Best headphones for travel

Let’s face it – travel can be exhausting. Whether you’re crammed in economy class, packed into a busy subway car, or sitting through a long road trip, a good pair of headphones can be your best companion. We’ve tested hundreds of pairs in our lab to find the ones that truly shine when you’re on the move. What matters most? Noise cancelation that actually works, comfort that lasts through that 6-hour flight, and practical features like foldable designs and durable cases that can survive being stuffed in your bag. Our comprehensive testing measures everything from how well they block out engine noise to how long the battery really lasts – not just what’s on the box.

Editor’s note: this list was published on December 13, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

Best noise canceling headphones for travel: Bose QuietComfort Ultra

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones stand out as our top travel pick by nailing all the essential features frequent travelers need. Our tests show they reduce low-frequency noise (like airplane engines and bus rumble) by approximately 87% – among the best ANC performance we’ve measured. They’re also remarkably lightweight and comfortable with plush ear cushions that are especially glass-friendly. I may have fallen asleep wearing them more than once on a plane.

The battery life is nearly 28 hours—enough for even the longest international flights. The included carrying case also has a mesh storage pocket for your audio cable, charging cable, or whatever else you may need.

Best portable headphones for travel: Anker Soundcore Space One Pro

The Anker Soundcore Space One Pro redefines portable travel headphones with its ingeniously compact folding design. The ear cups not only swivel a full 180 degrees but also fold inward thanks to dual headband hinges, creating an incredibly small footprint that’s perfect for cramped carry-on bags or backpacks. They’re light enough to wear all day, with plush padding around both the headband and ear cups that create a comfortable seal. While they may feel slightly less premium due to their highly moveable design, the trade-off for supreme portability makes them an ideal travel companion.

Best battery life: Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless

For travelers who dread running out of juice mid-journey, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless stands alone with its remarkable 56-hour battery life with ANC enabled – that’s nearly double what you get from competitors like Bose and Sony. This marathon performance means you could take a round-trip flight from New York to Singapore, with layovers, and still have power to spare. The practical design includes plush ear cushions that work well with glasses, and the soft leatherette material creates a comfortable seal for those extended listening sessions. A fabric carrying case with rigid reinforcement and mesh storage pockets keeps everything organized during your travels.

Best wireless earbuds for travel: Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2

The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 solves one of the biggest headaches for travelers: connecting their earbuds to airplane entertainment systems. Its ingenious charging case doubles as a transmitter that can connect to both 3.5mm audio jacks and USB sources, broadcasting the audio to your earbuds using LC3 – making it one of the very few earbuds that can plug into virtually any audio source you encounter. Beyond this standout feature, it delivers class-leading active noise cancelation that reduces environmental noise by up to 85.1% – the highest we’ve measured in any earbuds. The compact design features an IP57 water resistance rating to handle any weather you encounter, and the earbuds consistently achieve a reliable fit thanks to their ergonomic shape and included ear tips.

Best budget headphones for travel: EarFun Wave Pro

When it comes to travel-friendly features at a wallet-friendly price, the EarFun Wave Pro delivers exceptional value at just $80. Despite its budget status, it boasts an impressive 52-hour battery life with ANC enabled – matching or exceeding many premium models. The included hard-shell carrying case offers proper protection for packed bags, and at 268g, they’re light enough for extended wear during long journeys. While the plastic construction may not feel premium, it helps keep the weight down. The well-padded ear cushions provide good comfort for those marathon listening sessions, and you get modern features like multipoint connectivity and LDAC codec support – rare finds at this price point.

The best headphones for travel: Notable mentions

• Anker Soundcore Space Q45 ($149 at Amazon): These are great for commuters, workers, and people looking for something with decent noise canceling at a reasonable price.
• Anker Soundcore Life Q30 ($79.99 at Amazon): If only you have a budget of $100, these are some of the best-value headphones on the market.
• Apple AirPods Max ($499 at Amazon): The AirPods Max have a premium price tag with top-notch ANC and performance for iOS users, but they don’t fold into a more compact design. They only come with a carrying sleeve, which doesn’t completely cover the headphones and won’t protect them from damage while traveling.
• Focal Azurys ($549 at Manufacturer site): These are for audiophiles and those looking to invest in higher-end headphones than their current pair but can still take on the go.
• JBL Tune 660NC ($79 at Amazon): For the Goldilocks that considers in-ear headphones to be too small and over-ear headphones to be too big, the JBL Tune 600NC could be just right. Anyone who commutes to school or work every day will greatly appreciate the long battery life, wireless connectivity, and active noise canceling. Frequent fliers will also appreciate the combination of portability and performance of this headphone.
• Sony WH-CH720N ($799 at Amazon): If you’re looking for a decent set of noise canceling cans but don’t want to shell out the top-tier headphones, consider these as a good in-between option. These balance app support, good battery life, and solid functionality. They feel a bit plasticky, but nothing to whine too much about.
• Sony WH-1000XM5 ($387 at Amazon): Sony’s flagship headphones are one of the most popular all-around ANC headsets that excel in travel or at the office.

What you should know about travel headphones

Before dropping your hard-earned cash on travel headphones, there are several key factors to consider that can make or break your on-the-go listening experience. Here’s what you need to know:

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

ANC is crucial for travel headphones, as it helps reduce low-frequency sounds like airplane engines, train rumble, and bus noise. While passive isolation helps with higher frequencies, good ANC can reduce low-frequency noise by up to 85-90% in premium models.

Battery Life and Charging

For travel headphones, longer battery life means less hassle during extended trips. Over-ear options typically offer 20-50+ hours, while true wireless earbuds usually manage 5-8 hours per charge with additional charges in the case. Fast charging capabilities can be crucial for quick top-ups between flights.

Portability and Durability

Travel headphones should be portable and durable enough to withstand frequent packing and unpacking. Features like foldable designs, protective cases, and water resistance can make a big difference. Build quality should balance weight with durability—lightweight doesn’t have to mean fragile.

Connectivity Options

While Bluetooth is standard, having wired options can be essential for connecting to airplane entertainment systems or dealing with dead batteries. Some models offer innovative solutions like transmitter cases or adapters to ensure compatibility with various audio sources.

How we test headphones for travel

At SoundGuys, we rigorously test every pair of headphones using industry-standard equipment. For travel headphones specifically, we measure ANC performance across different frequencies to simulate real-world environments like airplane cabins and train stations. Our standardized battery tests run continuous playback at 75dB(SPL) to give you realistic expectations of battery life. You can learn more about our testing methodology in our detailed testing breakdown and why we test.

How we choose the best headphones for travel

Our selections balance multiple factors crucial for travel use:

• Noise cancellation effectiveness
• Battery life and charging speed
• Build quality and portability
• Comfort for long-term wear
• Additional travel-friendly features
• Overall value for money

We prioritize features that make travel easier, like compact folding designs, included carrying cases, and versatile connectivity options. While sound quality is important, we particularly emphasize isolation performance and practical features that enhance the travel experience.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

SoundGuys has been testing audio gear since 2013, establishing industry-recognized standardized testing methodologies and maintaining transparency about our processes. We purchase many of our review units directly and never accept payment for positive reviews. Our team includes trained audio engineers and industry experts who stay current with audio technology developments.

For more details about our ethics policy and testing methodology, please visit our ethics page. We’re committed to providing accurate, unbiased information to help you make informed decisions about your audio purchases.

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