10 Best Airplane Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Bose QuietComfort Wireless Headphones are a strong choice for airplane use, particularly because of their excellent noise cancellation. They combine active noise cancelling technology with passive sound blocking to effectively reduce outside noise, which is crucial on noisy flights. Comfort is a big plus here — the plush over-ear cushions and padded headband are designed for long listening sessions without discomfort, ideal for long trips. Battery life is solid, offering up to 24 hours of playtime on a full charge, which means you can easily get through multiple flights on one charge. The quick 15-minute USB-C charge adding 2.5 hours is also convenient if you need a fast top-up.

Sound quality is another highlight, with high-fidelity audio and customizable EQ settings letting you adjust bass, mid, and treble to your taste. This helps music and movies sound clear and balanced while you travel. The headphones also support Bluetooth multipoint connection, so you can switch between devices like your phone and tablet without fuss. On the portability front, they are lightweight at 8.5 ounces and come with a protective case, making them easy to carry without adding bulk to your carry-on.

One minor downside is that these headphones are not water-resistant, so they require careful handling in wet conditions. Also, while the price is higher than average, the quality and features generally justify the cost for frequent travelers. In summary, these Bose QuietComfort headphones offer a great mix of comfort, noise cancellation, battery life, and sound quality, making them well suited for anyone wanting a premium audio experience on airplanes.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are a solid choice for airplane travel thanks to their active noise cancellation (ANC) and up to 40 hours of battery life, which means they can easily last through long flights without frequent recharging. The ANC is fully adaptive, helping block out engine noise while offering a transparency mode if you want to stay aware of your surroundings. Comfort-wise, these over-ear headphones use soft faux leather and a lightweight design (about 9.2 ounces), making them easier to wear for extended periods, though individual fit may vary. Sound quality is enhanced by Beats’ custom acoustic platform and support for lossless audio via USB-C, delivering rich and immersive sound. The personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking adds to the listening experience, though this feature may be more noticeable with compatible Apple devices.

Portability is addressed with a foldable design and a woven carrying case included, but these headphones are a bit larger compared to some travel-focused models. Bluetooth 5.3 offers a strong, reliable wireless connection with a long range and less dropout, useful in busy airports or on the plane. On the downside, the headphones are not water-resistant, so they need careful handling during travel. Also, while the price reflects premium features, some may find the fit or sound signature less neutral compared to other brands. If you want a stylish, feature-rich pair of headphones that excel in noise cancellation and battery life for flying, the Beats Studio Pro is a compelling option, especially for users invested in the Apple or Android ecosystems.

The Beats Solo 4 headphones offer several advantages for travelers, especially those looking for long battery life and comfort. With up to 50 hours of playback and fast charging providing 5 hours from just 10 minutes, you won't have to worry about running out of power on long flights. They are lightweight and designed with soft UltraPlush ear cushions and an ergonomic headband, making wearing them comfortable for hours. The custom acoustic design delivers the powerful, clear audio Beats is known for, and they support high-resolution wired listening as well.

These on-ear headphones use sound isolation rather than active noise cancellation. This means they block some outside noise mainly by physically covering your ears, but they won't cancel out as much airplane cabin hum and engine noise as headphones with active noise cancellation would. For travelers prioritizing blocking ambient noise, this could be a limitation.

Their wireless Bluetooth connectivity is strong and versatile, compatible with both Apple and Android devices, and includes multiple control options along with a built-in microphone for calls or voice assistant use. Portability is decent with a protective fabric case included, though the on-ear design may be bulkier compared to smaller in-ear options. The Beats Solo 4 headphones are a solid choice for those seeking durable, comfortable headphones with excellent battery life and good sound quality for travel, though those needing advanced noise cancellation might consider other models.