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10 Best Airplane Headphones 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.9 score

Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Wireless Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones, 60H Playtime, Hi-Res Audio, Deep Bass, Foam Ear Cups, Travel, Office, USB-C Charging

The Soundcore Anker Life Q20 headphones are a solid choice for airplane travelers looking for good noise cancellation and long battery life without spending too much. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is designed to cut down on low-frequency sounds like airplane engines and city noise, which helps create a quieter environment during flights. With up to 50 hours of wireless playtime while noise cancelling is on, these headphones can easily last through multiple long-haul trips, and a quick 5-minute charge provides several hours of listening if you're in a hurry.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,262
Noise Cancellation
Comfort
Battery Life

Most important from
89986 reviews

Noise Cancellation
The active noise cancellation impressively outperforms some premium in-ear models, effectively reducing low-frequency sounds like airplane engines.
Comfort
Comfort is outstanding with plush memory foam ear cups and a lightweight design that users often forget they’re wearing during long sessions.
Battery Life
The battery life is exceptional, easily lasting through multiple days of heavy use and providing hours of playback after just a quick 5-minute charge.
Sound Quality
Sound quality delivers clear highs and powerful bass that can be enhanced further, offering a rich and immersive listening experience for the price.
Portability
The build is lightweight and mostly plastic, which keeps them portable and comfortable but may feel less durable compared to premium models.
#2
9.8 score

JBL Tune 510BT - Bluetooth headphones with up to 40 hours battery, microphone for call, foldable and comfortable, Android and iOs compatible (Black)

The JBL Tune 510BT headphones offer a strong battery life of up to 40 hours, which is excellent for long flights without needing frequent recharging. Their wireless Bluetooth connectivity is convenient and compatible with both Android and iOS devices, allowing easy switching between devices. Comfort is addressed with an adjustable headband and a lightweight, foldable design, making them reasonably portable and easy to pack in carry-ons.

Rating
9.8
Comfort
Battery Life
Sound Quality

Most important from
82273 reviews

Comfort
Comfort is generally good, with a lightweight and foldable design, though the fit can feel a bit snug for prolonged wear.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with long-lasting performance, ideal for extended use without frequent recharging.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is outstanding, delivering deep bass and crisp highs that meet high expectations.
Portability
Comfort is generally good, with a lightweight and foldable design, though the fit can feel a bit snug for prolonged wear.
#3
9.7 score

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones with Mic for Phone-Call and Alexa Voice Control, Black WH1000XM4

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.

Rating
9.7
Noise Cancellation
Comfort
Battery Life

Most important from
60836 reviews

Noise Cancellation
The noise cancellation on the XM4 is almost as good as the Apple AirPods Max, and way better than the XM5.
Comfort
The XM4s are incredibly comfortable, even for glasses wearers, and don't squeeze the head.
Battery Life
The battery life is impressive, lasting more than a week without needing a charge.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is great, very clear, and doesn't have the random muffling issues that the XM5 had.

Top 10 Best Airplane Headphones 2025 in the United States

Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones Bluetooth Over The Ear Headset with Microphone and Alexa Built-in, Black New

Noise Cancellation: Dual Noise Sensor with Integrated Processor
Comfort: Lightweight 192g, over-ear, all-day wear
Battery Life: Up to 35h, quick charge 3min
Sound Quality: Digital Sound Engine, clear vocals
Portability: Over-ear, less compact than earbuds

Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones Bluetooth On-Ear Headset with Microphone and up to 50 Hours Battery Life with Quick Charging, Black

Noise Cancellation: None
Comfort: Lightweight, adjustable headbands, soft ear pads
Battery Life: 50 Hour
Sound Quality: High-quality audio, customizable, DSEE technology
Portability: Lightweight, swiveling earcups
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, multipoint connection, wireless
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Buying Guide for the Best Airplane Headphones

Choosing the right headphones for airplane travel can significantly enhance your flying experience. The right pair can help you enjoy your music, movies, or podcasts without being disturbed by the constant hum of the airplane engines or the chatter of fellow passengers. When selecting airplane headphones, consider factors such as noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, sound quality, and portability. Understanding these key specifications will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your needs.
Noise CancellationNoise cancellation is a feature that reduces unwanted ambient sounds using active noise control. This is particularly important on airplanes where engine noise can be quite loud and constant. There are two types of noise cancellation: active and passive. Active noise cancellation uses microphones and speakers to pick up and cancel out external sounds, while passive noise cancellation relies on the physical design of the headphones to block noise. For airplane travel, active noise cancellation is highly recommended as it can significantly reduce the background noise, making your listening experience much more enjoyable. If you are a frequent flyer or sensitive to noise, investing in headphones with strong active noise cancellation is a good choice.
ComfortComfort is crucial when choosing headphones for airplane travel, especially for long flights. Comfortable headphones should have soft ear pads and an adjustable headband to fit your head snugly without causing discomfort. Over-ear headphones tend to be more comfortable for extended use as they distribute pressure more evenly around your ears. On-ear headphones are lighter and more compact but may press on your ears, which can become uncomfortable over time. In-ear headphones are the most portable but may not be as comfortable for everyone. Consider how long you will be wearing the headphones and choose a pair that feels comfortable for extended periods.
Battery LifeBattery life is an important consideration for wireless headphones, especially on long flights. This spec indicates how long the headphones can operate on a single charge. Look for headphones with a battery life of at least 20 hours to ensure they last through long-haul flights without needing a recharge. Some headphones also offer quick charging features, allowing you to get several hours of use from just a short charging period. If you often take long flights, prioritize headphones with longer battery life to avoid running out of power mid-flight.
Sound QualitySound quality refers to how well the headphones reproduce audio. This includes clarity, bass, treble, and overall balance. High-quality sound can make a big difference in your listening experience, especially when watching movies or listening to music. Look for headphones with a good balance of bass and treble, and consider reading reviews to get an idea of the sound quality. If you are an audiophile or simply enjoy high-quality audio, prioritize headphones known for their excellent sound performance.
PortabilityPortability is important for airplane headphones as you will need to carry them in your hand luggage. Foldable or collapsible headphones are easier to pack and take up less space. In-ear headphones are the most portable option as they are small and lightweight. Over-ear and on-ear headphones can be bulkier, but many models come with a carrying case to protect them during travel. Consider how much space you have in your carry-on and choose headphones that are easy to transport without compromising on other important features.

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