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10 Best Airline Headphones for Comfort and Sound Quality in 2026
Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, but the noise associated with flying can make it stressful. The best airline headphones can enhance your journey by providing a peaceful listening experience. In 2026, we’ve curated a list of the best best airline headphones available on Amazon to help you find the perfect pair for your next adventure. Below, you will find an in-depth review of each product, complete with features, pros, and cons.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
- 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
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is widely regarded as one of the best airline headphones on the market. These over-ear headphones excel in both comfort and sound quality. With advanced noise cancellation technology, they can drown out ambient noise, making them ideal for flights. Additionally, they can adapt to your environment, providing a personalized listening experience. The long battery life—up to 30 hours—and quick charging feature ensure you won’t run out of juice during your journey.
Best for:
Noise cancellation and sound quality.
Product Review:
The Sony WH-1000XM4’s Adaptive Sound Control feature intelligently adjusts the noise-cancellation based on your activity. Their touch sensors allow for easy volume control and track switching. These headphones also come equipped with a speak-to-chat feature that automatically pauses your music when you start talking, adding convenience during travels.
Pros:
- Exceptional noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit for long journeys
- Great battery life
- Customized sound profiles
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- Touch controls may be sensitive for some users
Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
- Noise-rejecting dual-microphone system for clear phone calls and voice access to your phone's default virtual assistant, like Siri
- Industry-leading wireless headphones let you adjust the level of noise cancellation to suit your environment
- Volume-optimized EQ makes your music always sounds its best, whether you turn it up on an airplane, or turn it down while at the office
- Bluetooth and NFC pairing with voice prompts for hassle-free wireless connections
Bose has been a leader in sound technologies for years, and the QuietComfort 35 II continues that legacy. These headphones provide outstanding noise-canceling capabilities, which makes them an excellent choice for air travel.
Best for:
Comfort and noise cancellation.
Product Review:
With a sleek design, the QC 35 II is both stylish and functional. The headphones are renowned for their plush ear cushions, making them incredibly comfortable for long wear. They offer a battery life of around 20 hours, which is sufficient for most long-haul flights.
Pros:
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Superior comfort level
- Reliable Bluetooth connectivity
- Voice assistant integration
Cons:
- Bulkier compared to some competitors
- Slightly lower sound quality compared to Sony headphones
Apple AirPods Max
- 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.
Apple’s AirPods Max are engineered for high-fidelity audio and come with a hefty price tag. However, they are well-regarded as one of the best airline headphones due to their high-quality build and exceptional sound.
Best for:
Sound quality and build.
Product Review:
The AirPods Max features a unique design, combining stainless steel and aluminum, making them a premium product. They feature active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and a transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings when you need to.
Pros:
- Unmatched sound quality
- Premium materials
- Long battery life
- Advanced noise technology
Cons:
- High price point
- Heavier than other options
Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless Headphones
- Immersive HD stereo sound: Engineered with precision, a built-in 5 Band EQ, customizable sound modes for a personalized listening experience, and hybrid ANC for noise-free audio
- Hybrid ANC: Whether at work, at the gym, or outdoors, you can immerse yourself in your music with Active Noise Cancellation or stay aware of your surroundings thanks to the Transparency Mode
- Get the best possible sound: Connect your ACCENTUM headphones and laptop with the Bluetooth dongle and experience the finest high-definition music your wireless Bluetooth headphones can offer
- Plug it in, pair it, and forget it: Connect your desktop or laptop computer to your Bluetooth headphones with this easy-to-use USB-A/USB-C Dongle - Compatible with both PC and Mac
- Use the controls on your headphones: The controls for calls and music on your headphones will still work. Use them for media and calls
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II offers an impressive combination of sound quality, battery life, and comfort, making them a top choice for travelers.
Best for:
Sound customization.
Product Review:
These headphones deliver detailed sound quality and offer an intuitive touchpad for controlling music. With up to 30 hours of battery life and customizable noise cancellation, they’re perfect for tailoring your experience on long flights.
Pros:
- Customizable sound profiles
- Impressive noise cancellation
- Comfortable for long usage
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Touch controls may not be for everyone
- Clunky design compared to competitors
Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
- 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
The Jabra Elite 85h combines style with practicality, making them an ideal choice for travelers seeking the best airline headphones without breaking the bank.
Best for:
Value and versatility.
Product Review:
These headphones feature Smart Active Noise Cancellation, which adjusts to your surroundings. The battery life is impressive, lasting up to 36 hours with noise cancellation on. Additionally, they have voice assistant compatibility and a durable design.
Pros:
- Excellent battery life
- Affordable in comparison to competitors
- Comfortable for extended wear
- Smart ANC technology
Cons:
- Sound profile may not satisfy audiophiles
- Bulky design for some users
Anker Soundcore Life Q30
- Advanced Noise Cancellation Technology: Maintain your focus with Life Q30’s hybrid active noise cancellation. Dual noise-detecting microphones pick up and filter out up to 95% of low-frequency ambient sound to ensure nothing distracts you from your music.
- Ultimate Noise Cancellation Experience: Customize Life Q30’s noise cancellation with 3 modes—Transport minimizes airplane engine noise, Outdoor reduces traffic and wind, and Indoor dampens the sound of busy offices with people talking in the background. Note: ANC is not compatible with an AUX Cable connection.
- Hi-Res Music: Hear every detail of your favorite songs thanks to Life Q30’s 40mm drivers. The highly-flexible silk diaphragms reproduce thumping bass and crisp treble that extends up to 40kHz for improved clarity.
- 50-Hour Playtime: Life Q30 active noise cancelling headphones play up to 50 hours of music in noise cancelling mode. Standard mode extends the playtime to 70 hours, while a short 5-minute charge gives you 4 hours of listening.
- Pressure-Free Comfort: Life Q30 active noise cancelling headphones have ultra-soft protein leather earcups with memory foam padding to fit snugly over your ears. The lightweight build also ensures they’re comfortable for long listening sessions.
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 offers affordable yet effective noise cancellation, proving that you do not need to spend a fortune for quality travel headphones.
Best for:
Budget-conscious travelers.
Product Review:
These headphones deliver impressive sound quality with a comfortable design. They come with multiple noise cancellation modes tailored for different environments. The battery life extends to an outstanding 40 hours, making them advantageous for frequent flyers.
Pros:
- Excellent battery life
- Effective noise cancellation for the price
- Comfortable fit
- Several listening modes
Cons:
- Bass may be overpowering for some
- Build quality isn’t as premium as others
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
- 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
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 come packed with features, providing the best airline headphone experience for those who prioritize advanced tech.
Best for:
Tech-savvy users.
Product Review:
These headphones offer an adjustable noise-canceling experience with 11 levels of control. They also feature excellent voice pickup quality for calls, making them versatile for travel and business. Battery life is around 20 hours with a quick-charge feature.
Pros:
- Adjustable noise cancellation levels
- Excellent call quality
- Comfortable ear cushions
- Modern design
Cons:
- Premium price
- May not be as compact as others
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9
- 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.
For travelers looking for luxury, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 offers a premium listening experience with exquisite design and sound.
Best for:
Luxury and aesthetics.
Product Review:
Crafted from quality materials, these headphones provide high-end sound and exceptional comfort. They include touch controls, a long battery life of 25 hours, and active noise cancellation, making them perfect for the discerning traveler.
Pros:
- Luxurious design
- Premium sound quality
- Comfortable for extended wear
- Strong battery life
Cons:
- High price point
- Bulky design may not be for everyone
JBL Club One
- Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient: Adaptive Noise Cancelling means zero distractions whether you’re studying or getting lost in the music. If you want to hear the world around you, activate Ambient Aware and TalkThru in the JBL Headphones app.
- Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio: Wirelessly stream high-quality JBL Pure Bass Sound. In the JBL Headphones app select Audio mode for the best sound quality or Video Mode to ensure the sound and visuals of your movie/game are in sync. Available via OTA update
- JBL Pure Bass Sound: JBL Tune 770NC headphones feature renowned JBL Pure Bass sound—the same that powers the most famous music venues all around the world.
- Customize your listening experience: Download the free JBL Headphones App to tailor the sound to your taste by choosing one of the pre-set EQ modes or adjusting the EQ curve according to your content, your style, your taste.
- Hands-free calls with VoiceAware: Easily control your sound and manage your calls from your headphones with the convenient buttons on the ear-cup. Hear your voice while you're talking, with the help of VoiceAware.
The JBL Club One headphones offer a robust sound signature and versatile features, catering to those who enjoy high-quality audio experiences.
Best for:
Audio enthusiasts.
Product Review:
Equipped with adaptive noise cancellation, these headphones also provide a rich audio experience thanks to their powerful drivers. The design is comfortable, making them perfect for long flights, with a battery life of 30 hours.
Pros:
- Great sound quality
- Adaptive ANC
- Comfortable fit
- Long-lasting battery
Cons:
- Heavier than competitors
- Controls may take some time to get used to
With these options in mind, you’re now well-equipped to choose the best airline headphones for your next journey. Whether you prioritize noise cancellation, sound quality, or budget, there’s something for everyone in this guide.
Buying Guide: Best Airline Headphones
Traveling by air can be an exhilarating experience, but the noise and discomfort of flying can quickly dampen the joy. One of the best ways to enhance your flying experience is by investing in a good pair of headphones. This guide will help you choose the best airline headphones based on various criteria.
Key Features to Consider
1. Noise-Cancellation Technology
- Active Noise Cancelling (ANC): Blocks out ambient noise and is ideal for flights.
- Passive Noise Isolation: Involves earcup design that naturally reduces external noise.
2. Comfort and Fit
- Ear Cushion Material: Look for soft materials like memory foam for long-lasting comfort.
- Weight: Lightweight headphones reduce fatigue during long flights.
- Adjustability: Headbands that can be adjusted to fit various head sizes.
3. Sound Quality
- Balanced Audio: Look for headphones that offer clarity across bass, mid, and treble frequencies.
- Frequency Range: A broad frequency range (20 Hz to 20 kHz) typically indicates better sound quality.
4. Battery Life
- Cordless Convenience: Wireless headphones should have a long battery life (15-30 hours for ANC models).
- Quick Charge: Some models offer quick charging for short layovers.
5. Portability
- Foldable Design: Consider headphones that can be easily folded or stowed in a carry-on.
- Carrying Case: A protective case helps prevent damage when traveling.
6. Connectivity
- Wired vs. Wireless: Wireless headphones are convenient, but wired ones may be required if your in-flight entertainment system doesn’t support Bluetooth.
- Multi-Device Pairing: Some models can connect to multiple devices, allowing seamless switching.
7. Additional Features
- Microphone Quality: If you plan to take calls or use voice assistants, good mic quality is beneficial.
- Smart Features: Some headphones offer touch controls, voice assistant integration, and customizable sound profiles.
Recommendations by Category
Best Overall
- Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
- Pros: Excellent noise cancellation, outstanding sound quality, 20+ hours battery life.
- Cons: Higher price point.
Best Budget
- Anker Soundcore Life Q20
- Pros: Great noise cancellation, impressive sound quality, very affordable.
- Cons: Slightly bulkier than premium models.
Best Wireless
- Sony WH-1000XM5
- Pros: Superior ANC, customizable sound, multi-device pairing.
- Cons: Premium pricing, may be heavy for some users.
Best Comfort
- Sennheiser PXC 550-II
- Pros: Exceptional comfort and battery life, strong ANC performance.
- Cons: Slightly dated design.
Best Lightweight
- Apple AirPods Max
- Pros: Outstanding sound quality, effective ANC, seamless Apple connectivity.
- Cons: Expensive, heavier than most options.
Tips for Choosing the Right Headphones
- Try Before You Buy: If possible, test headphones in-store for comfort and sound quality.
- Read Reviews: Look for user reviews and expert opinions to gauge real-world performance.
- Check the Warranty: A good warranty can save you in case of defects or issues over time.
Conclusion
Investing in a high-quality pair of airline headphones can significantly enhance your travel experience. Focus on the features that suit your travel habits and preferences, and don’t hesitate to explore multiple options to find the perfect fit for you. Safe travels!
