Top 5 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Airplane Travel

Airplane travel can be a noisy ordeal, with low-frequency engine rumble, cabin chatter, and frequent announcements disrupting your peace. Best Noise cancelling headphones for airplane travel are essential for creating a tranquil environment, whether you’re aiming to relax, focus, or enjoy in-flight entertainment. In 2025, top models combine powerful active noise cancellation (ANC), long battery life, and travel-friendly designs to enhance your flying experience. Selected for their ANC efficacy, comfort, and portability, this guide offers five very remarkable options: Beats Studio Pro, 1Mii Y8, havit H655BT, Bose QuietComfort, and Sony WH-CH 720N. From high-end to low-cost, these headphones satisfy every passenger’s needs so you arrive entertained and rested.

ALSO READ: Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Travel

The Need for Noise Cancelling Headphones on Flights

Airplane cabins are notoriously loud, with engine noise averaging 80-85 decibels and peaking higher during takeoff. Low-frequency rumbles, crying babies, and passenger conversations can make relaxation or focus nearly impossible. Noise cancelling headphones for flying use ANC to counteract ambient sounds, particularly low-frequency noise, creating a quieter listening environment. Benefits include reduced travel fatigue, better sleep on long-haul flights, and an immersive experience for music, movies, or podcasts. Comfort is critical for extended wear, and long battery life ensures uninterrupted use across transcontinental journeys. Foldable designs and carrying cases add portability, making these headphones a must-have for travelers.

Top 5 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Airplane 

We’ve selected five best ANC headphones for travel based on their ability to block airplane noise, comfort for long flights, and practical features like battery life and portability. Below, we dive into the Beats Studio Pro, 1Mii Y8, havit H655BT, Bose QuietComfort, and Sony WH-CH720N, offering options for various budgets and preferences.

Beats Studio Pro 

Features: Wireless Bluetooth 5.3, personalized spatial audio, USB-C lossless audio, Apple/Android compatibility, up to 40 hours battery life (ANC on), sandstone color.

Pros:

• Strong ANC, perfect for airplanes, significantly lowers engine rumble and cabin noise.
• Rich bass and spatial audio create an immersive experience for movies and music.
• Comfortable over-ear fit with soft cushions, suitable for long-haul travel.
• Foldable design with a carrying case for easy packing.
• Multipoint pairing for seamless device switching (e.g., phone to laptop).

Cons:

• Premium price (~$349) may deter budget-conscious travelers.
• ANC less effective against high-pitched noises (e.g., crying babies) compared to Bose.
  Best For: Travelers seeking stylish, bass-heavy headphones with long battery life and immersive audio.

1Mii Y8 – Long-Lasting Budget-Friendly ANC Headphones

Features: Wireless LDAC Hi-Res audio, 75-hour battery life (ANC off), Bluetooth 5.3, lightweight over-ear design, black color.
Pros:

• Outlasts even the longest trips with extraordinary 75-hour battery life.
• Good ANC for low-frequency airplane noise, offering solid value.
• Lightweight (254g) and foldable with a carrying case for travel convenience.
• Affordable price (~$99-$129) makes it accessible for budget travelers.
• Hi-Res audio delivers clear sound for music and movies.

Cons:

• ANC weaker than premium models like Bose or Beats in noisy environments.
• Limited sound customization via app compared to competitors.
  Best For: Budget-conscious travelers needing reliable ANC and marathon battery life.

havit H655BT 

Features: Hybrid ANC, wireless Bluetooth 5.3, 76-hour playtime (ANC off), Hi-Res audio, super bass via app, 5-mic noise cancellation, black color.
Pros:

• Excellent 76-hour battery life guarantees constant use on extended travels.
• Decent hybrid ANC reduces airplane engine noise at a budget price (~$79-$99).
• Customizable sound with super bass option via app, great for music lovers.
• Comfortable over-ear design, though slightly bulkier than Sony.
• Foldable with a carrying case for travel.

Cons:

• ANC struggles in very noisy environments compared to Bose or Beats.
• Bulkier design may feel less portable for some travelers.
  Best For: Travelers wanting affordable ANC with strong bass and long battery life.

Bose QuietComfort – Industry-Leading ANC for Flights

Features: Wireless Bluetooth 5.1, active over-ear ANC, deep bass, 24-hour playtime (ANC on), built-in mic, black color.
Pros:

• Superior ANC excels at blocking low-frequency engine noise and cabin chatter, per RTINGS and CNET testing.
• Lightweight (235g) with soft, padded ear cushions for all-day comfort.
• Foldable design with a compact carrying case, ideal for carry-on luggage.
• Reliable for in-flight entertainment with included 2.5mm-to-3.5mm cable (no mic).
• Adjustable ANC levels via Bose Music app for personalized noise reduction.

Cons:

• Shorter 24-hour battery life compared to Beats or 1Mii.
• Higher price (~$250-$350), though often discounted to ~$250.
  Best For: Frequent flyers prioritizing top-tier ANC and comfort.

Sony WH-CH720N – Lightweight Budget ANC Headphones

Features: Wireless Bluetooth 5.2, noise cancelling, built-in mic, Alexa support, up to 35 hours battery life (ANC on), black color.
Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight (192g), reducing neck strain during long flights.
• Decent ANC for the price (~$99-$149), effective against engine rumble, per TechRadar.
• Balanced sound profile for music, movies, and podcasts.
• USB-C charging and multipoint pairing for convenience.
• Foldable with a carrying case for travel.

Cons:

• ANC not as powerful as Bose or Beats, letting in some high-frequency noise.
• Build feels less premium than higher-end models.
  Best For: Budget travelers seeking lightweight, versatile headphones for flights.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Airplane Headphones

We chose the best noise cancelling headphones for airplane travel based on rigorous criteria tailored to flying:

• ANC Performance: Prioritized models that excel at blocking low-frequency engine noise (e.g., 80-85 dB), with Bose leading per RTINGS and SoundGuys tests.
• Comfort: For long-distance flights, lightweight designs (under 260g) with soft ear cushions are essential to help to reduce ear fatigue.
• Battery Life: Preferred 24+ hours to cover transcontinental flights without recharging, with 1Mii Y8 and havit H655BT excelling.
• Portability: Foldable designs with carrying cases for easy storage in carry-on luggage.
• Sound Quality: Clear, balanced audio for music, movies, and calls, with customizable options via apps (e.g., Bose Music, havit app).

Insights from RTINGS, CNET, TechRadar, and SoundGuys informed our selections, ensuring data-driven recommendations.

Quick Comparison of the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Why Invest in Noise Cancelling Headphones for Flights?

Noise cancelling headphones for airplane travel offer transformative benefits:

• Reduced Fatigue: Blocking engine noise (80-85 dB) minimizes stress and exhaustion, per SoundGuys.
• Better Sleep: ANC creates a quiet environment, ideal for resting on red-eye flights.
• Enhanced Entertainment: Clear audio improves movie and music experiences, especially with spatial audio (Beats Studio Pro).
• Improved Focus: ANC helps travelers work or read without distractions from cabin chatter.
• Travel-Friendly: Foldable designs (all five models) and long battery life (up to 76h for havit H655BT) ensure practicality.

These features make ANC headphones a worthwhile investment for frequent flyers.

What Travelers Say About These Headphones

Traveler feedback highlights the strengths and drawbacks of these headphones:

• Beats Studio Pro: Praised for stylish design and bass-heavy sound, ideal for movies. Some note ANC struggles with high-pitched noises like crying babies.
• 1Mii Y8: Valued for exceptional battery life and affordability. Users appreciate ANC for the price but find it less robust in crowded cabins.
• havit H655BT: Loved for bass customization and low cost. ANC is decent but not as effective in noisy settings, per user reviews.
• Bose QuietComfort: Highly rated for comfort and industry-leading ANC, with travelers calling it “a game-changer” for flights. Some mention the 24-hour battery life as limiting for ultra-long trips.
• Sony WH-CH720N: Popular for lightweight design and value. Users find ANC sufficient for engine noise but note it’s not as advanced as premium models.

Among common issues include varying ANC performance in high-frequency noise and expensive pricing (Beats, Bose). Check reviews on Amazon or forums like Reddit for real-world insights.

Maximize Your Noise Cancelling Headphones on Flights

To get the most out of your noise cancelling headphones for flying:

• Update Firmware: Use apps like Bose Music, Sony Headphones Connect, or havit’s app to ensure optimal ANC and sound performance.
• Use Airplane Adapters: For in-flight entertainment systems, bring a 2.5mm to 3.5mm connection (included with Bose, Beats).
• Charge Before Flights: Ensure a full charge, especially for Bose QuietComfort’s 24-hour battery.
• Enable Transparency Mode: Activate aware mode (available on Beats, Bose, Sony) to hear announcements without removing headphones.
• Protect Your Headphones: Store in the included carrying case to prevent damage in carry-on luggage.

These tips enhance comfort and functionality during air travel.

Conclusion

The best noise cancelling headphones for airplane travel in 2025 cater to diverse needs and budgets. Bose QuietComfort leads with superior ANC and comfort, perfect for frequent flyers. Beats Studio Pro delivers style and immersive spatial audio for entertainment lovers. Budget travellers will value Sony WH-CH720N for its lightweight design, 1Mii Y8 for marathon battery life, and havit H655BT for low-priced bass-heavy sound. When deciding, take comfort preferences, ANC needs, and financial situation into account. Don’t let airplane noise ruin your trip—shop the best noise cancelling headphones for airplane travel now on Amazon!