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.

The short answer

If you’re not here to read a ton of words about which options suit you best, a synopsis of our picks is below. Keep scrolling past to read more detailed information, or if you want more: read the linked reviews.

The best for most:

The runner-up / best battery:

Best earbuds for travel:

Best budget headphones:

The detailed answer

Of course, these picks aren’t as simple as “buy this” without some qualification, so below are expanded descriptions as to why we chose each. You can also click onto the linked reviews to learn even more about each.

Best noise canceling headphones for travel: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen.)

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) 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) among the best we’ve measured. They’re also remarkably lightweight and comfortable with plush ear cushions that are especially glasses-friendly. I may have fallen asleep wearing them more than once on a plane.

The battery life is long 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. Though it doesn’t beat our runner-up in features, it certainly is far more comfortable— very important to consider when going on intercontinental flights.

Best battery life: JBL Tour One M3

If you need excellent battery life, the JBL Tour ONE M3 is in a class of its own. Just under 56 hours of tested battery life (real music peaking @ 75dBSPL), the Tour ONE M3 is only challenged by a handful of other ANC headphones.

But where these cans set themselves apart is the combination of good sound quality, excellent ANC (~87% perceived loudness per sample), and the Smart TX accessory. This little brick allows you to not only control your headphones without digging out your phone, but you can also use it to plug into sources via the USB port on the bottom. That way, you can use any wired source, or you can transmit your own audio to family and friends near you via Auracast. The only proverbial hair in the soup is the comfort. The padding is a little on the thin side on the ear cups, so you may find that these headphones aren’t suited for extra-long flights if you have large ears.

Best wireless earbuds for travel: JBL Tour Pro 3

For those of you traveling with kids or family, you’ll want something that can handle audio sharing along with its normal duties. JBL has two options on the market that can transmit audio over Auracast to any compatible set of earbuds. This way, you can share movies, music, whatever. The JBL Tour Pro 3 offers this with its smart case, but is a set of excellent earbuds in its own right.

The eartips make an excellent seal, and the ANC is quite good. It’s only gravy that the earbuds sound great too.

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.
• Apple AirPods Max 2 ($529 at Amazon): The successor to the Apple AirPods Max is very similar — virtually identical, really — to the older model. The low battery life means that these can handle domestic or intra-continental flights, but long-haulers will want something else.
• 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 ($179.99 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.

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.

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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