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10 Best Airplane Headphones: Top Picks for 2026 Travel Comfort
When it comes to traveling by air, comfort and entertainment become essential components of the overall experience. One of the best ways to enhance your journey is by investing in high-quality airplane headphones. In 2026, the market is brimming with innovative features, top-notch sound quality, and ergonomic designs tailored for airplane travel. Finding the best airplane headphones can significantly improve your in-flight experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in music, movies, or podcasts without disturbing ambient noise.
1. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Features
Bose is a trusted name in audio technology, and the QuietComfort 35 II is no exception. These over-ear headphones come equipped with exceptional noise-canceling capabilities and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless pairing with devices. With a battery life of up to 20 hours on a single charge, you can easily listen to your favorite content through long flights.
Best For
Passengers seeking superior comfort without sacrificing sound quality.
Product Review
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II is celebrated for its plush ear cushions and lightweight design, making them perfect for extended wear during long flights. The headphones also feature built-in Google Assistant, providing an intuitive hands-free experience. Users report an immersive listening experience with the ability to customize the level of noise cancellation.
Pros
- Outstanding noise-canceling performance
- Comfortable fit for extended periods
- Impressive battery life
- Seamless Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- A bit pricey compared to competitors
- May require updates for optimal performance
No products found.
2. Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Features
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are designed for ultimate comfort and audio excellence. They feature Adaptive Sound Control, which automatically adjusts noise cancellation based on your activity—ideal for travelers. With up to 30 hours of battery life, they also support quick charging, giving you up to 5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge.
Best For
Audiophiles looking for top-of-the-line sound quality during flights.
Product Review
Sony has taken noise cancellation to new heights with the WH-1000XM4. The sound quality is exceptional, with rich bass and crisp highs, making your favorite tracks come to life. The touch-sensitive controls and voice assistant compatibility further enhance the user experience, allowing for convenient management of calls and media.
Pros
- Superior noise cancellation technology
- Superior sound quality
- Long battery life with quick charging
- Comfortable design suitable for long flights
Cons
- Can be expensive for budget seekers
- Touch controls may be sensitive
No products found.
3. Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Features
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II headphones offer excellent noise cancellation and superior audio quality. They feature a unique touchpad control system, and their lightweight design makes them a favorite among travelers. With a 30-hour battery life, these headphones are built for long journeys.
Best For
Travelers wanting a perfect balance between sound performance and comfort.
Product Review
The PXC 550-II produces a balanced sound profile, allowing various musical styles to shine through. The headphones fold flat for convenient storage in your carry-on. Users appreciate the customizable noise cancellation levels and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable design for long flights
- Customizable noise-canceling features
- Versatile connectivity options
Cons
- Touch controls may require a learning curve
- Some may find the bass insufficient for certain genres
No products found.
4. Apple AirPods Max
Features
The Apple AirPods Max offer high-fidelity audio with spatial audio capabilities, providing a cinematic listening experience. These over-ear headphones employ active noise cancellation and transparency mode, enabling you to either immerse yourself in your audio or stay aware of your surroundings.
Best For
Apple ecosystem users seeking premium sound and features.
Product Review
AirPods Max delivers a remarkable soundstage with excellent clarity and dynamic range. Users love the breathable knit mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions for comfort. Integration with Siri allows users to manage playback effortlessly.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Luxurious comfort
- Active noise cancellation and transparency mode
- Seamless Apple device integration
Cons
- Heavier than many alternatives
- Premium price tag
−$49.01
- 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. JBL Club One Wireless Headphones
Features
The JBL Club One headphones are engineered for audiophiles who demand professional-grade sound. Featuring adaptive noise cancellation and a battery life of up to 45 hours, these headphones are perfect for long-haul flights.
Best For
Music enthusiasts who desire high-resolution audio on the go.
Product Review
With a signature JBL sound that includes deep bass, the Club One headphones offer an immersive music experience. Users appreciate the comfortable over-ear design and JBL’s commitment to delivering studio-quality performance wherever you are.
Pros
- Amazing sound quality and deep bass
- Long battery life
- Comfortable over-ear design
- Adaptive noise cancellation
Cons
- On the heavier side
- More complicated pairing process
−$40.00
- JBL Pure Bass Sound: The JBL Tune 720BT features the renowned JBL Pure Bass sound, the same technology that powers the most famous venues all around the world.
- Wireless Bluetooth 5.3 technology: Wirelessly stream high-quality sound from your smartphone without messy cords with the help of the latest Bluetooth technology.
- Customize your listening experience: Download the free JBL Headphones App to tailor the sound to your taste with the EQ. Voice prompts in your desired language guide you through the Tune 720BT features.
- 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 Voice Aware: Easily control your sound and manage your calls from your headphones with the convenient buttons on the ear-cup. Hear your voice while talking, with the help of Voice Aware.
6. Anker Soundcore Life Q30
Features
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 headphones provide hybrid active noise cancellation and a remarkable 40-hour battery life on a single charge. They also feature multiple noise cancellation modes, making them an excellent budget-friendly option for travelers.
Best For
Budget-conscious travelers seeking premium features.
Product Review
These headphones impress with their incredible sound quality and active noise cancellation. The comfortable ear pads and lightweight design make them easy to wear for long periods, while the customizable EQ settings let users tailor their audio experience.
Pros
- Affordable price with excellent features
- Comfortable for extended use
- Good noise cancellation
- Long battery life
Cons
- Build quality could be improved
- May not compete with premium brands
−$26.00
- 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.
7. AKG N700NC M2 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Features
The AKG N700NC M2 headphones are known for their effective noise-canceling capabilities and superb sound quality. These lightweight headphones come with up to 20 hours of battery life and adaptive noise cancellation settings.
Best For
Travelers looking for a premium audio experience without the top price.
Product Review
The N700NC M2 combines comfort and audio quality, making them suitable for long flights. Users appreciate the strong bass response and clear mids, as well as the ability to connect with voice assistants for hands-free control.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Adaptive noise cancellation settings
- Good battery life
Cons
- Noise cancellation might not be as strong as competitors
- Can feel a bit fragile compared to others
- First class adaptive noise cancelling technology
- Comfort-fit ergonomics
- Flat-foldable in a premium portable package
- 20-hours battery-life
- Crystal clear calls and chats at the touch of a button
8. TaoTronics SoundLiberty 92
Features
The TaoTronics SoundLiberty 92 are true wireless earbuds that offer impressive sound quality in a compact design. With a battery life of up to 32 hours with the charging case, these earbuds are a convenient option for frequent travelers.
Best For
Minimalists searching for compact, high-quality audio solutions.
Product Review
The SoundLiberty 92 earbuds provide excellent sound for their size, fitting comfortably in your ears during long flights. They also include touch control for easy operation and a built-in microphone for phone calls, which enhances the overall functionality.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Excellent sound quality for earbuds
- Long battery life with the charging case
- Touch controls for convenience
Cons
- May not fit securely in all ear shapes
- Noise isolation may not be as effective as over-ear options
−$30.00
- Reduce Noise By Up to 98.5%: Liberty 4 NC noise cancelling earbuds have a high sensitivity in-ear sound sensor, an oversized driver, and an innovative noise isolation chamber that cancels up to 98.5% of noise for peaceful travel.
- Noise Cancelling Adapts to Ears and Environments: Adaptive ANC 2.0 makes real-time calculations and adjusts to your ear canals and external environment for maximum quiet amongst the hustle and bustle.
- Crisp Sound with 3× More Detail: 11mm custom-tuned drivers deliver consistently crisp and detailed sound. Experience Hi-Res wireless audio and LDAC technology that transfers 3× more data than regular Bluetooth—bringing wireless music to life.
- Sculpt Your Sound Profile: Not everyone listens the same, so use HearID 2.0 to find the perfect sound profile for you. If you want to mix it up, the EQ is fully adjustable or choose from 22 presets to match your audio.
- Long-Lasting Battery Life: In normal mode, enjoy 10 hours of playback on a single charge or up to 50 hours with the case. With ANC on, get 8 hours between charges, extendable to 40 hours with the case.
9. Plantronics BackBeat Go 810
Features
The Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 are versatile wireless headphones with an excellent balance of comfort and performance. They offer up to 28 hours of battery life and great sound quality with deep bass.
Best For
Consumers looking for versatile headphones that excel in both sound quality and comfort.
Product Review
The BackBeat Go 810 headphones feature a lightweight build, making them easy to wear for hours. Users enjoy the deep bass and spacious soundstage, making them a versatile option for music, movies, and podcasts while commuting.
Pros
- Good sound quality with strong bass
- Comfortable design
- Long battery life
- Versatile functionality
Cons
- Noise isolation could be improved
- Slightly bulkier than other options
- 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. HyperX Cloud II Gaming Headset
Features
Though marketed as a gaming headset, the HyperX Cloud II is versatile enough for travel. With 53mm drivers and dual chamber technology, it provides excellent sound quality. The headset features a detachable noise-cancellation microphone that can also double as a standard headphone.
Best For
Gamers and travelers seeking a multifunctional option without compromising sound quality.
Product Review
The HyperX Cloud II offers superb comfort with its memory foam ear cushions and durable build. While it serves gaming purposes well, users find it effective for airplane use with its immersive sound and noise-cancellation features.
Pros
- Excellent comfort for extended use
- Impressive sound quality for gaming and music
- Detachable mic adds versatility
- Durable construction
Cons
- Bulky design may not be ideal for travel
- Wired connection only
−$33.68
- 15-25kKhz Frequency Response.Headphones fit type:Over-Ear.Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ear
- Designed for comfort: Exceptionally comfortable memory foam ear cushions and padded leatherette headband help keep you focused on gaming
- Supreme audio quality: Large 53 millimeter drivers provide high-quality audio. Hear in-game details better and get the in-game advantage on your opponents
- 7.1 virtual surround sound: Truly immerse yourself in your games with hardware-driven virtual 7.1 surround sound for precisely located audio
- Passive noise cancellation: The closed ear cup design blocks out outside distractions to keep you in the game
With this wide array of options for the best airplane headphones in 2026, you can choose what works best for you based on your specific needs and preferences. Each of the listed products brings its own unique combination of features, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience, whether you’re flying across the country or the globe.
Buying Guide for the Best Airplane Headphones
When traveling by air, a good pair of airplane headphones can significantly enhance your experience. Here’s what to consider when selecting the best headphones for your next flight.
1. Type of Headphones
- Over-Ear: Offers excellent sound quality and noise isolation. Best for long flights but can be bulky.
- On-Ear: More compact than over-ear headphones and still provides decent sound isolation.
- In-Ear: Lightweight and portable. While they can be great for travel, they may not offer as much noise isolation as over-ear options.
2. Noise Cancellation
Look for headphones that have active noise cancellation (ANC) to reduce ambient sounds, such as engine noise and chatter. Passive noise isolation is also important, as it helps block out sounds without electronic assistance.
3. Sound Quality
Good sound quality enhances your listening experience. Look for headphones that deliver clear audio and strong bass. Read reviews to gauge the sound performance of different models.
4. Comfort
Since flights can be long, comfort is key. Choose headphones with soft ear cushions and adjustable headbands. Try them on if possible or check return policies.
5. Battery Life
For wireless headphones, battery life is crucial. Aim for headphones that offer at least 20 hours of playback time, and ensure they have a quick charge feature.
6. Wired vs. Wireless
- Wired: Generally provide better sound quality and don’t require charging. Ensure they come with a compatible adapter for in-flight entertainment systems.
- Wireless: Offer more freedom of movement. Look for Bluetooth headphones with a long-lasting battery.
7. Portability
Consider headphones that fold neatly or come with a compact carrying case for easy storage in your travel bag.
8. Additional Features
- Microphone: Useful if you need to take calls during layovers or if your headphones include voice assistant features.
- Control Features: Look for buttons for volume control, playback, and answering calls for convenience.
- Collapsible Design: Many traveling models can be folded down for easier storage.
- Durability: Check for quality materials that can withstand travel wear and tear.
9. Price Range
Headphones can range from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Determine your budget but remember that investing in a good pair can enhance your travel experience.
10. Brand Reputation and Reviews
Research brands known for quality headphones, such as Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, and Apple. User reviews can provide insights into comfort, durability, and overall satisfaction.
11. Warranty and Return Policy
Ensure your headphones come with a warranty. A good return policy is essential, especially if you’re buying online, to make sure they meet your expectations.
Conclusion
Choosing the best airplane headphones involves considering comfort, sound quality, noise cancellation, and portability. By keeping these factors in mind, you can select headphones that will make your flying experience more enjoyable. Happy travels!
