A guide to the best headphones for travel, focusing on comfort, portability, and noise cancellation.
Traveling can be a whirlwind of experiences, from bustling airports to quiet cafes, and the right headphones can be your ultimate companion. They can drown out the noise, transport you to your favorite tunes, and even enhance your in-flight entertainment. But with so many options available, finding the perfect travel headphones can feel overwhelming.
This guide will help you navigate the audio jungle and discover the 20 best headphones for travel, focusing on comfort and portability. Whether you’re a seasoned jet-setter or a first-time adventurer, we’ve got you covered. We’ll delve into noise-canceling technology, sound quality, battery life, and other key features that matter most when you’re on the go.
From lightweight earbuds to over-ear headphones with plush earcups, we’ve compiled a diverse selection to suit every budget and preference. We’ll consider factors like durability, water resistance, and ease of packing to ensure your headphones can withstand the rigors of travel.
So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a sonic journey. Let’s find the perfect pair of travel headphones to enhance your next adventure.
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| Bose QuietComfort 35 II | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sony WH-1000XM4 |  |
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| Apple AirPods Max |  |
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| Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless |  |
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| Beats Fit Pro |  |
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| Jabra Elite 85h |  |
4.1 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| JBL Tour One |  |
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| Anker Soundcore Life Q30 |  |
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| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x |  |
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| Shure SE215 | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Bose's QuietComfort 35 II are a popular choice for travelers thanks to their excellent noise cancellation and comfortable fit.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Battery Life: 20 hours
- Weight: 8.3 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Long battery life
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be a bit pricey
- Not the most stylish design
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You prioritize noise cancellation above all else.
Don't buy it if:
You're on a tight budget or need a sleek, modern design.
Bottom Line:
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are a great choice for travelers who want the best possible noise cancellation. They're comfortable to wear, have a long battery life, and offer excellent sound quality. However, they are a bit pricey and don't have the most stylish design.
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony's WH-1000XM4 are another top contender for travel headphones. They offer a blend of great noise cancellation, comfort, and sound quality.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Battery Life: 30 hours
- Weight: 9.3 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Very comfortable
- Long battery life
- Great sound quality
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be a bit bulky
- Not as stylish as some other options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for a well-rounded pair of travel headphones with excellent noise cancellation and sound quality.
Don't buy it if:
You need a compact and lightweight pair of headphones.
Bottom Line:
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are a great choice for travelers who want a balance of comfort, noise cancellation, and sound quality. They're a bit bulky, but they offer a lot of value for the price.
Apple AirPods Max
Apple's AirPods Max are a premium option with a focus on style and sound quality.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Battery Life: 20 hours
- Weight: 13.6 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent sound quality
- Premium design and materials
- Good noise cancellation
Reasons to avoid :
- Very expensive
- Not as portable as other options
- Can be a bit heavy
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for a luxurious and stylish pair of headphones with great sound quality.
Don't buy it if:
You're on a tight budget or need a compact and lightweight pair of headphones.
Bottom Line:
The Apple AirPods Max are a great choice for travelers who prioritize style and sound quality. They're a bit expensive and not as portable as other options, but they offer a premium experience.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
Sennheiser's Momentum 3 Wireless are a stylish and comfortable option with a focus on sound quality.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Battery Life: 17 hours
- Weight: 9.1 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent sound quality
- Stylish and comfortable design
- Good noise cancellation
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be a bit pricey
- Battery life isn't as long as some other options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You prioritize sound quality and style.
Don't buy it if:
You're on a tight budget or need the longest possible battery life.
Bottom Line:
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless are a great choice for travelers who prioritize sound quality and style. They're comfortable to wear, offer excellent sound, and have a stylish design. However, they're a bit pricey and have a shorter battery life than some other options.
Beats Fit Pro
Beats Fit Pro are a sporty option with a focus on secure fit and noise cancellation.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Battery Life: 6 hours (with noise cancellation)
- Weight: 5.4 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Secure and comfortable fit
- Good sound quality
Reasons to avoid :
- Battery life isn't as long as some other options
- Can be a bit expensive
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You need a secure fit for working out or traveling.
Don't buy it if:
You need the longest possible battery life.
Bottom Line:
The Beats Fit Pro are a great choice for travelers who need a secure fit for working out or traveling. They offer excellent noise cancellation and sound quality, but their battery life isn't as long as some other options.
Jabra Elite 85h
Jabra's Elite 85h are a great all-around option with a focus on noise cancellation, comfort, and features.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Battery Life: 36 hours
- Weight: 9.7 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Long battery life
- Multiple listening modes
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be a bit bulky
- Not as stylish as some other options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for a well-rounded pair of travel headphones with excellent noise cancellation, comfort, and features.
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Don't buy it if:
You need a compact and lightweight pair of headphones.
Bottom Line:
The Jabra Elite 85h are a great choice for travelers who want a balance of comfort, noise cancellation, and features. They offer excellent noise cancellation, a long battery life, and multiple listening modes. However, they're a bit bulky and not as stylish as some other options.
JBL Tour One
JBL's Tour One are a premium option with a focus on sound quality and style.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Battery Life: 25 hours
- Weight: 9.7 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent sound quality
- Premium design and materials
- Good noise cancellation
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be a bit pricey
- Battery life isn't as long as some other options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're looking for a luxurious and stylish pair of headphones with great sound quality.
Don't buy it if:
You're on a tight budget or need the longest possible battery life.
Bottom Line:
The JBL Tour One are a great choice for travelers who prioritize sound quality and style. They're comfortable to wear, offer excellent sound, and have a stylish design. However, they're a bit pricey and have a shorter battery life than some other options.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30
Anker's Soundcore Life Q30 are a budget-friendly option with a focus on noise cancellation and comfort.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Battery Life: 40 hours
- Weight: 9.3 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent noise cancellation for the price
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Long battery life
Reasons to avoid :
- Sound quality isn't as good as some other options
- Design isn't as stylish as some other options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You're on a tight budget and prioritize noise cancellation and comfort.
Don't buy it if:
You need the best possible sound quality or a stylish design.
Bottom Line:
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are a great choice for travelers who are on a tight budget and prioritize noise cancellation and comfort. They offer excellent noise cancellation for the price, a long battery life, and are comfortable to wear. However, their sound quality isn't as good as some other options, and their design isn't as stylish as some other options.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Audio-Technica's ATH-M50x are a popular choice for audiophiles with a focus on sound quality and durability.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: No
- Battery Life: Not applicable (wired)
- Weight: 9.2 ounces
- Connectivity: Wired (3.5mm jack)
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent sound quality
- Durable and comfortable
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid :
- Not wireless
- No noise cancellation
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You prioritize sound quality and durability, and you don't mind a wired connection.
Don't buy it if:
You need noise cancellation or a wireless connection.
Bottom Line:
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are a great choice for travelers who prioritize sound quality and durability. They're comfortable to wear, offer excellent sound, and are affordable. However, they're not wireless and don't have noise cancellation.
Shure SE215
Shure's SE215 are a popular choice for audiophiles who want a comfortable and secure fit.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: No
- Battery Life: Not applicable (wired)
- Weight: 0.5 ounces
- Connectivity: Wired (3.5mm jack)
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Durable
Reasons to avoid :
- Not wireless
- No noise cancellation
What you need to know :
Buy it if
You prioritize sound quality and a secure fit, and you don't mind a wired connection.
Don't buy it if:
You need noise cancellation or a wireless connection.
Bottom Line:
The Shure SE215 are a great choice for travelers who prioritize sound quality and a secure fit. They're comfortable to wear, offer excellent sound, and are durable. However, they're not wireless and don't have noise cancellation.
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Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC
Open-back headphones that deliver high-fidelity audio and excellent noise isolation.
Specifications :
- Type: Over-ear
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery life: Up to 30 hours
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent sound quality with a wide soundstage
- Comfortable to wear for long periods
- Effective noise cancellation
- Foldable design for easy portability
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be bulky and heavy
- Not as portable as some other options
- Relatively expensive
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation above all else
- You are willing to pay a premium price for the best possible audio experience
- You are looking for a pair of headphones that are comfortable to wear for long periods
Don't buy it if:
- You need a very portable pair of headphones
- You are on a tight budget
- You are not concerned with noise cancellation
Bottom Line:
If you're a serious audiophile looking for the best possible sound quality and noise cancellation, the Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC are an excellent choice. They are comfortable to wear and offer a wide soundstage with impressive detail. However, they are on the bulky and expensive side, so they may not be the best option for everyone.
AKG N700NC
A versatile pair of wireless headphones with great sound quality and active noise cancellation.
Specifications :
- Type: Over-ear
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery life: Up to 20 hours
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation
Reasons to buy :
- Balanced sound signature with good bass and treble
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable to wear for long periods
- Foldable design for easy portability
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be a bit bulky and heavy
- Not the best option for audiophiles looking for the most detailed sound
- Can be a bit expensive
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You are looking for a balanced sound signature with good bass and treble
- You need a pair of headphones that are comfortable to wear for long periods
- You want effective noise cancellation for travel or commuting
Don't buy it if:
- You need the absolute best sound quality for your music
- You are on a tight budget
- You want a very lightweight and portable pair of headphones
Bottom Line:
The AKG N700NC are a great all-around pair of headphones that offer a balanced sound signature, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable wear. They are a good choice for travelers and commuters who want to block out the noise and enjoy their music. However, they are not the best option for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality above all else.
B&O Beoplay H95
Premium headphones with a sleek design and exceptional sound quality.
Specifications :
- Type: Over-ear
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery life: Up to 30 hours
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent sound quality with a rich and detailed soundstage
- Sleek and stylish design
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable to wear for long periods
Reasons to avoid :
- Very expensive
- Can be a bit bulky and heavy
- Not the most portable option
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You are willing to pay a premium price for exceptional sound quality and a stylish design
- You need a pair of headphones that are comfortable to wear for long periods
- You want effective noise cancellation for travel or commuting
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget
- You need a very portable pair of headphones
- You are not concerned with noise cancellation
Bottom Line:
The B&O Beoplay H95 are a premium pair of headphones that offer exceptional sound quality, a sleek design, and effective noise cancellation. They are a good choice for travelers and commuters who want to enjoy high-fidelity audio in a comfortable and stylish package. However, they are very expensive, so they may not be the best option for everyone.
JBL Tune 750BTNC
Budget-friendly headphones with good sound quality and active noise cancellation.
Specifications :
- Type: Over-ear
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery life: Up to 15 hours
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation
Reasons to buy :
- Good sound quality for the price
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable to wear for long periods
- Foldable design for easy portability
Reasons to avoid :
- Not the best option for audiophiles looking for the most detailed sound
- Noise cancellation is not as effective as some other options
- Battery life is not as long as some other options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You are on a tight budget
- You want a pair of headphones that are comfortable to wear for long periods
- You need effective noise cancellation for travel or commuting
Don't buy it if:
- You are an audiophile looking for the best possible sound quality
- You need the longest possible battery life
- You want the most effective noise cancellation available
Bottom Line:
The JBL Tune 750BTNC are a great option for budget-minded travelers and commuters who want a pair of headphones that offer good sound quality and effective noise cancellation. They are comfortable to wear and offer a decent battery life. However, they are not the best option for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality above all else.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro
A top-of-the-line pair of true wireless earbuds with exceptional sound quality and noise cancellation.
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Specifications :
- Type: True wireless
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
- Battery life: Up to 8 hours (with ANC)
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced sound signature
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable to wear for long periods
- Compact and portable design
Reasons to avoid :
- Relatively expensive
- Not as good for working out as some other true wireless earbuds
- Battery life is not as long as some other options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want the best possible sound quality from a pair of true wireless earbuds
- You need effective noise cancellation for travel or commuting
- You are looking for a comfortable and portable pair of earbuds
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget
- You need earbuds that are specifically designed for working out
- You want the longest possible battery life
Bottom Line:
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro are a great choice for travelers and commuters who want the best possible sound quality from a pair of true wireless earbuds. They offer a balanced sound signature, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. However, they are relatively expensive, and their battery life is not as long as some other options.
Sony WF-1000XM4
Industry-leading true wireless earbuds with excellent noise cancellation and sound quality.
Specifications :
- Type: True wireless
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
- Battery life: Up to 8 hours (with ANC)
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent sound quality with a wide soundstage
- Industry-leading noise cancellation
- Comfortable to wear for long periods
- Compact and portable design
Reasons to avoid :
- Relatively expensive
- Not as good for working out as some other true wireless earbuds
- Battery life is not as long as some other options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want the best possible noise cancellation from a pair of true wireless earbuds
- You are looking for a comfortable and portable pair of earbuds
- You are willing to pay a premium price for the best possible audio experience
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget
- You need earbuds that are specifically designed for working out
- You want the longest possible battery life
Bottom Line:
The Sony WF-1000XM4 are the best true wireless earbuds for noise cancellation on the market. They offer exceptional sound quality, a comfortable fit, and a compact and portable design. However, they are relatively expensive, and their battery life is not as long as some other options.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
A solid pair of true wireless earbuds with excellent noise cancellation and a comfortable fit.
Specifications :
- Type: True wireless
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
- Battery life: Up to 5 hours (with ANC)
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation
Reasons to buy :
- Good sound quality with a balanced sound signature
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable to wear for long periods
- Compact and portable design
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as good for working out as some other true wireless earbuds
- Battery life is not as long as some other options
- Can be a bit expensive
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You are looking for a comfortable and portable pair of earbuds
- You need effective noise cancellation for travel or commuting
- You want a pair of earbuds that work well with Samsung devices
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget
- You need earbuds that are specifically designed for working out
- You want the longest possible battery life
Bottom Line:
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are a great choice for travelers and commuters who want a comfortable and portable pair of earbuds with effective noise cancellation. They offer good sound quality and a comfortable fit. However, they are not the best option for working out, and their battery life is not as long as some other options.
Jabra Elite 7 Pro
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A great pair of true wireless earbuds with good sound quality and a secure fit.
Specifications :
- Type: True wireless
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
- Battery life: Up to 8 hours (with ANC)
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation
Reasons to buy :
- Good sound quality with a balanced sound signature
- Effective noise cancellation
- Secure fit for working out
- Compact and portable design
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as good for working out as some other true wireless earbuds
- Battery life is not as long as some other options
- Can be a bit expensive
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You are looking for a secure fit for working out
- You need effective noise cancellation for travel or commuting
- You want a comfortable and portable pair of earbuds
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget
- You want the longest possible battery life
- You are not concerned with noise cancellation
Bottom Line:
The Jabra Elite 7 Pro are a great choice for travelers and commuters who want a secure fit for working out and effective noise cancellation. They offer good sound quality and a comfortable fit. However, they are not the best option for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality above all else, and their battery life is not as long as some other options.
Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless
A solid pair of true wireless earbuds with good sound quality and noise cancellation.
Specifications :
- Type: True wireless
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
- Battery life: Up to 8 hours (with ANC)
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation
Reasons to buy :
- Good sound quality with a balanced sound signature
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable to wear for long periods
- Compact and portable design
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as good for working out as some other true wireless earbuds
- Battery life is not as long as some other options
- Can be a bit expensive
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You are looking for a comfortable and portable pair of earbuds
- You need effective noise cancellation for travel or commuting
- You want a pair of earbuds that are good for both music and calls
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget
- You need earbuds that are specifically designed for working out
- You want the longest possible battery life
Bottom Line:
The Sennheiser CX Plus True Wireless are a great choice for travelers and commuters who want a comfortable and portable pair of earbuds with effective noise cancellation. They offer good sound quality and a comfortable fit. However, they are not the best option for working out, and their battery life is not as long as some other options.
Beats Fit Pro
A great pair of true wireless earbuds with a secure fit and excellent sound quality.
Specifications :
- Type: True wireless
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
- Battery life: Up to 6 hours (with ANC)
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced sound signature
- Effective noise cancellation
- Secure fit for working out
- Compact and portable design
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as good for working out as some other true wireless earbuds
- Battery life is not as long as some other options
- Can be a bit expensive
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You are looking for a secure fit for working out
- You need effective noise cancellation for travel or commuting
- You want a comfortable and portable pair of earbuds
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget
- You want the longest possible battery life
- You are not concerned with noise cancellation
Bottom Line:
The Beats Fit Pro are a great choice for travelers and commuters who want a secure fit for working out and effective noise cancellation. They offer excellent sound quality and a comfortable fit. However, they are not the best option for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality above all else, and their battery life is not as long as some other options.
Choosing the right headphones for travel can make all the difference in your journey. Whether you're seeking to drown out the noise of a busy airport or immerse yourself in your favorite music on a long flight, a comfortable and portable pair is essential. Our list of 20 best headphones for travel provides a diverse range of options, catering to different budgets, sound preferences, and features.
From noise-canceling behemoths to lightweight earbuds, there's a perfect match for every traveler. Consider your priorities - do you need active noise cancellation for peace and quiet, or are you focused on portability and battery life? The right headphones will enhance your travel experience and keep you entertained, relaxed, and connected throughout your adventures.
Remember, this list is just a starting point for your headphone journey. Take the time to read reviews, compare features, and try out different models before making your final decision. With so many fantastic options available, you're sure to find the perfect pair of headphones to accompany you on all your future travels.
Happy listening, and safe travels!
Karim 
Bilal