Let’s be honest—long-haul flights can be a bit of a drag, right? The hum of the plane, the occasional chatty seatmate, and let’s not even get started on crying babies. But what if I told you the right pair of headphones could be the game-changer that transforms your journey? With comfy earphones that drown out the noise, you can escape into your own world of music, podcasts, or even just blissful silence.
Whether you’re hunting for the best noise-canceling headphones, wireless headphones with great battery life, or simply comfortable headphones that won’t pinch your ears after hours of use, this list has got you covered.
Premium Noise Canceling Headphones
Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Price at time of publish: $399 | Battery Life: 20 hours | Rating: 4.6
Key Features: Premium sound, personalized spatial audio, top-tier noise cancellation, seamless Apple ecosystem integration.
If you’re after luxury headphones that combine both style and top-tier performance, the Apple AirPods Max might just be your perfect match. These comfy earphones are designed with long listening sessions in mind, making them ideal for marathon flights.
Why You’ll Love Them:
- Unmatched Comfort: The breathable mesh headband and memory foam ear cushions feel like pillows on your ears. No more sore ears after hours of binge-watching movies!
- Premium Sound: With personalized spatial audio, you get that full, immersive sound that makes you feel like you’re at a concert—or front row at your favorite movie.
- Top-Notch Noise Cancellation: These are some of the best noise-canceling headphones around, blocking out everything from engine noise to the murmur of passengers.
- Great Battery Life: With 20 hours of battery life, these wireless headphones will last even on those extra-long flights.
Pro Tip: If you’re already deep in the Apple ecosystem, you’ll love how seamlessly these pair with your iPhone or iPad. But if you’re using Android, you might not get all the bells and whistles..
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
Price at time of publish: $277.49 | Battery Life: 30 hours | Rating: 4.6
Key Features: Adaptive noise cancellation, touch controls, quick 10-min charge for 5 hours.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is a fan favorite for a reason. When it comes to long-haul flights, these headphones strike the perfect balance between comfort, sound quality, and killer noise-canceling.
Why They’re a Traveler’s Dream:
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation: These headphones are like a personal sound bubble. They automatically adjust based on how noisy your environment is, whether you’re mid-flight or sitting in a busy airport.
- So Comfy: The ear cushions are soft and cozy, so no matter how long your flight, your ears will feel like they’re wrapped in clouds.
- Unbeatable Battery Life: With a jaw-dropping 30 hours of playtime, these wireless headphones are perfect for even the longest flights. And if you’re in a rush, a 10-minute charge gets you 5 hours of listening!
- Touch Controls: No need to fumble with buttons—just swipe to change tracks or adjust the volume.
Customer Love: Frequent flyers can’t stop raving about how well these headphones block out airplane noise. The sound quality is top-notch, but the call quality in noisy areas could use a bit of improvement.
Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones
Price at time of publish: $279.95 | Battery Life: 22 hours | Rating: 4.6
Key Features: Dual modes (Quiet & Aware), lightweight comfort, 15-min quick charge for 3 hours.
Bose and noise cancellation go together like peanut butter and jelly. The QuietComfort 45 lives up to its name, making it one of the most comfortable headphones you can wear on a flight.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- World-Class Noise Canceling: With these best noise-canceling headphones, the roar of the engines becomes a distant memory. You’ll be lost in your own world, whether that’s your favorite playlist or a movie marathon.
- All-Day Comfort: The soft ear cups and lightweight design make these perfect for wearing during long flights without any discomfort.
- Dual Modes: Switch between “Quiet Mode” to block out noise entirely or “Aware Mode” to stay tuned into your surroundings, great for when you need to hear announcements.
- Battery Life: With 22 hours of wireless playtime, you won’t have to worry about them dying mid-flight. And if you forget to charge them, a quick 15-minute charge will give you 3 hours of use.
Pro Traveler Tip: Download the Bose Music app to personalize your sound settings and keep your headphones up to date with the latest firmware.
Beats Studio Pro – Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones
Price at time of publish: $349 | Battery Life: 40 hours | Rating: 4.5
Key Features: Memory foam ear pads, quick 10-min charge for 4 hours, bold bass-heavy sound.
If style matters as much as sound to you, the Beats Studio Pro checks both boxes. Not only are they sleek and stylish, but they also offer excellent sound quality and noise cancellation, making them great for flights or workdays.
Why You’ll Want These:
- Soft Memory Foam Ear Pads: These headphones are built for comfort. With memory foam ear pads, you’ll barely notice you’re wearing them—even during those red-eye flights.
- Fantastic Noise Cancellation: Say goodbye to airplane noise and focus on your music, podcasts, or a good nap.
- Battery Life for Days: With a 40-hour battery life, these wireless headphones can last multiple flights on a single charge. Plus, a quick 10-minute charge gets you 4 more hours of listening time.
- Bold, Bass-Heavy Sound: True to the Beats brand, these headphones deliver deep bass and punchy sound that’ll make your music pop.
Heads-Up: While the sound and noise cancellation are solid, these don’t have automatic ear detection—so you’ll need to manually pause when you take them off.
Beats Studio 3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
Price at time of publishing: $159 | Battery Life: 22 hours of playtime | Rate: 4.7
Key Features: Apple W1 chip, solid noise cancellation, fast 10-min charge for 3 hours.
If you’re looking for comfy earphones that pack a punch in performance without breaking the bank, the Beats Studio 3 has you covered. Known for being some of the best noise cancelling headphones, they’re great at silencing distractions, whether you’re flying or trying to focus in a bustling café.
Why They’re Ideal for Long-Haul Flights:
- Top-Notch Noise Canceling: These headphones block out airplane hums like a pro, letting you enjoy your playlist or in-flight movie without interruption.
- 22-Hour Battery: Need them to last through long-haul flights? You’ll get a full day of wireless playtime, and if you’re running low, a quick 10-minute charge gives you 3 hours of juice.
- Apple’s W1 Chip: Pairing with your iPhone is as easy as pie. Plus, the Bluetooth connection stays strong even when you’re on the move.
Heads-Up: They don’t fold flat, so the case is a bit bulky. But if you can overlook that, these headphones are a fantastic choice for travel!
JBL Live 660NC – Wireless Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
Price at time of publishing: $159.95 | Battery Life: 50 hours of playtime | Rate: 4.5
Key Features: Adaptive noise canceling, rich sound, fast charging for long playtime.
Looking for comfortable headphones that are budget-friendly without skimping on sound? The JBL Live 660NC delivers wireless headphones with impressive features, especially for long-haul flights.
Why They’re Worth Packing:
- Adaptive Noise Canceling: These headphones let you completely drown out distractions or stay aware of your surroundings with Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes—perfect for when you need to hear those flight announcements.
- Long Battery Life: With up to 50 hours of playtime, these will outlast even your longest travel days. Plus, a fast charge gives you a few extra hours if you’re in a rush.
- Solid Sound Quality: They pack a punch with rich, balanced sound at a fraction of the price of premium models.
Traveler’s Tip: JBL may not be top-tier, but for the price, they’re hard to beat!
Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones
Price at time of publishing: $79.99 | Battery Life: 40 hours of playtime | Rate: 4.5
Key Features: 3 noise-canceling modes, memory foam ear cups, 40-hour playtime.
These wireless headphones come with everything you need for a peaceful trip. With three noise-cancelling modes, you can tune out the world. And their comfortable earphones will keep you cozy the whole way.
Why Travelers Love Them:
- Noise-Canceling Modes: Switch between Transport, Outdoor, and Indoor modes to match your environment—great for all types of travel.
- 40-Hour Battery: Long flights? No problem. You’ve got up to 40 hours of playtime to get you through.
- Memory Foam Comfort: With ear cups that feel like a pillow, these are some of the most comfortable headphones you’ll wear.
Customer Favorite: Admittedly I was wary of the comfort of these headphones when I first got them. However after wear and fit to my head shape they became snug and nice. These are amazing and honestly the best I’ve head at under $80. — Need time to fit but will not disappoint
Soundcore Anker Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Price at time of publishing: $43.99 | Battery Life: 40 hours of playtime | Rate: 4.5
Key Features: Noise reduction up to 90%, Hi-Res Audio, deep bass.
On a tight budget but still want the best noise cancelling headphones? The Soundcore Life Q20 is an excellent choice for affordable long-haul flight listening.
What Makes Them Stand Out:
- Noise Canceling: These headphones reduce up to 90% of background noise, from airplane engines to city streets.
- 40mm Dynamic Drivers: Expect Hi-Res Audio and deep bass that brings your favorite tunes to life.
- Battery That Won’t Quit: With a whopping 60 hours of playtime in standard mode, you could fly around the world and back without needing a charge.
Best for Budget Travelers: They may be cheap, but they sure don’t sound like it!
Glynzak Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear 65H Playtime HiFi Stereo Headset
Price at time of publishing: $19.99 | Battery Life: 65 hours of playtime | Rate: 4.6
Key Features: 6 EQ modes, customizable sound, quick 10-min charge for 4 hours.
Looking for headphones for long-haul flights that won’t quit on you? The Glynzak Wireless Bluetooth Headphones might just be your new travel buddy. With a staggering 65 hours of playtime, you can binge your favorite playlists or podcasts without constantly searching for an outlet.
Why They’re Perfect for Travelers:
- Customizable Sound: These headphones come equipped with a 40mm dynamic driver and 6 EQ modes, so whether you’re in the mood for bass-heavy tunes or soft jazz, you can tailor your sound to fit your vibe.
- Comfy Fit: Say goodbye to sore ears! The soft PU leather earcups offer a snug, pressure-free fit, making them some of the most comfortable headphones you’ll wear during those extended listening sessions.
- Stable Connection: Thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, you’ll enjoy a reliable connection with no dropouts, and pairing with your devices is a snap.
- Quick Charge Feature: In a rush? Just 10 minutes of charging gives you an impressive 4 hours of playtime—perfect for those last-minute dashes to the gate!
BERIBES Bluetooth Headphones
Price at time of publishing: $19.99 | Battery Life: 65 hours of playtime | Rate: 4.5
Key Features: Lightweight, easy pairing with Bluetooth 5.3, adjustable headband.
If you’re in the market for budget-friendly comfortable headphones, the BERIBES Bluetooth Headphones are a fantastic choice. With an incredible 65 hours of playtime, these wireless headphones are perfect for long journeys without the hassle of frequent charging.
Why They Shine for Travel:
- Lightweight Design: Weighing just 0.38 lbs, these comfy earphones are designed for extended wear, so you won’t even notice they’re on during your flights.
- Easy Pairing: Featuring the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology, switching between devices is a breeze, and you can stay connected without the fuss.
- Solid Sound Quality: While they’re an affordable option, the sound quality doesn’t disappoint, making them one of the best noise-canceling headphones in their price range.
- Adjustable Headband: The adjustable headband ensures a perfect fit, so you can enjoy hours of music without discomfort.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Long-Haul Flight Headphones
When you’re gearing up for a long trip, selecting the right pair of headphones can make all the difference between an enjoyable, immersive experience and a frustrating one. Here’s what to look for when choosing the perfect set of headphones for long-haul flights:
1. Battery Life
Nothing ruins a flight faster than your headphones dying mid-podcast or movie. Look for headphones with long battery life, ideally 20+ hours, to ensure you’re covered from takeoff to landing (and even layovers). Some options even offer quick-charge features, so a short charging break can give you several hours of playtime.
2. Comfort for Extended Wear
Let’s face it: you’ll be wearing these for hours on end. Opt for headphones with plush ear cushions and an adjustable headband to prevent discomfort during extended use. Memory foam or soft leather padding will go a long way in keeping your ears cozy for the entire flight.
3. Noise-Canceling Features
Airplane cabins are noisy environments, with the constant hum of engines, chatter, and announcements. Active noise-canceling (ANC) headphones help block out these distractions, so you can relax or focus on your music. For a long-haul flight, premium ANC headphones are a game-changer.
4. Wireless vs. Wired Connectivity
Having wireless freedom is great, but on a long flight, the ability to switch to a wired mode when your battery runs low is crucial. Many high-end headphones offer both wired and wireless options, so you’re never stuck without music or entertainment.
5. Portability and Weight
You don’t want to be weighed down by bulky headphones in your carry-on. Choose models that are lightweight and foldable, so they’re easy to store in your bag or even hang around your neck without feeling cumbersome.
6. Sound Quality
Whether you’re tuning into your favorite playlist or watching in-flight movies, high-quality sound matters. Look for headphones with rich bass, clear mids, and crisp highs to ensure a balanced, enjoyable listening experience.
7. Quick-Charge Capabilities
In case you forget to charge your headphones before your flight, having quick-charge capabilities can be a lifesaver. Some models can give you several hours of playback after just a short 10-15 minute charge—perfect for last-minute travelers.
By considering these factors, you can find a pair of headphones that will not only keep you entertained during your flight but also keep you comfortable and relaxed for the entire journey.
Best Headphones For Long-Haul Flights
Comparison At A Glance
| Model | Battery Life | Noise Cancellation | User Rating |
Apple AirPods Max | 20 hours | Best-in-class | 4.6 |
Sony WH-1000XM4 | 30 hours | Excellent | 4.6 |
Bose QuietComfort 45 | 22 hours | Top-tier | 4.6 |
Beats Studio Pro | 40 hours | Very good | 4.5 |
Beats Studio 3 | 22 hours | Good | 4.7 |
JBL Live 660NC | 50 hours | Adaptive | 4.5 |
Soundcore Life Q30 | 40 hours | Customizable (3 modes) | 4.5 |
Soundcore Life Q20 | 40 hours (60 in standard) | Good | 4.5 |
Glynzak Wireless | 65 hours | Not specified | 4.6 |
BERIBES Bluetooth | 65 hours | Not specified | 4.5 |
Headphone Maintenance and Care Guide for Travelers
Whether you’re using the best noise-canceling headphones for long-haul flights or enjoying comfy earphones during work sessions, keeping them in top condition is essential. Proper care ensures longevity and maintains sound quality for your journeys. Here’s how to take care of your wireless headphones or comfortable headphones when traveling:
1. Storage
- Use the case: Always store your headphones in their provided case when not in use. This shields them from dust, moisture, and damage.
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or freezing environments can damage the battery and electronic components.
2. Cleaning
- Regular wipes: Gently clean the exterior with a soft, slightly damp cloth. For in-ear models, use a dry cloth to prevent moisture damage.
- Ear cushions: Clean over-ear cushions with mild soap and water. Ensure they air dry completely before use.
- Audio ports: Use a soft brush to remove any dirt or debris from audio ports and charging sockets.
3. Cable Management
- Proper wrapping: If you have wired headphones, use the over-under technique to wrap them, preventing tangling and internal wire damage.
- Avoid sharp bends: Wrapping the cable too tightly can cause long-term damage to the wires.
4. Battery Care
- Partial charges: Lithium-ion batteries last longer with partial charges. Avoid fully discharging and recharging too often.
- Avoid overcharging: Once fully charged, unplug your headphones to prevent long-term battery wear.
5. Moisture Protection
- Carry a bag: In humid climates, store your headphones with a silica gel packet to absorb excess moisture.
- Quick drying: If your headphones get wet, dry them with a soft cloth and let them air out before using again.
6. Firmware Updates
- Stay current: Regularly check for firmware updates for your wireless headphones. Updates can improve sound performance and address any bugs.
7. Travel Accessories
- Adapter ready: Bring a headphone jack adapter for flights that still use dual-prong audio jacks.
- Backup battery: For long-haul flights, carry a portable charger to ensure your wireless headphones stay powered throughout the journey.
By following these headphone maintenance and care tips, you can keep your headphones for long-haul flights in great shape, ensuring the best possible audio experience whether you’re traveling or working.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right headphones for long-haul flights and extended work sessions can significantly enhance your travel and productivity. From premium noise-cancelling models to budget-friendly options, there’s a perfect pair for every need and budget. Consider factors like sound quality, comfort, battery life, and noise cancellation when making your choice. With proper care, your ideal headphones will be faithful companions on your journeys, providing an oasis of sound wherever you go. Happy listening and safe travels!
Sources
CNET Headphone Reviews
Techradar – The best headphones 2024 for all budgets, tested by our experts
The Verge – The best noise-canceling headphones to buy right now
SoundGuys – Best headphones
Engadget – The best wireless headphones for 2024: Bluetooth options for every budget
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