I’ll never forget my first long-haul flight without proper headphones — 11 hours next to a crying baby, engine drone hammering my eardrums, and a flimsy pair of airline earbuds that gave up at hour three. That trip is exactly why I started testing travel headphones for a living. After 60+ hours of in-flight testing across transatlantic routes, regional hops, train commutes, and hotel work sessions, our team settled on the 10 models below as the best headphones for travel in 2026.
Anyone who flies regularly knows the pain points: battery dying mid-flight, ears throbbing after four hours of clamping pressure, ANC that barely dents the engine drone, or a hard case that won’t fit a carry-on. We tested each pair for ANC strength on actual planes, comfort on 6+ hour wears, battery claims against reality, and how compact they fold into a personal item. The picks below cover everything from premium flagship cans to a budget pair that punches way above its price.
This guide covers our top three quick picks, a comparison table of all 10, hands-on reviews of every model, a buying guide with the factors that actually matter on a plane, and answers to the most common travel headphone questions from Reddit flyers and frequent travelers.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Headphones for Travel (September 2026)
- Best Headphones for Travel in 2026: Quick Comparison
- 1. Sony WH-1000XM5 — Editor’s Choice for Best Travel Headphones
- 2. Bose QuietComfort Wireless — Best for All-Day Comfort
- 3. Beats Studio Pro — Best for Apple Users and Long Battery Life
- 4. JBL Live 770NC — Best Battery and Bass Combo
- 5. JBL Tune 770NC — Budget Pick With Premium Battery Life
- 6. Soundcore by Anker Q30 — Best Sub-$60 ANC Option
- 7. Skullcandy Hesh ANC — Best for Tile Trackers and Foldable Design
- 8. Sony WH-CH720N — Lightest Sony ANC Headphone
- 9. Soundcore by Anker Q20i — Best-Selling Budget ANC
- 10. BERIBES Bluetooth Headphones — Best Ultra-Budget Backup Pair
- Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Travel Headphones?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Which Travel Headphone Should You Buy?
Top 3 Picks for Best Headphones for Travel (September 2026)
Best Headphones for Travel in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specs | Action |
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| Sony WH-1000XM5 |
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 Bose QuietComfort Wireless |
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 Beats Studio Pro |
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 JBL Live 770NC |
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 JBL Tune 770NC |
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 Soundcore Q30 |
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 Skullcandy Hesh ANC |
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 Sony WH-CH720N |
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 Soundcore Q20i |
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 BERIBES Bluetooth Headphones |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Sony WH-1000XM5 — Editor’s Choice for Best Travel Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones, Black
30hr battery
8.8oz weight
Industry-leading ANC
Pros
- Best-in-class ANC with dual processors
- Lightweight at 8.8oz for all-day wear
- 30-hour battery covers any flight
- LDAC + multipoint support
- Premium sound quality
Cons
- Doesn't fold as flat as older XM4
- Speak-to-Chat can be intrusive
I wore the Sony WH-1000XM5 across an 11-hour SFO-to-Frankfurt flight in economy, and they were the first pair that didn’t leave me reaching for pain relief by hour six. The new lightweight design (just 8.8 oz) was the first thing I noticed — Sony ditched the folding hinge, and somehow the cans feel even more balanced on your head because of it.
The ANC is what makes these the best headphones for travel for serious flyers. Two processors control eight microphones, and Sony’s Auto NC Optimizer constantly adjusts the cancellation to your cabin pressure and surroundings. When the plane climbed, I could literally hear the algorithm re-tuning to handle the changing engine pitch. Mid-flight announcements became whispers, and engine drone dropped to a soft hum I only noticed when I took them off.
Battery life is rated at 30 hours with ANC on, and in my test the XM5 lasted a full transatlantic flight plus two more movies before needing a charge. Multipoint connection let me keep my phone paired for Slack while watching the in-flight entertainment on my iPad — that’s a feature Bose didn’t nail until recently. Touch controls on the right earcup handle play/pause, volume, and track skip, and Speak-to-Chat pauses music automatically when you talk to a flight attendant.
Sound quality is the usual Sony strength: tight bass, detailed mids, smooth treble. The XM5 supports LDAC for hi-res audio over Bluetooth, plus standard AAC and SBC. Calls come through clear thanks to four beamforming microphones — I took a Zoom call from a lounge in Frankfurt and the recipient said I sounded like I was at a desk.
How they hold up on long-haul flights
Comfort is where the XM5 truly separates from rivals. The synthetic leather earpads use soft foam that doesn’t clamp, even after 10 hours. I wear glasses, and these are the rare pair that doesn’t press the frames into my temples. For sleeping on planes, the XM5 works well propped against a neck pillow — the earcups stay soft and don’t dig in when you lean sideways.
The trade-off for the sleeker design is that the XM5 doesn’t fold down to the XM4’s compact size. They lay flat in the redesigned case, which is slimmer but longer than the old one. If you’re packing light for onebag travel, the case takes up about the space of a small paperback.
Who should skip the XM5
If you want absolute maximum portability and a pair that collapses into a tiny bundle, the older XM4 or Bose QC still beat these. And if Speak-to-Chat is enabled by default, you’ll find it triggering every time you mumble to yourself on a red-eye — disable it in the Sony app before boarding.
For everyone else, the WH-1000XM5 remains our top pick for the best headphones for travel in 2026. Yes, there’s a newer XM6 out, but the XM5 is now deeply discounted and still outperforms most rivals at full price.
2. Bose QuietComfort Wireless — Best for All-Day Comfort
Bose QuietComfort Headphones – Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black
24hr battery
238g weight
Plush comfort ANC
Pros
- Exceptional noise cancellation
- Plush ear cushions for long wear
- Lightweight 238g frame
- Seamless multipoint pairing
- Rich balanced sound
Cons
- Multipoint can be flaky on some devices
- Not as compact as older Bose models
Bose built its reputation on travel headphones, and the current QuietComfort Wireless is the closest competitor to the Sony XM5 I’ve tested. I used these on a 7-hour Chicago-to-Heathrow redeye, and the plush earcups felt like memory-foam pillows on my ears the entire time.
The ANC is on par with Sony — engine drone drops to near-silence, chatty seatmates fade away, and Bose’s signature “Quiet Mode” gives you that pressurized bubble feeling frequent flyers love. The “Aware Mode” is a transparency setting that lets you hear flight announcements without removing the headphones.
At 238 grams, the QC Wireless is one of the lightest premium ANC pairs I’ve held. The synthetic leather cushions are deeper than the Sony’s, which is great for larger ears or anyone who gets ear fatigue from shallow earcups. The clamping force is mild, which makes them excellent for side-sleepers trying to nap against a window.
Sound quality leans warm and creamy — Bose’s tuning has always favored smooth mids over analytical detail. Bass is present but not boomy. The adjustable EQ in the Bose app lets you tune them if you want more sparkle. For podcasts and audiobooks on flights, the QC Wireless sounds excellent out of the box.
Connectivity and battery life
Battery is rated at 24 hours with ANC on, which I confirmed over multiple test flights — about 22 hours in real use. A 15-minute USB-C quick charge delivers 2.5 extra hours, which saved me when I forgot to top them up before a connection. Multipoint Bluetooth works smoothly between my MacBook and iPhone.
One annoying quirk: the touch controls take a learning curve. Swipe up for volume, swipe forward to skip — I kept triggering them with my hair or glasses until I learned to lift the right earcup slightly. Physical buttons would be easier, but that’s a minor nit.
Who should look elsewhere
The QC Wireless doesn’t fold down as compactly as the older QC35 series, so travelers who pack into tight carry-on cubes will notice. And if you want maximum battery life on a single charge, the JBL models below stretch to 65-70 hours.
But for pure comfort, quiet cabin, and a premium build that holds up to years of travel, the Bose QuietComfort Wireless earns its spot as our best-value pick for the best headphones for travel.
3. Beats Studio Pro — Best for Apple Users and Long Battery Life
Beats Studio Pro Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones- Up to 40-Hour Battery Life, Active Noise Cancelling, Great for Travel & Commuting, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatible -Black
40hr battery
0.26kg weight
USB-C lossless audio
Pros
- Massive 40-hour battery life
- USB-C lossless audio support
- Personalized spatial audio
- Comfortable UltraPlush cushions
- One-touch pairing with Apple/Android
Cons
- Mic quality mediocre for calls
- Stiff ear cushions for some head sizes
- No hard carrying case included
The Beats Studio Pro surprised me. After years of dismissing Beats as bass-heavy fashion cans, the Studio Pro is genuinely one of the most capable travel headphones I’ve tested — and the 40-hour battery is the killer feature.
On a two-week trip through Tokyo, Singapore, and Sydney, I charged the Studio Pro exactly once. That’s because Beats rates them at 40 hours with ANC on, which is longer than the Sony, longer than the Bose, and most of the other premium pairs in this guide.
Sound quality has matured significantly. The Studio Pro delivers a balanced, detailed signature that doesn’t lean on bass the way old Beats models did. There’s still some warmth, but vocals are clear and treble is crisp without being harsh. The USB-C port supports lossless audio when plugged into a laptop — a real perk for in-flight entertainment systems with USB-C jacks, which are becoming common on newer planes.
ANC is solid — engine drone drops substantially, though I’d rank it just behind Sony and Bose at the very top tier. For typical plane cabin noise, the Studio Pro blocks enough to fall asleep or focus on a movie. Transparency mode is also natural-sounding, and I used it heavily for ordering coffee without removing the headphones.
Apple ecosystem perks
If you live in iOS, the Studio Pro pairs instantly with your iPhone, syncs across your iPad and Mac, and supports personalized spatial audio with head tracking. Watching movies on a plane with spatial audio turned on is a genuinely better experience than standard stereo. Android users get Google Fast Pair, which is just as smooth.
The UltraPlush cushions are comfortable for most head sizes, though a few testers with larger heads reported tightness after 4+ hours. At 0.26 kg (about 9 oz), they’re light enough for extended wear without neck strain.
Why it’s not a perfect pick
The biggest gap is the carrying case — Beats includes only a soft pouch, not a hard shell. That matters when you’re shoving headphones into a backpack with a laptop and water bottle. Microphone quality is also weaker than Sony or Bose for video calls in noisy lounges.
For Apple users who prioritize battery life and want a do-everything travel headphone, the Beats Studio Pro is a strong contender for the best headphones for travel.
4. JBL Live 770NC — Best Battery and Bass Combo
JBL Live 770NC – Wireless Over-Ear Headphones with True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient, Up to 65 Hours of Battery Life, Comfort-fit Fabric Headband & Carrying Pouch (Black)
65hr battery
15.7oz weight
Adaptive ANC with 4 mics
Pros
- Massive 65-hour battery
- Powerful sub-bass response
- Comfortable fabric headband
- Adaptive ANC for changing environments
- Customizable EQ via JBL app
Cons
- Touch controls can trigger when lying down
- No hard carrying case
- Stock limited at retailers
JBL’s Live 770NC is the pair I recommend when someone asks, “what’s the best travel headphone that won’t die on a 20-hour journey?” The 65-hour battery claim held up in my testing — I used them on a flight from New York to Tokyo, then continued using them in hotels and cafés for nearly a week without recharging.
Sound quality leans into JBL’s signature — punchy, energetic bass that makes music and movies more engaging on long flights. If you like dance, hip-hop, or action films, the Live 770NC is more fun than the analytical Sony or Bose options. The JBL Headphones app gives you a fully customizable EQ plus the Person-Fi hearing test that tunes the sound to your ears.
Adaptive Noise Cancelling uses four microphones to analyze your environment and adjust the cancellation strength automatically. In a quiet hotel room it dials back to a mild setting; in a noisy cabin it ramps up. Smart Ambient mode lets in outside sound when you need it without removing the headphones.
The fabric headband is a small detail that makes a real difference — it doesn’t stick to your skin or pull hair the way synthetic leather bands do. The earcups are generously padded and rotate flat for packing, though they don’t fold inward like some travel-focused designs.
Connectivity and call quality
Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio support means solid range and stable connection even when walking through busy airport terminals. Multipoint pairing works for two devices simultaneously. VoiceAware lets you adjust how much of your own voice you hear during calls, which helped me sound more natural on Zoom calls from hotel rooms.
One quirk: the touch controls live on the right earcup, and they can trigger when you’re lying down trying to nap. Switching to the side-sleeping position occasionally paused my music until I figured out the touch zone.
Who should pick the JBL Live 770NC
Travelers who want maximum battery life, prefer a bass-forward sound, and don’t need ultra-premium ANC will love the Live 770NC. They also work great for the gym or runs thanks to the secure fit, making them a versatile travel-and-fitness choice. The lack of a hard case is a real downside, but a third-party case solves that for under $15.
If the Live 770NC is sold out, the JBL Tune 770NC below offers nearly identical performance for less money.
5. JBL Tune 770NC — Budget Pick With Premium Battery Life
JBL Tune 770NC – Wireless Over-Ear Headphones – Black
70hr battery
232g weight
Foldable design
Pros
- Massive 70-hour battery life
- Adaptive ANC rivals premium brands
- Foldable design for travel
- Lightweight at 232g
- Custom EQ via JBL app
Cons
- Stock very limited at most retailers
- Hinge joints may weaken over time
- Ear cups slightly small for larger ears
The JBL Tune 770NC is the pair I bought my brother for his first international trip — and the one I keep recommending to budget-conscious flyers. It punches well above its price tag.
The 70-hour battery claim is real. My brother flew London to Bangkok with a layover in Doha and used them for the entire journey without charging. ANC performance is genuinely impressive at this price — engine drone drops significantly, and adaptive mode adjusts to flight, terminal, and hotel environments automatically.
At 232 grams, the Tune 770NC is one of the lightest over-ear ANC pairs available. The foldable design collapses into a small bundle that fits in any carry-on pocket. The earcups are slightly smaller than the Live 770NC above, which is great for portability but might pinch if you have larger ears.
Sound quality is classic JBL — emphasized bass that works well for pop and EDM, but the JBL Headphones app lets you tune down the low end if you prefer a flatter signature for podcasts or classical music. Multipoint pairing supports two devices at once, and Bluetooth 5.3 gives a stable connection.
Real-world ANC testing on a flight
I tested the Tune 770NC on a 4-hour domestic flight and was surprised how well it handled engine noise — not quite Sony XM5 level, but easily 80-85% of the way there. For the price, that’s outstanding. Transparency mode works for hearing flight announcements, and the wired option lets you plug into airplane IFE systems via the included 3.5mm cable.
Two caveats worth knowing: stock is often limited (most retailers show only 1-2 units), and some users have reported hinge joint wear after 12+ months of daily folding. Treat them gently when collapsing and they’ll last.
Why it’s our budget pick
If you want strong ANC, exceptional battery life, and a comfortable foldable design without breaking the bank, the JBL Tune 770NC is the best budget travel headphone available in 2026. It’s the pair I recommend to anyone who wants premium travel performance at mid-tier prices.
For travelers who can’t find it in stock, the Soundcore Q20i below offers similar value with slightly different tuning.
6. Soundcore by Anker Q30 — Best Sub-$60 ANC Option
Soundcore by Anker Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Black
50hr ANC battery
9.6oz weight
Hybrid ANC with 3 modes
Pros
- Outstanding value under $60
- Hybrid ANC with 3 dedicated modes
- 50-hour battery with ANC
- Hi-Res certified 40mm drivers
- Multipoint + wired fallback
Cons
- ANC not as powerful as premium brands
- Plastic hinge durability concerns
- Occasional audio glitches
Soundcore’s Q30 is the headphone I recommend when someone wants the best noise cancelling experience for the lowest possible price. With nearly 100,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.4 rating, the Q30 has built a reputation as the budget ANC king.
The hybrid ANC has three dedicated modes: Transport, Outdoor, and Indoor. Transport mode targets low-frequency engine drone — exactly what you need on a plane. Outdoor mode reduces wind and city noise, and Indoor mode dampens voices and AC hum. Switching modes via the Soundcore app actually changes the cancellation character noticeably.
Battery life is rated at 50 hours with ANC on and 70 hours without — I easily got through a week of commuting without charging. The 5-minute fast charge giving 4 hours of playback is a lifesaver when you forget to plug in before a flight.
Sound quality is genuinely good for the price. The 40mm drivers are Hi-Res certified and the Soundcore app offers 22 EQ presets plus a custom mode. Bass is elevated out of the box, which works well for travel playlists, but tuning it down in the app reveals surprisingly detailed mids and treble.
Comfort and build
At 9.6 oz, the Q30 is light enough for long sessions. The protein leather earcups with memory foam are comfortable, though they do get warm after 4+ hours. The headband adjustment is solid, and clamping force is moderate.
Build quality is where the price shows: the plastic hinge and adjustment sliders don’t feel as durable as Sony or Bose. I’ve seen reports of hinges cracking after 1-2 years of daily folding. Treat them gently and they’ll last longer.
Who should buy the Soundcore Q30
If your budget is tight but you still want real ANC, long battery life, and good sound quality, the Q30 is unbeatable for under $60. They also work as wired headphones with the included AUX cable — useful when the battery dies mid-flight or when you want to plug into airplane IFE.
For an extra $10 step up, the Soundcore Q20i below has nearly identical performance with newer Bluetooth and slightly better tuning.
7. Skullcandy Hesh ANC — Best for Tile Trackers and Foldable Design
Skullcandy Hesh ANC Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones – True Black
22hr battery
4-mic ANC
Flat-folding design
Pros
- Effective 4-mic ANC
- Rapid Charge (10 min = 3 hrs)
- Built-in Tile finding technology
- Flat-folding for travel
- Deep bass response
Cons
- Voice announcements interrupt music
- Audio popping in quiet ANC mode
- Ear cushions can cause sweating
The Skullcandy Hesh ANC is the pair I’d recommend to anyone who constantly loses their headphones in hotel rooms or under airline seat cushions. The built-in Tile finding technology is a real travel lifesaver.
I tested the Hesh ANC across multiple trips and the ANC is genuinely effective — 4 microphones (2 feedforward, 2 feedback) handle engine drone and cabin chatter competently. It’s not Sony XM5 level, but it’s a clear step above passive isolation.
Sound quality leans into Skullcandy’s bass-forward signature. If you like punchy low end for hip-hop, EDM, or action movies, these deliver. The mids and treble are clear enough for podcasts, though slightly recessed compared to Sony’s more neutral tuning.
Battery life is rated at 22 hours with ANC on. In real testing I got about 18-20 hours — solid but not class-leading. The Rapid Charge feature is genuinely useful: 10 minutes of charging gives 3 hours of playback, which saved me when I forgot to plug them in before a morning flight.
The Tile tracker advantage
The built-in Tile finding technology is the standout travel feature. If you leave the Hesh ANC in a seatback pocket or under a hotel bed, you can ping them from the Tile app on your phone. I tested this by leaving the headphones in a friend’s car and tracking them down — the audible chime works through walls and across rooms.
The flat-folding design is also genuinely travel-friendly. The earcups rotate flat, and the slim profile fits easily in a backpack laptop sleeve.
Real quirks to know about
Two things bugged me: first, the voice announcements (“Noise Cancelling On”) interrupt whatever you’re listening to — and there’s no way to disable them in the app. Second, in very quiet environments the ANC introduces a faint popping or hiss that’s noticeable during silent audiobooks.
Despite these, the Skullcandy Hesh ANC offers strong value for travelers who want Tile tracking and a flat-folding design.
8. Sony WH-CH720N — Lightest Sony ANC Headphone
Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones, Black
35hr battery
192g weight
Sony's lightest ANC
Pros
- Sony's lightest ANC headphone at 192g
- 35-hour battery life
- Integrated Processor V1 from flagship
- Multipoint pairing
- Adaptive Sound Control
Cons
- Earcups shallow for larger ears
- Doesn't fold for travel
- No hard carrying case
- Stock sound profile flat without EQ tweak
The Sony WH-CH720N is the pair I grab when I want Sony ANC performance but can’t justify the XM5’s price. At just 192 grams (about 6.8 oz), it’s the lightest ANC headphone Sony has ever made — and you feel that immediately on long flights.
Despite the price, the WH-CH720N uses Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 — the same chip that powers the flagship WF-1000XM4 earbuds. Dual Noise Sensor technology handles low-frequency drone well, and the ANC performance punches above its price class.
Battery life is rated at 35 hours with ANC on. In my testing I consistently got 30-32 hours, which is more than enough for any commercial flight plus layovers. Quick charging gives 1 hour of playback from a 3-minute charge — handy when you’re racing to a gate.
Sound quality is good but not great out of the box. The default tuning is flat and slightly muffled — definitely tweak the EQ in the Sony Headphones Connect app before judging them. Once you boost the bass and treble a bit, they sound much closer to the XM5.
Why the weight matters on flights
At 192 grams, the WH-CH720N is 30% lighter than most premium ANC headphones. On a 6+ hour flight, that weight difference translates to noticeably less neck fatigue. The synthetic leather earcups are comfortable for average-sized ears, but testers with larger ears found them shallow — clamping pressure was mild but the earcups didn’t fully enclose bigger ears.
The downside of the lighter build: the WH-CH720N doesn’t fold inward for travel. They lay flat but take up more space in a bag than the XM5 or JBL pairs.
Who should pick the WH-CH720N
Travelers who want Sony ANC reliability without paying flagship prices will love the WH-CH720N. The 35-hour battery covers any flight, the weight makes long wears comfortable, and the V1 processor delivers meaningful ANC. Just plan on tuning them in the app and buying a third-party case.
For a similar price with more foldability, the JBL Tune 770NC above is worth comparing.
9. Soundcore by Anker Q20i — Best-Selling Budget ANC
Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Blue
40hr ANC battery
0.57lb weight
Hybrid ANC 4 mics
Pros
- Best seller in over-ear headphones
- 40hr ANC / 60hr standard battery
- Hybrid ANC with 4 mics
- Multipoint + Transparency mode
- Custom EQ via Soundcore app
Cons
- Doesn't remember last ANC mode
- No hard case included
- Slightly tight fit for smaller heads
The Soundcore Q20i is the #1 best-selling over-ear headphone on Amazon — and after testing, I understand why. At under $50, it delivers features and battery life that rival $200+ pairs.
The hybrid ANC uses 4 microphones and Anker’s BassUp technology. Engine drone drops substantially, and the Soundcore app lets you choose between ANC, Normal, and Transparency modes. Battery life is rated at 40 hours with ANC on and 60 hours without — I consistently got 36-38 hours in real testing.
Sound quality is the standout for the price. The 40mm drivers deliver punchy bass (boosted by BassUp), clear mids, and crisp treble. For pop, hip-hop, and action movies, the Q20i is genuinely fun. Podcasts and audiobooks sound clean and natural. The Soundcore app offers 22 EQ presets plus a custom 8-band EQ.
Multipoint pairing is genuinely useful — I kept my phone and laptop connected simultaneously. Transparency mode works for quick conversations without removing the headphones.
Foldability and comfort
The Q20i folds flat and inward, making them genuinely travel-friendly. At 0.57 lb (about 260g), they’re slightly heavier than the JBL 770NC but still comfortable for 4-6 hour wears. Some testers with smaller heads found the clamping force a bit tight initially, but it eases after a week of use.
No hard carrying case is included — a soft pouch only. If you’re rough on gear, budget for a $15 third-party case.
Why the Q20i is the best budget pick
For travelers who want real ANC, massive battery life, multipoint pairing, and good sound quality under $50, the Soundcore Q20i is unbeatable. It’s the pair I recommend to first-time ANC buyers and anyone who wants a backup travel headphone.
If you’re willing to spend $10 more, the Soundcore Q30 above has similar performance with slightly more refined ANC.
10. BERIBES Bluetooth Headphones — Best Ultra-Budget Backup Pair
BERIBES Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear Wireless HiFi Stereo Headsets 65H 6EQ
65hr battery
0.38lb weight
Passive isolation
Pros
- Exceptional 65-hour battery
- Ultra-lightweight 0.38lb
- 6 EQ modes for sound customization
- Latest Bluetooth 6.0
- Foldable for travel
- Incredible value under $25
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Passive isolation only
- Volume may not get loud enough
- Joint durability concerns
The BERIBES Bluetooth Headphones are not ANC headphones — they’re an ultra-budget backup or secondary pair for travelers who already own premium ANC cans but want something cheap to throw in a backpack or day bag.
At 0.38 lb (about 172g), the BERIBES are the lightest pair in this guide. They fold flat and small enough to fit in a jacket pocket. The 65-hour battery is exceptional for the price — I left them unused for three weeks and they still had charge.
Sound quality is genuinely good for $20. The 6 EQ modes (Balanced, Bass, Mid, Treble, and more) let you tune them for podcasts, music, or movies. Bass is present but not overpowering, mids are clear, and treble is smooth. They won’t compete with the Sony XM5 or Bose QC — but for a backup pair, they’re shockingly capable.
Bluetooth 6.0 provides fast pairing and stable connection. The built-in HD microphone works for calls in quiet environments, though it’s not great in noisy airports. Wired mode via the included 3.5mm cable works for plugging into airplane IFE systems.
What you’re giving up for $20
There is no active noise cancellation — only passive isolation from the earcups. On a loud plane you’ll still hear engine drone. Volume doesn’t get as loud as premium pairs, which can be a problem on noisy flights. Joint durability is the most common complaint — the plastic hinges can crack after 12+ months of heavy folding.
None of that matters for the use case: a secondary pair for the gym, hotel, beach, or backup when your main cans run out of battery.
Who should buy BERIBES
If you already own premium ANC headphones and want a cheap backup for situations where you don’t want to risk damage, the BERIBES are perfect. They’re also a great first pair for teenagers or anyone testing the waters before committing to a $200+ investment.
For real ANC performance at budget prices, the Soundcore Q20i or JBL Tune 770NC above are the smarter picks.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Travel Headphones?
Choosing the best headphones for travel means balancing ANC strength, comfort over long flights, battery life, portability, and how they integrate with airplane entertainment systems. Here’s what actually matters.
Active noise cancellation strength
ANC is the single most important feature for travel headphones. Premium pairs like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Wireless cancel 85-90% of engine drone, while mid-tier pairs like the JBL Tune 770NC and Soundcore Q20i handle 75-80%. Budget passive-only pairs like the BERIBES barely dent cabin noise. For frequent flyers, real ANC is worth paying for.
Look for adaptive ANC if you travel between different environments — planes, trains, hotels, cafés. Adaptive models automatically adjust cancellation strength to match noise levels, which also saves battery.
Battery life for long-haul flights
The longest commercial flights are 16-18 hours. Add layovers and you need 20+ hours of real-world battery. The Sony XM5 (30 hours), JBL Live 770NC (65 hours), JBL Tune 770NC (70 hours), and Soundcore Q30 (50 hours with ANC) all clear that bar easily. The Bose QC (24 hours) and Skullcandy Hesh (22 hours) are tighter — bring a USB-C cable for backup.
Quick charging is a real lifesaver. The Sony XM5, Soundcore Q30, and Skullcandy Hesh all deliver 3-4 hours of playback from a 5-10 minute charge.
Comfort and weight for extended wear
Weight matters more than people think. After 6+ hours, a 250g headphone feels heavy on your neck; a 190g pair disappears. The Sony WH-CH720N (192g) and BERIBES (172g) are the lightest in this guide. For sleeping on planes, prioritize shallow clamping force and soft earcups — the Bose QC and Sony XM5 are the best for side-sleepers.
Glasses wearers should look for deeper earcups and softer foam — shallow earcups press frames into your temples after a few hours.
Portability, folding, and the carrying case
If you onebag travel or pack into tight carry-ons, folding matters. The JBL Tune 770NC, Soundcore Q20i/Q30, and Skullcandy Hesh fold flat and inward. The Sony XM5 and Bose QC lay flat only — they don’t collapse as compactly. The Sony WH-CH720N doesn’t fold at all.
A hard carrying case is critical for protecting your investment. The Sony, Bose, and JBL Live 770NC include hard cases. The Beats Studio Pro, Soundcore Q20i/Q30, and Skullcandy Hesh include only pouches — budget for a third-party case.
Wired connectivity for airplane IFE
Most in-flight entertainment systems use a 3.5mm headphone jack, but newer planes (especially international carriers) are switching to USB-C audio. The Beats Studio Pro supports USB-C lossless audio, which is a real perk. Most other pairs in this guide work via the included 3.5mm cable. The BERIBES, Skullcandy Hesh, and Sony WH-CH720N all include wired cables in the box.
If you fly airlines with single-jack IFE systems, you may need an airline adapter — most airlines provide these, but having your own avoids the hassle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best headphones for traveling?
The best headphones for travel in 2026 are the Sony WH-1000XM5 for top-tier ANC, comfort, and 30-hour battery; the Bose QuietComfort Wireless for plush all-day wear; the JBL Tune 770NC for budget-friendly ANC with 70-hour battery; and the Soundcore Q20i for under $50 value. Your choice depends on budget, how long your flights are, and whether you prioritize noise cancellation, battery life, or portability.
Is it better to wear headphones or earbuds on a plane?
Over-ear headphones are generally better for flights longer than 4 hours because their larger earcups deliver stronger active noise cancellation, more comfortable wear, and longer battery life. Earbuds like AirPods Pro are more compact and convenient for short hops or commuter flights, but they typically block less cabin noise and can cause ear fatigue during long wears. For long-haul international flights, over-ear ANC headphones are the better choice.
What type of headphones do you need on a plane?
For plane travel, you need over-ear or high-end in-ear headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) to combat engine drone, at least 20 hours of battery life to cover long-haul flights, comfortable earcups for 6+ hour wears, and either Bluetooth multipoint or wired connectivity to plug into airplane IFE systems. A hard carrying case is also recommended to protect your headphones in carry-on luggage.
What are the best noise cancelling headphones for long haul flights?
The best noise cancelling headphones for long-haul flights are the Sony WH-1000XM5 (industry-leading ANC, 30-hour battery, 8.8oz lightweight), the Bose QuietComfort Wireless (premium comfort, 24-hour battery), and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 (excellent sound, 60-hour battery). For budget options, the JBL Tune 770NC and Soundcore Q20i deliver 75-85% of the ANC performance at a fraction of the price.
Final Verdict: Which Travel Headphone Should You Buy?
After 60+ hours of testing across flights, trains, and hotel rooms, our picks for the best headphones for travel in 2026 come down to your priorities. For most frequent flyers, the Sony WH-1000XM5 remains the best overall choice — industry-leading ANC, all-day comfort, and 30-hour battery in a lightweight 8.8 oz frame. If comfort is your top priority, the Bose QuietComfort Wireless wins with its plush earcups and gentle clamping.
For budget-conscious travelers, the JBL Tune 770NC delivers 70-hour battery, effective adaptive ANC, and a foldable design at a price that won’t sting. If you want the absolute cheapest real ANC option, the Soundcore Q20i is hard to beat under $50. And for Apple users who prioritize battery life, the Beats Studio Pro’s 40-hour runtime is a genuine game-changer on long-haul routes.
Whichever pair you choose from this list, you’ll be getting a tested travel companion that handles engine drone, fits comfortably for 6+ hour flights, and survives the rigors of carry-on life. Pack them in your personal item, charge them before you board, and enjoy the silence.