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10 Best Airplane Headphones 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Chilled Lilac - Limited Edition Color

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth headphones are a strong choice for travelers and anyone wanting peace on noisy flights. They use active noise cancellation to block out ambient sounds effectively, which is a big plus on airplanes. Comfort is a highlight here—plush ear cushions and a padded headband make them easy to wear for long periods without discomfort. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 24 hours of wireless listening, which easily covers long trips.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,133
Noise Cancellation
Comfort
Battery Life

Most important from
14446 reviews

Noise Cancellation
The active noise cancellation effectively blocks out almost all voices and ambient noise, making it ideal for travel and noisy environments.
Comfort
Plush ear cushions and a padded headband deliver a comfortable fit for extended wear, although some experience slight pressure on the top of the head that requires adjustment.
Battery Life
Battery life reliably lasts up to 24 hours, covering long trips comfortably, with a quick 15-minute charge providing a couple of hours of playback.
Sound Quality
The sound quality strikes a warm yet balanced tone out of the box, with clear lows, mids, and highs that can be fine-tuned easily via the app’s equalizer.
#2
9.4 score

Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian – Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones,Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatibility, Up to 40 Hours Battery Life - Dune

The Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian headphones are a strong choice for airplane use, especially if you value noise cancellation and sound quality during your travels. Their adaptive Active Noise Cancelling effectively blocks out engine noise and other distractions, while Transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings when needed. The sound is rich and immersive thanks to Beats’ custom acoustic platform and personalized spatial audio, which enhances the listening experience beyond typical headphones.

Rating
9.4
Noise Cancellation
Comfort
Battery Life

Most important from
23958 reviews

Noise Cancellation
The noise cancelling is exceptional, effectively drowning out even loud distractions like screaming children during flights.
Comfort
Comfort is outstanding, with a lightweight design and well-padded cushions that make long listening sessions feel effortless.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, easily lasting several days with regular use, and fast charging provides extra hours within minutes.
Sound Quality
Sound quality delivers crystal clear audio with rich bass and crisp highs, enhanced by personalized spatial audio for an immersive experience.
Portability
The sturdy carrying case adds great protection, making these headphones travel-friendly and durable.
#3
9.1 score

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones with Mic for Phone-Call and Alexa Voice Control, Black WH1000XM4

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are an excellent choice for airplane travelers. They feature top-tier noise cancellation, which uses Dual Noise Sensor technology to effectively block out ambient sounds, making them perfect for noisy environments like an airplane. With up to 30 hours of battery life and a quick charge option that provides 5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge, these headphones are highly reliable for long flights. Comfort is another highlight, thanks to an updated design that relieves pressure for prolonged use.

Rating
9.1
Noise Cancellation
Comfort
Battery Life

Most important from
61406 reviews

Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation on the XM4 is almost as good as the Apple AirPods Max, and way better than the XM5.
Comfort
The XM4s are incredibly comfortable, even for glasses wearers, and don't squeeze the head.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting more than a week without needing a charge.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is great, very clear, and doesn't have the random muffling issues that the XM5 had.

Top 10 Best Airplane Headphones 2025 in the United States

Beats Solo 4 - Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones, Apple & Android Compatible, Up to 50 Hours of Battery Life - Black & Gold

Noise Cancellation: Sound Isolation
Comfort: soft UltraPlush cushions, ergonomic, lightweight
Battery Life: up to 50h, 10-min charge = 5h
Sound Quality: custom acoustic design, high-res wired
Portability: fabric case included, on-ear design

Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless Headphones - Bluetooth Headset for Crystal-Clear Calls with Adaptive Noise Cancellation, 60h Battery Life, Lightweight Folding Design, Black

Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Comfort: lightweight, foldable, padded headband, cushioned pads
Battery Life: 60-hour
Sound Quality: high-resolution audio, 42mm transducer, aptX Adaptive
Portability: foldable design, carry case
Connectivity: Bluetooth
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Buying Guide for the Best Airplane Headphones

Choosing the right headphones for airplane travel can significantly enhance your flying experience. The right pair can help you enjoy your music, movies, or podcasts without being disturbed by the constant hum of the airplane engines or the chatter of fellow passengers. When selecting airplane headphones, consider factors such as noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, sound quality, and portability. Understanding these key specifications will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your needs.
Noise CancellationNoise cancellation is a feature that reduces unwanted ambient sounds using active noise control. This is particularly important on airplanes where engine noise can be quite loud and constant. There are two types of noise cancellation: active and passive. Active noise cancellation uses microphones and speakers to pick up and cancel out external sounds, while passive noise cancellation relies on the physical design of the headphones to block noise. For airplane travel, active noise cancellation is highly recommended as it can significantly reduce the background noise, making your listening experience much more enjoyable. If you are a frequent flyer or sensitive to noise, investing in headphones with strong active noise cancellation is a good choice.
ComfortComfort is crucial when choosing headphones for airplane travel, especially for long flights. Comfortable headphones should have soft ear pads and an adjustable headband to fit your head snugly without causing discomfort. Over-ear headphones tend to be more comfortable for extended use as they distribute pressure more evenly around your ears. On-ear headphones are lighter and more compact but may press on your ears, which can become uncomfortable over time. In-ear headphones are the most portable but may not be as comfortable for everyone. Consider how long you will be wearing the headphones and choose a pair that feels comfortable for extended periods.
Battery LifeBattery life is an important consideration for wireless headphones, especially on long flights. This spec indicates how long the headphones can operate on a single charge. Look for headphones with a battery life of at least 20 hours to ensure they last through long-haul flights without needing a recharge. Some headphones also offer quick charging features, allowing you to get several hours of use from just a short charging period. If you often take long flights, prioritize headphones with longer battery life to avoid running out of power mid-flight.
Sound QualitySound quality refers to how well the headphones reproduce audio. This includes clarity, bass, treble, and overall balance. High-quality sound can make a big difference in your listening experience, especially when watching movies or listening to music. Look for headphones with a good balance of bass and treble, and consider reading reviews to get an idea of the sound quality. If you are an audiophile or simply enjoy high-quality audio, prioritize headphones known for their excellent sound performance.
PortabilityPortability is important for airplane headphones as you will need to carry them in your hand luggage. Foldable or collapsible headphones are easier to pack and take up less space. In-ear headphones are the most portable option as they are small and lightweight. Over-ear and on-ear headphones can be bulkier, but many models come with a carrying case to protect them during travel. Consider how much space you have in your carry-on and choose headphones that are easy to transport without compromising on other important features.

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