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The 11 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested noise-canceling headphones to find the best options for all of your travels.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Others We Liked
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Whether you can’t get enough of music, podcasts, or audiobooks, a pair of the best noise-canceling headphones can significantly improve the quality of your listening experience — especially if you’re traveling on a plane, commuting on a busy route, or working amid an abundance of background noise. 

In our New York City lab, we tested 27 pairs of noise-canceling headphones from the industry’s leading brands, including Apple, Samsung, and Jabra. We performed a series of tests that evaluated ease of use, functionality, comfort, and, of course, sound quality. We listened to a series of noises at different frequencies, such as a screaming baby, an airplane cabin, and a siren, to discover which headphones truly have the most ear-saving power. We then also tested all of these headphones out in the real-world to guarantee the best results to guide you while you shop.

The best noise-canceling headphones we tested are the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700. These tried-and-true wireless headphones blew us away with the ability to silence any fracas with their active noise-canceling. On top of that, they are exceptionally comfortable to wear and are easy to set up and use. If over-the-ear headphones aren’t your style preference, we also have versatile earbud recommendations as well as verdicts on the best multi-use and budget options.

Best Overall

Bose noise cancelling headphones.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Functionality 5 /5
• Sound Quality 5 /5
• Noise Cancelation 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

These have a unique adjustability with an expandable headband and ear cups that slide up and down for an even better fit.

They didn't feel as secure on the head as other headphones we tested.

The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 earned the top spot on our list for the best noise-canceling headphones with superior performance across all of our testing categories. Most notably, these headphones blocked almost all outside sound with their active noise-canceling feature turned on — allowing you to work from anywhere . There are 11 levels of passive and active noise-canceling on this Bose model, and when we used the headphones at the highest setting, we couldn’t even hear ourselves voice talking. Even after six months of use, we found these to have the best noise-cancellation capabilities of any headphones we tested.

Along with the great noise cancellation quality, we also love how slim the case is — those two qualities seem ideal for commuting to the office. We wore these on a five-hour flight, and they were comfortable the whole time. The right earcup has touch sensors to adjust the sound level and noise-canceling presets as well as power the headphones on and off. Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa can work with these Bose headphones to allow hands-free assistance for answering texts or changing music selections. They're simple and easy to set up, but users will need to download the Bose app to take advantage of the headphones’ full functionality. Additionally, they're comfortable to wear, but when we moved around a bit, they didn’t feel as secure as some of the other headphones we tested.

The Details: Up to 20 hours battery life | Up to 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 8.96 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik
• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Anker soundcore life p3.

• Sound Quality 4 /5
• Noise Cancelation 4 /5
• Comfort 4.5 /5

The sound quality of the music is sharp and vibrant.

The sound quality isn’t as good during phone calls and it takes a few moments to turn them off and on.

For a pair of noise-canceling headphones at such an accessible price, we were impressed with the excellent sound projected from the Anker Soundcore Life P3 during testing. When listening to music at a low level, the active noise-canceling concealed all outside sounds, including the decibel tests with a baby screaming, a siren, subway sounds, and more. However, during the phone test, the person on the other end of our call could hear outside sounds. If some background noise during phone calls doesn’t bother you, this shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s something to consider if your primary use of these headphones would be for something requiring no disturbances.

After using these headphones for a full month, we found them to be so comfortable that we often forget we're wearing them. There are also several different sizes of tips included so you can tailor your headphones to your own preference. Users will need to download the Soundcore app to control the noise-cancelation settings, but the app was simple to use and the earbuds paired to our device immediately. 

The Details: 7 hours of playing time and another 35 hours with the case | Android and iOS | 2.24 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Sound, Earbuds

Samsung galaxy buds pro.

The headphones have crisp and clear sound quality. 

The price depends on the color — some are more expensive than others.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro headphones block out all surrounding noise and provide a vibrant sound. We love how lightweight and comfortable the earbuds are to wear, and they feel secure when you’re on the move. In lab testing, the active noise-canceling feature prevented almost all outside noises from being heard, except for some ambient noise at 84.5 decibels. Other than that, we couldn’t hear a siren, a baby screaming, an airplane cabin, or a construction drill at various decibel levels. Although Samsung is an Android product, we used an iPhone to pair with the earbuds and it was simple and hassle-free. Users can tap an earbud to adjust the active noise-cancelation and transparency levels as well as pause or play a song. We loved that it does a great job of adding bass to songs, creating a vibrant listening experience.

The Details: Up to 8 hours battery life | Up to 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 1.2 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Best Sound, Over-ear

Jbl tour one m2.

The smart noise cancelation instantly adapts to mask any new sounds introduced to your environment.

Talking on the phone or during video calls takes some getting used to as your own voice may sound echoey.

For daily commuters, frequent travelers, or anyone else who wants to be completely immersed in sound, JBL's Tour One M2 headphones have the adaptive technology you need to get that concert-quality experience. You can use these over-ear headphones right out of the box without the app, you just connect them to your device as you would any other Bluetooth device. The app, however, is helpful with interactive images to help guide you through headphone setup or to change the settings including the tap controls. Throughout our tests, we were able to connect to multiple devices, and especially love how it prioritizes your phone so, if you get a call while listening to your computer, it automatically switches devices when you answer.

These headphones are perfect for audiophiles as the noise-blocking capabilities are so advanced, it actually takes some getting used to. The Tour One M2's have smart noise cancelation that continuously adjusts as you’re wearing so if, for example, a train or siren goes by, the noise is blocked along with the regular nat sound of the room. We loved listening to music on these and felt more focused when listening to podcasts and audiobooks because there wasn’t any distracting background noise. It really allows you to be in your own world with whatever you’re listening to.

The Details: Up to 50 hours battery life | Android and iOS | 9.6 ounces | Over-ear

Most Comfortable, Over-ear

Sony wh-1000xm5 headphones.

• Ease of Use 2 /5
• Functionality 4 /5

They completely block out loud sounds and background noises.

The set-up can be tricky at first.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are one of the most impressive all-around noise-canceling headphones we've used. We loved the lightweight and comfortable fit of the headphones; they aren't too snug or too loose but do appear slightly bulky on the head. During lab testing, these headphones impressed us with their automatic adaptive noise-canceling, which turns the noise-canceling on and off when someone starts speaking and allows users to easily skip or pause songs by tapping the side of the ear cups. When the active noise-canceling was turned on, it could prevent the sounds of a ride-on lawnmower from being heard while landscaping. And, when we walked around the city, the headphones created a “bubble” where outside noises were completely tuned out.

We did have some difficulties setting up the headphones due to a lack of instructions included by Sony, but once the app was downloaded, it became a much more intuitive experience. While the setup was tricky, these headphones more than made up for the inconvenience with incredible active noise cancelation.

The Details: Up to 30 hours battery life | Up to 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 8.8 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Most Comfortable, Earbuds

Jabra elite 85t earbuds.

• Functionality 4.5 /5
• Sound Quality 4.5 /5
• Noise Cancelation 4.5 /5

The Jabra app has a tool that tests sound leakage and recommends which size of the rubber earbud tip should be used.

You may have to read the directions to help with connecting to your computer.

Earbuds can be uncomfortable to wear for long amounts of time, but the Jabra Elite 85ts come with several thoughtful features to enhance comfort. There are three different sizes of rubber earbud tips, and the Jabra Sound+ app has a tool that emits a sound to test for leakage so that it can recommend the best fit for improving sound and comfort quality. We loved how lightweight and secure the earbuds felt.

There are 11 sound levels with active noise-canceling and a transparency mode for when you need to hear surrounding sounds better. You can toggle between six included sound settings and create custom presets on the app or by tapping the earbud. After wearing these headphones regularly for one month, we found that the noise-canceling aspect does work really well and makes for much more pleasant rides on the commuter train. These earbuds would be ideal for commuting or extended flights when travelers want to listen to music for long periods of time without having to worry about ear pain. 

The Details: Up to 25 hours battery life | 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 1.06 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen

Best Splurge

Apple airpods max.

The sound quality and noise-canceling are excellent during phone calls.

They don't turn off unless they're in the case, so you have to always carry the case with you.

Apple’s first pair of over-the-ear headphones, the AirPods Max earned our fandom with noise-canceling abilities that blocked out nearly all outside commotion while providing crisp and vibrant sound for music and phone calls. We found the sound quality to be much higher than other options, and the cancel/transparency range is larger. We also appreciated how intuitive the headphones are to use thanks to buttons along the earpiece that allow you to adjust the sound level, play or skip a song, and change the active noise-cancelation and transparency settings. During our decibel tests, the headphones only let in the sound of a screaming baby at 75.3 decibels; otherwise, the noise-cancelation blocked out sirens, talking, construction drills, and more. Even with the transparency setting on, we noted that the headphones provided a noise-blocking effect.

The headphones are comfortable to wear and shaped nicely to our heads without many adjustments needed, but they still not be the best option to use during your workouts. Although these Apple headphones have a higher price point than some, we think the sound and material quality match the cost for those who have a larger budget. Even after six months of regular use, these headphones certainly live up to the hype and continue to deliver an amazing listening experience.

The Details: Up to 20 hours battery life | 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 13.6 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Best Battery Life

Jabra elite 85h.

There are six preset equalizer settings, but you can save custom presets, too.

The noise-cancelation didn’t feel as strong as other headphones we tested.

On one single charge, the Jabra Elite 85H has a 36-hour battery life with the active noise cancelation turned on — an ideal length for travelers that might not have regular access to a power-up. To pair the headphones and control the noise-canceling abilities, users will have to download the Jabra Sound+ app, which includes features like sleep mode and a headphone tracker to find them if they get misplaced. We had no issues setting up the app and appreciated the tour the app gave that outlined how to use the headphones. After one month of regular use, these exceeded our expectations. The audio quality is amazing and the noise cancelation and hear-through mode works like a charm.

The noise-canceling feature especially impressed us by blocking out ambient noise like the sounds of an airplane cabin. We were able to hear the highest-pitched sounds like a baby screaming, but thoughtful features like the ability to play white noise from the app help block out noise. The headphones are comfortable to wear but aren’t as lightweight as the others we tested. On the plus side for portability, they fold up and fit into a compact carrying case that is perfect for air travel. 

The Details: Up to 36 hours battery life | 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 10.4 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Best for Apple Users

Apple airpods pro.

• Durability 4.5 /5

It takes Apple users seconds and almost no effort to pair Apple AirPods Pro.

After six months of use, we noticed the battery life doesn't last as long as when they were new.

Apple users who are looking to stay within the iOS family should consider the AirPods Pros. The pairing process for Apple users takes minimal effort and almost no time at all. We paired the headphones to a phone easily and were able to adjust the active noise-canceling and transparency features without issue. The sound quality of the headphones didn’t blow us away, but we were thoroughly impressed with the noise-canceling ability that silenced any outside noise, including our simulated tests with sounds like a siren, a screaming baby, and a car honking. On a flight, we were impressed with the quality and its ability to drown out the airplane noises.

To suit your size preference, the Apple earbuds come with three different earbud tips so you can customize how snug you want them to feel in your ear. Another great feature for Apple users is the ability to track your earbuds if you misplace them by using the Find My Friends app on an iPhone. Android users can certainly enjoy a pair of AirPods Pros, but we think Apple users or people new to using wireless earbuds will appreciate the convenience the most. [Note: We tested the first generation headphones here, but we've also later reviewed the newer model as well.]

The Details: Up to 5 hours battery life | Android and iOS | 0.18 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Best Multi-use

Beats fit pro noise canceling earbuds.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

You can skip songs and adjust the volume level by tapping on the earbud.

The control buttons aren't easy to locate; you may have to feel around to find them.

Whether you're traveling, commuting, or working out at the gym, you'll love how comfortable and intuitive the Beats Fit Pros are. Pairing the headphones to a phone is incredibly easy — all you have to do is open the case and the device will automatically connect via Bluetooth. These earbuds have special audio that allows users to adjust the sound transparency to completely block out noise or allow it to filter through while using the earbuds. The sound quality for playing music was powerful, and nothing leaked through the active noise-cancelation. However, when talking on the phone, you may not want to activate the noise-canceling feature, otherwise you may not sound clear on the other end. After six months of regular use, we're so impressed with the battery power on these headphones and find that they only need to be charged once a week.

The Details: Up to 24 hours battery life | 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Best Customizable

Bose quietcomfort earbuds.

• Ease of Use 4 /5
• Comfort 3.5 /5
• Noise-Cancellation 5 /5

We love the quiet mode for when you really need to focus.

They may not be comfortable for people with small ears.

When it comes to noise-canceling headphones, we usually focus on blocking out sound so you can hear your music or movie without distraction. These headphones take things one step further by allowing users to customize their own noise-cancelation mode from a full cancelation "quiet" mode to a fully aware mode that automatically adjusts based on your surroundings. There's also an app you can use to track you earbuds — not just the case — in case one gets lost. We were also very impressed with the sound quality of these earbuds when listening to music. It feels like a full surround system and the music is so clear. The downside is that the left earbud doesn't work on its own since the Bluetooth actually connects to the right bud. Both earbuds also have tap controls, so these are best used together for optimal listening.

The Details: Up to 6 hours battery life | 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 0.3 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

We gathered our product testers in our New York City lab to find the best noise-canceling headphones through a series of tests that evaluated ease of use, functionality, sound quality, comfort, noise-cancelation, and overall value. We tested 27 earbuds and headphones from industry-leading tech and audio brands like Apple, Bose, Sony, and more.

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

To test the ease of use, we had our participants unbox each set of headphones and note how easy it was to pair their cellphones to them. Some brands require an app to be downloaded that controls the features of each headphone, whereas others can be controlled by tapping on the earbud to adjust the settings. These features were tested for functionality to determine how difficult it was to navigate the headphones’ features.

Next, we carefully considered the comfort of each pair of headphones and earbuds. Some earbuds came with multiple sizes of rubber tips, and the over-the-ear headphones could be adjusted to fit the shape of the user’s head. Everyone made a phone call to test the microphone and asked the person on the other end of the call how clear their voice sounded. 

Our team used the headphones during a variety of noise-canceling challenges that included listening to music while walking around outside and participating in frequency assessments to listen for sounds at different levels with and without music playing. The decibel tests included a baby screaming, sirens, subway noises, construction drills, cars honking, and airplane cabin noises.

Travel + Lesiure / Vicky Wasik

Other Noise-canceling Headphones We Liked

Some noise-canceling headphones came close to making our list of top performers, but the pairs below lacked features and qualities compared to our winners. 

Bose QuietComfort 35 II : These headphones were comfortable to wear and easily blocked ambient sounds, but the sound quality didn’t impress us, and we think there are better headphones out there for the same price or less. 

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX : These have a great battery life and the app is easy to use, but the price is high considering we couldn’t fully tell the difference between the active noise-canceling and transparency settings. 

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Sony WH-1000XM4 : Despite having excellent sound quality and noise-canceling abilities, the newer version of these headphones outperformed this older set during testing. 

OnePlus Buds Pro True Wireless Earbuds : These earbuds are simple to use, but they weren’t the most comfortable to wear and felt disorienting when listening to only one earbud at a time.

Tips for Buying Noise-canceling Headphones

Consider your primary use .

Depending on what you plan on using a pair of noise-canceling headphones for, be sure to consider factors like earbuds versus headphones, noise-canceling ability with phone calls versus music, and the price. If you’re planning on using a pair of noise-canceling headphones for work, consider prioritizing headphones that block out noise during phone calls specifically. For travelers, a lightweight pair of earbuds will be best for portability as well as long battery life and overall comfort for long journeys. 

Know the pros and cons of overhead versus earbuds

Overhead headphones and earbuds can both offer excellent noise-canceling abilities but differ when it comes to style, portability, and comfort. Travelers might find earbuds to be easier to carry around — especially if they are already bringing along a travel pillow — but headphones that go over the ears may end up being more comfortable for longer amounts of time. Plus, while earbuds are small and discreet, headphones are noticeable and could get in the way of workouts or sleeping on your side.

Noise-canceling headphones are designed to reduce background noise while listening to music or talking on the phone. While they can’t eliminate all surrounding sounds, active noise-cancellation can help with drowning out ambient noise and providing clear and crisp sound quality whether you’re listening to music or taking a phone call. Some headphones, like those from the Jabra brand, have white noise features that let users listen to sounds like ocean waves to help cover outside noise.

Active noise-canceling (ANC) neutralizes outside sounds using built-in microphones to pick up sounds and using sounds that are out of phase with the external sounds to counteract ambient noise. Passive noise-canceling features are the physical design of the earbud or headphones that prevent outside noise. For example, the shape and cushion of ear cups and the rubber tips on earbuds are passive noise-canceling features. 

Noise-canceling headphones, especially over-ear headphones, generally have padding and other components that block noise even when they are not projecting music. Active noise-canceling headphones (ANC) can block noise whether or not you are playing music.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best noise-canceling headphones based on a series of tests completed by our testers in our lab.

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Related Articles

The best travel headphones 2024, chosen by our jet-setting reviewers

Mute planes, trains and automobiles

• Best overall
• Best budget
• Best premium
• Best for battery life
• Best earbuds for ANC
• Best earbuds for Apple
• Best mid-priced earbuds
• Best super-cheap earbuds
• Earbuds for in-flight movies
• How to choose
• How we test
• Latest updates

When looking for the best travel headphones, we're slightly adjusting our priorities compared to looking for more general headphones. We're looking for portability, battery life and, of course, active noise cancellation (ANC) more than we might otherwise. For those looking for the best airplane headphones, the option of a wired connection becomes crucial too, for those in-flight movies.

This list of the best travel headphones overlaps heavily with the best noise-cancelling headphones , but focusing more on their battery life, whether they have a folding lightweight design, and making sure they have a 3.5mm jack. Over-ear headphones are better at ANC than wireless earbuds, and wireless buds don't have wired connections, s headphones are our first pick – but best noise-cancelling earbuds have a huge portability advantage, so we've included those too (and one of them actually can handle a wired connection).

Our reviewers have tested all of these travel headphones on the exact kinds of transport we're talking about – our recommendations are based on real-world use for flights, trains, buses and even the occasional boat.

The quick list

Want a simple way to find the travel headphones with the features and price range you want? Use our quick list below – you can click to see a longer write-up of each product for more in-depth information.

The best travel headphones for most people

These headphones offer strong noise cancellation, great sound, good battery life, wired or wireless use, and a comfortable fit in a lightweight folding design. Ideal for travel at a superb price.

Read more below

The best cheaper travel headphones

An affordable and comfortable pair of over-ears. They fold up nicely for storage, have a 3.5mm jack for plane movies and offer decent noise cancellation. Amazing for the price.

The best premium travel headphones

The best noise cancellation we've used to date, elite sound quality, spatial audio, and a super-comfortable design that folds up. They're expensive, though, and the battery life is short.

The best travel headphones for battery life

You get glorious sound quality and solid noise-stopping here, with some super-smart features, and wired or wireless use. Oh, and 60 hours of battery life, which crushes everything else here.

The best noise-cancelling earbuds

These offer essentially the best noise cancellation of earbuds, with a solid and secure fit. Great sound quality, smart features, and very good value for premium-level earbuds.

The best earbuds for iPhone and iPad

With noise-blocking powers to challenge the Bose, amazing Spatial Audio for watching movies on iPhone or iPad, and glorious audio quality, these are ideal for Apple fans. 

Load the next products...

The best mid-priced earbuds for noise cancellation

You'll experience fun, energetic sound from these great-looking Nothing buds that also boast the best noise cancellation you can get for the price, in a pocketable design.

Read more below  

The cheap earbuds with good noise cancellation

For this price, no other buds delivers better noise cancellation. And as an added bonus, they offer a long battery life of 7 hours with ANC on. They're very future-proof for features, too.

The best wireless earbuds for in-flight movie systems

Exquisite sound, decent ANC, weak battery life – but you can connect their case to a 3.5mm jack, and it beams sound to the buds. They're uniquely good for flights, but they'll cost you.

I've been reviewing tech for 14 years, and for pretty much all that time I've been testing headphones and speakers. As one of TechRadar's most frequent travellers, I've tested a ton of headphones and earbuds on flights, train rides and bus commutes, and I've used my experience to choose the headphones that best fit the particular priorities of people flying or taking other long journeys.

Recent updates

July 30, 2024 Swapped the Sony WF-C700N for the Nothing Ear (a), based on our reviews of both products.

The best travel headphones 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The best travel headphones overall

1. Sony WH-1000XM4

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Sony WH-1000 range has gone from strength to noise-cancelling strength with each iteration. While the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are now available, the 2020 XM4s still offer an incredible combination of brilliant ANC and enjoyably balanced audio quality from a lightweight set of folding cans. You could shell out the extra for the latest model but these are a significantly better buy for being slightly older. 

For travel especially, the noise cancelling here is exceptional. You’ll only realize just how loud that plane engine hum actually is when you take these off. This is thanks to Sony’s proprietary processor, which is constantly sampling the world around you and adjusting the noise cancellation accordingly. And not only will intrusive noises disappear but the pleather cups are cosy and comfortable even for long haul journeys, making the Sony WH-1000XM4s our top pick for the very best travel headphones, even though the newer Sony WH-1000XM5 is available – that model lacks the folding design, and is more expensive without being a big leap better.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM4 review  

• ^ Back to the top

2. Earfun Wave Pro

If you want a pair of travel-friendly headphones for a low price, look no further. The Earfun Wave Pro are an excellent-value pair of over-ears that prove you don't need to spend more than $100/£100 for solid headphones that'll suit long journeys and music on the move.

During our testing, we found the Earfun Wave Pro to be exceptionally comfortable, thanks to the soft memory foam on the wide cups. The adjustable headband ensures a perfect fit, and the foldable design allows for easy transport in the premium-looking carry case. The 3.5mm jack on the right cup is a crucial feature for in-flight movie entertainment.

When it comes to sound, the Earfun Wave Pro aren't going to compete with audiophile-grade over-ears, but as we wrote in our review, "compared to their rivals, the Earfun Wave Pro are really impressive." Usually, headphones this cheap sound distinctly average and tinny, but the Earfun Wave Pro sound fulsome and great. This makes sense, considering there are some impressive tech specs here, including 40mm drivers, High-Res Audio certification (both for wireless and wired music) and a Sony's LDAC tech for improved Bluetooth streaming.

You'll also get active noise cancellation, which, again, won't compete with the best noise-cancelling headphones but does a good job of blocking out most ambient sounds – you're definitely able to hear movies much more clearly over the plane engine noise because of it, and that's the most important thing.

While you'll find better headphones on this list, you'll have to pay more than double the price. The Earfun Wave Pro over-ear headphones pack everything you need into a comfortable and incredibly affordable package.

Read our full Earfun Wave Pro review

The best travel headphones for elite noise cancellation

3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

These are, perhaps, the ultimate travel companion – with just one flaw that might put you off. They check so many boxes, with their best-in-class active noise cancellation at the center of the success. We found in our testing that nothing else stops the hubbub of a city or traffic around you so effectively – though we did find that they reacted oddly to extremely loud sounds (sitting by a bus engine on a hill, and during plane take-off) with some very robotic output. But we were happy to forgive these moments, since they're so good the rest of the time.

And on top of that, you get truly exceptional audio quality that's more exciting, precise and detailed than anything else in this list. They're capable of deep, velvety bass and delicate, elevated treble, with plenty of expression and clarity through the mid-range. And on top of this, they have a spatial audio mode that does a good job of feeling like the sound isn't being pumped right into your ears, from any source, which can help flights to feel less claustrophobic.

And they do all this in a fairly light design that folds up for travel, so they're great for your carry-on (and they come with a hard cases). The only real downside? The 24-hour battery life is lower than other over-ear headphones here, though it's still enough to make it through the vast majority of flights, of course. Just remember to charge when you land. All of this comes at a high price compared to the other headphones here, though we think it's well worthwhile if you can stretch to it. (If not, the non-Ultra Bose QuietComfort Headphones offer very nearly as good ANC for cheaper, and are still light and foldable).

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review

The best travel headphones for huge battery life

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless cans were TechRadar’s favorite headphones of 2022 , the year they launched, and they're seriously impressive headphones that deliver on every level. 

You see, before we even get onto the excellent audio and brilliant ANC, let’s just take a moment to celebrate the 60-hour battery life. Yes, 60 hours , even with ANC and normal volume levels. That’s enough for five transatlantic flights without even having to think about going anywhere near a USB-C port. Oh, and if you do somehow run out of juice, there’s a 3.5mm jack for just that or plugging into a plane entertainment system.

While that battery life would be enough for us, Sennheiser has also managed to cram in wonderfully dynamic audio. No matter the music genre, the Momentum 4 Wireless deliver an ultra detailed and crisp aural performance. There’s a real depth here that is rare even in over-ear cans. Add in strong active noise cancellation (with genius adaptive features you can customize through the app) and you’ll very quickly forgive the slightly basic looks and mildly chunkier weight of these travel cans.

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review  

The best noise cancelling earbuds for travel

5. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

While some earbuds come with a selection of silicone tips to make sure you can personalize the fit of your buds, the new Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II go one better and customize audio specifically for your ear canals. Thanks to what Bose calls CustomTune, both ANC and audio in these buds are personalized to best suit your ears. And going by the clear and extra-detailed sound here, we can say it’s doing something right. Combined with Bose’s best-in-class noise cancellation, these buds sing with a vibrant soundstage even over the whirr of jet engines. 

The design has been overhauled from the previous generation, with a significantly more comfortable fit that’s ideal for long listening sessions. They aren’t the smallest buds, but they are lighter than the original Bose QC Earbuds, and the lozenges don’t look nearly as bulky in your ears. The downsides here are that there’s no hi-res audio support, no spatial audio, no multi-point pairing, and the chunky design may not suit everyone, though they fit very securely.

And while the active noise cancellation is effectively the best you can get for earbuds (the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are arguably better, but not much better, and they're notably more expensive, though they do also bring spatial audio support), the high-end over-ear stuff is even more effective. But then, they don't slip in your pocket wherever you go, like these do.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 review  

The best ANC earbuds for iPhone and iPad

6. Apple AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 2 were huge leap forward for the AirPods line, delivering not just a super-convenient experience for Apple users, but audio quality and noise cancellation that's up there with the best in the class. There’s an expansive soundscape that we’ve just not heard on previous AirPods, with incredibly layered audio. Vocals, bass, and even individual instruments all get their chance to shine. 

Add in excellent ANC that's only a hair behind the Bose at #5 on this list , plus a lighter weight and smaller case than almost all similar rivals, and Apple's Find My functionality in case you leave them somewhere, and the AirPods Pro 2 are the perfect travel companions.

The final cherry on the icing for traveling is Spatial Audio, however. Use them with an iPhone or iPad to watch movies and they recreate the feeling of being in a movie theater surrounded by speakers, rather then feeling the sound is pumping right in your ears. It's nice to feel less confined when traveling, and nothing does that more effectively than these.

But this all really applies if you're deep into Apple tech; the functionality is very limited on Android. And note that the six hours of battery life per charge is very average – the Sony WF-C700N at #6 on the list offer 7.5 hours, by comparison.

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

The best mid-priced earbuds for ANC

7. Nothing Ear (a)

The Nothing Ear (a) really surprised us with just how much audio quality they squeezed into their modest (under $100 / £100) budget, blowing away even highly rated options from Sony. They're our top pick if you're looking for a pair of great-sounding, noise-cancelling earbuds to travel with that are a step-up from budget but won't cost you a small fortune. 

There are several active noise cancellation profiles to choose from here: High, Mid, Low, and Adaptive. We were seriously impressed with the highest setting. In our review, we called it: "a near bubble-of-silence outcome" as it nixes almost all noise when listening to something loud and strong. You can get better ANC, but you'd have to pay twice as much to improve it significantly. That's why, for most people we'd say these are the top mid-range ANC option and should cancel out almost all of the usual travel sounds that would bug you – traffic, whirring engines, screaming kids, etc. Features-wise, you'll get more than just solid ANC with excellent call handling, EQ settings, Bluetooth v5.3 and LDAC support for hi-res audio and in-ear detection.

The sound here is fantastic. In our review, we wrote that they "prioritize fun and energy". If you like punchy, powerful, high-energy tracks, they're the buds for you. Sonically, they're hard to pick fault with. Just like the ANC specs, you will find better audio out there, but you'll have to seriously expand your budget.

Another reason these earbuds are excellent for travel is they're small and light. Each bud weighs 4.8g, making for a comfortable fit even when using them for a long time. But their charging case has also been reduced over previous models too, making them certifiably pocketable – ideal when your hand-luggage allowance is miniscule. 

Finally, the battery life here isn't outstanding, but it is good. You'll get 5.5 hours from the buds with ANC on and 9.5 hours without. That should see you through most shorter haul flights and on a commute. But if you're willing to take a break from listening and charge your buds in their case as you travel, you'll get a total of 24.5 hours, which jumps up to a huge 42.5 hours without ANC on. If you need something in this price range that can get you through more of a flight unbroken, the Sony WF-C700N are nearly as good as these, and last 7.5 hours per charge with the ANC on.

Read our full Nothing Ear (a) review

Best super-cheap earbuds with good ANC

8. Earfun Air Pro 3

We called these "the best cheap noise-cancelling earbuds you can get" in our review, and that's the long and short of it. Do they block noise as well as the Bose, AirPods, or Sony earbuds also in this list? No – but they're way less expensive (and often discounted further), and they do it as well as anything else at the same kind of price.

And when you then factor in the fantastic nine-hour battery life, and that they're future-proofed with features such as Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio support, they're even more of a bargain. The sound is good for the price, with no obvious weaknesses, even it isn't as rich as more elite models – it's still fun and compelling to listen to.

The design is not very svelte, but we don't mind too much considering what's been packed in there. These are such good all-rounders, and the quality of the sound for the cost makes them our cheapest pick.

Read our full Earfun Air Pro 3 review

Best true wireless earbuds for in-flight movie systems

9. Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2

When it comes to sound quality, few earbuds can match these. We said "you're in for a sonic masterclass" in our review, and raved that dynamic elements are delivered with "more zeal and energy than we've heard from any set of true wireless earbuds to date". When it comes to audio quality, they're second to none.

That's sadly not true when it comes to the quality of the noise cancellation (which let's through far more low-frequency rumble than we expect from something so premium), and the battery life, which is the lowest of anything in this list.

But they have an ace up their sleeve. Unlike basically all other true wireless earbuds, these can be used wired. The case comes with a couple of cables (one USB-C to USB-C, one 3.5mm jack to USB-C), so that you can connect the case to an audio source such as an in-flight entertainment system. The sound is beamed from the case to the earbuds over aptX high-quality streaming.

All of the over-ear headphones we've featured in this list have a wired options, but none of the earbuds does. That's the nature of going true wireless. You get the best of both worlds here. Well, most of the best – if only the noise cancellation was better. They're also very large – those with small ears should give them a test before committing.

Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 review

How to choose the best travel headphones for you

When it comes to choosing the best travel headphones, all of the important decisions are fully subjective. This is about finding the best travel headphones for  you  and not anybody else, so there are a few things to consider. 

The first one is an easy choice. Do you prefer over-ear cans or earbuds? We all have very different preferences, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Some people find in-ear buds invasive or worry about finding exactly the right fit. Thankfully if you’re fretting about the latter, most earbuds now come with a collection of silicone tips to ensure that the buds are snug enough for you not to worry about them tumbling out. Active noise cancelling depends on a good seal, so most ANC pairs have a good selection. Earbuds are also handy for travelling thanks to their compact cases that can slide into an inside pocket. 

But if you’re happy to carry something a little bigger and want some added audio oomph, there are plenty of over-ear options explicitly designed to press the mute button on airports and crowded train carriages. Brands like Sony and Bose have long reigned over the travel crowd, purely for their ultra-comfortable over-ear fit, excellent noise cancellation and satisfying audio chops.

They also fit snugly even when you’re cosied into your neck pillow on the plane, which is incredibly satisfying as you drift off. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for over-ears that come with a 3.5mm cable in the case so you can plug into the airplane entertainment system without having to resort to the free foamy monstrosities so you can watch a movie.

True wireless earbuds won't have a cable option (mostly), so if you're taking them on a flight, make sure you've filled your tablet or phone with entertainment.

Once you’ve decided on a fit, it’s time to think about your budget. If you fly regularly or want to silence a noisy metro train daily, you might want to invest in a high-end pair of ANC cans. If you’re just heading onto one short flight and don’t want to spend as much as the ticket on a pair of headphones, plenty of ANC options are available that won’t break the bank. You’ll sacrifice some bells and whistles, but audio quality doesn’t always have to suffer.

Speaking of ANC, you'll want to consider just how much you want to block out the world around you. As we said above, the more you pay the better the ANC tends to be. But that isn't always the case, so be sure to read our first-hand reviews. All of the options in this guide have some level of ANC – we consider it essential for a pair of the best travel headphones – but we also have a guide dedicated to the best noise cancelling headphones and best noise cancelling earbuds specifically if wrapping yourself up in an immersive cocoon of sound is your number one priority.

Higher-end headphones also may come with a system to adjust the air pressure between the seal and your eardrum, which is obviously nice on airplanes, when the pressure changes. Sony's WH-1000XM4 at #1 on this list feature 'Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing' tech, for example, while AirPods Pro 2 at #7 on this list also feature a pressure-balancing system.

How we test the best travel headphones

When we review headphones with active noise cancellation, we always test them for travel as much as possible anyway, since that's usually the hardest test for their noise blocking powers! We listen to them in cities among traffic, on public transport including trains and buses, and we've tested most of these options on flights, to find the best headphones for airplanes.

For audio fidelity, we test headphones from a range of sources, but mainly the best music streaming services . Our tests range from very high-quality tracks on Tidal to the very basic quality of Spotify's app, plus we'll test podcasts, YouTube , movie streams and other common ways to listen. 

We always test out the apps that most modern headphones have, to see how they can affect the experience (for better or worse), plus any features that are enabled by the apps, such as customizable noise cancellation, EQ settings, or spatial audio.

And we'll test the battery claims with actual use – and we'll use them for a long time to test the comfort, while we're at it.

We're comparing our verdicts in all these areas against other products at the same kind of price to arrive at our conclusion of not only whether something sounds good or blocks noise well, but whether it achieves good value while doing that.

Latest updates to the best travel headphones

June 7, 2024 Swapped the Sony WH-CH720N for the Earfun Wave Pro, based on our reviews of both products.

April 11, 2024 Added the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones based on our review.

December 6, 2023 Checked rankings against recent product launches and added in a new lead image.  

June 25, 2023 This guide launches for the first time! All entries were chosen by our team, based on our own reviews and opinions of the products.

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Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Entertainment, meaning he's in charge of persuading our team of writers and reviewers to watch the latest TV shows and movies on gorgeous TVs and listen to fantastic speakers and headphones. It's a tough task, as you can imagine. Matt has over a decade of experience in tech publishing, and previously ran the TV & audio coverage for our colleagues at T3.com, and before that he edited T3 magazine. During his career, he's also contributed to places as varied as Creative Bloq, PC Gamer, PetsRadar, MacLife, and Edge. TV and movie nerdism is his speciality, and he goes to the cinema three times a week. He's always happy to explain the virtues of Dolby Vision over a drink, but he might need to use props, like he's explaining the offside rule.

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The 12 Best Noise-canceling Headphones To Buy for Travel [2024]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

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Keri Stooksbury

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Table of Contents

How do noise-canceling headphones work, active noise cancellation explained, the 12 best active noise-canceling headphones, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Key Takeaways

• Noise-canceling headphones are a worthwhile investment for long flights and other noisy environments.
• The Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 are top recommendations for travelers, offering advanced noise cancellation, superior sound quality, and comfortable designs.
• Apple’s AirPods Pro provides a more compact, in-ear alternative with noise cancellation and seamless integration with Apple devices, making them a convenient choice for iPhone users.

Noise-canceling headphones use fancy technology that helps eliminate annoying external noises, allowing us to concentrate only on what we want to hear.

Perfect for busy commuter trains, noisy subways, and even to drown out the sound of fellow air passengers, noise-canceling headphones are the way forward for anyone who wants to be alone, even in public.

Of course, these wonders of modern technology come with an elevated price tag to match. But if you really want to enjoy uninterrupted tunes — or simply tune out from the world while you listen to your latest audiobook — these beauties can achieve levels of peace and quiet that leave regular headphones in the shade.

Noise-canceling headphones work by creating a noise-canceling wave that is 180 degrees out of phase with the ambient noise around you.

This wave acts like a noise eraser and cancels out any surrounding sounds that diminish the audio you really want to hear. Noise-canceling headphones aren’t magic, but they can feel like something close to it in the right situations.

The clever processes that cancel out intruding sound waves only work really well at blocking out certain frequencies. On an airplane, for example, the low hum of engine noise is almost completely obliterated. But higher or transient sounds like crying babies and people’s voices may still be able to seep in depending on the quality of your headphones.

There are 2 commonly accepted forms of noise-canceling headphones available on the market. Passive noise cancellation relates more to the make and design of the headphones, which reflects the amount of noise cancellation offered by the physical device — or how well the headset works like an earplug.

But active noise cancellation is where the really clever stuff happens, as unique technological processes block out the bad sounds and emphasize the good ones.

With active noise cancellation (or ANC) technology, the headphone features a chip that “listens” to noise and generates audio that is opposite to it in nature (also known as pink noise), thus canceling it out.

Using simple physics, we know that sound travels in waves. So by firing out a sound wave that is the opposite phase and amplitude as an audio wave, you can cancel the original wave out.

Still with us? Just think of ANC technology as the antidote to unwanted sound — the unseen hero that takes care of distracting, annoying, and unwanted sounds and actively erases lower-frequency sound waves by using additional powered instruments.

ANC headphones work better when worn on your head instead of stuffed inside your ear canal. There can also be an element of decreased sound quality with ANC headphones, and a slight background hiss may be detectable over your music.

But, you win some, you lose some, right? ANC headphones still beat other types hands-down for a completely immersive listening experience.

1. For Those Who Like Big Brand Names and Crave Extra Gadgets

Bose quietcomfort 45 wireless anc headphones.

Weight: 8.5 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 22 hours wirelessly, 40 hours wired

Cable Length: 3.9 feet

When is a pair of headphones not just a pair of headphones? When it can seamlessly interact with your other favorite technology, of course.

Bose doesn’t just bring the noise better than the competition — they are also world leaders when it comes to bringing the internet of things right to you, courtesy of your earholes.

These ergonomic, good-looking headphones don’t just offer fully balanced audio, hassle-free Bluetooth pairing, and noise-rejecting microphones for crystal clear sound. They now also allow you to ask Alexa to play your music or provide you with information whenever you need it. Bravo Bose, Bravo!

Of course, the biggest reason to choose Bose is the solid sound quality and future-proof technology. With the QuietComfort 45 series you can enjoy personalized settings as well as access to all future updates using the very smart and efficient Bose Connect App.

What We Like

• Alexa-enabled to control playback with your voice

What We Don’t Like

• Bluetooth connection can be intermittent

2. Best for Serious Music Enthusiasts With Deep Pockets

Sony WH1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Over Ear Headphones

Weight: 8.8 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 30 hours

Cable Length: N/A

These industry-leading noise-canceling headphones bring you the very best and nothing less when it comes to total musical immersion. With premium sound quality, you’ll never miss a beat thanks to the 40-millimeter liquid crystal polymer drivers, and the 30-hour battery life will keep you tapping your toes on even the longest of flights.

For those who don’t want to be left out even when listening hard, the Sony Speak-To-Chat and Quick Attention mode allows effortless conversation with those around you — without ever taking your headphones off.

A touch sensor control also allows the user to pause/play/skip tracks, control the volume, activate the voice assistant, and even answer phone calls effortlessly.

As you would fully expect from Sony, these are solidly built and include everything they promise and more. Excellent sound quality, 30-hour battery life (with a quick charge for an extra few hours when you need it), and smart auto-settings to optimize listening automatically based on your own behavior make these babies worth every last cent.

• Quick attention mode for conversations without removing the headphones
• Microphone can be sensitive to external noises when on the phone

3. Older Noise-canceling Headphones (But Still Competitive)

Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH1000XM4

Weight: 9 ounces

Fly high with these awesome noise-canceling headphones from global giant Sony. With an ergonomic design that wouldn’t look out of place on the coolest of cats, these ANC headphones offer punchy bass, refined treble, and brilliant noise-canceling capabilities.

Being the 2021 model in this range, you should be able to pick these up cheaper than the Sony WH1000XM5 .

The touchpad built into the surface of the right earpiece makes it simple to control the volume of your music or come back to reality for a moment using the Quick Attention Mode. You can also easily pause/play/skip tracks, control the volume, activate the voice assistant, and even answer phone calls.

Sony’s patented Smart Listening is the piste de resistance in these cans, as the headphones cleverly detect your activity to automatically adjust the ambient sounds you hear. Genius!

Up to 30 hours of battery life with quick charging capability (10 minutes of charging for 5 hours of playback) means these headphones allow you to be as engaged with the real world as you want to be — or not!

• Quick charging for hours of playback
• Headband can break easily

4. For Minimalist Apple Lovers

Apple AirPods Pro

Weight:  0.19 ounces

Battery Life:  At least 24 hours of listening time, up to 11 hours of talk time

Cable Length:  N/A

Following the success of the first generation of Apple AirPods, the newly released AirPods Pro bring even more adaptive sound quality and high-tech features to the table.

Light as a feather, and incredibly easy to use, the new and improved AirPods Pro are designed to sync super quickly to your iPhone, iPad, or other Apple devices. They are also more comfortable than ever before, coming complete with a selection of different-sized ear tips to enable you, the user, to tailor the fit of the pod to your ear shape and size.

As a bonus, there is also a small pressure valve on the inside to help reduce the pressure inside your ear, making them feel more comfortable for longer.

To appeal to those that like to listen to music while they work out, the AirPods Pro are water-resistant and have an IPX4 rating that makes them far more resilient to sweat and water than ever before. Take note though, water-resistant is not the same as waterproof , and drenching them with water will inevitably ruin them.

Probably the most noteworthy addition to the AirPods Pro is the introduction of the active noise cancellation function that can be fully customized by the listener. Shut out the ambient sounds around you and lose yourself in the music, or set to transparency mode to allow you to hear what is happening around you at all times.

• Wireless charging case for on-the-go charging
• Speakers are very sensitive when cleaning

5. Award-winning Superior Quality (and Perfect for Anyone Who Really Appreciates Music)

Sennheiser Momentum 4.0 Wireless with Active Noise Cancellation

Weight: 10.3 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 60 hours

These fourth-generation award-winning headphones from Sennheiser remain the #1 choice for hip and fashion-conscious music lovers . Thick leather ear pads, new padded headband, and foldable design make them easy to love before you’ve even started listening to them.

When it comes to sound quality, Sennheiser certainly does it well. The exciting blend of strong bass and subtle higher notes makes for a rich overall performance that’s so impressive you’ll want to close your eyes and just enjoy it.

To keep unwanted sounds at bay, these little beauties do an awesome job of lowering the external hubbub in an incredibly natural way.

With up to 60 hours of wireless play, intuitive controls, stylish looks, and awesome sound quality, you may even forget that these are some of the pricier ANC headphones on the market. Worth it? You decide.

• Exceptionally good sound quality
• Bluetooth range could be better

6. Entry-level ANC Headphones (That Compete With the Bigger Boys)

Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Weight: 8.0 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 30 hours wirelessly

Always serious about sound, Sennheiser developed these handsome (and surprisingly slim) cans that are as clever as they are attractive. Say goodbye to traffic noises and office hum — the PXC 550s hit each note with perfect clarity every time.

Intuitive user control means you can benefit from voice prompts, touch controls, NFC pairing, smart pause, and automatic on/off. Or go full space-age and use the Sennheiser CapTune App to manage the music player, check your battery status indicator, and adjust your EQ settings.

Its Bluetooth 4.2 wireless technology works seamlessly, and the lightweight design (paired with the clever way they collapse for storage) makes these a great choice for travel. With just one touch you can activate your voice assistant Alexa, Google, or Siri, to help you on your travels or play music.

Small enough to pack away into a compact ball but big enough to eliminate all the background noise you never want to hear, these are a smart pair of headphones for the serious music lover who wants to look cool.

• Small and compact, perfect for travel
• Battery life can reduce over time

7. Bose-brand Brilliance for Budget-conscious Music Lovers

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

Weight: 8.3 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 20 hours wirelessly, 40 hours wired

Perfect for those who want all the quality of Bose on a smaller budget, these noise-canceling headphones are a great entry-level pair. First launched in 2017, they still stand strong against the competition and will diminish most background noise to let you hear your tunes with clarity.

The lightweight and comfortable ergonomic design means you’ll never tire of wearing these little beauties, and the music, EQ, call-answer features, and other extras can be controlled simply by using your smartphone.

Designed to reduce unwanted noises while still producing powerful sounds, these headphones are comfortable enough to wear all day. And with a battery life of up to 40 hours on a single charge, there is literally nothing stopping you from doing just that.

• Has an option cable connection as well as Bluetooth
• Noise cancellation can turn off by itself

8. Noise-canceling Headphones for Those Who Don’t Follow the Crowd

Bowers & Wilkins PX Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones

Weight: 11.8 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 22 hours wirelessly, 50 hours wired

Cable Length: 4 feet

Looking for something a little different? Bowers & Wilkins have proven their place as David against the Goliath of big brands like Sony and Bose with these really great noise-canceling headphones.

Offering a satisfying user experience, reliable Bluetooth connection, and easy-to-control audio playback, these headphones will cut out the drone of your daily commute and let you concentrate on your music.

B&W made a serious effort to ensure no noticeable drop in sound quality — even including the same drive units found in the revered P9 headphones by the same brand. It has also subtly angled the drivers to provide a natural, all-encompassing stereo sound every time you use them.

The PX is as smart as they are beautiful, too. Want to stop listening? Simply raise an ear cup — and when you’re done for the day, the PX stops playing when you put them away.

With an impressive 22-hour battery life, an instant power-saving sleep mode, and a dedicated Bowers & Wilkins headphone app, these are definitely the real deal.

• Easy to pause playback by lifting an ear cup
• Takes some time to get used to wearing them

9. Lightweight, Enjoyable ANC Audio for Those on a Budget

AKG Noise Canceling Headphone Black (N60)

Weight: 5.3 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 15 hours wirelessly, 30 hours wired

Perfect for those on the go, these budget-friendly headphones can give you over 15 hours of listening pleasure using aptX Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. Better still, the wireless connectivity automatically turns on the active noise cancellation , making them a safe bet for those who like to listen while they run, walk, or travel.

Lightweight and easy to wear, these headphones remain well secured to your head, meaning you can bounce in them without them slipping off. The 3D folding mechanism and carry case also make it super easy to listen when you need to and store them when you don’t.

Sound quality is also impressive — beats are delivered with detail and precision, while the mid-range and treble remain crisp and delicate in every song. If you want great quality ANC headphones at a bargain price, the AKG N60 is a major contender that really can hold its own against the might of the bigger brands.

• Lightweight and comfortable to wear on the go
• Noise cancellation could be better

10. Efficient  Sennheiser Headphones for Those on a Budget

Sennheiser HD 4.50 Bluetooth Wireless Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation

Weight: 8.4 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 20 hours

A futuristic-looking and ergonomic design is the first thing you’ll notice about these headphones. How cool will you look wearing them?

But the delight doesn’t end there: good sound quality comes in an affordable package, as the well-tuned mid-range and deep, throaty bass will have you nodding along wherever you are.

As you would expect from Sennheiser, the Bluetooth 4.0 and aptX technologies deliver seamless connectivity, while the NoiseGard active noise cancellation does its important job of reducing ambient noise levels and improving your overall listening experience.

With a 19-hour battery life, you should be all set for most long journeys — if you need to listen longer, use the connection cable for battery-free listening that still sounds great .

Ear-cup mounted controls offer intuitive options for changing tracks, upping the volume, or even making calls to tell someone how much you really love your new Sennheiser headphones. A great pair for anyone on a budget.

• Great value mid-range headphones
• You can’t charge and listen at the same time

11. Semi-noise-Canceling Headphones for Those Who Like Their Beats on a Budget

Plantronics Voyager 8200 – Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

Weight: 10.2 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 24 hours

While these may not be the prettiest things to look at, they are certainly worth considering if you want more bass for your buck. A solid choice for fans of rock music and EDM, these produce heavy, thumping low notes while keeping the mid-range crisp and clear.

Class 1 Bluetooth enabling means you can stream your favorite tunes from 98 feet (30 meters) away , and enjoy wireless connectivity for those moments when the air guitar solo comes calling.

The design of the Voyager 8200 is lightweight and practical, but not as chic as some of its main competitors. That said, the sound quality more than makes up for any loss in looks — so take your pick on which factor is more important to you.

Finally, this set’s 24-hour battery life will give you weeks of traveling joy, and you can recharge using a cable or USB.

• Great value headphones with superior sound
• The noise canceling could be improved

12. Acceptable Noise-canceling Capabilities With Plenty of Customizable Options

JBL Everest Elite 750NC Wireless Headphones

Weight: 9.88 ounces

Battery Life: Up to 20 hours wireless and up to 15 hours with noise cancellation activated

These JBLs are a solid choice for music enthusiasts looking for all-around performance paired with customizable options and an affordable price tag.

Offering Bluetooth 4.0 technology, it’s simple to stream your tunes from a variety of Bluetooth-enabled devices. The My JBL Headphones App offers simple controls and further customizable options.

End-user satisfaction is guaranteed if you don’t expect these to sound like a $400 pair of headphones . However, reliably good quality sound will come pouring into your ears, while annoying external noise will be muted for the most part. The adaptive noise-canceling technology means that you can control how much ambient noise you want to let in.

The rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery offers 15 hours of playback, and you can reach a full charge in just 3 hours.

• Handy app for checking the charge level
• Can’t use the headphones while charging

If you’re looking for an awesome pair of noise-canceling headphones that will keep the world out and the music in, there are a lot of choices out there.

For jaw-dropping sound quality that will keep you utterly immersed for hours on end, the Sennheiser Momentum 4.0 really is one of the best of the bunch . That said, the Sony WH1000MX5 is certainly on par performance-wise, and choosing a clear winner between them can only really come down to personal taste. The Bose QuietComfort 45 is also well worth considering.

However, any of these options have an investment-worthy price tag and should be treated as such. You’ll want to look after your new headphones carefully, as they may well cost more than the device you choose to stream from!

For a more affordable option, the Plantronics Voyager 8200 offers decent noise elimination and good throaty bass lines for those looking to enjoy proper tunes while they travel, while keeping those looking to drown out their daily commute perfectly happy.

If the brand is important to you or you want your headphones to look pretty, the Sennheiser PXC 550-II will give you the logo you’re looking for — but it won’t necessarily thrill you as much as the signature Momentum headphones. Alternatively, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II will give you good sound quality and a premium badge.

Are you interested in more top products to help you get the most out of your travels? Check out these other articles we’ve published:

• The Best Travel Cameras – Compact, DSLR, and Mirrorless Camera Guide
• The Best Camera Bags for Travel
• What Are the Best GoPro Alternatives? [We Found Several Options]
• The Best Laptop Backpacks to Buy for Travel
• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place

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Article updated on September 17, 2024 at 10:30 AM PDT

Best Travel Headphones for 2024

Do you have upcoming travel plans? We've rounded up the best noise-canceling headphones to pack for all your adventures.

Our Experts

• Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

What to consider

Value can reflect quality. Consider your needs and what your budget allows.

Fit (Comfort)

Ensuring the headphones you choose fit your head help minimize any discomfort from extended wear.

Sturdy quality helps ensure your headphones hold up well over time.

Premium headphones should offer best-in-class noise cancelling as well as have great microphones for phone calls.

Return Policy

Be sure to buy from a reputable retailer so you can make a return if you aren't 100% happy with your purchase.

What are the best travel headphones overall?

However you choose to travel, the right pair of headphones can take a noisy vessel and turn it into a joyful experience full of music or stories while you go to new lands. There are many noise-canceling headphones to pick from for both Apple users and Android users alike. Something to think about when selecting the best travel headphones for you in addition to offering great quality of sound for music is if you want them to also be good for phone calls.

I've tested and used a lot of headphones including earbuds and over-ear headphones during my travels over the last 10 years, and it's tough to pick just one model as the absolute best overall travel headphones. For full-size models, I like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones , the Sony WH-1000XM5 and even the lightweight and more affordable Sony CH-720N (lighter is better when it comes to travel headphones). All these models are wireless headphones, but they include a cord so you can plug into an in-flight entertainment system. They feature active noise canceling to block external noise and are also good for making voice calls.

There are also plenty of great noise-canceling earbud options , including the highly rated Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds , Apple's AirPods Pro 2 and Sony's WF-1000XM5 . True-wireless earbuds are easier to carry around and can be stored in your pocket. The downside is they don't have a wired option and won't connect to an in-flight entertainment system unless you buy a Bluetooth transceiver like Twelve South's AirFly Pro (around $50) and other similar products you can find on Amazon . (Read our full review of the AirFly Pro .)

I've tested all the headphones on this list and will update the list as new travel-friendly headphones are released.

Best travel headphones of 2024

• Excellent sound and best-in-class noise canceling
• Fit Kit ear tips and stabilizer system gets you a secure, comfortable fit
• Immersive Audio creates a different listening experience
• Slightly improved voice-calling
• No wireless charging or multipoint Bluetooth
• Immersive Audio mode hurts battery life

Best for noise-canceling

Bose quietcomfort ultra earbuds.

While the QC Ultra Earbuds aren't a major upgrade over Bose's excellent QC Earbuds 2 that were released in 2022, they're a little better. They should fit most ears very well, and they feature superb noise canceling, arguably the best travel headphones for blocking sound out there. A natural-sounding transparency mode with a new ActiveSense feature kicks in some ANC should the sound get too loud around you (it's sort of similar to the AirPods Pro's Adaptive Audio feature). These Bose headphones also sound slightly better overall, with a touch more clarity, and their new Immersive Audio feature opens up the sound a bit.

• Design is an upgrade
• Lightweight and very comfortable
• Excellent sound and great noise canceling
• Voice-calling performance is top-notch
• Immersive Audio mode offers some sound-quality enhancements
• Higher price than the previous model
• No USB-C audio

Best Bose noise-canceling headphones

Bose quietcomfort ultra headphones.

While Bose's new flagship QuietComfort Ultra Headphones may not be a huge upgrade over the company's Noise Cancelling 700 headphones, they feature a more premium design along with Bose's new Immersive Audio feature, which delivers some sound-quality enhancements. Along with excellent sound and great noise canceling, the QC Ultra Headphones are also superb for making calls, with top-notch background noise reduction. All that adds up to the best new noise-canceling headphones of 2024 and a worthy adversary to Sony's highly rated WH-1000XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.

• More refined sound and even better noise canceling
• Slightly more comfortable
• Best-in-class voice call quality
• Robust feature set
• Higher price tag than the previous model
• Larger carrying case (headphones fold flat but not up)

Best noise-canceling headphones from Sony

Sony wh-1000xm5.

When you have a product that a lot of people love, change can be risky. Such is the case for Sony's WH-1000XM5, the fifth generation of the 1000X series headphones, which were first released in 2016 as the MDR-1000X Wireless and have become increasingly popular as they've improved with each generation. Over the years, Sony has made some tweaks to the design, but nothing as dramatic as what it's done with the WH-1000XM5. Other than the higher price tag, most of those changes are good, and Sony's made some dramatic improvements with voice-calling performance, as well as even better noise-canceling and more refined sound.

• New smaller design
• Improved sound, noise canceling and voice calling
• Upgraded processors and drivers
• No Find My feature integrated into app

Best Sony earbuds

Sony wf-1000xm5.

When Sony's  WF-1000XM4  earbuds came out in 2021, we awarded them a CNET Editors' Choice. And while they're excellent, we had some quibbles -- they're on the large side and aren't a good match for certain ears. Clearly, Sony took those gripes to heart when it set out to design its next-generation WF-1000XM5 flagship noise-canceling earbuds. Not only are the XM5s smaller, but they also offer improved performance pretty much across the board, with better noise canceling, great sound quality and voice calling. Are the XM5s perfect? Not quite. At $300 -- $20 more than their predecessor -- they're costly too. Overall they're really impressive; among the very top earbuds on the market.

• Comfortable fit
• Good sound for their low price
• Decent noise-canceling and voice-calling performance
• ANC disabled when in wired mode
• Lacking a bit of clarity

Top new budget noise-canceling headphones

Earfun wave pro.

Earfun has made some very solid budget earbuds and now it's entered the full-size ANC headphone space with its new-for-2024 Wave Pro headphones. They list for $80, but click the coupon on their product page and add the code EWPROCNET at checkout and the price drops to $63 . While they may not sound as good as premium noise-canceling headphones from Bose, Sony, they're comfortable to wear, feature decent sound with punchy bass (they're a bit lacking in clarity and bass definition compared to more expensive models) and offer respectable noise canceling and voice-calling performance. I found them to be a step up from the Soundpeats Space headphones, which sometimes cost a little less.

They're rated for up to 80 hours of battery with noise-canceling off and 55 hours with it on and support multipoint Bluetooth pairing as well as Sony's LDAC audio codec for Android smartphones and other devices that support that protocol. I also like that they come with a hard case and a cable for wired listening (though noise-canceling is disabled when you go wired, which is a bit of a bummer).

• Significantly improved sound and noise canceling
• Better battery life and upgraded microphones
• Powered by Apple's new H2 chip
• Basically the same design as previous model
• No high-resolution audio

Best Apple noise-canceling wireless earbuds

Apple airpods pro 2 (usb-c).

The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are powered by Apple's new H2 chip, which delivers more processing power while being more energy efficient, according to Apple. The new chip, combined with new low-distortion drivers, allows for improved sound that offers better clarity and depth. The noise canceling is also improved -- Apple says the new AirPods have "double" the noise canceling of the original AirPods Pro. Additionally, the new AirPods add an extra hour of battery, up from five to six hours with noise canceling on. Plus, a speaker in the case that emits a sound that helps locate your buds via Find My should they decide to hide from you.

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Good sound with very good noise canceling
• Good voice-calling performance
• 35 hours of battery life
• No carrying case
• No ear-detection sensors
• No LDAC audio codec support

Top midrange noise-canceling headphones

Sony ch-720n.

Sony's improved entry-level noise-canceling headphones, the CH-720Ns, have a bit of a plasticky budget vibe, but they're lightweight and very comfortable. Part of me was expecting them to sound pretty mediocre, but I was pleasantly surprised. No, they don't sound as good as the WH-1000XM5s. They sound more premium than they look (and feel), and their overall performance is a step up from their predecessor, the CH-710Ns. Are they worth $150? Maybe -- or maybe not. The good news is that, like the CH-710N and WH-XB910 before them, these should see significant discounts in the not-so-distant future, which is what you may want to wait for.

• Well-designed and comfortable to wear
• Good sound quality and noise-canceling performance
• Strong feature set
• Strong battery life
• Voice-calling suffers in windy environments

New mid-range JBL noise-canceling headphones

Jbl live 770nc.

The well-designed and comfortable JBL Live 770NC offers some modest improvements over its predecessor, including better battery life (up to 65 hours with ANC off and 50 hours with ANC on) and Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio (via a future firmware upgrade). Equipped with 40mm drivers, you get bold, nicely defined sound with powerful bass that's relatively tight. JBL's Ambient Aware and TalkThru features are on board along with multipoint Bluetooth pairing (the one feature that's missing is ear-detection sensors that pause your music when you take the headphones off). I thought the headphones' noise muffling capabilities were good and callers said they could hear me well even in noisier environments except when the wind picked up around me. The headphones fold up and a simple carrying pouch (no hard case) is included along with a cable for wired listening.

• Improved sound quality, noise canceling and ear pad design
• Very good voice-calling performance
• Spatial audio with head tracking for Apple users
• USB-C audio
• No Apple H2 chip
• No major design changes except for case

Best Beats over-ear headphones

Beats studio pro.

Love 'em or hate 'em, Beats Studio headphones are among the most popular headphones of all time, launching as wired headphones back in 2008. This is the fourth generation version, and they carry the same list price as their predecessor and look very similar on the outside but have some big changes on the inside that make them significantly better headphones. I'm tempted to describe them as more affordable plastic versions of the AirPods Max. That's not quite accurate due to a choice in chipsets and one notable missing feature. Read our full review to find out what makes this a very good headphone with some caveats.

• Excellent sound
• Improved noise canceling and voice-calling performance
• Impressive battery life
• Good sound personalization features
• Ho-hum design
• Noise-canceling isn't as good as Sony's or Bose's

Best Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones

Sennheiser momentum 4 wireless.

Sennheiser's previous-generation Momentum Wireless headphones have always had a pretty distinct look that was part retro, part modern, and stood out for the exposed metal on their headband. For better or worse, that's all gone now, and the new Momentum 4 Wireless, Sennheiser's flagship noise-canceling headphones, look a bit more subdued and also a bit more like some of their competitors.

The Momentum 4 Wireless offers superior performance over the Momentum 3 Wireless in every regard, although the biggest gains are with noise canceling and voice-calling performance as well as battery life, which is outstanding (up to 60 hours at moderate volume levels). Transparency mode allows ambient sound in, and they can create a custom sound profile in the Smart Control app for iOS and Android using the built-in EQ, sound modes and a new Sound Personalization feature that "assesses the user's listening preferences and adjusts the listening experience according to their taste." 

Equipped with 42mm drivers, Sennheiser says the Momentum 4 Wireless offers "best-in-class" sound, which is debatable. I'd say the Momentum 4's sound quality is right there with other models in this price range. They sound excellent, with the requisite well-defined, punchy bass, relatively wide soundstage (they sound pretty open) and smooth treble that brings out some of the finer details in well-recorded tracks. They're a pleasure to listen to.

• Very good sound and noise canceling
• Headphone cable now has integrated microphone
• Mostly the same as previous model but costs $50 more

Slightly upgraded Bose noise-canceling headphones

Bose quietcomfort headphones.

When Bose released its new flagship QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, it also replaced the QuietComfort 45s with a new, slightly updated model simply called the QuietComfort Headphones. Like the QC 45s, this model carries on the very comfortable tried-and-true legacy QuietComfort design that's been around for a few generations and that people continue to love. The QC Ultra Headphones add Bose's new Immersive Audio feature and have a more refined design with some metal parts (they also have Bluetooth 5.3 instead of Bluetooth 5.1). The QuietComfort Headphones still feature very good sound (the Ultras offer a small step up in quality), excellent noise canceling and strong voice-calling performance.

As for differences between these and the QC45s, Bose says it adjusted some of the electronics to improve battery life (now 24 hours vs. 22 hours) and adjusted the logos to make the products "visually distinguishable and more in line with its latest design language." It also added an inline microphone to the auxiliary cable to "help with some users who may prefer a plug-and-play solution rather than Bluetooth pairing." There's also a Wind Block feature and some additional small performance improvements due to software upgrades. Finally, the headphones come in new color options, including green and a light blue version that's only available at bose.com.

While the QuietComfort Headphones carry a $350 list price that's $50 higher than that of the QC 45s, we expect them to be regularly discounted to $250 and possibly less than that in 2024 -- so look to buy them when they're on sale. You can read our review of the QuietComfort 45 to get a good take on the QuietComfort Headphones.

Factors to consider when choosing travel headphones

Before anything else, you'll want to figure out how much you're willing to spend on new travel headphones. The quality of value-priced noise-canceling headphones continues to improve, so you can find good affordable headphones for less than $100. The premium models, which offer better build quality and performance, tend to cost $200 or more -- sometimes much more. 

Fit (comfort)

It's key that the travel headphones you buy fit your head well. They should offer a comfortable fit that's snug yet not too snug. Ideally, you want headphones you can wear over a day with minimal breaks.

You want travel headphones that hold up well over time, so look for models that we note have sturdy build quality.

Maximize performance and features for your budget

You want the best-sounding headphones with the best noise-canceling, call quality and features for whatever fits your budget.

Return policy

It's critical to buy your headphones at a retailer that has a good return policy, in case you have buyer's remorse. Some people who are having trouble deciding between two models sometimes buy both, try them out for a few days and then return one.

How we test travel headphones and earbuds

We test travel headphones and earbuds based on six key criteria. These criteria include  design ,  sound quality , noise-canceling performance ,  voice-calling performance, features  and  value . 

• Design : Evaluating design, we assess not only how comfortable the headphones and earbuds fit (their ergonomics) but their build quality and how well the controls are implemented. When it comes to earbuds, we also look at water- and dust-resistance ratings. 
• Sound quality : We evaluate sound by listening to a set playlist of music tracks and comparing the earbuds to top competing products in their price range. Sonic traits such as bass definition, clarity, dynamic range and how natural the headphones sound are key factors in our assessment.
• Noise-canceling performance : We evaluate noise-canceling performance by wearing headphones in the same spot indoors near a noisy HVAC unit to see how well they do at muffling lower frequencies. Then we head out to the streets of New York to test the headphones in a real-world environment where we see how they do at muffling not only street noise but people's voices. 
• Extra features : Some great-sounding noise-canceling headphones and earbuds aren't loaded with features, but we do take into account what extra features are on board. These include everything from quick-access awareness to transparency modes (your music pauses and the headphones open up to the outside world so you can have a conversation) to special sound modes to ear-detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you take the headphones off your ears. We also take a look at the companion app for the headphones if there is one and how user-friendly it is. 
• Voice-calling : When we test voice-calling performance, we make calls in the noisy streets of New York and evaluate how well the headphones or earbuds reduce background noise and how clearly callers can hear our voices.
• Value : We determine value after evaluating the strength of the headphones and earbuds against all these criteria and what they're able to deliver compared to other models in their price class. 

Other travel headphones we tested

JBL Live 670NC : The JBL Live 670NC is one of a relatively small number of on-ear headphones to offer active noise canceling. It's something of a value model -- no carrying case is included -- but it does have memory foam ear pads that get you a comfortable fit for an on-ear headphone. Deliver clear sound with punch bass, it has 32mm drivers and improves on its predecessor's battery life, offering up to an impressive 70 hours (or 44 hours with ANC on), and an extra three hours of battery with just five minutes of charge. This model includes the latest Bluetooth 5.3 (with LE Audio) and multipoint Bluetooth pairing. It also has JBL's Ambient Aware (transparency mode) and TalkThru features. It's available in black, white and blue and comes with a cord for wired listening.

Master & Dynamic MW75 : The MW75 are Master & Dynamic's best full-size headphones yet. Needless to say, they're pricey at $599; most people will be quite satisfied with the $400 Sony WH-1000XM5, which is lighter and more comfortable and delivers best-in-class voice calling and noise canceling. The MW75's build quality is hard to beat and they offer top-notch sound for a wireless model (I thought they sounded better than Apple's AirPods Max headphones), plus strong voice-calling and noise-canceling performance. With their support for aptX Adaptive, they have additional appeal for Android users, who can get a touch better sound with the right setup. I was also quite happy streaming music with my iPhone 13 Pro using the AAC codec.

Master & Dynamic MW09 (Update: sold out): Master & Dynamic headphones and earbuds have always featured unique, eye-catching designs that include premium materials like aluminum, sapphire glass and Kevlar. Its latest MW09 flagship earbuds look pretty similar to its earlier MW08 buds, but have some upgrades on the inside that deliver better performance, particularly when it comes to battery life and noise canceling (it's now very close to what Bose and Sony offer, although not quite at their level for ANC).

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro : The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers improved noise canceling along with very good sound and voice-calling performance, plus support for high-resolution wireless audio streaming if you're a Galaxy device owner with the right setup. Their biggest upgrade may be their new design and smaller size, which make them a better fit for more ears. Aside from their somewhat high price tag, their only drawback is that some of their key features only work with Samsung Galaxy devices.

Beats Studio Buds Plus : Alas, for those of you who bought the original Beats Studio Buds, which remain on the market for now, I'm sorry to report that these new Plus buds are significantly improved, with better sound, noise canceling and battery life. Additionally, they now deliver top-notch voice-calling performance.

Beats Fit Pro : While the Beats Fit Pro technically aren't AirPods, they're built on the same tech platform as the AirPods Pro (yes, Apple owns Beats). Unlike Beats' earlier and less expensive  Studio Buds  and new-for-2023 Studio Buds Plus , the Beats Fit Pro include Apple's H1 chip and have most of the  AirPods Pro's  features, including active noise canceling, spatial audio and Adaptive EQ. I'd venture to call them the sports AirPods you've always wanted.

Google Pixel Buds Pro : The Pixel Buds Pro are Google's first earbuds to feature active noise canceling. While it's nice that they finally have a feature that most true-wireless earbuds have had for a while, what ultimately sets the Pixel Buds Pro apart and makes them worth considering -- particularly for Android users -- is their distinct design and winning fit. That helps enhance their performance on both the sound and noise-canceling fronts. While not quite elite for voice-calling, they also performed well as a headset for making calls. Read our  Google Pixel Buds Pro review . 

Travel headphones FAQ

Are noise-canceling headphones worth it.

A few years ago, you had to pay significantly more money for active noise-canceling headphones. The feature has become pretty common and while the best noise-canceling headphones (by that I mean the headphones that offer the best noise-canceling) tend to be fairly expensive, you can find cheaper models that offer decent noise cancellation. I do think that if noise canceling is important to you, it's better to spend more money on the best pair of noise-canceling headphones you can afford. It's worth noting that many of the premium models get discounted sporadically during the year so you can often save $50 or more on many top headphones if you time your purchase right. 

What's the difference between 'Noise-Canceling' and 'Noise Cancelling?'

Either spelling is correct, as "canceling" is more common in American English while "cancelling" is more common in British English. CNET uses "noise canceling" since the company is based in the US, but the noise is canceled just the same, regardless of spelling. If you're looking to see what different noise-impacting technology is out there for headphones, check out our article on noise-canceling versus noise-isolating headphones , which highlights differences in function (and not just a difference in spelling).

Does noise cancellation block all noise?

Noise-canceling headphones have traditionally been good at blocking out lower frequency sounds such as the rumbling you hear while traveling on a plane. They haven't been so good at muffling higher frequencies (a baby screaming, for example) and even people talking around you. Companies like Bose, Sony and Apple have improved the technology in the last year or two so their noise canceling works across a wider range of frequencies. It still can't muffle all noise but top noise canceling is now doing a better job tamping down more noises that live in midrange and higher frequencies.

Does noise canceling drain the headphones' battery?

When noise canceling is engaged, it does tend to have an impact on battery life. This is more of a factor with earbuds, which tend to offer anywhere from five to eight hours of battery life with noise canceling on and seven to 12 hours with it off. Full-size headphones can offer 25 to 30 hours of battery life with noise canceling on and up to 40 to 50 hours with it off.

Does noise canceling impact sound quality?

Active noise canceling does hurt sound quality, especially if the noise canceling isn't all that good (noise canceling can create a faint background hiss). It can mess with the purity of the sound so it's tricky to create a noise-canceling headphone that sounds really good. As a result, often high-end noise-canceling headphones that tout fantastic sound don't have as powerful noise canceling (the noise canceling feels lighter). 

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The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones

By Lauren Dragan

Lauren Dragan writes about audio tech and OTC hearing aids. She has tested nearly 2,000 headphones and earbuds in her decade at Wirecutter.

For frequent flyers or commuters on public transit, reducing the noise around you is the difference between enduring a trip and enjoying it. Noise-cancelling headphones can make your music easier to hear and your world a little more peaceful.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is our favorite pair of noise-cancelling headphones, but we also have recommendations for people who want to spend less or prefer earbuds over headphones.

Everything we recommend

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The best wireless noise-cancelling headphones.

These over-ear headphones deliver excellent noise cancellation in a comfortable, lightweight design that’s traveler friendly—but they carry a high price.

Buying Options

Sony WF-1000XM5

The best wireless noise-cancelling earbuds.

This pair of wireless earbuds sounds fantastic and cancels noise better than any others we’ve tested. However, people with very small ears might struggle to keep them securely in place.

Budget pick

Soundcore Space One

The best budget noise-cancelling headphones.

This pair of over-ear headphones cancels noise impressively, sounds great, is comfortable to wear, and has a long battery life—all for less than $100.

Soundcore Space A40

The best budget noise-cancelling earbuds.

This wireless pair of earbuds offers excellent noise cancellation, great sound, long battery life, and lots of extra features. But the touch controls are slightly limited.

How we picked and tested

We use a specialized audio-measurement system with a simulated ear to test how much noise the headphones can reduce.

Our audio experts listen for detailed, authentic sound and clear microphone quality for phone and video calls.

A good design should fit most ear shapes and head sizes, so we have a variety of people try on our top contenders.

True wireless earbuds should play for at least five hours, ideally more. Over-ear headphones should go for at least eight to 10 hours.

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is the best set of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones that Bose currently offers. This pair is worth the investment for the frequent traveler who puts a premium on performance and comfort, and we recommend the 700 over newer, pricier Bose offerings for as long as it is still available.

These headphones can provide the superior noise cancellation that Bose has been known for, but the level of the active noise cancellation (ANC) is adjustable on a scale from 0 to 10, enabling you to find the amount that works best for you.

This pair also has a lightweight design that is comfortable to wear for hours, and features an easy-to-use combination of touch controls and physical buttons that you can access without looking. Plus, you can use the headphones in wired mode with the ANC engaged if, for example, you want to access an in-flight entertainment system. They fold flat for easy storage in the supplied case, too.

The Bose 700 isn’t entirely without flaws, however: The sound quality is good but not as crisp as that of our favorite everyday audiophile headphones , the app can be vexing, and the battery life isn’t the longest we’ve seen—though at 20 hours, it’ll still get you through a very long flight.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are small but powerful. This pair combines excellent active noise cancellation and passive isolation to better suppress all the sounds around you—not just the low-frequency ones. The sound quality is fantastic right out of the box, and you can customize it further in the Sony app. The eight hours of battery life (with ANC enabled) will get you through a long day of listening.

If you want to hear your surroundings, simply hold a finger to the left earbud, and the hear-through mode (sometimes called awareness or transparency mode) kicks in. Or, an optional feature automatically enables hear-through when you speak—handy for people who frequently have their hands occupied. The large, touch-based controls handle the full suite of music playback, call answering, and digital-assistant activation, and they aren’t as prone to misfires and missed taps as the controls on other earbuds we’ve tested.

The XM5 is loaded with helpful features, including Alexa and Google voice activation, dual-device connectivity, noise-reducing microphones, and even the ability to accept or reject calls with a nod or shake of your head.

The earbuds are quite small. Sony includes four sizes of tips, but this pair may still prove challenging to keep in place for folks with small ears or who are very active. And the unique foam and silicone tips can make your ears feel full, a sensation some people may find uncomfortable. Additionally, as with all true wireless earbuds, you can’t use these in wired mode, so you’ll need a Bluetooth transmitter to use this pair with certain in-flight entertainment systems that require a cable connection.

If you want a surprisingly great pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones for around $100, we recommend the Soundcore Space One . In our tests, the active noise cancellation was nearly as effective as that of the Bose 700, and the level is adjustable. The sound, while not as refined as that of the Bose 700, is nonetheless enjoyable to listen to and can be customized to your preference in the Soundcore app. The chassis is lightweight and comfortable to wear, with full controls.

Dual-device connectivity is supported, and a hear-through mode can be activated by the press of a button or automatically when you speak. The 40-hour battery life with ANC on (55 hours with it off) means you may only have to charge this pair once a week or less.

The Space One comes with a cable so you can use it in wired mode on a flight or when you run out of power—but note that the ANC and microphone do not work if you’re out of battery. Luckily, the quick-charge feature will give you four hours of listening after just five minutes plugged in.

While this set has three noise-reducing microphones, we found that voices can sound compressed and somewhat distant to callers—especially when compared with more expensive headphones.

Our top pick for the best wireless earbuds , the Soundcore Space A40 pair is also a great option if you want a more affordable pair of noise-cancelling earbuds. Though this set’s active noise cancellation isn’t as broad or effective as what you can get from the Sony WF-1000XM5, it still ranked near the top in our tests.

The sound quality is enjoyable right out of the box, but if it’s not your ideal, you have multiple ways to fine-tune the sound using the Soundcore app. The small, lightweight earbuds should fit most ears comfortably, and 10 hours of battery life per charge is impressive. The tiny charging case holds an additional 40 hours’ worth of power and supports wireless charging.

Six microphones deliver clear phone calls, and the pair’s dual-device connectivity allows you to effortlessly switch between listening to music on your laptop, for example, and taking a call on your phone.

The touch-based controls work reliably and are customizable in the app, but they don’t offer everything: You have to choose one function, such as track reverse, to omit. As with all true wireless earbuds, you can’t use these with a cable, so you’ll need a Bluetooth transmitter to for use with some in-flight entertainment systems.

The research

Why you should trust us, how noise-cancelling headphones work, who this is for, the best wireless noise-cancelling headphones: bose noise cancelling headphones 700, the best noise-cancelling earbuds: sony wf-1000xm5, best budget noise-cancelling headphones: soundcore space one, the best budget noise-cancelling earbuds: soundcore space a40, other noise-cancelling headphones worth considering, what to look forward to, the competition.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in both music performance and audio production from Ithaca College, and I’ve reviewed nearly 2,000 pairs of headphones for Wirecutter alone. I also spent several years in terrestrial radio before becoming a professional voice actor in Los Angeles, so I’ve been in and out of recording studios for over a decade.

For this guide:

• I’ve tested over 300 pairs of noise-cancelling headphones to date.
• I engaged a listening panel of audio reviewers, musicians, and composers—including senior staff writer Brent Butterworth, who has decades of experience as an AV reviewer and provides measurement assistance.
• Per Wirecutter’s standards, I don’t own stock or have any other financial interest in a company or industry that I cover or am likely to cover.
• Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations. Read more about our editorial standards .

It’s a popular misconception that ANC headphones cancel out all noises equally. They don’t. Active noise cancellation is generally more effective on lower frequencies of sound, such as the hum of a jet engine or an air conditioner. It’s not as successful with human voices and other higher frequencies.

The technology never works perfectly, but it can work well enough in certain environments to make listening more enjoyable. The best noise-cancelling headphones combine this “active” noise cancelling with passive noise reduction—that is, physical barriers and dampers built into the headphones that help block or absorb noise. If you want to learn more about how ANC works and what sounds it works on, check out “ What Your Noise-Cancelling Headphones Can and Can’t Do .”

Additionally, more active noise cancelling doesn’t necessarily lead to a better experience. We say this because of a phenomenon we refer to as “ eardrum suck ,” which seems to produce the same uncomfortable reduction of pressure on the eardrums as you’re likely to experience when riding a high-speed elevator in a very tall building. And this sensation can lead to headaches or queasiness, especially in people who have sensory processing differences that involve the vestibular system. Typically, the headphones that create the most intense eardrum suck have a combination of very effective noise-cancelling circuitry and ineffective passive sound isolation. You can read more about this phenomenon in this blog post .

If you travel on airplanes a lot, or if you commute every day on a bus or subway, you’ll benefit from having a set of ANC headphones. If, on the other hand, you just want something that reduces chatter of your office colleagues or fellow Starbucks patrons, conventional headphones will probably do about as good a job as noise-cancelling headphones—and they’ll often cost less.

The four main things to consider in a set of noise-cancelling headphones are:

• efficacy of the noise cancelling
• sound quality
• battery life (in wireless models)
• overall comfort

To evaluate sound quality, we listen to the headphones with a variety of musical tracks, with noise cancelling on and off—because some headphones sound great in one mode and not so great in the other. You can read more about how we evaluate and test for sound quality in these articles:

We also test the microphone call quality in quiet, noisy, and windy environments. We check battery life, control sensitivity, and Bluetooth signal reliability/compatibility. We go through the manufacturer’s app (if there is one) and check the effectiveness of any bonus features and settings.

Testing the noise cancelling is more complicated. We do this both by ear and by using test equipment. To test the noise cancelling by ear, I play airplane noise at a loud level (between 75 and 85 dBA) through my 7.1-channel surround speaker system and try each set of headphones, moving my head and adjusting settings to see which mode cancels noise most effectively. I stand in front of a fan to check the effect of wind noise on the microphones and take the top performers on walks outside near busy streets.

Brent does his subjective tests in his audio lab, using a mix of cabin noise recorded in four different airliners, fed through eight speakers and a subwoofer at a level of 80 decibels, which is about the level you’d experience in the fairly loud cabin of an older jet such as a Boeing 737 or a McDonnell Douglas MD-80.

Brent then places each set of over-ear headphones on his GRAS 43AG ear-and-cheek simulator connected through an M-Audio USB interface to a Windows laptop, plays pink noise through the same speaker system described above, and uses TrueRTA audio-spectrum analyzer software to see how much sound leaks through the headphones.

To test noise-cancelling earbuds, Brent places the right-channel earpiece of each set of in-ear headphones into a GRAS KB5000 anthropometric pinna mounted on the GRAS 43AG ear-and-cheek simulator fitted with a GRAS RA0402 high-resolution ear simulator. He connects this fixture through an M-Audio USB interface to a Windows laptop, plays pink noise through the same speaker system, and uses the TrueRTA audio-spectrum analyzer software to see how much sound leaks through the earbud.

To provide a simple way of looking at these measurements, Brent calculates the average amount of noise (in decibels) that the headphones cancel in the 100 Hz to 1,200 Hz frequency band, which is where more airplane-cabin noise occurs, based on his analysis of the four recordings he made in the cabins of different airliners. The higher the number, the greater the average noise reduction. Here is a rundown of our top performers, compared with a couple of pairs of headphones that lack active noise cancellation:

The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 is our favorite pair of over-ear ANC headphones because it provides the best combination of effective, adjustable noise cancellation, comfort, audio performance, build quality, and price.

The adjustable noise cancellation provides more control. Many noise-cancelling headphones are limited to two or three levels of cancellation, but the Bose 700 allows you to dial in the ideal reduction setting from 0 to 10. At the maximum setting, this pair measured among the highest levels of reduction for over-ear headphones while costing significantly less than the newer Bose QuietComfort Ultra or the Apple AirPods Max.

This adjustability is especially helpful for people who experience “ eardrum suck .” You can simply adjust the intensity down in small steps until you no longer feel discomfort. Through the Bose Music app, you can assign three favorite levels, after which you can toggle between them using the button on the left earcup.

The sound is consistently pleasant. If you’re a fan of Bose’s signature sound, you won’t be disappointed with this set. We heard a smidgen of extra bass, a little roll-off in the high-frequency range, and forward-sounding upper-mids. As a result, male vocals and bass lines were a bit more prominent in the mix than snare-rim clicks and consonants in words.

Critics might say that the Bose 700 lacks crispness and detail—if that’s you, consider the Sony WH-1000XM5 , which has more high-end clarity. The Bose Music app includes three EQ faders that adjust the bass, mids, and treble regions. The changes apply broadly, but allow for some personalization of the overall balance.

The sound quality remains nearly the same no matter how you listen: via Bluetooth or cable, with noise cancelling on or off, low or high. This is impressive, as most headphones have noticeable sound-quality differences across their listening methods.

The 20 hours of battery life is sufficient. Of course, this number will vary based on how you use the headphones. But even when your headphones run out of power, it won’t be too long before they’re back up and running: The quick-charge feature gives you 2 hours 30 minutes of battery life after 15 minutes of charging time.

The controls are easy to learn and use by feel. Bose employs a combination of physical buttons and a touchpad to provide all the control options you need. This pair is compatible with Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, and you can program the system (via the app) to be always listening for the wake word associated with your Amazon or Google account. For quick conversations, you can hold the ANC toggle button on the left earcup to pause your music and turn on the awareness mode.

The design is especially comfortable to wear for long periods of time. This pair is lightweight, with super-soft memory-foam padding on the earcups and headband. The fit was secure without being too tight.

The replaceable earpads are made of protein leather (higher-quality fake leather), and are spacious enough to accommodate larger ear sizes. The earpad foam is pliable enough to work with most glasses, though wider arms may cause some gaps that result in sound leakage.

Calls and video chats are clear, but the side tone picks up some room noise. The side-tone microphone is on the sensitive side and can amplify noises from your surroundings. If you prefer to reduce the amount of your own voice that you hear, or if you want to completely turn off this effect, you can do so in the Bose Music app.

How the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 has held up

We’ve been really happy with how the Bose 700 headphones have held up over time. The only comments we have heard are occasional connection issues—many of which can be solved by cleaning up Bluetooth connections—and earpad degradation. Fortunately, the pads are replaceable .

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The app can be frustrating to set up. The Bose Music app is required to do a whole lot of things, and it can be downright annoying to get the app to recognize your headphones. When you first power on the headphones, if they don’t show up in your Bluetooth list, there are two possible things you can do. First, if you use a VPN, turn it off; once the initial pairing is complete, you can turn your VPN back on again. Second, you may need to reduce the number of Bluetooth devices that are in your device’s paired-items list. Remove or “forget” as many unnecessary gadgets as possible and try the setup again.

A Bose account is required to use the app. Privacy advocates may find this troublesome. You can use a throwaway email address for the account, but we know that some folks would prefer not to need an account just to use their audio gear.

The cable lacks a mic and is not a common size. The Bose 700 set has a 2.5 mm input. A 2.5 mm–to–3.5 mm audio cable is included, but it has no remote or mic. If you want a mic, you’ll need to buy a third-party cable .

Superlative noise cancellation, impressive microphone clarity, excellent sound quality, and a bevy of bonus features make the Sony WF-1000XM5 true wireless earbuds a standout in a very large crowd of competitors. But if you have ears that are very small or sensitive to pressure, you may want to consider alternatives.

These are the best earbuds for blocking noise. This pair takes the most-effective ANC of any earbuds we’ve measured—28.7 dB in the airplane range—and pairs it with specially designed ear tips that passively block the higher-frequency sounds that ANC can’t reduce. The result is an enjoyably quiet experience that reduces low-frequency engine noise and muffles people talking.

Although this pair technically doesn’t have the ability to adjust the amount of active noise cancellation, the added passive isolation may help to reduce the sensation of eardrum suck .

The XM5 lets in outside sounds on your terms. This pair offers adjustable ambient hear-through, which can function as a less-intense noise-cancellation mode. The lowest hear-through settings are essentially the ANC mode dialed down. Higher modes start piping in outside sounds.

If you only want to hear your surroundings for a brief moment, you can simply hold a finger to the left earbud to engage the hear-through mode until you let go, or you can enable the “speak-to-chat” feature that switches it on when the earbuds sense you speaking. This is very handy if you are someone who can’t reach up every time you need to have a quick conversation.

Though the hear-through mode is perfectly fine for conversation, it isn’t as natural sounding as what we heard from the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds .

Simply put, the XM5 sounds great. These earbuds are capable of delicate, clear high notes and deliver an appropriate amount of refined bass. We were satisfied with the sound right out of the box, but we found our sweet spot by adjusting the EQ in the Sony app.

To reduce background and wind noise, Sony employs a combination of multiple microphones, AI software, and bone-conduction sensors to recognize when you’re speaking. Traffic sounds are diminished, and wind noise is nearly gone. While in these noisy scenarios, your voice may sound more compressed to your caller, but your conversation partner will be spared the assault of whooshes and other annoying interruptions.

This pair has the full complement of touch controls, with Alexa and Google compatibility. The touch controls are large and relatively resistant to misfiring, and the gentle beep that confirms your touch makes it easier to navigate the series of taps and holds needed for different tasks.

Amazon and Google users can access their digital assistant by speaking. Apple users can still call-up Siri by tap-holding on the right earbud. If you frequently switch between a phone and laptop, the XM5 offers dual-device connectivity, so you don’t need to fiddle with the Bluetooth menu to take a call.

The earbuds are small but packed with bonus features. Both the buds and the charging case are tinier than we expected for true wireless earbuds that have so much processing power. The earbuds hold anywhere from six to eight hours of battery life when fully charged (depending on whether you have ANC on or take calls), the case provides two additional full charges, and it can be charged wirelessly or via USB-C. IPX4 water resistance will protect the buds from a bit of rain.

We love that the left earbud has a raised braille mark to make left and right easier to distinguish without looking, and that the app supports a phone-screen reader. In addition to these basics, the Sony app is filled with a cornucopia of bonus features and beta applications that range from pretty helpful to mostly superfluous.

The fit may not be right for people with small ears, sensitive ears, or very active lifestyles. The diminutive earbuds don’t have stabilizing wings or hooks, which is often needed to hold true wireless earbuds in smaller ears for high-impact activities. Instead, the XM5 relies on the grippy quality of the tips to keep the earbuds in place, and the unique flexible foam and silicone material ensures the entire tip molds to your ear canal shape.

The design is great for noise isolation, but folks who don’t like a feeling of “fullness” in the ear will probably dislike the outward pressure. Seated properly, the XM5 buds felt secure in our ears, but we wouldn’t wear these for intense workouts—both for fear of losing one and because the IPX4 water resistance isn’t rated for profuse sweating.

Additionally, people with very large ear canals may find the largest tips to be inadequate. However, swapping in a pair of Comply tips resolved that issue for us. If you lose an eartip, Sony sells replacements through Authorized Parts Distributors .

If you only have around $100 to spend on headphones, check out the Soundcore Space One earbuds. The noise cancellation is price-defying, the sound quality enjoyable, and the fit comfortable. Plus, the extra features make this set feel far more expensive than it is.

The ANC is competitive with that of our pricier picks. In our tests, the noise cancellation came pretty darn close to the Bose 700’s. And like the Bose pair, the Space One has adjustable levels, or you can switch on the adaptive noise cancellation that will adjust based on your surroundings. If you like to plug into in-flight entertainment, the Space One’s ANC stays on when you use the supplied cable.

To have a quick conversation, you can hold a finger on the left earcup to enable “easy chat” mode—a hear-through mode with an emphasis on the human vocal range. We thought it sounded surprisingly natural. If your hands are frequently occupied, the optional speak-to-enable hear-through can prove useful.

We also love that this set has optional volume limiting so that your listening levels stay in safer ranges.

These headphones have a lightweight design and long battery life. The large, roomy earcups and plush memory foam ensure that you can wear this pair all day. The memory foam is pliable enough that it conforms to thin glasses arms to help keep a seal around your ears.

Though the body is largely plastic, the design feels sturdy and looks posh. We had to pull our recommendation of previous Soundcore budget headphones due to build-quality complaints, but it looks as though the company has addressed that with this new pair. If something does go wrong, Soundcore backs the Space One with an 18-month warranty.

Fully charged, the Space One will play for 40 hours with ANC on (and longer with it off.) If you run out of power, five minutes of charging will provide about four hours of listening time.

The adjustable sound is enjoyable to listen to—but a little coarse. Out of the box, this pair has some blurriness in the male vocal range and harshness in the high frequencies. However, the Soundcore app offers various methods of EQ, so you should be able to find a sound you fancy.

Though we found a balance we preferred, astute ears will notice that there is still some coarseness to these drivers that you won’t hear in pricier pairs, and no matter how much we fussed, the bass still had a slightly bloated quality. Minor quibbles for a pair this affordable.

Using the controls may take practice. Though the layout of the physical control buttons makes sense, their size is small, and it takes some practice to get the muscle memory of where they’re located. Folks with large fingers or who struggle with dexterity might find this frustrating.

Three microphones remove a good bit of traffic noise or cafe clatter, but it also gives your voice a reedy and distant quality. In windy conditions, your caller won’t be blasted by air noise, but your voice is often ducked in stronger gusts.

The Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are a great affordable alternative to the Sony WF-1000XM5 . This true wireless pair is the top pick in our guide to wireless earbuds because it packs great sound, 10 hours of battery life, good microphone quality, dual-device connectivity, and excellent noise cancellation into tiny earbuds—all for around $100 or less.

The ANC ranked among the best we measured for earbuds. This Soundcore pair was not as effective in the airplane band as the Sony WF-1000XM5, but it still reduced an average of 20.8 dB. That means it can reduce lower-pitched noises like the rumble of air conditioners or plane engines well, and the included ear tips do a decent job of dampening higher-pitched sounds, such as babies crying or dogs barking.

Using the Soundcore app, you can adjust the intensity of the noise reduction or choose an adaptive mode that automatically shifts the ANC to match the kind of sounds around you. For people who are bothered by eardrum suck , the ability to choose a comfortable ANC level is a nice benefit.

The smooth, ergonomic design allows them to sit comfortably in a variety of ears. Not only are the earbuds small, but they’re also lightweight—so the design isn’t fighting gravity and tugging at your ear canal. We were able to wear the Space A40 pair painlessly through an entire workday. However, people with very active lifestyles or smaller ears may appreciate a pair with stabilizing wings.

To get the full rundown of the Soundcore Space A40 set’s performance, check out our guide to the best wireless earbuds .

If you work in an open office or from home: The Sony WH-1000XM5 over-ear headphones have great passive noise isolation to block out voices around you, and they have the same adjustable speak-to-chat feature as the WF-1000XM5 . The ANC isn’t as potent in the airplane range as that of the Bose 700, and it’s not adjustable. But the XM5’s isolation makes this pair better than the Bose at muffling higher-pitched sounds like voices. Read more in our Bluetooth wireless headphones guide .

If your computer or audio player doesn’t have Bluetooth: The JLab Epic Edition earbuds come with a USB-C Bluetooth transmitter that can be stored neatly inside the charging case. This pair’s adjustable ANC is effective, and the microphone sounds super clear on calls, even in wind. The sound is fantastic, especially the “Knowles signature” EQ setting. The earbuds have nine hours of battery life, IP55 water/dust resistance , and a two-year warranty. The Epic Edition would be a pick if the earbuds were more friendly to small ears (they’re a touch chunky with no additional stabilization).

If you’re willing to pay more for the absolute best active noise cancellation and a more-luxurious design: The Apple AirPods Max over-ear headphones sound great and reduce the most noise in the airplane band of any set we’ve tested. However, the intense ANC isn’t adjustable, so it can cause eardrum suck . Plus, the headphone design is hefty with a snug clamping force. If you wear headphones all day, the added weight and pinch are a literal pain.

The AirPods Max supports Dolby Atmos and Apple’s spatial audio, but not Apple Music’s lossless audio or any high-resolution service , even if you buy Apple’s Lightning to 3.5 mm Audio Cable for an additional $35. Call quality is excellent, but when you’re near a busy street, the hear-through mode becomes a cacophonous mess, and it isn’t adjustable.

The baffling case design doesn't protect the headband or keep debris out of the earcups, but you need the case to put the headphones into standby mode ( third-party cases are available ). This restriction is problematic because if the battery dies, you can’t listen to these headphones at all—they must have some charge to function, even corded. We love the sustainability of the replaceable battery; the service fee of $79 could be worth it financially to keep these working for many years.

If you want to spend a little less for a great all-purpose set of headphones: The JBL Tour One M2 is our top overall pick for Bluetooth wireless headphones , with an intuitive design, a comfortable fit, and great battery life. The sound is good right out of the box, and it can be further improved with the use of the EQ settings in JBL’s app. The ANC is useful, but not as good as what we got from the best noise-cancelling headphones.

If you want a durable pair for the gym: The JBL Reflect Aero TWS set is the top pick in our guide to workout headphones because the winged earbuds stay securely in place, have simple controls, and are waterproof and sweatproof, with an IP68 rating. But this pair goes beyond workouts, as it offers the option to choose either Alexa or Google Assistant wake-word functionality, and the ANC is quite effective (you can compare its performance with that of our picks here in the chart above ). The sound is good out of the box, and you can fine-tune it to your preferences using the EQ in JBL’s mobile app. This pair’s eight hours of battery life is solid for true wireless earbuds.

If you are an Apple fan looking for true wireless earbuds: A pair of  Beats Fit Pro takes all the features you might find attractive in a pair of AirPods Pro—easy Apple pairing and device swapping, touchless “Hey Siri” control, and so forth—and puts them in a smaller, more secure pair of earbuds with physical button controls.

We couldn’t override this set’s wear sensors, so we were unable to use our usual ANC measurement equipment . Instead, we set up a perception-based test, comparing the Fit Pro with the Soundcore Space A40 . We determined that the ANC is useful for airplane noise, but for higher pitches such as voices, the Fit Pro set is only about as good as any pair of passive earbuds. People prone to eardrum suck may discover that the ANC triggers that feeling, and the level of reduction is not adjustable. Even though the Beats Fit Pro is one of our favorites for Apple fans , it’s not worth the extra money if ANC is your most valued feature.

If you are looking for earbuds that provide hearing protection: Although active noise cancellation reduces lower-frequency sounds, it isn’t effective enough to provide adequate protection during very loud activities like mowing the lawn or operating a jackhammer. For that, consider the Elgin Rebel true wireless earbuds, which are NRR-rated and OSHA-compliant, and will keep your ears safe when worn properly. These are the first protective earbuds we’ve tested that are comfortable, sound good, and easy enough to use that most people should be able to find an effective (and safe) fit.

Twelve hours of battery life per charge should get you through a full workday, and the IP65 dust- and water-resistant rating means you can work up a sweat without worry. The microphone works well for taking calls (though you’ll need to do so in a quieter environment), and the charging case doubles as a flashlight. Elgin includes several pairs of tips; however, the standard black pair is not protective and only for day-to-day activities—be sure to use the yellow triple-flange or foam tips when on the job.

The only flaw is that the Rebel lacks a hear-through function, which would be really helpful for job-site conversations. But considering there literally isn’t anything else available that comes close to the Rebel’s performance, we will just have to hope it’s included in the next version.

Dyson has announced its second pair of headphones, the OnTrac . This $500 pair features active noise cancellation, a claimed 55 hours of battery life, and a stated frequency range of 6 Hz to 21 kHz (human hearing ranges between 20 Hz and 20 kHz). The OnTrac offers swappable ear pads and earcup covers in a range of colors and materials to customize your look. We plan to test this set soon.

JBL launched two noise-cancelling headphones that have very similar features and specs. The on-ear Tune 670NC ($100) and over-ear Tune 770NC ($130) both offer adaptive noise cancellation, a smart ambient mode, and up to 70 hours of battery life (44 hours with ANC on). Both have Bluetooth 5.3, which is compatible with Auracast .

On the earbuds side , JBL’s Live Buds 3 earbuds ($200) will feature a smart charging case, adaptive ANC, Bluetooth 5.3, support for LDAC, an IP55 dust/water rating, customizable sound, multipoint connectivity, and a 10-hour play time. The Live Beam 3 earbuds ($200) have a closed-ear, stick design and offer nearly identical specs as the Live 3, but with a slightly longer battery life of 12 hours per charge.

We’ve tested more than 300 pairs of headphones for this guide. That’s a lot to cover, so we focus below on the newest and most high-profile competitors. However, if you’re curious about a specific model, we’ve archived many of our previous testing notes in a spreadsheet .

Over- or on-ear headphones

1More SonoFlow : This pair is our former budget headphones pick. The noise cancellation is effective, but it was bested by that of the Soundcore Space One headphones. The sound quality is pleasant and adjustable, and the design is lightweight and comfortable, though not as sturdy-feeling as the Space One. The 50-hour battery life with ANC on (70 hours with it off) is impressive for a model in any price range. However, the ANC does not work in wired mode, so if you’re on a plane that requires a wired connection to the in-flight entertainment system, you’ll have to either go without ANC or pick up a Bluetooth transmitter .

1More SonoFlow SE : A bare-bones edition of the SonoFlow, this set has similar battery life/quick-charge capabilities, app-adjustable tuning, and a lightweight design. But the SE lacks the water resistance, software-driven noise-cancelling microphone, and ability to listen wired. The noise cancellation doesn’t sound as effective as the original, and we noticed that facing the source of a noise resulted in less reduction than when we turned to the side. The hear-through mode sounds muffled, but the microphone does a good job of reducing background noise for phone calls. If you want to spend the least amount possible for decent ANC headphones, this pair is light and comfy, sounds good, and reduces some noise, but we think spending a bit more for our budget pick is worth it for the extra functionality.

Beats Studio Pro : For every positive, this pair has an equally disappointing downside. The noise cancellation and hear-through modes sound great, but neither is adjustable. It’s easy to use the larger physical buttons, but the power/ANC toggle button is inexplicably small. The foam earpads are soft but not replaceable. Android users get a dual-device connection feature; Apple users do not. There are three EQ settings, but they’re only accessible when listening via USB-C. But most importantly, the sound quality is dramatically impacted by use of the spatial audio: When it’s turned on, the lower bass is emphasized, and higher-pitched sounds have an artificial sharpness. With spatial audio off, the bass is notably diminished.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones : These are good headphones, but they aren’t remarkable enough to justify the $350 price—especially while the Bose 700 still exists. The ANC is not as effective as what the rest of the current Bose line can deliver. In fact, at the highest intensity, these headphones reduced less noise in the airplane band than our budget pick. Despite this, the amount of reduction is still effective and useful, and the ANC intensity is adjustable. The build is very comfortable, with a lightweight feel and squishy earpads that should accommodate many glasses arms. These headphones utilize physical buttons rather than the touch controls, and the buttons are easy to learn and find. The hear-through mode sounds natural, and music sounds good, albeit slightly bass-forward out of the box. The Bose app provides an EQ feature that can adjust the tuning, but it consists of only three faders, which is too simplistic. The microphones sound very clear in a quiet room, but background noises in the human vocal range, like a sink running nearby, will be pronounced. We love that Bose includes a cable with a three-button remote and mic––a rare old school nicety.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones : Bose’s newest premium over-ear pair, the Ultra headphones use a test tone to calibrate the noise reduction to your ear shape. It works well, reducing a lot of noise in the airplane band (second only to the Apple AirPods Max). However, people who are susceptible to eardrum suck should know that this pair induced that feeling more strongly in us than any other headphones we’ve tested. This is especially noteworthy if you’ve had challenges concerning your vestibular system. Of course, you can always use the app to dial down the ANC intensity, but really the powerful noise cancellation is the only compelling reason to buy these headphones. While the Ultra sounds good and is constructed in the lightweight, comfortable style Bose is known for, we’d like to see more bonus features to justify the steep $430 price tag. Many headphones that cost under $250 are similarly comfortable and offer better sound customization, longer battery life, always-listening wake words, voice-activated awareness modes, a higher IP rating, and better microphone noise reduction. So, as long as the lower-priced Bose 700 is still available, we suggest that most people save the money and go with that model.

Cambridge Melomania P100 : This pair provides above-average noise cancellation—an average of 19 dB of reduction. We like the powerful bass, the superb clarity for phone calls, and the option to use comedian Matt Berry ’s voice for system alerts. Out of the box, the low notes were too intense for our taste, and the high frequencies had a slight whistle-like quality to them, but after we made some adjustments to the app’s EQ settings, the P100 sounded really great. What we didn’t like was that the P100’s build is on the heavier side, and its case is sizable—making it tougher to fit in a bag. With phone calls, the side tone sounds as though your voice is coming through a paper-towel tube, and we wish that there was a way to disable the auto-play feature. These are minor flaws, but they were enough to keep this pair from being a top pick.

EarFun Free Wave Pro : This affordable pair sounds good for the price, and given the inclusion of multiple EQ presets and a hearing-test-based tuning process, most people should be able to find a sonic balance they like. However, the ANC isn’t as powerful as that of the Soundcore Space One , the hear-through mode doesn’t sound as natural, and the headband transfers some noise when you bump it.

JLab JBuds Lux ANC : This pair is affordable, and we like that it has the full suite of physical controls and a clear hear-through mode. However, the build quality feels insubstantial, the ANC is middling, the bass is boomy, and the highs sound sibilant and sizzling.

QCY H3 : This pair is inexpensive and comfortable, but the app is confusing, the sound quality is below average, and the microphone clips off bits of your words when you take calls.

Raycon Everyday Headphones Pro : This pair is unoffensive, but also unremarkable. The ANC is middle-of-the-road, and the three EQ settings are all exaggerated, with a harsh twang to piano sounds and a compressed soundstage (though the Bass mode could be fun if you like a bumping hip-hop feel). The microphone sounds clear in a quiet room, but it picks up every little high-pitched background noise and gives your voice a sibilant quality.

Sennheiser Accentum Plus : This pair has smaller earcups that feel refreshingly streamlined, but they might be a touch too small for folks with larger ears. Out of the box the sound is quite nice, with an extra bass bump that is most noticeable with hip-hop and rap tunes. There’s also extra intensity in the highs that could be perceived as either added detail or sibilance, depending on your ears. If you want to EQ the sound, you’ll need to create an account in the app and take an unusual sound-preference test that asks how loud you like drums or strings. There’s no option to use faders to fine-tune the sound yourself. The active noise cancellation isn’t as effective as what our picks deliver, and the microphone quality makes you sound compressed, like you’re on an old-school landline.

Sennheiser Accentum Wireless : The headband on this pair is tight, so those with large or sensitive heads won’t enjoy the fit. The noise cancellation is only average, and the sound contains unrestrained low notes and high-frequency sibilance around 8 kHz—neither of which can be addressed through the app’s EQ tool.

Sonos Ace : This pair is lightweight and comfortable, with a look that’s minimalist and elegant. However, the sound leans toward being bottom-heavy with less intensity in the highs—a response frequently described as “warm” or “dark.” The Sonos app does provide EQ capabilities, but there are only two clumsy faders that fail to resolve any issues. The ANC didn’t measure as well as we’d hoped—an average of 9.8 dB—and the surround sound effect is akin to reverb in a large auditorium. It muddies quiet dialog. The Ace can connect to the Sonos Arc soundbar, and you can swap TV sound between the two; but the setup process can be buggy. We wish that the Ace could perform the same trick with other Sonos devices, but for now you’ll need to connect to other devices via the traditional Bluetooth pairing process, since this pair lacks Wi-Fi capabilities.

Sony ULT Headphones : This set has a lot of the design niceties of the Sony WH-1000XM5 : palm-to-earcup hear-through activation, Alexa compatibility, and excellent noise cancellation. The build isn’t quite as lux as the XM5’s, but the overall design is similar. However, bass notes sound boomy out of the box, and downright unhinged when you press the ULT button. Maybe because we’ve never been the sort to purchase seat-rattling subwoofers for our cars , we couldn’t get past the sound.

Soundpeats Space : This set has a boomy, reverby sound that muddies male vocals no matter what EQ setting you use, as well as a confusing and poorly developed app, a coarse-sounding microphone, and average ANC.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) : This set offers a few neat features for Apple fans, such as the ability to charge the case with your Apple Watch charging cable. But most of the major specs—including six hours of battery life, always-listening Siri voice control, head-tracking spatial audio, and an IPX4 water-resistance rating—are similar to those of the Beats Fit Pro pair , which has a smaller design, a more secure fit, easier-to-use controls, and a lower price. The AirPods Pro controls are frustrating to use compared with the more-straightforward button design on the Beats Fit Pro set. And the active cancellation isn’t nearly as effective in the airplane band as our picks (you can read more about this pair’s ANC in this piece ). We recommend these earbuds only for people who use Apple devices exclusively and who prioritize the niceties of staying in the Apple ecosystem above all else. Otherwise, you have better options for the money.

Beats Studio Buds + : The upgraded version of the Studio Buds , this pair offers better battery life (nine hours), Android customization, and noise cancellation compared with the original—and a stylishly transparent shell. But the core earbud design remains the same. This is a solid pair of earbuds overall and shares a lot of iOS-friendly features with the Beats Fit Pro set —but we like the Fit Pro earbuds better because they’re more secure in the ears, they still offer better noise cancellation, and their button design is more ergonomic.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds : This pair replaces the QuietComfort Earbuds II and is excellent at reducing noise. These earbuds measured second only to the Sony WF-1000XM5 at reduction in the airplane band. But the way the reduction functions can cause a lot of eardrum suck, so if you’re susceptible, you may need to dip the ANC intensity for comfort. The fit is secure, and the sound is consistent with the quality and tuning Bose is known for. In other performance areas, Bose said that the Ultra pair remedied some issues that marred its predecessor, but that wasn’t our experience. Phone calls are still problematic. Though the microphones perform well in quiet settings, the sound falls apart with any level of background noise. On one test call, ordinary street sounds rendered our caller unable to understand us. Plus, the Ultra Earbuds still lack dual-device connectivity. The hear-through mode is designed to automatically duck the volume when you’re in a noisier area, but the effect is way too heavy-handed. We also weren’t impressed with the Immersive Audio mode, which made music sound like a speaker playing from a specific point in a metal hallway. Six hours of battery life per charge (four with Immersive Audio active) is low for earbuds that lack an always-listening assistant. For a pair that’s originally priced at $300, we expect better and more.

Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 : Although this pair sounds quite good (with some EQ tinkering in the app) and offers comedian Matt Berry as an optional menu voice, the ANC is mild, the hear-through has a stuffy-headed quality, and the case is bigger than average. We enjoyed listening to them, but if ANC is a priority, these aren’t for you.

Denon PerL : This pair of earbuds has a distinctive look—they’re the size of quarters and look like ear gauges. The fit is comfortable, but the ANC is mild and focused on very low-pitched sounds. The hear-through mode is quiet, sounds muffled, and doesn’t work while playing music, which limits situational-awareness options. The app has a personalized EQ function that varied in success for us. We got one result that made male vocals sound buried and another in which high frequencies were piercing. And there is no way to adjust the sound yourself.

Denon PerL Pro : This pair has many of the same flaws as the lower-priced PerL, but at least it offers manual EQ adjustments, which we used to find a sound profile we enjoyed. Overall, though, the original $350 price is too steep to recommend this pair.

Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 : If you’re on a tight budget, this is the only under-$50 pair of noise-cancelling earbuds we’ve tested that won’t immediately inspire buyers remorse. While this pair doesn’t have the level of performance of the Soundcore Space A40 , it nonetheless reduces noise in a useful way, and the sound quality is excellent for the price. We like the IP54 water/dust resistance, and the adjustable awareness mode, too. But the battery life of four hours with ANC on is too short, and the suite of touch controls is limited.

Google Pixel Buds Pro : These colorful, true wireless earbuds feature ANC, spatial audio, dual-device connectivity, a hear-through mode, and always-listening “Hey Google” capabilities (on Google devices). The earbuds themselves have IPX4 water resistance, and the case is IPX2-rated. The battery life of 11 hours of listening time (up to seven hours with ANC turned on) is impressive for true wireless earbuds. However, the earbud design, while smooth and comfortable in larger ears, is likely to be tricky for people with medium to small ear canals to keep in securely—and the touch-control sensor is easy to activate accidentally when you’re pushing the earbuds back into place. In our tests, the sound was decent, but we found the peak in the cymbal and consonant range to be fatiguing, especially when the volume was turned up a bit. Overall, if you have bigger ears and want to stay in the Google ecosystem, these earbuds are fine but not excellent.

Jabra Elite 4 : Though the earbud design is comfortable and the full suite of controls is intuitive, active users might feel as though these earbuds aren’t secure enough in their ears. The noise cancellation is minimally effective, and the sound is just okay—the highs have a sizzling aspect that the five-band EQ can’t fix. Five and a half hours of battery life is decent, but is only half the playtime of the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds.

LG Tone Free T90 : This set has some interesting features, including a UV light that LG says disinfects the earbuds and a case that doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter. However, these earbuds and the included tips are very small, so folks with medium to XL ears may find them tricky to keep in place. The noise cancellation is decent, but the sound quality isn’t worth the higher price tag. While the idea of a transmitter case is somewhat neat, we’d say to get a better, less expensive pair and a separate inexpensive transmitter for travel.

Master & Dynamic MW09 : The sound on this pair didn’t impress, even after tinkering with the manual EQ, and the noise cancellation is middle-of-the-road. We do like the physical volume controls and the luxurious feel, but these might benefit from a wing-style securing method, as the design is on the hefty size. Overall these are good earbuds, but for the original $300 price, we want something great.

Nothing Ear (2) : Although not on a par with our top picks, this pair’s average of 14.5 dB of ANC reduction is quite good. Nothing’s app is very well designed, with some beneficial personalization of ANC and EQ that make the listening experience quite pleasant. The fit is comfortable, the microphone quality is clear, and the futuristic design could be appealing to some. However, the squeeze-style controls are limited and very frustrating to use. Not only are they prone to misreading your squeeze, but the act of squeezing can dislodge the earbuds and is likely to be difficult for people with dexterity issues.

Phiaton BonoBuds Plus : The earbuds fit comfortably, and the ANC is decent—but not superlative. The EQ adjustment isn’t nimble enough to compensate for the bass range’s bloated, booming sound. Even after installing firmware updates, we found that using this pair was buggy. For example, auto-play would occur even after we disabled that feature in the app.

Poly Voyager Free 60 + UC : If you work in an office environment, especially one where you work regularly on desktop computers that lack Bluetooth, this pair could be worth the expense. The case has a touchscreen that mimics features generally found in a mobile app, which is helpful for desktop users, since app features like EQ and control customization aren’t accessible to people connected to a desktop. The charging case also stores a USB Bluetooth transmitter that enables these true wireless earbuds to connect to computers that otherwise lack wireless capabilities. The microphones are designed for voice clarity and background noise reduction, which reduces the frequency ranges it picks up, so don’t be surprised if colleagues think you sound like you’re calling from an old-school landline. Importantly, the noise cancellation is only average.

Raycon The Everyday Earbuds Pro : This pair is comfortable, and the ANC is helpful at reducing low-pitched hums. However, the bass is blobby and incredibly loud. Even acoustic guitars sound formless and boomy, and there is no way to EQ this pair.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro : The fit is comfortable, the case is adorably small, and the sound is flawed yet still pleasant. But the noise cancellation is significantly less successful than we’d like, and the Buds 2 Pro pair doesn’t offer dual-device connectivity. The touch controls are easy to inadvertently activate when you’re adjusting the earbuds in your ears. And the voice-activated hear-through mode isn’t as seamless as that of the Sony WF-1000XM5 .

Sennheiser Momentum TW4 : This is a good but expensive set of earbuds. The ANC and isolation work well to reduce distractions around you, and the transparency mode sounds relatively natural. The touch controls are easy to use. Out of the box, the sound is somewhat bass heavy, but you can adjust the intensity using the manual EQ in the app. Although the earbud design is comfortable for medium and large ears, people with smaller ears may struggle with the fit. Also, high frequencies become sibilant if you boost them more than 2 dB or so in the EQ, and the case is on the chunkier side—like a twinkie cut in half. If the TW4 earbuds weren’t $300, we would give these minimal flaws a pass.

Sony LinkBuds S x Olivia Rodrigo : If you like Olivia Rodrigo or find the lavender earbuds and case to be charming, this is a perfectly good pair of earbuds. We’ve tested the LinkBuds S before, and you can read our thoughts and why they aren’t a pick in our competition spreadsheet . This pair offers two special EQ settings, both of which sound very good.

Soundcore Liberty 4 NC : This pair has noise cancellation that sounds to be on a par with that of the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds, but there’s slightly less passive isolation, which can create the sensation of eardrum suck. The Liberty earbuds also has an overabundance of bass that can’t be tamed even by dropping the lowest EQ fader to the very bottom, so it’s challenging to hear male vocals, especially on hip-hop tracks.

Soundcore P40i : Overall, this is a nice pair of earbuds with some notable flaws. First, the orientation of the stem on the earbud is such that larger ears may have trouble getting the earbuds deep enough to get a seal. The touch controls are customizable but limited. We liked the bass-forward sound once we adjusted it using the EQ feature in the app. However, the sound loses clarity and balance when played at lower volumes. The ANC is adjustable and performs well, but the “smart” adaptive feature was divisive. Some testers found it to be helpful, and others found it disorienting.

Status Audio Between 3ANC : This pair has above-average noise cancellation and can sound quite good if you are willing to spend the time meticulously adjusting the EQ. The controls are a combination of touchpads and physical buttons, which we generally don’t mind. However, the tiny buttons are placed too close to the microphones, so every time you press them, you also get a loud brushing sound if the hear-through mode is enabled. Additionally, the volume adjustments jump in dramatic chunks, which can quickly become too loud or quiet.

This article was edited by Adrienne Maxwell and Grant Clauser.

Meet your guide

Lauren Dragan

I review headphones, OTC hearing aids, and other audio gear. Since joining Wirecutter a decade ago, I’ve tested nearly 2,000 headphones and earbuds.

Further reading

The Best Headphones

We’ve tested several hundred headphones, including wireless, noise-cancelling, and even kids headphones, to pick the best headphones in each category.

Do Noise-Cancelling Headphones Hurt Your Ears? You’re Not Alone.

Before buying noise-cancelling headphones, you should think about what kinds of noise you want to reduce—and find out if you’re susceptible to “eardrum suck.”

What Your Noise-Cancelling Headphones Can and Can’t Do

Before you invest in noise-cancelling headphones, it’s important to understand what kinds of sounds they will and won’t block.

The Best Bluetooth Wireless Headphones

The JBL Tour One M2 over-ear Bluetooth headphones sound great, have a long battery life, and offer premium features at a lower price than the competition.

The best noise-cancelling headphones in 2024

These are the very best noise-cancelling headphones we've tested

About the author

• Best overall
• Best elite sound
• Best battery
• Best under $99

Best for iOS

• Best for travel
• Best premium

Best for spatial audio

• Best mid-range

Specs compared

• Also tested

How to choose

How we test.

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best value 4. Best elite sound 5. Best battery 6. Best under $99 7. Best for iOS 8. Best for travel 9. Best premium 10. Best for spatial audio 11. Best mid-range 12. Specs compared 13. How to choose 14. How we test

The best noise-canceling headphones are a must-have for all forms of public transport. Whether you're traveling on a flight or a train commute to and from work, throwing a pair of noise-canceling headphones into a bag has become an essential addition on any trip

ANC headphones have gone from strength-to-strength over the past couple of years, with many new models improving their audio performances compared to their predecessors. The pick of the best models below represent the greatest ANC headphones we've seen (and heard). 

Over-ear headphones often have superior noise-canceling performance as the earcups form a seal around the ears, although as our guide to the best noise-canceling earbuds shows, wireless in-ears are becoming increasingly more effective, and are even more portable.

Don't forget, you'll find lots more info in our in-depth standalone reviews, covering design and comfort, features, ANC performance, and sound quality with all kinds of media, as well as how well they handle calls. Just follow the link at the end of each product summary or tap the product title to find out more.

Read on to discover our pick of the best noise-canceling headphones you can buy right now based on our testing.

The Quick List

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones represent a big step forward with best-ever ANC, Immersive Audio and improved battery life. The all-new lightweight design is comfortable enough to be worn for hours, too.

Read more below

These Cleer Audio noise-canceling headphones gave us 50 hours and 15 minutes of ANC playback time from a single charge in our testing. ANC effective and they deliver a bass forward sound in a foldable design. 

The Sony WH-1000XM5 have top active noise cancelation, strong call quality, intuitive controls and enhanced connectivity. The elite sound, user experience, and hefty 30-hour battery life will not disappoint.

Although the revamped design of Sennheiser's fourth generation Momentum Wireless headphones don't stand out quite like their classic-looking predecessor, the 60-hour battery life is a real crowd pleaser and make these the one to beat. 

These Soundcore Space One headphones are a great budget option with effective ANC, strong battery life, and come stacked with plenty of useful features. We're not sure how they do it at the price.

Apple's mots expensive noise-canceling headphones have a plush design and comfortable fit. They present an immediate feeling of luxury which only grows once you start playing music. Read more below

Next 3 models

A more affordable Bose noise canceling option that replaced the  QC45  in October 2023, the more affordable, foldable design makes these great for traveling and boast excellent ANC and great comfort. 

A high-performance headphone that's perfectly suited to critical audiophile listening at home, as well as strong wireless capabilities and effective ANC to enable owners to enjoy them on the go.

Best known for its connected speaker systems, Sonos has diversified into noise-canceling headphones. The Ace are super stylish, have great sound, top noise canceling, and support Dolby Atmos  and  Sony 360 Reality Audio  spatial audio with head tracking.

Hi, I'm Lee and I cover all things audio for Tom's Guide, including maintaining buying guides on the best noise-canceling headphones, best headphones, best wireless earbuds, and best audiophile headphones (to name a few). One of my earliest audio memories was listening to my favorite music on a pair of headphones. That's more than 30 years ago now, and although today's popular headphones are wireless and incorporate noise-canceling tech, my music-first approach to assessing sound quality is the same. With over 20 years of listening and writing about the finest audio products in the world, I've listened to hundreds of headphones and am perfectly positioned to find the best-sounding model for your budget.

Best noise-canceling headphones you can buy right now

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Best noise-canceling headphones overall

1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the best ANC headphones overall. As the replacement for the  Bose 700 , the company has raised the bar yet again for active noise-canceling headphones, effectively silencing outside world around you. The new model throws in Immersive Audio tech and plenty of extras including Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity, aptX Adaptive support, and touch volume control. This all comes in an all-new modern and lightweight design that's comfortable enough to be worn for hours.

There are multiple levels of noise cancelation to balance the level of quiet with Aware mode (transparency) to suit your surroundings. Battery life has been extended to give up to 24 hours, while changes made to the controls and design make usability more practical and seamless. While the Bose 700 headphones are a great alternative option to consider (and can regularly be found discounted in early  best headphone deals ), the QC Ultra raise the game and are as close to perfect as you’re going to get in the noise-canceling headphones category.

• Read the full  Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review

Best value noise-canceling headphones

2. Cleer Enduro ANC

The Cleer Enduro ANC offers an almost irresistible combination of affordability, audio richness, active noise cancelation and battery life. During our testing we got more than 50 hours of battery life when listening at mid-volume with ANC enabled, which is strong and the most affordable model to get anywhere close to the 60-hour offered by the  Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless  flagship.

Unlike a lot of low-cost headphones, even cheap ANC headphones, the Enduro ANC also comes with a respectable range of features. NFC pairing comes in handy, for instance, and there's a bundled 3.5mm cable and they can even fold up for easy carrying.

• Read our full  Cleer Enduro ANC review

Best balance of elite sound and ANC overall

3. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony has been steadily closing the noise-canceling gap on Bose, and the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones come closer than ever to beating Bose in terms of its ANC performance. In terms of its noise cancelling tech, the Sony doubles its processing power over its predecessor to control eight microphones, and the result in our testing is near-seamless ANC. 

It's difficult to fault the sound quality from Sony's flagship headphones. During our testing we found that they sounded superb. Everything from the touch controls to the ability to tweak the EQ via the Sony Headphones Connect app is well thought out and seamlessly integrated. The 30-hour battery life (with ANC) is excellent, and call quality has also been improved greatly over its predecessor, making them one of the most versatile options and the top ranking model in the best headphones round up overall.  

• Read the full Sony WH-1000XM5 review

Best battery life

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

Although the revamped design of Sennheiser's fourth generation Momentum Wireless headphones don't stand out quite like their classic-looking predecessor, the 60-hour battery life is a real crowd pleaser and make these the one to beat. Add in the easy-going Sennheiser sound and effective noise canceling, and the Momentum 4 are one the most practical wireless headphones we've seen, perfectly built for a life on the road rather than tethered to a power socket needing regular battery top ups. 

Sennheiser's smooth house sound handles a wide range of music content, from pounding beats to more mellow tunes with aplomb. It has Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive support, and there's a supplied 3.5mm cable for audiophile wired connections. ANC performance is effective, and auto Wind Noise Reduction is very impressive when stood on a windy train platform on daily work commutes.

• Read the full Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review

Best noise-canceling headphone under $99

5. Anker Soundcore Space One

The Soundcore Space One boast a variety of premium features, including adaptive  active noise cancellation , Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC codec support, customizable sound, multipoint technology, and some of the strongest quick charging out there. Lengthy playtimes, personalized listening modes, and safe volume settings add to the lengthy list of features. 

Our reviewer found that the Space One had deep bass, but felt that Anker had tweaked the sound profile to balance mids and highs, and that listening with ANC on upticks the low end. Complementing the Space One’s dynamic sound quality is adaptive ANC that can be personalized and used in different ways. There is Adaptive Noise Canceling for adjusting performance to your surrounding noise levels or Customize Noise Canceling for setting noise neutralization to 1 of 5 levels. These are a great budget option available in jet black, latte cream and sky blue colorways and a possible best value contender at the $99 price.

• Read the full  Anker Soundcore Space One review

6. Apple AirPods Max

Although there’s only one level of active noise cancellation on the ultra-premium AirPods Max, it works like a charm. The cans do a great job of blocking out ambient sounds, especially at the lower end of the frequency spectrum. It’s almost as good as Bose’s ANC, which is a fine showing for Apple’s first pair of over-ears.

Elsewhere, the AirPods Max sound great, especially with the surround-sound spatial audio feature switched on, and their design standards and build quality are so high you can almost forget that these headphones cost $549. That’s a lot more than the Sony and Bose headphones higher up the list, so this is a luxury purpose, but can very much be a worthwhile one.

• Read the full Apple AirPods Max review

Best Bose noise-canceling headphones for travel

7. Bose QuietComfort Headphones

As the more affordable Bose noise-canceling option, the QuietComfort Headphones were quietly ushered in to replace the QC45 in October 2023. The new version looks similar and boasts many of the same hallmarks including companion app support with personalization, excellent  active noise cancellation , and great comfort. 

While we loved the strong always-on noise-canceling performance of the QC45 which was highly effective at blocking out close to 90% of unwanted sounds, QC Headphones wearers get the same effective level of noise cancelation but can now customize ANC performance by creating multiple modes with set noise control levels. You can also enable the Wind Block feature to increase wind resistance when ANC is on. Along with an uptick in sound quality, battery life has also been given a boost. A full charge generates 24 hours of ANC playtime, which is only 2 hours more than the QC45, but greatly appreciated.

• Read the full Bose QuietComfort Headphones review

Luxury design and features for audiophiles

8. Focal Bathys

Although not the strongest noise canceling out there, the Focal Bathys offer ingenious versatility: they're a superb, high-performance headphone that's perfectly suited to critical audiophile listening at home, while also practical and conveniently wireless to enable owners to enjoy them on the go. The price may initially seem high, but when you weigh up flagship features like Focal’s dynamic drivers, integrated DAC with full hi-res audio support, and top-tier audio performance, $699 feels like something of a bargain.

The combination of Focal’s M-dome speaker drivers and support for  Hi-Res Audio  ensures the Bathys sound spectacular. Recordings were deeply layered during our listening sessions, giving instruments plenty of room to breathe, and the onboard DAC is awesome for uncompressed 24-bit sound when connected to lossless sources such as  Apple Music  and  Tidal . Fidelity is increased and there’s a greater degree of tightness in the delivery. 

• Read the full  Focal Bathys review

9. Sonos Ace

The Sonos Ace are the company's first pair of noise-canceling headphones. While I've been impressed by their sound and ANC performance, what sees them rank here is their impressive spatial audio support. Sonos has been a strong supporter of spatial audio content, and its Era 300 is one of the few speakers I've encountered that maximizes the listening experience. 

The Sonos Ace headphones support Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio content, meaning that they're compatible with spatial audio mixes on the best music streaming services . They are an excellent-sounding model and have accurate Dolby head tracking to help you make the most of the immersive listening experience. Even with spatial audio turned off, these headphones produce a wide, spacious sound that's more involving than most. Bass is nicely extended, and voices have some of the best clarity we've heard from a pair of noise-canceling headphones.

• Read the full Sonos Ace review

Best mid-range for travel

10. Anker Soundcore Space Q45

Like the Cleer Enduro ANC, Anker's Soundcore Space Q45 are quite the bargain with a remarkable set of features and effective ANC performance. They offer remarkable battery life, quality ANC, and superb sound powered by upmarket specs and special features. Sound quality has a liveliness that pulls listeners to the front row of the performance on whatever music you're listening to. The sonic soundstage is wide and immersive, and have a ramped up low end, rich mids and crisp highs. 

Anker engineered the Space Q45 with a versatile Ambient Sound mode that features dual settings for both Noise Cancellation and Transparency settings. And they all work well when used in proper situations. These headphone are not without some flaws, but nevertheless they have compelling sound and noise neutralization for half the price of Bose and Sony’s flagship models and are worth tracking down.

• Read the full Anker Soundcore Space Q45 review

Also tested...

As Tom's Guide's audio experts, we test a lot of noise-cancelling headphones but some models don't make it into a buying guide. That's not to say that they're not great performers, just that they're beaten by rival models with a stronger set of features or performance. The picks in this guide are the very best we've tested and have all been given full reviews. But with more models to choose from than ever, we want to make sure that you consider these also tested options. These alternatives have been through our rigorous testing processes but didn't quite make the grade to rank among the best of the best.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e: An 'evolved' version of the company's entry-level headphones, these feel just as good as their predecessor and look identical. They take inspiration and learnings from the company's Px8 flagship headphones together with a re-tuned acoustic performance and 24-bit digital signal processing (DSP).

In my review, I particularly liked the bass kick they brought to my music, which had a bit more energy than many of their price rivals. The rest of the frequency range felt nicely judged, and noise canceling was effective but not the strong enough to out-class similarly priced models in this list. 

Bose 700: Superseded by the Bose QC Ultra Headphones awarded the best noise-canceling headphones overall, the 700s were the previous top-ranking model, and maintained that position for more than three years. They are no longer listed on the Bose website, but the 700s continue to be available via online retailers where they can be found discounted. Despite being an older model, these stand up well to rivals and boast 10 levels of ANC that works flawlessly to silence the majority of external sounds. Most importantly, the 700s achieve this without compromising sound quality, allowing listeners to enjoy clean, well-balanced sound reproduction, although the slightly deficient lower frequencies may leave bass fiends feeling short changed. Bose’s companion app lets you adjust the EQ for personalized audio, though.

Read the full Bose 700 review

Yamaha YH-L700: These are an excellent-sounding pair of noise-canceling headphones that have a better 3D sound experience than the AirPods Max. They're equipped with accurate head-tracking technology and multiple well-engineered listening modes for different content. Even with spatial audio turned off, these headphones produce spacious sound with full bass presence, delivering rich lows, palpable mids, and crisp highs. And though Yamaha’s ANC won’t match what Apple, Bose, or Sony offers, it’s still effective to enjoy premium sound in most environments.

You just have to live with its large, heavy design and uneven battery life, which fluctuates when listening with 3D enabled.

Read the full Yamaha YH-L700 review

5 things to consider when choosing the best ANC headphones and earbuds for you

The first item to check off the list when shopping for the best noise-canceling headphones is active noise cancellation, which shouldn’t be confused with passive noise cancellation. What are the differences?

1. Active vs. passive noise cancellation: When it comes to active noise canceling (ANC) headphones, these use an 'active' combination of hardware (microphones) and firmware to make external sounds or noises sound quieter when you’re listening to your favorite media such as music, videos, or podcasts. Unlike passive noise isolation, which simply blocks sounds out by forming a seal with headphone ear cups around the ears, or in-ear tips inside the ear canal, active noise cancellation listens out for background sounds and uses clever audio trickery to “cancel” these potentially disruptive noises out. For a more in-depth explanation see ANC explained .

2. Battery life: Noise-canceling headphones have a reputation for sucking up lots of power, so you’ll want a pair that holds a charge long enough to get you through a long business flight or weekly commutes. Thanks to the arrival of Sennheiser's Momentum 4 over-ear headphones battery life standards have increased up to 60 hours, although more typical figures are anywhere between 15 to 30 hours. Noise-canceling wireless earbuds are usually rated for 4.5 to 8 hours.

3. Sound quality: ANC technology can compress sound and reduce dynamics, which may affect audio performance when turned on. In some cases, you’ll notice a background hiss when listening to music. However, there are noise-canceling headphones out there that limit these disruptions to deliver full, crisp sound.

4. Design: The look, build and feel of a pair of headphones is massively important when selecting the best noise-canceling headphones, so consider how it looks and feels and whether the style is right for you. The type of headphone is also important when it comes to the most effective noise canceling models. Over-ear headphones tend to give the best noise cancellation, though some of the more recent wireless on-ear and in-ear models are proving to be just as effective.

5. Pricing considerations:  Obviously, price is a big consideration when looking for the best noise-canceling headphones. Although there are always exceptions, big-name brands will typically command a bit extra, but generally speaking, the less you spend on a pair of headphones the greater the chance that sound and features will be compromised. Going for a budget option isn't always the best choice, as any money you save on your purchase won't do you much good if you're constantly needing to recharge your audio gear, or the sound quality is poor. 

As the saying goes: timing is everything; and right now many of our favorite models are being discounted by online retailers, meaning you can bag a bargain for even less. Bookmark our  best headphone deals  page to keep track on the latest price drops.

The best reviews criteria carried out by audio experts

With more than 30 years experience in testing and reviewing consumer audio products for all kinds of media outlets and big-name brands around the world, the Tom's Guide audio team follows a rigorous test regime when it comes to determining the best products for recommendation in our buying guides. 

To help you separate the wheat from the chaff when shopping for headphones, Tom's Guide evaluates the following criteria: design, comfort, features, performance and value. We employ a rigorous review process, comparing products with similar fit, features and pricing.

During the testing phase, our reviewers wear each pair of headphones for 2 hours at a time throughout the course of a week, to test comfort over time.

ANC, meanwhile, is tested in both indoor and outdoor environments where ambient sounds are produced at high levels. This includes airplanes, city parks, convenience shops, offices, and public transportation. ANC headphones programmed with transparency modes are also tested thoroughly to determine how well the listener can hear their surroundings.

For sound quality, we listen to many different sample tracks and span as many music genres as possible, including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical and R&B, while evaluating volume, clarity and fullness. Find out what we listen for during our testing process and how to get the best headphone sound for you .

And now that more streaming music services are offering high-resolution audio, be sure to read our audio codec FAQ for all you need to know about FLAC files, MP3s and everything in between.

Once we complete our testing, we rate headphones based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). If a product hits nearly every mark, it’s awarded an Editor's Choice badge. 

Find out how we test for more information on our reviewing procedures.

More from Tom's Guide

• My top 5 wireless earbud picks for every budget
• 5 best headphones for working from home  
• The best cheap headphones for all kinds of travel  

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Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!

After 2.5 years as Tom's Guide's audio editor, Lee has joined the passionate audio experts at audiograde.uk where he writes about luxury audio and Hi-Fi. As a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring.

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The 9 Best Travel Headphones of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The latest audio gear must be hardwearing and functional

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Other Travel Headphones We Tested

How we tested.

• What to Look For

Frequently Asked Questions

Why trust tripsavvy.

TripSavvy / Jhett Thompson

Travel headphones come in handy when you want to listen to music to soothe your flying anxiety or need to talk to loved ones back home with your hands-free. But what makes a great travel headphone? We wanted to find travel earbuds that could handle an arid Big Bend National Park hike and weather-resistant headphones that would let you explore Seattle on a rainy day. And we wanted to seek out the best travel headphones for noise cancellation—because who wants to deal with those annoying noises on a plane or train?  

To find the best travel headphones, we had several people test 26 different ones. They considered everything from sound quality to comfort, ease of use, and noise cancellation.

Best Overall

Bose noise cancelling headphones.

Impressive technical specs

Pair to two devices at once

Intuitive design

Requires hefty investment

Not particularly sport friendly

It’s no surprise that headphones by Bose would be our top pick. The brand is well known for its high-quality sound systems, and that ingenuity has made its way into the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. These over-the-head travel headphones come in black and silver and have such a crisp sound that our testers said it mimics hearing a band live. 

The headphones feature 11 different levels of noise cancellation, which you can change according to your preference. The tester said it could feel a little odd to be unable to hear your own voice, but at least you get a sense of how phenomenal the noise cancellation really is. When taking a voice call, you’ll be glad to know that the headphones have ten mics that work to remove background noise and capture only your voice—no need to worry about talking on a windy day or in a crowded airport. 

Our tester said that setting up the Bose headphones is super easy, thanks to the Bose app. The app also provides insight into using touch controls on the ear cups. For instance, by touching the right earcup, the headphones will open the last Spotify playlist you listened to and immediately start playing the next song. Other movements raise the volume and change songs. 

The headphones may be expensive, but it’s well worth the price to have headphones that can last 20 hours on a single charge and have a Bluetooth range of 30 feet. Remember that these are not the best headphones for rapid movements, like working out. They’re comfortable, but they’re unlikely to stay on your head if you’re doing a rigorous activity. 

Dimensions: 2 x 6.5 x 8 inches | Bluetooth Range: 30 feet | Battery Life: 20 hours

TripSavvy / Vicky Wasik

Best Budget

Anker soundcore life p3.

Water-resistant

Choice of different ANC settings

Feature-filled, value pick

Bluetooth range is not provided

The Anker Soundcore Life P3 headphones are not necessarily ‘cheap,’ but you get a high-quality product at a price that’s more affordable than others—and that’s ultimately why it’s our budget pick. The Anker Soundcore Life P3 earbuds have a seven-hour battery life on a single charge, but you can get an additional 35 hours of playback time by placing the earbuds into a fully-charged case. Ten minutes of charging provides two more hours of playback.  

As for the sound quality, our tester described it as ‘vibrant’ when listening to music. The BassUp mode, which increases the bass, is a nice touch. The earbuds have three noise cancellation modes—Transport, Outdoor, and Indoor—which remove noise based on your environment. Our tester couldn’t hear other noises when music played, even at low volume. They added that some sound came through when music wasn’t playing. 

Our tester was not impressed by how the sound quality of a voice call differed from the sound quality of music. They also noted that the noise cancellation features didn’t work well when on a call and that they could hear background noises on their end, as could the person on the other end of the phone call. 

There are plenty of features our tester didn’t mention that we find incredibly interesting, like how you can adjust the sound quality through the Soundcore app and choose preset modes like Game mode, which creates an immersive audio experience when playing mobile games. And if you ever lose an earbud, just hit “Find My Headset” in the app, and the earbud will emit a loud noise until you find it. 

Dimensions: 2.56 x 1.97 x 1.18 inches | Bluetooth Range: Not listed | Battery Life: 7 hours

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro

Designed to work in outdoor conditions

Touch control and voice commands

Light and comfortable to wear

Bluetooth frequency range is unknown

ANC drains battery

Although Samsung makes these Buds Pro earbuds, you don't need an Android device to use them. In fact, our tester connected these earbuds to their iPhone and was blown away by the sound quality. They described the sound as "crisp and clear" and said they could hear each instrument that made up a song. 

Samsung designed these earbuds to block the sound of wind during calls and allow you to control the level of noise cancellation. So, if you want to hear no surrounding sounds, that's an option, but if you need ambient sound for safety purposes, like when walking around a city, you can have that too. Plus, the noise cancellation turns off automatically when it detects your voice so that you can converse with a flight attendant without taking out your earbuds or turning them off. 

We are a little disappointed by the earbuds' battery capabilities. You'll only get four hours of battery life when talking on the phone with noise cancellation on. Unfortunately, battery life is not much better when watching movies or listening to music—5 hours with noise cancellation on and 8 hours with it off. The case does hold an additional 13 to 20 hours of playback. Thankfully it only takes 5 minutes in the charging case for the earbuds to store up another hour of playtime. 

Lastly, these headphones are water resistant, can be tracked through the SmartThings app, and will automatically switch between devices.

Dimensions: The case is 4.75 x 3.5 x 1.75 inches, and the earbud is 20.8 x 19.5 millimeters | Bluetooth Range: Not listed | Battery Life: 4 to 8 hours on a single charge, depending on whether noise cancellation is on and whether you're playing music or talking

Best Comfort

Sony wh-1000xm4 noise canceling headphones.

Loaded with user-friendly capabilities

Available in three matte, colorways

Long-lasting

Set up is a little cumbersome

Noise cancellation needs improvement

The Sony WH-1000XM4 are over-the-head travel headphones with plush cushioning around the ears and enough flexibility to fit most heads comfortably. Where they shine brightest is in the battery life—30 hours! Plus, it only takes 10 minutes of charging to get five more hours of playback. Our tester didn’t like how confusing the setup was or that they had to create a Sony account, but once it was all said and done, they really enjoyed the sound quality of these headphones. 

Our tester said the sound was great, whether playing music or listening to podcasts. They mentioned an equalizer menu allowing users to adjust the sound however they see fit or use preset sound settings labeled “mellow” and “excited.” Noise cancellation seemed decent, and while our tester noted that they didn’t hear any other sounds when playing music, some sounds did come through when the music wasn’t playing. 

Users control the headphones through touch activation, though a few features are automatic. For instance, removing the headphones while playing music will automatically pause the song and then play from that exact spot when you put the headphones back on. The headphones also automatically pause your TV show or song when you speak.  

One of the most surprising things about the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones is their Bluetooth range of 400 meters or 1,312 feet—a considerably large distance. Of course, people, objects, walls, and electromagnetic fields can affect this, so we imagine that the Bluetooth frequency range is generally much shorter unless you’re in an open area.

Dimensions: 7.27 x 3.03 x 9.94 inches | Bluetooth Range: 1,312 feet | Battery Life: 30 hours

Best Splurge

Apple airpods max.

Breathable, headpiece

Filters outside noise extremely well

Top-notch listening experience

Not ideal for rainy travel

Not all features work with Android devices

If you have the cash lying about, the Apple AirPods Max will make excellent travel headphones. They’re designed with a unique mesh canopy that offers a comfortable fit on your head for most activities though if you’re doing something rigorous, they could fall off. While these headphones will connect to Android and Mac devices, overall, they’re better designed for Apple users. Set up is easy with an Apple phone, and Siri is integrated, meaning Siri will read your text messages and announce other notifications automatically. The headphones can pair with multiple Apple devices and switch over automatically from, say, an iPad to an iPhone when you receive a call. 

In our testing, we found that the sound quality was superb. Expect sharp and clear sounds and even some instruments that you probably wouldn’t have noticed with lesser headphones. Noise cancellation is equally fantastic, even in “Aware” mode. Our tester said that when using “Aware” mode, they had to be close to someone to know they were speaking to them. 

While these headphones are not water resistant, and we do not know the Bluetooth range, you’ll be glad to know that the buttons are easy to use and that the headphones automatically pause music when you take them off and continues playing the song when you put the headphones back on. 

Dimensions: 6.64 x 3.28 x 7.37 inches | Bluetooth Range: Not listed | Battery Life: 20 hours

Best Weather Resistant

Jabra elite 85h.

Sturdy hardware

Works with Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant

Generous run time

Not particularly lightweight

Audio experience could be better

Whether you get caught in the rain in London or want to listen to music at the beach, you’ll be glad to know that the Jabra Elite 85H headphones are water-resistant. We love that these headphones offer 36 hours of battery life when noise cancellation is on and 41 hours when it’s turned off. It doesn’t hurt that the headphones will automatically pause a song when you remove them from your head and then start the song up from the same spot when you put them back on. 

Our tester noted that these headphones were a bit heavy and that the sound quality was “average.” Perhaps by adjusting the sound settings through the app, you can create a more favorable sound quality. The app also helps you find the headphones if they’re lost. 

As for noise cancellation, it’s a smart model, which means that the headphones automatically adjust the noise cancellation depending on your environment. Our tester found that it worked decently well and suggests these headphones would be a good option for plane travel.

Dimensions: 9.25 x 7.64 x 3.31 inches | Bluetooth Range: 33 feet | Battery Life: 36 to 41 hours, depending on noise cancellation being on or off

Best for Tech Newbies

Apple airpods pro.

Scary good noise isolation

Ideal choice for working out

Simple and practical functionality

Longer-lasting battery would be nice

Android users won't get certain features

Airpods were a game changer when they were released, and it’s no surprise that people still love to travel with them today. These simple earbuds have three different tips to fit different ear sizes and are sweat and water-resistant. By simply touching or pressing the Airpods Pro earbuds a few times, you can change songs, pause, play, or turn on Transparency mode to hear the world around you. 

The sound quality of these earbuds is pretty good, though or tester noted, “It didn’t knock it out of the park for me.” The noise cancellation, on the other hand, was impressive to the tester, so much so that it made them nervous to walk around outside with the noise cancellation on because it was difficult to hear traffic and other people. 

Regarding battery life, the Airpods Pro can hold up to 4.5 hours of listening time on a single charge and only 3.5 hours if you’re talking the entire time—and that’s with active noise cancellation and transparency off. Comparable to others on this list, that’s not a lot of battery life. However, with the wireless charging case, you can get 18 additional hours of talk time and 24 hours of listening time, but you’ll need to charge the pods a few times. Five minutes in the case provides an hour of battery life. 

While we chose the Airpods Pro earbuds for “tech newbies,” that’s really only the case if you have an Apple device. Connecting is super simple for Apple users, and Siri can help with notifications, making calls, or even changing songs. Android users won’t be able to use Siri, and they’ll need to take a few more steps to connect the earbuds to their device.

Dimensions: each: 0.94 x 0.86 x 1.22 inches, Wireless Charging Case: 1.78 x 0.85 x 2.39 inches | Bluetooth Range: Not listed | Battery Life: 3.5 hours of talk time on a single charge, 4.5 hours of music/video playback on one charge, 24 hours of additional charge via a fully-charged case

Best Multi-Use

Beats fit pro noise canceling earbuds.

Hardwearing for active and outdoor pursuits

Flexible wingtips for a secure fit

Touch controls

Skimpy run time

These Beats Fit Pro earbuds are super stylish and offer a lot of value for the price. With the flexible wingtips, enjoy a super secure fit. The sweat and water-resistant feature means you can safely wear them while working out. Using these earbuds is simple, too. Just tap or press the earbuds to pause, skip a song, or even turn noise cancellation on and off. You can even wear one earbud at a time. 

When talking about the sound quality, our tester said that the “bass and rhythms of the music translate very well on different octaves.” However, they added that although the noise cancellation does an excellent job of removing all background noise, the sound quality felt more powerful and louder when not using the noise cancellation. They also felt like the audio on voice calls could be better. 

Perhaps our favorite aspect of the Beats Fit Pro earbuds is how it’s designed for Apple and Android users, and they each get their own features that work with their systems. Both have one-touch pairing, with Apple users also getting features like automatic switching between devices, audio sharing, and access to Siri. Apple users can also find an earbud on the Find My App. On the other hand, Android users can use the Beats App to customize the earbud controls, receive notifications about the battery level, and conduct a Fit Test to get the best sound and fit. 

As with most of the earbuds on this list, the battery life could be better. You only get 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, but with a fully charged case, you can get an additional 18 hours. Thankfully, it only takes five minutes of charge time to get one hour of playback.

Dimensions: Bud: 1.18 x .94 x .75 inches, case: 2.44 x 2.44 x 1.12 inches | Bluetooth Range: Not listed | Battery Life: 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, up to 18 hours with the charging case

Best Earbuds

Jabra elite 85t earbuds.

Wind protection for better calls

Serious noise isolation

Fully customizable

The Jabra Elite 85t earbuds are rain resistant, work with Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, and should help to relieve pressure in your ear canal. Once you set up these earbuds, we encourage you to do the hearing test within the app, as it tests your hearing in both ears and adjusts the sound to your specific hearing profile. There is even a test that lets you know if you’re wearing the right ear tip for the best fit. Within the app, you can also adjust the noise cancellation and Hear Through mode and then turn it off and on by pressing a button on the earbud itself. 

While the bass could be better, the sound quality is fantastic. In fact, our tester thought that the sound quality was better for music and TV shows with the Jabra Elite 85t than with the Airpod Pros. (They do admit that Airpod Pros have better sound quality in talk mode.) No matter the volume of your music, when you have the noise cancellation on with these headphones, you can’t hear anything, even when outside. Hear Through mode can be toggled on and off with the push of a button. 

Keep in mind that the battery only lasts 5.5 hours on a single charge when noise cancellation is turned on; you might get 7 hours of battery life with it turned off. The charging case holds between 20-24 more hours of battery life.

Dimensions: 5.12 x 4.41 x 1.65 inches | Bluetooth Range: 33 feet | Battery Life: 5.5-7 hours on a single charge depending on whether noise cancellation is on or off, 20-24 more hours in charging case

Beats Solo Pro : These headphones excelled at ease of use, producing clear, vibrant sound, and were comfortable to wear. Unfortunately, the noise-canceling feature didn't block out as much noise as we would have liked—particularly when not combined with music.

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds : In the words of our tester Katherine Moran, "Overall, the Bose QC Earbuds feel like a lot of plastic inside my ear, but the sound quality and noise cancellation feature are both incredible and make the product worth purchasing."

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX : Price was the main drawback of this luxury pick. Our tester loved the premium hardware and elevated sound quality.

We tested travel headphones in our New York testing lab and then sent them to testers for real-world testing. The initial lab testing involved testing and rating each headphone for the following attributes: setup, comfort, sound quality, noise cancellation, functionality, and user interface. Each attribute was rated on a five-point scale, and those scores were averaged to give each pair of headphones an overall score. 

What to Look For in Travel Headphones

Headphone prices can range from $10 to $500, but we’ve found that the best headphones for traveling tend to cost over $100. The higher the price, the more likely you’ll be investing in more technologically-advanced headphones with fantastic sound quality and a wider variety of features. 

Audio Quality

Audio quality is perhaps the most important thing to consider when buying travel headphones. Sometimes “you know it when you hear it,” and the only way to do that is to test the headphones yourself. Keep in mind that voice and music sound quality often differ—at least, that was what many of our testers experienced with different headphones. 

Buyers may find it helpful to test the audio quality of headphones at tech stores like Best Buy, but what do you do if you want to buy a pair of headphones online? RTings.com tested 697 headphones for their sound quality, focusing on everything from bass accuracy to frequency response consistency. Their goal was to test headphones and rate them according to whether or not they produced a more neutral, crisp, clear sound, the kind you’d hear if something was mixed in a studio. They’ve done a deep dive into the audio quality in a way that would be difficult to do on your own, making this a fantastic resource for any buyer. 

Just as we all have different bodies, our ear shape and head shape differ too, which can impact our headphones choice. If you have the option of testing a pair of headphones before you buy them, do so! At the least, ensure you can return them if they are uncomfortable. 

When it comes to earbuds, you may have to change the earbud tip to a bigger or smaller size to ensure that it fits in your ears properly. Headphones that go over your head should provide a firm fit without causing too much pressure on your ears or cranium. Finally, test out the fit by doing different movements. Do the headphones shift when you walk? Do you want to wear them for a morning run at the hotel? Over-the-head headphones are not the best option for rigorous activities; earbuds may be better for those who like to exercise. 

Keep your headphones clean by occasionally wiping them down with a soft cloth slightly dampened with water or an anti-bacterial towelette (just don’t let too much liquid sit on the headphones for too long). It’s especially important to remove earwax from the earbud units so that it doesn’t harden and create issues. Always store your headphones properly; if they have wires, don’t let them tangle or twist. While you don’t have to worry about this with wireless travel headphones , those with wired headphones need to keep the headphone jack free of debris, dust, and dirt. Clean it out with a gas duster on occasion. 

Headphones can cause hearing loss over time if not used properly. Try to lower the volume to prevent hearing loss. Noise-canceling headphones can remove background noise and assist in keeping the volume lowered. Earbuds might be slightly worse than headphones in the long run. No matter which type of headphones you have, take consistent breaks from using them. Your hearing will thank you. 

Bluetooth frequency range is the distance between your headphones and the device it connects to. So, for instance, if you are playing music on your phone and you walk to the bathroom, will the headphones stay connected, or will it have gone out of range and the music will cut out? Bluetooth frequency ranges can vary, though we prefer those over 30 feet as it prevents you from carrying your device or phone with you wherever you go. 

Many planes these days have moved their in-flight entertainment from screens on the back of the seats to your personal Wi-Fi-enabled device. In that case, you only need to plug the headphones into your device or use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly. 

Many long-haul planes still come with screens in the back of the headrest, which can make your wireless headphones useless. The wired headphones that flight attendants pass out have poor audio quality, so you’ll need to come prepared with a Bluetooth adapter that you plug into the headphone socket on your seat. From there, it’s as simple as connecting the adapter to your wireless headphones, allowing you to hear the audio from the headrest screen.

Author  Alex Temblador  is an outdoor and travel journalist who lives in Texas. In addition to working out–running, lifting, hiking, kayaking, and more–at least five days a week, Alex seeks out adventurous travels all around the world. Throughout her career as an outdoor and travel journalist, she has rappelled in Mexico, kayaked in Puerto Rico and Thailand, skied in Telluride and Montana, surfed in Zihuatanejo, scuba dived in Bonaire, hiked in Peru and Switzerland, and completed a one-day, 100-mile cycling event in 100-degree weather in North Texas.

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10 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Travel [2023]

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We picked the best travel-friendly noise-canceling headphones for you in 2023.

Visiting other countries and seeing new places can be a fantastic experience; however, traveling itself can get pretty stressful.

When you’re in transit, unforeseeable things can happen – some of them unavoidable, and others downright annoying. It can be difficult to relax even when you’re on vacation with the added bother of different intrusive sounds, like engine noise and noisy passengers.

One of the best ways to stay sane during those long hours spent in transit is just to tune it all out – and that’s where noise-canceling headphones come in.

Several factors ought to be considered when picking a pair of noise-canceling headphones, and, the good news is, you don’t have to look far because we’ve compiled them all in this extensive guide. We’ve also put together a list of top-scoring noise cancelling headphones for travel that hit many of the buying factors we’ve listed.

So, let’s dive in!

How to Pick the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel?

Traveling can present many unpredictable scenarios, so naturally, the goal is to make it as stress-free as possible. Noise cancellation is undoubtedly one way to make those long hours spent in-transit more bearable, but there are also several other elements to consider to get the most out of your investment and travels.

To help guide you in choosing the best noise-canceling headphones to suit your travel needs, as yourself the following questions:

• Which type of active noise cancellation is best for traveling?
• Do the headphones have a long battery life?
• Are the headphones portable?
• How’s the build quality of the headphones?
• Are the headphones comfortable?
• How is the sound quality of the headphones?
• How much do the headphones cost?

Active noise cancellation

When traveling, you’ll want a pair of headphones that can effectively eliminate unwanted background noise, and this is best achieved with active noise cancellation (ANC) . In contrast to passive noise isolation, which only uses physical properties to block out noise and can be added to any headphones , ANC uses advanced technology built into the headphones to detect and combat unwanted ambient noise.

In fact, the first Active noise-canceling headphones were initially made for flights. After the tech was first patented in 1936, it was used mainly by airplane and helicopter pilots throughout the 1950s to help with the loud, constant drone of their engines.

Because of this, a lot of advancements in noise cancelling headphones are focused on this purpose. That’s why you can find some of the best of the best noise cancelling headphones on the market on this list.

Active noise cancellation is specifically geared towards blocking consistent, low-frequency noises such as the sound of engines humming.

Adaptive ANC

If you’ve already set your sights on a pair of ANC headphones, it’s important to remember that there are different types of active noise cancellation. The common types of ANC include feedforward , feedback , and hybrid , which only differ on how the dedicated ANC microphones are placed inside the ear cups. You can usually find these types in ANC headphones below $100.

However, if you’re someone who travels quite often or is easily bothered by the noisy disturbances we encounter while traveling, it’s more advisable to opt for adaptive ANC .

Adaptive ANC is essentially a hybrid ANC with built-in artificial intelligence. It’s designed to monitor the listener’s surroundings and make automatic adjustments depending on how loud or quiet the environment is. It continually does so as you move from one place to another.

This makes adaptive ANC perfect for travelers since the likelihood of being exposed to all manner of noises is expected. Adaptive ANC also eliminates the need to tweak your noise-canceling settings continually and is more known for better sound quality and battery life. But as with any product with built-in AI, you can expect it to be more expensive than other types.

Ambient mode

Battery life.

The sheer horror of being on a long flight and knowing your headphones aren’t going to make it until the end is a feeling that most of us would rather avoid, which is why battery life is a priority.

ANC technology requires more power to work, which is why ANC headphones come with a built-in battery dedicated solely to powering the noise-canceling system.

When that battery gets drained, the ANC won’t run, even when the device is connected via an AUX cable. In addition to that, a solid battery will give you longer listening hours so that you can enjoy your music or your favorite podcast without worrying about charging.

Portability

Another valuable feature for frequent travelers is portability. You’ll want a pair of headphones that are easy to pack and carry and won’t add to your baggage weight, especially since some airlines can be unforgivingly strict about these things.

Consider the following features:

• Weight: The lighter your headphones are, the better portability they have. Headphones on the lighter end of the weight spectrum are no heavier than 0.55 lbs, while anything weighing 0.75 lbs or more is already considered quite heavy.
• Foldable: You’ll want something compact and space-saving, particularly since some ANC headphones tend to be on the bulky side because of the materials. Check to see if the headphones can be easily folded into a smaller configuration to prevent packing headaches later on.
• Accessories: Look for a pair that comes with a sturdy carrying case (ideally not one of those drawstring bags) that’ll let you carry it on its own and give ample protection on lazy days when you can’t be bothered to organize the contents of your luggage. Also, check to see if it comes with a flight adapter, which can be helpful on long flights.

Build quality

Adventurous travelers will want to place importance on build quality so that the headphones can endure environmental and climate exposure.

Build quality refers to the soundness and durability of the headphones’ overall design, and several factors can help you determine this.

Materials used

Headphones crafted with dense, high-quality plastics and metal frames will give better longevity. Likewise, the foam and padding used on the ear cups should also feel thick and sturdy enough to endure everyday wear and tear.

Foldable headphones will have joints in the headband, and it’s important to examine their quality, as they could be potential weak spots later on. They should move smoothly and have a decent amount of resistance to stay in position. If your headphones come with wires, thicker cables encased in rubber or fabric have better durability.

Warranties don’t just assure you of added security; they’re also a great way to get a feel of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s overall design and performance. Warranties that provide two or more years of protection are good indicators that the company has invested a great deal in durability.

User reviews

Comfortable fit.

Headphones for travel are likely going to see most use during long flights, so comfortability is a huge factor to consider. It’s especially important since small nuisances, if prolonged and repeated, can flare up into bigger, more annoying problems.

Good fitting headphones don’t just assure comfort; they also give a better seal over the ears so that less sound leaks out and less noise comes in, effectively enhancing the ANC.

A sure-fire way of knowing how comfortable headphones are is to try them on, but if you’re buying online, other factors can help you determine the comfortability of headphones.

Clamping force

Clamping force refers to the headband’s tightness or tension and may affect people differently depending on the user’s head shape and size.

Go for headphones with a clamping force that’s firm enough to keep them securely in place and give your ears a good seal without making your head feel like it’s in a vice. If you cannot try on the headphones in person, your next best move is to look for reviews that talk about comfort and fit.

Aside from cushioning the ears, ear pads also act like a grip that prevents your headphones from sliding down and helps maintain good sound quality by blocking out noise. You’ll want to look for high-quality padding like memory foam, which is soft and springy yet dense and breathable. Regular foams may not offer enough support and can flatten over time.

The size or amount of the padding is also something to consider. Thin and shallow ear pads may not leave enough space between the ears and the hardware, while too-thick padding may compress the ears too much.

Adjustability

Sound quality.

Even if your only concern is blocking out ambient noise, given the hefty price range of good ANC headphones, it’d certainly be worthwhile to invest in something that sounds impeccable as well. Though we all may have different preferences regarding what sounds good, ultimately, good sound quality is determined by accuracy and clarity.

Accuracy and clarity of sound quality should give you a close-to-precise audio recreation of whatever it is you’re listening to, with less deviation between frequencies.

To get a better understanding of the sound quality of a pair of headphones, check the following:

• Driver units: Drivers are small, speaker-like devices located inside the ear cups and are responsible for delivering audio to your ears by converting electrical signals into sound waves. There can be anywhere between 1 to 4 drivers in each ear cup, ranging from 20mm to 50mm in diameter. While these variations can affect sound quality, more often than not, it’s how well a driver is manufactured that makes the difference.
• Frequency range: The average person has an audible frequency range of 20Hz to 20000Hz, which refers to the degree of high and low sounds they can perceive. Headphones that can reproduce a broader range of frequencies will give you better sound quality.
• Sound signature: Sound signatures refer to a unique combination of frequencies and how each of those frequencies is amplified or decreased. The tricky part is those sound signatures are based entirely on personal taste, so it depends on what type of music you listen to and what sound qualities you like emphasized.

For example, a flat sound signature is the most natural-sounding and is ideal for jazz or classical music because it allows the listener to hear all the instrumental elements. Fans of pop or dance music should go for a V-shaped sound signature , enhancing the bass and treble, while a balanced sound signature is best for most music genres.

• Bluetooth audio codecs: Bluetooth codecs are algorithms that compress, transmit, and receive audio data between devices. These codecs have different ways of compressing data that’s unique to them. It’s this combined with the bandwidth of the Bluetooth connection and the size of the audio file that can affect overall sound quality.

SBC, for example, is one of the most common, universally-used codecs; however, it’s also known for producing poor sound quality due to its high lossy compression.

To ensure you’re getting the best sound quality possible, go for devices that support aptX, aptX-HD, and aptX-LL audio codecs. These codecs compress data more efficiently and have higher transfer rates so that less data is lost.

• User reviews: Doing a deep dive into reviews and discussions on sites like Amazon, Youtube, Quora can yield a wealth of information from actual customers with real-world experience with these devices. A little research can help you make a more informed choice.

Additional features

Sometimes, you may find yourself juggling several things at once while traveling – handling luggage, taking last-minute calls, getting directions from airport staff, etc. Some headphones are designed with extra features that make multitasking effortless for the busiest of travelers.

If you’re one such traveler, here are a few features to keep an eye out for:

Voice assistant integration

Headphones with voice assistant integration allow you to access your phone’s default voice assistant program, such as Siri or Google Assistant, by making specific voice commands. Through this, you can easily play your music, answer calls, send messages, or check other important information online without having to take out your phone or remove your headphones.

Smart Sensors

Some headphones have smart sensors that respond when they detect movement or speech. These sensors will automatically pause your music when you’re speaking or if the headphones are removed and resume playing when worn again. This is incredibly helpful if you need to take a call or quickly listen to something without fussing with buttons.

Intuitive controls

Some headphones have more intuitive touch controls as an alternative to physical buttons for play/pause and volume. While it does take some getting used to, it can be quite convenient to swipe a finger to skip tracks or adjust volume, or simply place a palm over your ear cup to pause your music when you need to listen to essential sounds in your surroundings.

Pressure-relief technology

Active noise cancelling headphones generally come at more expensive prices than headphones with passive noise cancellation .

While expensive headphones are often better than cheap ones, it’s essential to keep in mind that a high price doesn’t always mean high quality. Sometimes, what drives up those retail prices is how stylish or popular the brand attached to them is.

Essentially, the price differences come down to the quality of the noise-canceling circuitry, drivers, and materials used.

Expensive ANC headphones are outfitted with more plush, high-quality materials that enhance the noise-canceling effect and are equipped with larger, more sensitive drivers that give listeners a more expansive “soundstage.” They also usually have a more advanced ANC technology, primarily with the use of artificial intelligence.

Budget ANC headphones , on the other hand, tend to use cheaper build materials and lower quality drivers, so the sound you’ll likely get won’t be as clear or dynamic. Some midrange ANC headphones, on the other hand, have been able to marry quality and affordability , so you’re better off just sticking to a budget and look for specific features that best suit your needs.

10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel in 2023

Here are our picks for the best noise-canceling headphones for travel:

1. Jabra Elite 85h

Key features for travel:

• Adaptive noise cancellation of up to 20-35 dB
• Eight built-in microphones for sound and call clarity
• Long battery life with fast-charge
• Wearing detection
• Rain and water-resistant
• Withstands tough temperatures

Combined with their SmartSound and HearThrough technology, the Jabra Elite 85h is designed for toughness and hands-free convenience and engineered with a sophisticated AI that adapts to your needs to deliver superior sound quality.

It’s not surprising that Jabra Elite 85h is also our top pick in the best ANC headphones under $300 category .

Zero noise wherever you go

The Jabra Elite 85h comes with adaptive noise cancellation called SmartSound Audio, which works in tandem with the eight built-in microphones. SmartSound automatically analyzes the sound levels in your environment and implements customized sound settings that enhance your listening experience, which can be helpful if you’re traveling through different places.

You can personalize the different sound settings on the accompanying app called Sound+, along with call and voice assistant settings.

Hours of convenient, hassle-free playtime

The lithium-ion battery can easily give 36 hours of ANC listening on a single full charge. Charging concerns are also no longer a worry for those who are always on the move. Thanks to the fast-charge function, a quick 15-minute charge will get you 5 hours of battery life.

The on-ear wearing detection also eliminates the need to fuss around with buttons to pause your music or mute calls. Simply remove the device from your ears, and the headphones automatically do it for you.

Tough build meant for the outdoors

One thing that brought Jabra Elite 85h on top of this article’s list is the tough build quality.

The Jabra Elite 85h is solidly built to perform in the out and open – best for venturesome travelers. The headphones’ internal mechanisms are nano-coated, making them rain and water-resistant, and able to endure temperatures ranging from -5 to 45 degrees celsius. It also comes with a 2-year warranty against water and dust, so you know you’re doubly protected.

Despite the impressive specs, the Jabra Elite 85h does have its fair share of shortcomings. The device is indeed reliable when it comes to delivering superior sound quality for music listening and ANC. Still, there are mixed reviews regarding call quality, particularly when pairing the headphones directly with a computer and taking PC calls. Additionally, some users report that the ANC may not work correctly during calls.

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• Adaptive noise cancellation that automatically adjusts to your environment
• Eight built-in microphones for optimum noise cancellation and call clarity
• Long battery life with up to 36 hours of ANC listening
• Fast-charge battery yields 5 hours of listening on a 15-minute charge
• On-ear detection pauses audio and mutes calls when the headphones are removed
• iOS and Android compatible
• 40mm drivers
• 2-year warranty against water and dust
• Comes with Sound+ app that allows you to customize your sound settings further
• Comes in 4 sleek colors
• ANC may not work correctly during calls
• May have reduced sound quality when connected directly to a PC to take calls

2. Sony WH-1000XM4

• Adaptive noise cancellation reduces noise by 25-30 dB
• Ambient sound control
• Superior sound quality
• Five built-in microphones for sound clarity
• Hands-free controls

Dubbed as having “industry-leading noise cancellation,” the award-winning Sony WH-1000XM4 comes outfitted with a slew of intelligent and adaptive tech that prioritizes premium sound quality.

Adjusts with you and the noise around you

The headphones are fitted with two microphones in each ear cup and a robust HD Noise Canceling Processor QN1 chip designed to pick up and analyze ambient noise in any setting. With these features, the ANC system can make as many as 700 real-time adjustments per second to give you the best sound quality no matter where you are.

The ANC capabilities are further enhanced with Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing, which detects the change in atmospheric pressure during flights, and Personal Optimizing, which examines the acoustic effects caused by glasses, hair, or head size and optimizes sound output accordingly.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 also comes with an adjustable Ambient Sound Control feature, which travelers can activate with a hand gesture and allows them to keep an ear out for transport calls and other audible warnings.

Listen to your favourite music like never before

The headphones are outfitted with DSEE Extreme™ software, which works in tandem with Sony’s own Edge-AI to bring superior sound quality. Together, they can better perceive the minute variations in instrumentation and vocals and enhance the overall quality by restoring compressed data almost to its original state.

The headphones are also fitted with Sony’s LDAC audio codec, which has three times the transfer rate as standard Bluetooth codecs, ensuring that less music data is lost and that you’re getting a quality sound experience on those long dreary hours in transit.

Easy controls that adapt to your needs

The Touch Sensor allows you to control your music and answer calls using simple tapping or swiping gestures over the headphones’ outer panel. Activating the Quick Attention mode is as easy as placing your palm over the ear cup. It automatically lowers music volume and lets ambient noise in – great for when you need to listen to boarding calls or voices quickly.

Its Speak-to-Chat and Precise Voice Pickup technology makes use of the five built-in microphones to listen and respond to your voice. Once you start talking, your music is instantly paused, and ambient noise is filtered in, making it easier to communicate or take calls when you can’t take off your headphones or have an armful of luggage.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 seamlessly adapts to you, regardless of where you are or what you’re doing. Wearing Detection senses when the headphones are removed and pauses playback accordingly while putting them on again resumes playback. Adaptive Sound Control also recognizes locations you frequent, which allows it to tailor your listening experience further.

Longer, more comfortable listening hours

The headband and ear cups are fitted with super-soft urethane foam and pleather padding designed to distribute pressure evenly. Its powerful battery also gives 30 playtime hours on a single full charge – great for undisturbed listening on long haul flights. The quick-charge function gives five hours of playtime on ten minutes of charging, handy when in a rush.

While the Sony WH-1000XM4 gets an undisputed five stars for its superb sound quality and adaptive noise-canceling capabilities, the hands-free controls need a bit of familiarization. Some users report that the touch controls can be confusing at first, often triggering unwanted track skips or volume adjustments.

The Quick Attention mode can be overly sensitive and activate when not needed, a feature that can be easily turned off in the accompanying app called Sony Headphones Connect. Bluetooth pairing is also done through the said app, in contrast to other headphones with a dedicated button for pairing on the device.

• Adaptive noise cancellation with sound optimizers
• Ambient sound control that allows you to listen to important sounds
• Long battery life with 30 hours of playtime
• Adaptive Sound Control adjusts sound quality based on your location
• Wearing Detection pauses playback when headphones are removed
• DSEE Extreme™ software and LDAC audio codecs ensure superior sound quality
• Quick Attention and Speak-to-Chat features enable you to communicate and hear essential sounds without removing your headphones
• High-quality plastic build with super-soft pleather and foam ear pads designed for pressure-relief
• Sensitive touch controls can sometimes trigger track skips and volume adjustments
• Bluetooth pairing is done through an app instead of a dedicated button on the device
• Quick Attention mode can activate when not needed

3. Anker Soundcore Life Q20

• Hybrid noise cancellation reduces noise up to 35 dB
• Hi-Res Audio certified sound quality
• Quick charge function
• Comfortable and adjustable build

As one of the more affordable ANC headphones in the market, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 offers decent noise cancellation and immersively clear sound quality.

Provides a more engaging listening experience

The Q20’s custom 40 mm dynamic drivers are Hi-Res Audio certified and equipped with Anker’s BassUp technology, giving listeners exceptionally clear highs, detailed midranges, and amplified bass. Sound quality is further improved by the hybrid active noise cancellation, which reduces unwanted low-frequency noise from airplane jets or car engines by up to 90%.

Use comfortably for long hours

A single full charge can yield a solid 40 hours of ANC listening, and you can get an additional 20 hours of use with the ANC turned off. If you’re transferring between flights and need to recharge your headphones quickly, you can easily get 4 hours of listening from a 5-minute charge.

The headphones are outfitted with memory foam earpads that fit snugly around the ears, 90-degree rotating ear cups, and an adjustable headband. These don’t just make them comfortable after prolonged use; it makes them easy to store in your carry-on bag too.

Hearing “popping sounds” when the ANC is activated is a common issue many users have with the Anker Soundcore Life Q20, particularly when the headphones are either jolted or exposed to percussive sounds. Some users have also reported that Bluetooth tends to disconnect at random times.

The upside is that Anker provides its customers with a 30-day money-back guarantee, an 18-month product warranty, and lifetime customer support for all its products.

• Hybrid active noise cancellation reduces 90% of low- and mid-frequency sounds
• Hi-Res Audio certified sound quality, further boosted with BassUp technology
• Long battery life with quick charge function
• Comfortable build with memory foam ear pads and adjustable headband
• Four built-in cVc 8.0 microphones for noise cancellation
• Affordable price for ANC headphones
• Comes with a micro USB charging cable and a 3.5mm audio cable
• May hear popping noises caused by jolting movement or loud sounds
• Bluetooth may randomly disconnect at times

4. Srhythm NC35

• Active noise cancellation reduces sound by up to 20-25 dB
• Lightweight, adjustable, ergonomic design
• Built-in microphones for noise cancellation and calls
• 40 mm HD Stereo drivers

Labeled as having “world-leading digital ANC,” the Srhythm NC35 combines style with portability and practical design aesthetics, making it ideal for a lifestyle on the road.

Less noise in busy surroundings

The NC35’s feedforward ANC and improved Dual Noise Reduction sensor minimizes low-frequency ambient noise by 90%, making it ideal for office work and travel. Combined with the ANC and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, the built-in cVc 8.0 microphone ensures that calls are always crystal clear, stable, and hands-free.

Outstanding comfort you can enjoy for hours

The device itself weighs in at 0.40 lbs and comes with 90°-170° multi-angle rotatable ear cups and a Japanese-designed headband that can stretch up to 8 levels to accommodate all head shapes. Soft memory foam padding and protein leather allow more breathability so that you can keep your headphones on for as long as you like – perfect for those long layovers.

And if that wasn’t enough, Srhythm goes a step further with its air pressure balance technology, which reduces the air pressure produced by the headphones’ drivers, keeping your eardrums safe even with prolonged use.

For people who are always on the go

The 800 mAh lithium-ion battery provides up to 40 listening hours, thanks to the NC35s more energy-efficient ANC algorithm. Its fast charging function affords you three hours of playtime on just ten minutes of charging, so you never have to worry about running out of juice at inopportune times.

Sound quality you can love

Two powerful 40 mm HD drivers, coupled with the headphones’ one-of-a-kind sound chambers, takes care of tinny audio and delivers high-fidelity music. Simultaneously, the Bluetooth V5.0 CSR chipset also ensures a low latency audio connection up to 33 feet away.

The Srhythm NC35 gets great marks in sound quality, comfort, and noise cancellation. However, some users have expressed frustration over some audio stutter issues when connecting the headphones to a PC and the lack of audible notifications for battery levels. Others have also reported the battery not charging after a few months.

• Feedforward active noise cancellation reduces ambient noise by 90%
• Good battery life with 40 hours of ANC listening
• Fast-charge function gets you 3 hours of playtime on a 10-minute charge
• Air pressure balance technology keeps your ears safe
• Built-in cVc 8.0 microphone for noise cancellation and call clarity
• Comfortable, lightweight, highly-adjustable design
• Comes with a USB-C charging cable, 3.5mm audio cable, and flight adapter
• Comes in three colors
• Audio may stutter when connected to PC
• May stop charging after a few months
• No audible notification for battery levels

5. Master & Dynamic MW65

• Hybrid noise cancellation up to 20-25 dB
• Long battery life with super-fast charging battery
• Aluminum metal build
• 40mm Beryllium drivers

Designed with remarkable attention to detail and engineered to last, the Master & Dynamic MW65 combines sophisticated style, durability, and impressive acoustics that will keep you entertained for hours.

Withstands daily wear and tear

A leather-padded headband and lambskin-wrapped memory foam earpads give the MW65 a luxurious yet comfortable feel, while the anodized aluminum metal frame provides durability against the wear and tear of everyday use and travel. The earpads are also removable and can be replaced if needed.

Suits any environmental noise

The headphones come with a dedicated ANC button and two ANC modes – high power and low power – which you can easily toggle depending on how noisy your environment is. It comes in handy if you’re moving from place to place and don’t want to remove your headphones.

Little to no downtime

A single full charge gives these headphones 24 hours of playtime, which you might think is relatively low until you realize how quickly you can get back on track once you’ve drained your battery. A speedy 15-minute charging session can yield a whopping 12 hours of playtime – enough to last an entire long haul flight.

Well-crafted sound quality you can enjoy

The MW65’s signature rich and warm sound is delivered through 40mm Beryllium drivers, giving you a balanced sound quality ideal for all music genres.

The Master & Dynamic MW65 leaves nothing to be desired for noise cancellation and sound quality; however, some users feel that the over-ear ear cups may be too small and tend to squish the ears.

Other snags include weak mic gain that can’t be adjusted separately, making conference calls slightly troublesome. Some have also noted that the headphone where the charging port is located can get particularly hot while being charged.

• Adjustable hybrid active noise cancellation
• Decent battery life with super-fast charging function
• Dual built-in microphones for call clarity and noise reduction
• Bluetooth 4.2 with AptX audio codecs
• 65-foot Bluetooth connection range
• Robust, stylish build
• Ear cups may be too small for some ears
• Weak mic gain that can’t be adjusted separately
• Fast charging function can make the headphones quite hot

6. Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless

• Adaptive noise cancellation reduces noise up to 20-30 dB
• Ambient Sound mode
• TILE technology
• Wearing Detection
• Decent battery life with fast-charge

Classy design aesthetics, straightforward controls, and excellent sound quality make the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless an ideal all-around pick for the stylish traveler.

Keeps you aware when it matters

The Transparent Hearing feature allows you to be alerted to essential sounds by letting in ambient noise so that you never miss out on important information while in transit and addresses safety concerns when used outdoors .

Never lose your headphones again

Sennheiser’s integrated TILE technology helps you quickly locate your headphones in the event you misplace them – excellent for forgetful folks who are always on the go. The tracking app works via Bluetooth and notifies you by setting off an alarm tone on your phone or showing you your device’s last known location on a map in the app.

Physical and gesture-based controls that make life easy

The headphones have dedicated buttons for volume control, play/pause, ANC, and voice assistance that can be easily accessed. They also have gesture-based controls such as Smart Pause, which detects if you’ve removed your headphones and pauses your music accordingly, and Auto On/Off, which automatically turns off the headphones once folded.

Some of the more common complaints from users involve poor sound quality when taking calls. Some users have also reported that the headband design can be uncomfortable for those who wear glasses . If you have glasses but are determined to go with this pair, however, feel free to check out our guide on how to wear headphones with glasses comfortably .

• Adaptive noise cancellation with three modes to suit any setting
• Transparent Hearing that lets ambient noise in
• TILE technology keeps you from losing your headphones
• Decent battery life with fast charging function
• Bluetooth 5.0 multi-device connectivity
• aptX LL, aptX, SBC and AAC supported audio codecs
• Premium leather and matte steel build
• Large memory foam ear cups
• Foldable design
• Comes with a USB-C charging cable, USB-C to A adapter, and 3.5 mm cable
• Sound quality for calls may not be the best
• Can be uncomfortable for those who wear glasses

7. Bose 700

• Hybrid noise cancellation reduces noise up to 27-35 dB
• 11 settings for Ambient Sound mode
• Eight built-in microphones for noise cancellation and clear voice pick-up
• Ultra-comfortable build

Popular for its exceptional noise-canceling capabilities and unmatched sound quality, the Bose NC 700 headphones gives you full control over what you want to hear and what you don’t. It’s hailed as “the best active noise cancellation you can buy” by PCMag and won the Red Dot Product Design Award in 2020.

Adjusts to your preferences

The headphones have a total of 8 microphones, 6 of which are dedicated to the ANC, and come with 11 different settings that allow you to customize the level of noise cancellation you’re getting. Together, they work to enhance audio quality and fine-tune the noise reduction feature.

You can choose a range of ANC modes from full noise reduction for loud, busy locations to full transparency, which lets you hear ambient noises, important warnings, or transit advisories when you need to. A single push of a button also activates Conversation Mode, which takes your headphones straight to full transparency mode without having to run through the other modes.

Truly clear calls on both ends

Six microphones work to inhibit unwanted background noise, and four microphones work to boost your voice’s clarity, To ensure you’re getting the clearest calling experience. These tweaks are consistently being done in real-time, allowing the headphones to adapt even as you move so that you can have smooth, straightforward conversations no matter where you are.

Outstanding comfort you can look forward to

The ear cups, furnished with luxurious protein leather, is designed to tilt at 15 degrees to accommodate the head and ears’ natural anatomy. So, if you’re the type of traveler that likes to shut out the world or even sleep for the entirety of a long haul flight, it shouldn’t be a problem with these headphones.

The stainless steel headband also comes with soft silicone-wrapped foam padding on its underside, and though it isn’t foldable, you can slide the ear cups up and down to adjust its size. As one of the most comfortable headphones on this list, the Bose 700 will have you looking forward to using them at any chance you get.

The most common gripe that users have with the Bose 700 has to do with the Bose Music app. According to reviews, the headphones not only require the app to fully function, but users are also required to sign up for an account. The app also tends to be buggy, causing log-in difficulties and pairing problems with PCs and phones.

• Hybrid active noise cancellation with 11 Ambient Sound settings
• Eight mics for ANC and clearer voice calls
• Premium build made for comfort
• 20-hour battery life
• Quick charging gives 2.5 hours of playtime on a 15-minute charge
• Multi-device connectivity
• Comes with 3.5 mm audio cable, USB-C charging cable, and carrying case
• Users need to download and sign-up on the Bose Music app
• Users may encounter difficulties logging into the app or pairing the headphones to a PC or phone

8. Avantree ANC032

• Active noise cancellation reduces noise up to 18 dB
• Decent battery life
• Lightweight build for on-the-go listening

What the Avantree ANC032 lacks in stellar, high-powered specs, it makes up for with a portable, practical build that provides decent sound quality and active noise cancellation for an affordable price.

Don’t let its price fool you! Despite being the most affordable, this pair of headphones is truly one of the best noise cancelling headphones for travel.

Comfortable, weightless fit

At 0.39 lbs, the Avantree ANC032 is the lightest pair of headphones on this list. More lightweight headphones feel less stuffy over the ears after prolonged use and lessen the likelihood of experiencing ear, shoulder, or neck aches. Additionally, lighter headphones mean more baggage space, especially for airlines with stricter weight limitations, making this a smart choice for travelers.

The headphones are designed for convenience and fully adjustable with swiveling ear cups padded with soft protein leather and a foldable headband that accommodates all head shapes.

Keep distractions away

The headphones are equipped with feedforward ANC that works to minimize low-frequency background noises from plane engines, buzzing crowds, or large household appliances so that you can focus longer and have a more enjoyable listening experience.

Some users have reported the Avantree ANC032’s inefficiency at blocking out irregular, high-frequency sounds. However, it’s important to note that Avantree themselves put a disclaimer on ANC032’s noise reduction capacity for high-frequency sounds.

Other users also say that the plastic build can be prone to breaking over time, but the bright side is that you’ll be covered with Avantree’s 2-year warranty.

• Hybrid ANC reduces low-frequency noises
• Good battery life yields 48 hours of wired playtime with ANC, 18 hours with Bluetooth only, and 10 hours of listening with both Bluetooth and ANC activated
• FastStream, SBC & AAC audio codecs
• 40 mm stereo drivers
• Comes with 3.5 mm audio cable, micro USB charging cable, and carrying pouch
• The ANC may not block sudden high-frequency sounds
• The plastic build may break after a few months

9. Beyerdynamics Lagoon

• Hybrid noise cancellation reduces noise by up to 20 dB
• Long battery life
• Built-in microphone with Qualcomm CVC
• Lightweight, comfortable build

The German-made beyerdynamics lagoon won recognition from the CES Innovation Awards in 2019 and Goldenes Ohr in 2020 for its excellence in sound quality and noise cancellation, as well as its intuitive MOSAYC sound personalization feature.

Hours of top-notch sound quality

Equipped with hybrid ANC, the headphones come with 3 ANC modes – off, level I, and level II – and are geared towards canceling out those ever-present low-frequency droning sounds characteristic of planes, trains, and automobiles, without compromising sound quality.

Combined with a battery that yields as much as 24 hours of ANC-activated listening and integrated Qualcomm aptX, aptX LL, and AAC audio codecs, you can rely on the Beyerdynamics Lagoon to deliver hours’ worth of pristine sound quality from your iOS or Android device.

These codecs also ensure minimal sound delays. And other than the improvement in music listening, minimal sound delays also ensure a great gaming experience. So, these ANC headphones can accompany you while playing mobile games to pass time while traveling.

Using the MOSAYC sound personalization app by Mimi Defined, you can further adjust your sound quality preferences by taking the in-app hearing test and improve the audibility of your voice for calls.

Excellent voice call quality anywhere

As a company that knows how to manufacture reliable microphones, you can be sure that the beyerdynamics lagoon won’t disappoint in that arena. The headphones are fitted with a built-in microphone with Qualcomm cVc designed to make sure all your voice calls are uncomplicatedly clear, whether indoors or outdoors, making this a great all-rounder choice for traveling.

Aside from traveling, the call quality makes these an amazing option for ANC headphones for online classes . With these, you can travel anywhere without missing a lecture.

Designed for comfort and compact storage

The rotatable circumaural ear cups are cushioned with soft, high-quality memory foam and artificial leather and are designed to accommodate the natural anatomy of the ear so that you can wear it longer without problems. The headphones can also be easily folded into a more compact size, making them easy to pack into your luggage or carry-on.

The headphones’ accompanying Light Guide System (LGS) is either a hit or miss for users. The unique lights installed inside the ear cups work by flashing in specific combinations of 6 colors and patterns to alert the user to battery levels, calls, and Bluetooth connections.

It’s an innovative idea; however, some users have found it confusing and cumbersome to remember what each pattern means without whipping out the user manual every time.

• Hybrid noise cancellation with 3 ANC modes
• Long battery life gives 46 hours of non-ANC listening and 25 hours with ANC
• Built-in microphone with Qualcomm cVc for clear calls
• MOSAYC sound personalization for further sound customization
• Qualcomm aptX, aptX LL, and AAC audio codecs
• Sturdy plastic and leather build
• Light Guide System may be challenging to get used to

10. Philips PH805

• Hybrid noise cancellation reduces noise up to 27 dB
• 40mm neodymium acoustic drivers

The Philips PH805 blends reliably good specs with a sturdy premium build and decent noise cancellation for a more affordable price, making it one of the best noise cancelling headphones for traveling.

Choose what you hear

The PH805’s effective active noise cancellation takes care of distracting background noise, so you can enjoy your music or favorite podcast without turning your volume up to ear-damaging levels. When you need to get back to the real world, activating Awareness Mode helps you stay connected with what’s going on around you without needing to remove your device.

Extended listening experience you can enjoy

The headphones’ 40mm neodymium acoustic drivers are Hi-Res Audio certified and deliver detailed, balanced sound quality with clear midrange frequencies suited for many music genres. The battery yields as much as 25 hours of ANC-activated listening, and its fast charging function gets you 6 hours on a 15-minute charge, making sure you’re covered for long flights.

While the Philips PH805 performs decently when it comes to sound quality and noise cancellation, some audiophile users have reported that the bass quality can be a little weak compared to similar models.

• Hybrid noise cancellation
• Long battery life gives 30 hours of playtime and 25 hours with the ANC on
• Rapid charge function gives 2 hours of playtime on a 5-minute charge and 6 hours on a 15-minute charge
• Awareness Mode keeps you connected to your surroundings
• Built-in microphone with echo cancellation
• Memory foam and leather-padded ear cups
• Compact, foldable design
• Bass quality may not be up to par with other headphones on this list

Ultimately, when it comes to buying the best noise cancelling headphones for travel, don’t let high prices or fancy aesthetics drive you to make a purchase. Take the time to do research and read reviews, and if you’re on a budget, choosing headphones with good ANC, sound quality, and comfort at the very least will still give you the most out of your investment.

How did you find our list? Did you like our recommendations? If you think there are other devices that should’ve been on this list, please share them in the comments section below. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Sound On, Noise Off: The 7 Best Travel Headphones to Take on Your Next Trip

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At a Glance: The Best Travel Headphones

• Best Overall: Sony WH-1000MX5
• Best Noise-Cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
• Best Sound: Bang & Olufsen Px8
• Best Under $150: Soundcore by Anker Space Q45
• Most Durable: Sennheiser Momentum 3
• Best Audiophile Sound: Bowers & Wilkins Px8
• Most Compatible: Shure AONIC 50 (Gen 2)

Traveling and daily commutes can be stressful, to say the least. Often, the culprit is noise — be it a plane engine, crying babies, or loud road-trip companions. But with a pair of the best travel headphones , flights, road trips, and train rides can quickly become a peaceful time with your favorite music, podcasts, and movies.

Related: Tune Out to Jet Off: These Are the Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Travel

Because so many people are now finding tranquility with a pair of noise-reducing headphones , dozens of brands are making solid options with travelers in mind. But only a handful of these headphones can offer the crispness, full bass, and effective noise-reduction that audiophiles and frequent flyers are looking for.

The Best Travel Headphones to Buy Right Now

1. sony wh-1000mx5.

BEST OVERALL

Sony’s WH1000MX5s aren’t just the best headphones for travel – they’re also our number one pick for some of the best noise-cancelling headphones in general. Their predecessor, the WH-1000XM4s, were great, but the WH-1000MX5s introduce some slight improvements to make them the best in the business.

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Noise-cancellation was central in the WH-1000MX5s development, as the headphones boast industry-leading noise cancellation, now with the Auto NC Optimizer. Eight microphones pick up ambient noise, run it through a Noise-Cancelling Processor — we’ve been on several flights wearing these, and there’s truly minimal outside sound whether you’re in a busy airport or on a road trip .

These stellar headphones also offer multipoint pairing, which lets you connect to multiple devices at once. This means you can seamlessly switch between, say, Netflix on your laptop and a call on your phone. This is just one of the WH-1000MX5s several convenient features, which also includes auto-pausing when you speak. Plus, the headphones feature incredible 30-hour battery life, plus three hours of battery with a quick three minute charge.

2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Bose has always been on the cutting edge of noise-cancelling headphones, and their latest model, the QuietComfort Ultra , follows suit with Bose’s prowess. Unsurprisingly, the best feature is the headphones’ noise-cancellation powers, which are arguably the best around.

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As expected from premium headphones, sound quality with the QuietComfort Ultras is crisp and deep thanks to active EQ. You also get plenty of customizability with the sound through the Bose app. In terms of comfort, the QuietComfort Ultras get top marks as well with a lightweight, half-pound build and enough padding for hours of use while catching a long flight or grinding in the office (and with a pricey piece of tech, this is a major plus). Plus, they’ve got a stellar 24-hour battery life (18 with immersive audio turned on), so they’ll last through the longest hauls of your travels.

3. Bowers & Wilkins Px8

When celebrated audio companies try their hand at high-end headphones, it doesn’t always work. With Bowers & Wilkins , it did, and their latest PX8 headphones are the proof.

The Px8s are also very impressive technology-wise with a six-microphone setup for capturing and adapting to outside noise. They have what B&W calls “Ambient Pass-Through,” which is meant to relay the important stuff like conversational noises (so the plane engine will be silenced but you might catch the flight attendant’s drink offer). Plus, the headphones feature multipoint pairing for connecting to multiple devices at once.

Battery life is industry-leading with the Px8 , boasting 30 hours of listening time with a full charge, and seven hours with a 15-minute charge. This is more than enough for a full day of international travel, and when we tested these headphones we found the battery life definitely lived up to its mark.

For their sound quality alone, we recommend these headphones, but the added ANC and lengthy battery life makes these a great choice for travel .

4. Soundcore by Anker Space Q45

Traveling is pricey, but the best travel headphones don’t have to be. Case in point is these Soundcore Q45 headphones from Anker . At $150, the headphones are much more affordable than our other picks, but their sound quality and noise cancellation powers punch far above their price point.

In an effort to communicate better with your audio streaming device, the Q45s use LDAC technology to enhance Bluetooth files. Inside the cans are 40mm silk-diaphragm drivers, which lend enough bass for thumping hip-hop and full orchestral riffs. Noise cancellation, meantime, comes from two microphones on each earcup that pick up sound and adapt to block it out.

Other features we like about the Q45s are wearer detection (which turns off audio when you take off the headphones) and an exceptionally lightweight build. This lightness is both comfortable for long sessions and helpful when it comes to keeping luggage weight to a minimum. Overall, the headphones offer perhaps the best value of any travel headphones.

5. Sennheiser Momentum 3

When in comes to choosing a long-lasting pair of cans that can stand up to the heavy usage on the road, Sennheiser’s Momentum 3 rose above the pack of buzzy, luxe pairs and became our go-to recommendation for durable travel headphones thanks to a few key features.

Don’t get us wrong, the comfort factor is still there thanks to a headband made from genuine sheepskin leather and soft ear cushions with plush memory foam. Compared to Sennhesier’s newer Momentum 4s, we prefer the hard plastic and metal design of these headphones , especially with their sturdy frame and matte steel arms that can withstand being tossed around any carry-on bag.

Instead of plastic toggles, the Momentum 3s feature a rubberized material three-button interface that lets you quickly switch between listening to music and making phone calls, activating voice assistance, and adjusting the volume.

Sound performance is also stellar under the hood as well , with a 42-millimeter dynamic driver and an internal audio equalizer you can adjust from the Sennheiser app. Active noise cancellation and transparency mode also make it easy to wear these headphones out into the world and not worry about being interrupted while you’re playing your tunes or missing an important announcement in a train station or airport.

6. Bang & Olufsen H95

If you’re looking for a pair of luxury headphones fit for first class, check out these Bang & Olufsen H95s . The real upgrade with the H95s is in design quality, with the headphones sporting memory foam earcups, a leather headpiece, and anodized aluminum discs on the earcup exterior. These upgrades translate to more comfort (from the memory foam), an extremely elegant look, and lasting quality.

Battery life is great with the H95s, clocking in at 38 hours of playtime with Bluetooth and ANC, according to the brand. As expected from high-end Bang & Olufsen headphones, the H95s’ sound quality is top-notch. Electro-dynamic 40mm titanium drivers and integrated bass ports ensure a surplus of thumping bass plus sharp, clear upper levels.

7. Shure AONIC 50 (Gen 2)

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Sound quality is very impressive with the Aonic 50s , largely thanks to the headphone’s 50mm drivers (hence the name). What’s more, the Shure headphones sound good with almost any input music as they support a very wide range of codecs. No matter what you’re listening to, expect balanced, full sound at every frequency.

Thanks to memory foam earcups, the Anoic 50s are prepared to sit comfortably on your head for long flights, road trips, and work sessions. The headpiece is also nice and chunky to avoid discomfort up top. Plus, since the design is foldable it makes it easy to carry them on the go.

You get two settings — “active noise-cancellation” and “environment mode” — but the latter (which lets in some outside noise) features multiple levels ranging from minimal noise to essentially transparent. This can be controlled via the ShurePlus PLAY app, while onboard buttons offer basic controls. You’ll also get up to 45 hours battery life with quick charge capabilities, more than doubling its runtime from the prior generation.

Buying Guide: How We Picked the Best Travel Headphones

Even top-of-the-line headphones have some variation in features and quality. Here are a few considerations we kept in mind while choosing the best travel headphones for your needs.

Noise-Cancellation : Not all noise-reduction systems are made equal. The headphones in our roundup all boast the maximum level of noise-cancellation, but some have more adjustability. This will allow you to customize noise reduction to your setting and needs (for example, transparency mode while walking down a busy street).

Comfort : The best travel headphones should be comfortable enough to wear for hours. But not all cans have the same level of comfort: some have softer ear cups and headpieces, while others are more lightweight. We’ve chosen brands that have taken extra steps to make their headphones as comfortable as possible, like adding memory foam or leather padding to the headset.

Battery : We’ve picked headphones with industry-leading battery life of at least 24 hours (or, about enough for two long-haul flights). Still, there’s some variation, and if you’re constantly on the go, a large battery of up to 40-50 hours is a must-have.

Microphone : All the headphones above have mics for making calls or talking to virtual assistants (i.e. Alexa, Siri, etc), but some have engineered their mics to block out ambient noise as well. This means your call recipient will actually hear your voice — and not the loud airport chatter around you.

Durability : Sadly, your new headphones are bound to be dropped, bumped, or caught in the rain while traveling. For this reason, we picked travel headphones with at least an IPX4-5 water resistance and a somewhat rugged build.

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Best headphones for travel 2024

Ideal headphones for travel, reviewed and rated

T3's Top Picks

• Best comfort
• Best budget
• Best ANC in-ears
• Best all-rounder
• Best luxury
• Best for Apple users
• Best in-ear all-rounders
• Best for bass
• How we test

If you’re not travelling with a pair of the best headphones when travelling, you’re not doing it right. You need comfort and you need to block out distracting sounds most of the time so you can focus on your work and your personal time. 

Based on hours of testing in all kinds of environments, these are the best travel headphones available to buy right now. We've covered a wide variety in terms of price and design – and, of course, included many of the best noise-cancelling headphones as it's an integral feature for those travelling. 

It's time to elevate your listening experience, whether you're heading down the road to the shops or visiting a friend on the other side of the world by plane. If you're specifically looking for the best earbuds rather than over-ears, then be sure to check out that best-of list. 

Active noise cancelling is essential on the go, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones delivers perfect ANC – and all of its other features are really impressive as well, by the way.

Read more below

Looking to shut out the world with your earbuds? Then we recommend the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, with active noise cancelling that excels for such a small pair of buds.

A pair of top-quality travel earbuds don't have to break the bank, as the Nothing Ear (2) prove. Despite the low price, they're stacked with features, and sound fantastic.

Looking to combine active noise cancelling with a super-compact form factor? The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds fit the bill and go above and beyond in terms of their audio.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones don't stand out in one particular category: they stand out in all the categories, and they're perfect for enjoying audio while you're on the go.

Sometimes you just need to treat yourself to something luxurious, and the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e are certainly that. They deserve to accompany you on the most exotic trips.

The best travel headphones in 2024

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

Best travel headphones for noise-cancelling

1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are perfect for travellers, with the great carry case and folding design, as well as the superior active noise cancelling that you get. You can disappear into your own little audio world with this pair of cans.

As you would expect from Bose, the audio quality is top notch, and you also get a fantastic Immersive Audio (spatial audio) feature to further enhance your sound. You're guaranteed a superb listen whether you're on the go or staying at home.

As we said in our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review : "All hail the noise-cancelling king! If you're looking for incredible travel headphones then you can do no better." Give your ears a real treat with the best travel headphones for ANC.

Best travel headphones for comfort

2. Sonos Ace

You want to be comfortable on the go, and the Sonos Ace offer superior comfort, thanks to the memory foam and snug fit. In our Sonos Ace review , tech editor Mike Lowe called them the most comfortable pair of headphones he's ever worn.

The Sonos Ace headphones are the first pair we've seen launched by Sonos, and while it's quite a surprise that they don't offer full integration with existing Sonos Wi-Fi speaker systems, there's an awful lot to like about what's on offer here.

It's not just that they're super comfy though – the Sonos Ace pump out a fantastic level of audio quality, feature some really well thought out design choices, and bring with them a very respectable amount of battery life between recharges as well.

Best budget travel headphones

3. Nothing Ear (2)

The second-gen Nothing earbuds, the Ear (2), knocked the T3 team's socks off (well, ears off really). Our Nothing Ear (2) review describes these as "everything you need and nothing you don't", and they're a great pick for something more affordable.

We know that Nothing tries to be as fashionable and as innovative as possible, with its phones as well as its earbuds, and admittedly the design might not be to everyone's tastes – but their compact size makes them perfect for going travelling.

It's hard to find any faults with these affordable ANC in-ears, unless you don't particularly enjoy the design, and you get audio quality that's better than you might expect for the price. You even get in-ear access to ChatGPT, via your phone.

Best noise-cancelling in-ear travel headphones

4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

If you want stellar active noise cancellation (ANC) as well as a compact form factor for your travels, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are just about the best pick: expensive, sure, but excellent at blocking out all outside noise from your ears.

As we put it in our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review , "if you're in the market for one of the best-sounding pairs of earbuds, these sit in scarce company". The accompanying app is really well done too, adding to the appeal of the headphones.

It's hard to find anything to complain about with the build quality, the design, and the comfort of these wireless earbuds either. While we've highlighted the ANC in particular here, these are earbuds that score highly in every category as well.

Best travel headphones all-rounder

5. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's WH-1000XM5 come with a number of useful upgrades over the XM4 that we think are perfect for travellers: market-leading noise cancelling, improved Bluetooth connectivity, and USC-PD (power delivery) for faster charging while on the go.

What's more, the active noise cancelling is adaptive relative to your circumstances. The headphones will learn (or can be told) about your most commonly visited locations, and can (if you wish) adapt itself to suit – not a bad little audio trick.

While this pair of headphones isn't cheap, in our Sony WH-1000XM5 review we talked about sound that's "superb", "confident", "expansive", and "balanced", and with the decent battery life too, they're a great pick for the best travel headphones.

Best luxury travel headphones

6. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e

Our luxury travel headphones pick are the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e: they're not the cheapest out there, but the audio quality is undeniable. You get superb dynamics and details from this pair, and a prestige sound to match this prestige brand name.

The build quality and the materials used here are top-notch too, at the expense of a little extra weight that we don't think most people will mind. There are easy-to-use on-board controls, as well as the option of a wired connection if you need it.

Add in the 30 hours of battery life between charges, and they're fantastic for your travels. As we said in our Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e review , these headphones are a "marvellous ensemble of sound quality, luxurious build and sublime comfort".

Best travel headphones for Apple users

7. Apple AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 2 have been out a while now (and were just re-released with new USB-C port for charging), but the noise cancelling earbuds are still some of the best headphones for Apple devices (and they'll work with other gadgets too).

Not only do they have handy automatic pairing and switching ideal for those embedded in the Apple ecosystem, but they’ve also got wireless charging functionality, as well as handy IPX4 water resistance for the great outdoors.

The audio still massively impresses, and decent battery life as well. We described them as a "big win" for Apple in our Apple AirPods Pro 2 review , which may be part of the reason they haven't been replaced yet – and they're ideal for travel.

Best in-ear travel headphones all-rounder

8. Sony WF-1000XM4

Sony's top-end wireless earbuds are, everything considered, the best all-round earbuds for travel. They're a master of all trades, jack of none: slightly better sound and better battery life can be found elsewhere, but this is a winning combination.

As you might expect given the premium quality, they're not the cheapest you've going to come across – but they still give you a whole lot of bang for your buck, and now have multi-point Bluetooth for simultaneous connections to multiple devices.

As we put it in our full Sony WH-1000XM4 review , "there's nothing better in the world of in-ear headphones right now". They're superbly stylish as well as impressing in terms of their audio fidelity, and we also like how they can handle audio calls.

Best travel headphones for bass

9. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

Sometimes when you're on the road (or in the air, or on rails), you just want to hear that deep, deep bass – and for that, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless are perfect. And they play other sound frequencies very well indeed, by the way.

As we put it in our Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review : "they sound fantastic", "the battery lasts for ages", and have a "winning formula" overall. We also like the stylish look of these cans, which are comfortable to wear for extended periods.

These aren't the newest headphones on the market any more, which means you can get them at a very competitive price too. Adding to their credentials as travel headphones, they come with an attractive carry case for stashing them away.

How we test the best travel headphones

At T3 how we test is important. We spend a lot of time reviewing the latest headphones, so when it comes to recommending which are the best headphones for travel to buy, you can be safe in the knowledge that we'll recommend the best options for you personally.

We'll usually spend a week or longer testing the latest headphones. We try out the very latest features to see if they work and if they're useful. This might be a noise cancelling feature, a new app function, or a voice assistant. We test everything in-depth, with audio experts reviewing each pair thoroughly. 

All of these new features also get tested alongside everything a pair of headphones should be classically good at, such as sound quality, noise cancelling ability, how long the battery lasts, and how comfortable they are to wear for long periods of time. Once the initial review period is complete we'll publish a full review, give the headphones a star rating.

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Mike is T3's Tech Editor. He's been writing about consumer technology for 15 years and his beat covers phones – of which he's seen hundreds of handsets over the years – laptops, gaming, TV & audio, and more. There's little consumer tech he's not had a hand at trying, and with extensive commissioning and editing experience, he knows the industry inside out. As the former Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint for 10 years where he furthered his knowledge and expertise, whilst writing about literally thousands of products, he's also provided work for publications such as Wired, The Guardian, Metro, and more.

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8 Noise-Canceling Headphones Our Editors Never Travel Without

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Long commutes and even longer flights with constant noise can be pretty rough. From endless side chatter to fussy babies on board , it can be hard to focus or catch some shut eye. This is where the best noise-canceling headphones come in handy. Noise-canceling headphones can be used for a multitude of reasons: better sound quality in meetings; to help focus while studying in the library; to record voiceovers for your Instagram reels; or just to create a calm atmosphere when you need an escape from your roommates. The audio landscape is ever-evolving, meaning there are plenty of great noise-canceling headphones on the market that exceed standard sound quality and average battery life. With the help of our editors, we've narrowed down our list of the best noise-canceling headphones to accompany you on your next long-haul flight.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2e headphones

I've had my Bowers and Wilkins headphones for about nine months. I have smaller ears, so I was always concerned with the bulkiness and weight of an over-the-ear headphone, but these have been a great fit. They feature soft leather ear pads with an adjustable headband and a suctioned fit. They've been my go-to for long-haul flights and when I'm writing while in the office (like now). They're a must-have in my carry-on and they're easy to pack, thanks to their matching case. I have nothing but high praise for the battery life— boasting over 30 hours of playback and getting me to a destination and back on a single charge. With so many Bluetooth headphones on the market, it's hard to remember you need a good-old-pair of earbuds with a cord to enjoy in-flight entertainment—but, luckily, these come with a cord that can be plugged into an airline TV. The sound quality is unmatched, as the Px7 S2 uses custom-designed speakers that drive the sound straight into your ear, creating an immersive experience. Plus, they're incredibly easy to use, with the noise-canceling feature a simple press of a button behind the right ear pad. – Paris Wilson , commerce writer

Apple AirPods Pro

I’ve had my AirPod Pros for about a year now, as a replacement for a pair that I lost. Since then, I’ve taken my AirPods everywhere with me. They’ve traveled to the deserts of Saudi Arabia , to the islands of Palau , to the seaside resorts of Capri and Portofino . I keep one AirPod in one ear with the transparency feature on to give me a little bit of a movie soundtrack to accompany the ambient sounds of the location. In the more boring parts of their life, they come with me on my subway commutes and to the gym when I exercise. They do a lot on a single charge, and they only die when I forget to put them back into their case. I love that they pair easily with my phone and that they can use the same charger as my laptop. The spatial audio features are also very cool, as they dynamically adjust the sound quality and “direction” when I move my head and body in relation to where my phone is. I mean, granted, that’s not a must-have, but it’s one of those cool tech-y things that I think is very fun without much true function. — Matt Ortile , associate editor

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX headphones

I got these headphones in mid-2021, but I had a previous design (B&O Play H7) for six years before handing them down to my partner when I upgraded. My ultimate happy place is watching a movie on an airplane seat screen—preferably something made before 2005—with my headphones plugged in and my WiFi turned off. No one can bother me, and I couldn’t even hear them if they tried. They look so sleek. In terms of functionality, these are super noise-canceling—sometimes I have to take them off just to remember that life is happening around me. A single charge has lasted every long-haul flight I’ve brought these on (12+ hours, in some cases) which deserves a medal of some sort. — Erika Owens , contributor

Sonos Ace headphones

The Sonos Ace headphones deliver amazing, balanced sound with crystal-clear vocals. When listening to music, I found myself noticing parts of songs I haven’t with other headphones. The noise-canceling functionality works well to block the world out while the passthrough mode isolates sounds so you can hear overhead announcements, vehicles on the street, or people passing by on the sidewalk. I wore the headphones for the entirety of a flight from the US to  Scotland  without complaint; the headphones were designed with comfort (and your hair) in mind and weigh in at just 11 ounces. They're noticeably light and cushioned, both ear pads use memory foam wrapped in vegan leather to keep you comfortable, and the hinge-free headband was specifically designed to ensure weight is distributed evenly. Plus, they're easy to stow in a bag, thanks to the thin, rectangular felt-covered case. — Emily Price , contributor

Read a full review here .

JBL Tour One M2 noise-canceling headphones

I got these JBL Tour One noise-canceling headphones two years ago with long flights in mind, hoping to block out the sound of noisy neighbors and the plane itself. My hesitation with over-the-ear headphones was always that they seemed impossible to pack and protect, and that they look too bulky to actually wear comfortably for hours. These proved me wrong: They've accompanied me on flights to Milan , London , and Cancun, and they never bother my ears—the extra-soft cushioning keeps me comfortable and it’s held up well even after years and countless trips. And thanks to their carrying case, they’re protected in any carry-on or weekender bag and don’t take up too much room. While I originally got them for travel, I now wear them regularly to write; they really do the trick at blocking out the noise and helping me work without any distractions. But if you do want to be aware of the sounds around you, simply switch to “ambient aware” and you can still enjoy your music while staying alert. More things I love: The impressive battery-life never fails me (up to 50 hours of playback, that is), an adjustable headband, and the great sound quality. — Meaghan Kenny , commerce editor

Bose QuietComfort headphones

I bought my headphones way back in 2017, and by some miracle, they’re still going strong. I even recently had to replace the ear cushions as the fabric was falling apart, but I’m so attached to them that I can’t imagine having another pair now. They’re so comfortable to wear, and have incredible noise canceling–ideal for busy planes or public transport. In comparison to my AirPods, the battery life is amazing; they last for around a week of work commutes without needing a charge. However, in the warmest summer months I do tend to switch to in-ear headphones, just because I find the ear padding a little warm. — Abigail Malbon , global audience development manager

Technics EAH-AZ80 Hi-Fi True wireless earbuds

I've had the Technics wireless earbuds for a little over a year. I'd definitely recommend it for those who are weary about how much they won't be able to hear with the noise-canceling effect. Whether on a plane, in the car, or riding the train, you'll still be able to hear the overhead announcements. A customized fit is easy to come by— inside the packaging is five pairs of silicone ear pieces to choose from, so the in-ear buds can will be comfortable and stay in place. They can be simultaneously linked to three devices via Bluetooth, so if you have a Zoom meeting and then a phone call right after, it'll jump from one device to the next without you having to wait for it to finish syncing. —P.W.

Marshall Monitor II A.N.C headphones

These headphones gave me my own personal bubble of peace while I lived in a suite with three other roommates, and they still do whenever I ride the subway or work in busy offices and cafés. The reported 30 hours of charge holds up, and as long as they’re given a full charge on a weekly basis, there’s no need to keep these plugged in. The Marshall Monitor II’s have a few peers at their premium price point, but they stand out because of their design. Where others look plasticky and minimal, every detail on the Monitor II headphone feels cared for, from the pebbled leather shell on the cups to the fun guitar riff that plays anytime they’ve successfully connected. The weightiness of the headphones speak to the high quality of the materials Marshall uses, but it is well-balanced with generous cushioning on the cups and band, and when properly adjusted, they make for a satisfyingly compact fit. You’d be hard-pressed to find better looking headphones, or better feeling ones if you’re the type of person that enjoys a snug and secure wear. —Kat Chen, destination editorial assistant

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• Best Upper Mid-Range
• Best Mid-Range
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• Best Sounding
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Recent updates, all reviews, the 6 best noise cancelling earbuds - summer 2024.

Sometimes, we all need a bit of peace. If you use your headphones daily for commuting or while in the office, you may want something that will do a good job of blocking background noise. In the past, you needed large over-ears to get good active noise cancelling (ANC), but now even small and portable in-ears or earbuds have impressive noise cancelling features. You can also passively achieve great isolation with some in-ear headphones that don't feature ANC due to them physically blocking your ear canals.

We've tested over 325 earbuds and in-ears; below are our recommendations for the best in-ear noise cancelling headphones to buy. Check out our recommendations for the  best in-ear headphones , the  best Bluetooth earbuds , or the  best noise cancelling headphones  overall.

Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless are the best noise cancelling earbuds we've tested. They're the next generation of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless and have CustomTune technology, which allows the ANC to adapt itself to your environment and ear shape. As a result, they block out a significant amount of ambient noise, whether you're on an airplane or out for a walk on a busy street. With ANC on, the battery lasts for about seven hours continuously, and their carrying case holds an extra three charges for top-ups.

These sleek and premium-feeling buds are well-built and have a very comfortable fit for most people, so you can wear them for long listening sessions without much fatigue. They're also certified IPX4 for resistance against being splashed with water. They have a stable in-ear fit, so they'll stay in place during runs and workouts. Their out-of-the-box sound is bassy, so your audio has extra rumble, punch, and boom. Their companion app includes a graphic EQ and presets if you prefer a different sound.

However, despite their premium price point, they lack multi-device pairing. If that matters to you, try the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless , which you can keep simultaneously paired to your phone and computer. These buds also have a slight edge regarding general noise attenuation, largely due to their memory foam ear tips. Since they form a solid seal in your ear, they reduce a lot of high-pitched noise, but you may not notice a significant difference in isolation between ANC on and off at other frequencies. The Bose's ANC blocks more sound across the range than when off, and they're more comfortable.

See our review

Best Upper Mid-Range Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Although not quite as comfortable as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless , the Jabra Elite 10 True Wireless earbuds provide even better noise isolation at a lower price point. The Jabra do a remarkable job blocking out noise across the entire frequency spectrum but are especially good at isolating you from real-world environmental noise, like chatty coworkers in an office. If their ANC has a weak point, it's that they're not quite as strong at the Bose at blocking out low rumbles from bus or plane engines. They still do a good job, and very low-pitched noise will often be masked by the audio you're listening to anyway, but if you don't want the sound of the train engine on your morning commute to get in the way of any 808 kick drums, the Bose are worth considering. 

The Jabra have a generally neutral sound profile that represents everything from basslines to vocals naturally and with detail. You won't hear unnaturally honky vocals or overly boomy kick drums with these. One downside is their treble accuracy. Unlike the smooth top end of the Bose, the Jabra can be a little harsh, especially with high-pitched sounds like sibilants. Fortunately, you can customize them to suit your preferences using their companion app. With their ANC on, they last 7.5 hours on a single charge, and their carrying case supplies a further three charges. They also support Dolby Spatial Sound, which makes your audio feel wider and deeper, and Dolby Atmos, a surround sound format. You'll need special Dolby Atmos files in order to use the Jabra's Atmos support.

Best Mid-Range Noise Cancelling Earbuds

The Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless are the best earbuds with ANC in the mid-range we've tested. Their build quality is a step down from the Jabra Elite 10 True Wireless , but they have a similar noise isolation performance, easily cutting down sounds like plane engine rumbles and chatty coworkers. Their battery lasts for over seven hours with the ANC on, and you can top them up on the go, thanks to their case that stores 2.3 extra charges.

They support multi-device pairing, so you can stay connected to your phone and computer at the same time, while their small, lightweight design ensures a comfortable fit for long periods. Their overall frequency response is a bit more subdued than the Jabra, with a little less rumble and thump in the low end and a little less clarity in the treble region. But instruments and vocals are still present and detailed, if a touch recessed. The Sony have a slightly underemphasized treble, which can leave sibilants and cymbals sounding dull and lispy. That said, you can fine-tune their sound using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets.

Best Budget Noise Cancelling Earbuds

The best earbuds we've tested with ANC in the budget category are the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless. Despite their more affordable price tag, they offer an even better overall noise isolation performance than the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless . Their adaptive ANC easily reduces bass-range noise like plane engine rumbles, making them a solid choice for travel. They also do an excellent job cutting out mid- to high-pitched sounds, like background chit-chat or a humming computer fan. These versatile buds come with features like multi-device pairing and LDAC codec support so that you can stream Hi-Res content.

They're well-built and have a warm default sound profile that you can customize via their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. They also last over eight hours continuously, which will get you through long days on the go, and their carrying case holds an extra four charges. Unfortunately, if you need to make calls, their integrated mic does a poor job of capturing speech clearly, so your voice sounds distant and sharp, which isn't very pleasant for the caller on the other end of the line.

Best Sounding Noise Cancelling Earbuds

If audio quality is a top concern for you, the best wireless noise cancelling earbuds we've tested are the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro True Wireless . They have quite a neutral sound out of the box compared to other options like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless . They deliver adequate punch and warmth to basslines, while vocals and instruments are natural and clear. As a result, they're versatile enough for a variety of genres and different types of content. Plus, if you don't like this sound, their companion app offers EQ presets for customization.

Their ANC does an excellent job of blocking background noise across the range. It easily tackles rumbly bus engines to chatty coworkers so you can focus on your audio. Unfortunately, with their ANC on, they last for less than five hours of continuous use, so you have to recharge them more often than the similarly priced Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless . Their carrying case holds an extra 2.6 charges, though. They also have a comfortable fit suitable for long listening sessions.

Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds For iPhone

If you're looking for premium buds at a lower price point, try the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless . These buds are usually cheaper than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless and have been on sale lately. Their ANC system isn't quite as powerful as the Bose in reducing ambient noise, particularly in an office setting, but it still delivers an excellent overall performance. Since they're an Apple product, they offer some iOS-specific features worth checking out if you already own a MacBook or an iPhone. Spatial Audio is a virtual surround sound feature meant to create a more immersive audio experience, and their H2 chip allows for seamless pairing with other Apple devices. With their ANC on, their battery lasts about six hours of continuous use, and their carrying case supplies an extra four charges. They have a comfortable fit, but the buds can wiggle out over time, so you may have to readjust every once in a while.

Thanks to their adaptive EQ, they have a warm sound profile that's well-suited for genres like folk and jazz. However, their sound customization features are only available to iOS users, so if you're a cross-platform user, you'll want to check out the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 . These similarly-priced headphones have a companion app for both Android and iOS that has an EQ and presets. Their ANC performance is comparable, but they're less comfortable, and their touch controls are located directly outside your ear canal rather than on the stems like the AirPods , which makes them a bit harder to use.

• Devialet Gemini II True Wireless: The Devialet Gemini II True Wireless are high-end buds. They can block out more background noise than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless. However, while their ANC functions well in the bass range, the buds block out more mid to treble range sound passively than with ANC on. This isn't ideal as the ANC lets in more ambient sound from these ranges than when the ANC is off. See our review
• Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Truly Wireless: The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Truly Wireless offer nearly the same level of noise isolation as the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless, but have an ear stem design in contrast to the A40's round body. Their sound is much more bass-heavy, but it muddies vocals and instruments. See our review
• Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro Truly Wireless: The Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro Truly Wireless are very similar in-ears to the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless. They have a great noise isolation performance, but their continuous battery life of 5.5 hours isn't particularly long-lasting. See our review
• Technics EAH-AZ80 True Wireless: The Technics EAH-AZ80 True Wireless are high-end earbuds with a similar but slightly worse noise cancelling performance than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless. They aren't as comfortable, but they can connect with up to three devices at once and support LDAC for streaming high-quality audio. See our review

Jul 31, 2024: Test Bench 1.7 has updated our noise isolation testing methodology. As a result, the Jabra Elite 10 True Wireless are now our top pick for the upper mid-range category due to their exceptional noise cancelling abilities. We've also added a new pick for iPhone users, which is filled by the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless.

Jul 08, 2024: Following our recent Test Bench 1.7 update, which changed the way we test noise isolation, we replaced the Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless with the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless as our mid-range pick. We also replaced the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 with the newer Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 as an alternative in the upper mid-range category.

May 16, 2024: Added the Technics EAH-AZ80 True Wireless as a Notable Mention, since they offer a few features that our top pick lacks, including support for the LDAC codec.

Apr 19, 2024: We've made minor updates to the text and checked that the products are in stock. However, our recommendations haven't changed.

Mar 21, 2024: We've made minor changes to the text to improve accuracy and clarity. All the products we recommend are still the best and are in stock.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best in-ear noise cancelling headphones for most people to buy. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

If you would like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our reviews for noise cancelling earbuds and in-ears. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.

How do Apple's new cheaper AirPods with noise cancellation stack up for travelers?

Take a look around the airport or airplane, and odds are that you'll see at least a few pairs of AirPods nearby.

Apple's popular headphones have become a staple of the travel experience for many flyers. They pair across all of your Apple devices, and you can also connect them to some seatback TVs that have Bluetooth connectivity . Across the lineup, the $249 AirPods Pro have become Apple's best-selling model, likely thanks to the strong audio quality, portability and noise cancellation packed into a case that's no bigger than a credit card.

But last week, Apple announced a brand-new model of AirPods launching Friday, Sept. 20, and it's one with some features that travelers may want to consider. Dubbed AirPods 4, this entry-level model packs many features historically reserved for the Pros, including better audio quality, more charging options and even the option to add noise cancellation.

With all of these Pro-style improvements, some travelers might wonder if the new $179 AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation might fit the bill for a new pair of travel headphones.

Well, in advance of the launch, I had an exclusive opportunity to try the new AirPods 4 during a trip. Read on for my thoughts.

Noise cancellation is key

The new AirPods 4 lineup features a model with Active Noise Cancellation that retails for $179. (Apple will sell earbuds without this feature for $129, but the noise-canceling ones are likely to be more appealing to travelers.)

I tested both models on a transcon flight and during some train rides last week, and I was especially impressed with the ones that offer noise cancellation. They could drown out much of the environmental noise in the airport and train station and on board the plane and train. Because of the open-ear design (more on that below), these AirPods are designed to primarily reduce low-frequency noise, such as airplane engines.

Within seconds of putting them on while airborne, it was abundantly clear that they did a very good job at largely eliminating the engine noise. This was also true when I used them in a loud (and overcrowded) airport lounge — I could focus on my music without listening to my neighbors.

But sometimes, you might want to interrupt your listening session to speak to someone nearby. In my case, the flight attendant frequently came through the aisle, taking drink and meal orders and offering refills. Instead of removing the AirPods, I simply put them in Adaptive Audio mode — this feature is now available on the entry-level models — and they automatically adjusted the levels of noise cancellation and transparency pass-through modes to ensure I could converse with the flight attendant without removing the headphones.

Once the flight attendant had passed my row, the AirPods realized that the conversation ended and went back into full noise cancellation.

The audio quality is impressive

These new AirPods might be entry-level in price, but they pack impressive audio quality.

Apple redesigned the earbuds to be shorter than the previous generation, and it also re-engineered the internal components to improve the acoustics.

During my travels, I repeatedly listened to songs on my old AirPods Pro and then on the new AirPods 4. By the end, it was hard to tell which model offered better audio quality, an impressive feat for the entry-level model.

Charging is more versatile

Another Pro-level redesign that Apple included with the noise-canceling AirPods 4 is the ability to charge the case wirelessly. You can use your Apple Watch charger or any other Qi-certified magnetic charger to power the AirPods case, which is helpful for travelers who want to minimize the number of cables that they travel with.

(Of course, you can always charge the case with a wire, and this year, Apple brought USB-C to the entire AirPods lineup. Just note that the AirPods don't come with a charging cable, so you're on your own there.)

Plus, more and more premium airplane cabins now feature wireless charging pads, so you can drop the case on the pad to get some juice.

Apple advertises that the AirPods 4 get four hours of nonstop listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled. I used the headphones for the entire flight from San Francisco to Newark, and they only died during the descent, in line with Apple's promise. I then put them back into the charging case, and after five minutes, they had enough charge to last another hour.

The case itself holds between 20 and 30 hours of charge, depending on whether noise cancellation is enabled.

Finding AirPods is easier

This is the first time that Apple has built a speaker into the charging case of an entry-level AirPods model, and while the speaker might look small, it's a godsend for travelers who frequently misplace their items.

The speaker is designed to make it easier to find your AirPods. If you misplaced the charging case, all you need to do is open the Find My app on your iPhone, locate your AirPods and click "Play Sound." Anyone who has used an AirTag before should find this process quite intuitive.

In fact, the speaker saved the day during my flight. While capturing content, I accidentally knocked over the AirPods case. It fell behind my seat, and I couldn't figure out where it was. I didn't want to hurt my hand or arm fiddling with the seat components, so I played a sound that helped me locate the AirPods much faster (and without a scratch to my body).

But comfort and fit aren't Pro-level

All that said, the new AirPods 4 are structurally a very different style than the Pros.

They offer an open-ear fit, meaning that there is no silicone tip to create a suction cup-style seal with your ear. Apple says that it analyzed over 50 million data points to build its one-size-fits-all earbud design, but even so, some travelers are bound to find the open-ear design uncomfortable.

In my experience, I wouldn't necessarily characterize the AirPods 4 as uncomfortable, but as a religious user of AirPods Pro, I did notice an immediate difference in how comfortable they felt throughout the five-hour flight.

During heavy turbulence, part of me thought the AirPods might fall out of my ear. (They didn't.) But they didn't feel as snug as the AirPods Pro.

I'm also a runner, and I wouldn't recommend the AirPods 4 for heavy cardio exercise. During one recent long run, one earbud did fall out of my ear.

The one other drawback of the open-ear design is that it limits how effective the noise cancellation can be. Without a complete seal with your ear, you'll hear a bit more surrounding noise than you would with the AirPods Pro.

Bottom line

All in all, Apple's new AirPods 4 are a compelling set of earbuds for travelers.

The noise-canceling model drowns out much of the background noise you'll experience on the road without compromising sound quality or battery life. Plus, the charging case has a few more charging options and support for the Find My app with sounds that should make it easier to find the earbuds if you misplace them.

That said, I still prefer the fit and improved noise cancellation experience on the AirPods Pro, so much so that it might be worth paying a little bit more upfront to invest in the Pros, especially if you plan to keep them for a while.

Of course, every ear is created differently. If you're in the market for a new pair of AirPods, I'd recommend trying the new AirPods 4 before you buy them to ensure that they create a snug and comfortable fit with your ear. If they do, you'll likely appreciate all the upgrades at the new entry-level price point.

Otherwise, it's probably worth splurging $70 more for the Pros.

Related reading:

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• Where to go in 2024: The 16 best places to travel
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
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Soundcore Space One Pro by Anker, with Travel Case, Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Headphones Driven by 6 Mics, Super Foldable Design, 60H Lossless Audio, Ultra-Fast Charging, Hi-Res Wireless Audio

Purchase options and add-ons

• Foldable Like No Other: soundcore-engineered FlexiCurve Structure reduces the size by 50%. Space One Pro Noise Cancelling Headphones' compact and foldable design lets you pack more.
• Exclusive 4-Stage Noise Cancelling System: Enhanced and improved, soundcore’s Space One Pro Noise Cancelling Headphones target and cancel out a wider range of on-the-go noise in real time, adapting to your dynamic movements.
• Rich, Lossless Listening Experience: Space One Pro's advanced drivers feature triple composite diaphragms for perfect audio balance and LDAC mode for Hi-Res audio. Indulge in high-fidelity, undistorted audio with less than 3% Total Harmonic Distortion.
• 60 Hours Nonstop Playback with Ultra-Fast Charging: Enjoy audio that lasts for days, with ultra-fast charging for 8 hours of playback in just 5 minutes. Space One Pro boasts an impressive 40H battery life with ANC on, and 60H with ANC off.
• Enhanced Protection: Crafted from premium synthetic materials, providing a soft protective shell for your music partner. Rest easy knowing your headphones are safe from scuffs and scratches.

Consider a similar item

• Foldable Like No Other: soundcore-engineered FlexiCurve Structure reduces the size by 50%. Space One Pro Noise Cancelling Headphones' compact and foldable design lets you pack more.
• Rich, Lossless Listening Experience: Space One Pro's advanced drivers feature triple composite diaphragms for perfect audio balance and LDAC mode for Hi-Res audio. Indulge in high-fidelity, undistorted audio with less than 3% Total Harmonic Distortion.
• Designed for All-Day Comfort: Ideal for long-haul flights, Space One Pro’s pressure-relieving headband and slow-rebound foam earcups make comfort the priority, even during long listening sessions.

• Customized Travel Case Tailored to Space One Pro: Specially designed to perfectly fit your Space One Pro headphones.
• Effortless Magnetic Design: One-touch, instant storage. This travel case features magnetic metal buttons and a simple design that allows you to open it at the touch of a button, without any tedious steps.
• Lightweight and Easy to Carry: The Travel Case weighs only 3.47 ounces, takes up less space and provides a more comfortable listening experience as you travel.
• Note: Space One Pro not included. The Travel Case not recommended for water exposure.

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The best tech for your travels

From a self-cleaning water bottle to GoPro’s intuitive action camera, our tech expert Lucy Hedges reveals her pick of the best gadgets when on holiday.

Upgrade your getaway with the best gadgets selected by our expert Lucy Hedges – all guaranteed to take your globetrotting to a whole new level.

Anker 737 Power Bank

GET CHARGED UP ON THE GO

With no plug socket in sight, trying to save any device’s battery when it’s cruising dangerously close to empty is the kind of travel trauma we could all do without. Anker’s power brick has a full-sized USB port and a couple of USB-C ports, and charges up to three devices simultaneously, including laptops.

john Apple AirTag Bluetooth tracker

While there’s no surefire way of preventing airlines from misplacing your luggage, a Bluetooth tracker will provea godsend if you make it to your destination but your suitcase doesn’t. Chuck one in your luggage to keep tabs on its whereabouts, or pretty it up witha dedicated bag charm.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 instant camera

CREATE INSTANT MEMORIES

For fans of tangible holiday pics, Fujifilm’s instant camera recreates the nostalgic magic of classic instant photography by producing credit card-size prints. It’s super-easy to use and comes with LED light effects, brightness control, a range of shooting modes and a self-timer for those all-important group shots.

GoPro Hero 12

FILM YOUR ADVENTURES

Whether you’re an intrepid type who wants a helmet or handlebars-eye view, or are looking to capture more leisurely activities, GoPro’s intuitive action cam delivers crisp footage, even in extreme environments. Expect improved low-light capabilities, incredible video stabilisation and 4K slow-mo shooting – plus it’s waterproof to 10m.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses (2nd gen)

The ultra-wide 12-megapixel camera inside Ray-Ban’s smart specs captures stunning hands-free photos and crystal-clear 1080p video, with excellent stabilisation. Simply press the button near your right temple, or say ‘Hey Meta’ followed by instructions. Whether you’re shooting, taking calls or listening to music through the arms, prepare to be wowed.

Larq Bottle Movement PureVis

DRINK CLEAN WATER

One major concern many face while travelling is just how clean tap water is. This clever self-cleaning bottle uses UV-C LED light to eliminate the bacteria lurking in your bottle, and purifies the water poured into it to make it safe to drink.

Sony WH-1000XM5 wireless noise-cancelling headphones

ENJOY PEACE AND QUIET

From the roar of the engine to the screams of a baby, things can get pretty loud on a plane. Sony’s comfy on-ear headphones have Active Noise Cancelling capability, while their Adaptive Sound Control decides how much sound to block out and let in.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3

TURN UP THE BASE

This pint-sized portable speaker delivers bigger audio than its dinky dimensions suggest, with detailed and substantial 360° sound for up to 14 hours – impressive at such a good price. Even better, it floats and is waterproof – perfect for a pool party.

Kindle Paperwhite

INDULGE IN SOME LIGHT READING

As any experienced traveller will attest, immersing yourself in a good book while horizontal on a sun lounger is a great way to enjoy your holiday downtime. To maximise precious space in your luggage, cram your collection onto Amazon’s 6.8-inch electronic Kindle, which can even withstand a bit of a dunk in the pool.

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