Best Noise-Canceling Headphones For Travel

Travel can be stressful, but with the right headphones, it can transform into a soothing experience. Active noise-canceling (ANC) headphones help eliminate background noise, allowing you to fully engage with your audio content, making every trip memorable.
The best noise-canceling headphones for travel prioritize comfort, excellent sound quality, and effective ANC, successfully blocking out engine noise and nearby conversations.
1. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
Sony’s WH-1000XM4 Wireless noise-canceling headphones are among the best choices overall. Though they don’t deliver the most neutral sound initially and have a shorter battery life compared to other models, their remarkable comfort and robust companion app compensates for this, offering numerous customization options and advanced audio features like DSEE Extreme to recover details from lower-quality music files.
These headphones can connect to two devices at once and allow easy switching between passive and active noise cancellation modes. A 3.5mm cable is included for connecting to non-Bluetooth devices or in-flight entertainment that lacks Bluetooth. Gamers might lean toward the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless for their dedicated ANC capabilities and superior audio quality, especially for low-latency performance.
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless
Bose’s QC Ultra headphones offer exceptional noise cancellation technology. They are extremely comfortable and fold down into a compact case, making them an ideal choice for long-distance travel, whether by plane or car. In addition, these Bluetooth headphones include high-performance aptX Adaptive codec and the new Qualcomm LC3 audio format (available soon).
These headphones are equipped with 10 microphones: four around each ear cup and three internal feed-forward microphones for voice capture. They support Google Fast Pair and multipoint pairing and come with an optional audio cable for wired listening.
Bose headphones feature immersive 3D audio technology, providing a broad and engaging audio-visual experience suitable for both music and video. Their sound quality is outstanding, delivering balanced and warm tones that are enjoyable for extended listening sessions.
3. Bowers & Wilkins ATH-ANC500
Noise-canceling headphones are invaluable for long-distance travel, effectively blocking out airport and train noise while allowing you to enjoy music and audiobooks concurrently!
If you’re often traveling and looking for headphones that provide effective noise cancellation, consider the Bowers & Wilkins ATH-ANC500 over-ear headphones. They are stylish, comfortable, and feature-rich.
These headphones come with a 3.5mm audio cable and a transparency mode to ensure you can hear crucial flight announcements.
For those on a tight budget, Sennheiser’s 2024-issued Accentums or Momentum 4 Wireless models may also be worth considering. Both offer excellent noise cancellation and premium sound quality at a more affordable price.
4. Sony WH-CH720N
Sony provides premium audio quality and noise cancellation at an accessible price with the WH-CH720N over-ear headphones, without sacrificing essential features like comfort or battery life. Although the noise cancellation doesn’t block out lower frequency sounds as effectively as pricier models, the transparency mode allows for more natural awareness of your surroundings.
At just 192g, these wireless headphones are among the lightest we’ve tested. Their exterior may not feel as premium as the 1000XM4 or WH-XB910N models, but they remain comfortable for extended wear, and physical buttons rather than touch controls help prevent unintentional volume adjustments or song skips. However, they do lack Adaptive Sound Control.
5. Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless headphones are an affordable option for travelers looking for reliable noise cancellation in over-ear headphones, delivering solid audio quality and features without a hefty price. Although they may not match the sound quality and features of more expensive models, they are comfortable for prolonged use and come with a carrying pouch for protection during travel.
These headphones effectively filter low-frequency engine noise, making them ideal for airplane use. However, they may fall short in reducing wind noise or incidental sounds like chatty neighbors.
The controls are user-friendly, featuring a play/pause button alongside volume controls, with a double-tap activating bass boost (which may be bothersome for some). Holding down the play button activates your phone’s virtual assistant, and there is also support for wired listening through an Anker TRS cable, with up to 40 hours of playback per charge, although this can vary with the use of ANC features.
6. Sony WH-1000XM5
Audiophiles will appreciate the WH-1000XM5 headphones. Offering superior noise cancellation, a more adaptable build, and an upgraded microphone compared to previous models, they effectively block out external sounds, such as bus engines and passenger conversations. They are comfortable for long periods, allowing for an uninterrupted listening experience.
The WH-1000XM5 headphones boast impressive battery life, supporting up to 30 hours of music playback. They are lightweight and can fold flat for easy storage in any bag or carry-on, making them convenient for travel.
Additionally, they include an accelerometer that automatically pauses playback when removed and resumes when worn again, preventing unintended interruptions while traveling. The ergonomic ear cups are designed to fit comfortably around the ears, even for wearers with thick hair or glasses, providing added comfort during long journeys.