Top Travel Headphones for 2025: Comfort & Sound

Explore the best travel headphones for 2025 that combine outstanding sound quality, comfort, and noise cancellation for an unforgettable listening experience.

The Evolution of Travel Headphones

Ever since Sony launched the Walkman in 1979, headphones have become an essential travel accessory, helping billions through tedious train rides and exhausting long-haul flights. It's hard to imagine traveling without a good pair of headphones, but not all are equal to the task.

The best travel headphones encompass several key features. First and foremost, they deliver best-in-class sound quality—a crucial criterion when selecting headphones. They also consider travel-related aspects like noise cancellation, portability, and battery life. Ultimately, the ideal travel headphones should minimize distracting ambient noise from crowds and engines, fold away easily for storage, and offer extended periods of use without needing a recharge.

Over the years, we have tested thousands of headphones, ranging from budget in-ear models to premium audiophile options, and everything in between. Each pair on this list has been meticulously tested by our team of experts, boasting over 150 years of combined experience. You can trust that these selections represent excellent value for your money.

Best Travel Headphones: Quick List

Overall Best Travel Headphones

Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Compact and comfortable, with superior noise cancellation and amazing sound quality, these are the best headphones for travel.

Best Budget Travel Headphones

Sony WH-CH720N

Affordable yet high-performing, these Sony headphones come equipped with convenient travel features, including noise cancellation.

Best Premium Travel Headphones

Mark Levinson No. 5909

You can’t take your Hi-Fi system aboard a flight, but these Bluetooth noise-canceling headphones sound so good you might forget they’re wireless.

Best Travel Headphones for Battery Life

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

With these versatile headphones, you could fly around the world one and a half times before recharging their battery.

Best Long-Distance Travel Headphones

Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless

While lacking noise cancellation, these incredibly comfortable full-sized headphones excel in sound quality for long trips.

Best In-Ear Travel Headphones

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

If you prefer not to use bulky over-ear headphones, these premium in-ear models sound fantastic and feature a handy airplane mode.

Best Travel Headphones: In-Depth

Overall Best Travel Headphones: Bose QuietComfort Ultra

In these aptly named headphones, you’ll find everything you need for your travels.

Specifications

• Bluetooth: 5.3
• Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive
• Multi-Point Bluetooth: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Transparency Mode: Yes
• Battery Life: 24 hours
• Weight: 250 g

Pros

• Foldable design
• Rich, immersive sound
• Energetic delivery
• Exceptional noise cancellation

Cons

• Captivating sound may not be convincing for some
• More expensive compared to nearest competitors
• Cannot listen via USB-C

Whether you’re flying, taking a train, or riding a bus, one of the biggest annoyances is noise interference. Engines, announcements, and other passengers can all distract you, but Bose's renowned noise cancellation makes the QuietComfort Ultra our favorite travel headphones.

Few challenges for active noise cancellation are as demanding as the London Underground during rush hour, yet the QC Ultra excels at blocking out this audio assault. The effectiveness of the noise cancellation system is not just about technical prowess; Bose offers many customization options so you can choose how much of the outside world you want to let in.

Historically, Bose headphones were slightly disappointing in sound quality, unable to compete with the best models out there. However, after a bit of "burn-in," the QC Ultras have become quite engaging for listening. The sound is accurate and rich, with a sense of dynamism and excellent timing. Although we noted that their closest rivals, the Sony WH-1000XM5 (also on our "Also Recommended" list), have a slightly more natural balance, the Bose achieves a “richness and refinement that we think will be very appealing to potential buyers.”

The QC Ultra features an Immersive Audio function that we first encountered in their in-ear counterparts. It works well on certain tracks but isn’t a game changer. Plus, it reduces battery life from 24 hours to 18, which is still enough for most journeys.

While the QC Ultras are on the pricier side, their premium feel is evident, especially compared to the more affordable Sony headphones listed earlier. They fit securely and offer a decent level of isolation. Add in the fact that they fold up neatly in a case for easy transport, and you have all the makings of the best travel headphones available today.

Best Budget Travel Headphones: Sony WH-CH720N

Rich sound and an array of features at a fantastic price.

Specifications

• Bluetooth: 5.2
• Bluetooth Codecs: SBC, AAC
• Multi-Point Bluetooth: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Transparency Mode: Yes
• Battery Life: Up to 50 hours (ANC and BT off), 35 hours (ANC/BT on)
• Weight: 192 g

Pros

• Convincing, reliable sound presentation
• Respectable ANC for the price
• High build quality

Cons

• Overly enthusiastic bass at times
• No case or folding option

Not everyone wants to spend hundreds on a pair of headphones, but these full-sized Sony headphones won’t break the bank.

Despite their affordable price, the WH-CH720N still packs in plenty of travel-friendly features. The standout is their noise cancellation, which may not eliminate surrounding sounds entirely but does a solid job at reducing general noise. With ANC activated, the battery lasts for 35 hours, and when turned off, it extends to 50 hours. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of a low battery before heading out (we’ve all been there), a quick three-minute charge gives you an hour of playback.

Like many headphones in this price range, the WH-CH720N delivers an energetic, lively presentation with a solid amount of bass. However, if you use the Sony Headphones app to dial it back, you’ll still experience plenty of punch and drive. Even quieter tracks have a level of nuance and texture that keeps them from being one-dimensional.

Sony also included support for 360 Reality Audio technology, and their DSEE function enhances the sound of compressed audio files, setting these headphones apart from others in a similar price bracket.

Aesthetically, the WH-CH720N aren’t the most eye-catching, but they are well-constructed, and the soft ear cushions and padded headband make them comfortable for extended use. It’s a shame they don’t fold and don’t come with a carrying case, but given the price, there’s little to complain about in the design or construction.

If you keep your expectations in check and don’t expect the same sound quality or build as higher-priced models on this list, the WH-CH720N offer everything you can hope for from headphones in this price range. And if you do lose them while traveling, replacing them won’t set you back too much!

Best Luxury Travel Headphones: Mark Levinson No. 5909

If you can afford to spend this much on headphones, you’ll be rewarded with luxurious sound wherever you go.

Specifications

• Bluetooth: 5.1
• Bluetooth Codecs: aptX Adaptive, LDAC, AAC
• Multi-Point Bluetooth: No
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Transparency Mode: Yes
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours (ANC and BT on), 34 hours (BT on)
• Weight: 340 g

Pros

• Reference-level wireless performance
• Strong active noise cancellation
• High-quality build

Cons

• Price point is inaccessible for most
• Primary controls on the ear cup

If you want to feel at home at 30,000 feet, the No. 5909 will truly impress. But be warned: you could fly from London to Australia for less money!

At first, you might wonder where all the money went, quickly feeling the small plastic buttons on the ear cups. However, once you take a closer look and start playing music through them, you’ll forget about that quickly. The No. 5909 performs significantly better than more affordable competitors like Bose, the aforementioned Sony WH-1000XM5, and Apple AirPods Max. Our review states that they are “so good, you want to listen to them, unlike other wireless headphones.” In fact, the sound quality is so good, you might think there’s a wire attached!

High-quality sound and noise cancellation don’t always go hand in hand, but the ANC is well-implemented here. The passive isolation is better than most wireless headphones, meaning you won’t need the active cancellation as much, and you can activate it just for quieter tracks that benefit from additional isolation from the outside world.

ANC doesn’t heavily impact battery life, so you can expect about 30 hours with ANC on and an additional four hours with it turned off. A quick 15-minute charge via USB-C will also allow you to cope with a six-hour flight, plus there’s an airplane adapter included in the package.

While the plastic playback buttons on the ear cups may not be our favorite feature, the overall build quality of the No. 5909 is much easier to appreciate. The red anodized aluminum frame, metal-colored ear cups (which fold for storage in a hard case), and leather headband are well made and visually appealing. Coupled with exquisite sound, they create a truly luxurious package.

Best Travel Headphones for Battery Life: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

Though they lack the aesthetic appeal of their predecessors, Momentum 4 Wireless makes up for it with outstanding sound and even longer battery life.

Specifications

• Bluetooth: 5.2
• Bluetooth Codecs: aptX Adaptive, aptX, SBC, AAC
• Multi-Point Bluetooth: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Transparency Mode: Yes
• Battery Life: Up to 60 hours
• Weight: 293 g

Pros

• Clear, neutral sound
• 60-hour battery life
• Effective ANC
• Wired listening doesn’t require battery

Cons

• Lacks the sleek aesthetics of predecessors
• Ear cups do not fold in

Finding out your headphones are out of battery while boarding a plane or train is one of the most frustrating modern-day issues. But with a battery life of up to 60 hours, the Momentum 4 Wireless minimizes the chance of that happening. You could fly from New York to Shanghai three times, and these over-ear headphones would still have hours of power left—even with ANC on.

The secret lies in Sennheiser’s thoughtful amplifier implementation, which delivers excellent sound and remarkable longevity. The sound is a bit more neutral than what we’re used to from Sennheiser, but it still offers richness across the frequency range. Our team of expert reviewers noted the soundstage is “well-developed and spacious, never feeling cramped or one-dimensional.”

The noise cancellation performance is also impressive, effectively minimizing constant distractions. The adaptive ANC automatically adjusts power depending on the noise levels. You can customize settings through the Sennheiser Smart Control app and create “sound zones”—specific locations where certain equalizer and noise cancellation profiles activate.

The only real downsides? The ear cups rotate but do not fold completely, and the design is somewhat plain. However, we always prefer comfort over aesthetics, and you can wear the Momentum 4 Wireless for hours without feeling like your head is caught in a soft vise.

At a similar price point, our favorite Sony XM5 offers better sound quality, but if you value long battery life, the Sennheiser lasts twice as long with ANC on.

Best Travel Headphones for Long-Distance Comfort: Beyerdynamic Amiron Wireless

The lack of noise cancellation might deter some, but when it comes to comfort, these headphones deliver.

Specifications

• Bluetooth: 4.2
• Bluetooth Codecs: aptX, aptX LL, aptX HD, AAC, SBC
• Multi-Point Bluetooth: No
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Transparency Mode: No
• Battery Life: 30 hours
• Weight: 380 g

Pros

• Fast, agile sound
• Premium look and feel
• User-friendly controls

Cons

• No noise cancellation
• Not the most portable design

When you can’t turn left when boarding a plane, comfort and flying don’t typically mix. But Beyerdynamic’s Amiron Wireless headphones provide top-notch comfort—even if you’re seated in economy.

While headphones can often cause discomfort over prolonged periods, the Amiron’s large ear cups, covered in microvelour, and the soft Alcantara headband allow for hours of wear without excessive pressure. Overall, they are quite large and can’t be folded down for storage, but they do come with a semi-rigid transport case.

However, you’ll likely want to wear the Amiron Wireless whenever possible, as they deliver an engaging and rhythmic sound while remaining clear and well-balanced. Our experts concluded they provide “impressive sound quality” and are among the most refined headphones we have ever heard.

If you want to customize the sound to your preferences, there’s also an app that plays a sequence of tones and adjusts the sound character based on what you hear. “It’s an effective way, and we recommend you try it to see what you prefer,” our review of the Amiron Wireless states.

While there’s no active noise cancellation, they fit snugly over the ears and will passively block most ambient sounds. Since they are closed-back, they won’t let too much noise in, either.

With over 30 hours of battery life, they’ll last through even the longest non-stop flights. But if you forget to charge them before takeoff, you can simply connect the included 3.5mm cable and use them wired. The included remote with three buttons replaces the responsive touch controls on the right ear cup.

Beyerdynamic markets the Amiron Wireless as home headphones, and due to their size, they take up quite a bit of room in your carry-on, but if you want your ears to be happy until you land, you won’t find a better option.

Best In-Ear Travel Headphones: Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

These premium in-ear headphones combine thoughtful sound design and superb build quality with a travel-friendly charging case.

Specifications

• Bluetooth: 5.4
• Bluetooth Codecs: AAC, SBC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless
• Multi-Point Bluetooth: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Transparency Mode: Yes
• Battery Life: 6.5 hours in headphones, 20 hours with case (ANC on)
• Weight: 7 g (per earbud), 46 g (charging case)

Pros

• Sensational level of detail
• Natural, refined sound
• Easy to use
• Competitive ANC

Cons

• Call quality could be improved
• The fit may not suit every ear
• Some signal dropouts

We gave the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 a five-star rating when testing them earlier this year, primarily for their excellent sound quality, reliable noise cancellation, and impressive feature set. But there’s one feature that makes them perfect for travel.

In addition to charging the headphones, the Pi8’s case also acts as a Bluetooth transmitter, meaning you can connect it to an airplane’s entertainment system using the included USB-C to 3.5mm adapter and enjoy your chosen film in your headphones instead of those awful airline-provided options. You can also connect and transmit from any other device with a USB-C or 3.5mm jack.

This wouldn’t be a compelling argument if the Pi8 didn’t have significantly enhanced sound quality, but as noted in our review, these Bluetooth headphones offer “a level of detail rarely found in wireless headphones.” They deliver refined, sophisticated sound with incredible detail and powerful bass. While a bit more rhythm and musicality wouldn’t hurt, they still impress.

Bose continues to lead the charge in noise cancellation, and the Pi8 will never dethrone the QuietComfort Ultras, but they’re not far behind. The B&W headphones excel at minimizing low-frequency noise, which is precisely what you need when airplane engines drone on for hours. However, Bose’s superiority shows more at higher frequencies.

A single charge of the Pi8 offers six and a half hours of listening time, which should cover everything except long-haul flights. However, a 15-minute rest in the case during meal service on a plane will extend their life by another two hours. Overall, they should work for up to 20 hours without needing a recharge.

They aren’t cheap, but if you’re after a pair of headphones that sound fantastic and are as comfortable above the clouds as a crew member, the B&W Pi8 should be at the top of your wireless headphone list.

Also Consider

Sony WH-1000XM5: The Bose QuietComfort Ultras rightfully wear the title of our favorite travel headphones, but if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, you can grab a pair of Sony WH-1000XM5. They don’t fold as compactly, and the noise cancellation isn’t as effective, but they still provide very detailed and enjoyable sound.

Sony WF-1000XM5: If you don’t want to splurge on the fancy case of the B&W Pi8 and are waiting for our review of the more affordable Pi6 from this brand, the Sony WF-1000XM5 will save you money while still delivering award-winning sound quality and a plethora of features.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra: Another cheaper alternative to the B&W Pi8 on this list. The Bose QuietComfort Ultras outperform the B&W in noise cancellation, and their sound quality isn’t far behind. They also support Immersive Audio technology, but this feature drains battery life.

Apple AirPods Max: Any headphones on our list will work with Apple devices, but if you particularly love Apple products, the five-star-rated AirPods Max work exceptionally well with iPhones, iPads, and more. They’re quite pricey, but their design, comfort, and sound quality are virtually unmatched. It’s just a pity that the included carrying case barely serves that purpose.

How to Choose the Best Travel Headphones?

If you’re on the lookout for headphones specifically for travel—whether it’s for your daily commute or a long-haul flight—you should first determine which form factor suits you best: over-ear or in-ear.

Personal preference plays a significant role in this decision, but you should also consider whether you’ll be using them mainly for short or long trips and if you’ll want to stow them in your pocket when not in use. Over-ear headphones are generally more comfortable for extended listening and help you zone out, but will they be cumbersome when you’re not wearing them?

Each pair described above comes as either wireless headphones or wireless in-ears. Ultimately, it’s inconvenient to be tethered to a wire when you’re out and about, although full-sized headphones do allow for wired connections when you desire. This can be handy if they continue to function when the battery runs low (although some require battery power to use wired headphones, so check this), and it also allows you to connect to the airplane’s entertainment system.

Speaking of dead batteries, you may not have anywhere to plug in if your headphones run out mid-flight, so it’s worth opting for a pair with long battery life, so you don’t have to stress about recharging them often. 24 hours for in-ears and over-ear headphones nowadays.

Since travel can typically be noisy, you’ll likely want a pair of headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) to block out external sounds. It’s also helpful if they have a transparency mode, which purposely lets sounds in—especially if you’ll be using them frequently on trains. You don’t want to miss an important announcement and pass by your stop because you weren’t paying attention!

If you travel for work, a multi-point Bluetooth connection can also be beneficial. It allows you to connect your headphones to multiple devices simultaneously, like your laptop and phone, enabling you to use the same pair for listening to music and taking work calls without switching from one device to another.

Finally, it might be worth considering the water- and dust-resistance rating of the headphones. Using public transport often means you might get caught in the rain waiting for a train or bus, and if you want to take your new headphones on vacation, it’s good to know you can safely use them by the pool (or at the gym if you want to work out for some reason while on holiday).

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which headphones work on airplanes? Although airlines have strict rules regarding phone use on flights, a flight attendant is unlikely to reprimand you for using Bluetooth headphones at any point. In fact, some planes even have entertainment systems that support Bluetooth, allowing you to connect directly when you want to watch a movie.
• What are the best headphones for flying? If you’re going to spend several hours on a plane, the first thing you need to ensure is that your headphones won’t run out of battery before they serve you your meal.
• How should I pack headphones for travel? Stowing in-ear headphones when not in use is straightforward: just place the case in your pocket or bag. But what if you’re bringing along bulkier over-ear headphones?
• What headphones are best for kids? What works for adults may not be suitable for children, so don’t assume that the headphones on this list will work for your little ones.

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