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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. 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

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

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

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.

 Amazon

• 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

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.

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. 

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

We tested the 6 best noise-canceling headphones for travel

I can't fly anywhere without a pair of noise-canceling headphones.

Even if I'm not actively listening to music or enjoying a TV show, I often use noise-canceling headphones to drown out background noise.

If you've traveled recently, I probably don't need to convince you of the value of a pair of these headphones. These days, there are more distractions than ever in airports and on planes — there are only so many times I can hear the same canned pitch for a cobranded airline credit card.

However, if you really want to drown out everything, which pair of headphones or earphones does it best? Here's a guide to my current favorites based on portability, sound experience, comfort, battery life and, of course, how well their noise-canceling abilities fare in the TPG hair dryer test.

Apple AirPods Pro

How portable are they.

Since their introduction in 2019, Apple's AirPods Pro have been my go-to travel headphones, thanks in no small part to their portability.

AirPods Pro have two components: a charging case and the earbuds. The charging case is where the AirPods sit when they're not in your ears, and there's even a built-in speaker to help you find the case if you misplace it.

The actual earbuds are much smaller than Apple's entry-level AirPods, and they're much less bulky and unwieldy than some other earbuds on the market.

How is the sound?

Apple recently introduced the second-generation AirPods Pro with a claim of double the active noise cancellation of the legacy model. If you were on the fence about these earbuds before, this updated model should make them a no-brainer for most travelers who use an iPhone.

With the second-generation buds, I am disturbed by fewer announcements and chatty passengers than with the original model. The sound quality is also noticeably better, thanks to a more powerful audio driver.

How comfortable are they?

Aside from the portability, the AirPods Pro also excel in terms of comfort.

As you decide which headphones are right for you, you'll need to choose between in-ear and over-ear models. Back in the day, in-ear headphones didn't offer great noise cancellation. However, Apple and its competitors have since introduced earbuds that feature this travel must-have.

That's great news since I find earbuds are generally more comfortable than over-ear headphones. Also, with four tip sizes included with the AirPods Pro, you're bound to find the right fit.

How is the battery?

The second-generation AirPods Pro offer up to six hours of listening time with a single charge. The charging case offers 30 hours of listening time, and just five minutes in the case provides about one additional hour of listening time.

The hair-dryer test

To simulate the background noise on an airplane, I borrowed my wife's Dyson hair dryer and blasted it at full force next to my ears while listening to the same song (Taylor Swift's "Enchanted") through each of the following six pairs of headphones (set at the same 80% volume level).

The verdict? I could hear the blow dryer when it was at the highest setting, but only just.

Are they worth it?

The fact that the AirPods Pro fit in my pocket makes them a game changer for travel. I used to lug around bulky over-ear headphones, but why bother when you can get great sound quality in a pair of earbuds that fit in the palm of your hand?

Sure, there are headphones that offer better noise cancellation, but the AirPods Pro pack the best mix of sound, noise cancellation and portability that an iPhone user will find in a small package.

Additionally, with multiple microphones, they double as a great set of headphones for those who make phone calls while on the road.

Buy now for $199.00 and save 20% on the standard price of $249.00

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Bose's Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are the company's sleekest over-ear headphones, but you'll still need to tote around a nearly 1-pound pouch when the headphones are stowed safely in your bag.

Aside from Bluetooth wireless connectivity, I love that you can also use the provided 3.5-millimeter audio cable to plug the headphones into seatback entertainment systems that don't yet support Bluetooth.

Bose is renowned for its best-in-class noise-canceling headphones, and the 700 series builds on that legacy with some of the best sound and noise cancellation you'll get in a pair of headphones.

I always feel immersed in my music when I listen to these headphones, and the noise cancellation is among the best I've experienced.

I also love that you can adjust the noise-cancellation levels to control how much of the outside world you want to hear.

These headphones are much more comfortable than some of Bose's older models, but they aren't for everyone.

During long-haul flights, I find that my ears sometimes start feeling numb after wearing these headphones for prolonged periods (something that hasn't bothered me with other over-ear headphones like the AirPods Max).

Bose's top-of-the-line headphones offer up to 20 hours of nonstop listening. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to fully recharge the headphones, and a quick 15-minute charge will provide up to 3 1/2 additional hours of battery life.

I couldn't hear the faintest sound from the hair dryer, even when it was blasting at full force.

Back in the day, Bose was No. 1 when it came to noise-canceling headphones. The company now has some formidable competitors, but Bose builds on a very strong foundation with the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.

These are among the world's best over-ear noise-canceling headphones, and you certainly can't go wrong with them. I just wish they were a tiny bit more comfortable for prolonged periods of use.

Buy now for $299.00 and save 21% on the standard price of $379.00

Sony WH-1000XM5

Like any over-ear noise-canceling headphones, you'll need to make room in your bag for Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones, though they only weigh around 250 grams and shouldn't add too much weight to your luggage. They come with a carrying case to keep them in tip-top shape while you're on the move — just note that the ear cups don't fold in for a more compact carrying experience.

Like the Bose headphones, Sony's top-of-the-line model can connect directly to seatback entertainment systems using a 3.5-millimeter audio cable.

These headphones pack some serious active noise-cancellation chops, building on the company's already industry-leading noise-canceling technology.

Unlike the Bose offering, you can't adjust the level of noise cancellation, but you'll have no issue tuning out your surroundings when listening to music with these headphones.

I find these headphones to be perfectly comfortable for long-haul flights. They aren't too heavy on the head and ears, and the padded headband helps keep them in place throughout the journey.

Sony's headphones offer some of the best battery life you'll find. The company advertises up to 30 hours of nonstop use, with the ability to quickly charge the headphones for three minutes to unlock an additional three hours of music playback.

Just like the Bose 700s, I couldn't hear any noise from the hair dryer while listening to music with these headphones. To test them further, I blasted some music at 100% volume on my home speaker, and I could still barely hear any distractions with the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.

Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are about as good as you can get in the roughly $400 range. They've got great sound in a (somewhat) portable package with top-notch battery life.

In my experience, the Sony WH-1000XM5s slightly outperform the similarly priced Bose headphones in terms of noise cancellation — I am usually less distracted when wearing Sony's headphones on a plane.

Buy now for $328.00 and save 18% on the standard price of $399.99

Apple AirPods Max

There's no denying that these are among the sleekest headphones on the market, though that comes at the expense of some portability.

The AirPods Max include a magnetic smart carrying case, but it only protects the actual earpieces themselves. The headphones can't be folded to create a more compact configuration, so you'll need to make room in your bag for them.

While you might think that the AirPods Max only connect via Bluetooth, there's some great news. You can actually plug them directly into seatback entertainment systems using a Lightning to 3.5-millimeter Audio Cable, sold separately for $35.

As the most expensive headphones in this guide, you might not be surprised to learn that they offer the best noise cancellation I've experienced yet.

You can't control the level of noise cancellation, but when flying around with these headphones, you won't want to. With the AirPods Max, I had no trouble drowning out a crying baby sitting three rows behind me.

Combine this impressive noise cancellation with immersive sound, and these headphones offer travelers the best listening experience.

The AirPods Max aren't just sleek — they also boast an incredibly snug fit on the ear.

Apple did a great job designing the AirPods Max for inflight use, and for most domestic and transatlantic flights, your ears should stay cool and comfortable while using these headphones.

That said, some friends have complained about them getting a bit uncomfortable during the longest flights, something experts call "eardrum suck."

The AirPods Max offer up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge, and five minutes of charging provides roughly an additional hour and a half of listening.

These numbers mean that you're set for all but the longest flight in the world (nearly 20 hours from pushback in New York to landing in Singapore).

As you might expect, the AirPods Max passed the hair-dryer test with flying colors.

The AirPods Max combine a best-in-class audio experience with top-notch noise cancellation in a modern and sleek package.

As the most expensive headphones in this guide, the AirPods Max are most definitely a splurge. However, if you're already in Apple's ecosystem and looking for the best travel headphones, these are it.

Buy now for $449.00 and save 18% on the standard price of $549.00

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Much like the AirPods Pro, these earbuds are among the most portable noise-canceling headphones you'll find. They also magnetically snap into a separate charging case, which is longer and narrower than the AirPods Pro case.

The buds themselves are small and sleek and should fit into your ear without any issues — more on that below.

What sets these earbuds apart is the noise cancellation. They're just as good, if not a tiny bit better, than Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro.

That said, I find the overall listening experience on AirPods Pro to be more immersive — I don't feel nearly as engrossed with my music when using the Bose earbuds.

Bose's QuietComfort Earbuds II are very comfortable. There are three different size options for the tips and ear bands.

With nine different possible combinations, you shouldn't have a problem finding a very stable fit, no matter the shape of your ear.

Bose advertises up to six hours of battery life on a single charge, but I was able to beat that estimate by about 30 minutes on a recent flight.

The charging case offers 18 additional hours of battery life, and just 20 minutes of charging in the case should deliver up to two additional hours of listening time from the earbuds.

Bose's earbuds outperformed the AirPods Pro on the hair-dryer test. They blocked slightly more noise, but both sets of in-ear headphones should do the trick on most flights.

For most travelers, these earbuds will compete head-to-head against the AirPods Pro. If you aren't in the Apple ecosystem, the Bose buds may be the right choice for you.

For everyone else, the choice is much trickier. AirPods integrate seamlessly into the entire iPhone (and Apple product) experience. Coupled with a quick setup and familiar controls, the AirPods will certainly do the trick for many.

However, if you're looking for best-in-class noise cancellation, I'd consider the $50 splurge over the AirPods Pro for Bose's earbuds.

Buy now for $236.55 and save 21% on the standard price of $299.00

Soundcore by Anker Life Q20

One of the best travel features of the Life Q20 headphones is that they swivel inward for increased portability. They come with a drawstring travel pouch, and they won't take up as much space as the other over-ear headphones in this guide.

Aside from Bluetooth wireless connectivity, you can use the provided 3.5-millimeter audio cable to plug the headphones into seatback entertainment systems that don't yet support Bluetooth.

As you might expect for a sub-$60 pair of headphones, the Life Q20s aren't going to beat the likes of Apple, Bose or Sony.

That said, given the price tag, they offer an impressive amount of active noise cancellation. I find that the sound quality is better than expected for such an inexpensive pair of noise-canceling headphones.

With memory foam ear cups, these headphones do a pretty good job of molding to your ears. They're a bit bulkier than some of the other over-ear models, but that's a trade-off you have to make, given the price.

Of all the headphones in this guide, the cheapest ones also pack the longest battery life. Anker advertises 40 hours of wireless playback on a single charge.

If you're pressed for time, you can quickly charge these headphones for five minutes to add four hours of listening time.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, these headphones did the worst job of blocking out the background noise from the hair dryer. At the highest setting, I could definitely hear the noise from the Dyson.

If you aren't a super-frequent traveler, the Life Q20s may be a great starter option for you. The active noise cancellation and sound quality aren't as impressive as with the other, more expensive brands, but you're saving around $300 with these headphones.

Several other features may feel quite basic, including the outdated micro USB charging port. However, that's not stopping nearly 50,000 customers from leaving five-star Amazon reviews for these headphones.

Buy now for $59.99

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

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

786 Published Articles

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Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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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.

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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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth buying noise-canceling headphones.

If you are prepared to invest in a quality listening experience and the added benefit of blocking external noise when you’re in noisy situations, noise-canceling headphones are worth buying.

Can noise-canceling headphones cause hearing loss?

Noise-canceling headphones do not emit low-level radiation as phones do, so the risk is minimal. However, listening to music loud on any device, not just noise-canceling headphones, may be hazardous to your hearing.

What are the best noise-canceling headphones for travel?

These are some of our favorite noise-canceling headphones:

• Bose QuietComfort 45
• Bowers & Wilkins PX Active
• Sennheiser Momentum 4.0
• Sony WH1000XM5

Are noise-canceling headphones worth it for flying?

Noise-canceling headphones are worth the price tag, especially when flying. On an airplane, 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.

How do noise-canceling headphones work?

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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• Electronics

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.

You save $15 (19%)

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.

Use promo code SOUNDCORE2024

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 good noise-cancelling headphones, 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 high-end home audio equipment for publications such as Home Entertainment and Sound & Vision. 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.

Senior staff writer Brent Butterworth also tested all of the finalists and performed the noise-cancelling measurements. Brent has been reviewing audio gear professionally since 1990. He previously worked as an editor or writer for Sound & Vision , HomeTheaterReview.com , Home Theater Magazine, and numerous other publications.

Whenever possible, we also engage the ears of experts, including audio reviewers, musicians, and composers.

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

Since we first published this guide, we’ve tested more than 270 active-noise-cancelling headphones and considered many more. In today’s market, almost every new pair of wireless headphones and earbuds has ANC capabilities, so the products we test for our wireless earbuds guide and our Bluetooth wireless headphones guide are considered for this guide, too.

Although most noise-cancelling headphones today are Bluetooth, many over-ear wireless headphones still support a wired connection, which is important if you want to connect to some in-flight entertainment systems. We recognize that sustainability issues are important to many of our readers. Unfortunately, until manufacturers create earbuds with rechargeable batteries that owners can replace, or offer broader refurbishment systems, most wireless earbuds—especially true wireless earbuds—are trash once their batteries die. You can read more in our piece about sustainability concerns related to wireless earbuds .

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 through a JBL L16 wireless speaker 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 performs lab tests, measuring the degree to which the headphones block different frequencies of sound. To do this, he 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 guarantees the right amount of quiet. Many noise-cancelling headphones are limited to ANC on/off or maybe high/low/off, but the Bose 700 allows you to choose a reduction level from 0 to 10, so you can dial in the ideal setting for your comfort or activity. 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.

The 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.

Audiophile 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 detail. Other folks may actually prefer this lack of high-end intensity. The Bose Music app includes EQ settings that enable you to adjust the bass, mids, and treble regions. The changes apply a little broadly, but they allow for some personalization of the overall sound profile.

Bose has done a fantastic job of ensuring that the sound quality remains nearly the same no matter what setting or method you use to listen: via Bluetooth or cable, with noise cancelling on or off, low or high. This is impressive stuff, as most headphones have mild to very 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. It’s 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 favorite voice assistant. For quick conversations, you can hold the ANC toggle button on the left earcup to turn off the active noise cancellation, pause your music, and turn on the microphones to hear your surroundings better.

The design is especially comfortable to wear for long periods of time. This pair is lightweight, with supersoft memory-foam padding on the earcups and headband. Covering the padding on the underside of the headband is an unusual, silicone-esque material that’s softer than solid plastic or metal yet feels as though it would be less likely to degrade over time in comparison with the fabric or leatherette material covering the headbands on much of the competition.

The earpads are made of protein leather (higher-quality fake leather), and they’re replaceable and spacious enough to accommodate larger ear sizes. The earpad foam is pliable enough to work well with most glasses, though wider arms may cause some gaps that result in sound leakage. The fit felt secure on our heads, and most of our testers thought the clamping force wasn’t too tight.

Calls and video chats are clear, but the mics pick up some room noise. The microphone sound feeds into the noise-cancelling headphones themselves, so you get your own vocal feedback; this effect is helpful in reducing the instinct to yell when your ears are covered, but it can be distracting if you’re taking a call in a busy office and the mics pick up some chatter or keyboard clicks 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.

The protective case is slimmer than average. Although over-ear noise-cancelling headphones can’t compete with earbuds in portability, the Bose 700’s case does a decent job of minimizing the space these headphones take up in a bag. The headphones themselves fold flat, and the semi-firm case uses the gap between the headband and the earcups for cable storage. At about 2.5 inches thick, the case will slip easily into a briefcase or a plane’s seat-back pocket.

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. No major complaints concerning their performance have surfaced so far. The only vulnerable point seems to be the earpads, which, depending on your situation, can start to break down over time. 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, including altering which digital assistant you use, turning on the always-listening wake word for your digital assistant, changing the assigned ANC preferences, adjusting how much of yourself you hear during calls, and setting the auto-off timer.

It can be downright annoying to get the app to recognize your headphones. Both Brent and I had difficulty pairing them, and after speaking with Bose representatives, we can offer the following tips. 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. Depending on your device, you may have trouble taking phone calls when your headphones are tethered via the cord.

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.

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.

We 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.

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.

A lot of new ANC headphones and earbuds were announced at CES 2024 . Here are some of the most notable:

JBL announced 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 will have Bluetooth 5.3, which is compatible with Auracast , and be available in March.

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.

JLab’s JBuds Lux over-ear headphones will offer an awareness mode, multipoint capabilities, and Google Fast Pair/Find My functions. The Lux will be available in late February for $80.

EarFun announced its first over-ear ANC headphones, the Wave Pro, due in March. This pair will reportedly offer up to 80 hours of battery life, quick-charge capabilities, multipoint connectivity, and support for LDAC for $80.

EarFun also announced updates to its ANC earbud lineup: The Air 2 and Air Pro 4 are due in the spring. Each pair offers an upgrade in battery life and features, as well as Bluetooth 5.3. We don’t know exact pricing yet, but EarFun anticipates the Air Pro 4 will be under $100.

1More’s SonoFlow over-ear headphones , our former budget pick, will get an update this spring. The new version reportedly offers improved performance, a more substantial metal chassis, a physical dial control, and wireless charging via a charging stand.

Phiaton announced the BonoBuds Plus earbuds ($80), featuring an IPX4 water/dust rating, support for up to 24-bit/96-kHz audio resolution, six hours of battery life (with ANC on), and 14 additional hours of battery in the charging case.

We’ve tested more than 250 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.

Edifier W820NB Plus : The noise cancellation is moderately effective, but the overall reduction is marred by the design’s lack of passive isolation. You might not hear the lowest pitches of an engine, but you’ll hear the upper whine, as well as people talking. The sound quality is decent, and the padding on the earcups is comfortable, but with so many other great options, this pair just fell a bit short.

Edifier WH950NB : This pair is a mixed bag. Like the W820NB Plus, this Edifier pair is lacking in passive isolation. So although the noise cancellation is effective in a band of lower frequencies, you can still hear things like babies crying or dishes clinking. This combo of intense ANC and lack of isolation can exacerbate eardrum suck if you’re sensitive to it. Sonically, the bass is a touch bloated in the upper lows, and the highs have a slight coarseness to them, but neither flaw makes listening unenjoyable. The fit is lightweight and comfortable, and the earcups are deep, which can be more comfortable for people who have prominent or sensitive ears. However, the control buttons are small and tricky to feel, especially if you have larger fingers or challenges with dexterity.

Phiaton BonoBeats Lite : It has been a while since we’ve tested a new pair of on-ear headphones, so we were hopeful that the BonoBeats Lite would be recommendable for someone who prefers that style. Sadly, this pair wasn’t what we’re looking for. The headband is small with a lot of clamping force. The noise cancellation is middling, the sound quality has recessed vocals, and the hear-through mode has a hissing quality. Bummer.

PSB M4U 9: This set’s noise cancellation takes the edge off of low frequencies, but the intensity isn’t competitive with even our budget pick . PSB is known for excellent bass reproduction, and the M4U 9 is a great example of why. The bass is slightly forward in the mix, but the notes have actual pitch, even at volumes that might cause distortion in other headphones. Out of the box, the highs have a slight icy spike, and male vocals are slightly recessed, but it’s subtle enough to be a matter of preference. Taking the time to complete the hearing-test-based EQ test can improve the experience, and unlike many wireless headphones, this pair sounds just as good wired as it does wireless. The headband transfers a lot of noise, so a small bump or scratch resonates noisily. On a more affordable pair, we might be able to overlook this given the great sound quality, but for $500, we want better.

Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 : This pair is an evolution of studio headphones and may be considered by people specifically for that purpose. It retains the Shure sound (narrowly boosted high frequencies and extra energy in the lows around 60 Hz) when you listen passively. However, via Bluetooth, the sound out of the box is very boomy, and the three preset EQ modes all go too far in their application of filters. The sound can be customized in the app, but the interface is not user-friendly for beginners and not dexterous enough for experts. We eventually got to a sound that was “close enough” to what we wanted, but it wasn’t easy to get there. The noise cancellation is intense and restricted to lower frequencies, so for those sensitive to eardrum suck, you’ll want to make adjustments. The microphones are clear but pick up external noise and are easily overwhelmed by wind.

Skullcandy Crusher ANC XT 2 : The noise cancellation is minimal, and the isolation isn’t great. But that’s not why someone would be drawn to this pair. This is for someone who wants the experience of a car-trunk subwoofer in a wearable format. The bass is loud and boomy, and a small motor vibrates the headphones so that you can feel the bass. It’s not our thing, but if you’re into that, we won’t yuck your yum. We’ll just say, don’t get these if you want effective ANC or balanced sound.

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.

Astell & Kern UW100MKII : Astell and Kern is a brand known for high-end audio equipment, so we were excited to try these true wireless earbuds. The earbuds are large—around the size of a nickel—so people who have medium or small outer ears will likely find that their ears feel stuffed. The noise cancellation is mild, but is good enough for reducing an air conditioner. Although the drivers are capable of reproducing low frequencies, the sound is heavily tilted to the mids and highs. There are bass notes present, but even the most thumping hip-hop feels unsupported. There also seems to be a spike around 7 kHz that adds a twang to grand pianos, plus a sizzly quality to snares.

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.

Devialet Gemini II : The Gemini II has high-quality drivers capable of producing excellent low-bass notes with clear pitch, attack, and decay—a far cry from the thudding, tone-less boom of many true wireless earbuds. Out of the box, this pair showcases that bass a bit too much for our taste, with a hyped tuning that also has a spike in the highs. Fortunately, there is a six-fader EQ system in the Devialet app that can restrain the boosted frequencies and make this pricy ($450) pair sound fantastic. However, the Gemini II is lacking in features. The hear-through mode makes it sound like you have a head cold, and the controls are limited.

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.

EarFun Free Pro 3 : The Pro 3 is a very good pair of budget earbuds, but our budget pick has a smaller, more comfortable fit, slightly better ANC, and a longer battery life.

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.

HiFiMan Svanar Wireless : This $500 pair focuses on audio performance, not noise cancellation. As such, its ANC was below average. As for audio performance, the earbuds use high-quality drivers, but the balance leans heavily toward high frequencies. So unless you prefer a top-heavy sound, these aren’t for you. It’s a shame that the Svanar lacks an EQ function, because this set might have broader appeal if tuned a little differently.

HyperX Cirro Buds Pro : This pair is middle-of-the-road in most ways. The noise cancellation is effective on very low frequencies but not not much else, the sound is a little bloated in the lows and dull in the highs (but not offensively so), and the fit is on the larger side. The tap controls can be finicky, and the case is large. None of these flaws alone is a dealbreaker, but the sum total disqualified this pair from being a pick.

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.

Jabra Elite 8 Active : This pair is built to be comfortable and durable, and we compare them to our workout headphone picks in that guide. But as noise-cancelling headphones, they are not a standout.

Jabra Elite 10 : When used for work, the Elite 10 pair is fantastic: These earbuds sound good, feature dual-device connectivity, have clear mics for calls, and are perhaps the most comfortable earbuds we’ve tested. You can read about how they compare overall in our Bluetooth earbuds guide . However, the six-hour battery life may not be enough for long days, and the noise cancellation isn’t competitive with the picks in this guide.

JBL Tour Pro 2 : There isn’t much bad to say about the Tour Pro 2; this pair was simply edged out by our earbud picks. These earbuds come with a control-panel case that duplicates app functionality without a phone, which is nifty. The noise cancellation is well above average, but not the best we tested. The fit is comfortable, and the six microphones reduce wind noise on calls better than just about anything we’ve tested. The nine hours of battery life is excellent, the IPX5 rating a benefit, and the sound quality is very good after you adjust the EQ. We wish the touch controls included the full suite (you have to choose one to leave out, be it volume, track forward/back, etc.). But overall these are fantastic, albeit pricey, earbuds if you don’t need the absolute best in noise cancellation.

JBL Tune Buds : We love the 12 hours of battery life and the sound quality (once we adjusted it a tad in the app to reduce the high highs). However, the somewhat bulky shape might pose a fit challenge for smaller ears, and the noise cancellation and passive isolation, while above average, aren’t competitive with our picks.

JBL Tune Flex : This pair is designed to be worn either sealed or unsealed, depending on which tips you choose. However, the ANC is limited to a narrow band of low frequencies. And all of the tips are small. Because the buds aren’t fixed in place by the tips or wings, the earbuds can shift, causing the sound to change drastically depending on the angle at which the sound tubes aim at your ear canal. When they are positioned perfectly, the Tune Flex can sound quite good. But once the buds shift, the experience is less enjoyable. Open/closed earbuds is an interesting idea, but to swap on the go, you need to carry the tips with you separately (there isn’t a place to store them in the case), and we didn’t feel either style was excellent enough to recommend these as a pick.

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.

Motorola Moto Buds 600 ANC : The noise reduction is above average, but the sound has boomy bass, and the chunky earbud design can make it difficult to get a seal. The controls are limited and, like many touch-control earbuds, can be fussy. Even with the added benefit of wireless charging, this pair doesn’t meet our high standards.

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.

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.

Raycon The Impact : This pair is not among the best at reducing noise. We discuss the merits of these as gym earbuds in our guide to workout headphones , but as noise-cancelling earbuds, they aren’t as successful.

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.

Skullcandy Rail ANC XT : The standout feature is the inclusion of the “Hey Skullcandy” suite of voice controls (which is also available in the Grind Fuel) . It functions separately from your phone’s digital assistant and works even if you are in a service-less or Wi-Fi–less location. Aside from that, these are middle-of-the-road earbuds. The sound quality is decent, but a bit bloated in the bass no matter how you fuss with the EQ. The ANC is comparatively mild, and the hear-through mode is somewhat unnatural and compressed sounding. The touch controls are easy to accidentally trigger when adjusting the earbuds in your ears.

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

Lauren Dragan is a senior staff writer and has tested nearly 2,000 headphones for Wirecutter. She has a BA from Ithaca College in music performance and audio production. She’s been featured in Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News , The New York Times, and more. Additionally, she’s a voice actor whose work includes projects for Disney and Mattel.

Further reading

The Best Headphones

by Lauren Dragan

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.

by Brent Butterworth and Lauren Dragan

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.

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• [Glossary] An Audiophile Guide to Describing Sound
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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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Related articles.

The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Travel (And Everything Else)

By Sebastian Modak , Elaheh Nozari , and Dan Q. Dao

We’ve all had an in-flight experience where we wished we’d invested in noise-canceling headphones. Maybe it was a podcast drowned out by the blood-curdling cry of a baby , or sleepytime music rendered useless by the chatter of your intoxicated neighbors. If either of those scenarios brings back a painfully vivid memory, perhaps the time has come for you to find a pair of noise-canceling headphones that work for you. Of course, while you’re traveling less often than usual, you can still put these sets to good use during a meditative cleaning session or when you need an escape from the sound of your housemates (or family).

There are plenty of quality noise-canceling headphones on the market, with Sony's recently-upgraded WH-1000XM4's and Apple’s AirPods Pro ranking among the most exciting new releases in the last couple of years. So how do you choose? Beyond price, you’ll want to take into consideration how effective the noise-canceling capability really is, battery life, portability, and comfort—all of which will be especially important when those long-haul flights resume. From earbuds to over-the-ear headphones, here are our picks for the best noise-canceling headphones for 2020.

All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise-Canceling Headphones

When we reviewed the Sony WH-1000XM3 Noise-Canceling Headphones upon their release in 2018, we wrote, “it's actually hard to imagine this technology getting any better.” “Challenge accepted,” said Sony. The next generation of their industry-leading headphones, the WH-1000XM4s, take everything that made their predecessors so incredible, and added a handful of very useful bells and whistles. Unchanged are the whopping 30 hours of battery life, comfort that lends itself well to long-haul listening sessions, and noise-canceling technology that will drown out even the loudest seat neighbor on a flight. New features include the ability to pair to two devices at once, an auto-pause capability when the headphones are removed, and a “Speak-to-Pause” feature that will pause the music when you start talking to someone. The mic array has been updated too, making for clearer phone calls. Most importantly of course, the headphones still sound incredible, rendering music the way musicians wanted you to hear it. The best did, in fact, get better. — Sebastian Modak

Battery life: 30 hours

Hits: Superlative comfort, sound quality, and noise-canceling technology; USB-C charging; customizable ambient sound control and noise-canceling settings; multi-device Bluetooth pairing; intuitive touch controls

Misses: Expensive, especially if you’re just upgrading from the previous generation

Buy now: $348, amazon.com

Bose Noise-Canceling Headphones 700

We haven't tested these yet, but the reviews are promising, with some tech critics suggesting they're good enough to take the best noise-canceling headphones crown from Sony. We do know they look sleeker than Bose's QuietComforts, have a four-microphone system that simultaneously isolates your voices for calls while blocking out the noise around you, and feature 11 levels of noise cancellation. If you're loyal to all things Bose, you likely won't be disappointed by the 700—even if they're $50 more  than the brand's previous iteration of noise-canceling headphones. — Elaheh Nozari

Battery life : 20 hours

Hits : Intuitive touch controls; sleeker looking than the QuietComfort 35 II

Misses : Notably higher price point

Buy now: $399, amazon.com or $380, bose.com

Marshall Monitor II A.N.C.

Sure, there are less expensive and more effective noise-canceling headphones. But there aren't any that look as cool as these. There’s a reason why Marshall has become such an iconic badge brand: You know exactly what to expect when it comes to design. Released in March 2020, the Marshall Monitor II A.N.C. arrives in a black drawstring denim bag and features a familiar minimal black colorway accented with a leather grain texture and that familiar white, cursive logo on the ear cups, plus a useful gold-accented playback knob. In terms of functionality, these headphones represent the best of Marshall’s offerings by a long shot: unlike older A.N.C. models, they come with over-the-ear rather than on-ear earcups. They’re great for playing music in any setting, built with custom-tuned 40mm dynamic drivers for quality depth of sound plus an adjustable transparency mode that allows in just the right amount of sound when you need to be aware of your surroundings. —Dan Dao

Battery life : 30 hours

Hits : Unique design that makes an immediate statement; solid active noise-canceling capabilities; a useful transparency mode for workouts or commutes; long-lasting battery life; USB-C charging

Misses : Lacks some advanced features offered by other models in a similar price range; microphone isn’t as powerful as it could be

Buy now : $320, marshallheadphones.com

Beats Studio3 Wireless

Apple's Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones deserve a spot on this list because when they're unleashed to their full potential, they're really spectacular: great sound, especially when bumping something bass-heavy; easy-to-use controls; all-encompassing noise-canceling paired with the noise isolation of their tight fit; and, when paired with an Apple device, a seamless, super-solid connection courtesy of Apple's proprietary W1 chip (the same one that makes AirPods so good ). But that last feature is where things get complicated. While these work brilliantly if you live in an all-Apple ecosystem, the system really starts to break down when working with basically any other device. Bluetooth initial pairing and the connection is frustrating and spotty with a Chromebook or non-Apple phone, and the headphones’ battery life also suffers when not being used in conjunction with Apple products. For the collector who swears by Apple, these are a good option simply because they are so damn easy to pair and use with iPhones, Macbooks, and iPads—for anyone else, look further up the list. — S.M.

Battery life: 22 hours

Hits: Comfy fit; great for bass-heavy music; wide array of colors to choose from

Misses: Tech starts breaking down when paired with anything outside of the Apple ecosystem; can get a little gross around the ears in hot weather

Buy now: $300, amazon.com or $350, bestbuy.com

Caitlin Morton

Jessica Puckett

Jamie Spain

Meaghan Kenny

Sennheiser MOMENTUM Wireless

Luxurious sheepskin leather earpads, three different noise-cancellation settings, and top-of-the-line bluetooth functionality are some of the defining features of this recent release from Sennheiser. Clearly meant to compete with offerings from Sony and Bose, these sleek, modern headphones are best-in-class when it comes to comfort and sound: music is lush and crystal-clear, offering studio-quality depth and precision. The experience is fully customizable, too: You can use the Sennheiser Smart Control app to adjust the level of noise cancellation, or switch to anti-wind mode when you’re outside. If you’ve got sensitive ears, the anti-pressure mode relieves some of the physical pressure applied by noise-canceling headphones for a slightly more comfortable listening experience. And lastly, a transparent hearing mode allows you to hear just the right amount of ambient sound, like car horns or metro announcements, to be present in the world. The headphones are perfect for folks on the go, with handy features like a built-in Tile tracking device and one-touch access to your Google voice assistant. —D.D.  

Battery life : 17 hours

Hits : Three different noise cancellation settings controlled through a mobile app; advanced bluetooth capability; a built-in Tile tracker and a simultaneously luxurious and ergonomic design

Misses : A surprisingly short battery life coupled with a higher price point

Buy now : $400, sennheiser.com

Microsoft Surface Headphones

While most of the brands on this list follow a similar system when it comes to controls—a combination of finger-tap commands or buttons to stop and start music, answer calls, and activate digital assistants—Microsoft took a refreshingly new approach with its Surface headphones. While you tap on either earcup to start and stop music, there are also two dials, one around each earcup, to control volume and the level of noise-canceling. It's precise and easy to use. The noise-canceling dial on the left side runs through 13 different levels, from full-on isolation that comes within striking distance of the best in the business, to audio transparency that picks up every sound around you. Still, a discouragingly low battery life, some issues with comfort, and the continuing disappointment of Cortana, Microsoft's voice assistant (although they work great with Google Assistant and Siri), means the next generation of these will likely be even better. — S.M.

Battery life: 15 hours

Hits: Intuitive dial controls; good-quality sound and noise-canceling; sleek, minimalist design

Misses: Can get a little uncomfortable over long periods; battery life lags behind the competition

Buy now: $179, amazon.com or $180, bhphotovideo.com

Apple AirPods Pro

Signaling a shift toward high-end earbuds or “hearables,” as the industry is calling them, Apple debuted these “pro” AirPods that are vastly superior to the previous model. For just 50 bucks more, you get a snug, ergonomic in-ear fit plus active noise-canceling capabilities. Released in the fall of 2019, the AirPods Pro became an instant must-have for owners of the old AirPods. They’re just that much better. No, they don’t deliver the same level of noise-canceling as their much larger over-ear cousins, but they fit in your pocket and do the trick for day-to-day use. This is especially true for gym sessions, phone calls, and commuting, where having a pair of bulky headphones can be annoying. If you’re willing to skimp on features like a built-in equalizer or an ambient listening mode, we recommend getting a pair. —D.D.

Battery life : 4.5 hours with active noise canceling on, 24 hours factoring in the charging case

Hits : Lightweight and portable; powerful sound quality given the size; useful transparency mode setting; affordable cost; wireless charging; works well with iPhones

Misses : Won’t fully block out sound on a plane or train; comparatively low battery life; impossible to replace batteries, meaning these won’t last as long as others

Buy now : $249, apple.com or $235, bestbuy.com

Jabra Elite 85H

Jabra made a name for itself in the earphone market with its Elite 65T wireless earbuds , and it entered the noise-canceling arena with the Elite 85H on-ear headphones in 2019. They have a Smart Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology that responds to your environment—if it detects too much background noise, the ANC will switch on. I tested these both in our office and on a plane, and while I couldn't hear my co-workers' desk-side conversations at work, let's just say I had a hard time blocking out the sound of my seatmate shelling pistachios on a flight to Utah. Other than that, they are a comfortable, minimalist-looking headphones that come in a sleek leather carrying case with both an Aux and a USB-C cable, and travel adapter. — E.N.

Battery life: 36 hours

Hits: Comfortable headband and great sound quality

Misses: They're on the heavier side, and are better suited for an office environment than a plane

Buy now: $250, amazon.com

Ausounds AU-Stream ANC

Launched in 2019, the startup headphone company Ausounds has debuted true wireless hybrid active noise canceling earbuds that can hold their own against Apple’s Airpods—at a far lower price. There are plenty of similarities between the two: a stick-like design, roughly five hours of battery life, and an automatic phone connection when you take them out of the case. But unlike the white design of the Airpods, these come in a (in my opinion) more pleasant matte black finish. They’ve got USB-C charging, which is useful for charging in transit, and feature 13mm drivers and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. If you’re not married to Apple, these are the next best bet for earpods. — D.D.

Battery life : 5 hours

Hits : Super-affordable; premium look and feel; not an Apple product

Misses : Audiophiles will find something to be desired in audio quality; the ANC functionality isn’t quite as advanced as those on pricier options

Buy now : $150, ausounds.com

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9 3rd Gen

At $500, the flagship wireless offering from high-end Danish audio producer Bang and Olufsen is the priciest on this list by a long shot. But technophiles and devotees of the brand alike swear by its pitch-perfect finesse—balancing a nuanced true-to-life musical sound quality with technical noise-canceling performance; reconciling the appeal of analog feel with modern sensibilities. Compared to its competitors, the product offers a more sensitive microphone that eliminates noise in real-time as you speak. Design though, may be the biggest plus here: the sturdy headphones boast a stitched-leather headband, memory foam pads, and ear cups with touch controls. Luxury technology, this is. — D.D.  

Battery life : 25 hours

Hits : Unmatched ergonomic design; Danish minimalist craftsmanship; easily accessible Google voice assistant; above average battery life

Misses : A splurge-level price; less technically-advanced active noise cancellation

Buy now : $500, bang-olufsen.com

This entrant from Samsung-owned AKG was clearly meant to take on Bose and Sony's dominance over the noise-canceling market—and it puts up a decent fight. The N700NCs are fantastic headphones: sound characterized by punchy bass and clearly defined treble; all the features beyond just great noise-canceling that we've come to expect, including customizable ambient sound enhancement (in this case called “Ambient Aware”); and a comfortable fit for long listening sessions. Unlike their subdued Bose and Sony competitors, these headphones also look pretty wild thanks to a headband with an extra curve and a double-layered design over the ears. Still, the N700NCs don't quite measure up to competitors’ overall balance between performance and comfort, even if the actual sound quality comes pretty darn close—and the carrying case is a little too bulky to just slip into a backpack and go. — S.M.

Battery life: 20 hours

Hits: Cool design; snug fit (if that's what you're into); high-quality sound and noise-canceling; accessories include two-prong plug adapter

Misses: Carrying case is bulkier than it needs to be; the play/pause button is tiny and hard to find on-the-go

Buy now: $82, amazon.com

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

Mute airplanes, 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

These headphones can't cut out as much noise as higher-end models, but they're excellent for the price, and come with some useful smart features. They're light, and work wired or wireless.

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

Half the price of Bose headphones or AirPods, and more premium than the Earfun, these hit a perfect balance. You get astounding audio quality, great ANC, and good battery life.

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 and train rides, and I've used experience to choose the headphones that best fit the particular priorities of people flying or taking other long journeys.

Recent updates

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

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. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony's more affordable counterpart to its flagship 'XM' model can be found for under $150/£100, but delivers very impressive audio quality regardless, especially when it comes to detail and overall balance. Instruments are crisp, treble and bass both get to shine in their own way, and the mid-range is warm and full.

The noise cancellation really helps clamp down on the volume of outside sounds so that you can hear dialog in a movie on a plane, in our experience, though it does leak in noticeably more sound overall than the higher-end options here (both in terms of over-ear headphones and earbuds), so we had to significantly turn up the volume on a quiet, speech-heavy movie on a plane compared to those options. But it's as good as anything else available for the price.

They're very lightweight and are generally comfortable to use for long periods, which means we can forgive them for not folding. They don't feel as premium as other options here, but again, that's fine. The wired option is very welcome for plane use, and the quoted 35-hour battery life is essentially on the money in our experience.

Read our full Sony WH-CH720N 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. Sony WF-C700N

It's not many products that leads us to say that a pair of earbuds "just ripped our notions on what is achievable at this level to smithereens" in a review, but these did. If you want to spend less than $100/£100 on a pair of earbuds while getting the best possible sound and noise cancellation from them, read no further. Nothing beats these.

It's not just the energetic, accurate, detailed audio quality, but that the effective (and customizable) noise cancellation that makes it easy to hear. Yes, the Bose earbuds or over-ear headphones do it better, but you pay a ton more to get there.

Throw in support for Sony's 360 Reality Audio tech for positional sound, plus generally great app support, a super-light and secure fit, and long battery life from the buds, and you've got a winning package. That you only get one additional charge from the case is a bit of an issue for traveling, but not a dealbreaker. It's the same with the lack of auto-pause when you remove them, or hi-res support – again, we're not concerned for the price. We love them.

Read our full Sony WF-C700N 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

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 best noise-cancelling headphones in 2024

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

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

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. How to choose 13. 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

Although superseded by the Bose QC Ultra Headphones, these continue to offer great ANC performance. Sound is crystal clear when listening to music and taking calls, and we love the svelte design and the discounted price. Get them while stocks last. 

Best for elite sound and ANC  

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.

Best battery life with ANC

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. 

Best ANC headphones under $99

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.

Best Apple headphones

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

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 our full  Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review .

Best value noise-canceling headphones

2. Bose 700

The Bose 700 may have been superseded by the QC Ultra headphones (above) and awarded the coveted top place as the best noise-canceling headphones overall, but these were the previous top-ranking model, and maintained that position for more than three years. Despite being replaced and no longer listed on the Bose website, the 700s continue to be available via online retailers where they can regularly be found discounted, making them astonishingly good value.  

The Bose 700 boast 10 levels of ANC that can be adjusted in the Connect app and work 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.

At the time of review we mentioned that we loved the ultramodern design, and the slim, sexy silhouette was applauded. Battery life on the other hand runs to just 20 hours with ANC enabled, and is outperformed by most newer noise-canceling headphone models, including the QC Ultra Headphones.

Read our full Bose 700 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 new Sony WH-1000XM5 comes closer than ever to beating Bose in terms of its ANC performance. It has two processors controlling eight microphones, where the 1000XM4 (still on sale and regularly discounted) before it had just one processor controlling four, and the result in our testing is near-seamless ANC. 

During our testing we found that sound quality is superb, the 30-hour battery life (with ANC) is excellent and 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. Call quality has also been improved greatly and there's really nothing to criticize here beyond the slightly bland styling and the $50 price increase over the XM4.

Read our 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 our 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. Also consider Cleer Audio Enduro ANC .  

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.

See our 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 our 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. Yamaha YH-L700A

You’re probably wondering how a pair of $500 wireless headphones with adequate noise cancellation could sneak its way onto this list. The answer is simple: spatial audio. We know these are two separate talking points, but hear us out. The YH-L700A are an excellent-sounding model 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 our full Yamaha YH-L700A review .

Best mid-range for travel

10. Anker Soundcore Space Q45

Like the Cleer Enduro ANC (above), 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 .

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.

Contributions from: Alex Bracetti, Simon Lucas  

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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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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Best noise canceling headphones

Published on May 3, 2024

Sometimes, listening to the sounds of nature or the sounds of the people around you can be an enlightening experience, but sometimes, you just need a vacation from the world. As people who ride subways and buses every day, we know how necessary it is to block out the world sometimes just to keep your sanity—and hearing—intact. Whether you’re always in crowded areas, working at your desk, or a frequent commuter, noise canceling can be a much-needed feature . Here are the best noise canceling headphones currently on offer based on our experience and testing.

What's new?

• This article was updated on May 3, 2024, to add new top picks and notable mentions.
• If you are interested in other product recommendations, check out our list of the best headphones and the best noise canceling earbuds.

Everyone can benefit from noise canceling headphones . Besides sound quality, a good pair of noise canceling headphones does two things: provide a comfortable fit for extended use and also accurately cancel out unwanted outside noise. Without getting too technical, Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) is achieved by using built-in microphones that pick up what is going on around you. The headphones then produce their own out-of-phase sound waves that destroy outside noise. With so many options out there (and a lot of them are quite expensive ), we decided to make a list of the best noise canceling headphones you can get.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones have the best ANC

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offer outstanding noise cancelation capabilities that make them a top choice for the best noise canceling headphones. In our testing,  we found headphones were able to reduce loud sounds like bus engines, train screeches, and airplane noise by about 87%, and block out a significant amount of ambient noise across the entire frequency range.

Loading chart ...

The large, dense ear pads create an excellent seal on the head, providing excellent passive noise isolation as well. With their exceptional noise cancelation along with premium audio quality and wireless connectivity features like support for Snapdragon Sound and aptX Lossless, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones emerge as one of the premier noise canceling headphone options on the market.

The chart below shows how the sound of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score ( MDAQS ) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 is a close runner-up

The Sony WH-1000XM5 firmly establishes itself as one of the premier noise canceling headphone options on the market. In our testing, we found these headphones excel at blocking ambient noise across all frequencies, with the ANC reducing the perceived loudness of low-end sounds like bus engines by around 87.5%. The redesigned ear cup shape and dense padding also help to get a good seal.

While the noise cancelation capabilities are a major strength, we were also impressed by the WH-1000XM5’s audio quality. Our perceptual assessments indicate the default tuning should satisfy most listeners right out of the box, though the well-designed companion app does provide EQ customization options. Other standout features we evaluated include the outstanding battery life exceeding 30 hours with ANC on, support for the high-quality LDAC codec, multipoint connectivity, and a significantly improved microphone array for clear voice capture during calls.

The chart below shows how the sound of the Sony WH-1000XM5 was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score ( MDAQS ) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is still a great headset and compares well against the WH-1000XM5 . If you don’t want to spend $400 USD on the latest model, you will still enjoy very good ANC from the XM4 headset. Sound quality isn’t nearly as good out of the box on the fourth-generation model compared to the newest one, but you can equalize some of the XM4’s heavy treble away.

Neither pair of headphones is water-resistant, but you should still be able to skate by with some sweat so long as you clean them regularly. As far as software features go, you still get 360 Reality Audio and ANC optimization with the WH-1000XM4, along with the option to prioritize connection stability or sound quality. Unless you absolutely need the best ANC around, you’ll still be happy with the WH-1000XM4 and the extra cash in your wallet.

The Sony ULT Wear is good value

The Sony ULT WEAR offers capable active noise cancelation performance for the price. Our tests found the headphones consistently attenuate over 25dB of ambient noise above 80Hz through a combination of ANC and passive isolation from the ear pads. While not quite on par with Sony’s highest-end options, the noise canceling should prove effective enough for commutes and air travel.

Beyond the solid noise canceling, other strengths of the ULT WEAR include impressive battery life exceeding 32 hours per charge, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, and a comfortable fit with large ear cups that accommodate bigger ears well. The headphones also support Sony’s immersive 360 Reality Audio with head tracking when used with the companion app. However, we were a bit disappointed with the excessive bass emphasis of the default tuning and special “ULT” sound mode, which dramatically boosts low frequencies to an overpowering degree. But if you’re a bass head, you’ll probably like it.

Even with default settings, the bass and sub-bass are quite  strongly emphasized  over the highs — which are a little under-emphasized outside a peak near 8kHz. While this is a pretty expected result coming from a lineage of headphones branded “Xtra Bass,” there’s a point at which this needs to stop, and we’ve passed it.

The chart below shows how the sound of the Sony ULT WEAR was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score ( MDAQS ) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.

The Apple AirPods Max offers the best noise canceling for iPhone owners

Apple’s first and only set of over-ear headphones are one of the best pure noise cancellers you can buy. However, the AirPods Max may not be the ones to buy owing to their high cost and relatively poor flexibility. Unless you own an iPhone and have a large budget, there are too many competing models out there that offer a similar level of ANC performance and comparable sound quality.

As top-tier noise canceling headphones, the AirPods Max use hybrid active noise canceling for optimal noise cancelation. As we’ve seen from the Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation) , the AirPods Max supports Adaptive EQ, which adjusts the frequency response in real-time, adjusting for how the headset fits.

Audio performance is right where you’d expect it to be for an Apple product, with much better performance than some of the cheaper options on this list. However, the headphones use only SBC and AAC — meaning no higher-bitrate codecs like LDAC.

Maybe. Only iPhone users will truly enjoy all the benefits the AirPods Max has to offer. As an Android user, you’ll miss out on call quality, firmware updates, Spatial Audio, and more. Hence, if you’re choosing between the Apple AirPods Max and the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 or the Sony WH-1000XM5, pick one of the latter two or get an iPhone.

The chart below shows how the sound of the Apple AirPods Max was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score ( MDAQS ) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.

The microphone performance is very good, but you may notice the better performance when you pair the headphones to an Apple device.

Apple AirPods Max microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Apple airpods max microphone demo (office conditions):, how does the mic sound to you, the edifier w820nb plus have great anc for cheap.

The Edifier W820NB Plus presents a compelling budget choice for those seeking decent noise cancelation without breaking the bank. While not the most premium ANC experience, our tests show the W820NB Plus provides good passive noise isolation thanks to the well-fitting ear pads that help reduce ambient noise. The active noise canceling mode is also quite effective at nullifying low-frequency sounds like engine rumbles when commuting.

Beyond the capable noise canceling, the W820NB Plus offers a well-balanced, natural-sounding default audio tuning that scores impressively well in our perceptual tests. Other strengths include a comfortable fit with plush padding, a long battery life exceeding 31 hours, and versatile connectivity with support for LDAC codec and a wired USB audio option.

However, the non-folding design is a notable drawback for travelers and commuters. The headphones also lack a customizable EQ for fine-tuning the sound. But for casual listeners on a tight budget seeking solid all-around noise canceling performance, the Edifier W820NB Plus emerges as a value-packed option that gets the job done without much fuss.

You can see how the  frequency response  of the Edifier W820NB Plus compares to  our headphone preference curve  in the  chart  above. You’ll notice the headphones follow our preference curve quite closely in the low end, and there is only a bit of deviation in the mid and  high frequencies .

The chart below shows how the sound of the Edifier W820NB Plus was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score ( MDAQS ) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.

The Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 are good bang for buck

For those seeking a budget-friendly option with active noise cancelation (ANC), plus the benefits of fast charging long and decent sound quality, we recommend the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 . This set of headphones is designed for everyday use thanks to its comfortable design and a battery life that exceeds 40 hours on a single charge. The inclusion of a hardshell carrying case, USB-C charging cable, and an analog audio cable for wired listening make it a complete package.

The Q30’s ANC capability performs well in reducing environmental noise. You also get three ANC modes to toggle between in the app, depending on if you and indoors, outdoors, or on the go. The Soundcore app further allows customization of the sound profile through its equalizer, though the EQ presets aren’t as effective as you’ll find in more expensive options. As is becoming common with headphones, there is a lot of over-emphasis on the bass and higher harmonics, which, while not ideal, can be fun for listening to high-energy genres.

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones have great noise canceling but an odd frequency response

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones showcase effective noise cancelation capabilities, adept at attenuating low-frequency noises like engine and street sounds by 50-85%. They manage to reduce noise by 10 to 30dB under 1kHz, and high-pitched noise sees a reduction of 20-45 dB. This performance, coupled with their well-designed ear cups that create a good seal, makes them a solid choice for commuters or those in moderately noisy environments.

In terms of sound quality, the QuietComfort headphones present a mixed bag. The sub-bass is noticeably over-emphasized, overshadowing the mid frequencies and creating an unbalanced sound profile. This heavy bass can distort the perception of mid-range sounds, making them appear weaker. The headphones do align well with our preferred headphone curve above 60Hz, but the irregularities in the high frequencies (notably around 6-8kHz) can lead to an unusual listening experience. Compared to its predecessor, the Bose QuietComfort 45 , the new model falls short in delivering a well-rounded audio experience. Despite the availability of the Bose app, it doesn’t rectify these sound issues fully.

In summary, while the Bose QuietComfort Headphones excel in noise cancelation, their peculiar frequency response in the sub-bass and high frequencies may not appeal to all users, especially those sensitive to tonal balance and treble clarity.

The best noise canceling headphones: Notable mentions

• Anker Soundcore Space Q45 ( $149 at Amazon ): Although they fall short in terms of frequency response, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 deliver solid active noise canceling for a low price ( $149 at Amazon ). They are a decent option for anyone looking for an inexpensive headset that still handles loud environments with a deft touch.
• Anker Soundcore Space One ( $99.99 at Amazon ): These are the latest noise canceling cans from Soundcore by Anker, stated to reduce outside noise by 98%. We are still in the process of testing these, but based on the majority of user feedback, it looks like another success in the brand’s value headset lineup.
• Bowers & Wilkins PX7 ( $99 at Amazon ): While this set of headphones is very clearly geared to compete with the high-end cans listed here, it may be too pricy for the sound you get out of it. If they fit well, you’ll enjoy the ANC though.
• Bose QuietComfort 35 II ( $374 at Amazon ): Though they are outperformed by the headphones on this list, the Bose QC 35 II are still a great pair of noise canceling cans. Even with the latest Bose QuietComfort 45 surpassing them, the QC 35 II’s price is a bit easier to swallow. And, if you want to use them for gaming, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Gaming Headset offers everything the regular QC 35 II has, plus a detachable boom microphone for $279 at Amazon .
• Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 ( $379 at Amazon ): The last generation Bose flagship headphones had top-notch ANC, beautiful design and excellent sound quality.
• Focal Bathys ( $699 at Amazon ): We have these tested, and they’re great—but they’re also $699 and only cancel noise as well as the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless, so they’re a tough sell to a general crowd. For an audiophile, however, they’re definitely worth a look.
• Jabra Elite 85h ( $190.99 at Best Buy ): These headphones offer great sound and good noise canceling for the mid-range market, and also have automatic ear detection and water resistance, amongst other more unusual features.
• Monoprice BT-600ANC   ( $84.99 at Amazon ): For most casual listeners, these are the best bang for your buck headphones. The combination of great isolation and noise cancelation, decent sound, and premium features is a sight for sore eyes in the sub-$100 headphone category.
• Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet ( $139 at Amazon ): An affordable and sleek pair of active noise canceling headphones for children. The design fits smaller heads and limits the maximum volume to help protect your kiddo’s hearing.
• Sennheiser HD 450BT ( $129 at Amazon ): A great choice because of their sound quality. However, unless you have tiny ears, the ear cups probably fit more like on-ear headphones than over-ears. A bit more affordable than the Sennheiser PXC 550-II, but the active noise canceling isn’t quite as good .
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless ( $289.23 at Amazon ): If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable set of ANC headphones in comparison to the Bose or Sony offerings: the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless is not a bad way to go. While its ANC is technically behind the other top-tier headphones, its sound quality is ahead of the pack—as is its battery life.
• Sennheiser ACCENTUM Plus ( $217.95 at Amazon ): If you are looking for a middle-ground ANC headphone to last you a few years, these are great for the price.
• Shure AONIC 50 ( $298 at Amazon ): This is an excellent headset for listeners who want as many options to connect as possible. You get SBC, AAC, aptX HD, and LDAC support, along with a standard wired connection and support for USB-C passthrough audio. We also love this headset for its premium build, extremely comfortable design, and excellent sound quality. If you want something a bit lighter and more affordable from Shure, check out the AONIC 40 .
• Sony WH-CH710N ( $748 at Amazon ): This headset boosts bass a bit more than we like, but can still be pleasant to most peoples’ ears. You get great noise canceling performance and a nice, compact build.
• Sony WH-CH720N ( $799 at Amazon ): If you’re looking for a decent set of noise canceling cans but don’t want to shell out the top-tier headphones, consider these as a good in-between option. They balance app support, good battery life, and solid functionality.

Hold up! Something’s different:

Some of our picks’ frequency response and isolation charts were measured with our old testing system. We have since purchased a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 test fixture (and the appropriate support equipment) to update our testing and data collection. It will take a while to update our backlog of old test results, but we will update this article (and many others!) once we’re able with improved sound quality measurements and isolation performance plots. These will be made obvious with our new chart aesthetic (black background instead of white).

Thank you for bearing with us, and we hope to see you again once we’ve sorted everything out.

What you should know about the best noise canceling headphones

How do noise canceling headphones work.

Active noise cancellers attempt to increase the quality of your music by using destructive interference to eliminate noise. By using active noise cancelation tech (ANC), you can simultaneously make your music sound better in noisy environments. Still, you can also reduce how much sound your inner ear is subjected to, staving off hearing loss . Even if you use noise canceling headphones, you’re still at risk for noise-induced hearing loss because it doesn’t block out  all noise. Be sure to limit your exposure to all sounds above 85dB SPL if possible.

Can a firmware update make the noise canceling worse on your headphones?

There have been many accounts of ANC performance declining after an update; we’ve seen this with the Bose QuietComfort 35 II and others. When you experience worse noise canceling after an update, try to factory reset the headset. After resetting the headset, try to install the latest firmware again, but only after your source device and headset are fully charged.

Yes, noise canceling can get better after an update, and we’ve seen this with multiple headsets, most notably the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 and Bose QuietComfort 35 II. Let’s look at the Bose NCH 700. Above, you can see the NCH 700 noise canceling improved after Bose released firmware 1.8.2. Bose takes its headphone updates seriously, and the fact that you get improved performance throughout a headset’s lifespan increases the product’s value.

What should you get if you don’t want noise canceling headphones?

Active noise cancelation requires the use of batteries, and that’s a pain for many people. There’s really no way around it unless you ditch the active noise cancelation and go for passive isolators. Really, the best way to do that is to get some in-ears . You may find them uncomfortable, but we’ve had good luck with Comply memory foam tips . They conform perfectly to your ear canal every time, which not only means super-good isolation with whatever earbuds you want, but also they’re as comfortable as it gets with that type of audio device.

Do Bluetooth codecs matter for noise canceling headphones?

Additionally, you may find that you may need to upgrade your phone if you haven’t in the last few years to get the most out of your audio. Remember how I just said Bluetooth is messy? Well, that’s because its great irony is that despite its namesake , it’s a fractious and varied set of standards that don’t play well together. Unless you have a flagship phone like an iPhone, Galaxy, or V20, chances are good that you’ll be stuck on an older, crappier codec. When studying spec sheets, you’re going to want to make sure that both the headphones  and the phones support either AAC , aptX , or LDAC . However, Android phones with Android 8.0 or higher will have these standards by default.

What about ANC headphones in the office?

The truth of the matter is that what makes a set of ANC headphones good in general will make them good for the office. We cover this topic in another article , but it shouldn’t surprise you that our picks for that category look suspiciously similar to the ones listed here.

In general, the level of ANC isn’t as important to an office setting as it is commuting, so don’t get too hung up on the headphones with the most attenuated noise. Instead, you want a good balance of battery performance, sound quality, and microphone performance. It’s probably no surprise then that the Sony WH-1000XM5, with its impressive mic array, does so well in this setting. You can compare how well each headset does in reviews by playing the appropriate office simulation, like so:

Audio-Technica ATH-M20XBT: Office conditions

Sony wh-1000xm5: office conditions, how soundguys tests headphones.

How well headphones and earphones attenuate noise is simple to test . Using our Bruel & Kjaer 5128 test head, we can offer accurate measurements of what a human would experience. Basically, we measure how much the headset under test attenuates our test signal (shaped noise) with and without ANC enabled.

While ANC is certainly getting a lot better, it won’t always be perfect at getting rid of incidental noise like people talking, people dropping things, crashes, kids banging pots and pans. In those instances, passive acoustic isolation will serve you better (shown as a solid pink line on our charts)

How SoundGuys chooses candidates and winners

We’ve been covering the consumer audio industry for some time, and we’re aware of what’s happening in the market. However, we give everyone their fair shot because we’re not all-knowing gods of consumer audio or anything, and there are always some surprises out there; yes, even for this best noise canceling headphones list.

It’s also important to check our ideas about what people want at the door because we’re not the ones buying; you are. So, from time to time, we take to Twitter or YouTube to publish polls to see just how people are actually buying these headphones. Like good journalists, we posted the question, and the results were a little surprising:

So, with that in mind, we set off to assess each candidate’s product in the order of importance established by the poll.

After using all of our candidates, we hashed out which headphones are the most comfortable, best sounding, etc. From there, we went down the list of the most important factors and averaged the ranks based on a system of weighting that rewarded categories in order of performance. If we ever encountered two headphones that were roughly “the same” as each other in any one metric, we didn’t split hairs; they got the same sub-rank. Once we got our new number, it was easy to pick our winners!

Why you should trust SoundGuys

The writers at SoundGuys have accumulated years of experience reporting on the consumer audio market, testing audio products, and helping consumers find the right audio product for them. Our staff adheres to a strict ethics policy , and no writer will gain anything from recommending one brand over another.

We pride ourselves on transparently outlining objective facts and measurements while accounting for the subjective experience to contextualize an audio product’s performance. When we do misspeak, we correct and own up to it .

Frequently asked questions about the best noise canceling headphones

Although the ATH-M50xBT2 is a great headset, it doesn’t have noise canceling. You get decent isolation, though, and very good sound quality that works well for daily listening and studio work. We love the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 for its uniquely long battery life and various connection options too.

Great question! We’re actually looking at expanding our current ANC test to include various noise types you’d commonly encounter and assess headphones on their ability to cancel out each one separately. Stay tuned.

JBL makes decent budget-friendly headphones, but their active noise canceling options don’t perform as well as these higher-end choices. That being said, some models, like the JBL Live 650BTNC , have decent active noise canceling for the price, but the sound quality is only okay. If you’re willing to fork over a bit more money, you can get better-quality headphones in the Sennheiser PXC 550-II.

Active noise canceling headphones work by detecting the sound going on around them and then creating a sound wave exactly opposite to the detected sound wave. If a sudden sound occurs, it’s difficult for this technology to detect it and cancel it on time.

For those looking for a solid all-rounder, you’ll probably dig the Sony WH-1000XM5. They tick all the boxes — from fab noise cancelation to slick sound quality. But remember, “best” can be pretty personal. It all depends on what you’re after.

They sure do! It’s all about that Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) magic. Put simply, these headphones listen to the outside world, and then they create their own sound waves to cancel out the noise. But, just to set the record straight, they won’t turn your surroundings into a zen-like silence. It’s quieter, not mute.

If the quiet life is what you’re chasing, the Apple AirPods Max has got your back. They’re top-notch when it comes to turning the volume down on the world.

Both over-ear and in-ear headphones have their perks. If you’re not big on battery life, in-ear headphones, especially with those squishy memory foam tips, can block out noise without the tech. But, if it’s the best ANC capabilities you’re after, over-ear headphones are usually where it’s at.

So, while we’re all for jamming out, sometimes you gotta unplug and stay alert. Think walking on a bustling street, cycling, or when you’re behind the wheel. Sometimes, it’s cool to just vibe with the world around you.

Just a heads up: even with any of these bad boys on, super loud environments can still be, well, loud. Aim to not expose your ears to sounds over 85dB to keep your hearing in check . And, you know, sometimes it’s good to give your ears a breather, especially for young ones .

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The 10 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Travel

Adele Chapin

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With the state of travel today (we’re talking inappropriate and downright unruly passengers ), it might be time to invest in a pair of headphones that almost completely block out the world around you. To achieve your own personal cone of silence, check out these headphones that incorporate active noise cancellation technology to help drown out background chatter and let you focus entirely on your music or movie. Many of these over-the-ear headphones have features that are great for listeners on the move too, from enhanced battery life to one-tap Spotify access.

All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless

Designed specifically for travelers, Sennheiser describes the feeling of putting on a pair of PXC 550 Wireless headphones like “upgrading to First Class”—no matter what it says on your boarding pass. The adaptive noise-canceling technology for these Bluetooth headphones are highly rated, and you’ll find other intuitive touches like 30 hours of battery life, fold-flat design, and “Smart Pause” that automatically turns off your music when you slide the headphones off. 

Soundcore by Anker Life Q30

If your budget is under $100, consider Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 . This popular set of headphones punches above its price point when it comes to filtering out plane noise, thanks to a multi-mode noise canceling system that includes a “transport” setting designed specifically for that environment. The Bluetooth headphones also come with a lay-flat case and can go 40 hours between charges.

The 10 Best Travel Podcasts

Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700

These sleek Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 look luxurious (with the price tag to match). There are lots of bells and whistles, naturally: you can chat with voice assistants like Alexa and even access your Spotify playlist with only a tap. Eleven levels of high-tech adjustable noise canceling lets you decide how tuned in or out you want to be, with levels from low to medium to high.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

Get Bose’s famous quality for under $200 with the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones . Like the more expensive Bose 700 option, these headphones are designed to “ obliterate ” cabin noise. They include built-in Alexa and Google Assistant voice access. You can also use that button to toggle between high or low noise cancellation.

Sony WH-1000XM4

These stylish and highly-rated Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones have some very cool features that might make the expensive price tag worth it for travelers. Not only does it automatically pause your music when you slip the Bluetooth headphones on or off, a “speak to chat” feature cuts off your tunes when you start speaking. There’s even a way to toggle the high-tech noise canceling feature so you can hear announcements for when your plane is boarding and then crank it back up when you’re in your seat.

8 Wireless Headphones for Every Travel Budget

JBL Live 660NC

Have a long flight with connections? Don’t worry about bringing a charging cord with these JBL Live 660NC headphones that last for up to 50 hours between powering up. You can even check the battery life status with just your voice, or ask questions of Alexa or Google voice assistants. The adaptive noise canceling technology includes options like “Ambient Aware” or “TalkThru,” which lets you have a quick convo without removing your headphones.

Sony WH-XB910N

These Sony WH-XB910N headphones offer many of the futuristic options as the brand’s higher-end models (like a “traveling” mode for active sound canceling or “quick attention” setting that allows you to turn them off with a wave of the hand). You’ll also get 30 hours of battery life and a touch panel on the side of the headphones.

Apple AirPods Max

If money is no object—or you’re an Apple superfan—the new Apple AirPods Max are a work of art. The audio is supposed to be theater quality, combined with high-tech noise cancellation and a headset design that gently cradles your ears in sound. Travel-friendly features include a special carrying case and 20 hours of battery life. 

10 Engrossing Audiobooks for Travel

Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise Canceling On-Ear Headphones

The noise-canceling feature on Beats Solo Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones is said to be stellar, drowning out noisy neighbors or sirens. If you sit next to a friend with a pair of Beats, you can even share audio together during your travels.

SuperEQ S1 Bluetooth 5.0 Over Ear Wireless Wired Headset 

In the budget category, there’s SuperEQ S1 Bluetooth 5.0 Over Ear Wireless Wired Headset that clocks in around the $50 mark with noise cancellation that reviewers say works well for the price point. These headphones have nice features like three different modes for active noise cancellation, including a setting that allows you to hear ambient noise for safety. 

You Might Also Like:

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Best noise-cancelling headphones 2024 – tested by our experts

Silence the outside world with a pair of its best ANC headphones

• Best overall
• Best premium
• Best audiophile
• Best cheap earbuds
• Best premium earbuds
• How to choose

Also consider

• How we test

Recent updates

1. The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best cheap 4. Best premium 5. Best audiophile 6. Best cheap earbuds 7. Best premium earbuds 8. Also consider 9. How to choose 10. How we test

Fed up of crying babies, noisy engines and office chit-chat interrupting your music? The best noise-cancelling headphones will help you block out external noise in the office, on trains and planes, or just around the house, ensuring you can enjoy your music playlists and podcasts uninterrupted.

We've tested and reviewed hundreds of pairs of active noise-cancelling headphones since the first pair from Bose surfaced three decades ago, and we are pleased to report that the rising ubiquity of the sound-blocking feature over recent years has certainly gone hand in hand with increased quality.

All the noise-cancelling headphones on this page have been fully reviewed by What Hi-Fi?'s in-house team of experts, who collectively have over 100 years of testing experience. Every review involves comparative testing: we keep our favourite products on-site so that every new pair can be put directly against the best-in-class competition to see how it fares in the field. You can read more about how we test noise-cancelling headphones at the bottom of the page.

But without further ado, here is our pick of the best noise-cancelling headphones... After in-ears specifically? Check out our expert best noise-cancelling earbuds pick instead.

The quick list

Best noise-cancelling headphones overall

If you are after premium noise-cancelling headphones that tick every box, your auditioning should start here.

Read more below

Best cheap noise-cancelling headphones

Affordable wireless over-ears that nail both sound and noise cancellation are rare, so consider these Sonys very special.

Best premium noise-cancelling headphones

Attractive design, wonderful sound and solid ANC make for hugely attractive over-ears – especially for Apple users.

Best audiophile noise-cancelling headphones

Mark Levinson justifies the No. 5909’s lofty price tag with benchmark wireless performance and decent ANC.

Best cheap noise-cancelling earbuds

Sony’s wireless earbuds combine comfort, ANC and sensational sound quality in a nicely affordable package.

Best premium noise-cancelling earbuds

While a little on the pricey side, these Boses set the benchmark for noise-cancelling in a pair of wireless earbuds.

As the managing editor of  What Hi-Fi?, with over a decade of audio reviewing experience, I've listened to hundreds of pairs of headphones, many of which have included active noise-cancelling technology. I'm a keen traveller, so I quickly learnt the value of ANC on trains and planes! While benchmark sound quality is a huge priority when it comes to choosing the best noise-cancellers, so too is sound-blocking ability. Battery life and all-day comfort are also important considerations. To that end, you can rest assured that every pair below is an excellent all-rounder and class leader at its respective price.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Sony's latest wireless noise-cancelling headphones are the best-value pair and our favourite overall, as their current What Hi-Fi? Award attests to.

It can be tricky for a manufacturer to push the sound performance of a product consistently from generation to generation, but that is what Sony has managed to do with the WH-1000XM5 headphones.

When we saw the official pictures of the XM5, we were more than a bit surprised. We wondered whether it was sensible to give one of Sony’s biggest success stories in recent memory – the previous WH-1000XM4, which are still knocking around as cheaper alternatives – a major overhaul. But it paid off. 

The Sony XM5 headphones might feel a little less classy than before, but the jump in sound quality from the previous generation is a big one and once again sees Sony sit at the top of the pile. If you're looking for a new pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones, your auditioning should start here. 

That said, the more analytical and stylish B&W Px7 S2e are worth stretching to if budget allows, while the older Sony XM4 are still worth snapping up if you find the XM5 too pricey. Wondering where Bose's rivals fit into all of this? The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones block sound better and are on level terms for sound quality, but they are significantly more expensive. The closest price match, the Bose QuietComfort 45 , are not recommendable over the Sonys, but they have recently been replaced (by non-'45' models) which we are yet to go twelve rounds with.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM5 review

2. Sony WH-CH720N

The What Hi-Fi? Award-winning Sony WH-CH720N are the best over-ear ANC headphones we’ve tested at this more affordable price.

As headphones go, we were outright gobsmacked by how well they performed, both in our listening rooms and in the real world, with our experts finding they matched – and at points beat – significantly more expensive sets in many areas.

The navy blue set we tested looked wonderfully unassuming, and while the WH-CH720N don’t fold down or come with a carry case, as their more expensive sibling the Sony WH-1000XM5 (above) do, we found them surprisingly comfortable to wear. 

Noise-cancelling performance is also excellent. While pricier pairs like the XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones offer undeniably more effective ANC, the WH-CH720N did manage to dampen background noise during morning commutes reliably – an achievement most affordable sets fail to manage.

The ANC also didn’t completely eat the WH-CH720N’s battery, with our reviews team generally getting a full week’s use out of them.

As a final perk, they also sound pretty darned good considering their price. With all our test music across multiple genres, the WH-CH720N delivered a confident and enthusiastic performance. Our only minor qualm is that on a few occasions, the Sony’s could deliver excessive bass, but at this price that’s hardly a deal breaker. In fact, if you like lots of bass and your budget sits somewhere between the WH-CH720N and XM5, you might want to check out Sony's brand-new, bass-boosted ULT Wear headphones .

At this price, we haven't found another pair that comes close to the WH-CH720N's all-round appeal. Want more choice at the budget end of the market? Check out our dedicated page for the best cheap noise-cancelling headphones .

Read our Sony WH-CH720N review

3. Apple AirPods Max

When Apple released its first over-ear headphones in 2020, they were priced above the current crop of premium wireless ANC models – your Sony WH-XMs (above), your Bose QuietComforts and your Sennheiser Momentums, for example. Thankfully, the AirPods Max justified their extra expense with superior sound quality, not to mention a gorgeous design and (then-unique) spatial audio support.

Pricier pairs have since surfaced, no doubt given the green light by the AirPods Max's arrival – one such pair is below. But for the money (and especially if you can get a deal on them), the AirPods Max are still hugely recommendable – particularly for Apple users who will be able to benefit from certain features like spatial audio for music and movies, and the ability to connect to two Apple devices at once. They will work with non-Apple products using standard Bluetooth 5.0, but you’ll miss out on many of their unique features.

Assuming you are a keen Apple user, the AirPods Max are among the very best wireless headphones you can buy. Their authenticity, detail, crispness and spaciousness elevate them so far above the previous crop of wireless noise-cancellers deemed 'premium' that the comparison starts to become a little redundant, and you instead begin to consider them alongside proper hi-fi products.

Read our Apple AirPods Max review

4. Mark Levinson No. 5909

The aesthetic of these high-end wireless noise-cancelling headphones might not be to everyone's taste, but their build quality and performance are nothing short of remarkable.

The Mark Levinson No. 5909 perform substantially better than the class-leading crop of slightly cheaper (but still very premium) competition – think the Apple AirPods Max (above) and Focal Bathys – and for not much extra now that they have been reduced from their original £999/$999/AU$1599 RRP.

If we hadn’t unboxed the Levinsons and gone through the simple Bluetooth pairing process ourselves, we would have been tempted to check for any wires dangling from the earcups. While the No. 5909’s performance is still short of the best available from similarly priced wired headphones, it’s easily among the best wireless headphones performance we’ve heard. In fact, the only wireless pair we've come across that performs better is the T+A Solitaire T at £1200/$1600/AU$2160.

The Mark Levinsons physically block sound more than most noise-cancelling pairs due to their substantial build and solid-yet-satisfactory clamp force, and we admire the consistency of their sonic character and quality when ANC is on and off – not by any means a given for noise-cancelling wireless headphones. 

For anyone who is after the convenience of wireless and ANC without sacrificing too much sound quality, the No.5909 are highly recommendable.

Read our full Mark Levinson No. 5909 review

5. Sony WF-C700N

Looking for the best noise-cancelling earbuds as opposed to over-ears? Sony's excellent value WF-C700N slot neatly between the budget (non-noise-cancelling) WF-C500  and flagship  WF-1000XM5 , both of which feature on our list of the  best wireless earbuds  overall.

The C700N are nicely compact, but what's really impressive is how their lightweight design actually helps to make them even more comfortable than the more premium Sony XM5. They are supremely comfy and almost unbelievably well-made considering the price. 

Sony's value buds do lack high-quality  aptX HD  and  LDAC Bluetooth codec support, but crucially they do feature noise-cancelling technology. Adaptive Sound Control automatically switches listening modes depending on your location, and Sony's DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) upscales low-res digital audio files to higher quality, a truly impressive feature at this level. A software update has seen Bluetooth Multipoint also added so you can be connected to two devices simultaneously.

Best of all, Sony's knack for a sound profile that feels energetic yet nuanced and well-balanced is fully on display with the C700N, with deep, detailed bass, expressive mids and engaging highs. They're a very musical listen for the money and a clear step up from the cheaper WF-C500, so you're not just paying extra for ANC and a few added features.

Downsides? The charging case only provides one extra charge which seems a little mean. But the superb sound and great feature set make these easy to recommend as some of the best Sony headphones available.

Read our full  Sony WF-C700N review

I haven't come across a pair of wireless earbuds that offers this much value for money for some time. They sound musical, mature, refined and detailed. In our WF-C700N review, we said that “there’s a fantastic sense of power and drive on display that grabs your attention and hooks you into the song”. They also boast impressive levels of comfort, 7.5 hours of battery life, a rechargeable carry case and, of course, that all-important noise-cancelling functionality. 

6. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are more than just a new lick of paint over the previous QuietComfort Earbuds II they replace; they usher in a new 'Ultra' line of headphones with a revised design, new features and an improved sound.

Interesting is the addition of Immersive Audio, the company’s take on spatial audio technology. It essentially aims to get the sound 'out of your head' so that it feels more like you're listening to a pair of stereo speakers than a pair of headphones. Its ambition is impressive, though we found it a little hit-and-miss during testing so it isn't, in our minds, an imperative feature.

We’d be worried if the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds weren’t competitive on the ANC front, mind you, given Bose's history in the field. Thankfully and not at all surprisingly, we can confirm they’re still arguably the class leaders in this department. They’re able to effectively silence even the noisiest environments, whether it's the rumble of heavy machinery as you walk past a building site or the loud chatter and sound system of a crowded pub.

As for sound quality, Bose has stayed true to the character it settled on years ago. There’s a familiar richness and fullness to the sound, but the new Ultra have a bit more of a skip in their step too, sounding a touch punchier and a little clearer in their delivery. A welcome move indeed.

It's a tough call between the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Sony WF-1000XM5 . The Sonys took the latest What Hi-Fi? Award at this price point for their more impressive feature set and an analytical sound we just about preferred over the Boses' more energetic, fun one. But the Boses are more comfortable and do have more comprehensive noise-cancelling technology, making them more attractive to those who prioritise ANC.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review

Immersive Audio is Bose’s take on spatial audio; it works with any stereo music to try to add a layer of extra spatialisation to the sound. While we’re not 100 per cent sold on the technology, we would still suggest it’s worth having a play with to hear the effects for yourself. It should work out of the box, and there is an option to recalibrate the headphones should the mode sound completely out of sorts. Head to the main menu then select Immersive Audio to have a listen.

How to choose the best noise-cancelling headphones for you

Noise-cancelling tends to go hand in hand with wireless Bluetooth connectivity; you'll find few wired ANC pairs these days, which is logical considering noise-cancelling is associated with portability. Indeed, it's one of the key differences between wireless and wired headphones. That wireless/ANC combination gives you both the freedom of no wires and the isolation to block out sound on the go. Meanwhile, battery life often now pushes north of 24 hours.

Most pairs of ANC (active noise-cancelling) headphones not only include microphones to cancel out external sound but also to allow for chatting with friends and family, or for those video meetings that are all the rage these days.

The two most important things to consider are whether having different levels of ANC is important to you or whether you want an over-ear or in-ear pair. The best noise-cancelling over-ears tend to isolate you pretty substantially, while the effect is certainly noticeable but generally less severe in earbuds . Both styles offer ANC for affordable prices below £100 / $100 / AU$150 these days, though.

Some pairs simply allow you to switch ANC on or off, which is fine if you're listening to them on a train or plane. Other models, however, give you greater flexibility and the ability to adjust the intensity of the noise cancellation effect based on the scenario you are using them in. You might also want to allow external noise through if you're using them in traffic-heavy areas, so the majority of ANC headphones today feature a 'Transparency Mode' that, when activated, temporarily does just that.

Another increasingly popular feature to look out for is Bluetooth Multipoint, which lets you connect more than one device to your headphones at the same time, allowing you to, for example, listen to music through your laptop but seamlessly switch over to your phone when a call comes in.

Focal Bathys: If style is important to you, Focal's premium ANC Bluetooth over-ear headphones are great alternatives to the Mark Levinson and Apple Max picks on this page. They have a compellingly big, spacious, clear and full-bodied sound, coupled with a gorgeous design and the bonus of high-quality aptX Adaptive Bluetooth and USB-C wired listening.

Sony WF-1000XM5: While the premium Bose earbuds boast the best ANC we have ever come across in a pair of buds, these Sonys come very close to their sound-blocking ability and offer a slightly more insightful sound. They're more affordable, too.

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e: If you like the sound of the Sony WH-1000XM5 on this page but can stretch your budget a little further, consider these B&Ws. They're considerably more stylish in our eyes and take the edge when it comes to sonic insight. The complete portable headphones package, inside and out. We simply find the cheaper Sonys better value when it comes down to the wire.

• Want more choices? The best cheap noise-cancelling headphones 

How we test noise-cancelling headphones

While we have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading, where our team of experienced, in-house reviewers test the majority of hi-fi and AV kit that passes through our door, noise-cancelling headphones are different beasts whose testing requires everyday use on the go in different – and yes, noisy – environments.

Therefore, our noise-cancelling headphones reviewing process sees us use pairs in an office, amidst street noise, on public transport and, when we can, even on a plane. We judge a pair's ANC effectiveness as well as its portability, comfort and battery life, and naturally sound quality is king in forming our verdicts and star ratings too. 

As  What Hi-Fi?  is all about comparative testing, each pair we review is compared to the best in its price and style class – whether that's one standout pair or a few we favour most among the many models we listen to each year for reviews and during the  What Hi-Fi?  Awards judging. We keep class-leading products in our stockrooms so we can always compare new products to rival ones we know and love and see how they perform contextually in the market.

All review verdicts are agreed upon by the team rather than an individual reviewer to eliminate any personal preference and to make sure we're being as thorough as possible, too. There's no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict, with  What Hi-Fi?  proud of having delivered honest, unbiased reviews for decades.

Read more about how we test and review products at What Hi-Fi?

• April 2024: No new entries due to no new class leaders emerging, despite plenty of new headphones reviews, including Sennheiser Accentum Plus Wireless and Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 .
• March 2024: Added an 'also consider' section (above) to give readers more choice if they need it.
• January 2024: Replaced the Focal Bathys with the Mark Levinson No. 5909 as our best premium over-ear noise-cancelling headphones, due to a drop in price for the Mark Levinson headphones.
• December 2023: Replaced the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II with the new Bose QuietComfort Ultra .
• August 2023: Added the Sony WH-CH720N headphones as our affordable option, replacing the Lindy BNX-60 . 

Which headphones block out the most noise?

Thankfully, this one is relatively easy. Our current pick as the best noise-cancelling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5 – which you will find at number one in our list on this very page – offer great active noise-cancelling performance. Partner that with excellent sound, a good fit and decent build, and that's why we think they're the best option for most people. Unlike some features, i.e. sound quality, it's not the case that you can spend more and more for better and better performance. If noise-cancelling is your key concern, you can be more than content with these Sonys. 

Is noise-cancelling worth it in headphones?

Yes, we certainly think so. If you spend any time listening to music (or podcasts) in a loud environment, then noise-cancelling is a real game-changer. ANC is the difference between being able to hear the heated discussion on your radio show, and simply not being able to – or having to turn the volume up and up in order to hear it clearly. And it's the same for music. So for noise offices, loud trains, or just busy households, we're serious fans of the noise-cancelling technology. 

Do 100% noise-cancelling headphones exist?

In a word, no. But almost. You'll be hard-pressed to find headphones capable of blocking out absolutely all noise-cancelling headphones but the best over-ear models (which are on this list), will block out a huge amount of outside noise. This ANC tech alongside a good, over-ear noise-isolating fit for the headphone cups (more on that below), will ensure only the loudest and closest noises penetrate your sonic cocoon. 

What is the difference between noise cancelling and noise blocking headphones?

Active noise cancelling (ANC) technology means your headphones have tiny microphones on the outer housing of the headphones that listen to the noise around you and quickly create an artificial sonic mirror image of that external sound. If you produce one sound wave with the same amplitude but opposite phase, you get something called an antiphase. Added together, the two sounds cancel each other out. The result? Silence (or near enough). Clever, eh? You can read a more detailed explanation on our page about how active noise-cancelling technology works .

Can noise cancelling headphones damage your ears?

Noise-cancelling headphones specifically will not damage your ears or give you tinnitus. This damage happens if you listen to music at high volume for extended periods of time – and we tend to be referring to sound levels found in clubs, bars and other music venues. But certainly, like with any headphones, you shouldn't listen at loud volumes for a long time. However, if anything, noise-cancelling headphones will allow you to listen at lower volumes, as you don't need to turn the volume up to counter outside noise. 

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Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10 years in the hi-fi industry, she has been fortunate enough to travel the world to report on the biggest and most exciting brands in hi-fi and consumer tech (and has had the jetlag and hangovers to remember them by). In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.

• Harry McKerrell Staff writer
• David Homer BE WARNED: The Sony WH-1000XM4 are NOT rated for sports. I had a pair I used during lockdown for spin classes and they packed in completely - Sony couldn't fix them and said that they're not covered by warranty if they get wet (clearly you can't get sweaty with them without throwing away £300)! Reply
• 0rdep What about soundcore Liberty pro 3? Better than 90% of the above list Reply
• stripeycat In the interests of flagging what I (and other internet users) consider to be a glaring design flaw in these and their predecessors, the mx3, glaring enough to warrant not actually purchasing the product as a result, it is worth noting for anyone fastidious enough to make their way to the comments module of articles such as this that the outer plastic slider component that attaches the earpiece assembly to the headband and allows this to move up and down to account for different head sizes is extremely flimsy and is prone to snapping with a very limited amount of careful use (eg. on no more than twenty separate occasions while sitting at a seated desk over the lockdown period). This plastic slider CANNOT be replaced without completely disassembling the entire right earpiece component which includes desoldering 10 microwires from the board housed inside this unit. The slider itself can also not be purchased from the manufacturer but has to be sourced via third party providers such as aliexpress where the best a user can hope for is a copy manufactured in china. i do not care how good the sound quality in a noice cancelling headphone is if, quite frankly, i cannot use the thing after a year and a half because it will not remain on my head, and may cost me - should i agree to the prohibitive cost of repair specified by the manufacturer - £120 MINUS labour costs, in this case. Waiting on delivery of my new QuietComfort 45s. I don't care if it is claimed that they are 'not as good' as these things. My QC I set are still my backup headphones and are going strong after seven years. I'll continue to vote with my wallet. Reply

0rdep said: What about soundcore library pro 3? Better than 90% of the above list

• View All 4 Comments

Best headphones for travel 2024: noise-cancelling for holidays and work travel

It's time to grab a pair of the best headphones for travel, for long flights, train journeys, and car rides

If you’re not travelling with a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, you’re not doing it properly. Sure, you could travel with the same earphones you use on your 30-minute commute, but don’t be surprised when they’re uncomfortable and you can’t even hear your movie, audiobook or podcast.

Buses and trains are loud. Aircraft cabins are louder. In fact, at take-off and landing noise levels inside the cabin can reach 105 decibels (dB). At cruising altitudes, it’s about 85 dB. This is why pilots have for decades been wearing headphones that produce sound waves to physically cancel out ambient noise.

Now you can, too.

For frequent long-haul flyers, noise-cancelling headphones are standard issue or, at least, they ought to be. That white noise a big aircraft’s engines and air-con systems produce is a killer. Cue a precise arrangement of microphones inside and outside the ear-cups of noise-cancelling headphones that continuously measure, compare and react to the sound waves they detect.

Essentially creating sound waves to cancel out the low frequencies, the latest trend is for noise-cancelling headphones to go wireless. However, a lot of models are both bulky and expensive, which means that you do have to shop around if you want something more compact or more affordable.

Luckily, noise-cancelling earphones are now coming of age, with some great quality products to pick from across the price range.

If you're looking to fully update your travel kit, then you'll need to make sure your headphones are packed inside the best suitcase or best carry-on luggage and you'll want to read T3's ultimate travel guide . And if you want something that'll let you drop off en route, you might want to also consult our guide to the best sleep headphones .

The best headphones for travel

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 .

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

We've found two companies dominate wireless noise-cancelling headphones; Bose and Sony . When it comes to bulky wireless noise-cancelling headphones aimed at business travellers, for every benchmark Bose, there's a Sony lurking in the shadows. 

The newest of the lot, Sony's WH-1000XM5 – announced in 2022 – come with a number of useful upgrades over the XM4 that we think are perfect for travellers. They still boast market-leading noise-cancelling, but now also have Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connectivity, and USC-PD (‘power delivery’) charging, so a mere three minutes of charging is good for three hours of playback. That's perfect if you're just about to get on a long haul flight and need a quick juice up.

The ANC itself is adaptive relative to your circumstances. The XM5 will learn (or can be told) about your most commonly visited locations and can (if you wish) adapt itself to suit.

While the Sony WH-1000XM5 don’t come cheap, in our review, we found the combination of sonic fidelity, top-tier active noise-cancellation, flawless ergonomics, competitive battery life and impeccable eco-credentials, these are hands-down the best headphones for travel.

2. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

The Bose QC35 and QC35 II were an icon of travel headphones – catch any rush-hour train and board any flight, and you will see black and silver Bose headphones peaking out from the top of almost every headrest.

Now, there's a new model in town. The literally-named Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 introduce a sleek new design that is both lightweight and elegant. Behind the smart look, the headphones still pack 11 adjustable levels of top-notch noice cancellation, impressive audio quality, and up to 20 hours of wireless battery life.

Like with many of today's headphones, either Alexa or Google Assistant can be summoned with the press of a button, while the stainless steel headband and padded, angled ear cups are designed to put comfort first.

To bag a great deal check our Bose discount codes . 

3. Bowers & Wilkins PX7

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 is the kind of outstanding product that B&W built a global reputation on. It combines all their hard-won expertise in audio manufacture with cutting-edge noise cancellation and looks stunning as well

We think the headphones sound great, with B&W's usual exciting, but well balanced, signature sound. In fact, we'd say they sound slightly better than the other big-ticket noise-cancelling headphones. 

The PX7 also features motion-sensing, which means if you lift a cup from your ear, the sound is paused, and if you take them off entirely, they go into standby mode. We found that's very useful when travelling, as you'll frequently need to remove them to talk to people.

4. Sony WF-1000XM4

If you're a Sony fan but need portability from your carry-on earphones, then the WF-1000XM4 are for you. Sony claims these tiny earphones offer improvements in every area, including noise cancellation, over their predecessors, while maintaining a compact design and pocket-sized charge case.

Battery life is eight hours for the earphones themselves, that's longer than Apple 's AirPods Pro, and up to 24 hours when you top them up using the charge case.

In our review, we said 'while the QuietComfort Earbuds may have them beaten for noise cancelling, Sony’s buds sound a fair bit better than Bose’s overall. Sony WF-1000XM4 are the complete package.'

5. Apple AirPods Pro

When Apple launched its AirPods Pro we couldn't believe white how good their active noise cancelling was. Despite their tiny size, they block out plenty of ambient sound passively with a good, comfortable fit, then create near-silence when the active noice cancelling is switched on.

Their touch controls are easy to use and if you are a fully paid-up member of the Apple ecosystem you can enjoy the AirPods' ability to automatically switch between your iPhone , iPad and Mac, depending on how you use them.

Battery life is 4.5 hours for the earphones themselves, with a further 24 hours of playback possible by popping them into the charging case every few hours. That can be a bit fo a drag on a long-hawk flight, but their pocket-friendly convenience more than makes up for it.

6. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95

Created to celebrate the brand's 95th anniversary, the Beoplay H95 might just be the most luxe and stylish travel headphones on this list. A combination of exceptional adaptive active noise cancellation, incredible comfort, sleek design, and outstanding sound performance makes H95 the perfect travel companion for first-class globetrotters. 

The headphones have been created from luxurious metal and fabrics to deliver an ultra-premium product in both build-quality and long-lasting comfort. They're equipped with high-quality titanium drivers tuned to Bang & Olufsen’s signature sound.

7. Shure Aonic 50

If you want to listen to music at its very best on your next trip away, with good noice cancelling too, the Shure Aonic 50 are an excellent pair of headphones. Shure took its time to get into the headphone market, but not it's fear we are big fans, and this year awarded the Aonic 50 our Platinum Award and have them the full five-star treatment.

The headphones have a wide range of audio codecs to get the best out of your music, and have superb build quality and great design. The only drawback here is how the Shure's have a tendency to highlight the shortcomings of older and lesser-quality audio. But feed them with quality sound and you'll be in for a treat.

8. Cleer Flow II

These noise-cancelling, Bluetooth headphones from Cleer are fantastic value. For less than £250 / $300 you get a pair of great-sounding headphones with a long list of premium features. The Flow II's boast up-to 20 hours playback with noise-cancelling enabled (that's most flights around the world covered). As for the quality of noise-cancelling? That's up there with the best from Sony and Bose. 

Our two favourite features (other than the excellent sound quality) is Google Fast Pair, which makes pairing with Android phones a breeze, and Conversation Mode, which temporarily disengages ANC and automatically lowers the volume of whatever you're listening to when you place your hand over the left ear cup.

9. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport

The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport won’t fit into many people’s budget, especially those who are looking for a dedicated pair of earbuds to work out in. It’s hard to justify the price since there are a lot of solid, cheaper options that are just as feature-rich. There’s also the fact that the E8 Sports may not provide the kind of sound signature you like. You’ll find most of the competition to be brighter than these.

However, if the price doesn’t scare you off and you prefer warmer audio, then you would be hard-pressed to find a better pair. Not only do the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport earbuds sound terrific, but they’re also beautifully designed from the customizable tips and fins down to their intuitive UI. Considering all that, its price starts to make a lot more sense and therefore, is justifiable. 

The effort and thought that B&O put into these are apparent. The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport are not just another set of earbuds. They're a work of art. 

10. Beats Studio 3 Wireless

Are these the best Beats ever? These wireless noise-cancelling headphones’ killer feature is the way noise control can adapt to the ambient noise around you, whether that's aircraft engine noise, wind, or the jibber-jabber of other travellers. 

The anti-wind mode is impressive since a stiff breeze is often the nemesis of noise-cancelling headphones because of the way they use microphones to monitor ambient sound. However, an algorithm in the Beats Studio3 fades-out wind within a few seconds. In fact, it’s a silky noise-cancelling performance all-round because these are one of the rare pairs of headphones where you just don't 'hear' the noise cancellation process as much as you do with other really good ANC cans. 

Happily, the Beats Studio3 are also the best sounding of the Studio range to date, with a detailed sonic signature throughout. Also handy is a ‘fast fuel' feature that gives three hours of playback from a 10-minute charge, and easy pairing and device switching as found on Apple’s AirPods.

How we test the best headphones for travel

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.

We'll usually spend a week or longer testing the latest noise-cancelling 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, and add an abridged review to this guide.

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As the Style and Travel Editor at T3, Spencer covers everything from clothes to cars and watches to hotels. Everything that's cool, stylish, and interesting, basically. He's been a part of T3 for over seven years, and in that time covered every industry event known to man, from CES and MWC to the Geneva Motorshow and Baselworld. When he's driving up and down the country in search of the greatest driving roads, he can be found messing around on an electric scooter, playing with luxury watches, or testing the latest fragrances.

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

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

The best earbuds for travel can all but eliminate the stress – and boredom – of long travel days, allowing you to tune out the noise and relax with music, podcasts and movies. And while over-the-ear headphones offer comfort, earbuds have the significant advantage of portability. Unlike headphones, earbuds can be slipped in a pocket when not in use, and don’t take up any valuable space in your bag.

Luckily, there has never been a better time to invest in some high-quality, noise-cancelling earbuds for travel. The best earbuds offer effective noise-cancellation technology, reliable wireless connectivity and premium sound quality. In short, this small piece of tech can make a huge difference when flying, road tripping or commuting.

What Are The Best Earbuds For Travel?

Battery : All the best features are useless if your earbuds are dead. Because earbuds should last at an entire day of travel (even long-haul flights) we’ve given battery life extra weight in our ranking. Most wireless earbuds will last about 15 to 30 hours in total, with about five to seven hours battery before using a charging case.

Wireless vs. True Wireless : Wireless headphones don’t need to be connected to anything, but the two buds are linked with a cord. True wireless headphones, on the other hand, are two individual buds not connected by a cord. We’ve stuck to the latter — true wireless — as we think any cords can get in the way while you’re on-the-go.

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Comfort : Because you’ll probably have your earbuds in for most of the day while traveling, comfort is very important. Look for ergonomically-designed earbuds, as well as options with multiple-sized tips to fit your ear.

1. Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds

Sony is one of the current leaders in the headphone market, and they’ve been able to downsize the same noise-cancelling technology in their headphones into these compact WF-1000XM4 earbuds.

Using newly-designed noise sensing microphone in each earbud, the WF-1000XM4s pick up outside noise and block as needed. For such a small device, they’re quite impressive noise-cancellers. They also automatically switch to “ambient mode,” which lets in more sound, when the earbuds sense activity (say, when you’re walking down the street). All of this technology is powered by Sony’s custom-made V1 processor, which handles the noise cancellation flawlessly.

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Battery life is very good with the WF-1000XM4s with eight hours on a single charge with noise cancelling on, and 12 hours when it’s off. The earbuds’ battery case adds an additional 24 hours of playtime. If you’re a frequent traveler, you won’t find a better pair of noise-cancelling earbuds than Sony’s WF-1000XM4s.

Buy Sony WF-1000XM4 $278.00

2. Edifier NeoBuds Pro

Edifier’s NeoBuds Pro are the best noise-cancelling earbuds we’ve tried for under $150, and a great pick for travelers who want to save some money for their trip.

The NeoBuds Pro have three microphones, which results in excellent noise cancelling performance, and very clear sound when making video calls. In our testing, these earbuds block out an impressive amount of noise. You should expect to completely eliminate the sound of an airplane’s engine if listening to music at roughly 70% volume.

Edifier says the Neobuds Pro last five hours with active noise cancellation turned on and six hours when it’s turned off. Their battery case adds an additional 15 to 18 hours depending on your settings.

We liked the way the NeoBuds Pro sounded out of the box, but appreciate that you can adjust their EQ to suit your preferences using Edifier’s Connect app. Music won’t sound as clear as it does on some high-end earbuds, but they are some of the most budget-friendly buds that feature support for premium Hi-Res audio with LHDC & LDAC decoding.

Overall, we’re impressed at Edifier’s ability to create a great all-around pair of noise cancelling earbuds and pack in Hi-Res audio capabilities without cutting corners.

Buy Edifier NeoBuds Pro

3. Bose QuietComfort II

If you’re a traveler who prefers to have a first-class experience every time you fly, Bose’s QuietComfort II earbuds are our top pick.

They sound incredible, and come with such premium noise-cancellation that puts Apple’s AirPods to shame. In our tests, the QuietComfort IIs provided a surprising amount of depth when listening to music from any genre. We never adjusted the earbuds’ EQ, but we never had to, since Bose’s new CustomTune sound calibration system customizes the sound performance for the fit of your ears.

Frequent travelers will appreciate the fact that the QuietComfort IIs come with three sets of eartips and stability bands, and stayed in our ears better than any gummy-tipped earbuds we tried. Trusting that these earbuds wouldn’t fall out made it a lot easier to fully enjoy music.

When it came to noise cancellation, Bose’s QuietComfort II did an outstanding job (the noise-cancelling is also intelligently customized to your fit, and also your environment). We could block out most ambient noise when listening to music at about half volume. If you’re on a plane, listening at a volume of 60% should be enough to neutralize the sound of an airplane engine.

Bose says the QuietComfort IIs last up to six hours with noise cancellation turned on, and we eeked out a little more than that in our tests. The QuietComfort IIs get an additional 24 hours of playback with their battery case.

The Bose QuietComfort II are an excellent travel-friendly pair of earbuds that’ll help you focus on your music and upcoming trip instead of noisy passengers.

Buy Bose QuietComfort II $189.00

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Like most Apple products, there is a heated debate as to whether the AirPods Pro are great or not. But the truth is, if you use an iPhone and/or a Macbook, the AirPods Pro’s second generation are fantastic — especially for traveling. Unsurprisingly, AirPod Pro’s integration with other Apple products is seamless, as you can instantly connect to iPhones, iPads and Macbooks and easily switch between multiple devices. Plus, you can activate Siri by saying “Hey, Siri,” which comes in handy while cycling or driving.

The AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) also get top marks for portability, as they’re smaller and lighter than the competitors. They take up less pocket space, which always seems to be in short supply while traveling.

Active noise-cancellation in the new AirPods Pro is twice as powerful as the first gen, cutting out most ambient noises. They also feature Active Transparency that automatically adjusts for intense noise, like sirens or construction, in real time. After using the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) for about six months, I’ve found that, in noise-cancelling mode, they do a pretty good job of cutting out traffic noises, mechanical humming in my office and the majority of that airplane engine drone. Providing four pairs of silicone tips (XS, S, M, L) also helps now to fit a wider range of ears.

Battery life with the AirPods Pro is also improved — you get about six hours on one charge with noise cancellation, and the charging case brings total battery life up to a solid 30 hours.

Buy Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) $224.99

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Recent updates, all reviews, the 5 best noise cancelling earbuds - spring 2024 reviews.

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 315 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 well-built buds 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

If you're looking for premium buds that aren't quite as expensive, 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's 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. They lack any sound customization features, so if that's important to you, you'll want to check out the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 , which have a companion app with an EQ and presets at a similar price point. Their ANC performance is comparable, but they're bulkier and less comfortable.

Best Mid-Range Noise Cancelling Earbuds

The Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless are the best noise cancelling earbuds in the mid-range we've tested. Their build quality is a step down from the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless , and they aren't as stable or comfortable for most people. However, they have a similar noise isolation performance and easily cut down sounds like the rumbles from plane engines 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 almost two extra charges.

They support multi-device pairing, so you can stay connected to your phone and computer at the same time. They have a decently comfortable fit but are bulky and can pop out of your ears over time, causing a drop in bass. However, once you get a good fit, they deliver a touch of extra thump, rumble, and boom, while vocals and instruments are bright and sparkly. You can even fine-tune their sound using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets.

However, if comfort is a top priority, you'll want to consider the Sony LinkBuds S Truly Wireless instead. Their smaller, more lightweight design ensures you can wear them for long periods without experiencing fatigue. Their ANC also offers excellent overall performance, but it doesn't block out as much of the low rumble of car engines as the Google earbuds.

Best Budget Noise Cancelling Earbuds

The best budget noise cancelling earbuds we've tested are the Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless. Despite their more affordable price tag, they offer several features and an even better overall noise isolation performance than the Google Pixel Buds Pro 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 Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless . Their carrying case holds an extra 2.6 charges, though. They also have a comfortable fit suitable for long listening sessions.

• 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

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.

Feb 15, 2024: We've updated the text for clarity, but haven't made a change to our recommendations.

Jan 17, 2024: We've verified that the picks represent the best recommendations and that the products are in stock.

Dec 20, 2023: We've made minor updates to the text and checked that the products 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.

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How noise cancelling headphones make air travel better

Flying is full of headaches, but noise cancelling headphones might just be the cure.

Wherever you’re going, you can count on an airplane to get you there quickly. But not quietly.

This reality struck Dr. Amar Bose during a flight from Zurich to Boston in 1978. Airlines had been providing in-flight audio through pneumatic headphones since 1963, but they were gradually transitioning to electronic ones. Dr. Bose, eager to experience this audio upgrade, found himself disappointed. Electronic headphones could deliver superior sound to fliers, but airplane cabins were too noisy to hear it.

But then, Dr. Bose had an audio epiphany: Using basic physics, he conceived of a headset that uses a microphone to detect external noise, and electronics to generate an equal and opposite signal that cancels it out before it reaches the listener’s eardrums. Thus, the first pair of noise cancelling headphones was born.

Sound solutions for air travel

Today, there’s an arsenal of noise cancelling headphones and earbuds for travel available in all shapes and sizes. And while they can’t cancel the ill-mannered seat kicker behind you or the smell of the fish burrito in row 34, they are perfectly suited for solving four common air-travel problems.

Problem 1: Cabin noise

The relentless hum of an aircraft cabin, a blend of engines, air, and wind, prompted Dr. Bose’s invention of noise cancelling headphones. Now, on any given flight, you’ll spot them as commonly as laptops and coffee cups. Bose QuietComfort Headphones and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones not only vanquish cabin clamor but also deliver premium sound. Plug them into the plane’s entertainment system via an auxiliary cable for crystal-clear music, movies, shows, and podcasts, all without cranking up the volume. In your own auditory haven, even if your neighbor gets a bit too close, you’ll be in bliss. Just a heads-up: when you take them off, the cabin volume might be a shock.

If you’re into true wireless in-ear earbuds, pack Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for immersive audio and noise cancellation that rivals over-ear models. With a battery life ready for flights under 6 hours, they’re a reliable travel companion. For longer journeys, a 20-minute charge gives you an extra 2 hours. Note, though, that current planes lack Bluetooth-enabled systems, so make sure to pre-download your entertainment for smooth, non-stop streaming.

Problem 2: Chatty seat neighbors

Travel agency Agoda asked more than 10,000 global travelers what they found to be the most annoying travel habits — the top pet peeve is noisy passengers.

Since you can’t predict your seat mate’s chattiness level, pack your trusty noise cancelling headphones. They send a clear signal that you’re in the zone, not for small talk. Even if your neighbor decides to chat, all you’ll hear is your music, movies, and podcasts.

However, there are voices you should tune in, like the pilot or flight attendants. This is where adjustable noise cancellation levels come in handy. QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, and Bose QuietComfort Headphones come equipped with Aware Mode, so you can hear your surroundings with a single touch.

Problem 3: Stress from flying

Flight anxiety is real. According to the Association of America , 20 percent of the US population are so afraid of flying that they avoid it altogether. If you have a flying phobia, consider noise cancelling headphones. They do a great job of creating personal pockets of quiet space. They also make your music sound lifelike. This important combination can make noise cancelling headphones a great option for people dealing with stress.

According to this 2019 article , music can “cause the heart rate to slow down” and, in the process, lower your breathing rate and level of emotional distress. And in a 2017 study , British neuroscientists likewise found that one particular piece of music can diminish anxiety by up to 65 percent.

Music and nature aren’t your only option. Because they have Bluetooth® connectivity, you also can use Bose noise cancelling headphones and earbuds to listen to mobile apps, such as Headspace , that walk you through breathing exercises or even guided-meditation sessions.

Problem 4: Trouble relaxing

An airplane cabin is a symphony of sounds, from announcements to rustling snack bags. Finding serenity in this environment can be a challenge. But with noise cancelling headphones, you can transform this auditory landscape into your private sanctuary.

However, it’s not just about what you block out; it’s also about what you let in. The Bose Music app makes it easy to control your music. Tap into the in-flight Wi-Fi® to stream a soothing station from your favorite streaming music service. Or choose a relaxing playlist from your own music library.

Also, comfort is key. QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds feature advanced eartip technology that keeps them firmly but gently in place while you unwind. No matter how long your flight is, you can wear them without any discomfort.

However you want to spend your time in the clouds — taking a nap, watching a movie, or just relaxing in audio solitude — noise cancelling headphones or earbuds can help you do it.

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What are the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel?

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Planes, trains, and cities can be incredibly noisy, but turning your headphones on full-blast can really hurt your ears. So we asked TFG readers to tell us their pick for the best noise cancelling headphones for travel.

Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Table of contents.

Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:

“I’m thinking about getting noise cancelling headphones for travel. Which ones do you all use?”

Headphones with noise reduction or noise cancelling features can be a lifesaver, especially on a long flight or a noisy bus or train. Many TFG readers attest that they are well worth the investment, as cheap ones can easily fall apart or not work properly.

It probably should come as no surprise, but when TFG readers gave their suggestions, nearly all of the recommendations were for Bose travel headphones. Luckily, there are several types to suit anyone’s needs and budget.

Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Headphones

Editor’s Top Pick: Bose 45 Travel Noise Cancelling Headphones

Wireless headphones can be pricey, but they’re mostly worth the cost because they are some of the best noise cancelling headphones for travel out there. They offer the comfort of over-the-ear headphones without the physical limitations of being tethered to your device. And you won’t need to worry about tangled cords or limited movement— you can keep your phone safely stored away and still enjoy your tunes. 

Bose is hugely popular and loved by readers. I bought the Bose QuietComfort 35 II during the Prime Day sale last year to try them out after TFG readers raved about them, and they’ve been one of my best buys ever! They’re ultra noise-canceling, so they block out extraneous noise on flights, and I use them all the time. 

The newer QuietComfort 45 model has the same stellar features, with even more battery life (a whopping 24 hours!) and improved noise cancellation that’ll make all the difference on a noisy plane! They’re also comfortable to wear and great for taking phone calls, as they’ll make your voice sound crystal clear. 

A reader shares, “ I could not fly without my Bose noise canceling headphones!” 

Bose QuietComfort Wireless Earbuds II

Bose QuietComfort Travel Noise Cancelling Earbuds  

If you prefer earbuds, but want to go wireless, Bose has combined everything you desire into one sleek design . Three sizes of ear tips are included so that you can ensure a secure but all-day comfort, while the lithium-ion battery lets you enjoy up to 6 hours of wireless listening per charge. 

Ever since I had the baby, I haven’t been able to sacrifice the space for my Bose QuietComfort 35 II , so these earbuds look like the perfect new travel companion! They’re much more compact and travel-friendly, so they quickly found their way into my basket when I saw them on sale!

One reader notes, “My Bose QC Earbuds over are my fave. I just love the noise cancelling and they help me deal with the pressure change in my ears when flying.”

The older generation of these noise cancelling earbuds are just as sleek and effective, and readers have highly recommended this pair, too. Plus, they’re a tad more affordable!

Find out our readers’ top recommendations for how to block out snoring noise when sharing accommodation. 

Bose Noise Cancelling 700

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Some on-the-ear style headphones can put too much pressure on the wearer’s ears. But while over-the-ear headphones can offer more comfort, they can be bulky and hard to pack. 

That’s not the case with these Bose 700 anti-noise headphones . They’re designed for a snug fit,  engineered for superior sound quality, and are easy to travel with. They’re also stylish, a cinch to store when not in use, and are comfortable for sensitive ears. 

As one TFG reader says, “I love my Bose. I tried on-the-ear ones and I like over-the-ear ones much better, especially on long flights. Worth the investment.” 

Another adds, “I have these noise canceling headphones and I love them!! I have a small head and these stay on well. They’re not too bulky and a must on all my trips!! These allow me to take naps in peace!

Apple AirPods Pro

Apple Airpods Pro Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Earbuds have become a popular choice for travelers over the past few years as they free up so much more space than their bulky over-the-ear counterparts and still offer amazing sound quality. While in-ear headphones don’t entirely eradicate outside noise like over-the-ear headphones do, they certainly reduce it, and without any of the bulk! 

The Apple Airpods Pro reduces surrounding distractions and lets the music do the talking. Another plus, their ear tips come in a variety of sizes and provide long-lasting comfort and stability. They have easy touch control to adjust volume, skip songs, or answer and end calls, and they come in a water-resistant charging case. 

One reader says, “I love my AirPod Pros. They definitely block out the plane noise.”  

Another solid option is the Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds which are iOS (having the Apple H1 class chip) and Android compatible, sweat and water-resistant, and have ear hooks for an extra secure yet comfortable fit. 

Here are our readers choice for the best portable Bluetooth speaker for travel!

Anker Soundcore Life Q20

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Noise Cancelling Headphones

Soundcore’s bluetooth headphones are a frequently suggested pair by readers, who love their comfort and noise-blocking capabilities at a great price! These headphones are cleverly able to detect a wider range of low and mid-frequency noises like airplane engines, so it’s no wonder they’re a traveler favorite. 

And you can’t beat the 40 hours of non-stop playtime in noise cancellation mode and an impressive 60 hours in standard music mode, all with a single charge! 

One reader says, “Swear by these. I commute and fly a ton, and they work great and block out noise.” 

Beats Studio Buds

Beats Studio Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Earbuds

If you’re going for compact and minimal, these Beats wireless earbuds are a fantastic choice. They’re iOS and Android compatible, and users say they’re easy to use, have a great microphone for taking phone calls, and the eartips (which come in three sizes) are super soft and comfy. 

They’re sweat and water-resistant, too, so if you have some sporty activities planned on your trip, you can definitely bring these guys along! 

A traveler reports, “I got these Beats noise cancelling ear buds for air travel. The noise canceling works great for streaming videos while on flights. Sound quality is excellent!”

Here are some tips on what to include in your electronic packing list , along with other items you may need on your next adventure.

Beats Studio3 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Beats Wireless Noise Cancelling Travel Headphones  

Beats is another top quality brand with noise cancelling headphones for women. Many of our readers rave that they don’t go anywhere without them. The Studio 3 Wireless model is perfect for any girl on the go as they offer the utmost in style and noise reduction while traveling. 

With thick ear pads, a long battery life, and far-reaching wifi, Beats headphones make for a cushy, comfortable and long-term fit. 

A review says, “ Has a great sound. Noise cancelling works really well. Great battery life! Doesn’t squish your ears or your head when you wear them. They charge super fast too! My experience with these headphones has been great!!”

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Samsung Galaxy Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Not only equipped with great features but super sleek looking too, these Samsung Galaxy wireless earbuds make the perfect travel buddies. This pair is noise-cancelling and plays audio with killer sound quality. The noise-cancellation feature blocks out any unwanted background noise, plus it has 8 hours of non-stop listening to help you through your long-haul flight! 

A traveler with these earbuds says, “They filter a significant amount of the low end droning on airplanes and work very well for filtering out constant background noise. They’re sleek, comfortable, lightweight, and have great battery life.” 

Noise cancelling headphones for kids can block loud plane noise and let kids sleep on a long trip. Here’s a List!

Silensys E7 Active Bluetooth Headphones

Silensys Noise Cancelling Headphones With Bluetooth  

These Silensys headphones make just about every best noise cancelling headphones for travel list. These stylishly sleek headphones both significantly drown out noise from the outside and offer crystal clear sound from your music or podcast. 

They pair quickly with any Bluetooth connection and have a long-lasting battery that you don’t have to charge every day. 

One reader gushes, “They were less than $300—I have these and love them! The battery life is amazing, I used them on flights to and from Thailand and in between, well over 30 hours, and the battery didn’t die. I now use them at work to drown out people, and they work great for that too!”

JBL Tune 230NC TWS True Wireless

JBL In-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones 

The JBL Tune 230NC TWS makes the grade as great plane noise cancelling headphones. The earbuds are comfortable to wear for an extended period, and the batteries last a good long time (up to 40 hours of battery life).   

When you’re already on the ground and in your chosen destination, they drown out street noise equally as well and offer great sound quality. These are also awesome noise cancelling headphones for girls (make a great gift for the teenagers in your life because they aren’t super expensive!).

A happy user says, “ Great sound, nice case, nice design, customizable EQ, very comfortable, quick and easy to pair. There’s alot to like about these!”

Our readers share their best tips on how to survive long flights – including taking noise cancelling headphones!

Noise Cancelling Headphones Comparison Table

Best International Travel Adapter

So now that you know about all the best noise reduction headphones for travel, make sure you’re able to charge them!

If you’re traveling overseas, don’t forget to pack an international travel adapter like this one . You can charge up to three devices at once, including your headphones!

What do you think? What are the best noise cancelling headphones for travel? Share in the comment section below!

For more travel electronics, please read: 

• What’s the Best Portable Charger for Travel? 
• Travel Cord Organizer Options
• Voltage Converters vs. Travel Adapters
• Bose QuietComfort Headphones Review

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Do they make noise reduction earphones for adults like they do for babies? I don’t want music, just quiet.

Hi Linda, thank you for reaching out! Have a look at this article for different suggestions for products to block out noise: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-block-out-snoring-noise/ Hope this helps! ?

for digital nomads who need to have noise canceling on the microphone as well, i recommend plantronics voyager focus. allows me to do call conference anywhere without my contact hearing my background;)

Great recommendation Gaelle, thanks!

Based on your recommendations, I’ve purchased the Silensys & Audio-Technica headphones, the above adaptor & so many others. We’re excited about our 22 day adventure to Sligo, Ireland; Athens, Greece; Cairo, Luxor & Hurghada, Egypt & Rome, Italy before returning home!

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The best noise-canceling earbuds for 2024

If anc is your biggest concern, here's want to look for in a pair of wireless noise-canceling earbuds..

Whether it’s blocking the noises of your daily train ride, trying to be productive at a coffee shop or just needing to tune out the world for a while, noise-canceling earbuds can provide solace. But, as is the case with all audio gear, the effectiveness of active noise cancellation (ANC) can vary greatly from model to model, even with products from the same company. We test dozens of sets of wireless earbuds every year, and I’ve shortlisted a selection of the absolute best in terms of pure ANC performance. You might find better sound quality or all-around choices elsewhere, but if blocking out unwanted sounds is your primary concern, this list has everything from high-end to budget options, in addition to those with the best battery life.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Best noise-canceling earbuds overall.

Sony WF-1000XM5

Best noise-canceling earbuds - runner-up.

Anker Soundcore Space A40

Best budget noise-canceling earbuds.

Master & Dynamic MW09

Best battery life.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

Most impressive noise-canceling features.

Looking for new ANC headphones but don't like the feeling or style of earbuds? Check out our picks for best noise-canceling headphones , which focuses on full-size models.

How to choose the best noise-canceling earbuds for you

Most true wireless earbuds these days have a “traditional” design that’s a round bud that fits in your ear. However, there are some variations on the formula in terms of shape, size and additional fitting elements. Some companies include fins or fit wings to help hold their earbuds in place while others opt for an over-the-ear hook on more sporty models . You’ll want to pay attention to these things to make sure they align with how you plan to use them. Also consider overall size and weight since those two factors can impact the fit. A less-than-ideal seal due to a weird fit will affect the performance of active noise cancellation.

Type of noise cancellation

Next, you’ll want to look at the type of ANC a set of earbuds offer. You’ll see terms like “hybrid active noise cancellation” or “hybrid adaptive active noise cancellation,” and there are key differences between the two. A hybrid ANC setup uses microphones on the inside and the outside of the device to detect ambient noise. By analyzing input from both mics, a hybrid system can combat more sounds than “regular” ANC, but it’s at a constant level that doesn’t change.

Adaptive ANC takes the hybrid configuration a step further by continuously adjusting the noise cancellation for changes in your environment and any leakage around the padding of the ear cups. Adaptive ANC is also better at combating wind noise, which can really kill your vibe while using earbuds outdoors. For this best wireless earbuds list, I’m only considering products with hybrid ANC or adaptive ANC setups because those are the most effective at blocking noise.

Customization

You’ll also want to check to see if the ANC system on a prospective set of earbuds offers presets or adjustable levels of noise cancellation. These can help you dial in the amount of ANC you need for various environments, but it can also help save battery life. Master & Dynamic, for example, has ANC presets that either provide maximum noise-blocking or prioritize energy efficiency. Other companies may include a slider in their companion apps that let you adjust the ANC level.

How we test noise-canceling earbuds

The primary way we test earbuds is to wear them as much as possible. I prefer to do this over a one-to-two-week period, but sometimes deadlines don’t allow it. During this time, I listen to a mix of music and podcasts , while also using the earbuds to take both voice and video calls.

Since battery life for ANC earbuds is typically 6-10 hours, I drain the battery with looping music and the volume set at a comfortable level (usually around 75 percent). When necessary, I’ll power the headphones off during a review without putting them back in the case. This simulates real-world use and keeps me from having to wear them for an entire day.

To test ANC performance specifically, I use the earbuds in a variety of environments, from noisy coffee shops to quiet home offices. When my schedule allows, I also use them during air travel, since plane noise is a massive distraction to both work and relaxation. Even if I’m not slated to hop on a flight, I simulate a constant roar with white noise machines, bathroom fans, vacuums and more. I also make note of how well earbuds block human voices, which are a key stumbling block for a lot of ANC setups.

I also do a thorough review of companion apps, testing each feature as I work through the software. Any holdovers from previous models are double-checked for improvements or regression. If the earbuds I’m testing are an updated version of a previous model, I’ll spend time getting reacquainted with the older set, and revisit the closest competition as well.

ANC type: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 6 hours | Transparency mode: Yes

Read our full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Bose’s Immersive Audio feature may be the headline grabber on its QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds , but these also come with the company’s stellar noise-canceling abilities. This model is especially adept at battling airplane noise during a flight, a task I typically rely on over-ear headphones for. The QC Ultra Earbuds are slightly less effective on human voices, but that’s true of many noise-canceling earbuds. But with any kind of constant hum, and many irregular sounds, these earbuds will serve you well. Plus, Bose’s CustomTune tool analyzes the shape of your ears and personalizes both sound and ANC.

While the QC Ultra Earbuds offer the best pure noise-blocking performance on this list, the extra audio features mean they have less battery life than the rest of our picks. It lasts six hours with ANC on and Immersive Audio off, but turn on the latter and that number dips to four hours. And although Bose’s take on spatial audio yields mixed results at times, the stock tuning is an improvement over the company’s last model.

• Stellar ANC
• Spatial audio doesn’t require special content
• Upgrades with no price increase
• Earbuds are still big
• Immersive Audio significantly impacts battery life
• Wireless charging costs extra

ANC type: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 8 hours | Transparency mode: Yes

Read our full review of the Sony WF-1000XM5

If I could pick two best options, Sony’s WF-1000XM5 would be the co-champion. Since its introduction, the company has improved the 1000X line of earbuds from model to model – especially in ANC performance. The gap between Sony and Bose in this respect is so slim, you’ll be happy with either set if noise-cancellation is your top priority. You’ll also get Sony’s DSEE Extreme upscaling to recover sound detail lost to compression and handy features like onboard volume controls and automatic pausing when you speak.

Like it does on its 1000X over-ear headphones , Sony uses two separate chips for audio and ANC processing on the M5 earbuds, which leads to more robust noise-blocking than on previous models. Six dual-feedback mics are better than the M4 at combating the low-frequency roar of airplanes, vehicles and transit scenarios and the ANC is adjustable in Sony’s app. What’s more, the company’s Adaptive Sound Control allows you to configure presets that can automatically change based on your activity or location. Even if you don’t want to give the software permission to track your whereabouts, there are plenty of options, including the ability to dial-in transparency mode when you need to hear more (or less) of your environment.

• Excellent sound quality
• Improved design
• More comfortable fit
• Loads of handy features
• More expensive
• No battery life improvement
• Head tracking is Android only
• Some features still need fine-tuning

For years, Anker’s Soundcore line has consistently offered some of the best true wireless models at a more affordable price than a lot of the competition. The company typically doesn’t cut too many corners to achieve this, either. The best current Soundcore model in terms of pure ANC performance is the Space A40 . During my tests, these earbuds were particularly adept at fighting low-to-mid-range noise during flights and other transit scenarios. There’s an adaptive ANC system at work here to automatically adjust based on your environmental sound, but you can also set it to strong, moderate or weak levels of intensity.

While Anker rates the Space A40 at 10 hours on a charge, I got closer to eight during my tests with ANC on. Sound quality is also above average for this price, with a warm tone and noticeable bump to the bass. A solid but less-than-stellar transparency mode lends a hand and the companion app will let you assign up to six different gestures for various playback and call controls.

• Excellent ANC for the money
• Pleasant, warm sound
• Multi-device connectivity and wireless charging support
• Comfortable
• Good battery life
• No automatic wear detection
• Call quality isn't great
• Audio performance isn't as detailed as higher-end options (as expected)

ANC type: Hybrid Adaptive | Customizable ANC: Yes | Max battery life with ANC: 12 hours | Transparency mode: Yes

Read our full review of the Master & Dynamic MW09

We’re well aware there are ANC earbuds that last much longer than 12 hours. But out of all of the models we’ve tested in the last two years, the MW09 offers the longest play time while still offering solid active noise cancellation. The ANC performance here isn’t as robust as the QC Ultra Earbuds’ or the WF-1000XM5’s, but Master & Dynamic offers three presets to help you adjust the noise blocking to your situation and to make your battery consumption more efficient.

The MW09 does, however, give both Bose and Sony a run for their money in the audio department. M&D’s trademark sound profile is on display, matching balanced, natural tuning with great clarity and detail. For example, you can hear every bit of texture in Chris Stapleton’s bluesy rock riffs, as well as things like the subtle decay in the snare drum rattle on Higher that are easily lost on other earbuds. ANC modes and volume will impact battery life, but even at their worst, the MW09 still consistently lasted 10 hours during my tests. That’s longer than both Bose and Sony manage with their flagship ANC buds.

• Great clarity and detail
• Lots of fit options
• Solid ambient sound mode
• In-app customization
• Average ANC performance
• Overstated battery life

Read our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd-gen)

The latest AirPods Pro aren’t higher on this list primarily because you need an iPhone to unlock their maximum potential. However, the combo of hardware and software tricks that they offer for ANC performance makes them a worthy consideration. Out of the box, the H2 chip powers noise-canceling processing that wasn’t previously possible on such a small device. When used with the drivers, vents and microphones, the AirPods Pro can block twice as much noise as the previous model.

Apple also includes a handy tool that automates noise-canceling and transparency mode so you’re not making adjustments on your phone throughout the day. Adaptive Audio blends ANC and ambient sound, using cues changes in environmental noise to gradually change device volume as background noise increases or decreases. The setup takes into account whether you're stationary or in motion as well as if you’re listening to music or on a call when making the tweaks. Plus, the AirPods Pro offer the best, most natural-sounding transparency mode of any wireless earbuds – a feat that shouldn’t be overlooked during your decision-making process.

• Improved sound
• Stellar transparency mode
• Seamless switching between Apple devices
• Same design
• New touch gesture takes practice
• Average battery life
• Personalized Spatial Audio results vary
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Published: May 4, 2024

The Best Noise Canceling Headphones For Travel in 2024

Strap on your traveling shoes. Pack your bags. And, most of all, don’t leave home without the savvy traveler’s most vital piece of equipment: noise-cancelling headphones for travel. By cutting through the din of aircraft turbines and railway clatter, they create a pocket of tranquillity, a bubble of soundproof bliss just for you. The following article will take you step-by-step through the process by which the right set of noise-cancellers can make a dreary journey blissful.

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Introduction to Noise Canceling Headphones for Travel

Understanding noise-cancellation technology, varieties of noise-canceling headphones, key considerations for purchase, benefits of noise canceling headphones for travel, are noise-canceling headphones worth it for travel, do noise-canceling headphones help on airplanes, can noise-canceling headphones prevent airplane ear, types of noise canceling headphones, wired noise canceling headphones for travel: why you might choose them over wireless, noise cancelling earbuds, selecting the best noise canceling headphones for travel, exploring budget-friendly noise canceling headphones for travel, top budget-friendly noise cancelling headphones.

There is no greater sensory assault than travel – the wailing babies on planes, the relentless chug and screech of trains, the incessant buzz of city streets. So it is that noise-cancelling headphones have fast become the traveler’s best friend. They are a sanctuary of serenity in an oceanic cacophony of travel. Equipped with tech that chops ambient sound, they allow you to immerse yourself in your music or podcasts, or else just the sweet sound of silence.

Noise-cancelling headphones come in two flavors: active noise cancellation (ANC) , which is the more effective method, and passive noise cancellation. ANC involves using small microphones embedded into the earcup to pick up some of the ambient noise and then countering it with a second stream of sound waves. Generally, this process works quite well on lower-frequency sounds, such as an airplane engine drone, or the hum of approaching train tracks.

The other method is passive noise cancellation, which doesn’t use any electronics at all, but just applies physical occlusions such as padding to impede sound. Although it’s far less effective than ANC, passive noise cancellation does attenuate higher frequency sounds that might be left unaddressed by ANC.

When it comes to buying noise-cancelling headphones, travelers can choose from a veritable cornucopia:

Wireless Headphones: These babies liberate you from the prison of cords. You can freely walk around and move while wearing them, and they are easy to use for commuting. The vast majority features Bluetooth magic for easy pairing with devices. The Sony WH1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort series are kings of this category, known for their great ANC performance, sound quality and enduring battery life.

Wired headphones: Not as sexy as their wireless ‘sisters’ but they will (hopefully) stay put without the battery anxiety, oh, and they’re cheaper.

Earbuds: For those who require portability without compromise, noise-cancelling earbuds step up to the plate. Ideal for the minimalist traveler , the Bose and Sony earbuds deliver big noise cancellation and audio punch in a small package.

Budget picks: Don’t worry if you’re watching the dollars; there are lots of bargains out there – and they tend to sound as good as they are cheap. Anker’s Soundcore Life range, for example, is a sweet spot for value.

When on the hunt for noise-canceling headphones, keep these pointers in mind: Battery Life: For wireless wonders, nothing is more important than length of time between charges, especially when you’re on a marathon travel leg. With ANC, a draining function , this is even more important. Comfort and Fit: You’re probably going to be wearing these things for a while, so comfort is important. Find headphones that have soft padding and adjustable features so they’ll fit all head sizes. Sound Quality: If you’re going to spend $100 on a pair of headphones, you might as well make sure said headphones offer excellent sound. Look for ones that are as good as it gets, and a large frequency range. (Bonus points if the headphones support multiple audio codecs.) Bonus features: Some models come with extras such as touch controls, built-in voice assistant integration, and adapting noise-cancellation settings, which add a layer of sophistication and convenience on top of the pre-existing sound quality.

Travel brings excitement as well as annoyances, and there aren’t many that are as annoying as noise. Whether it’s the continuous engine noise of a jet, the cacophony of a crowded train station, or the overall sonic cacophony of a city street, noise fatigue can sap your energy and detract from your enjoyment of travel . And that’s where noise-cancelling headphones can help – by providing a haven of blissful relief and silence that excludes some of the most troubling annoying sounds. But are they useful for travel? Let’s look at the benefits, and some common questions that travelers ask about noise-cancelling headphones.

Well, yes. If you are a traveler who needs a quiet moment in a noisy place, noise-cancelling headphones are extremely useful. The major benefit is that these devices are not only sound-dampening, but specifically noise-cancelling. This refers to a set of electronic audio technologies capable of attenuating unwanted sound. The device works by taking the ambient sound as recorded by an external microphone, generating an inverse wave, which is then sent through the headphones at the same frequency. In short, the resultant noise is significantly lower than the original, and you can find it easier to relax, concentrate, or sleep while traveling.

Planes are the classic application for noise-cancelling headphones . Engine noise and the ambient roar of flight in a long aluminum tube can be maddening after a few hours of travel, and the headphones help to reduce the sound of engines and other background noise, making your flight more comfortable. You might end up turning down the volume on your entertainment experience, be it films or music, and so avoid some additional auditory damage. And finally, with noise-cancelling headphones, you can sleep, and get to your destination more rested.

Noise-cancelling headphones won’t prevent airplane ear , the annoying pressure sensitivity that results when an aircraft takes off and lands, causing a difference in air pressure within your inner ear. In such cases, low air pressure makes your ear canal feel vacant and forces you to feel uncomfortable with the hurt.

The same reason noise-cancelling headphones help you not hear the plane sound will prevent the plane noise from your headphones. And this will have two positive outcomes: first, you’re likely to relax – hence to better cope – with the airplane ear issue. Second, the volume of the plane ambient sound will be lower, which makes the flight less painful.

Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones for Travel

On the never-ending quest to block out airports, planes, trains, stations, buses and all the rest of the traveling world, you might be trudging through the quagmire of wireless noise-cancelling headphones, where portability and battery life rule supreme. At the pinnacle? Bose QuietComfort 45 and Sony WH-1000XM5.

Here’s what you need to know : The Bose QuietComfort 45 is a juggernaut of noise-cancelling headphones, a champion of jet engine droning. This 8.5-ounce set doesn’t just silence the world around you. It allows your music to play for up to 22 hours on a single charge. They play nice with Alexa, too: a dual-microphone system keeps your calls crisp and clear.

Back to Sony’s WH-1000XM5: the audiophile traveler’s headphones. At 8.8 ounces they’re not exactly featherweight, but they’ll see you through with up to a full 30 hours of battery life, music to the ears of anyone who finds themselves on those long-haul flights . The sound? Immaculate, thanks in part to 40mm drivers and fine-tuned by Sony’s latest noise cancellation processor. And when you actually do need to hear the flight attendant, of course, Sony’s Speak-To-Chat and Quick Attention mode means you don’t have to strip off your audio armour. Just pause, chat, and dive back in.

While wireless headphones are all the rage these days, I would argue that wired noise-cancelling is still the way to go. They’re more reliable than their wireless counterparts, and they never run out of power because they don’t need to be recharged.

Why Go Wired?

The biggest benefit of wired headphones is the simplest one: they just work. No batteries means no power problems whatsoever – so you’re left with continuous, uninterrupted sound when you’re working a marathon session and can’t stop to charge. Moreover, a wired connection can offer a superior sound quality and there will be no issues with Bluetooth.

Top Picks for Wired Noise Canceling Headphones

Sony MDRZX110NC: Highly regarded for their ability to block out ambient noise, these headphones allow you to get lost in your tunes or podcast. They’re supremely comfortable and lightweight, with long-haul travel in mind.

Sennheiser HD 660 S2: These are a sure bet because of the sound quality. And because of the plush velour ear pads and balanced feel, it’s easy to spend long hours listening. The enhanced bass and wider soundstage will appeal to anyone who wants their audio a step up.

Bose QuietComfort 35 II: The best noise cancelling and best sound quality available, with the wired and wireless worlds perfectly combined. Use them wired and battery life is a non-issue, which can be a huge plus.

Finding Your Match

What it comes down to is that finding the right pair of wired noise-cancelling headphones for travel, if you have to use the wires, is about where you’ll be using them and how. Mid-to-high-end models offer the best combination of comfort and sound quality. With comfort, you’re looking for soft ear pads and other adjustments to accommodate different head shapes and sizes. If sound is your thing, what you hear from your favorite playlist is just as important as having comfy ears, so the Focal Utopia and the Sennheiser HD 660 S2 are both high-end models that deliver top-of-the-line sound and build quality, at a cost – literally.

For the best noise canceling earbuds of 2024, you can’t go wrong with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and the Sony WF-1000XM5 , which boasts the best noise cancellation on the market. Both epitomise great earbuds for frequent flyers, commuters and city dwellers who need a premium noise cancelling experience.

Noise cancellation in everyday objects is making gadgets much better at helping us focus. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra buds have best-in-class active noise cancellation (ANC), which makes them seem like an enormous noise-cancelling headset that can completely block out everyday noises like your typing or even city traffic. They’re great for focusing in loud places, or for listening to music on long subway rides and losing yourself in your tunes.

They feature multiple microphones to block out background noise when taking calls. And they have immersive audio settings that make your music sound like it’s coming from room speakers and not earbuds. The downsides? They don’t have multipoint Bluetooth pairing, and they have a six-hour battery life, which might be a dealbreaker for some.

Sony WF-1000XM5

At the same time, the Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds are praised for having the best sound – they have been described as ‘the best-sounding noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy’ and they will totally deliver a bright, high-resolution listening experience capable of a wide range of music styles. And their noise-cancelling tech automatically adapts to ambient noise, making them a great fit for places with dynamic noise levels. Finally, they support a wide range of Bluetooth codecs.

Sound Quality

Sound quality matters to many travelers – and so do noise-cancelling features. The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are hard to beat here, with class-leading noise-cancelling and high-end sound, thanks to their 40mm liquid crystal polymer drivers. They’re built for a powerful, immersive audio experience and are great for a long flight when you want to cut out the world and lose yourself in music or movies.

Comfort is the first priority on long journeys. Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless ANC Headphones are designed for comfort: they are light, soft and come with noise-rejecting microphones that ensure good quality audio, while voice control features such as Alexa make them a great choice for tech-savvy travelers.

Battery Life

Long battery life is a real help while traveling – the SONY WH-1000XM5 can run for up to 30 hours on a charge, more than enough to cross continents without worrying about a battery pack. One of the worst feelings on a long trip is if your music or work is interrupted because you forgot to keep your headphones charged.

Which headphones are best for plane travel?

And the best headphones for flying are the Sony WH-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless , both of which feature excellent noise cancellation (the main requirement when it comes to in-flight listening, as the constant drone of airplane engines can get pretty loud). Both have comfortable builds and long-lasting battery life, ensuring that you can zone out peacefully and enjoy your music on the longest of flights.

What headphones offer noise cancellation on flights?

ANC works really well in the air. Premium ANC headphones such as Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 have smart algorithms that filter out the low-frequency hum of airplane engines, making them an excellent recommendation for a quieter, more pleasant flight.

If you’re looking for the best noise‑cancelling headphones for less, your quest will be a short one. While not all budget offerings may be up to par with the big boys, there are a few that deliver and keep more expensive pairs on their toes. People who travel often can cut down on the white noise from a long-haul flight and make the process far more tolerable.

Anker Soundcore Life Q30 : The best budget option; with excellent ANC, comfort and battery life. These headphones offer up to 44 hours of battery life with ANC on, plus memory foam ear pads that are comfortable enough to wear all day. The earcups are made from a combination of plastic and aluminum, and the whole thing comes with a neat travel case.

EarFun Wave Pro : Offering around 51 hours of playback on a single charge with ANC switched on, these are a great option under $100. The sound is well-balanced and you can tweak it to your liking with EQ settings, the Bluetooth connection is solid, the noise cancellation is effective for noisy flight journeys.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20: (For the real budget-friendly option) Almost 33 hours of battery life and great at blocking low-end sounds, such as those commonly found on transport. These aren’t the most high-end headphones, but there’s no scrimping with sound quality or noise cancellation.

Finding the Best Deals

To maximize your savings, consider these tips:

In-depth reviews: Sites such as RTINGS.com and HeadphonesAddict do all the research for you and weigh up features and prices in fine detail.

Watch for Sales: Look out for online retailers such as Amazon offering sales , especially during special ‘sales’ periods such as Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.

Price Comparison Tools: Services such as Google Shopping or CamelCamelCamel will track prices over time and notify you if something you’re interested in goes on sale.

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• Travel Guides

The Unexpected Item Many Frequent Travelers Swear By To Help Soothe Plane Anxiety

Air travel is so stressful and anxiety-inducing that it can transform even the most zen among us into a bundle of nerves. There's so much unpredictability, especially in the world's busiest airports , that some travelers won't even risk drowning out the noise with headphones. On TikTok, a video made rounds of a traveler who shared their worries about tragic airport announcements they might miss if they dared to slip on a pair. "Your flight has been canceled forever," they thought the announcement would say. And while the paranoia is relatable, there's a case to be made for headphones, particularly the noise-canceling ones. As it turns out, once you're actually on the plane, wearing them might help you tune down the anxiety.

Fear of flying is real, so much so that it wreaks havoc on the lives of about 20% of the population, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America . What's more, psychologist Dr. Barbara Cox explained that it has physical and psychological manifestations, including stomach and chest pains and doom-filled thoughts. "This fear can stem from a fear of not feeling in control," she told Bustle .

Thankfully, airlines recognize this, and some of them have rolled out in-flight features to help passengers soothe their flying anxiety, including incorporating guided meditations in their respective entertainment systems. But in case your airline doesn't have one, you can take matters into your own hands — and ears — by sporting a pair of the best noise-canceling headphones to create your own little bubble.

Noise canceling headphones can alleviate your fear of flying

@hannahzaslawski Honestly never realised how LOUD planes actually are ✈️ #travel #relatable #airplanes ♬ original sound - Hannah 🌝

Noise-canceling headphones can't magically eradicate your anxiety, but they can help keep your worries at bay. After all, between worrying about whether or not you'll hear the dreaded chime mid-flight  and dealing with a kid kicking your seat , it's easy to see why flying could turn into a dreadful experience.

Noise-canceling headphones do a bang-up job at silencing nearly everything, including the noisy engine of the plane. They're engineered to generate sound that counteracts ambient noise. And there's science to back up their anxiety reduction capabilities. A study published in the Indian Journal of Anaesthesia found that patients who listened to music and wore noise-canceling headphones during lower limb surgeries were significantly less anxious. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Endourology  found that patients who have undergone extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy felt less pain and anxiety when they combined music therapy with these headphones.

There are anecdotal stories, too. On the Reddit subreddit Fear of Flying, one user noted that noise-canceling headphones help even without playing music. "You won't be jumping at every little noise," they wrote . "One time I forgot them and someone crackling a chips bag a few rows over made me panic that we were gonna crash." Another noted , "Without hearing the loud plane noises, it's as if you almost forget you're on a plane. It also made it possible for me to fall asleep — something I've never been calm enough to do on a flight."

Listening to the right music can also help

If the serene silence of noise-canceling headphones doesn't quite do it for you, you might want to stream some tunes as well. In fact, it's even encouraged by experts. "Music has a very long history of being able to move someone's psychological state from one state to another," music scientist David John Baker explained to Forbes . In a study commissioned by Spotify, anxiety psychologist Becky Spelman discovered that songs with a slow tempo (about 60 beats per minute) coupled with slow breathing, can also help quell your flight anxiety, per The Los Angeles Times . She has even curated a playlist that can help you start, which includes tracks like "Someone Like You" by Adele, "Paradise" by Coldplay, and "Flaws and All" by Beyoncé. Who knew Queen Bey could help make you feel less jittery?

But really, though, it can be whatever type of song that makes you feel more relaxed. In Megan Fox's case, she plays Britney Spears' bops whenever she feels nervous on a flight. "Even if you hit turbulence and you're like, 'I don't like how this feels,' I would throw on certain music that I just knew I wasn't gonna die to," she quipped in a "Kelly Clarkson Show" guest appearance. " Which, for me, it was Britney Spears. Like the archives from when I was young, so like the 'Oops' album... That's not the soundtrack to my death. So that always made me feel better."

Recommended

10 Best Running Headphones, Tested & Reviewed

Headphones that actually stay put (and don't die halfway through your training).

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall Earbuds for Running

Beats fit pro.

Best Value Earbuds for Running

Baseus eli sport 1 open-ear tws earbuds.

Best Open-Ear Running Headphones

Shokz openrun pro.

Best Waterproof Earbuds for Running

Jabra elite 8 active.

Best Sweat-Resistant Earbuds for Running

Treblab x3 pro.

Best Versatile Earbuds for Running

Bose quietcomfort earbuds ii.

Best Apple Earbuds for Running

Apple airpods pro (2nd generation).

Best Comfortable Earbuds for Running

Cleer audio arc ii sport.

Best AirPod Alternative Earbuds for Running

Jbl live pro 2.

Best Lightweight Earbuds for Running

Sony linkbuds.

A Good Housekeeping Fitness Award winner , this pair of earbuds has consistently impressed our testers with its sleek, comfortable design that features wingtips to keep earbuds securely and tightly in your ears as your run or work out.

Our Lab analysts love their crisp sound quality, which features active noise cancellation (ANC) so you can effectively block out the drone of the treadmill at the gym or stay aware of your surroundings and traffic when you’re jogging outdoors. Testers also raved about the audio performance of the Beats. “The sound quality was unmatched,” says one tester. “I truly have never heard music sound so clear and sharp with in-ear headphones before. I also loved the sound cancellation capabilities — as soon as I put them in, the whole world went quiet.”

Compatible with both Apple and Android, these earbuds feature a total of 24 hours of battery life with the provided case. Just keep in mind that if you’re running long distances, you’ll only get six hours with ANC turned on so make sure to keep the case inside your running belt .

Some testers did mention that the earbuds fell out of their ears so it’s important to select the right silicone tip for your ear canal before use and insert the earbuds properly with the wings hooked inside your upper ear. When they need to be cleaned, just give them a wipe with a clean, damp cloth.

For those looking for over-ear headphones, our pros also recommend the Beats Solo 3 .

Open-ear headphones are a top choice for runners who want to remain aware of their surroundings. Our audio experts were impressed with this inexpensive pair from Baseus, which features intuitive controls and comes in a futuristic case that glows when your headphones are charging.

Aside from a unique design, " these sound great for open-ear headphones, especially in the bass range ," says GH Institute data engineer Nik Greenwald . He notes that the headphones are comfortable and while the case may be on the larger side for some, it should still fit into your pocket or running shorts . Our pros also appreciate the pair's battery life, which reaches 30 hours when combined with the case (or you can expect up to 7.5 hours on a single charge).

These open-ear running headphones are made to be taken outdoors for runs, bike rides and more. Our pros found audio quality to be impressive, especially considering that it’s delivered through your cheekbone via bone conduction technology (that’s right, these headphones don’t actually sit inside your ear canal — rather, they rest next to it).

We like that the headphones feature physical controls so you can easily adjust the volume as well as start or pause your music, and we could barely feel them on during workouts. “ These felt very comfortable and more secure on top of my ears compared to typical earbuds I’ve used that go in your ear,” said one tester. “I ran outside and indoors on a treadmill and wasn’t scared they would fall out of my ears.” Testers do point out, however, that these aren't ideal for indoor gym use since they do not block out any sound like existing gym music.

According to the brand, you should be able to get 10 hours of battery life on a single charge; just keep in mind that the case will not recharge your headphones so what you see is what you get. While we wish the case that protects these headphones were smaller and rechargeable, the OpenRun Pro are undeniably the best choice for anyone who doesn’t love the feel of in-ear earbud or has a hard time finding the right fit. “It’s nice that you don’t have to worry about ear size or ear shape compared to typical earbuds,” said one tester.

Our product analysts love Jabra earbuds for their great value, sound quality and comfortable design , and you can’t go wrong with the Elite 8 Active when working out. With eight hours of battery life, these should provide enough music to last the average duration of a marathon, and with the case, you can extend the battery life up to 32 hours (or 56 with ANC off!), according to the brand.

Like other Jabra earbuds, we love that this pair features physical button-on-ear controls to make it easier to play and pause music (as opposed to tapping your earbuds). Plus, these feature active noise cancellation to block out the sound of traffic and their IP68 rating means that they're built to withstand most weather conditions (and sweat)! "For running, they don't fall out and seem to be able to maintain solid connection even when they get sweaty or a little wet from rain," says one tester. He does note, however, that sound quality could feel louder and more immersive.

Look no further than the X3 Pro if you’re seeking an affordable pair of earbuds for grueling sweat sessions. Our Lab analysts were impressed by how quickly these earbuds paired to Bluetooth and found the sound quality to be solid. With a waterproof IPX7 rating, according to the brand, these are some of the most weather-resistant earbuds you can get so no need to worry if you get caught in a rainstorm.

While the earbuds aren’t the most comfortable out there and the case is on the larger side, we found that they fit securely into the ear canal and that the external hooks kept them in place during cardio workouts. Though we haven't put the battery life to the test in the Lab, the brand claims that you can get nine hours of use out of a single charge!

Bose products have consistently performed well in our Lab tests, standing out for their superior audio quality and premium design . The QuietComfort II earbuds have a similar design to the now-retired Bose Sports Earbuds (another Good Housekeeping Fitness Award winner ), featuring sharp, clear sound and a snug fit. “Bose is known for its high-quality audio products, and these earbuds are no exception,” said one tester. “They deliver clear, balanced sound with deep, rich bass and crisp highs.”

While pricey for a pair of earbuds and a bit bulkier than we’d like, this versatile pair of running headphones will function effectively both in the gym as well as in the office thanks to features like noise-cancellation and transparency mode. “The earbuds have a soft silicone wing that helps keep them securely in place,” said one tester. Plus, each bud has four microphones built-in, making these a go-to for taking a call while you’re on-the-go. They’re also sweat-resistant with an IPX4 rating and offer around six hours of battery life, according to Bose.

There’s a reason AirPods seem to be everywhere, and it’s not just for the convenience of their seamless connection to iPhones. The AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) feature fantastic sound quality and impressive noise cancellation for times when you need to tune out the world. Silicone tips offer a comfy, secure fit inside your ear. Some testers did claim that their AirPods fell out, but they’re still a popular choice for quick jogs and workouts. “These are very good for athletic use, though not quite as stable in the ear when jogging as other earbuds I’ve used,” said one tester.

Our pros found the on-ear controls extremely intuitive and easy to use . “Touch volume control on the Gen 2 is a huge improvement in usability, especially when walking or running,” said one tester. This pair comes with six hours of battery life with ANC turned on (and a whopping 30 hours total with the case), in addition to support for wireless charging. “I'd recommend these to anyone who values clear sound when listening to music,” says another tester. “They’re easily the best-sounding earbuds I've ever tried.” While they may gather some grime over time, a quick clean of the silicone tips should make them look as good as new.

Hate having earbuds inside your ear or find them painful after a while? Consider the ARC II, which sports an open-ear design so can you have conversations with your running buddy while listening to your favorite music. Just hook them around your ears and you’re ready to go. “I like that these sit a little outside of your ear, which I appreciate as someone who listens to music very often and sometimes at rather high volumes,” said one tester. “The volume and sound were good, and I appreciate how if you take out one earbud, music continues to play.”

Though we wouldn’t recommend these for use in a very noisy area since they don’t feature any form of noise cancellation, our pros like how securely and comfortably they fit so you don’t have to worry about your earbuds falling out, but they may feel a bit chunky. Although we find the case quite large, we love its sleek, slim design and that it’s rechargeable via USB-C.

If you like the idea of AirPods but want something more affordable, consider this pair of earbuds from JBL. While they may not be made for running and there are sportier pairs to consider like the Endurance Peak 3 or Reflect Aero , our Lab pros were impressed by the sound quality of these as well as their comfortable design that stayed put during runs. "I gave up on finding the perfect noise-cancelling earbuds since none of them ever feel comfortable after an hour in my ears, but these are a true game changer," said one tester.

We found on-ear controls to be responsive and intuitive to use, and appreciate the small, compact case that should easily fit into gym shorts or leggings. These also feature adaptive noise canceling, meaning that the earbuds will automatically adjust to your surroundings for the best experience. We also like the claimed battery life, which is impressive at 10 hours on a single charge.

The Sony LinkBuds are unique for their innovative design that features an open-ring that manages to find the perfect combination of ambient sound and music as you run. They’re the perfect choice for anyone that doesn’t feel comfortable having their ear canal completely sealed off while outdoors or hates the feel of bulky earbuds. Just note that if you’re looking for noise cancellation, this isn’t the pair for you.

Our pros found the Sony LinkBuds both small and compact, and the tiny case is easy to transport. In our tests, the earbuds stayed secure inside ears during use, though they did take some initial fiddling and getting used to. But once inside the ear, the earbuds felt comfortable and lightweight. We also like that they’re water-resistant, though do wish battery life was longer than 5.5 hours.

How we test the best earbuds for running

The tech experts and engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute have evaluated over 50 pairs of headphones and earbuds in recent years. We're also hands-on with all types of running essentials and accessories, from phone armbands to running dog leashes , running shoes and much more.

To find the best running headphones, we review each pair for ease of setup and pairing via Bluetooth. We consider the size of the earbuds (and their case), their portability and the claimed total battery life. To evaluate performance, we test earbuds for their sound quality and noise-canceling capabilities, if applicable. Our engineers run each pair through an audio analysis software called REW to determine noise cancellation effectivenses by outputting pink noise (a sound with a consistent frequency that mimics hum and buzzes representative of the noise you try to filter out with noise-cancelling headphones in real life) from the speakers of a laptop placed in front of us at -70dBFS pk.

We also run them through a spectrum analysis that involves using MiniDSP EARS, or a headphone analysis rig featuring molds of the human ear, so that it can analyze the spectrum of each pair of headphones via microphones inside of the ears. Additionally, we consider earbuds' resilience and durability when dropped or put in contact with water.

Next, we evaluate the earbuds’ fit and whether or not they stay secure during heavy cardio sessions, as well as their adjustability and the intuitiveness of on-ear controls. Lastly, we factor in feedback from real runners to better score how comfortable earbuds feel, whether they stayed secure and their overall sound quality.

Our featured picks are a combination of rigorous category-wide testing and road testing of newer, popular or updated models of the best earbuds for running.

What to look for when shopping for earbuds for running

✔️ Fit: When shopping for running headphones, fit is one of the most important factors to consider. If your earbuds do not feel secure inside your ears or you get the impression they’re going to fall out, this can negatively impact your workout (and be extremely frustrating and distracting). Try to purchase earbuds that offer a variety of silicone tips for the best fit (one that seals off your ear canal), or consider ones with wings that hook inside your ear for an even sturdier hold. Some earbuds also offer hooks that go outside and around your ear, which may better keep them in place. ✔️ Water- and sweat-resistance: Running usually involves sweating, so it’s wise to opt for running earbuds that can handle some water. Our pros suggest looking for earbuds with at least an IP (ingress protection) rating of IPX4, which means that they should be able to withstand sweat and some light rain. The first number refers to solids like dust and sand, while the second number refers to liquids. The higher the number, the more durable and water-resistant you can expect your earbuds to be. ✔️ On-ear controls: It’s nice to be able to skip songs or press pause without having to pull out your smartphone. Look for earbuds with on-ear controls like sensors or buttons if you like the idea of adjusting your music from the earbud itself. ✔️ Pairing: Your earbuds or headphone should connect seamlessly to your device via Bluetooth. Whether you use an iPhone or an Android, check that your earbuds support pairing with your smartphone and its operating system. ✔️ Battery life: Consider your earbuds' battery life, especially if you’re a long-distance runner. No one wants to have their music die mid-run, or even worse, mid-marathon. Opt for earbuds with a rechargeable case that can extend your earbuds' battery life if this is important to you or you don’t want to charge too frequently. Also, keep in mind that active noise cancellation will eat up more battery power than when it’s turned off. ✔️ Noise-cancellation: Whether or not you want to use noise-cancellation (designed to produce a mirror image sound wave in your ear to cancel out external noise) on your runs is a personal choice. Some people might prefer open-ear designs that don’t secure off your ear canal so you can listen to both music and your surroundings at the same time, while others like earbuds that block off all external traffic or noise with active noise cancellation. If you want a mix of both, consider earbuds that feature a transparency mode so you can hear clearly when active noise cancellation is turned off.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and feedback on the best electronics and fitness accessories you can buy.

Writer and Product Reviews Analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from tech to fitness, travel, home, health and more. Not only does she bring years of product review experience to GH (she's reviewed everything from AirPods alternatives to JBL earbuds ), but since joining in 2021 she tests at least 25 pairs of earbuds and headphones per year and rotates them out as travels, walks her dog or commutes to the Hearst Tower. Good Housekeeping Institute Data Engineer Nik Greenwald ran our most recent test of running headphones, spending over 5 hours researching, recording and analyzing data to compare different models. When not at the Institute, Greenwald works as a songwriter and record producer, having written and produced several tracks that have garnered millions of streams worldwide.

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

As a data engineer in the Good Housekeeping Institute , Nik (he/him) works with all of our Labs to develop testing protocols and manage data collection and analysis. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022 , Nik worked in the labs of MIT and Regeneron, working on projects ranging from chemical inventory and reporting to the development of bioassays. He holds a degree in chemical engineering from Northeastern University.

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I'm a Frequent-flying Airline Cardholder, and These Are the 8 Items I Never Travel Without

Score editor-approved finds from Lululemon, Sony, and Travelpro, starting at $6.

Anyone who considers themselves a seasoned traveler knows just what to pack for a long flight. While I wouldn’t say I’m a full-blown jet-setter, I do travel multiple times a year — enough to benefit from an airline's credit card. And trip after trip, there are several nifty items I always find myself toting along, all of which are available at Amazon with prices starting as low as $6. 

As Travel + Leisure ’s Amazon shopping expert, you can trust that I discover some of the best finds at affordable prices. In fact, I do it for a living. And when you marry that skill with my knack for traveling, you’ll get a list filled with top-rated finds from some of the biggest brands around. That includes editor-loved Amazon travel picks from Lululemon, Scout, Sony, and Travelpro, just to name a few. I’ve tested each of these products during flights, on vacations, and throughout everyday life, so you know that I’ve put ‘em through the ringer (and they’ve all passed).

Editor-Loved Amazon Travel Essentials

• CamelBak Chute Mag 25-Ounce Bottle , from $14 (originally $16) 
• Lululemon All Night Festival Bag 5L , from $102 
• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Headphones , $278 (originally $348)
• Covergirl Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm , $6 (originally $8)
• Cadence Travel Body Set Capsule Containers , $66
• Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale , from $11
• Travelpro Maxlite Air Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner , $186 (originally $220)
• Scout Little Big Mouth Makeup Bag , $33
• Ouai Melrose Place Eau de Parfum Travel , $26

Related: 12 Perfect Lightweight, Wrinkle-free Dresses to Pack for All Your Summer Travels — Under $70

CamelBak Chute Mag 25-Ounce Bottle

Buy on Amazon

I’ve used CamelBak water bottles for over 10 years, primarily because they were trendy when I was in college, but they’ve stuck with me ever since. While I loved the classic Eddy+ straw water bottle in my 20s, I’ve since upgraded to the Chute Mag bottle , which has a leak-proof, screw-top lid, preventing dirt and grime from contaminating the mouth. Designed with a slim build, the water bottle fits nicely in my backpack or carry-on, too. Plus, I love that it’s made with plastic, making it lightweight enough to carry in-hand. 

Lululemon All Night Festival Bag 5L

Tote bags are great, but when you want to carry just the essentials and roam hands-free, this is the Lululemon belt bag you’ll reach for instead. I love the All Night Festival Bag , which has a clever zipper design that makes me feel secure despite the rise in pickpocketing scares . It has a zipper around the top to stash important items like your passport, phone, and earbuds. However, that portion actually folds over to create a flap that’s fastened by a magnetic button. The bag also has an external zipper for small knick knacks like a subway card or ID. Shop it in black or white. 

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Premium Noise Canceling Headphones

Airplane engines, baby cries, and chatty passengers are all things these headphones can block out. I’ve had the older version of these for years and I’m due for this upgraded one. However, I can honestly say the Sony headphones deliver superior sound quality and a noise-canceling ability beyond any other pair I’ve tried. I love that I can listen in noise-canceling mode when jamming out and then switch to ambient sound control to hear the world around me. How else will I know we’ve landed? 

Covergirl Clean Fresh Tinted Lip Balm

My toiletry bag is as minimalist as they come, complete with dual-purpose makeup like this Covergirl tinted lip balm . I discovered it after searching for the viral Clinique Black Honey Lipstick and found this $6 gem in the process. The pigmented wine-stained hue looks so good on and the hydrating formula is unparalleled. So instead of bringing a lip balm and lipstick, I just throw this one in my bag and call it a day. Psst , it looks so similar to the Clinique classic, too.  

Cadence Travel Body Set Capsule Containers

Travel-sized bottles have nothing on these Cadence capsule containers that have instantly become a favorite. Unlike drugstore bottles that have a small opening and end up leaking in your bag, these Cadence ones are quite the opposite. They have a wide mouth perfect for carrying lotions, thick creams, and body washes. They have a secure twist-top lid that comes complete with labeled tiles, so you know what’s in what. Plus, they have a magnetic design that keeps the capsules together. I’ve carried these with me on trips to Las Vegas, Miami, and even internationally to Mexico and Italy—and they’ve never failed. 

Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale

There are light packers, and then there’s me. I am not said light packer, which is why I need to carry a luggage scale with me on every trip. This digital luggage scale is ideal for solo travelers or single-person households because it allows you to lift luggage and check the weight right on the “handle” in lieu of using the outdated standing-on-the-scale method. And because it’s compact, I can stick it in my backpack or carry-on without worrying about it adding extra weight.

Travelpro Maxlite Air Medium Check-In Hardside Spinner

Week-long trips require more than a carry-on and less than a large suitcase, which is where this Goldilocks of checked luggage comes in. I wanted a lightweight piece for my Italy trip and opted for the Travelpro Maxlite Air suitcase ; it has a durable hard shell, a medium-sized construction, and a 9-pound build. Yes, it was a godsend while trekking up and down stairs in Venice. It’s available in several fun styles, including blue, pink, and red. However, I particularly like the green, which gives it a colorful touch without showing dirt, bumps, or bruises. 

Scout Little Big Mouth Makeup Bag

There are makeup bags, and then there are makeup bags . I use this Scout toiletry bag everyday, but it travels so nicely, I bring it on all my trips. It has a compact appearance, yet fits all of my skincare and makeup items thanks to its 6-inch capacity and three internal pockets. My favorite thing about the bag is its wire frame that expands out and keeps the top open, making it easy to grab my belongings without fishing for it. And because it’s made with a coated cotton material, the bag is a breeze to wipe down.   

Ouai Melrose Place Eau de Parfum Travel

I like putting on perfume when I’m out and about, but no one has the capacity to lug around a full-sized bottle on a trip. Small, travel-sized options, like this on-the-go Ouai eau de parfum , are the solution — especially when they smell as good as this one does! The .34-ounce perfume delivers fresh notes of rose, lychee, and white musk for a spa-like smell you’ll want to bathe in. The scent lasts a long time, even with just a few spritzes. The best part? While this is TSA-friendly, there’s no reason why you can’t throw it in your purse on your way to work, a date, or brunch, too.

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