Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Airplane Travel: Which Ones Should You Buy?

Are you looking for the best noise cancelling headphones for airplane travel?

If so, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the top-rated noise cancelling headphones on the market, and we’ll help you choose the right pair for your needs.

We’ll cover everything from noise cancelling technology to comfort and battery life, and we’ll provide you with in-depth reviews of some of the most popular models.

So whether you’re looking for a pair of headphones to help you relax on a long flight or you need something to block out the noise of a noisy neighbor, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s get started!

Headphones Noise Cancellation Price
Sony WH-1000XM4 Active Noise Cancelling $349.99
Bose QuietComfort 45 Active Noise Cancelling $329.95
Apple AirPods Pro Active Noise Cancelling $249.99
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless Active Noise Cancelling $399.95

What are noise-cancelling headphones?

Noise-cancelling headphones are a type of headphone that uses active noise cancellation (ANC) technology to reduce the amount of ambient noise that you hear. This can be beneficial for a variety of activities, such as listening to music, watching movies, or working in a noisy environment.

ANC headphones work by using a microphone to pick up the ambient noise around you. The headphones then generate a sound wave that is the opposite of the ambient noise. This sound wave cancels out the ambient noise, resulting in a quieter listening experience.

Noise-cancelling headphones can be a great investment for people who are frequently exposed to loud noise. They can help to reduce stress and fatigue, and they can also improve your concentration.

How do noise-cancelling headphones work?

Noise-cancelling headphones work by using a microphone to pick up the ambient noise around you. The headphones then generate a sound wave that is the opposite of the ambient noise. This sound wave cancels out the ambient noise, resulting in a quieter listening experience.

The process of noise cancellation is called active noise control (ANC). ANC headphones use a combination of hardware and software to create the opposite sound wave. The hardware consists of a microphone, a processor, and a speaker. The software controls the processor and the speaker.

The microphone picks up the ambient noise and sends it to the processor. The processor analyzes the noise and creates a sound wave that is the opposite of the ambient noise. The speaker then plays the opposite sound wave, which cancels out the ambient noise.

The effectiveness of noise-cancelling headphones depends on a number of factors, including the type of noise, the noise level, and the fit of the headphones. Noise-cancelling headphones are most effective at cancelling out low-frequency noise, such as the hum of an airplane engine or the rumble of a train. They are less effective at cancelling out high-frequency noise, such as the sound of a conversation or the clatter of dishes.

The noise level also affects the effectiveness of noise-cancelling headphones. Headphones are more effective at cancelling out noise at lower levels. At higher noise levels, the headphones can only reduce the noise, not eliminate it completely.

The fit of the headphones also affects the effectiveness of noise cancellation. Headphones that fit snugly around your ears will provide better noise cancellation than headphones that are loose.

Noise-cancelling headphones are a great way to reduce the amount of ambient noise that you hear. They can be beneficial for a variety of activities, such as listening to music, watching movies, or working in a noisy environment. If you are frequently exposed to loud noise, noise-cancelling headphones can help to improve your quality of life.

Which factors should you consider when choosing noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes?

When choosing noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes, there are a few factors you should consider.

  • Budget: Noise-cancelling headphones can range in price from around $50 to over $500. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you can narrow down your options.
  • Noise reduction performance: The noise reduction performance of a pair of headphones is measured in decibels (dB). The higher the dB rating, the more noise the headphones can block out. For airplanes, you’ll want a pair of headphones with a noise reduction rating of at least 20 dB.
  • Comfort: You’ll be wearing your noise-cancelling headphones for long periods of time on an airplane, so it’s important to choose a pair that is comfortable. Look for headphones that are lightweight and have a snug fit.
  • Battery life: Noise-cancelling headphones typically use batteries, so it’s important to choose a pair that has a long battery life. You don’t want to have to worry about your headphones running out of power in the middle of a long flight.
  • Connectivity: Most noise-cancelling headphones come with a wired connection, but some also have a wireless connection. If you plan on using your headphones with a variety of devices, you’ll want to choose a pair that has both wired and wireless connectivity.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start shopping for noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes. Here are a few of our top picks:

  • Best overall: Bose QuietComfort 35 II
  • Best budget: Anker Soundcore Life Q30
  • Best for comfort: Sony WH-1000XM4
  • Best for wireless: Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
  • Best for active noise cancellation: Apple AirPods Pro

What are some of the best noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes?

Here are a few of our top picks for noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes:

  • Bose QuietComfort 35 II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are our top pick for noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes. They offer excellent noise reduction performance, with a noise reduction rating of up to 20 dB. They’re also very comfortable to wear, even for long periods of time. The QuietComfort 35 II come with a wired connection and a wireless connection, so you can use them with a variety of devices.

  • Anker Soundcore Life Q30

The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are a great budget option for noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes. They offer good noise reduction performance, with a noise reduction rating of up to 30 dB. They’re also very comfortable to wear, and they have a long battery life. The Soundcore Life Q30 come with a wired connection and a wireless connection.

  • Sony WH-1000XM4

The Sony WH-1000XM4 are a great option for noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes if you want the best possible sound quality. They offer excellent noise reduction performance, with a noise reduction rating of up to 40 dB. They’re also very comfortable to wear, and they have a long battery life. The WH-1000XM4 come with a wired connection and a wireless connection.

  • Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless

The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless are a great option for noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes if you want a pair of headphones that are both stylish and comfortable. They offer good noise reduction performance, with a noise reduction rating of up to 30 dB. They’re also very comfortable to wear, and they have a long battery life. The Momentum 3 Wireless come with a wireless connection only.

  • Apple AirPods Pro

The Apple AirPods Pro are a great option for noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes if you want a pair of headphones that are truly wireless. They offer good noise reduction performance, with a noise reduction rating of up to 24 dB. They’re also very comfortable to wear, and they have a long battery life. The AirPods Pro come with a wireless connection only.

Noise-cancelling headphones can be a great way to make your next airplane trip more comfortable. By considering the factors listed above, you can choose a pair of headphones that will provide you with the best possible noise reduction and comfort.

Q: What are the best noise cancelling headphones for airplanes?

A: There are many different noise cancelling headphones on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Some are better at cancelling out noise than others, and some are more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

Here are a few of the best noise cancelling headphones for airplanes:

  • Sony WH-1000XM4 – These headphones offer excellent noise cancellation, with a wide range of frequencies being blocked out. They’re also very comfortable to wear, even for extended periods of time.
  • Bose QuietComfort 45 – These headphones are another great option for airplane travel, with powerful noise cancellation and a comfortable fit.
  • Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless – These headphones offer excellent sound quality and noise cancellation, as well as a comfortable fit.

Q: How do noise cancelling headphones work?

A: Noise cancelling headphones work by using a combination of active and passive noise cancellation. Active noise cancellation uses microphones to pick up ambient noise and then generates a signal that is 180 degrees out of phase with the noise. This cancels out the noise, resulting in a quieter listening experience. Passive noise cancellation uses physical barriers to block out noise, such as thick ear cups and closed-back designs.

Q: Are noise cancelling headphones worth it for airplanes?

A: Whether or not noise cancelling headphones are worth it for airplanes depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for a way to reduce noise and improve your comfort during long flights, then noise cancelling headphones can be a worthwhile investment. However, if you’re only going to be flying occasionally, then you may not need to spend the money on a pair of noise cancelling headphones.

Q: What are some of the things to consider when choosing noise cancelling headphones for airplanes?

A: There are a few things to consider when choosing noise cancelling headphones for airplanes, including:

  • Noise cancellation performance: The most important factor to consider is how well the headphones cancel out noise. Look for headphones that have a wide range of frequencies being blocked out, as well as a high noise reduction rating (NRR).
  • Comfort: You’ll be wearing your headphones for long periods of time on an airplane, so it’s important that they’re comfortable. Look for headphones that have soft, padded ear cups and a lightweight design.
  • Battery life: If you’re going to be using your headphones for long flights, you’ll need to make sure they have a long battery life. Look for headphones that can last for at least 20 hours on a single charge.
  • Sound quality: Noise cancelling headphones should also have good sound quality, so you can enjoy your music or movies without having to crank up the volume.

Q: How do I use noise cancelling headphones on an airplane?

A: To use noise cancelling headphones on an airplane, simply put them on and turn them on. The headphones will automatically start cancelling out noise. You may need to adjust the noise cancellation settings to find the best level of cancellation for your needs.

Q: What are some tips for using noise cancelling headphones on an airplane?

Here are a few tips for using noise cancelling headphones on an airplane:

  • Make sure the headphones are properly fitted. The headphones should create a seal around your ears to block out noise.
  • Adjust the noise cancellation settings. You may need to adjust the noise cancellation settings to find the best level of cancellation for your needs.
  • Turn off the noise cancellation when you’re not using it. Noise cancelling headphones can drain your battery, so it’s important to turn them off when you’re not using them.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Noise cancelling headphones can make it difficult to hear announcements and other important sounds. Be aware of your surroundings and be careful not to miss anything important.

    there are a number of factors to consider when choosing the best noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes. These include the level of noise cancellation you need, the comfort of the headphones, and the battery life. Some of the best options on the market include the Bose QuietComfort 45, the Sony WH-1000XM5, and the Apple AirPods Max. With a little research, you can find the perfect pair of headphones to help you enjoy your next flight.

Here are some key takeaways from the article:

  • Noise-cancelling headphones can help to reduce the noise of an airplane cabin by up to 80%.
  • The level of noise cancellation you need will depend on your personal preferences and the type of flights you take.
  • There are a number of factors to consider when choosing noise-cancelling headphones, including the comfort of the headphones, the battery life, and the features you need.
  • Some of the best noise-cancelling headphones for airplanes include the Bose QuietComfort 45, the Sony WH-1000XM5, and the Apple AirPods Max.

With a little research, you can find the perfect pair of noise-cancelling headphones to help you enjoy your next flight.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.