Flying has become increasingly stressful due to airline delays, unruly passengers, and uncomfortable seating arrangements. As a result, many travelers are seeking refuge in noise-cancelling headphones to make their flying experience more enjoyable. While there are plenty of options available, it’s important to invest in high-quality headphones if you want the best noise cancellation for airplanes.
When it comes to noise-cancelling headphones, you generally get what you pay for. While cheaper headphones may claim to offer noise-cancelling features, they won’t compare to more reputable brands like Bose and Sony. These brands offer multiple levels of noise cancellation, allowing you to customize your experience. Additionally, paying more can also provide other features such as voice assistant support, longer battery life, and better sound quality.
When choosing between earbuds and over-ear headphones, it’s important to consider your preferences and travel habits. Over-ear headphones typically offer better noise cancellation as they create a seal around your ears, but they take up more space in your luggage. Earbuds are more comfortable for longer flights but may have shorter battery life. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference.
To help you find the best noise-cancelling headphones for flying, we’ve conducted extensive research and hands-on testing. Our top pick is the Bose QuietComfort Ultra over-ear headphones, which offer excellent sound quality and all-day comfort. They also provide superior active noise cancellation and a spatial audio experience. However, the battery life could be better, and there have been some reports of power button malfunctions.
For those who prefer earbuds, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are an excellent choice. They offer impressive noise cancellation and comfort at a lower price point than our top pick. The design of the case can be a bit tricky, and there may be occasional Bluetooth connection issues, but overall, they provide a great experience.
If comfort is your top priority, the Bose QuietComfort 45 over-ear headphones are the way to go. They are known for their exceptional comfort, even during long periods of wear. The active noise cancellation is effective, and the battery life is decent. However, they are being phased out for newer models, so they may be harder to find.
For those on a budget, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 over-ear headphones are a great option. Despite their lower price, they offer comfortable wear and strong active noise cancellation. The battery life is impressive, and they even support passive playback with a 3.5mm aux cable. However, they lack premium features and don’t have customizable sound settings.
If sound quality is your main concern, the Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones are the way to go. They offer impressive noise cancellation and exceptional audio quality, making them a favorite among music lovers. They also have unique features like “quick attention” mode and voice assistant support. However, they don’t fold up for easy portability, and the carrying case is quite tall.
For Apple loyalists, the Apple AirPods Max over-ear headphones are a premium option. They offer excellent active noise cancellation and impressive sound quality. The battery life is decent, but they don’t have a power button and can’t be completely turned off. The carrying case design is also less than ideal.
If you’re looking for adjustable ANC, the Bose 700 over-ear headphones are a top choice. They offer 10 levels of ANC customization, allowing you to block out as much or as little noise as you desire. They also provide great sound quality and comfortable wear. However, they are being phased out and may be harder to find.
Finally, for Apple users who prefer earbuds, the Apple AirPods Pro are a solid option. They offer improved active noise cancellation and adaptive transparency mode. They also have a sleek design and easy pairing with Apple devices. However, the spatial audio feature may not work consistently.
To determine our recommendations, we considered factors such as comfort, battery life, active noise cancellation quality, portability, and durability. We conducted extensive hands-on testing and gathered insights from various Mashable staff members. We also took into account recent updates and additions to the market.
Investing in high-quality noise-cancelling headphones can greatly enhance your flying experience. Whether you prefer over-ear headphones or earbuds, there are options available to suit your needs and preferences. The key is to find headphones that offer excellent noise cancellation, comfort, and durability. With the right pair of headphones, you can block out the chaos of air travel and enjoy a more peaceful journey.