10 Best Airplane Headphones 2025 in the United States

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.

Sound quality is clear and balanced, with the added benefit of an adjustable equalizer so you can fine-tune bass, mids, and treble to your liking. The headphones also include two listening modes: full noise cancellation and an aware mode to stay alert when needed. Portability is decent; they come with a protective carrying case and are lightweight enough to carry around comfortably, though their over-ear design means they’re a bit bulkier than earbuds. You can also use them wired if the battery runs out, which adds convenience during travel.

One minor downside is that the charging time is about 2.5 hours, which may feel a bit long if you’re in a hurry, but a 15-minute quick charge gives you a couple of hours of playback. The multipoint Bluetooth feature is great for switching between devices seamlessly. These headphones are well-suited to frequent flyers or anyone seeking effective noise cancellation and comfort on the go, though if you prioritize ultra-compact size, smaller earbuds might be better.

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.

The headphones also have touch sensor controls, allowing you to pause, play, skip tracks, and adjust the volume easily. They support Alexa voice control and have excellent call quality with five built-in microphones, ensuring clear communication. One unique feature is Speak-to-Chat, which automatically reduces the volume when you start talking, although this might be a bit too sensitive for some users. In terms of sound quality, the Edge AI and DSEE Extreme technology provide a rich listening experience by upscaling compressed music files in real-time. The multipoint connection allows seamless pairing with multiple devices, adding convenience.

However, the headphones lack water resistance, which could be a drawback for those who expect them to handle various environments. The headphones are also slightly bulkier, weighing 9 ounces, which may affect portability. Despite these minor inconveniences, the Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out in its category for delivering superior noise cancellation, long-lasting comfort, and high-quality audio, making them a solid choice for frequent flyers.

The Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen) are a strong choice for airplane travelers looking for excellent noise cancellation and comfort. Bose’s active noise cancelling technology is among the best, significantly reducing cabin noise and letting you focus on music, movies, or calls. The headphones offer customizable sound with spatial and cinema modes, giving immersive audio that enhances in-flight entertainment.

Comfort-wise, the plush over-ear cushions and well-balanced metal headband make them suitable for wearing during long flights without discomfort. Battery life is impressive, providing up to 30 hours of playtime, which is more than enough to cover long haul trips without needing a recharge. Portability is decent with a protective carrying case included, though the over-ear design means these headphones are a bit larger compared to compact travel earbuds.

Sound quality is clear and detailed, especially when using lossless USB-C wired audio, and the built-in microphones offer clear voice pickup for calls amid noisy environments. One downside is that the headphones weigh about a pound, which could feel a little heavy for some users. Also, while the Bluetooth connection is stable within 30 feet, occasional dropouts can happen depending on your device’s setup. These headphones excel with top-tier noise cancellation, rich sound, and comfort, making them a solid pick for frequent flyers who prioritize immersive audio and long battery life over ultra-lightweight portability.