10 Best Airplane Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth headphones are a strong choice for travelers and anyone wanting peace on noisy flights. They use active noise cancellation to block out ambient sounds effectively, which is a big plus on airplanes. Comfort is a highlight here—plush ear cushions and a padded headband make them easy to wear for long periods without discomfort. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 24 hours of wireless listening, which easily covers long trips.

Sound quality is clear and balanced, with the added benefit of an adjustable equalizer so you can fine-tune bass, mids, and treble to your liking. The headphones also include two listening modes: full noise cancellation and an aware mode to stay alert when needed. Portability is decent; they come with a protective carrying case and are lightweight enough to carry around comfortably, though their over-ear design means they’re a bit bulkier than earbuds. You can also use them wired if the battery runs out, which adds convenience during travel.

One minor downside is that the charging time is about 2.5 hours, which may feel a bit long if you’re in a hurry, but a 15-minute quick charge gives you a couple of hours of playback. The multipoint Bluetooth feature is great for switching between devices seamlessly. These headphones are well-suited to frequent flyers or anyone seeking effective noise cancellation and comfort on the go, though if you prioritize ultra-compact size, smaller earbuds might be better.

The Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian headphones are a strong choice for airplane use, especially if you value noise cancellation and sound quality during your travels. Their adaptive Active Noise Cancelling effectively blocks out engine noise and other distractions, while Transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings when needed. The sound is rich and immersive thanks to Beats’ custom acoustic platform and personalized spatial audio, which enhances the listening experience beyond typical headphones.

Comfort is decent for long flights, with over-ear cushions and a relatively lightweight design at just over 9 ounces. Battery life stands out with up to 40 hours on a single charge and fast charging that gives you 4 extra hours with just 10 minutes plugged in—perfect for long trips or layovers. Portability is addressed by the included foldable design and a woven carrying case, making it easy to pack in your carry-on.

These headphones are not water resistant, so extra care is needed when traveling in wet conditions. While they offer seamless pairing with both Apple and Android devices, the size might feel a bit bulky compared to smaller travel earbuds. These headphones combine premium sound, effective noise cancellation, and long battery life, making them well-suited for travelers who want a high-quality audio experience on planes.

The Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen) are a strong choice for airplane travelers looking for excellent noise cancellation and comfort. Bose’s active noise cancelling technology is among the best, significantly reducing cabin noise and letting you focus on music, movies, or calls. The headphones offer customizable sound with spatial and cinema modes, giving immersive audio that enhances in-flight entertainment.

Comfort-wise, the plush over-ear cushions and well-balanced metal headband make them suitable for wearing during long flights without discomfort. Battery life is impressive, providing up to 30 hours of playtime, which is more than enough to cover long haul trips without needing a recharge. Portability is decent with a protective carrying case included, though the over-ear design means these headphones are a bit larger compared to compact travel earbuds.

Sound quality is clear and detailed, especially when using lossless USB-C wired audio, and the built-in microphones offer clear voice pickup for calls amid noisy environments. One downside is that the headphones weigh about a pound, which could feel a little heavy for some users. Also, while the Bluetooth connection is stable within 30 feet, occasional dropouts can happen depending on your device’s setup. These headphones excel with top-tier noise cancellation, rich sound, and comfort, making them a solid pick for frequent flyers who prioritize immersive audio and long battery life over ultra-lightweight portability.