Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!
Planes, trains, and cities can be incredibly noisy, but turning your headphones on full-blast can really hurt your ears. So we asked TFG readers to tell us their pick for the best noise cancelling headphones for travel.
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
Table Of Contents
Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
“I’m thinking about getting noise cancelling headphones for travel. Which ones do you all use?”
Headphones with noise reduction or noise cancelling features can be a lifesaver, especially on a long flight or a noisy bus or train. Many TFG readers attest that they are well worth the investment, as cheap ones can easily fall apart or not work properly.
It probably should come as no surprise, but when TFG readers gave their suggestions, nearly all of the recommendations were for Bose travel headphones. Luckily, there are several types to suit anyone’s needs and budget.
Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Headphones
Editor’s Top Pick: Bose 45 Travel Noise Cancelling Headphones
Wireless headphones can be pricey, but they’re mostly worth the cost because they are some of the best noise cancelling headphones for travel out there. They offer the comfort of over-the-ear headphones without the physical limitations of being tethered to your device. And you won’t need to worry about tangled cords or limited movement— you can keep your phone safely stored away and still enjoy your tunes.
Bose is hugely popular and loved by readers. I bought the Bose QuietComfort 35 II during the Prime Day sale last year to try them out after TFG readers raved about them, and they’ve been one of my best buys ever! They’re ultra noise-canceling, so they block out extraneous noise on flights, and I use them all the time.
The newer QuietComfort 45 model has the same stellar features, with even more battery life (a whopping 24 hours!) and improved noise cancellation that’ll make all the difference on a noisy plane! They’re also comfortable to wear and great for taking phone calls, as they’ll make your voice sound crystal clear.
A reader shares, “ I could not fly without my Bose noise canceling headphones!”
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Earbuds II
Bose QuietComfort Travel Noise Cancelling Earbuds
If you prefer earbuds, but want to go wireless, Bose has combined everything you desire into one sleek design. Three sizes of ear tips are included so that you can ensure a secure but all-day comfort, while the lithium-ion battery lets you enjoy up to 6 hours of wireless listening per charge.
Ever since I had the baby, I haven’t been able to sacrifice the space for my Bose QuietComfort 35 II, so these earbuds look like the perfect new travel companion! They’re much more compact and travel-friendly, so they quickly found their way into my basket when I saw them on sale!
One reader notes, “My Bose QC Earbuds over are my fave. I just love the noise cancelling and they help me deal with the pressure change in my ears when flying.”
The older generation of these noise cancelling earbuds are just as sleek and effective, and readers have highly recommended this pair, too. Plus, they’re a tad more affordable!
Find out our readers’ top recommendations for how to block out snoring noise when sharing accommodation.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Some on-the-ear style headphones can put too much pressure on the wearer’s ears. But while over-the-ear headphones can offer more comfort, they can be bulky and hard to pack.
That’s not the case with these Bose 700 anti-noise headphones. They’re designed for a snug fit, engineered for superior sound quality, and are easy to travel with. They’re also stylish, a cinch to store when not in use, and are comfortable for sensitive ears.
As one TFG reader says, “I love my Bose. I tried on-the-ear ones and I like over-the-ear ones much better, especially on long flights. Worth the investment.”
Another adds, “I have these noise canceling headphones and I love them!! I have a small head and these stay on well. They’re not too bulky and a must on all my trips!! These allow me to take naps in peace!
Apple Airpods Pro Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Earbuds have become a popular choice for travelers over the past few years as they free up so much more space than their bulky over-the-ear counterparts and still offer amazing sound quality. While in-ear headphones don’t entirely eradicate outside noise like over-the-ear headphones do, they certainly reduce it, and without any of the bulk!
The Apple Airpods Pro reduces surrounding distractions and lets the music do the talking. Another plus, their ear tips come in a variety of sizes and provide long-lasting comfort and stability. They have easy touch control to adjust volume, skip songs, or answer and end calls, and they come in a water-resistant charging case.
One reader says, “I love my AirPod Pros. They definitely block out the plane noise.”
Another solid option is the Powerbeats Pro wireless earbuds which are iOS (having the Apple H1 class chip) and Android compatible, sweat and water-resistant, and have ear hooks for an extra secure yet comfortable fit.
Here are our readers choice for the best portable Bluetooth speaker for travel!
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Noise Cancelling Headphones
Soundcore’s bluetooth headphones are a frequently suggested pair by readers, who love their comfort and noise-blocking capabilities at a great price! These headphones are cleverly able to detect a wider range of low and mid-frequency noises like airplane engines, so it’s no wonder they’re a traveler favorite.
And you can’t beat the 40 hours of non-stop playtime in noise cancellation mode and an impressive 60 hours in standard music mode, all with a single charge!
One reader says, “Swear by these. I commute and fly a ton, and they work great and block out noise.”
Beats Studio Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Earbuds
If you’re going for compact and minimal, these Beats wireless earbuds are a fantastic choice. They’re iOS and Android compatible, and users say they’re easy to use, have a great microphone for taking phone calls, and the eartips (which come in three sizes) are super soft and comfy.
They’re sweat and water-resistant, too, so if you have some sporty activities planned on your trip, you can definitely bring these guys along!
A traveler reports, “I got these Beats noise cancelling ear buds for air travel. The noise canceling works great for streaming videos while on flights. Sound quality is excellent!”
Here are some tips on what to include in your electronic packing list, along with other items you may need on your next adventure.
Beats Studio3 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Beats Wireless Noise Cancelling Travel Headphones
Beats is another top quality brand with noise cancelling headphones for women. Many of our readers rave that they don’t go anywhere without them. The Studio 3 Wireless model is perfect for any girl on the go as they offer the utmost in style and noise reduction while traveling.
With thick ear pads, a long battery life, and far-reaching wifi, Beats headphones make for a cushy, comfortable and long-term fit.
A review says, “Has a great sound. Noise cancelling works really well. Great battery life! Doesn’t squish your ears or your head when you wear them. They charge super fast too! My experience with these headphones has been great!!”
Samsung Galaxy Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Not only equipped with great features but super sleek looking too, these Samsung Galaxy wireless earbuds make the perfect travel buddies. This pair is noise-cancelling and plays audio with killer sound quality. The noise-cancellation feature blocks out any unwanted background noise, plus it has 8 hours of non-stop listening to help you through your long-haul flight!
A traveler with these earbuds says, “They filter a significant amount of the low end droning on airplanes and work very well for filtering out constant background noise. They’re sleek, comfortable, lightweight, and have great battery life.”
Noise cancelling headphones for kids can block loud plane noise and let kids sleep on a long trip. Here’s a List!
Silensys E7 Active Bluetooth Headphones
Silensys Noise Cancelling Headphones With Bluetooth
These Silensys headphones make just about every best noise cancelling headphones for travel list. These stylishly sleek headphones both significantly drown out noise from the outside and offer crystal clear sound from your music or podcast.
They pair quickly with any Bluetooth connection and have a long-lasting battery that you don’t have to charge every day.
One reader gushes, “They were less than $300—I have these and love them! The battery life is amazing, I used them on flights to and from Thailand and in between, well over 30 hours, and the battery didn’t die. I now use them at work to drown out people, and they work great for that too!”
JBL Tune 230NC TWS True Wireless
JBL In-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
The JBL Tune 230NC TWS makes the grade as great plane noise cancelling headphones. The earbuds are comfortable to wear for an extended period, and the batteries last a good long time (up to 40 hours of battery life).
When you’re already on the ground and in your chosen destination, they drown out street noise equally as well and offer great sound quality. These are also awesome noise cancelling headphones for girls (make a great gift for the teenagers in your life because they aren’t super expensive!).
A happy user says, “Great sound, nice case, nice design, customizable EQ, very comfortable, quick and easy to pair. There’s alot to like about these!”
Our readers share their best tips on how to survive long flights – including taking noise cancelling headphones!
Best International Travel Adapter
So now that you know about all the best noise reduction headphones for travel, make sure you’re able to charge them!
If you’re traveling overseas, don’t forget to pack an international travel adapter like this one. You can charge up to three devices at once, including your headphones!
What do you think? What are the best noise cancelling headphones for travel? Share in the comment section below!
For more travel electronics, please read:
- What’s the Best Portable Charger for Travel?
- Travel Cord Organizer Options
- Voltage Converters vs. Travel Adapters
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones Review
LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!
I hoped you liked this post on the best noise cancelling headphones for travel. Please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Do they make noise reduction earphones for adults like they do for babies? I don’t want music, just quiet.
Hi Linda, thank you for reaching out! Have a look at this article for different suggestions for products to block out noise: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-block-out-snoring-noise/ Hope this helps! ?
for digital nomads who need to have noise canceling on the microphone as well, i recommend plantronics voyager focus. allows me to do call conference anywhere without my contact hearing my background;)
Great recommendation Gaelle, thanks!
Based on your recommendations, I’ve purchased the Silensys & Audio-Technica headphones, the above adaptor & so many others. We’re excited about our 22 day adventure to Sligo, Ireland; Athens, Greece; Cairo, Luxor & Hurghada, Egypt & Rome, Italy before returning home!