Tech & Gaming
Time To Fly: The Best Headphones For Travelling
So, you’ve got your passport, boarding pass and fully planned itinerary. Now there’s only one thing missing: a good pair of travel headphones that will make even the longest flight go by in the blink of an eye.
Discover everything you should look for in your new travel headphones as well as our top picks for avid travellers like yourself.
How to choose the best headphones for travelling
Whether you’re flying for 4, 14 or 24 hours, there are two things you always want to be while in the air: comfortable and entertained. The right pair of headphones for flying can help tick both those boxes if you just know what features to keep an eye out for:
Noise cancellation. From people chit-chatting to the engines revving up and the occasional crying baby… aeroplanes can be loud, so you want to choose noise-cancelling headphones for your travel endeavours. Keep in mind that different headphones offer different levels of noise reduction, as well as adjustability options, so be sure to check the product’s details before purchasing.
Comfort. Tied with noise cancellation for the most important thing to look for in your new travel headphones, the right level of comfort will help you avoid headaches and soreness. Look for headphones with an adjustable headband and large, cushioned ear cups.
Battery life. If you’re buying wireless headphones, battery life is another factor to consider. All of today’s suggestions have a battery life of 30 hours or more, so you know your favourite podcasters and bands will keep you company all the way to your final destination, uninterrupted.
Size and weight. Whenever you’re not using your headphones, you want them to be easy to pack and carry around the airport. Foldable headphones are an excellent option for travellers, as they don’t take up too much space in a handbag.
Best Overall Noise Cancelling Headphones: Sony WH1000XM4B Wireless Headphones
| Pros | Cons |
| High-quality noise-cancelling feature | Bulky design might not fit into smaller bags |
| Long battery life (up to 30 hours continuously) | On the pricier end |
| Lightweight design and comfortable fit |
Looking for the best headphones for flying and willing to spend a few hundred dollars? Then the Sony WF-1000XM4 headphones are the right choice for you.
Offering an industry-leading noise cancellation performance, these headphones feature an Atmospheric Pressure Optimising technology, designed specifically for air travel so that you can enjoy your music with no interruptions or distractions from the outside world. Plus, the Adaptive Sound Control senses where you are and adjusts ambient sound settings accordingly.
With 30 hours of battery life, these headphones are perfect for long-haul flights, but not to worry if you forget to charge them beforehand, as you can get 5 hours worth of charge after just 10 minutes with the optional AC adapter.
All of this, along with the ultra-comfortable design and exceptional audio quality make the Sony WF-1000XM4 the ultimate travel headphones.
Best Luxury Headphones: B&W PX7 Headphones
| Pros | Cons |
| Motion-sensing feature which pauses sound if you lift a cup from your ear | Expensive |
| Long battery life (up to 30 hours continuously) | Earcups don’t fold |
| Stylish, comfortable design | No touch controls |
When it comes to luxury travel headphones, B&W’s PX7 model offers all the premium features you could ask for. The adaptive noise cancelling technology automatically responds to your surroundings to provide the best audio experience and the 30-hour battery life will take you to your destination without missing a beat.
The motion-sensing feature is particularly useful for air travellers. Whether you need to order a drink or want to have a chat with your flight neighbour, simply lift a cup from your ear and the sound will pause instantly.
Designed with woven carbon fibre composite arms that mimic the agility of the fastest racing cars in the world, the PX7 can hold up against everyday wear and tear, so although expensive, they’re an investment you will not regret.
Best Mid-Range Headphones: Sony WH-CH710N Wireless Headphones
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable option | No high-res audio |
| Long battery life (up to 35 hours continuously) | Long charging time |
| Earcups fold flat, making the headphones easy to pack | Not the best build quality |
Sony’s WH-CH710N headphones feature a dual noise sensor technology that catches more ambient sounds than ever before and an Automatic Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancelling function that analyses environmental ambient sound to select the best possible noise-cancelling filter. Combined, these two features allow you to get lost in whatever you’re listening to no matter what’s happening around you.
Built with a Li-ion battery, these travel headphones offer up to 35 hours of audio on one single charge. If you need a top-up mid-travel, 10 minutes of charging get you one hour of playback.
The design is sleek and convenient: the adjustable metal slider allows you to make the headphones the perfect size for you and the soft earpads guarantee maximum comfort that lasts for hours. Plus, with the swivel design, you can easily pack and safely transport the headphones no matter where you’re headed.
Best Cheap Noise Cancelling Headphones: JBL Tune 660NC Noise Cancelling Headphones
| Pros | Cons |
| Best budget-friendly option | Not the sleekest design |
| Long battery life (up to 44 hours continuously) | Bass can be too heavy for certain songs |
| Lightweight, foldable design | Not the best noise cancelling performance |
Being on a budget doesn’t mean you need to compromise on the quality of your new travelling headphones. Priced at $119, JBL’s Tune 660NC Noise Cancelling Headphones promise high-quality sound, smart design and excellent Bluetooth connectivity.
Built with lightweight materials, these headphones are comfortable on your ears, and the foldable design makes them easy to pack during your trips.
Although not at the same level as other travel headphones, the JBL Tune 660NC features active noise cancellation for a distraction-free listening experience. The best thing about these travel headphones though? The competitive battery life allows you to listen wirelessly for 44 hours or up to 55 hours with Bluetooth only.
