Traveling can be a stressful experience, especially when surrounded by the constant hum of engines, chatter, and other distractions. That’s where noise-canceling over-ear headphones come in handy. These headphones create a serene oasis around your ears, allowing you to focus on your music, podcast, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet. With so many options available, choosing the perfect pair can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best over-ear headphones for noise cancellation, catering to different budgets and needs.
From industry giants like Bose and Sony to up-and-coming brands like Anker and Jabra, we’ve tested and reviewed the top contenders. We’ve considered factors like noise cancellation effectiveness, sound quality, comfort, battery life, and portability. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a road warrior, or simply looking for a way to escape the noise of everyday life, this list has something for everyone.
Our selection includes options with advanced noise cancellation technology, plush earcups for ultimate comfort, and impressive sound quality that will immerse you in your favorite tunes. We’ve also highlighted headphones with extended battery life, so you can enjoy your peace and quiet for hours on end.
So, buckle up and prepare to embark on a journey of tranquility with our curated selection of the 7 best over-ear headphones for noise cancellation, designed to enhance your travel experience and make your journeys more enjoyable.
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Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Bose's latest flagship noise-cancelling headphones offer top-notch sound quality and effective noise cancellation.
Specifications:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
- Battery life: Up to 20 hours with ANC on
- Weight: 9.2 ounces
- Features: Customizable EQ, voice assistant support, transparency mode
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent noise cancellation for both low and high-frequency sounds
- Comfortable fit for extended wear
- Balanced and detailed audio reproduction
- Intuitive touch controls
Reasons to avoid:
- Relatively expensive compared to some competitors
- Slightly bulky design
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You prioritize noise cancellation and sound quality
- You want a comfortable and durable headphone
- You're willing to pay a premium for the Bose brand
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You prefer a more compact and lightweight design
Bottom Line: The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are a top choice for travellers who want the best possible noise cancellation and audio performance. Their comfortable design and long battery life make them ideal for long flights or train rides. The price tag might be a bit steep, but if you're looking for the best of the best, the Bose 700 headphones are a worthy investment.
Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony's latest noise-cancelling headphones offer a compelling blend of noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort.
Specifications:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C
- Battery life: Up to 30 hours with ANC on
- Weight: 8.7 ounces
- Features: Industry-leading noise cancellation, multipoint connectivity, customizable EQ, voice assistant support
Reasons to buy:
- Exceptional noise cancellation that effectively blocks out a wide range of frequencies
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Balanced and detailed sound signature
- Excellent battery life
- User-friendly features
Reasons to avoid:
- Not as powerful bass response compared to some competitors
- Can be slightly bulky for some users
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a well-rounded pair of noise-cancelling headphones
- You want long battery life
- You value comfort and a lightweight design
- You want a pair of headphones that are easy to use
Don't buy it if:
- You prioritize deep bass response
- You need extremely compact headphones
- You have a very tight budget
Bottom Line: The Sony WH-1000XM5 are a great all-around choice for travellers who want a reliable and comfortable pair of headphones that can effectively block out noise. Their excellent sound quality, long battery life, and user-friendly features make them a solid choice for anyone looking for a top-tier pair of noise-cancelling headphones.
Apple AirPods Max
Apple's flagship over-ear headphones deliver a premium audio experience with a focus on design and sound quality.
Specifications:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery life: Up to 20 hours with ANC on
- Weight: 13.6 ounces
- Features: Active noise cancellation, transparency mode, spatial audio, customizable EQ
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent sound quality with a wide soundstage
- Premium build quality with a luxurious design
- Effective noise cancellation for a wide range of frequencies
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
Reasons to avoid:
- Very expensive compared to other options
- Not as comfortable for extended wear as some competitors
- Bulky and heavy design
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You're an Apple user and want the best possible audio experience
- You appreciate a premium design and build quality
- You want a headphone that can deliver a wide and immersive soundstage
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You prefer a more lightweight and comfortable design
- You don't own other Apple devices
Bottom Line: The Apple AirPods Max are a luxurious pair of headphones designed for Apple users who prioritize sound quality and a premium experience. Their high price tag and bulky design might not be for everyone, but if you're looking for the best that Apple has to offer in terms of audio and design, the AirPods Max are a worthwhile investment.
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Sennheiser's Momentum 4 Wireless headphones offer a balance of performance and comfort with a focus on sound quality and noise cancellation.
Specifications:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C
- Battery life: Up to 60 hours with ANC on
- Weight: 10.6 ounces
- Features: Active noise cancellation, transparency mode, customizable EQ, voice assistant support
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced and detailed sound signature
- Effective noise cancellation that effectively blocks out a wide range of frequencies
- Long battery life
- Comfortable and well-built design
Reasons to avoid:
- Can be slightly expensive compared to some competitors
- Not as compact and portable as some other options
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation
- You want a comfortable and well-built headphone
- You need a long battery life
- You're willing to pay a premium for a quality product
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget
- You need a very compact and portable headphone
- You prefer a more powerful bass response
Bottom Line: The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are a solid choice for travellers who want a balance of performance and comfort. Their excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and long battery life make them a great option for long trips. The price tag might be a bit high, but their overall value makes them a worthwhile investment for those who are looking for a quality pair of headphones.
Jabra Elite 85h
Jabra's Elite 85h headphones offer a comprehensive set of features and performance at a competitive price point.
Specifications:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
- Battery life: Up to 36 hours with ANC on
- Weight: 9.9 ounces
- Features: Active noise cancellation, transparency mode, customizable EQ, voice assistant support, multipoint connectivity
Reasons to buy:
- Effective noise cancellation for both low and high-frequency sounds
- Comfortable and well-built design
- Balanced and detailed sound signature
- Long battery life
- User-friendly features
- Competitive price point
Reasons to avoid:
- Not as premium build quality compared to some competitors
- Can sound slightly muffled at higher volumes
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You want a pair of noise-cancelling headphones that offer excellent value for money
- You need a long battery life
- You value comfort and a well-built design
- You want a pair of headphones that are easy to use
Don't buy it if:
- You prioritize a luxurious and premium design
- You need the absolute best sound quality
- You're a frequent user of high-volume audio
Bottom Line: The Jabra Elite 85h are a great option for travellers who want a pair of noise-cancelling headphones that offer excellent value for money. Their effective noise cancellation, long battery life, and comfortable design make them a solid choice for anyone looking for a pair of headphones that can handle the rigors of travel. While they might not be as premium as some other options, their overall performance and value make them a compelling choice for many travellers.
Beats Fit Pro
Beats Fit Pro are a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds that offer a powerful sound experience with a focus on bass and a secure fit.
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Specifications:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- Battery life: Up to 6 hours with ANC on (27 hours with charging case)
- Weight: 0.45 ounces (per earbud)
- Features: Active noise cancellation, transparency mode, spatial audio, customizable EQ, voice assistant support
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful bass response with a punchy and energetic sound signature
- Effective noise cancellation for a wide range of frequencies
- Secure and comfortable fit with ear hooks
- Excellent battery life with a compact charging case
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
Reasons to avoid:
- Not as well-balanced sound signature as some competitors
- Ear hooks might feel intrusive for some users
- Not as compact as some other earbuds
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You prioritize a powerful bass response and an energetic sound signature
- You want a secure and comfortable fit for workouts or travel
- You need long battery life with a portable charging case
- You're an Apple user and want seamless integration
Don't buy it if:
- You prefer a more balanced and neutral sound signature
- You find ear hooks uncomfortable
- You need extremely compact earbuds
Bottom Line: The Beats Fit Pro are a great option for travellers who want a powerful and energetic sound experience with a secure fit. Their effective noise cancellation, long battery life, and compact charging case make them a solid choice for anyone looking for a pair of earbuds that can handle the rigors of travel. While they might not be as well-balanced as some other options, their powerful bass response and secure fit make them a compelling choice for many travellers.
JBL Tour One
JBL's Tour One headphones offer a combination of style and performance with a focus on sound quality and noise cancellation.
Specifications:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C
- Battery life: Up to 50 hours with ANC on
- Weight: 9.2 ounces
- Features: Active noise cancellation, transparency mode, customizable EQ, voice assistant support
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced and detailed sound signature
- Effective noise cancellation that effectively blocks out a wide range of frequencies
- Long battery life
- Stylish and well-built design
- Competitive price point
Reasons to avoid:
- Not as comfortable for extended wear as some competitors
- Can be slightly bulky for some users
What you need to know:
Buy it if:
- You prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation
- You want a stylish and well-built headphone
- You need a long battery life
- You're looking for a headphone that offers good value for money
Don't buy it if:
- You prefer a more comfortable and lightweight design
- You need the absolute best noise cancellation performance
- You have a very tight budget
Bottom Line: The JBL Tour One headphones are a stylish and well-performing option for travellers who want a balanced sound experience with effective noise cancellation. Their long battery life and competitive price point make them a great option for those looking for a pair of headphones that can handle the rigors of travel without breaking the bank. While they might not be as comfortable as some other options, their overall value and performance make them a compelling choice for many travellers.
Choosing the right noise-canceling headphones can transform your travel experience, allowing you to escape the chaos of airports and enjoy your favorite music or podcasts in peace. Whether you prioritize comfort, sound quality, or battery life, the headphones on this list offer a range of options to suit your needs and budget. Remember to consider your individual preferences and prioritize the features that are most important to you.
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Investing in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones can be a game-changer for frequent travelers. Not only do they provide a sanctuary of sound, but they can also help you relax, sleep better, and even improve your focus during long journeys. With so many excellent options available, you're sure to find the perfect pair to enhance your travel adventures.
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As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative and advanced noise-canceling headphones to hit the market. From improved sound quality and longer battery life to new features like personalized noise profiles and adaptive sound settings, the future of travel headphones looks promising. So, whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul flight, be sure to equip yourself with a pair of noise-canceling headphones that will help you enjoy every moment of your journey.
Don't forget to consider your travel style and needs when making your selection. With the right pair of noise-canceling headphones, you can transform your travel experience and arrive at your destination refreshed and ready to explore. Happy travels!
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