10 Best Airplane Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are designed to cater well to frequent travelers and those seeking a quality audio experience while on the go. One of their key strengths is the Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) feature, which effectively blocks out ambient noise, making them ideal for airplane use. Coupled with personalized spatial audio and a rich sound profile, users can enjoy an immersive listening experience, whether for music or calls.

Comfort is another highlight, as these over-ear headphones are designed for extended wear, making long flights more pleasant. The impressive battery life of up to 40 hours means users can listen for a whole week without needing to recharge, and a quick 10-minute charge provides an extra 4 hours of playtime—perfect for when you're in a rush.

In terms of connectivity, the Beats Studio Pro offers seamless pairing with both Apple and Android devices, providing versatility for users of different platforms. The Bluetooth range is excellent, reducing dropouts during use, which is a significant plus for mobile use. However, the headphones are not without drawbacks. They are relatively bulky compared to some other options, which could be a concern for those looking for portability. While they come with a carrying case, the overall weight may be a factor for some users who prioritize lightweight travel gear.

Additionally, while sound quality is generally praised, some audiophiles might find the bass-heavy tuning of Beats headphones less appealing for certain genres of music. Lastly, the lack of water resistance means they are not suitable for use in wet environments, limiting their versatility.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are well-suited for travelers and casual listeners who appreciate excellent noise cancellation, superb battery life, and a rich sound experience, but may not be the best choice for those who prioritize portability or require a more neutral sound profile.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are an excellent choice for airplane travelers. They feature top-tier noise cancellation, which uses Dual Noise Sensor technology to effectively block out ambient sounds, making them perfect for noisy environments like an airplane. With up to 30 hours of battery life and a quick charge option that provides 5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge, these headphones are highly reliable for long flights. Comfort is another highlight, thanks to an updated design that relieves pressure for prolonged use.

The headphones also have touch sensor controls, allowing you to pause, play, skip tracks, and adjust the volume easily. They support Alexa voice control and have excellent call quality with five built-in microphones, ensuring clear communication. One unique feature is Speak-to-Chat, which automatically reduces the volume when you start talking, although this might be a bit too sensitive for some users. In terms of sound quality, the Edge AI and DSEE Extreme technology provide a rich listening experience by upscaling compressed music files in real-time. The multipoint connection allows seamless pairing with multiple devices, adding convenience.

However, the headphones lack water resistance, which could be a drawback for those who expect them to handle various environments. The headphones are also slightly bulkier, weighing 9 ounces, which may affect portability. Despite these minor inconveniences, the Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out in its category for delivering superior noise cancellation, long-lasting comfort, and high-quality audio, making them a solid choice for frequent flyers.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones are designed with frequent travelers in mind, particularly those who value noise cancellation and comfort during long flights. With advanced noise-cancelling technology, these headphones effectively reduce background noise, allowing you to enjoy your music or movies without distraction. The different modes—Quiet, Aware, and Immersion—provide flexibility depending on your environment, enhancing your listening experience.

Comfort is a significant highlight, as the soft ear cushions and well-distributed headband pressure ensure that these headphones can be worn for extended periods without discomfort, which is essential during long flights. The battery life of up to 24 hours also means you won’t have to worry about running out of charge mid-journey, and the quick 15-minute charge feature is a nice touch for urgent situations.

Sound quality is further enhanced by the Spatial Audio feature, which offers an immersive listening experience that can make music feel more engaging. The inclusion of a microphone allows for clear calls, making them versatile for both entertainment and communication. While these headphones are generally lightweight and portable, they may be bulkier compared to some other travel headphones on the market. Additionally, while many users appreciate the advanced features, the complexity of the controls—especially touch controls—might not be as straightforward for everyone, particularly those who prefer more traditional buttons.