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The best wireless earbuds for travel
We tested all the best wireless earbuds for travel in our SoundGuys lab, and ranked our top picks that are worth considering.
October 24, 2025
Chase is the Managing Editor at SoundGuys, where he oversees content related to headphones, earbuds, speakers, and all things audio. As a founder of the non profit organization Music For Mental Health, Chase is also passionate in uncovering the ways music creation and listening can serve individuals and the community. You can find music he produces by searching his name on Spotify, Apple Music, and all other streaming platforms. Chase studied Commerce and Applied Music Technology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or gearing up for a long-haul journey, the right pair of wireless earbuds can make all the difference in your travel experience. From tuning out noisy cabin chatter with active noise canceling (ANC) to lasting through layovers with all-day battery life, earbuds built for travel solve real problems in transit. In my testing, I’ve learned that good travel earbuds need to do more than just sound decent—they need to be comfortable for hours, connect quickly, and hold their charge when you need them most.
This guide rounds up the best wireless earbuds for travel based on firsthand testing and data. I evaluated each pick for sound quality, comfort, battery life, ANC performance, and overall usability while on the go. Whether you’re after premium features or great value, we’ve included something for every kind of traveler—because the last thing you want at 30,000 feet is buyer’s remorse.
Below, you’ll find our top-ranked wireless earbuds for travel, based on the testing we did of over 300 wireless earbuds in our lab.
Compare table
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- 2 total votes2 total votes
$298
8.5
8.7
9.8
8.0
9.0
6.0
8.0
- 1 total votes1 total votes
$120
8.5
8.5
9.5
7.4
9.5
8.0
8.0
- 5 total votes5 total votes
$59
8.4
8.3
9.5
7.7
9.0
8.0
8.5
- 3 total votes3 total votes
$250
8.4
8.4
9.8
7.1
9.0
8.8
7.0
- 12 total votes12 total votes
$230
8.4
8.1
9.5
7.3
9.5
9.0
8.0
- 9 total votes9 total votes
$100
8.3
8.0
9.8
7.4
8.0
8.5
9.0
- 3 total votes3 total votes
$270
8.3
8.3
9.5
6.9
9.5
8.3
8.5
- 1 total votes1 total votes
$179
8.3
8.2
9.3
7.5
9.0
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8.5
- 0 total votes0 total votes
$239
8.2
8.2
9.0
7.6
9.0
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8.5
- 5 total votes5 total votes
$90
8.2
7.5
9.5
7.2
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- 2 total votes2 total votes
$300
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8.0
- 2 total votes2 total votes
$130
8.1
8.1
9.5
6.0
9.0
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8.0
Product chart
In the chart above, you can see how each of the headphones compares in terms of price and performance.
To gather information about how well each of the earbuds and headphones work, we subject each product to a number of objective tests. We use a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 acoustic measurement system to test headphones and earbuds in our SoundGuys lab. The ear canal of the artificial head was created by averaging and smoothing 3D models of individual ear canal features from the MRI scans of 40 different people.
We perform the following testing to determine the best headphones and best earbuds:
- We run sequences to determine the best fit of the headphones, and if there are any manufacturing issues with the product.
- We measure the headphones’ performance and compare the frequency response to our industry-validated SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve to give context to readers.
- To rate sound quality, we use the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics. These are virtual mean opinion scores as calculated by a powerful machine learning model based on the input of real listeners.
- We play several samples of shaped noise over loudspeakers to test noise canceling and record with our artificial head. We take samples with ANC on, ANC off, and with the headphones off the head. After subtracting the appropriate curves from each other, we can see how well the headphones block out noise.
- To evaluate microphone quality, we play pre-recorded spoken Harvard sentences from a calibrated artificial mouth in our test chamber, either with or without simulated background noises, simulated reverberant spaces, or artificial wind.
- To measure battery life, we play back music through the headphones or earbuds peaking at 75dB(SPL), a safe and realistic listening level.
In addition to objective testing, our team of audio experts uses each of the headphones and earbuds to evaluate the experience of using the product. By wearing the headphones in day-to-day use, we evaluate the comfort, noting any pain points. We also make sure to try out each of the features that the headphones have to offer, such as using the equalizer in the companion app.
Using a combination of subjective and objective testing, we score each product. To learn more about how we evaluate headphones and earbuds, check out our in-depth explainer on how we test.
Here at SoundGuys, we’ve been testing audio products for over a decade. Our team comprises audio product experts who have tested hundreds of different headphones, earbuds, and speakers. Moreover, our team comes from diverse backgrounds and a wealth of expertise, including audio engineering, film production, journalism, podcasting, music production, and even touring musicians.
Everything we recommend results from our objective measurements and great subjective experiences. Ultimately, we want you to enjoy your purchase or, at the very least, leave our site with a little more knowledge about the inner workings of audio. To see why you can trust us with your purchase decision, make sure to check out our ethics policy.
Poll
Do you use headphones or earbuds while flying?
Best overall pick: Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony WF-1000XM5 are our top pick for wireless earbuds thanks to a notable step up in active noise canceling, comfort, and battery life. The WF-1000XM5 deliver markedly improved ANC and isolation aided by the new flexible foam tips and a smaller, lighter bud design that makes long listening sessions more comfortable. In our testing the earbuds ran about nine and a half hours on a single charge and the case provides multiple top-ups, so they’re easy to rely on during travel and long commutes. They also support Bluetooth 5.3, LDAC for higher-resolution streaming, and Bluetooth multipoint for connecting two devices. Our MDAQS context underscores why these score highly for clarity and driver performance; the WF-1000XM5’s tuning and new drivers help explain those results. The WF-1000XM5 also earned recognition for Best ANC, Best Sound Quality, Best Battery Life, and Bluetooth 5.0 and more.
Sourced from Sony WF-1000XM5 review – SoundGuys.
Best for Android users pick: JBL Tour Pro 3
JBL Tour Pro 3 are aimed at Android users who want a feature-dense set of earbuds and broad codec support. The Tour Pro 3 include Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3, plus multipoint and a Smart Charging Case that can act as a transmitter over USB or 3.5mm — a useful option when Bluetooth isn’t available. The earbuds provide a rich app experience with a 10-band EQ, ANC tuning, spatial audio features, and firmware updates that unlock additional functionality. Build and fit are bold and substantial, and the IP55 rating means they tolerate water and dust exposure better than many rivals. That combination of connectivity and app depth makes them especially well-suited for Android ecosystems and power users who want customization and future-proofing.
Sourced from JBL Tour Pro 3 review – SoundGuys.
Best for iPhone users pick: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 are our recommendation for iPhone users who want a comfortable, high-quality fit with solid app support. The Momentum 4 connect over Bluetooth 5.4 and support AAC for strong iPhone compatibility, while the Sennheiser Smart Control app supplies a fit test, a 5-band EQ, and personal tuning features. The earbuds are noted for comfort thanks to three sizes of concha fins and a shallower nozzle that avoids deep insertion, and the fit test helps secure the seal needed for good passive isolation and ANC. Battery life in our testing reached about 7 hours and 45 minutes of continuous playback, with convenient Qi wireless charging in the case. The Momentum 4 also earned recognition for Best for Comfort.
Sourced from Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 review – SoundGuys.
Best Value pick: Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 deliver a lot of capability for buyers who want durability and long runtimes without sacrificing features. In our testing they lasted just over nine hours per charge and the case provides three additional charges, while the earbuds carry IP68 dust and water resistance for workouts and travel. The LE Audio smart case can act as a transmitter via 3.5mm or USB-C, which is handy for airplane or TV use, and the Jabra Sound+ app gives a five-band EQ, Dolby Spatial Sound, and broad customization. Noise canceling is strong for the class and the package includes extensive call controls; the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 were also recognized for Best Call Quality. That mix of battery life, ruggedness, connectivity, and app features makes them a compelling value choice.
Sourced from Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review – SoundGuys.
Our verdict
For wireless earbuds overall, the Sony WF-1000XM5 balance class-leading ANC, refined comfort, long battery life, and high-quality codec support, making them our top pick for commuters and frequent travelers; the JBL Tour Pro 3 are the choice for Android users who want extreme feature depth and versatile connectivity, while the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 fit iPhone users seeking comfort and reliable app tuning. The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 stand out as a strong value option with durable IP68 protection, a smart-case transmitter, and very good battery life.
If you’re considering other options we reviewed: Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 suit listeners who prioritize extended listening sessions and high-fidelity codecs (aptX Lossless/Adaptive) with excellent battery life, though they showed a quirky ANC artifact at the highest setting; Nothing Ear (3) bring stylish design, robust ANC, and a novel Super Mic on the case for voice notes and recordings; and Technics EAH-AZ100 aim at buyers who want a distinctive metal aesthetic, LDAC/LC3 support, and very strong battery life. Each of these remaining earbuds has clear strengths for particular users, so match the pick above to the features you value most.
FAQ
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Over-ear headphones with strong ANC work best on planes and trains.
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Compact earbuds are great for commuting and portability.
The best travel earbuds combine active noise cancellation (ANC) to block engine noise, ong battery life, and a comfortable fit you can wear for hours. Bonus points if they’re compact, with a case that’s easy to carry in a pocket or bag.
Many premium earbuds support multipoint pairing, letting you stay connected to your phone and laptop/tablet at the same time. This is very handy for switching between entertainment and calls while travelling.
Earbuds are more compact and portable, making them easier to carry through airports and pack in small bags. Over-ear headphones often provide stronger ANC and comfort for long flights, but they take up more space. It comes down to whether you prioritize portability or maximum noise reduction.
- ANC + Transparency mode
- Multipoint connectivity
- Long battery life & quick charge
- Comfortable fit for long wear
- Compact charging case
- High-quality mic for calls
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