Train travel can be a wonderful way to explore, but the constant rumble and chatter of fellow passengers can make it hard to relax or focus. That’s where noise-isolating headphones come in! They’re essential for blocking out distractions and creating your own personal oasis of tranquility.
Whether you’re trying to get some work done, enjoy a podcast, or simply escape the noise and enjoy your favorite music, a good pair of noise-isolating headphones can make all the difference.
But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the 7 best noise-isolating headphones for train travel, taking into account factors like comfort, sound quality, noise cancellation effectiveness, and overall value.
We’ll break down the pros and cons of each model, helping you find the perfect pair to enhance your next train journey. So, grab a comfy seat, put on your headphones, and let’s dive into the world of noise-canceling bliss!
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| Bose QuietComfort 45 |  |
4.6 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sony WH-1000XM5 |  |
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| Apple AirPods Max |  |
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| Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless |  |
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Bose QuietComfort 45
A classic choice for noise cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort 45 offers reliable performance and comfortable wear.
Specifications :
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation with adjustable levels
- Battery life: Up to 24 hours with noise cancellation on
- Sound quality: Balanced sound signature with good bass
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, wired option available
- Features: Customizable EQ settings, Aware Mode for ambient sound
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent noise cancellation for blocking out train noises
- Comfortable for long periods of wear
- Good sound quality for a variety of genres
- Long battery life
Reasons to avoid :
- Can feel a bit bulky
- No advanced features like multipoint connection
- Not the most dynamic sound compared to some competitors
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You prioritize noise cancellation and comfort
- You want a reliable pair of headphones that can handle long train journeys
- You prefer a balanced sound signature
Don't buy it if:
- You want the most feature-rich headphones
- You need the lightest headphones on the market
- You prioritize a dynamic and detailed sound experience
Bottom Line:
The Bose QuietComfort 45 are a safe and reliable choice for train travel, especially if you're sensitive to noise. They offer excellent noise cancellation that effectively blocks out the hustle and bustle of train journeys. While they may not be the most feature-packed or the most dynamic sounding headphones on the market, their comfort, solid noise cancellation, and long battery life make them a strong contender for anyone seeking a comfortable and reliable travel companion.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The latest iteration of Sony's popular noise-canceling headphones, the WH-1000XM5 offers top-tier noise cancellation, impressive sound quality, and a sleek design.
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Specifications :
- Noise cancellation: Industry-leading active noise cancellation with multiple microphones
- Battery life: Up to 30 hours with noise cancellation on
- Sound quality: Detailed and dynamic sound signature with powerful bass
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, multipoint connection, wired option available
- Features: Customizable EQ settings, Speak-to-Chat, auto pause/play
Reasons to buy :
- Exceptional noise cancellation for a quiet and immersive experience
- Excellent sound quality with rich details and powerful bass
- Comfortable for long periods of wear
- Long battery life
- Feature-packed with useful additions like Speak-to-Chat
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be a bit pricey compared to other options
- May not be as comfortable as some other options for prolonged wear
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You want the best noise cancellation on the market
- You prioritize sound quality and enjoy a detailed listening experience
- You appreciate a wide range of features, including Speak-to-Chat
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget
- You are extremely sensitive to ear pressure, as the noise cancellation can feel strong
- You want the lightest headphones on the market
Bottom Line:
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are a top contender for train travel thanks to their exceptional noise cancellation, powerful sound quality, and impressive feature set. They effectively block out the noise of train travel, allowing you to immerse yourself in your music, podcasts, or audiobooks. While they might be a bit pricey, their exceptional performance and features make them a strong investment for frequent travelers who demand the best.
Apple AirPods Max
Apple's flagship over-ear headphones, the AirPods Max offer a premium design, excellent noise cancellation, and a seamless integration with Apple devices.
Specifications :
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation with transparency mode
- Battery life: Up to 20 hours with noise cancellation on
- Sound quality: Warm and balanced sound signature with good bass
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, Apple's W1 chip for easy pairing with Apple devices
- Features: Transparency mode for ambient sound, Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
Reasons to buy :
- Premium design and build quality
- Excellent noise cancellation for a quiet listening experience
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
Reasons to avoid :
- High price point
- Only compatible with Apple devices for full functionality
- Not the most portable due to their bulky design
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're an Apple ecosystem user and want the best audio experience with your Apple devices
- You prioritize design and build quality
- You enjoy a comfortable and immersive listening experience
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You are looking for the most portable headphones
- You want headphones that are compatible with a wide range of devices
Bottom Line:
The Apple AirPods Max are a great choice for Apple users who want premium noise cancellation, a comfortable listening experience, and seamless integration with their Apple devices. While they may not be the most portable or affordable option, their exceptional build quality, noise cancellation, and spatial audio features make them a luxurious and enjoyable travel companion for Apple enthusiasts.
Check this blog on 7 Best Noise Isolating Travel Headphones for Long Flights
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless offer a balance of style, performance, and comfort, making them a versatile choice for various travel needs.
Specifications :
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation with adjustable levels
- Battery life: Up to 60 hours with noise cancellation on
- Sound quality: Detailed and dynamic sound signature with clear highs and punchy bass
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, multipoint connection, wired option available
- Features: Customizable EQ settings, Sound Personalization, transparent hearing mode
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent sound quality with rich details and a balanced sound signature
- Long battery life, perfect for long trips
- Comfortable design with a stylish look
- Multipoint connection allows you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously
Reasons to avoid :
- Not the best noise cancellation compared to some competitors
- May not be as comfortable for prolonged wear as other options
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You prioritize sound quality and want headphones that can handle a variety of genres
- You need a long battery life for extended travel
- You appreciate a stylish design
Don't buy it if:
- Noise cancellation is your top priority
- You prefer a more comfortable fit for long periods of wear
- You want the most feature-rich headphones on the market
Bottom Line:
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless offer a great balance of sound quality, battery life, and style, making them a solid choice for train travel. While their noise cancellation might not be as impressive as some competitors, their detailed and dynamic sound quality combined with their long battery life make them a worthwhile option for those seeking a well-rounded travel companion.
JBL Tour One
The JBL Tour One offer a premium listening experience with powerful sound, active noise cancellation, and a stylish design.
Dive deeper into 7 Best Noise Isolating Travel Headphones for Budget Travelers
Specifications :
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation with adjustable levels
- Battery life: Up to 50 hours with noise cancellation on
- Sound quality: Powerful sound signature with strong bass
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, multipoint connection, wired option available
- Features: Customizable EQ settings, ambient aware mode, voice assistant integration
Reasons to buy :
- Powerful sound with deep bass, ideal for bass-heavy genres
- Comfortable for long periods of wear
- Long battery life for extended travel
- Stylish design
Reasons to avoid :
- Noise cancellation might not be as effective as some other options
- Not the most detailed sound compared to some competitors
- May not be the best choice for quiet listening
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You enjoy a powerful sound signature with strong bass
- You need long battery life for extended travel
- You want stylish headphones that look good and sound good
Don't buy it if:
- Noise cancellation is your top priority
- You prioritize a detailed and balanced sound signature
- You are sensitive to ear pressure
Bottom Line:
The JBL Tour One offer a powerful sound experience with strong bass, making them a great choice for bass-heavy genres. They offer decent noise cancellation and long battery life, making them suitable for train travel. However, their noise cancellation might not be as effective as some other options, and their powerful bass might not be ideal for all genres or listening preferences.
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Jabra Elite 85h
The Jabra Elite 85h offers a well-rounded experience with comfortable wear, effective noise cancellation, and a balanced sound signature.
Specifications :
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation with adjustable levels
- Battery life: Up to 36 hours with noise cancellation on
- Sound quality: Balanced sound signature with good clarity
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, multipoint connection, wired option available
- Features: Customizable EQ settings, HearThrough mode for ambient sound, voice assistant integration
Reasons to buy :
- Comfortable for long periods of wear
- Effective noise cancellation for blocking out train noises
- Balanced sound signature suitable for a variety of genres
- Long battery life
Reasons to avoid :
- Not the most dynamic sound compared to some competitors
- Can feel a bit bulky
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You prioritize comfort and noise cancellation
- You want headphones with a balanced sound signature
- You need a long battery life for extended travel
Don't buy it if:
- You want the most dynamic sound experience
- You want the lightest headphones on the market
Bottom Line:
The Jabra Elite 85h are a solid choice for train travel, offering comfortable wear, effective noise cancellation, and a long battery life. While they might not have the most dynamic sound compared to some competitors, their balanced sound signature and comfortable fit make them a reliable option for travelers seeking a comfortable and well-rounded listening experience.
Anker Soundcore Life Q35
The Anker Soundcore Life Q35 offer a budget-friendly option with impressive noise cancellation, a comfortable fit, and a balanced sound signature.
Specifications :
- Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation with adjustable levels
- Battery life: Up to 40 hours with noise cancellation on
- Sound quality: Balanced sound signature with good clarity
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, wired option available
- Features: Customizable EQ settings, transparent mode for ambient sound
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent value for money
- Comfortable for long periods of wear
- Effective noise cancellation for blocking out train noises
- Long battery life
Reasons to avoid :
- Not the most dynamic sound compared to some competitors
- Can feel a bit bulky
- No multipoint connection feature
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget
- You prioritize noise cancellation and comfort
- You want headphones with a balanced sound signature
- You need a long battery life for extended travel
Don't buy it if:
- You want the most dynamic sound experience
- You need a wide range of features like multipoint connection
- You want the lightest headphones on the market
Bottom Line:
The Anker Soundcore Life Q35 offer a budget-friendly alternative to premium noise-canceling headphones, providing impressive noise cancellation and a comfortable fit. While they might not have the most dynamic sound or the most advanced features, their excellent value for money, long battery life, and effective noise cancellation make them a worthy contender for budget-conscious travelers seeking a comfortable and reliable listening experience.
So there you have it, our top picks for the best noise-isolating headphones for train travel. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option, premium sound quality, or something in between, there's a perfect pair of headphones on this list for you. Remember, the best headphones are the ones that fit your needs and preferences, so consider what's most important to you – sound quality, comfort, noise cancellation, or price.
Ultimately, the best way to find the perfect headphones is to try them out yourself. Head to your local electronics store and see which pair feels the most comfortable and sounds the best to you. With a little research and experimentation, you'll be sure to find the perfect pair of headphones to help you enjoy your next train journey in peace and quiet.
And if you're looking for even more options, be sure to check out our other headphone reviews. We have a wide selection of headphones for all budgets and needs. Happy listening!
Now that you're equipped with the perfect headphones, you can finally enjoy your train journey without the distractions of noise and chaos. So sit back, relax, and let the world melt away as you immerse yourself in your favorite music, podcast, or audiobook. Happy travels!
Karim 
Bilal