Whether you are gearing up for a long-haul flight or simply commuting to work, the right travel headphones can make all the difference. For music lovers and frequent travelers, a good pair of travel headphones is a must-have. But with so many options out there, finding the perfect pair can be overwhelming.
Our team of travel-savvy music enthusiasts understands the struggle, which is why we’ve done the legwork for you.
We’ve assessed and evaluated countless headphones on the go and narrowed it down to the top 7 travel headphones that will keep you company on your next journey. Whether it’s noise cancellation, comfort, or battery life you’re after, our list has something for every traveler.
Roundup of the Best Travel Headphones
| Overall Best | Sony WH-1000XM4 |
| Best Budget Option | EarFun Wave Pro Active |
| Best Noise Cancellation | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones |
| Best Sound Quality | Sennheiser Momentum 4 |
| Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds |
| Best for Apple Users | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) |
| Best Design | Nothing Ear (a) |
How to Find the Best Headphones for Travel
Selecting the right headphones for travel involves more than just brand names and price tags. Modern travelers are discerning, considering multiple factors to ensure they pick a pair that perfectly suits their needs.
Here are four critical factors to consider when finding the best travel headphones:
1. Wired or Wireless
Wireless Freedom: Most travelers prefer wireless headphones for the convenience of movement they offer. Without the hassle of cords, you can walk, jog, or enjoy your trip without worrying about tangled wires. Bluetooth connectivity has improved significantly, making wireless headphones a reliable choice.
Wired Reliability: If you prefer not to rely on battery life or Bluetooth connectivity, wired headphones might be your best bet. They provide consistent audio quality without the worry of running out of charge, making them ideal for long journeys.
2. In-Ear or Over-Ear
In-Ear Headphones: Compact and portable, in-ear headphones are perfect for travelers who prioritize convenience and mobility. They’re easy to pack, lightweight, and versatile, though they might not offer the same depth of sound as over-ear models.
Over-Ear Headphones: These provide an immersive audio experience with superior sound quality and noise isolation. However, they can be bulky, which might make them cumbersome for travel. If you don’t mind the size, over-ear headphones offer unparalleled comfort and sound quality.
3. Noise Canceling Technology
For travelers who want to block out the world, especially during long flights or commutes, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is essential. ANC headphones can significantly reduce background noise, providing a peaceful environment whether you’re on a plane, a train, or walking through a busy city.
While they might come at a higher price point, the investment is worthwhile for those who value uninterrupted listening.
4. Battery Life
Battery life is crucial, especially for wireless headphones. Look for models that offer extended battery life to last through long flights, road trips, or full days of exploring.
Some models even offer quick-charge options, providing hours of use from just a few minutes of charging.
7 Best Travel Headphones for Frequent Travelers
If you like to be spoilt for choices when it comes to the best headphones for holidaying, commuting, jogging or walking, we’ve got 7 stellar options covered. Let’s look at them one by one!
1. Sony WH-1000XM4
Overall Best
What Impressed Us
- Excellent noise-canceling capabilities
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Intuitive controls and smart technologies
- Good sound quality with a balanced signature
- Long battery life
What Disappointed Us
- Plastic-and-leatherette build may not be as durable as metal-enhanced alternatives
The Sony WH-1000XM4 earns the title of the best travel headphones for 2024 due to its exceptional blend of top-tier sound quality, industry-leading noise-canceling technology, and unmatched comfort.
We chose this product because it consistently delivers a superior listening experience, whether you’re on a long-haul flight, commuting, or just relaxing at home. The WH-1000XM4 sets the standard for what travel headphones should be, combining advanced features with a user-friendly design.
For overall use, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is perfect for travelers who demand the best in sound and convenience. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable, making them ideal for extended wear during long trips.
The seamless integration with various devices and intuitive controls enhance the overall experience, ensuring you can focus on your music or podcasts without any hassle.
These headphones offer both wired and wireless options, providing flexibility depending on your needs. The over-the-ear design ensures maximum comfort and sound isolation, while the advanced noise-canceling technology effectively blocks out ambient noise, making them perfect for noisy environments.
With an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours, you won’t have to worry about recharging frequently, even on long journeys.
In conclusion, the Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out as the ultimate travel companion for anyone who values premium sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and long-lasting comfort. It’s a top choice that lives up to its reputation, making it a must-have for frequent travelers in 2024.
View on amazon: Sony WH-1000XM4
2. EarFun Wave Pro Active
Best Budget Option
What Impressed Us
- Excellent noise-canceling capabilities with multiple modes (Comfort, Strong, Wind, and Ambient)
- High-quality audio with Hi-Res Audio certification and LDAC codec support
- Long battery life (up to 80 hours without ANC and 55 hours with ANC)
- Quick charging technology (10 minutes for 10 hours of playback)
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Affordable price
What Disappointed Us
- Not ideal for voice calls due to background noise and muffling issues
- Awkward control scheme with multifunctional buttons
The EarFun Wave Pro Active was chosen as the best travel headphones for the budget category in 2024 because it offers an exceptional balance of quality and affordability.
We selected this product because it delivers many premium features at a price that’s accessible to most consumers, making it an excellent choice for those who want quality without spending too much.
Best for budget-conscious travelers, the EarFun Wave Pro Active provides solid sound quality, decent noise isolation, and comfortable wear at an affordable price. These headphones are perfect for those who need reliable performance for daily commutes, workouts, or casual travel without breaking the bank.
These are wireless, in-ear earbuds equipped with active noise-canceling technology, which is impressive given their price point. The battery life is also commendable, offering up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, with additional power available from the charging case. The earbuds are lightweight and portable, making them convenient for on-the-go use.
In conclusion, the EarFun Wave Pro Active is the best budget option for travelers who want good sound quality and useful features at a fraction of the cost of premium models. It’s a smart choice for those who seek value without compromising too much on performance.
View on amazon: EarFun Wave Pro Active
3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Best Noise Cancellation
What Impressed Us
- Excellent noise-canceling capabilities
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Intuitive controls and smart technologies
- Good sound quality with a balanced signature
- Long battery life
What Disappointed Us
- Plastic-and-leatherette build may not be as durable as metal-enhanced alternatives
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones were chosen as the best travel headphones for noise cancellation in 2024 because Bose remains a leader in noise-canceling technology.
We selected this product because it offers the most effective noise cancellation available, making it essential for travelers who need to block out distractions and enjoy peace and quiet.
Best for travelers who frequently find themselves in noisy environments, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra excels at providing a serene listening experience whether you’re on a plane, train, or in a bustling city. These headphones are perfect for those who prioritize a distraction-free environment, allowing them to focus on their music, work, or relaxation.
These are wireless, over-the-ear headphones designed with comfort in mind, making them ideal for long periods of use. They feature Bose’s advanced noise-canceling technology, which effectively minimizes background noise.
The sound quality is rich and well-balanced, providing an enjoyable listening experience. With up to 24 hours of battery life, they are well-suited for long-haul flights or extended travel days.
In conclusion, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are the best choice for those who require top-tier noise cancellation during their travels. Their superior performance, combined with comfort and excellent sound quality, makes them an indispensable travel companion.
View on amazon: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4
Best Sound Quality
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional 60-hour battery life
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Effective adaptive noise cancellation
- Good sound quality with a soft v-shape tuning
- Long battery life
What Disappointed Us
- Midrange is not as rich as the Momentum 3
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 was chosen as the best travel headphones for sound quality in 2024 because of its superior audio performance, which consistently delivers rich, immersive sound that stands out among competitors.
Sennheiser’s legacy in audio engineering shines through in this model, making it the top choice for those who prioritize sound fidelity during their travels.
Best for audiophiles and music enthusiasts, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is ideal for those who want to experience every detail of their audio, whether it’s music, movies, or podcasts. Its ability to reproduce deep bass, clear mids, and detailed highs ensures a premium listening experience, perfect for long flights or daily commutes.
These wireless, over-the-ear headphones come equipped with active noise-canceling technology that effectively reduces ambient noise, allowing for an uninterrupted listening experience. The impressive battery life of up to 60 hours means you can enjoy extended use without frequent recharging, making them an excellent companion for long trips.
In conclusion, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 offers the best sound quality among travel headphones, providing an unmatched audio experience and long-lasting comfort for any journey.
View on amazon: Sennheiser Momentum 4
5. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds
What Impressed Us
- Excellent noise-canceling capabilities
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Intuitive controls and smart technologies
- Good sound quality with a balanced signature
- Long battery life
What Disappointed Us
- Plastic-and-leatherette build may not be as durable as metal-enhanced alternatives
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds were selected as the best travel headphones for noise-canceling earbuds in 2024 due to Bose’s unparalleled expertise in noise cancellation.
These earbuds offer a powerful, compact solution for travelers who need to block out distractions while maintaining portability.
Best for travelers who prefer earbuds but don’t want to compromise on noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds excel at eliminating background noise, making them perfect for flights, commutes, and other noisy environments. They deliver a quiet, focused listening experience in a small, convenient form factor.
These wireless, in-ear earbuds feature Bose’s advanced noise-canceling technology, ensuring that ambient sounds are kept at bay. They provide a secure, comfortable fit with customizable ear tips.
The battery life is sufficient, offering up to 6 hours of playback, with the charging case providing an additional 18 hours, ideal for a full day of travel.
In conclusion, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds are the best choice for those who need top-tier noise cancellation in a portable, in-ear design, offering excellent performance and comfort in any travel scenario.
View on amazon: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
6. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Best for Apple Users
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional sound quality with rich, immersive audio
- Comfortable fit with four different tip sizes
- Intuitive controls, including volume swiping
- Spatial audio technology for a surround-sound experience
- USB-C charging case for easy charging
What Disappointed Us
- Limited battery life
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) were chosen as the best travel headphones for Apple users in 2024 due to their seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. These earbuds are the perfect match for anyone deeply invested in Apple products, providing a smooth, intuitive user experience that Apple users have come to expect.
Best for Apple enthusiasts, the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) are ideal for those who value ease of use, with features like automatic device switching, spatial audio, and hands-free Siri access. These features make them particularly well-suited for Apple users who want a hassle-free experience when switching between devices on the go.
These wireless, in-ear earbuds come equipped with active noise-canceling technology that effectively reduces background noise. The fit is secure and customizable with different ear tips, ensuring comfort during extended use.
The battery life offers up to 6 hours of listening time, with an additional 24 hours provided by the charging case, making them reliable for daily use and travel.
In conclusion, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) are the best option for Apple users, delivering seamless integration, excellent sound quality, and effective noise cancellation in a compact, travel-friendly design.
View on amazon: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
7. Nothing Ear (a)
Best Design
What Impressed Us
- Improved sound quality with clear and detailed audio
- Effective noise canceling, particularly in reducing low-frequency noise
- Comfortable fit with a lightweight design
- Long battery life, with up to 5.2 hours of playback at moderate volume levels with noise canceling on
- Affordable price point
What Disappointed Us
- Some users may find the ear tips do not fit snugly, affecting sound quality and noise canceling
- Battery life could be longer, especially for extended travel use
The Nothing Ear (a) was selected as the best travel headphones for design in 2024 due to its unique, transparent aesthetic that sets it apart from other options on the market.
We chose this product because it combines eye-catching design with solid performance, making it a standout choice for travelers who value both form and function.
Best for design-conscious users, the Nothing Ear (a) headphones are ideal for those who want to make a style statement while traveling. The transparent casing showcases the inner workings of the earbuds, offering a modern, minimalist look that appeals to those who appreciate innovative design.
These wireless, in-ear earbuds provide decent sound quality and include active noise-canceling technology, making them suitable for various environments. The fit is comfortable and secure, ensuring they stay in place during movement.
The battery life supports up to 4 hours of listening on a single charge, with an additional 24 hours provided by the charging case, making them practical for everyday use.
In conclusion, the Nothing Ear (a) is the best choice for travelers who want stylish, well-designed earbuds that also offer reliable performance, ensuring you travel in style without compromising on functionality.
View on amazon: Nothing Ear (a)
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Headphones
As mentioned in the guide above, the best headphones for air travel include the Sony WH-1000XM4, Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation). All these headphones offer excellent noise cancellation to help minimize loud noises on the plane.
Yes, you can use regular headphones on a plane. You can carry your headphones in your cabin luggage and use them per your requirement.
Yes, like regular headphones, Bluetooth or wireless headphones work on a plane. Read more on using Bluetooth headphones on a plane.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out as the overall best choice for its unbeatable combination of sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort, making it perfect for any traveler.
On the other hand, the EarFun Wave Pro Active offers great value, delivering impressive features at an affordable price, making it the best budget option. Both headphones provide excellent performance, catering to different needs and budgets.
We hope you found our guide on the most loved travel headphones useful. If you have more options to share, please post them in the comment section below. We would love to hear you. Also, if you have any questions about travel headphones, please reach out to us and get your question answered!
