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Traveling by plane is rarely quiet and often involves constant background noise from engines, air circulation, and fellow passengers. This can make it difficult to relax, sleep, or enjoy in-flight entertainment. Noise cancelling headphones are designed to block or reduce these persistent sounds, making flights quieter and more comfortable.
Noise cancelling headphones use technology to counteract ambient sounds, providing a more peaceful listening experience. They aim to let us concentrate on music, movies, or podcasts without interruption. For travelers, the right pair can make long flights feel much shorter.
When choosing noise cancelling headphones for airplane use, it’s important to pay attention to comfort, battery life, weight, and how well the headphones actually cancel noise. It’s also vital to consider how easy they are to pack and if they work with airline entertainment systems. We spent many hours researching and trying out several models to find the best noise cancelling headphones for airplane travel.
Best Noise Cancelling Airplane Headphones
We have selected the top noise cancelling headphones that help make air travel quieter and more comfortable. Our picks are based on performance, comfort, and value for travelers.
1. 1Mii Y8+ Headphones
The 1Mii Y8+ is a solid option for travelers who want reliable noise cancellation and great audio for a long haul flight at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Excellent noise reduction for plane engines and crowds
- Long battery life keeps us listening for days
- Easy-to-adjust fit and foldable design for travel
Cons
- Headphones must be charged even for wired use
- Build quality feels less sturdy in some spots
- Not the most premium materials
We used the 1Mii Y8+ on a recent flight and noticed right away how well it blocked out most of the aircraft hum. The active noise canceling dials down background noise, making movies and music much more enjoyable.
Carrying these in a backpack is easy since the headphones fold up and aren’t very heavy. We appreciate the soft ear cushions that stay comfortable, even after several hours. It’s also nice to personalize the sound through the companion app, letting us tune the audio the way we like.
Still, the plastic components don’t seem as rugged as other models. It’s important to note that even in wired mode, they need to be charged, which can catch us off guard if we forget to top up the battery. For the price, though, the sound and performance deliver what most travelers need in flight.
2. TOZO HT2 Noise Cancelling Headphones
These headphones are a strong choice if we want reliable noise cancellation without spending a fortune.
Pros
- The noise cancelling is impressive for blocking out plane and city sounds
- Battery life easily lasts through long flights and layovers
- Soft earcups stay comfortable during long wear
Cons
- Controls can take a little getting used to
- ANC slightly lowers sound quality with some music
- Folding hinges feel less sturdy than premium options
With the TOZO HT2, we really notice how much quieter a flight gets the moment we put them on. Louder engine noise drops significantly, and even chatty passengers fade into the background. The fit is comfortable for hours, thanks to the soft ear cushions that don’t press too hard.
We like being able to switch easily between wireless and wired mode, especially if the battery gets low mid-trip. The 60-hour battery feels more than enough for several long flights or a full week of daily use. Using the app to adjust sound settings is a nice touch—even if we’re not picky about audio, it helps match our music taste.
Carrying these around is easy since they fold up neatly and fit in most carry-on bags. For their price, we find the balance of comfort, solid noise cancelling, and extended battery life to be a real advantage, even if the build isn’t quite as solid as higher-end brands.
3. KVIDIO Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones
For travelers who value comfort, long battery life, and affordability over premium noise canceling, these headphones are a practical choice.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and folds down for easy packing
- Battery lasts impressively long, even on long flights
- Cushions stay comfortable during hours of wear
Cons
- Lacks true active noise canceling features
- Earcups may feel tight if you have larger ears
- Sound isolation is decent but not complete
We noticed right away how comfortable the KVIDIO headset felt, even during an entire cross-country flight. The memory foam earmuffs made a real difference when we wore them for extended periods. Their lightweight build meant tossing them in our backpack was simple and didn’t add bulk.
Pairing was seamless with our devices and we never had issues walking around the airport—Bluetooth stayed locked in. Battery life truly stands out; after multiple legs of travel, we still had hours of playtime left. These headphones held up well during phone calls and media streaming, with only a brief pause needed when switching from wireless to the included 3.5mm cord.
One limitation is the lack of active noise cancellation. While the ear pads do a decent job blocking ambient noise, they won’t fully eliminate engine hum like higher-end models. Still, for the price, the sound quality is respectable and we appreciated not needing to worry about recharging between trips. If noise canceling isn’t your top priority, KVIDIO Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones offer excellent overall value.
Buying Guide
When we look for the best noise cancelling headphones for flying, comfort is a key factor. Long flights mean we’ll probably be wearing headphones for hours at a time, so a lightweight design and soft ear cups make a big difference.
Noise cancelling strength can vary, so it helps to check if the headphones have adjustable levels. Some models allow us to control how much outside sound gets blocked, which can be useful if we want to hear announcements.
Battery life is also important. We should consider headphones that offer enough playtime to last even on longer international flights. Fast charging feature is a benefit if we are often on the move.
A good fit matters too.
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Comfort | Less ear fatigue during long flights |
| Noise Cancelling | Blocks engine and cabin noises |
| Battery Life | Lasts through entire journeys |
| Adjustable Settings | Lets us adapt to different situations |
| Portability | Easy to store in carry-on bags |
We may also want to think about portability. Foldable or compact designs fit easily into our luggage.
Some headphones offer modes for different environments, like airplane or office modes. These can help us adjust quickly.
It’s useful if the headphones come with a wired option. Airplane entertainment systems sometimes only support a wired connection, so having both wireless and wired modes gives us flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
We often get questions about finding the right headphones for flights, including which features actually matter, how headphones help with comfort, and which models work best for movies and music. Affordability and the differences between headphone designs are also common concerns.
What features should we look for in high-quality noise-cancelling headphones for air travel?
We should look for strong noise cancellation, long battery life, and comfortable ear cushions that fit well for long flights. Travel-specific extras like airline adapters and foldable designs can offer extra convenience. Easy-to-use controls and stable Bluetooth connection are helpful too.
How do noise-cancelling headphones help alleviate airplane pressure discomfort?
Noise-cancelling headphones don’t directly change air pressure, but they reduce the engine and cabin noise that can make pressure discomfort feel worse. This can help us relax and distract from ear pressure by creating a quieter environment.
Are there affordable noise-cancelling headphones that are effective for flying?
There are reliable budget-friendly noise-cancelling headphones available. Models from brands like Anker and Soundcore can provide decent noise blocking and comfortable padding at lower prices. These won’t always match the most expensive brands, but many perform well enough for most airplane trips.
What are the top recommended headphones for watching movies on an airplane?
Headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort 45, and Sennheiser Momentum 4 deliver clear dialogue and strong noise cancellation for in-flight movies. They also have long battery life, making them suitable for longer flights. Some even include a wired connection for using with airplane screens.
Can we find noise-cancelling headphones that also offer superior sound quality for music?
Yes, several headphones balance noise cancellation and high sound quality. Bose and Sony models are strong choices known for both quiet performance and rich, detailed sound. Sennheiser and Bowers & Wilkins also offer options that emphasize both noise reduction and great music playback.
What is the difference between noise-cancelling headphones and noise-cancelling earbuds for in-flight use?
Over-ear headphones usually block more engine noise and feel more comfortable for long wear. Earbuds are small, lightweight, and easier to pack, but may not block as much sound. Both types can work for air travel, but headphones are often preferred for long flights.