If you travel a lot — or even just occasionally — you know how much a good pair of earbuds can improve the journey. Whether you’re trying to catch some sleep on a noisy plane, enjoy a playlist while exploring a new city, or take a call on the go, the right earbuds can make everything easier and more enjoyable.
In 2025, earbuds have come a long way. They’re smaller, smarter, and packed with features like active noise cancelation, long battery life, and crystal-clear sound. But with so many choices out there, picking the right pair for travel can feel overwhelming.
That’s where this blog comes in. We’ve rounded up the best travel earbuds of 2025 to help you find the perfect fit for your adventures. Whether you want top-tier tech or something budget-friendly and reliable, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and find your next travel companion.
What to Look For in Travel Earbuds
Choosing the right travel earbuds goes far beyond just good sound. Here’s what matters most when shopping for a pair that can keep up with your adventures:
Active Noise Cancelation (ANC): A must-have for any traveler, ANC blocks out the constant hum of plane engines, noisy train cabins, or bustling terminals. The best 2025 models offer adaptive ANC, which adjusts in real time based on your surroundings. Some even feature “transparent modes” that let in important sounds.
Battery: There’s nothing worse than your earbuds dying mid-flight. Modern travel earbuds offer 8-12 hours of playback per charge, with cases adding up to 30 – 40 additional hours. Many support fast charging, giving you hours of listening time in just minutes — perfect for airport layovers or last-minute boarding calls.
Comfort and Fit: You might be wearing your earbuds for long hours, so comfort is non-negotiable. Look for lightweight designs, multiple ear tip sizes, and materials like memory foam or soft silicone.
Design: Travel earbuds should be as portable as they are powerful. Slim, low-profile cases fit easily into your pocket, passport pouch, or airline seat pocket. Bonus points for models with flat profiles that don’t bulge out of your ears, making them more comfortable for sleeping or leaning against windows.
Durability: When you’re constantly on the move, your earbuds need to withstand more than just water. Look for a durable build and solid case construction. Moreover, a solid IP rating (e.g., IPX4 to IPX7) ensures your earbuds can survive splashes, sweat, and even accidental drops. For outdoor or adventure travel, opt for at least IPX5 or higher.
Smart Features: In 2025, earbuds aren’t just audio devices — they’re travel assistants. High-end models include AI-driven adaptive sound, head tracking for 3D audio, and real-time translation to help bridge language gaps abroad. Some even offer smart pause/play, voice controls, or location-based sound profiles.
Quick Overview of the Travel Earbuds
Our 8 top recommended travel earbuds are:
| Best Overall | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
| Best for Frequent Flyers / Business Travel | Bose QC Ultra |
| Best Budget Travel Earbuds | Anker Liberty 5 NC |
| Best Earbuds for Comfort and Long Trips | Jabra Elite 8 Active |
| Best Sound Quality for Audiophile Travelers | Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 |
| Best for International Travel and Smart Features | Pixel Buds Pro 2 |
| Best for Apple Ecosystem Travelers | Apple AirPods Pro 2 |
| Best for Adventure | Galaxy Buds3 Pro |
In-Depth Look – Top 8 Best Travel Earbuds
Here’s our curated list of the 8 best travel earbuds you can buy in 2025 — each tested for sound quality, comfort, and reliability.
1. Sony WF-1000XM5
Best Overall
- Industry-leading noise cancelation
- Long 36-hour battery life
- Comfortable for long wear
- Pocket-friendly, compact design
- Clear calls in noisy spots
- Fast charging (3 min = 1 hr)
- Durable and water-resistant
- Premium pricing
- Slight wind noise at times
- The case can be a bit bulky for some
In our deep assessment of the best travel earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM5 stands out as the overall best pick. Travel demands more than just sound — it requires reliable noise cancelation, long-lasting comfort, portability, and dependable performance on the move. After evaluating several models across these travel-centric parameters, the WF-1000XM5 consistently came out ahead.
These earbuds deliver the best-in-class ANC, especially effective across the varied low-to-high frequency range typical of planes and public transport. Battery life is a strong 36 hours with the case, and a 3-minute quick charge gives you 60 minutes, making them incredibly practical for long travel days.
We found them extremely lightweight and compact, fitting snugly in pockets and ears alike, and comfortable even after hours of use.
The bone-conduction and AI-powered mic system ensures crystal-clear calls, even in crowded stations.
Add in intuitive smart features, multi-device pairing, and a premium, water-resistant build, and it’s clear. For overall travel, the WF-1000XM5 nails everything a frequent flyer or commuter could ask for.
View on Amazon: Sony WF-1000XM5
2. Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Earbuds
Best for Frequent Flyers / Business Travel
- Class-leading noise cancelation
- Long 24-hour battery life
- Extremely comfortable for flights
- Sleek, durable build quality
- Multipoint device connectivity
- Fast 15-minute quick charge
- Clear, strong call quality
- Premium price point
- Bulky case for some
- Immersive mode drains battery
When looking for the best earbuds for frequent flyers or business travel, we focused on what matters most during long trips: comfort, battery life, noise cancelation, and easy switching between devices. After comparing many options, we found that the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is the best pick in this category.
These earbuds have excellent noise cancelation, which blocks out loud airplane engines and busy airports so you can relax or focus. The sound feels very real thanks to Bose’s Immersive Audio, and everything is custom-tuned to your ears.
You get up to 24 hours of battery life, or 18 hours with Immersive Audio on, and a quick 15-minute charge gives you up to 2.5 hours of playtime — perfect if you’re rushing between flights.
They’re also very comfortable to wear for long hours, and the compact case fits easily in a bag or pocket. The earbuds feel well-built and durable, which is great for regular travelers.
We also liked the smart features, like Bluetooth multipoint for easy switching between your phone and laptop, and clear calls during meetings. Based on our trials, these earbuds are a top choice for business travelers who need performance, comfort, and reliability on the go.
View on Amazon: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
3. Anker Liberty 5 NC
Best Budget Travel Earbuds
- Excellent ANC performance
- Long 50-hour battery
- Lightweight, comfy fit
- Compact travel-friendly case
- Reliable water resistance
- No wireless charging
- LDAC drains battery
- Limited ANC adjustability
- Slight bulk in small ears
When evaluating options in the best budget travel earbuds category, we looked for a balance of strong noise cancelation, long battery life, reliable comfort, and practical durability — all without breaking the bank. The Anker Liberty 5 NC came out on top due to its combination of premium features at a very accessible price point. It offers performance that rivals more expensive models, making it the clear winner for budget-conscious travelers.
With adaptive ANC that cuts up to 98.5% of noise, these earbuds excel in airports, airplanes, and busy terminals. They deliver crisp sound through 11mm drivers and LDAC, which is rare in this price range.
You get up to 50 hours of battery life, plus fast charging for quick top-ups during layovers. The buds are comfortable for long-haul use, lightweight, and come in a compact case that easily fits into your pocket or carry-on.
An IPX4 rating adds reassurance against spills or light rain. Features like Bluetooth 5.3 multi-point, 6-mic AI call clarity, and HearID 2.0 for custom sound further elevate the travel experience. We’ve evaluated these thoroughly, and from a travel standpoint, they’re the best value you can get today.
View on Amazon: Anker Liberty 5 NC
4. Jabra Elite 8 Active
Best Earbuds for Comfort and Long Trips
- Strong ANC
- Excellent 32h battery life
- Compact, pocket-size case
- Clear calls with 6 mics
- Fast charge: 5 mins = 1hr
- Seamless device switching
- Smartwatch connectivity works well
- No aptX codec support
- The case is not fully waterproof
- Limited customisation onboard
When looking for the best earbuds for comfort and long trips, we tried many options and found that the Jabra Elite 8 Active are the best for this category. We chose them because they are very comfortable to wear for many hours, stay in place during movement, and come with a lot of travel-friendly features.
The Jabra ShakeGrip™ helps the earbuds stay secure in your ears without hurting, even after long flights or road trips. They give up to 32 hours of battery life with the case, and a quick 5-minute charge gives 1 hour of use, which is great for busy travelers.
The Adaptive Hybrid ANC works well in blocking out airplane noise, traffic, or crowds, so you can relax and enjoy your music or shows. The Dolby Spatial Sound makes everything you listen to sound rich and clear.
These earbuds are also dustproof, waterproof, and drop-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about them in tough weather or outdoor adventures. With features like Bluetooth Multipoint, clear voice calls with 6 microphones, and a small, easy-to-carry case, the Jabra Elite 8 Active checks every box for a perfect travel earbud. We evaluated them carefully, and we highly recommend them for long and comfortable travel.
View on Amazon: Jabra Elite 8 Active
5. Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4
Best Sound Quality for Audiophile Travelers
- Exceptional audiophile-grade sound
- Adaptive ANC for flights/trains
- 30-hour battery with case
- Fast charging: 8 mins = 1 hr
- Comfortable for long wear
- Compact and travel-friendly case
- IP54 dust and splash resistant
- Dual-device multipoint support
- Qi wireless charging available
- Custom EQ and sound profile
- Premium price point
- Features need firmware updates
- Bulky charging case vs. some
- No volume control on earbuds
When evaluating travel earbuds, we prioritized essentials like noise cancelation, battery life, comfort, and portability — but during our assessment of the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4, it became clear that they also deliver audiophile-grade sound quality, making them stand out in the best sound quality for audiophile travelers. While many earbuds cater to convenience, these go a step further by offering studio-level fidelity on the go. Thanks to the TrueResponse transducer system, support for aptX Lossless and 24bit/96kHz resolution, and personalized EQ tuning, they provide a listening experience that’s both rich and highly detailed — ideal for discerning ears during travel.
Beyond the sound, they excel in all the right areas for travel: the adaptive ANC performs impressively in noisy environments like airports and trains, and Transparency Mode is instantly accessible when you need to stay aware.
With up to 30 hours of battery life and fast charging (1 hour of playback in just 8 minutes), you’re covered for long journeys.
They’re also compact, IP54-rated for durability, and designed for comfort over long hours.
Add multipoint connectivity, Qi wireless charging, and a smart app for custom audio profiles, and these earbuds become more than just a luxury — they’re a top-tier travel companion for audiophile listeners. Check out some of the best audiophile headphones.
View on Amazon: Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4
6. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Best for International Travel and Smart Features
- Excellent AI noise cancelation
- Long battery, fast charge
- Lightweight, secure daily fit
- Compact, pocket-friendly case
- Water‑resistant, durable build
- Hands‑free Assistant support
- Real-time translation support
- Limited ANC on flights
- Full features need Android
- Slight premium price point
- No multipoint Bluetooth connection
When looking for the best earbuds for international travel, we evaluated dozens based on features that matter the most to globetrotters: comfort for long journeys, noise isolation on flights, smart assistance on the go, and reliable battery life.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 stood out in our evaluation as the best for international travel and smart Features. What gives them the edge is the real-time language translation via Google Translate and Gemini integration — a game-changer when navigating new countries or languages. Check out the best translating earbuds in 2025.
We found them incredibly effective at blocking cabin or street noise thanks to Silent Seal™ 2.0 ANC, adapting to environments three million times per second. They’re compact, lightweight, and the fit is customizable, making them ideal for long wear during flights or transit.
With up to 30 hours of battery with ANC, and 1.5 hours of play from a 5-minute charge, they’re truly travel-ready. Smart features like Find My Device, seamless device switching, and Gemini voice control elevate the experience. If you’re a frequent international traveler looking for intelligent earbuds that keep up, these are it.
View on Amazon: Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
7. Apple AirPods Pro 2
Best for Apple Ecosystem Travelers
- Excellent ANC
- Long battery life, fast charge
- Comfortable for long flights
- Durable, sweat and water-resistant
- Seamless Apple device switching
- Smart features for travel ease
- Great voice call quality
- Reliable touch and voice controls
- Best with Apple devices only
- High price point
When we looked for the best travel earbuds for Apple ecosystem travelers, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 came out on top. If you already use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, these earbuds are perfect for travel. They connect easily with all your Apple devices and switch between them without any extra steps. What makes them even better for traveling is that you can use the iTranslate app with them for real-time and offline translation, which is super helpful when you’re in a different country.
In our assessment, the ANC was excellent — great for blocking out plane engines or loud stations. You get up to 6 hours of battery life with ANC on, and the case gives up to 30 hours total.
A quick 5-minute charge gives you 1 hour of use, which is great when you’re in a rush. They’re small, light, and fit comfortably for long periods. The water and dust resistance (IP54) means they can handle rain or sweat.
Smart features like Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, and Find My case tracking make travel easier. If you’re part of the Apple world, these are the best earbuds to take with you on any trip.
View on Amazon: Apple AirPods Pro 2
8. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Best for Adventure
- Excellent ANC with AI
- Long battery, fast charge
- Snug fit for movement
- Compact, travel-friendly case
- IP57 water and dust resistant
- AI translation on the go
- Seamless device switching
- Voice and gesture control
- Premium pricing tier
- Best features Samsung-limited
- No physical volume buttons
- Metallic finish scratches easily
When selecting the best travel earbuds for adventure, we prioritized features like durability, comfort, battery life, noise control, and smart adaptability in unpredictable environments. After evaluating multiple options, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro stood out for their all-around capability in real-world, on-the-move travel scenarios.
These earbuds bring IP57-rated durability, ensuring they’re ready for dust, rain, and sweat, ideal for hikes, beach days, or rugged treks. The AI-powered ANC smartly adapts to your surroundings while still allowing safety-critical sounds like alarms and sirens, a crucial factor for outdoor explorers.
With up to 26 hours of playtime (ANC on) and fast wireless charging, they’re ready for long journeys. The ergonomic fit ensures comfort over extended wear and won’t fall out during physical activity. Add in Galaxy AI’s real-time language translation and gesture + voice control, and they’re not just earbuds — they’re your intelligent travel companion. Compact, lightweight, and packed with smart tech, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro are our top pick for anyone traveling off the beaten path.
View on Amazon: Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
FAQs on Travel Earbuds
1. Can I use wireless earbuds on a plane?
Yes, most airlines now allow the use of wireless earbuds during the entire flight. Just switch your device to aeroplane mode and enable Bluetooth. Many modern earbuds also support offline listening for in-flight entertainment systems.
2. Are noise-canceling earbuds better than headphones for travel?
For portability, yes. ANC earbuds offer excellent noise cancelation with a compact design that’s easier to pack and wear for long periods, especially while sleeping or reclining. However, over-ear headphones still provide superior ANC for some users.
3. What are the best earbuds for sleeping during travel?
Look for slim, low-profile earbuds with soft silicone tips and passive noise isolation. Comfort-focused models like the Jabra Elite 8 Active or AirPods Pro 3 are great for side sleepers and long-haul flights.
4. How long should travel earbuds last on a single charge?
Good travel earbuds offer 8 to 12 hours of playback per charge, with a total of 30–40 hours including the case. Fast charging support is also a big plus for last-minute top-ups.
5. Do any earbuds help with language translation while traveling?
Yes! Models like the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer real-time translation features via Google Translate. This can be incredibly helpful when exploring new countries or navigating non-English environments.
6. How do I clean my earbuds after travel?
Use a soft cloth, a dry brush, or a cotton swab to gently remove debris. For hygiene, avoid moisture in speaker grills and clean tips with mild alcohol wipes. Always store them in their case to prevent damage or dirt buildup.
Final Words
In 2025, travel earbuds are no longer just about sound — they’re about comfort, convenience, and adaptability. Whether you’re crossing time zones or exploring new languages, the right pair of earbuds can make your journey smoother, quieter, and far more enjoyable.
From the Sony WF-1000XM5’s all-around excellence, to the Bose QC Ultra’s unbeatable ANC for flights, and the Anker Liberty 5 NC’s value-packed features, there’s something on this list for every type of traveler and budget.
Audiophiles will love the detail in Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4, while adventurers and outdoor explorers will appreciate the rugged Galaxy Buds3 Pro.
Apple fans are best served by the seamless integration of AirPods Pro 2, and frequent flyers or multilingual explorers will find smart features like translation in the Pixel Buds Pro 2 indispensable.
Whatever your destination or travel style, these earbuds offer a perfect blend of performance, durability, and travel-friendly features to help you stay connected and in control, every mile of the way.
