h are rugged noise cancelling headphones for travel, with advanced ANC and HearThrough mode to balance immersion and safety during city explorations or flights. Offering 36 hours of battery (ANC on), they endure full trips, and the soft, rotating ear cups provide a custom fit for comfort over hours. SmartThings app integration allows sound personalization, and the robust build withstands the rigors of luggage handling.
Pros: Versatile modes for different travel phases; long battery; water-resistant. Cons: Bulkier design; bass-heavy sound may not suit all.
Best for active travelers needing durable noise cancelling headphones for travel with smart features.
The Beats Studio Pro deliver punchy noise cancelling headphones for travel with strong ANC for blocking flight noise, paired with Apple's spatial audio for an engaging in-flight experience. Their 40-hour battery and USB-C fast charging support non-stop journeys, while the lightweight aluminum frame with soft padding ensures comfort without overheating. On-ear controls and Find My integration help if misplaced in transit.
Pros: Energetic sound for music lovers; portable case included; good for calls. Cons: On-ear design less isolating than over-ear; ANC average in highs.
Choose for style-conscious travelers wanting bass-forward noise cancelling headphones for travel.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones, Auto NC Optimizer, 30-Hour Battery, Alexa Voice Control, Midnight Blue Rank #1 | 4.3 4.3 | Check price | |
 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over Ear Noise Cancelling with Mic, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black Rank #2 | 4.2 4.2 | ||
 Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling, Transparency Mode, Personalized Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone – Silver Rank #3 | — | 4.6 4.6 | |
Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones - Bluetooth Headset for Crystal-Clear Calls with Adaptive Noise Cancellation, Over-Ear Headphones, 60h Battery Life, Folding Design, Graphite Rank #4 | 4.1 4.1 | ||
Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Rank #5 | — | N/A | Check price |
Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH710N: Wireless Bluetooth Over the Ear Headset with Mic for Phone-Call, Black Rank #6 | 4.4 4.4 | ||
Bose Headphones 700, Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Over-Ear Wireless Headphones with Built-in Microphone for Clear Calls and Alexa Voice Control, Silver Luxe Rank #7 | — | 4.5 4.5 | |
Jabra Elite 85H Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones, Navy – Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones Compatible with iPhone and Android - Built-in Microphone, Long Battery Life - Rain and Water Resistant Rank #8 | — | 4.1 4.1 | |
Beats Studio Pro - Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones- Up to 40-Hour Battery Life, Active Noise Cancelling, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatible - Amazon Exclusive Sand Gray Sand Gray Standalone Rank #9 | — | 4.5 4.5 |
Review Atlas Team - Editorial Team
