No matter where you’re traveling, a good pair of headphones can be an absolute game-changer on your next adventure. If you travel with something comfortable and noise-isolating, you can sometimes make the experience easier and even more enjoyable.
Quality headphones are vital to making your journey more peaceful, no matter the noise from the engine, the snoring passenger, or the baby screaming behind you. Below, we have handpicked the best travel headphones for you to help you save hours of research time.
Consider the microphone quality, whether you need in-line controls, and active noise cancellation features that keep conversations quiet if you intend to connect your headphones to a mobile device while traveling.
Let’s Get Right To The Best Travel Headphones In 2023:-
1- Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Travelers consider Bose QuietComfort 35 II to be among the best noise-canceling headsets on the market. Furthermore, they come with so many other benefits that make them well worth the investment. It is a great option for travelers because it is one of the best travel-friendly headphones.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II lets you decide how much outside noise you hear. Due to their multiple degrees of noise cancellation. With Alexa and Co. With Voice assistant capabilities, you can stay up to date on your schedule, the news, and everything in between.
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery can provide up to 20 hours of wireless power and 40 hours of performance when wired.
While maintaining a slim profile, they are also comfortable. Anyone can wear these for hours without feeling the need to remove them to let their ears breathe. Furthermore, they’re incredibly durable and can be bent and twisted in several ways, so you don’t have to worry about cramming them into your bag.
The dual-microphone system is noise-rejecting, so you can talk to Alexa even if you’re rushing through New York or in a noisy airport. Bose QuietComfort 35 II is, without a doubt, one of the best headphones for travel.
[Video Credit – JimsReviewRoom]
2- Sony WH-1000XM3
Sony’s WH-1000XM3 is all about convenience. It comes under the category of Portable headphones. Using the control interface is a breeze, but you need to listen wirelessly to use it fully. You can skip tracks by swiping forward or backward, adjust the volume by swiping up or down, and play/pause your music by tapping. You can also start a pass-through function by putting your hand over the right ear cup, which allows you to hear what’s around you.
Even innovative listening technology adjusts the sounds you hear depending on what’s going on around you. Furthermore, these headphones have industry-leading noise-canceling capabilities and a battery that provides up to 30 hours of listening time.
Check out the Sony WH-1000XM3 if you’re looking for some of the best wireless headphones for travel.
[Video Credit – Marques Brownlee]
3- Beats Studio3 Wireless
Beats Studio3 Wireless compact headphones have fast-charging capability, which makes them excellent for traveling on planes.
Getting on a flight and not watching or listening to your favorite travel movies is one of the worst things a traveler can experience. So, if you charge your headphones ten minutes before you board, you can get more than three hours of flight time.
It offers improved sound quality, noise cancellation, and battery life over its predecessor with a sturdy design. With Apple’s W1 chip, syncing Apple devices is quick and easy. Sound quality is comparable to competing models and performs well as a headset for making phone calls.
In addition to controlling your phone’s music and calls, you can handle any iCloud-registered device such as your MacBook. Regardless of what’s going on around you, these headphones let you stay tuned in to your music. If you are looking for lightweight headphones for travel you should buy this one.
[Video Credit – JimsReviewRoom]
4- Bose QuietComfort 20
You can choose to listen to what you want and block out what you don’t, all at the press of a button with the Bose QuietComfort 20. If you don’t like to use over-the-ear headphones while flying, these are some of the best in-ear headphones (earphones) for airplane travel.
Despite being made of squishy silicone, the ear tips don’t easily come off even when wedged up in your pocket. Soft fins on each ear tip nestle in the ridges of your ear to keep them in place without having to be jammed into your ear canal.
With the in-line remote, switching between music and phone calls is nearly seamless, so you don’t have to take your phone out of your pocket to play a new song.
Rather than sitting near your mouth, the in-line controller sits in the middle of your chest, and the three buttons on the front control volume, playback, and Siri are on IOS devices. The control pod of the cord encloses the lithium-ion battery pack. The headphones recharge via a standard Micro-USB cable, and Bose promises 16 hours of battery life.
A pair of these Bose earbuds will comfortably fit in your ears, thanks to their ergonomic design. For those who enjoy sleeping on aircraft, these are ideal.
If you couple these with your favorite travel pillow, you’ll sleep so well that you’ll forget you’re in an uncomfortable airplane seat.
[Video Credit – Android Authority]
5- Sennheiser PXC 550
As part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Technical Standard Order program, Sennheiser developed the first active noise-reduction headset in 1984, which means you can be confident you’re getting the best headphones for flights.
For those who are looking for wireless travel headphones, PXC 550 can be your best traveling partner. To give you a first-class experience, they created a product specifically for business travelers. Sennheiser’s control options are on the right ear cup in the form of buttons and a touchpad.
The PXC 550 microphone system is quite decent. Sennheiser used an array of three microphones in conjunction with noise cancelation technology to reduce background noise and transmit clear audio. Mics reduce proximity effects quite well too.
As a high-end pair of headphones, you’ll find everything you expect (exceptional battery life, Bluetooth technology, noise cancellation, touch controls, etc.).
If you are looking for the best headphones for air travel, the Sennheiser PXC 550 Wireless is an excellent choice.
[Video Credit – Mike O’Brien]
6- Mpow 059
If you are looking for budget-friendly, high-quality headphones, then Mpow 059 Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones are perfect for you.
Mpow has focused on giving you premium sound quality that is unmatched. If you’re always in loud environments, these headphones may not be the best travel headphones for you since they have passive noise isolation but no active noise cancellation.
On the other hand, if you’re only planning on relaxing while listening to the waves crashing on the shore, these are ideal for you.
Mpow boasts a 20-hour playback time from the rechargeable battery, and you can take it wired if the battery runs out or you prefer that to Bluetooth. Mpow’s 18-month warranty is also impressive.
As one of the best Bluetooth travel headphones, these can also control Bluetooth-enabled devices from a distance of 33 feet. Those searching for a nearly perfect listening experience should go with the Mpow 059 Bluetooth Over-Ear Headphones.
[Video Credit – Gauging Gadgets]
7- Philips Fidelio NC1
For frequent travelers, Philips Fidelio NC1 is an excellent choice. Their plush, hard case protects them from damage when thrown into a bag, and they fold neatly into themselves, so they don’t take up much space.
When you choose the Philips Fidelio NC1 headphones, you will be pleased with every moment – from camping in the middle of nowhere to traveling on an airplane with a baby who’s crying.
The headphones combine sound quality and noise cancellation capabilities perfectly, dispelling the myth that they cannot coexist.
Special features of these headphones include the standalone acoustic chamber and 40-millimeter drivers, powered by a rechargeable battery that offers an impressive 30 hours of battery life and active noise cancellation.
Philips Fidelio NC1 headphones look fantastic. The aluminum back has a slightly mottled pattern that looks and feels premium. Slim and straightforward designs make them some of the best headphones for flying, as they can easily be stored in your luggage or the airplane seat pocket in front of you.
There’s no question that Philips has created a quality product that you’ll love no matter where you go.
[Video Credit – Digital Trends]
8- COWIN E7
Due to their young age, you may not have heard of COWIN too often. The COWIN E7 has, however, skyrocketed sales of the brand, making it one of the five most sold headphones on Amazon, with more than 7000 highly positive customer reviews.
One of the reasons these are some of the best airplane headphones is their super-soft ear pads. With its swivel 90° ear cups, your long-haul flight will be much more enjoyable.
In addition to their comfort, these headphones have high-quality speakers with 40-millimeter drivers, Bluetooth wireless connection, NFC, and Active Noise Cancelling that you can control with a simple tap of the headphone.
Overall, they feel exceptionally durable and rugged. If you don’t want to spend too much, these travel headphones will suit you best.
[Video Credit – CEONTHEMAKING]
9- Anker SoundBuds Curve
The Anker SoundBuds Curve is fabulous in-ear headphones (earbuds) for active travelers. Aside from several features that make them a top choice for travel headphones, they are also lightweight.
CVC noise-cancellation technology and aptX technology are just a few of the many features that make these headphones some of the best. They have soft, rubber-like hooks, wingtips, and wings. This makes them feel quite cozy and comfortable.
These headphones are perfect for travelers on the go, as they are water-resistant, so whether you are caught in the rain hiking in Big Sur or your headphones get splashed while you’re relaxing poolside at your luxury retreat in Bangkok, you shouldn’t have to worry.
Additionally, the EarTips are customizable, so they fit correctly, and there are also additional EarWings to keep them secure during workouts. With a battery life of 12.5 hours, these are great travel companions.
A highlight of Anker is the remarkable 18-month warranty period and convenient customer service.
[Video Credit – Gauging Gadgets]
10- Panasonic ErgoFit
Panasonic ErgoFit headphones are perfect for those who are rough on their travel gear but still want quality headphones. These in-ear headphones (earbuds) are very affordable yet provide good sound quality.
The earphones are supplied with three disposable silicone tips of different sizes. For this price, you’re much more likely to see hard-bud earphones, but being able to jam the soft-tip earphones into your ears improves sound isolation and maximizes bass.
You have the choice of earpad size, and the almost four-foot cable makes it easy to thread the earphones through your travel jacket. And what’s better, if they fall apart or break, you can purchase another pair without shedding a tear.
[Video Credit – Duncan McMillan]
11- Jabra Elite 45h
Jabra Elite 45h is equipped with 40mm speakers designed to deliver excellent music on the go. Enjoy the clear, outstanding sound of these on-ear headphones while having complete wireless comfort.
With 50 hours of playback from one charge, this is a huge score – so if you want to go for days without charging your headphones, don’t look any further. Additionally, you can quick-charge these headphones to get 10 hours of battery life in just 15 minutes.
You won’t have to worry about the sound quality when you answer your calls. Whether traveling or at home, the Jabra Elite 45h provides two microphones to ensure that you never miss a quality call.
It has been designed to fit into your life comfortably. Lightweight and foldable, they can easily be tossed in your back or worn all day. The combination of ergonomic design and soft and moldable memory foam provides excellent comfort.
It’s a perfect pair of wireless headphones, and it does the job well when it comes to comfort, battery life, and sound quality. Overall, it is one of the best foldable headphones for travel.
[Video Credit – Tech Spurt]
12- Apple AirPods Pro
It is no secret that Apple has made great strides since launching the AirPods in 2016. AirPods Pro retains its timeless design and easy-to-use features even with a new design and new features.
Unlike other in-ear fit solutions, Apple’s use of ear tips that attach directly to earpiece grilles instead of extended stalks ensures an incredibly secure fit. Fitting is secure, and they stay in place despite appearing to be uninstallable, and three pairs of ear tips are included in the box (small, medium, and large). You can also do an ear tip fit test to ensure they’re in your ear correctly.
Connecting the AirPods Pro to an iOS device is as quick as ever. When you do this, they get paired with every other device on your iCloud account.
A genuinely wireless earphone that offers solid audio performance, a comfortable design, a great bass response, and effective noise cancellation, AirPods Pro is still a great choice.
[Video Credit – Marques Brownlee]
What to Look for in a Good Travel Headphone
It’s important to know that not all headphones are created equal, so consider these factors if you want to get the best travel headphones…
1- Comfort
There is a good chance you’ll be wearing your headphones continuously for several hours. If you like over-the-ear headphones, make sure they fit comfortably on your ears and your head (so you don’t feel your ears strain after watching only one episode of The Big Bang Theory).
2- Budget
The price of headphones can range from a few dollars to several thousand dollars, and until a certain point, you get what you pay for. The headphones with the most significant number of features (noise-canceling, Bluetooth, voice assistant capabilities, and touch controls) will be the most expensive. Nonetheless, once you reach hundreds or thousands of dollars, you’re likely to spend more on frills like diamonds or engraved materials that don’t improve the sound quality.
Consider your current budget and that your new headphones will be an investment you will enjoy for many years. Although $300 headphones may seem a bit pricey, you will be able to travel more peacefully.
3- Over-Ear vs. In-Ear
Each has its pros and cons, but it comes down to what you find more comfortable.
The over-ear headphones tend to be more comfortable, plus you won’t hear anything going on around you since your ears are within the ear cups. However, they are also bulkier, more challenging to carry, and likely to be more expensive.
Earbuds, or in-ear headphones, are great for people who like versatility. Whether you are on an airplane or heading out for a run, these headphones are fabulous. Packing them is easy because they’re lightweight and don’t take up much space. However, some people dislike the feeling of headphones in their ears.
4- Noise-Cancellation
If you’re a frequent flyer, then good noise-canceling headphones are almost essential. You will not only be able to hear what’s going on around you, but your neighbors won’t be able to hear what you’re listening to either.
5- Size & Weight
The size and weight of your headphones, even if they’re over-the-ear ones, are still important. When you’re not wearing them, they should be kept in a safe place. A case is sometimes included with headphones to increase durability and simplify storage. Others can fold differently, so you can store them however you like.
The weight of your headphones doesn’t necessarily matter when it comes to packing, but it matters because you’re going to be wearing them for a long time, and you don’t want them to feel heavy.
6- Wired vs. Wireless
Although this also comes down to personal preference, a few factors to consider before purchasing your next pair of headphones.
- Audio Quality – Wired headphones tend to offer better audio quality.
- Cost – Wireless headphones usually cost more than wired headphones.
- Compatibility – When you choose wired headphones, you must make sure the headphones are compatible with your device. To this point, Apple’s iPhone 7 and all its successors lack a headphone jack, so you’ll either need a separate adapter or a wireless model.
- Battery Life – There is no battery life restriction for wired headphones. Although wireless headphones have a limited battery life, many premium options provide more than enough listening time to get you through the day. In addition, consider how often you will be able to recharge your wireless headphones.
- Convenience – On an airplane, it’s unlikely that you’ll be more than a foot away from your phone. However, if you like to dance around your hotel room, you might not want to do that while holding a phone. While you can’t go more than four to six feet from your phone with wired headphones, most wireless headphones have a range of about 30 feet.
- Controls – Most people find it easy to use wired headphones that have control buttons on the upper corner of the wires. Wireless headphones often have buttons located on the sides and back of the earphones. The buttons on these devices sometimes are tiny, so people may have difficulty using them. Nevertheless, once you’ve used the wireless headphones a few times, you should get used to the buttons.
- Interference – You won’t experience any problems with wired headphones. When using wireless headphones, it’s essential to remember that interference can be more likely farther away from your phone. Bluetooth-enabled devices like computers and televisions can also interfere with sound. Keeping Bluetooth turned off on your other devices when you’re not using them would be a simple fix, but outside interference is always a possibility.
Final Thoughts
It appears that our article has come to an end. These headphones are our picks for traveling outdoors and taking public transport. Wherever you go, you need to take headphones. Having tested dozens of headphones, we have listed the best ones for you.
If you don’t already have a pair, we hope the information in this article will help you make an informed decision and choose the best travel headphones for your own needs.