Stepping onto an airplane often means trading peace and quiet for the constant drone of engines and the chatter of fellow passengers. For frequent flyers and occasional travelers alike, this environment can make it impossible to relax, work, or enjoy entertainment. The best noise cancelling headphones for airplane journeys are specifically engineered to solve this problem, creating a personal oasis of silence so you can immerse yourself in music, podcasts, or movies without distraction.
These headphones use advanced technology to actively block out ambient sounds, from the low-frequency hum of the jet engines to higher-pitched cabin noises. In this guide, we’ll explore the top models on the market that deliver exceptional noise cancellation, superior audio quality, and long-lasting comfort, ensuring your next flight is a serene and enjoyable experience from takeoff to landing.
At a Glance: Top 5 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Airplanes
| Product Name | Key Features | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Industry-leading ANC, 8 microphones, 30-hour battery | Frequent flyers demanding the best noise cancellation available |
| Bose QuietComfort | Quiet & Aware Modes, High-fidelity audio, 24-hour battery | Travelers seeking a balance of top-tier ANC and comfort |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless | Audiophile-grade sound, 60-hour battery, aptX Adaptive | Audio enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on sound quality |
| Apple AirPods Max | High-fidelity audio, Spatial Audio, Seamless Apple integration | Apple users looking for a premium, immersive experience |
| Soundcore Life Q30 | Hybrid ANC, Hi-Res Sound, 50-hour battery (ANC on) | Budget-conscious travelers seeking great value and performance |
Top 5 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Airplane 2025
🥇1. Sony WH-1000XM5
Use Case / Strength: The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the undisputed champion for frequent travelers who need to eliminate as much ambient noise as possible. Its cutting-edge technology creates a cone of silence, making it perfect for sleeping, working, or listening on long-haul flights.
- Industry-Leading Noise Cancellation: Uses two processors and eight microphones to offer Sony’s best-ever noise cancellation, effectively blocking out engine drone and cabin noise.
- Superb Call Quality: Four beamforming microphones with advanced audio signal processing ensure your voice is crystal clear, even in a noisy airport terminal.
- All-Day Battery Life: Provides up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge, with a quick 3-minute charge delivering 3 hours of power.
- Lightweight Comfort: Designed with soft-fit leather earcups that remain comfortable and breathable during extended listening sessions.
- High-Quality Wireless Audio: Delivers a rich, balanced sound signature that makes music and movies sound exceptional.
🥈2. Bose QuietComfort
Use Case / Strength: The Bose QuietComfort headphones are a fantastic choice for travelers who value both powerful noise cancellation and situational awareness. The ability to switch between full immersion and hearing your surroundings makes them incredibly versatile for navigating busy airports.
- Legendary Noise Cancellation: Combines active and passive technologies to effectively silence distractions for an immersive listening experience.
- Two Listening Modes: Easily toggle between Quiet Mode for full noise cancellation and Aware Mode to hear your surroundings and flight announcements.
- Customizable High-Fidelity Audio: Features an adjustable EQ to let you fine-tune the bass, midrange, and treble to your personal preference.
- Long-Lasting Comfort: A padded headband and plush, soft earcups are designed for hours of fatigue-free listening.
- Excellent Battery Life: Offers up to 24 hours of playtime per charge, plus a quick 15-minute charge provides an extra 2.5 hours.
🥉3. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Use Case / Strength: The Momentum 4 is built for the audiophile traveler who prioritizes sound quality above all else. With its class-leading battery life and detailed audio, it’s perfect for those who want a concert-hall experience at 30,000 feet.
- Audiophile-Grade Sound: A 42mm transducer system and aptX Adaptive support deliver exceptionally rich, detailed, and dynamic audio.
- Extraordinary Battery Life: Provides a massive 60 hours of playback on a single charge, enough for multiple long-haul flights.
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation: Effectively blocks out distractions, while an adjustable Transparency Mode lets you tune into your environment when needed.
- All-Day Comfort: Features a lightweight, foldable design with a padded headband and deep ear cushions for extended wear.
- Crystal-Clear Calls: Four digital beamforming microphones automatically suppress wind noise for clear conversations.
🏅4. Apple AirPods Max
Use Case / Strength: For travelers embedded in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Max offer an unmatched user experience. The combination of high-fidelity audio, seamless device switching, and Spatial Audio makes them ideal for enjoying movies and music on an iPhone or iPad during a flight.
- Immersive Spatial Audio: Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates a theater-like sound experience for movies and shows.
- Powerful Active Noise Cancellation: Effectively blocks outside noise so you can fully immerse yourself in your content.
- Premium Design & Comfort: A unique knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions provide exceptional comfort and a secure acoustic seal.
- Seamless Apple Integration: Effortless one-tap setup, automatic switching between devices, and on-head detection for auto-pause.
- High-Fidelity Audio: A custom dynamic driver powered by the Apple H1 chip delivers rich bass, crisp highs, and ultra-low distortion.
🏅5. Soundcore Life Q30
Use Case / Strength: The Soundcore Life Q30 is the best noise cancelling headphone for airplane travel on a budget. It delivers impressive performance, a long-lasting battery, and comfortable design at a fraction of the cost of premium competitors.
- Effective Hybrid ANC: Reduces ambient noises, including airplane engines, by up to 90% across three customizable modes (Transport, Outdoor, and Indoor).
- Hi-Res Certified Audio: Oversized 40mm dynamic drivers produce detailed sound with excellent clarity and rich bass.
- Intense BassUp Technology: Enhances the low frequencies in real-time for a powerful bass boost, perfect for hip-hop and EDM tracks.
- Outstanding Battery Life: Provides up to 50 hours of playtime in noise cancelling mode and an incredible 70 hours in standard mode.
- All-Day Comfort: Lightweight build with memory foam earcups ensures a comfortable fit for long flights and listening sessions.
Final Verdict
When it comes to blocking out the roar of a jet engine, choosing the right headphones is crucial. For the absolute best noise cancellation on the market, the Sony WH-1000XM5 remains the undisputed king. If you seek a legendary blend of comfort and powerful ANC, the Bose QuietComfort is a classic choice that never disappoints. For the traveling audiophile, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless offers stunning sound quality and an incredible 60-hour battery. Apple users will find the seamless integration and immersive Spatial Audio of the Apple AirPods Max to be a perfect travel companion. Finally, for those who want excellent performance without the premium price tag, the Soundcore Life Q30 offers unbeatable value.
| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Ultimate Noise Cancellation |
| Bose QuietComfort | Balanced Performance & Comfort |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless | Audiophile-Grade Sound & Battery Life |
| Apple AirPods Max | Seamless Apple Integration & Spatial Audio |
| Soundcore Life Q30 | Best Value & Budget Performance |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s more important for airplanes: noise cancellation or sound quality?
For air travel, noise cancellation is arguably more important. The primary goal is to block the loud, low-frequency hum of the engines, which allows you to listen to your audio at a lower, safer volume. All the headphones on this list offer good sound quality, but models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort excel specifically at erasing that constant drone.
Can I use these headphones with the in-flight entertainment system?
Yes, but you may need an adapter. Most of these headphones (like the Bose QuietComfort) come with a 3.5mm audio cable. However, some older planes use a two-pronged jack, which requires a simple, inexpensive airplane audio adapter to connect your wired headphones.
What is the difference between Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and passive noise isolation?
Passive noise isolation is the physical barrier the headphones create, using well-sealed earcups to block sound, much like earplugs. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a technology that uses microphones to listen to outside noise and then generates an opposite sound wave to “cancel it out” before it reaches your ear. All the headphones on this list use a combination of both for the best results.
Is it safe to use noise-cancelling headphones during takeoff and landing?
While the technology itself is safe, most airlines require you to have your headphones off during takeoff and landing to ensure you can hear important safety announcements from the crew. It’s best to wait until the plane reaches cruising altitude to put them on.
What is Transparency Mode or Aware Mode?
This is a feature that uses the external microphones on the headphones to let you hear your surroundings without taking the headphones off. It’s incredibly useful on a plane for hearing announcements from the pilot or speaking with a flight attendant.
