When it comes to traveling, having the best noise-canceling headphones can make a huge difference in your overall experience. Whether you’re on a long flight, commuting, or just relaxing in a busy airport, the right pair of headphones can provide peace and comfort by blocking out the surrounding noise. Here’s a list of the best noise-canceling headphones for travelers in 2025, based on sound quality, comfort, battery life, and effective noise cancellation.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
- Why it’s great: Sony’s WH-1000XM series has been the gold standard for noise-canceling headphones for years, and the WH-1000XM5 builds on that legacy with improved sound quality, comfort, and more advanced noise-canceling tech.
- Key features:
- Industry-leading noise cancellation
- 30 hours of battery life with quick charging
- Excellent sound quality with high-resolution audio support
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Adaptive Sound Control that adjusts noise-canceling based on your activity
- Best for: Travelers who want the best overall noise-canceling performance and premium sound quality.
2. Bose QuietComfort 45
- Why it’s great: Bose has been a pioneer in noise-canceling technology, and the QC45 continues to set the bar with an ultra-comfortable fit and top-tier noise cancellation.
- Key features:
- Renowned Bose noise cancellation
- 24 hours of battery life
- Acoustic Noise Cancelling technology
- Comfortable earcups for long listening sessions
- Simple and intuitive controls
- Best for: Those who value comfort and effective noise cancellation without the complexity of features.
3. Apple AirPods Max
- Why it’s great: If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Max delivers premium sound quality and seamless integration with Apple devices, along with solid noise cancellation.
- Key features:
- Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
- 20 hours of battery life with ANC on
- Spatial audio and dynamic head tracking for an immersive experience
- High-fidelity audio with deep bass and clear highs
- Comfortable, though slightly heavier than some competitors
- Best for: Apple users who want premium sound and noise cancellation, and prefer a more high-end design.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
- Why it’s great: Sennheiser is known for its audiophile-grade sound, and the Momentum 4 takes that up a notch, with great noise cancellation and a sleek design.
- Key features:
- Excellent sound quality with deep bass and crisp treble
- Advanced noise-canceling technology
- Up to 60 hours of battery life, one of the best in the market
- Comfortable and lightweight design for long trips
- Touch-sensitive controls for convenience
- Best for: Audiophiles who want high-quality sound, long battery life, and great noise cancellation.
5. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
- Why it’s great: The Bose 700 series is another flagship from Bose, offering high-end noise cancellation and great sound quality with more customizable features compared to the QC45.
- Key features:
- Adjustable noise cancellation (11 levels)
- 20 hours of battery life
- Clear voice pickup for calls
- Comfortable and modern design
- Touch-sensitive controls and an intuitive app for customization
- Best for: Those who want excellent noise cancellation with the ability to customize the level of ANC and need to take calls on the go.
6. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95
- Why it’s great: Bang & Olufsen is known for premium audio products, and the Beoplay H95 offers superb sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a luxurious design.
- Key features:
- Incredible sound quality with a focus on balance and richness
- Adaptive active noise cancellation
- Up to 38 hours of battery life
- Premium design with high-end materials like titanium and lambskin leather
- Adjustable headband and plush ear cushions for comfort
- Best for: Travelers who want luxury, premium sound, and superior design aesthetics along with top-notch ANC.
7. Sony LinkBuds S
- Why it’s great: If you prefer the portability and convenience of true wireless earbuds, the Sony LinkBuds S offer great noise cancellation, sound quality, and a compact form factor.
- Key features:
- Lightweight and compact design
- Effective noise cancellation for in-ear headphones
- Up to 20 hours of battery life (with charging case)
- Comfortable fit and secure in-ear design
- Seamless connectivity with both Android and iOS devices
- Best for: Travelers who prefer earbuds over over-ear headphones but still want excellent ANC and sound quality.
8. Jabra Elite 85h
- Why it’s great: Jabra’s Elite 85h headphones combine advanced noise-canceling features with solid sound quality and long battery life, all at a slightly more affordable price.
- Key features:
- Smart Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that adapts to your surroundings
- 36 hours of battery life with ANC on
- High-quality sound with adjustable equalizer settings
- Water-resistant design, which is perfect for different environments
- Comfortable over-ear design
- Best for: Travelers looking for a more budget-friendly option with good sound and noise cancellation.
9. Sennheiser PXC 550-II
- Why it’s great: These headphones provide premium sound and noise cancellation for travelers, with great comfort and a foldable design for easy storage.
- Key features:
- Advanced noise cancellation
- Up to 30 hours of battery life
- Comfortable earcups and adjustable headband
- Touch-sensitive controls and voice assistant integration
- Best for: Those who prioritize portability and sound quality, plus the ability to fold the headphones for easy packing.
10. Shure AONIC 50
- Why it’s great: Shure is famous for its audio gear, and the AONIC 50 offers a professional-grade listening experience with effective noise-canceling capabilities.
- Key features:
- High-quality sound with Shure’s signature sound signature
- Adjustable noise cancellation
- 20 hours of battery life
- Comfortable memory foam earcups
- Premium build quality
- Best for: Audio enthusiasts who want superior sound quality and a more professional, durable design.
Which one is right for you?
- Best overall noise cancellation: Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 45.
- Best sound quality: Sennheiser Momentum 4 or Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95.
- Best for Apple users: Apple AirPods Max (especially for seamless integration).
- Best for portability: Sony LinkBuds S (compact and effective noise cancellation).
- Best for comfort and long battery life: Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 or Sennheiser PXC 550-II.
- Best budget option: Jabra Elite 85h.
Choosing the right noise-canceling headphones for travel boils down to how much you prioritize sound quality, comfort, battery life, and overall noise cancellation. If you’re looking for the ultimate experience, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is hard to beat. But if you’re willing to splurge a bit for luxury and sound quality, Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 might be your best bet.
