Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
10 Best Airline Headphones: Top Picks for Comfortable Travels in 2026
When it comes to long flights, having the best airline headphones can make all the difference between a pleasant journey and a frustrating experience. The best best airline headphones are designed not only for exceptional sound quality but also for comfort during extended wear. With numerous options available on Amazon, it can be overwhelming to choose the right pair. This article explores the top 10 airline headphones available in 2026, diving deep into their features, pros, and cons to help you find the perfect fit for your travel needs.
1. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Best For: Superior Noise Cancellation
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are renowned for their industry-leading noise cancellation technology. Designed for travelers, these headphones block out ambient noise, ensuring an immersive listening experience. With a comfortable over-ear design, users can wear them for hours without discomfort. The battery life is an impressive 20 hours, allowing you to enjoy multiple flights on a single charge.
Pros:
- Exceptional noise cancellation
- Comfortable for long durations
- 20-hour battery life
- Integration with voice assistants
Cons:
- Premium price point
- May feel bulky for some users
- NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES: Effortlessly combines noise cancellation technology with passive features so you can shut off the outside world, quiet distractions, and take music beyond the beat
- COMFORTABLE HEADPHONES: Plush over-ear cushions softly hug your ears, while a secure and comfortable padded band gently keeps your studio headphones in place for those extra-long listening sessions
- 2 LISTENING MODES: These wireless Bluetooth headphones feature Quiet and Aware Modes that let you toggle between full noise cancelling or full awareness of your surroundings for seamless sound control
- HIGH-FIDELITY AUDIO/EQ CONTROL: Supercharge your favorite tracks with high-fidelity audio and Adjustable EQ that puts you in control of the bass, mid-range, and treble for unmatched bold sound
- ALL DAY BATTERY LIFE: Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery on a single charge, plus a 15-minute charge via USB-C gives you up to 2.5 hours of additional play time
2. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Industry Leading Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
Best For: Sound Quality and Customization
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are another top contender among the best airline headphones due to their superior sound quality. Their adaptive sound control automatically adjusts noise canceling based on your environment and activity. The headphones come with a 30-hour battery life and offer quick charging capabilities. The touch controls and ability to customize sound profiles through the app make it a traveler’s favorite.
Pros:
- Amazing sound quality
- Adaptive noise cancellation
- Long battery life
- Touch controls
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some users find the touch controls unresponsive
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION: Premium noise canceling with Dual Noise Sensor technology
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (10 min charge for 5 hours of playback) (USB Type-C Cable included)
- TOUCH SENSOR CONTROLS: Pause play skip tracks, control volume, activate your voice assistant, and answer phone calls.
- SPEAK-TO-CHAT: Automatically reduces volume during conversations
- SUPERIOR CALL QUALITY: Precise voice pick up combines five built-in microphones with advanced audio signal for clear calls
3. Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless
Best For: Comfort and Portability
Sennheiser’s PXC 550-II Wireless headphones are designed for travelers seeking comfort. They feature a lightweight design and soft ear pads, making them suitable for long flights. The built-in noise cancellation helps you escape into your music or movies. With a 30-hour battery life, these headphones are perfect for multiple journeys without worrying about charging.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- 30 hours of battery life
- Good noise cancellation
- Portable folding design
Cons:
- Can be pricey
- Sound may lack bass for some users
- Superior sound quality and active noise cancellation -The PXC 550-II Wireless delivers Sennheiser legendary sound quality. Active noise cancellation reduces the ambient noise around you and can be adjusted to your preference
- Exceptional battery performance up to 30 hours - The PXC 550-II Wireless delivers up to 30 hours of battery life. You can travel from London to Hong Kong and back with just one charge
- One touch access to voice assistant -With the touch of a single button you have access to your AI helper -Siri, Hey Google and Alexa
- Touch pad control -A touch pad on the right ear cup provides volume, play, stop, pause and track skipping control. Touching the ear cup allows you to take an incoming call. Controlling this headset is instinctive and easy
4. Apple AirPods Max
Best For: Seamless Apple Ecosystem Integration
The Apple AirPods Max stands out with its premium build quality and deep integration into the Apple ecosystem. It features active noise cancellation and spatial audio for a truly immersive experience. The memory foam ear cushions ensure comfort during long flights. Battery life stands at 20 hours with active noise cancellation turned on.
Pros:
- Build quality and design
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Spatial audio capabilities
- Comfortable ear cushions
Cons:
- Pricey compared to competitors
- Bulky design may not be travel-friendly
- ULTIMATE OVER-EAR LISTENING EXPERIENCE — Apple-designed dynamic driver provides high-fidelity audio. Computational audio combines custom acoustic design with the Apple H1 chip and software for breakthrough listening experiences.
- FIVE FRESH COLORS — AirPods Max come in five fresh colors: Midnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, and Orange. A color-matched Smart Case is also included.
- FOCUS ON WHAT’S PLAYING — Pro-level Active Noise Cancellation removes up to 2x more background noise, so you can immerse yourself in music.*
- HEAR THE WORLD AROUND YOU — Transparency mode lets you comfortably hear and interact with the world around you.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — With sound that suits your unique ear shape along with dynamic head tracking, AirPods Max deliver an immersive listening experience that places sound all around you.* You can also listen to select songs, shows, and movies in Dolby Atmos.
5. Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Best For: Value for Money
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones are a fantastic budget-friendly choice without compromising on quality. They feature hybrid active noise cancellation technology and offer a remarkable 40-hour battery life. The sound performance, while not on par with the premium models, is still excellent for casual listening, making it one of the best best airline headphones for budget-conscious travelers.
Pros:
- Excellent noise cancellation for the price
- Long battery life
- Comfortable fit
- Affordable
Cons:
- Sound quality isn’t as refined as high-end models
- Build quality feels cheaper
- Incredible Sound Loved by 20 Million+ People
- Hi-Res Audio: Custom oversized 40 mm dynamic drivers produce Hi-Res sound. Life Q20 active noise canceling headphones reproduce music with extended high frequencies that reach up to 40 kHz for extraordinary clarity and detail.
- Reduce Ambient Noises By Up to 90%: Our team of engineers conducted more than 100,000 tests in real-life scenarios to fine-tune Life Q20’s 4 built-in ANC microphones and digital active noise cancellation algorithm. As a result, the hybrid active noise cancellation can detect and cancel out a wider range of low and mid-frequency noises such as cars and airplane engines.
- 100% Stronger Bass: Our exclusive BassUp technology conducts real-time analysis of the low frequencies to instantly strengthen the bass output. Double press the play button when listening to bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop for an amplified listening experience.
- 60-Hour Playtime*: Up to 40 hours of non-stop playtime in wireless active noise cancellation mode (at 60% volume) is extended to an enormous 60 hours in standard music mode. A single charge gives you enough juice to listen to over 900 songs or soundtrack multiple long haul flights. And when you’re in a rush, charge Life Q20 active noise canceling headphones for 5 minutes and get 4 hours of listening.
6. Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Best For: Calls and Battery Life
Jabra Elite 85h headphones are designed with travelers who frequently take calls in mind. They provide superior call quality and long battery life, approximately 36 hours with active noise cancellation. This makes them a reliable companion for users juggling both work and entertainment while traveling.
Pros:
- Outstanding call quality
- Long battery life
- Comfortable for prolonged use
- Water-resistant design
Cons:
- Noise cancellation isn’t quite at the top tier
- The app can be buggy at times
- 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.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE HEADPHONES: Up to 36 hours of battery on a single charge (with ANC switched on), and fast charging of 5 battery hours in 15 minutes. Listen from the start of the day to the end with these noise canceling headphones.
- UNMATCHED CALL QUALITY: The advanced technology uses 6 of the 8 built-in microphones to enhance call quality and block out background and wind noise. This enables crystal clear sound, so you can make and receive calls in total confidence.
- WATER RESISTANT: No matter the elements, you’re prepared to go anywhere with certified water and rain resistant headphone technology and nano-coating of the internal components. Plus, there are no pesky wires in these Bluetooth wireless headphones
7. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 3rd Gen
Best For: Luxurious Sound Experience
If you’re looking for a luxury option, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 3rd Gen is an excellent choice. They are known for their high-end sound quality and elegant design. With wireless connectivity and up to 25 hours of battery life, these headphones provide both style and substance during your travels.
Pros:
- Premium sound quality
- Luxurious design
- Comfortable
- Good active noise cancellation
Cons:
- High price tag
- Battery life could be better
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY. With up to 38 hours of playtime on a single charge with ANC, Beoplay H95 push the boundaries to give you more time to enjoy your music.
- NOISE CANCELLED. Beoplay H95 offer exceptional sound quality through customised titanium drivers and our most advanced Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation yet.
- POWERFUL SOUND. Two 40mm titanium drivers with neodymium magnets have been carefully selected and customised for Beoplay H95 to improve sound precision and increase the low frequency response.
- CLEAR CONVERSATION. Multiple built-in mics allow for clear chats with friends, family or colleagues.
- LUXURIOUS DESGIN. Crafted with high end materials including titanium, lambskin leather and memory foam, our extremely comfortable over-ear headphones are enhanced by an elegant, foldable design.
8. Taotronics SoundSurge 60
Best For: Budget Travelers
The Taotronics SoundSurge 60 headphones offer an excellent combination of affordability and performance. With hybrid active noise cancellation and up to 30 hours of battery life, these headphones are suitable for travelers who need a reliable option without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Decent sound quality
- Comfortable ear padding
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Build quality feels less durable
- Noise cancellation is average
- Nice Compatible: Compatible with TaoTronics TT-BH060 SoundSurge 60 / TT-BH085 SoundSurge 85 / TT-BH090 SoundSurge 90 Headphones. ( Please note: Not compatible with TT-BH036 / TT-BH047 and TaoTronics other series Headset )
- DIY Install Step: Because our earpads without the plastic buckle. So you need to remove the old ear pads, and then put the plastic buckle inside the old ear pads into the new ear pads, then you can install it
- Please note that if the plastic snaps in your old earpads are not retained, please do not purchase this link
- Unmatched Comfort : Professional-grade fabric and memory foam is designed for long-term, crack-free durability. These high quality replacement pads are specifically designed for long-term comfort so you can enjoy long gaming sessions with your headphones pain free
- Noise Reduction: It can reduce the noise coming from outside, and to enhance the fidelity of your audio by cushioning the vibrations between your ear and the headset, providing more vibrant sounds
9. Plantronics BackBeat Go 810
Best For: On-the-Go Convenience
The Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 headphones are designed to be lightweight and portable, making them perfect for travelers. With active noise cancellation and a comfortable design, these headphones score well in sound quality. The battery life is impressive at 28 hours, ensuring you remain entertained throughout long flights.
Pros:
- Lightweight and foldable design
- Good battery life
- Decent sound and noise cancellation
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not as comfortable for very long sessions
- Can leak sound at high volumes
- Plantronics signature audio: Over ear headphones equipped with 40 millimeter drivers that deliver rich, detailed audio so you can enjoy every note.
- Noise canceling headphones: Accessible through the backbeat fit app, dual-mode active noise canceling provides clear audio in high- and low-noise environments.
- Long lasting battery: Bluetooth headphones have upto 22 hours of wireless listening with anc and upto 28 hours of wireless listening without anc.
- Eq presets: Customize the sound of your music with balanced and bright eq presets, available through the plantronics backbeat app.
- Comfortable design: Slim, over ear headphones feature memory foam for long-lasting comfort.
10. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
Best For: Compact and Versatility
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro are truly wireless earphones that provide a good balance of functionality and sound quality. With active noise cancellation and a sleek design, these earbuds fit perfectly in your ears, making them great for travel. The battery life stands at about 18 hours with the charging case, making them a viable option for short-haul flights.
Pros:
- Compact and travel-friendly
- Good sound quality
- Decent battery life
- Sweat and water-resistant
Cons:
- May not provide adequate noise cancellation for everyone
- Limited to Samsung’s ecosystem features
- REDESIGNED WITH THE BEST SOUND IN MIND: Keep your Galaxy Buds3 Pro in with a design that delivers long-lasting comfort for an immersive listening experience
- A SLEEK DESIGN MADE TO SHINE: Let your sound shine as much as you do with Buds3 Pro that light up¹
- AUDIO THAT ADAPTS TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS: Immerse yourself while staying alert to your surroundings thanks to Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation with Galaxy AI²; Your Buds will automatically adapt to help you hear what matters²
- AUDIO TAILORED TO BEST FIT YOU: Immerse yourself in the best listening experience, no matter how you wear your Galaxy Buds3 Pro; An Adaptive Equalizer for Sound Optimization with Galaxy AI allows you to get the most out of your audio²
- EXCLUSIVE 2-YEAR WARRANTY: Includes a 2-year limited Samsung warranty (Amazon exclusive)⁵
This list comprises some of the best best airline headphones available on Amazon in 2026. With options ranging from budget to luxury, there’s something for every traveler looking to elevate their flying experience.
Buying Guide: Best Airline Headphones
Traveling can be a hassle, but the right pair of headphones can make your experience much more enjoyable. Whether you’re watching a movie, listening to music, or trying to drown out the sounds of the cabin, having a good pair of airline headphones is essential. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best airline headphones for your next journey.
1. Types of Headphones
a. Over-Ear Headphones
- Pros: Excellent sound quality, comfortable for long wear, great passive noise isolation.
- Cons: Bulkier, might not fit well in smaller bags.
b. On-Ear Headphones
- Pros: Lighter and more portable than over-ear models, usually provide decent sound quality.
- Cons: Can become uncomfortable after prolonged use, less effective at blocking noise.
c. In-Ear Headphones (Earbuds)
- Pros: Highly portable, lightweight, and often come with noise-isolating features.
- Cons: Sound quality may vary, and prolonged use can cause ear fatigue.
d. Wireless vs. Wired
- Wireless Headphones: Great for freedom of movement; check battery life.
- Wired Headphones: Reliable connection; don’t need to worry about battery drain.
2. Sound Quality
- Look for headphones that deliver rich bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. Consider models that support high-definition audio codecs like aptX and LDAC if you go for wireless options.
- Reviews and expert recommendations can help gauge sound performance.
3. Noise Cancellation
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Filters out ambient noise through technology. Ideal for flights! Look for headphones with adjustable ANC settings for greater control.
- Passive Noise Isolation: Provides a physical barrier to noise, often achieved through earcups design or ear tips in earbuds.
4. Comfort and Fit
- Look for padded ear cups or foam ear tips that conform to your ears. Adjustable headbands and lightweight designs enhance comfort during long flights.
- Consider trying the headphones on if possible to check for comfort during extended use.
5. Battery Life
- Ensure that the headphones have adequate battery life, especially for long flights. Aim for a minimum of 20-30 hours of playback on a single charge.
- Check if they offer quick charging features.
6. Portability
- Foldable designs are great for travel as they save space in your luggage.
- Include a carrying case for added protection and organization.
7. Microphone and Controls
- If you plan to take calls or use voice assistants, look for models with a built-in microphone. Ensure that these features maintain clarity.
- Look for intuitive controls for volume adjustment, playback, and call functions.
8. Durability and Warranty
- Opt for materials that can withstand the rigors of travel. Headphones with a solid build quality are more likely to last.
- Check the warranty terms; good brands often provide a longer warranty period.
9. Price Range
- Determine your budget. While premium headphones can provide top-notch quality, there are excellent options available at lower prices.
- Look for sales or bundles, especially during peak travel seasons.
10. Additional Features
- Voice Assistant Compatibility: Some headphones work seamlessly with Siri, Google Assistant, or other voice assistants.
- App Integration: Some brands offer companion apps for customizing sound settings and firmware updates.
- Integrated Travel Features: Look for headphones that come with airplane adapters for the entertainment systems.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect airline headphones involves balancing comfort, sound quality, durability, and price. Make sure to read reviews, consider your travel habits, and prioritize features that matter most to you. With the right headphones, you can transform your travel experience into one of relaxation and enjoyment. Happy travels!
