Discover the best over-ear headphones for travel, designed for comfort and long battery life to keep you entertained on long trips.
Traveling with headphones is a must for any frequent flyer. They can help block out the noise of the plane, train, or bus, allowing you to relax and enjoy your journey. Whether you’re looking for noise-canceling headphones to drown out the sounds of the world around you, or just a pair of headphones that will provide you with great sound quality, there are plenty of options available.
Choosing the right headphones for travel can be tricky, however. You need to consider factors such as comfort, portability, sound quality, and battery life. With so many different headphones on the market, it can be tough to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 16 best over-ear headphones for travel. We’ve considered all of the factors mentioned above, and we’ve selected headphones that are comfortable to wear, portable, and offer great sound quality.
Whether you’re a budget traveler or a luxury enthusiast, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find the perfect pair of travel headphones for your needs!
| QUICKLIST | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Item | Image | Where to buy | Rating | Read More | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bose QuietComfort 35 II | N/A | Jump to Review | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sony WH-1000XM4 |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Apple AirPods Max |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Jabra Elite 85h |  |
4.1 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beats Fit Pro |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| JBL Tour One |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| AKG N700NC M2 |  |
4.4 out of 5 stars | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Anker Soundcore Life Q30 |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Audio-Technica ATH-M50x |  |
N/A | Jump to Review | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
Bose's QuietComfort 35 II are a popular choice for travel thanks to their excellent noise cancellation and comfortable fit. They offer a balanced sound signature with clear highs and deep bass, making them great for a variety of music genres.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours with ANC on
- Weight: 8.5 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.1, NFC
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit
- Balanced sound signature
- Long battery life
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be bulky for some
- No USB-C charging
- Not the most stylish design
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You prioritize noise cancellation and comfort
- You want a balanced sound signature with good bass
- You need long battery life
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for a compact and lightweight headphone
- You need the latest Bluetooth technology
- You prioritize style over performance
Bottom Line:
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are a great choice for travelers who want the best possible noise cancellation and a comfortable fit. They offer a balanced sound signature with good bass and long battery life. However, they can be bulky and lack some of the latest features like USB-C charging.
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are considered the best noise-canceling headphones on the market. They offer impressive noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, and a comfortable fit.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Battery Life: Up to 30 hours with ANC on
- Weight: 9.1 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Reasons to buy :
- Best-in-class noise cancellation
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- Long battery life
- Customizable sound profiles
Reasons to avoid :
- Can be slightly bulky
- No USB-C charging
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want the absolute best noise cancellation
- You value sound quality and comfort
- You need long battery life
- You appreciate customizable sound profiles
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for a compact and lightweight headphone
- You need USB-C charging
Bottom Line:
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are the gold standard for noise-canceling headphones, offering an exceptional combination of noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort, and battery life. They're a bit bulky, but their performance is unmatched.
Apple AirPods Max
Explore further with 30 Best Over-Ear Headphones Noise Cancelling
The Apple AirPods Max are a premium option for Apple users, offering excellent sound quality, noise cancellation, and a unique design.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Battery Life: Up to 20 hours with ANC on
- Weight: 13.6 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
Reasons to buy :
- Excellent sound quality
- Effective noise cancellation
- Unique design
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
Reasons to avoid :
- Expensive
- Bulky and heavy
- Not compatible with non-Apple devices
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You're a heavy Apple user
- You prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation
- You're willing to pay a premium for a unique design
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a budget
- You're looking for a lightweight and portable headphone
- You use non-Apple devices
Bottom Line:
The Apple AirPods Max are a premium option for Apple users who want the best possible sound quality, noise cancellation, and seamless integration with their devices. They're expensive and bulky, but they deliver a luxurious experience.
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless headphones offer a balanced sound signature with a focus on clarity and detail. They're comfortable to wear and offer good noise cancellation.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Battery Life: Up to 17 hours with ANC on
- Weight: 9.2 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Reasons to buy :
- Balanced sound signature with excellent clarity
- Comfortable fit
- Good noise cancellation
- Premium build quality
Reasons to avoid :
- Not the best noise cancellation in the market
- Pricey
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You prioritize sound quality and clarity
- You want a comfortable and well-built headphone
- You appreciate a balanced sound signature
Don't buy it if:
- You need the best possible noise cancellation
- You're on a budget
Bottom Line:
The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless headphones offer a balanced sound signature with excellent clarity and a comfortable fit. They're a good choice for travelers who appreciate audiophile-grade sound and a premium build quality. However, they're not the best noise-canceling headphones on the market and are on the expensive side.
Jabra Elite 85h
Find more on 25 Best Over-Ear Headphones for Running
The Jabra Elite 85h are a versatile option that offers good sound quality, noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. They also have a long battery life and are available in a variety of colors.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Battery Life: Up to 36 hours with ANC on
- Weight: 10.2 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Reasons to buy :
- Versatile sound signature
- Good noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit
- Long battery life
- Available in a variety of colors
Reasons to avoid :
- Sound can be a bit muddy at high volumes
- Not the best noise cancellation in the market
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a versatile headphone that's good for a variety of music genres
- You need long battery life
- You appreciate a comfortable fit
Don't buy it if:
- You prioritize sound quality above all else
- You need the best possible noise cancellation
Bottom Line:
The Jabra Elite 85h are a versatile option that offer a good balance of features, including sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and battery life. They're a good choice for travelers who need a headphone that can handle a variety of listening situations. However, they don't have the best sound quality or noise cancellation in the market.
Read more about this on 16 Best Over-Ear Headphones for Bass
Beats Fit Pro
The Beats Fit Pro are a unique option that offers a secure fit thanks to their ear hooks and wingtips. They also have impressive noise cancellation and a powerful sound signature.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours with ANC on
- Weight: 5.4 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Reasons to buy :
- Secure fit with ear hooks and wingtips
- Impressive noise cancellation
- Powerful sound signature
- Sweat and water resistant
Reasons to avoid :
- Short battery life
- Not the most comfortable for all ears
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You need a secure fit for workouts or active use
- You appreciate powerful bass and a punchy sound signature
- You need good noise cancellation
Don't buy it if:
- You prioritize long battery life
- You're sensitive to ear pressure
Bottom Line:
The Beats Fit Pro are a unique option that offers a secure fit, impressive noise cancellation, and a powerful sound signature. They're a good choice for travelers who want a headphone that can handle workouts or active use. However, they have a short battery life and may not be comfortable for all ears.
JBL Tour One
The JBL Tour One are a stylish option that offers good sound quality, noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. They also have a long battery life and are available in a variety of colors.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Battery Life: Up to 50 hours with ANC on
- Weight: 9.8 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Reasons to buy :
- Stylish design
- Good sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- Long battery life
- Available in a variety of colors
Reasons to avoid :
- Not the best noise cancellation in the market
- Can be a bit bulky
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a stylish headphone with a comfortable fit
- You need long battery life
- You appreciate good sound quality
Don't buy it if:
- You prioritize noise cancellation above all else
- You're looking for a compact and lightweight headphone
Bottom Line:
The JBL Tour One are a stylish option that offers a good balance of features, including sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and battery life. They're a good choice for travelers who want a headphone that looks good and performs well. However, they're not the best noise-canceling headphones on the market and can be a bit bulky.
AKG N700NC M2
The AKG N700NC M2 are a solid option that offer good sound quality, noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. They also have a long battery life and are available in a variety of colors.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Battery Life: Up to 25 hours with ANC on
- Weight: 9.4 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Reasons to buy :
- Good sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- Effective noise cancellation
- Long battery life
- Available in a variety of colors
Reasons to avoid :
- Not the most stylish design
- Can be a bit bulky
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You want a comfortable headphone with good sound quality and noise cancellation
- You need long battery life
- You appreciate a versatile design
Don't buy it if:
- You prioritize style above all else
- You're looking for a compact and lightweight headphone
Bottom Line:
The AKG N700NC M2 are a solid option that offer a good balance of features, including sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and battery life. They're a good choice for travelers who want a comfortable headphone that performs well. However, they're not the most stylish headphones on the market and can be a bit bulky.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are a budget-friendly option that offers impressive noise cancellation and good sound quality for the price.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Battery Life: Up to 40 hours with ANC on
- Weight: 9.9 ounces
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Reasons to buy :
- Impressive noise cancellation for the price
- Good sound quality
- Long battery life
- Comfortable fit
Reasons to avoid :
- Not as premium feeling as some other options
- Sound can be a bit muddy at high volumes
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You're on a budget
- You prioritize noise cancellation
- You need long battery life
Don't buy it if:
- You're looking for the best possible sound quality
- You want a premium-feeling headphone
Bottom Line:
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are a budget-friendly option that offer impressive noise cancellation and good sound quality for the price. They're a good choice for travelers who want a headphone that performs well without breaking the bank. However, they don't have the best sound quality or premium feel compared to some other options.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are a popular choice for audiophiles, offering accurate and detailed sound reproduction. They're not designed for noise cancellation, but they offer a comfortable fit and good isolation.
Specifications :
- Noise Cancellation: No
- Battery Life: N/A (wired only)
- Weight: 9.2 ounces
- Connectivity: Wired only (3.5mm jack)
Reasons to buy :
- Accurate and detailed sound reproduction
- Comfortable fit
- Good isolation
- Affordable
Reasons to avoid :
- No noise cancellation
- Wired only
- Not as portable as some other options
What you need to know :
Buy it if
- You prioritize sound quality and accuracy
- You want a comfortable fit
- You're looking for an affordable option
Don't buy it if:
- You need noise cancellation
- You want a wireless headphone
- You prioritize portability
Bottom Line:
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are a popular choice for audiophiles who prioritize sound quality and accuracy. They offer a comfortable fit and good isolation, but they're not designed for noise cancellation and are wired only. They're a good choice for travelers who want a headphone that can deliver a detailed and accurate listening experience without breaking the bank.
Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC
The Lagoon ANC are a great choice for those seeking a comfortable and stylish over-ear headphone with active noise cancellation.
Specifications:
- Frequency response: 10Hz - 40,000 Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Weight: 280g
- Battery life: Up to 30 hours with ANC on, up to 45 hours with ANC off
Reasons to buy:
- Excellent sound quality with a balanced and detailed sound signature
- Comfortable to wear for long periods of time thanks to the soft earcups and adjustable headband
- Effective active noise cancellation that blocks out most ambient noise
- Stylish design with a sleek and modern look
- Long battery life
Reasons to avoid:
- Can be a bit pricey compared to other headphones with similar features
- Not the most portable option due to their size
- The earcups can get a little warm after long periods of use
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You are looking for a premium headphone with great sound quality, active noise cancellation, and comfort.
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget or need a headphone that is very portable.
Bottom Line:
The Beyerdynamic Lagoon ANC are an excellent choice for travelers who want a headphone with great sound quality, comfort, and effective noise cancellation. While they are a bit pricey, the Lagoon ANC delivers on all fronts and will provide you with a fantastic listening experience, whether you're on a plane, train, or bus. They're also a great option for everyday use around the house or in the office. Just be aware that they may be a bit large and heavy for some, and the earcups can get warm after extended use.
Shure Aonic 50
The Shure Aonic 50 headphones are a great choice for music lovers who want a premium listening experience with excellent noise cancellation.
Specifications:
- Frequency response: 5 Hz - 22 kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Weight: 330g
- Battery life: Up to 20 hours with ANC on, up to 40 hours with ANC off
Reasons to buy:
- Extremely detailed and accurate sound reproduction with a balanced frequency response
- Very effective noise cancellation that effectively blocks out most ambient noise
- Comfortable to wear for long periods of time thanks to the soft earcups and adjustable headband
- Stylish design with a sleek and minimalist look
- High-quality build materials that feel durable and long-lasting
Reasons to avoid:
- Can be a bit pricey compared to other headphones with similar features
- The earcups can get a little warm after long periods of use
- The noise cancellation can be a bit aggressive, which can make it feel like you're in a bubble
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're a music lover who wants a headphone with great sound quality and effective noise cancellation.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget or you prefer a headphone with a more natural-sounding noise cancellation experience.
Bottom Line:
The Shure Aonic 50 are a great choice for travelers who want a headphone with excellent sound quality and effective noise cancellation. They offer a detailed and accurate sound reproduction with a balanced frequency response. The noise cancellation is very effective at blocking out most ambient noise, but some may find it to be a bit aggressive. The Aonic 50 are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and are built with high-quality materials. However, they are on the pricier side and can get a little warm after extended use.
Philips Fidelio X3
The Fidelio X3 are a great choice for those who want a comfortable and spacious-sounding headphone for travel.
Specifications:
- Frequency response: 5Hz - 40kHz
- Impedance: 30 Ohms
- Weight: 360g
- Battery life: Up to 30 hours
Reasons to buy:
- Spacious and detailed sound signature with a wide soundstage
- Comfortable to wear for long periods of time thanks to the soft earcups and adjustable headband
- Stylish design with a modern and minimalist look
- Good value for the price
Reasons to avoid:
- No active noise cancellation
- Not the most portable option due to their size
- The sound can be a little too bright for some listeners
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a comfortable and spacious-sounding headphone that offers good value for the price.
Don't buy it if:
- You need a headphone with active noise cancellation or you prefer a warmer sound signature.
Bottom Line:
The Philips Fidelio X3 are a great option for travelers who want a headphone with a spacious and detailed sound signature. While they don't offer active noise cancellation, the X3 are very comfortable to wear for long periods of time and have a stylish design. They offer a wide soundstage and a balanced sound signature that is well-suited for a variety of genres. However, they are not the most portable option and the sound can be a little too bright for some listeners.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 are a great choice for travelers who want a premium headphone with excellent sound quality, noise cancellation, and a sleek design.
Read more about this on 33 Best Over-Ear Headphones for Glasses Wearers
Specifications:
- Frequency response: 10 Hz - 20 kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Weight: 305g
- Battery life: Up to 30 hours with ANC on, up to 40 hours with ANC off
Reasons to buy:
- Rich and detailed sound quality with a balanced sound signature
- Effective noise cancellation that blocks out most ambient noise
- Comfortable to wear for long periods of time thanks to the soft earcups and adjustable headband
- Stylish design with a premium look and feel
- Long battery life
Reasons to avoid:
- Can be a bit pricey compared to other headphones with similar features
- Not the most portable option due to their size
- The noise cancellation can be a bit aggressive, which can make it feel like you're in a bubble
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You are looking for a premium headphone with great sound quality, active noise cancellation, and a stylish design.
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget or need a headphone that is very portable.
Bottom Line:
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 are an excellent choice for travelers who want a headphone with excellent sound quality, noise cancellation, and a stylish design. They offer a rich and detailed sound signature with a balanced frequency response. The noise cancellation is very effective at blocking out most ambient noise, but some may find it to be a bit aggressive. They are comfortable to wear for long periods of time and have a premium look and feel. However, they are on the pricier side and can be a bit large and bulky for some.
Master & Dynamic MW65
The Master & Dynamic MW65 are a great choice for those who want a headphone with a stylish design, comfortable fit, and excellent sound quality.
Specifications:
- Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Weight: 290g
- Battery life: Up to 24 hours with ANC on, up to 30 hours with ANC off
Reasons to buy:
- Rich and warm sound signature with a good amount of bass
- Comfortable to wear for long periods of time thanks to the soft earcups and adjustable headband
- Stylish design with a premium look and feel
- Good noise cancellation that blocks out most ambient noise
- Long battery life
Reasons to avoid:
- Can be a bit pricey compared to other headphones with similar features
- Not the most portable option due to their size
- The noise cancellation is not as effective as some other headphones on the market
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You're looking for a headphone with a stylish design, comfortable fit, and excellent sound quality.
Don't buy it if:
- You're on a tight budget or need a headphone with the best possible noise cancellation.
Bottom Line:
The Master & Dynamic MW65 are a great choice for travelers who want a headphone with a stylish design, comfortable fit, and excellent sound quality. They offer a rich and warm sound signature with a good amount of bass and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The noise cancellation is good, but it's not as effective as some other headphones on the market. Overall, the MW65 are a great option for those who want a premium headphone with a great listening experience. However, they are on the pricier side and are not the most portable option.
Dive deeper into 18 Best Over-Ear Headphones Under $100
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 are a great choice for those who want a premium headphone with a luxurious design, excellent sound quality, and effective noise cancellation.
Specifications:
- Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Weight: 315g
- Battery life: Up to 38 hours with ANC on, up to 50 hours with ANC off
Reasons to buy:
- Rich and detailed sound quality with a balanced sound signature
- Very effective noise cancellation that effectively blocks out most ambient noise
- Comfortable to wear for long periods of time thanks to the soft earcups and adjustable headband
- Luxurious design with premium materials and a sleek look
- Long battery life
Reasons to avoid:
- Can be a bit pricey compared to other headphones with similar features
- Not the most portable option due to their size
- The earcups can get a little warm after long periods of use
What you need to know :
Buy it if:
- You are looking for a premium headphone with excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a luxurious design.
Don't buy it if:
- You are on a tight budget or need a headphone that is very portable.
Bottom Line:
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H95 are an excellent choice for travelers who want a premium headphone with excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a luxurious design. They offer a rich and detailed sound signature with a balanced frequency response. The noise cancellation is very effective at blocking out most ambient noise, and they are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. They have a luxurious design with premium materials and a sleek look, and they offer a long battery life. However, they are on the pricier side and can be a bit large and bulky for some.
Choosing the perfect travel headphones can be a daunting task, but with the right pair, you can elevate your journey and make the most of your time on the go. From noise-canceling wonders to comfortable and lightweight options, there's a headphone for every traveler. Whether you're seeking immersive sound for your favorite podcasts or just need to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport, this list has you covered.
Ultimately, the best travel headphones for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, desired features, and how you plan to use your headphones to make the most informed decision.
Remember that these headphones are just a starting point. There are many other great options available on the market. Do your research and find the perfect pair that fits your needs and budget.
So, pack your bags, grab your new travel headphones, and get ready to experience the world with enhanced sound quality and comfort. Happy travels!
Amira 
Reem