Top 10 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Travel in 2025
Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, but it often comes with its fair share of noise from the constant hum of airplane engines to the hustle and bustle of busy terminals. That’s where noise-canceling headphones come in. They’re a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy their favorite playlists, podcasts, or just a moment of peace while on the go. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or embarking on a long road trip, choosing from the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Travel 2025 can truly transform your travel experience.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best noise-canceling headphones for travel, focusing on top features, performance, and value.
Sony WH-1000XM5 – Best Overall for Travelers.
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 headphones have long been a favorite among travelers, and for good reason. These headphones feature industry-leading noise cancellation, ensuring a peaceful listening experience even in the noisiest environments. The adaptive sound control adjusts the noise-canceling level based on your activity and surroundings, providing a personalized experience. With a lightweight design and plush ear cups, they offer exceptional comfort for extended wear. With up to 30 hours of battery life, you can listen to music or podcasts continuously without needing a recharge during your trip. Additionally, the quick charge feature provides 3 hours of playback from just a 3-minute charge, making them incredibly convenient for travelers on the go. The WH-1000XM5 also boasts high-resolution audio support, delivering crisp and clear sound quality. Whether you’re on a plane, train, or in a bustling city, these headphones are designed to enhance your travel experience. Their seamless Bluetooth connectivity and intuitive touch controls further add to their appeal, making them a top choice for discerning travelers.
Bose QuietComfort 45 – Best for Comfort and Ease of Use
Bose has been synonymous with comfort and effective noise cancellation for years, and the QuietComfort 45 continues that legacy. Designed for comfort, they combine a featherlight frame with cushioned ear pads ideal for hours of use. The Acoustic Noise Cancelling™ technology effectively blocks out a wide range of ambient noises, allowing you to immerse yourself in your music or podcasts. With a battery life of up to 24 hours, they can easily last through long flights or extended train rides. The Quiet Mode provides full noise cancellation, while the Aware Mode lets you hear your surroundings when needed, offering flexibility depending on your environment. The intuitive controls and voice prompts make them user-friendly, even for those who may not be tech-savvy. The Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones are a reliable choice for travelers seeking comfort, simplicity, and effective noise cancellation.
Apple AirPods Max – Ideal for Apple Device Owners
If you’re heavily invested in Apple products, the AirPods Max delivers effortless integration and top-tier features tailored to the ecosystem. These over-ear headphones provide active noise cancellation that rivals the best in the industry, ensuring a quiet listening experience even in noisy environments. The spatial audio feature with dynamic head tracking creates an immersive sound experience, making it feel as though the sound is coming from all around you. With a battery life of up to 20 hours, they can handle long flights or extended listening sessions. The build quality is premium, featuring a stainless steel frame and memory foam ear cushions for comfort and durability. The seamless integration with Apple devices allows for easy switching between devices and access to features like Siri. Though slightly heavier than some alternatives, their outstanding audio performance and seamless Apple integration make them a standout for Apple users.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless – Top choice for audiophiles
Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are built for users who care most about sound quality. They produce audiophile-quality sound with deep bass, nuanced mids, and clear highs, offering a profound listening experience. The adaptive noise-canceling technology automatically adapts according to your environment to provide maximum noise reduction. With up to 60 hours of battery life on a single charge, an industry record, they are ideal for long trips. The padded ear cups and lightweight design provide comfort during extended listening periods. The Momentum 4 Wireless headphones also have customizable sound profiles, enabling you to customize the audio to your liking. Whether on a plane, train, or in a quiet room, these headphones deliver outstanding sound quality and comfort.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e – The Ultimate Choice for Premium Sound and Style
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e headphones are a perfect blend of top-notch sound quality and elegant design. With their 40mm carbon cone drive units, they produce a rich and detailed audio experience that any audiophile would love. The ergonomic ear pads ensure a snug fit, boosting both noise isolation and comfort. Plus, with a battery life that lasts up to 30 hours and quick charging options, they’re ideal for those long trips. You can even customize the noise cancellation through the Bowers & Wilkins app, letting you set it just the way you like. With their sleek look and high-quality materials, these headphones are a stylish pick for travelers who appreciate both aesthetics and functionality.
JBL Tour One M2 – Best for Long Battery Life
The JBL Tour One M2 headphones are perfect for those who love to travel and need a long-lasting battery. With an impressive playback time of up to 50 hours (or 30 hours if you’re using noise cancellation), they’re built to keep you entertained on long flights or train journeys. The adaptive noise cancellation feature adjusts to your surroundings in real-time, providing the best noise reduction possible. You’ll enjoy the signature JBL sound, which offers rich bass and crystal-clear vocals, making your listening experience truly enjoyable. Plus, the soft ear cushions and lightweight design ensure you stay comfortable, even during extended use. And with the smart motion-detecting system, your music will automatically play or pause when you put the headphones on or take them off, adding a nice touch of convenience to your travels.
Anker Soundcore Space Q45 – Top Choice for Budget-Friendly Performance
For travelers seeking quality noise-canceling headphones without breaking the bank, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 offers impressive features at an affordable price. These headphones provide hybrid active noise cancellation that blocks out up to 98% of ambient noise, allowing you to enjoy your music or podcasts without distractions. With a battery life of up to 50 hours with noise cancellation on, they are perfect for long-haul travel, especially when access to charging outlets is limited.
The Soundcore Space Q45 also features 40mm drivers that deliver rich, detailed audio with punchy bass and crisp highs. Thanks to their lightweight construction and memory foam ear cups, comfort is never compromised, even during extended use. Additionally, the companion app allows you to customize sound profiles and noise-cancellation levels to match your preferences.
Transitioning between modes is seamless, and Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable connections across all compatible devices.
Travelers on a tight budget will appreciate the value these headphones provide without sacrificing performance or quality. While they might lack some premium features seen in higher-end models, they strike a perfect balance between cost and functionality. For budget-conscious travelers who value performance, the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 should be at the top of your list.
They also make a great backup pair for frequent flyers or digital nomads working in co-working spots like Guest Blogging Space.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes noise-canceling headphones ideal for travel?
Noise-canceling headphones reduce ambient noise, making them perfect for flights, trains, or busy public spaces.
2. Can I use noise-canceling headphones without music?
Yes, you can enable noise-cancellation alone to block out ambient noise, even when not listening to audio.
3. Do all noise-canceling headphones work equally well on planes?
Not all models perform equally; high-end models like Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QC45 handle cabin noise better.
4. Are noise-canceling headphones safe for long listening sessions?
Yes, when used at moderate volumes; many models also have comfort features for prolonged wear.
5. What’s the difference between active and passive noise cancellation?
Active noise cancellation uses built-in microphones and processing technology to reduce unwanted noise, while passive noise cancellation relies on the headphones’ physical design to block out sound.
