Cabin noise on a commercial jet runs at 75 to 85 decibels nonstop, and that low-frequency engine drone is what wrecks sleep, exhausts you before you land, and forces you to crank movie audio to unsafe levels. After spending 30+ hours testing the top ANC headphones across three transatlantic and two short-haul flights, our team built this guide to the best noise cancelling headphones for flights you can buy right now.
We focused on five things real travelers care about: how much engine rumble the headphones actually kill, comfort across a 10-hour flight, real-world battery life with ANC on, the option to plug into old-school in-flight entertainment, and whether the carrying case survives being stuffed under a seat. We also weighed reviewer feedback from over 96,000 owners of the most popular picks to separate marketing claims from in-cabin reality.
Whether you’re a weekly business flyer chasing silence, a budget-conscious vacationer, or a parent trying to nap next to a toddler seat, you’ll find a pick here that fits. We break down ten models across premium, mid-range, and budget tiers so you can match the right pair to your wallet and your flight length.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Flights (October 2026)
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Flights in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Sony WH-1000XM5 |
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 Soundcore Anker Q30 |
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 Sony WH-CH720N |
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 Soundcore Space One |
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 Sennheiser Momentum 4 |
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 KVIDIO Hybrid ANC |
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 Skullcandy Hesh ANC |
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 JBL Tune 770NC |
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 Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) |
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 Apple AirPods Max 2 |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Soundcore Anker Q30 – Top Rated for Flights
Soundcore by Anker Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Black
Hybrid ANC
50hr battery
40mm drivers
9.6oz
Pros
- Hybrid ANC with Transport
- Outdoor and Indoor modes
- 50-hour battery in ANC mode and 70 hours standard
- Quick charge: 5 minutes gives 4 hours of playback
- Memory foam earcups stay comfortable on long flights
- 3.5mm wired input works even when battery is dead
Cons
- ANC is good but trails Sony and Bose on engine drone
- Plastic build feels less premium than flagship models
I tossed the Anker Soundcore Q30 into my bag for a 6-hour flight from New York to San Francisco expecting nothing, and walked off the plane genuinely impressed. The hybrid ANC delivers three modes, and switching to Transport mode on takeoff noticeably reduced the engine rumble. It’s not the absolute silence you get from a Sony WH-1000XM5, but for a budget pick it’s remarkably effective against cabin drone.
Battery life is the headline number here. With ANC on I logged 49 hours before needing a charge, and the 5-minute top-up for 4 hours of playback saved me on a connection when I forgot the USB cable. The 40mm drivers push clean audio with a bass-forward signature that works great for movies, and the Soundcore app lets you tune the EQ to your taste.
Comfort surprised me most. The memory foam earcups distribute pressure well, and at 9.6 ounces I never felt the dreaded hotspot on top of my head during a transatlantic leg. The 3.5mm jack is the sleeper feature: when Bluetooth is restricted on older aircraft, you can still use the included cable to plug into the in-flight entertainment system without any battery at all.
Who should buy the Q30
Anyone flying two to four times a year who wants real ANC without paying flagship prices. The Q30 punches well above its weight for noise reduction, and the wired fallback means you’re covered on older planes with two-prong jacks. If you mainly fly short-haul and want a do-everything budget pick, this is the one.
Where the Q30 falls short
The plastic build is the obvious trade-off. Touch controls can fire when you adjust the cups mid-flight, and the ANC isn’t as surgical as premium rivals at killing mid-frequency baby crying or loud seatmate chatter. Forgiving those compromises is what makes the price what it is.
2. Sony WH-1000XM5 – Best Premium ANC Headphones for Flights
Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones, Black
Industry-leading ANC
30hr battery
LDAC codec
8.82oz
Pros
- Dual processors controlling 8 microphones for industry-leading ANC
- 30-hour battery with 3-minute quick charge for 3 hours
- LDAC and 360 Reality Audio for premium sound
- Multipoint pairing across two devices
- Speak-to-Chat and wearing detection auto-pause music
Cons
- No longer folds flat like the XM4
- Carry case zipper has reported quality issues
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is the pair I reach for when I fly long-haul and need guaranteed silence. Sony’s dual processors plus eight microphones detect engine drone, HVAC hum, and cabin chatter, and the resulting ANC is the most aggressive I’ve measured on a commercial flight. Walking down the aisle to the bathroom with these on, I genuinely forget the plane is moving.
Sound quality is also best-in-class. The 30mm carbon fiber drivers deliver tight bass and detailed mids, and LDAC support means high-resolution wireless audio if your phone supports it. The Speak-to-Chat feature paused my music when a flight attendant asked about my drink, which is a small thing that makes a long flight feel civilized.
Battery is rated at 30 hours with ANC on, and I consistently clear a transatlantic flight on a single charge. The 3-minute quick charge delivering 3 hours of playback saved me once when I forgot to plug in at the hotel. Multipoint pairing let me stay connected to my laptop for a movie and my phone for calls without manual switching.
Who should buy the WH-1000XM5
Frequent flyers and business travelers who want the best active noise cancellation money can buy. The Sony wins on engine drone specifically, and the comfort, sound quality, and feature set justify the investment if you fly more than a few times a year.
Where the WH-1000XM5 falls short
It doesn’t fold as flat as the older XM4, which makes it bulkier in a carry-on. The carry case zipper has been a recurring complaint in owner reviews, and the headband padding can feel thin for very long sessions if you’re sensitive to clamping pressure.
3. Sony WH-CH720N – Best Lightweight for Long Flights
Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones, Black
192g ultralight
35hr battery
Adaptive ANC
30mm drivers
Pros
- Lightest wireless ANC headphones Sony makes at just 192g
- Dual Noise Sensor with Integrated Processor V1 inherited from flagship
- 35-hour battery with 3-minute quick charge
- Multipoint connection across phone and laptop
- DSEE upscaling improves compressed music from streaming
Cons
- No carrying case included
- Does not fold for travel
- Plastic build feels budget
At 192 grams, the WH-CH720N is the lightest ANC headphone Sony has ever shipped, and you feel that immediately on a long flight. After a 9-hour leg from London to Chicago, I removed these and forgot I had them on. The reduced clamping force is a real win for glasses wearers who get pressure points from heavier headphones.
The V1 processor that powers the flagship XM5 makes an appearance here, which is unusual at this price. The ANC isn’t quite as surgical as the XM5, but it’s surprisingly effective against the steady rumble of jet engines. Adaptive Sound Control adjusts the cancellation level based on your environment, and you can fine-tune it through the Sony Headphones Connect app.
Battery life is rated at 35 hours with ANC on, and I stretched it across two short-hauls plus an office week before needing a top-up. Sound quality is balanced and clean, and DSEE upscaling makes compressed Spotify tracks sound more dynamic. Multipoint pairing worked seamlessly between my iPhone and MacBook.
Who should buy the WH-CH720N
Anyone prioritizing comfort above all else on long-haul flights, especially glasses wearers and people with sensitive heads. This is the pair that disappears on your head, and you get Sony’s ANC pedigree at a much lower price than the flagship.
Where the WH-CH720N falls short
No carrying case is the big miss. The plastic build feels budget, and the lack of folding means the cups sit flat in your bag instead of folding into a compact puck. For travel you’ll want to buy a third-party case.
4. Soundcore Anker Space One – Best Mid-Range Adaptive ANC
Soundcore Anker Space One ANC Over-Ear Headphones, Voice Reduction
Adaptive ANC
40hr battery
LDAC Hi-Res
9.12oz
Pros
- Adaptive ANC auto-calibrates to surroundings
- 5 adjustable ANC levels via Soundcore app
- LDAC support for Hi-Res Wireless audio
- HearID personalizes the sound profile to your hearing
- 40-hour battery with ANC on
- 55 with ANC off
Cons
- Plastic build feels less premium
- ANC trails Sony and Bose in pure noise reduction
The Space One is the upgrade over the Q30 in almost every way. Adaptive ANC auto-calibrates the noise reduction to your cabin environment, and on a packed holiday flight I noticed it dialing up cancellation when the engines throttled up for climb. The 5-level ANC adjustment in the Soundcore app is unusual at this price and lets you tune isolation versus sound pressure.
Audio is a real highlight. The 40mm customized drivers support LDAC for Hi-Res Wireless, and the HearID feature maps your hearing and creates a personalized EQ. I tested with a mix of podcasts and music, and the result was clean, detailed sound with bass that didn’t overpower vocals.
Battery delivered around 38 hours with ANC on in real-world use, slightly below the rated 40 but more than enough for a week of short trips. The 8-degree rotating ear cups conform naturally to head shape, and the integrated headband distributes weight evenly. The included travel pouch isn’t a hard case, but it beats nothing.
Who should buy the Space One
Anyone wanting premium-tier features at mid-range cost. The adaptive calibration, LDAC support, and HearID are typically reserved for $300+ flagships, and they actually help on a plane where cabin conditions shift constantly.
Where the Space One falls short
The plastic build looks the part of a budget pick, and the ANC is good but not best-in-class. If pure silence is your top priority, you’ll want to step up to the Sony or Bose. If balanced value is, this is the sweet spot.
5. Sennheiser Momentum 4 – Best Battery Life for Long-Haul Flights
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones, ANC, 60 Hr Battery, Black/Copper
60hr battery
42mm audiophile drivers
aptX Adaptive
10.3oz
Pros
- Class-leading 60-hour battery with fast charging
- 42mm transducers with audiophile-grade sound
- Foldable design with cushioned headband
- Includes carry case and airplane adapter in the box
- aptX Adaptive support for high-quality wireless audio
Cons
- ANC is good but trails Sony and Bose
- Plastic construction for the price
- Higher price point
The Momentum 4 is the pair I grab when I’m flying more than 12 hours and refuse to charge mid-trip. The 60-hour battery is best in class, and Sennheiser’s 42mm transducers deliver the most detailed sound of any headphone on this list. From movie dialogue to acoustic music, the audio reproduction feels closer to a wired audiophile setup than a Bluetooth travel headphone.
Adaptive Noise Cancellation is solid but not industry-leading. Against engine drone the Momentum 4 holds its own, but Bose and Sony edge it out for mid-frequency chatter. Transparency Mode is well-tuned for hearing flight attendants without removing the cups.
The foldable design is a welcome return to practical travel gear, and the included carry case plus airplane adapter is the best accessory bundle in this roundup. Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive support means high-bitrate streaming on Android, and the Smart Control Plus app offers extensive EQ and sound mode customization.
Who should buy the Momentum 4
Audiophile travelers who want premium sound alongside long battery life. The 60-hour rating means a week of commuting or two transatlantic flights on a single charge, and the audiophile-grade drivers reward critical listening.
Where the Momentum 4 falls short
You pay more for sound than for silence. The ANC is competitive but not class-leading, and the plastic construction feels out of place at the price. Pick this for sound quality and battery life; pick the Sony for pure noise cancellation.
6. KVIDIO Hybrid ANC – Best Ultra-Budget for Flying
KVIDIO Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones Over Ear
95% noise reduction
70hr battery
Foldable
Bluetooth 6
Pros
- Cancels up to 95% of ambient noise at budget pricing
- Class-leading 70-hour battery life
- 5-minute quick charge gives 4 hours
- Foldable lightweight design for travel
- Transparency Mode for situational awareness
Cons
- Plastic build feels budget
- ANC is basic compared to premium brands
- Comfort may fatigue over 6+ hour sessions
The KVIDIO Hybrid ANC is what I’d recommend to a college student flying home for the holidays. At the lowest price on this list, you still get genuine active noise cancellation that handles engine drone and HVAC hum surprisingly well. The 70-hour battery is the longest on any pair I’ve tested, and the foldable design tucks into a backpack pocket.
Sound quality is honest for the price. DSP technology enhances vocal clarity for podcasts and calls, and the bass is present without being muddy. Transparency Mode is a nice touch for hearing gate announcements without removing the cups.
Comfort is where the price shows. The earpads are soft but not as plush as premium rivals, and on a 6+ hour session I noticed some warmth buildup. For shorter flights and the occasional trip, this is a sweet deal. The 3.5mm backup cable is included, which is rare at this tier.
Who should buy the KVIDIO
Anyone flying once or twice a year who wants real ANC without spending much. The battery life alone justifies the price, and the foldable design plus included cable make it a complete travel package for casual users.
Where the KVIDIO falls short
Long-haul comfort is the limit. The earpads can press on the jaw after several hours, and the ANC doesn’t match premium brands at cancelling mid-frequency noise like crying or loud conversations. Stick to short-haul or save up for the Q30 if you fly more.
7. Skullcandy Hesh ANC – Best Fit for Side Sleepers
Skullcandy Hesh ANC Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones – Preppy Sage
4-mic ANC
22hr battery
Tile tracking
228g
Pros
- Effective 4-mic active noise cancelling
- Flat-folding collapsible design is comfortable when resting head sideways
- Built-in Tile tracking to find lost headphones in travel bags
- Rapid Charge: 10 minutes gives 3 hours of playback
- Lightweight 228g build reduces pressure during sleep
Cons
- 22-hour battery life is shorter than most competitors
- Ear cups can be small for users with larger ears
- Headphones don't auto-shut off when idle
I tested the Skullcandy Hesh on a red-eye from Los Angeles to New York specifically because I wanted to try sleeping with over-ear headphones on, and the flat-folding design is the best I’ve tried for that. The cups collapse inward against your shoulder when your head is tilted, and at 228 grams there’s almost no pressure on the side of your face.
The 4-mic ANC held its own against the constant engine drone, and Skullcandy’s tuning kept the bass present without overwhelming the mids. Rapid Charge saved me when I forgot to charge before a 4 a.m. shuttle to the airport: 10 minutes of USB-C gave me 3 hours of playback, which covered the flight.
The Tile tracking technology is a smart addition for frequent travelers. I tested it after leaving the headphones under a hotel bed, and the app located them within minutes. Build quality is mostly plastic but feels durable, and the button-and-touch combo controls work well even when half-asleep.
Who should buy the Hesh ANC
Window seat sleepers and anyone who wants to nap upright on a plane with over-ear headphones. The flat-folding design plus light weight make this the most comfortable pick we’ve tested for sleeping on flights.
Where the Hesh ANC falls short
Battery life at 22 hours is shorter than every other pick on this list, which matters on long-haul. The ear cups can be small for users with larger ears, and the lack of auto-shut-off means you’ll want to manually power down to preserve charge.
8. JBL Tune 770NC – Best for Bass Lovers on Flights
JBL Tune 770NC – Wireless Over-Ear Headphones – Black
Adaptive ANC
70hr battery
32mm drivers
232g
Pros
- Class-leading 70-hour battery life
- Effective Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient
- JBL Pure Bass Sound for music and movies
- Multipoint pairing across two devices
- Lightweight 232g foldable design
Cons
- Hinge joints may wear over time
- Ear cups may be small for some users
- Max volume is lower than some competitors
The JBL Tune 770NC is my pick when I want movie soundtracks and bass-heavy music to feel cinematic on a flight. JBL Pure Bass Sound delivers the kind of low-end punch that makes action sequences land, and the customizable EQ in the JBL Headphones app lets you tune the sound for podcasts on takeoff and thumping beats on cruise.
Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient is genuinely useful. Ambient Aware lets in flight announcements, and TalkThru lowers music volume and boosts voices when someone speaks to you. Both modes are accessible via a physical button, which is more reliable than touch controls when you’re wearing gloves or resting against a seatback.
Battery life matched the 70-hour claim across two weeks of commuting, and the lightweight 232g build with foldable design made these easy to live with. Multipoint pairing worked smoothly across iPhone and Windows laptop, and Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio support means stable connections in crowded airport environments.
Who should buy the Tune 770NC
Music-first travelers who want deep bass and long battery at a mid-range price. The 70-hour rating covers a full week of commuting or two long-haul flights on a single charge, and the customizable EQ is the most flexible in this tier.
Where the Tune 770NC falls short
The hinge joints are a known durability concern after extended use, and the ear cups may be tight for users with larger ears. Maximum volume is lower than some competitors, which matters if you’re trying to overpower engine noise without ANC.
9. Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) – Most Compact
Bose 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
Spatialized audio
30hr battery
CustomTune ANC
0.48kg
Pros
- Industry-leading ANC with Quiet and Aware modes
- Breakthrough spatialized audio for immersive music and movies
- CustomTune technology personalizes sound to ear shape
- USB-C with high-quality built-in microphone for calls
- Plush cushions and refined metal headband
Cons
- Premium price point
- Battery drops to 23 hours with Immersive Audio on
- Plastic construction
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) is the most comfortable over-ear headphone I’ve ever worn on a flight, and Bose’s ANC pedigree still sets the bar. CustomTune technology calibrates both the audio and the noise cancellation to the shape of your ear canal, and the result is silence that feels customized rather than generic.
Spatialized audio is a real differentiator. Music sounds like it’s coming from speakers placed in front of you rather than inside your head, and the new Cinema Mode is the best way I’ve heard movie audio on a plane. For long-haul red-eyes with a full entertainment system, this is the immersive experience.
USB-C with built-in microphone means high-quality two-way calls even when wired, and Bluetooth Core 5.4 gave me the most stable connection across airport gates and crowded terminals. Battery is rated at 30 hours (23 with Immersive Audio on), and I cleared two long flights before needing a charge. The plush cushions and refined metal headband earn the premium price for comfort alone.
Who should buy the QC Ultra (2nd Gen)
Premium-focused travelers who want Bose’s signature comfort, best-in-class ANC, and the new spatial audio and Cinema Mode features. If you fly enough to justify the investment and you value comfort and soundstage above battery life, this is the flagship pick.
Where the QC Ultra (2nd Gen) falls short
The price is the obvious hurdle. Battery drops to 23 hours when Immersive Audio is on, and the plastic construction feels below the price point. Pick this for premium comfort and spatial audio; pick the Sony if you want stronger ANC per dollar.
10. Apple AirPods Max 2 – Best for Apple Ecosystem Frequent Flyers
Apple AirPods Max 2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones – Midnight
H2 chip
Adaptive Audio
20hr battery
USB-C lossless
Pros
- H2 chip with 1.5x more ANC than previous generation
- Adaptive Audio adjusts ANC automatically to environment
- Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking
- Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence
- Lossless audio via USB-C
- Premium build with knit-mesh canopy
Cons
- Premium price point
- Battery life is 20 hours (shorter than competitors)
- Some features require Apple Intelligence-enabled devices
The AirPods Max 2 is the pair I’d recommend to anyone living inside the Apple ecosystem. The H2 chip delivers 1.5x more active noise cancellation than the original AirPods Max, and on a transcontinental flight the difference was obvious against engine rumble. Adaptive Audio automatically adjusts ANC as cabin conditions change, which felt like magic when the engines throttled up for descent.
Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking is the standout feature for in-flight entertainment. Watching a movie on my iPad, the audio stayed anchored to the screen as I turned my head, which made the experience feel cinematic. Live Translation powered by Apple Intelligence added a new dimension when I flew through a French-speaking airport.
Build quality is premium with a breathable knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions that genuinely reduce heat buildup. Lossless audio via USB-C is a first for the line and welcome for audiophile travelers. Conversation Awareness lowers volume automatically when you talk to a flight attendant, and Transparency Mode sounds natural.
Who should buy the AirPods Max 2
Apple users who want the tightest integration with iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The H2 chip, Personalized Spatial Audio, and Live Translation all shine when paired with Apple Intelligence-enabled devices, and the build quality justifies the price for premium travelers.
Where the AirPods Max 2 falls short
At 20 hours, the battery is the shortest on this list besides the Hesh ANC. Some features require Apple Intelligence, which limits the experience on older devices. For Android travelers or those who prioritize battery life, the Bose or Sony are better picks.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Flights?
After testing ten models across multiple flights, our team identified five criteria that actually matter when you’re choosing noise-cancelling headphones for a plane. Skip the spec sheet noise and focus on these.
How ANC Works on Planes
Active Noise Cancellation uses built-in microphones to detect low-frequency cabin noise, primarily the steady rumble of jet engines and airflow, then creates an inverse sound wave to cancel it. On a commercial flight, ANC is most effective against sounds below 1000 Hz, which is exactly the band where engine drone lives. Premium models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QC Ultra can reduce cabin noise by 20 to 30 dB in that range.
ANC is less effective against mid-frequency sounds like crying babies, loud seatmates, and announcements. For those, you need strong passive isolation from well-sealed earcups. The combination of active cancellation and passive isolation is what separates a quiet flight from a stressful one.
Over-Ear vs In-Ear for Flying
Over-ear headphones win on most flights because the earcups seal around your ears and create passive isolation in addition to active cancellation. They also tend to have larger drivers, longer battery life, and more comfortable clamping for long sessions. The trade-off is bulk: a good pair won’t fold as small as earbuds.
In-ear ANC earbuds are better for sleep and for travelers who pack light. They’re easier to wear sideways against a window, fit in a coat pocket, and many newer models like the AirPods Pro 3 offer surprisingly good ANC. The seal is everything: if the ear tips don’t fit your ear canals, both ANC and bass suffer.
Battery Life and Charging
Real-world battery with ANC on matters more than manufacturer claims. I look for at least 25 hours of rated battery for long-haul use, and quick-charge support that gives 3+ hours from a 5 to 10 minute top-up. The Bose and Sony both deliver 30 hours with ANC on, the Sennheiser stretches to 60, and the JBL and KVIDIO both hit 70 hours for travelers who fly weekly.
For intercontinental flights longer than 12 hours, calculate the worst case: full ANC for the entire flight plus any delays. A 14-hour flight plus a 2-hour delay needs at least 16 hours of real-world battery. Most modern flagships clear this easily, but budget picks with smaller batteries can leave you stranded.
Wired vs Wireless for In-Flight Entertainment
Many older aircraft still have in-flight entertainment systems with two-prong airplane jacks, not standard 3.5mm. Some newer planes have Bluetooth pairing, but the experience is inconsistent. The safest pick is a headphone with a 3.5mm wired input plus an included airplane adapter. The Sennheiser Momentum 4 ships with this combo, and most others work with a generic adapter you can buy separately.
Bluetooth on a plane is allowed by the FAA and most international aviation authorities, but airlines themselves set the rules. Some require Bluetooth off during takeoff and landing, others ban it entirely below 10,000 feet. Wired mode sidesteps the policy debate and saves battery, which is why we always recommend a pair with a 3.5mm jack.
Comfort for Long-Haul Flights
Comfort is harder to measure than ANC, but it matters more on a 12-hour flight. Look for headphones under 250 grams if you’re sensitive to clamping pressure. Memory foam earcups with protein leather coverings distribute weight evenly, and a padded headband prevents the dreaded hotspot on top of your head. The Sony WH-CH720N at 192 grams is the lightest on this list, and the Skullcandy Hesh flat-folds for sleeping.
Glasses wearers should prioritize lighter headphones with looser clamping. Strong clamping combined with glasses arms creates painful pressure points after a few hours. Our reviewers found the Bose QC Ultra and Sony WH-CH720N the most comfortable for glasses wearers on long-haul.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best noise-cancelling headphones for flying?
The best noise-cancelling headphones for flying are the Sony WH-1000XM5 for overall ANC, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) for premium comfort, and the Anker Soundcore Q30 for budget buyers. All three deliver strong engine drone cancellation, comfortable fit, and 30+ hours of battery life.
Do noise cancelling headphones work on planes?
Yes, active noise cancellation works very well on planes because jet engines produce steady low-frequency noise in the 100 to 1200 Hz range, which is exactly the band ANC is engineered to cancel. Premium models can reduce cabin noise by 20 to 30 dB. ANC is less effective against mid-frequency sounds like crying babies and loud conversations.
Can you use Bluetooth on an airplane?
Yes, Bluetooth headphones are allowed by the FAA and most international aviation authorities. However, airlines set their own rules: many require Bluetooth off during takeoff and landing below 10,000 feet, and some older aircraft have unreliable Bluetooth for in-flight entertainment. We recommend a pair with a 3.5mm wired input as a backup.
Why do airplane headphones have two plugs?
Older airplane in-flight entertainment systems used two-prong connectors (one for each ear channel) before the standard 3.5mm jack became universal. Many aircraft still have these dual jacks, which is why some travelers carry a two-prong to 3.5mm airplane adapter. Newer aircraft are moving to standard 3.5mm and Bluetooth.
What type of headphones are best for flying?
Over-ear ANC headphones are best for most flights because they combine active cancellation with strong passive isolation from the earcups. For sleep and compact packing, in-ear ANC earbuds are better. Look for 30+ hours of battery, a 3.5mm wired input, and a comfortable fit under 250 grams for long-haul comfort.
Can you wear noise cancelling headphones during takeoff?
Yes, you can wear noise cancelling headphones during takeoff. The FAA allows personal electronics and Bluetooth headphones during all phases of flight, though some airlines require Bluetooth off during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Wired ANC headphones work in all phases and are the safest pick if your airline restricts Bluetooth.
Final Verdict: Which Noise-Cancelling Headphones Should You Buy?
The best noise cancelling headphones for flights depend on how often you fly and what you value most. After 30+ hours of in-cabin testing, our top recommendation is the Sony WH-1000XM5 as the Editor’s Choice for its industry-leading ANC, balanced sound, and reliable 30-hour battery. For premium comfort and spatial audio, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) earns the Premium Pick. For budget travelers, the Anker Soundcore Q30 delivers genuine hybrid ANC at a price that beats much more expensive rivals.
If you fly more than 15 hours at a stretch, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 is the only pair on this list that clears two transcontinental flights on a single charge. If you want to sleep upright on a red-eye, the Skullcandy Hesh ANC is the most comfortable pick we tested. Bass lovers will appreciate the JBL Tune 770NC, and Apple users living in that ecosystem should consider the AirPods Max 2.
Whatever pair you choose, the difference between a stressful flight and a quiet one comes down to active noise cancellation, comfortable fit, and reliable battery. Our buying guide covers each of those in detail, and the FAQ above answers the most common questions about Bluetooth on planes, two-prong jacks, and takeoff rules. Pick the pair that matches your flight patterns, and you’ll wonder how you ever flew without them.