10 Best Airplane Headphones 2026 in the United States

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones in Twilight Blue are a strong choice for airplane travelers thanks to their excellent noise cancellation, which effectively blocks out the noisy cabin environment and allows you to enjoy your music or silence distractions. Their plush over-ear cushions and padded headband offer comfort for long flights, making them suitable if you spend hours wearing headphones. With up to 24 hours of battery life, these headphones easily last through long trips, plus a quick 15-minute USB-C charge gives you an extra 2.5 hours if you’re in a hurry.

Sound quality is clear and rich, featuring adjustable EQ to tailor bass, mids, and treble to your preference, which can enhance your listening experience whether you enjoy music or movies. The headphones are wireless with Bluetooth 5.1 and support multipoint connection, so you can switch between devices like your phone and tablet without hassle. You can also plug in the included audio cable to use them wired, which is handy if your battery runs out or if airplane entertainment systems require a wired connection.

On the downside, while they’re portable enough with a carrying case, their over-ear design and 8.5-ounce weight make them less compact compared to smaller earbuds. They aren’t water-resistant, so be mindful when traveling in wet conditions. Also, although their controls are touch-based and modern, some users might find gesture controls tricky at first. These headphones are an excellent option for frequent flyers who want top-notch noise cancelling and comfort, backed by long battery life and solid sound performance.

The Beats Solo 4 headphones offer several advantages for travelers, especially those looking for long battery life and comfort. With up to 50 hours of playback and fast charging providing 5 hours from just 10 minutes, you won't have to worry about running out of power on long flights. They are lightweight and designed with soft UltraPlush ear cushions and an ergonomic headband, making wearing them comfortable for hours. The custom acoustic design delivers the powerful, clear audio Beats is known for, and they support high-resolution wired listening as well.

These on-ear headphones use sound isolation rather than active noise cancellation. This means they block some outside noise mainly by physically covering your ears, but they won't cancel out as much airplane cabin hum and engine noise as headphones with active noise cancellation would. For travelers prioritizing blocking ambient noise, this could be a limitation.

Their wireless Bluetooth connectivity is strong and versatile, compatible with both Apple and Android devices, and includes multiple control options along with a built-in microphone for calls or voice assistant use. Portability is decent with a protective fabric case included, though the on-ear design may be bulkier compared to smaller in-ear options. The Beats Solo 4 headphones are a solid choice for those seeking durable, comfortable headphones with excellent battery life and good sound quality for travel, though those needing advanced noise cancellation might consider other models.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are a strong contender for anyone looking for premium over-ear headphones, especially suited for travel and airplane use. One of the standout features is their exceptional noise cancellation, powered by advanced technology that allows users to enjoy music or calls without distractions from ambient noise. This makes them ideal for long flights or commutes.

The comfort level is impressive as well—thanks to their soft fit leather design, users can wear them for extended periods with ease, which is a significant advantage on long journeys. With a robust battery life of up to 30 hours, you won't need to worry about recharging frequently, and the quick charge option is a handy feature when you're in a hurry.

However, it’s important to note that these headphones are not water-resistant, so they may not be the best choice for outdoor activities or in wet environments. Additionally, while they are portable, they might feel a bit bulkier compared to some other travel headphones, which could be a consideration if space-saving is a priority. On the connectivity front, the WH-1000XM5 features Bluetooth 5.2, ensuring a stable connection with your devices. The touch controls are intuitive, allowing for easy management of music and calls, adding to the user-friendly experience. While the price point may be higher than some alternatives, the combination of sound quality, comfort, and features makes the Sony WH-1000XM5 a worthwhile investment for dedicated music lovers and frequent travelers.