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10 Best Airplane Headphones 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Bose QuietComfort Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Twilight Blue - Limited Edition Color

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,265
Noise Cancellation
Comfort
Battery Life

Most important from
17178 reviews

Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation has improved significantly, effectively reducing background sounds without introducing disruptive hissing.
Comfort
These headphones are incredibly comfortable, lightweight yet sturdy, and maintain a secure fit even with head movement.
Battery Life
Battery life reliably lasts up to 24 hours, which is sufficient for long trips and daily use.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is second to none, with deeper, punchier bass and crisper highs that never feel harsh.
#2
9.1 score

Beats Solo 4 - Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones, Up to 50-Hour Battery Life, Ultra-Lightweight Comfort, Powerful and Balanced Sound, Apple & Android Compatible - Black & Gold

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.

Rating
9.1
Noise Cancellation
Comfort
Battery Life

Most important from
22048 reviews

Noise Cancellation
Noise isolation effectively blocks out many ambient sounds, making it hard to hear distractions when music is playing.
Comfort
Comfort is a standout feature, with a lightweight design and soft cushions that make long listening sessions easy.
Battery Life
The battery life is exceptional, lasting long enough to power through extended use without frequent recharging.
Sound Quality
The headphones deliver impressive sound quality with powerful, clear audio that enhances every listening experience.
#3
8.8 score

Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen), Wireless Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over Ear Noise Cancelling with Mic, Up to 30 Hours of Play time, Black

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen) are a strong choice for airplane travelers who want excellent noise cancellation and comfort during long flights. Bose’s top-tier noise cancelling technology effectively blocks out engine hum and cabin noise, allowing you to enjoy music or movies without distraction. The headphones are over-ear with plush cushions and a metal headband designed to spread pressure evenly, making them comfortable to wear for hours.

Rating
8.8
Noise Cancellation
Comfort
Battery Life

Most important from
1028 reviews

Noise Cancellation
The active noise cancellation creates a quiet sanctuary, effectively blocking out jet engine noise and chatter to let you fully immerse in movies and music.
Comfort
These headphones are exceptionally comfortable for long wear, with soft ear cups and a headband that doesn’t feel tight even on larger heads.
Battery Life
Battery life easily supports long-haul flights, lasting up to 30 hours without needing a recharge, and fast USB-C charging minimizes downtime.
Sound Quality
The spatial and Cinema Mode audio delivers an incredibly immersive surround sound experience, letting you hear sounds exactly as intended by filmmakers.

Top 10 Best Airplane Headphones 2026 in the United States

Beats Studio Pro - Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones- Up to 40-Hour Battery Life, Active Noise Cancelling, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatible - Navy

Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation, Sound Isolation
Comfort: soft faux leather, lightweight (9.2 oz)
Battery Life: up to 40 hours
Sound Quality: custom acoustic, lossless USB-C, spatial audio
Portability: foldable design, carrying case included
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Buying Guide for the Best Airplane Headphones

Choosing the right headphones for airplane travel can significantly enhance your flying experience. The right pair can help you enjoy your music, movies, or podcasts without being disturbed by the constant hum of the airplane engines or the chatter of fellow passengers. When selecting airplane headphones, consider factors such as noise cancellation, comfort, battery life, sound quality, and portability. Understanding these key specifications will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your needs.
Noise CancellationNoise cancellation is a feature that reduces unwanted ambient sounds using active noise control. This is particularly important on airplanes where engine noise can be quite loud and constant. There are two types of noise cancellation: active and passive. Active noise cancellation uses microphones and speakers to pick up and cancel out external sounds, while passive noise cancellation relies on the physical design of the headphones to block noise. For airplane travel, active noise cancellation is highly recommended as it can significantly reduce the background noise, making your listening experience much more enjoyable. If you are a frequent flyer or sensitive to noise, investing in headphones with strong active noise cancellation is a good choice.
ComfortComfort is crucial when choosing headphones for airplane travel, especially for long flights. Comfortable headphones should have soft ear pads and an adjustable headband to fit your head snugly without causing discomfort. Over-ear headphones tend to be more comfortable for extended use as they distribute pressure more evenly around your ears. On-ear headphones are lighter and more compact but may press on your ears, which can become uncomfortable over time. In-ear headphones are the most portable but may not be as comfortable for everyone. Consider how long you will be wearing the headphones and choose a pair that feels comfortable for extended periods.
Battery LifeBattery life is an important consideration for wireless headphones, especially on long flights. This spec indicates how long the headphones can operate on a single charge. Look for headphones with a battery life of at least 20 hours to ensure they last through long-haul flights without needing a recharge. Some headphones also offer quick charging features, allowing you to get several hours of use from just a short charging period. If you often take long flights, prioritize headphones with longer battery life to avoid running out of power mid-flight.
Sound QualitySound quality refers to how well the headphones reproduce audio. This includes clarity, bass, treble, and overall balance. High-quality sound can make a big difference in your listening experience, especially when watching movies or listening to music. Look for headphones with a good balance of bass and treble, and consider reading reviews to get an idea of the sound quality. If you are an audiophile or simply enjoy high-quality audio, prioritize headphones known for their excellent sound performance.
PortabilityPortability is important for airplane headphones as you will need to carry them in your hand luggage. Foldable or collapsible headphones are easier to pack and take up less space. In-ear headphones are the most portable option as they are small and lightweight. Over-ear and on-ear headphones can be bulkier, but many models come with a carrying case to protect them during travel. Consider how much space you have in your carry-on and choose headphones that are easy to transport without compromising on other important features.

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