Best Travel Headphones for 2025: Our Picks

In this article, we’ll cover what makes these 11 headphones great for travel, compare in-ear vs. over-ear styles, highlight top picks, give you budget-friendly options, and share suggestions for both Android and Apple lovers.

^{*This comparison guide was created by T-Mobile to help you explore products in our store. The opinions expressed here reflect our editorial perspective based on publicly available features, specifications, and articles.}

^{*Product pricing and availability are subject to change. Visit our}^website^{for the latest offers on phones, devices, and accessories.}

What makes a great travel headphone

When choosing our list of best travel headphones, we kept these priorities in mind:

Feature	Why it matters	What to look for
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)	Cancels constant background noise (airplane engines, road hum)	Hybrid ANC (internal + external mics) with ambient/aware mode
Comfort & Fit	You’ll often wear them for hours	Plush ear pads, lightweight build, secure but gentle fit
Portability & Case Design	Must stow easily in a carry-on	Foldable or swivel hinges, rigid case
Battery Life & Fast Charging	Needs to last through long flights and layovers	At least 20 hours ANC-on, quick-charge support
Multipoint & Dual Connectivity	Switch between devices seamlessly	Bluetooth multipoint, wired fallback
Durability & Controls	Must handle travel wear and tear	Reinforced hinges, tactile buttons or touch panels

Our 11 picks for best travel headphones 2025 – quick picks

Apple AirPods 4 - ANC – In-ear | Open-fit earbuds with new Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio, ideal for iPhone users who prefer a lighter, non-sealed fit
Apple AirPods Max (Blue, Midnight, Orange, Purple, Starlight) – Over-ear | Premium build with spatial audio and lossless USB-C support, perfect for immersive listening and Apple ecosystem users
Apple AirPods Pro 3 – In-ear | Refined ANC earbuds with enhanced comfort, health-sensor features, and dynamic spatial audio for all-day wear
Beats Solo 4 (Black, Cloud Pink) – On-ear | Portable headphones with up to 50-hour battery life and balanced sound, designed for daily use and travel
JBL Tune 670NC Wireless On-Ear Headphones (Black) - On-ear | Budget-friendly travel companions with adaptive noise cancelling, up to 70 hours of battery life, and multi-device Bluetooth connectivity
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 (Black) – In-ear | Top-tier ANC performance in a compact design, featuring personalized sound and all-day comfort
Bose QC Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen (Black, White) – Over-ear | Flagship noise-cancelling headphones with plush comfort and immersive spatial sound, ideal for travel or focused work
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro (Silver, White) – In-ear | High-resolution audio and Adaptive Noise Control with AI, perfect for Android users seeking premium sound and comfort
Sony WF-1000XM5 – In-ear | Hi-res wireless earbuds with exceptional ANC, LDAC support, and customizable EQ for detailed, dynamic sound
Sony WH-1000XM6 (Black) – Over-ear | Next-gen flagship headphones with industry-leading ANC, improved comfort, and seamless multipoint connectivity
Beats Studio Pro (Navy, Black, Deep Brown, Sandstone) - Over-ear | Immersive sound, powerful noise cancellation, and seamless Android integration

In-ear vs. over-ear headphones for travel

Choosing between in-ear and over-ear headphones comes down to your travel style and comfort preferences. Over-ear models give you more immersive sound and stronger passive noise isolation, while in-ear options shine with portability and lighter weight. Many frequent travelers actually carry both, swapping based on whether they’re on a long-haul flight or a quick commute. Here’s a closer look at both options:

In-ear (true wireless): In-ear headphones are compact, discreet, and easy to carry, making them perfect for commuting or quick trips. Many now include advanced features like spatial audio and strong ANC in a pocket-sized design. The downsides are shorter battery life and reliance on a good ear tip seal for sound and noise cancellation. They also have a smaller soundstage compared to over-ear models.
Over-ear / on-ear: Over-ear headphones deliver stronger ANC, longer battery life, and greater comfort for long flights or extended listening. Their larger drivers also provide a more immersive sound experience. The tradeoff is bulk and weight - they take up more space in a carry-on and can feel heavier over time. Still, they remain the top choice for frequent flyers.

Best over-ear travel headphones: Our 2 picks

Over-ear headphones remain the gold standard for long flights and noisy environments thanks to their spacious ear cups, superior ANC, and all-day comfort. These models are designed for marathon sessions, with extended battery life, plush cushioning, and foldable cases for easier packing. If you value immersive sound and the ability to block out nearly everything around you, these are your best bet.

Bose QC Ultra Headphones 2nd Gen (Black, White) – Plush and immersive, these over-ear headphones feature Bose’s industry-leading noise cancellation and spatial audio, making them perfect for long-haul flights and focused listening.
Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones (Black) – Sony’s newest flagship offers upgraded ANC, enhanced comfort, and detailed sound, ideal for travelers and professionals who need quiet and clarity.

Best noise-canceling earbuds for travel: Our 3 picks

Noise-canceling earbuds have evolved into true travel essentials, especially if you want lightweight convenience without sacrificing performance. They fit easily into your pocket, purse, or small case – yet they still deliver ANC strong enough to cut down cabin noise or city commotion. If you love packing light, these are ideal for quick getaways, commutes, and hands-free airport navigation.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 (Black) – These earbuds deliver personalized sound and premium ANC in a small, ergonomic fit that stays comfortable all day.
Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds – Hi-res audio and top-tier ANC combine in a lightweight form factor, offering rich, detailed sound for everyday listening.
Apple AirPods 4 (ANC) – Apple’s open-fit earbuds now feature Active Noise Cancellation and Adaptive Audio, offering an easy, comfortable option for everyday iPhone use.

Best budget headphones for travel: Our 2 picks

If you don’t want to spend flagship prices, these budget-friendly models shine. Our picks for best headphones and earbuds offer respectable ANC, good audio, and solid battery life to get through your flight or commute comfortably. While they may not have every premium feature, they deliver strong value.

Beats Solo 4 (Black, Cloud Pink) – Foldable and lightweight with up to 50 hours of battery life, these on-ear headphones offer balanced sound and modern design for daily use.
JBL Tune 670NC Wireless On-Ear Headphones (Black) – With a lightweight, fold-flat on-ear design and impressive long battery life, these headphones are ideal for long flights or commutes.

Best travel headphones for Apple users: Our 2 picks

For Apple lovers who want to stick within the ecosystem, AirPods and Beats integrate seamlessly with iCloud, Siri, and spatial audio features. These headphones make switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac nearly effortless while unlocking extra perks like adaptive transparency and personalized audio. If you’re heavily invested in Apple devices, these options will feel the most natural.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 – Apple’s latest in-ear design features enhanced ANC, improved comfort, and spatial audio for immersive, adaptive listening across iOS devices.
Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) – Blue, Midnight, Orange, Purple, Starlight – Apple’s luxury over-ear model combines spatial audio and lossless USB-C connectivity with premium materials for an immersive listening experience.

Best travel headphones for Android users: Our 2 top picks

Android travelers have access to headphones that optimize for high-res streaming, Google Assistant integration, and extended battery performance. Brands like Sony, Samsung, and Bose are especially strong here, offering technology that elevates wireless sound quality. If you’re a frequent flyer who relies on Android devices, these picks balance customization, ANC, and travel-ready durability.

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro (Silver, White) – Sleek and intelligent, these earbuds use AI-powered Adaptive Noise Control and dual-amplifier sound to deliver crisp, high-resolution audio for Android users.
Beats Studio Pro (Navy, Black, Deep Brown, Sandstone) - Immersive, personalized sound with adaptive noise cancellation and up to 40 hours of battery life - perfect for travel.

9 FAQs about travel headphones

What are the best headphones for airplanes?
Over-ear ANC headphones like the Bose QC Ultra or Sony WH-1000XM5 are good at blocking steady cabin noise.
Do I need noise-canceling headphones for travel?
It’s not required, but ANC greatly reduces fatigue on flights by cutting constant background hum.
Can I use wireless headphones with airplane screens?
Yes, with an in-flight Bluetooth adapter or wired USB-C/3.5mm cable where supported.
Which travel headphones are most comfortable for long use?
Models with plush ear cushions and lightweight design, like AirPods Max or Bose QC Ultra, excel here.
What’s the difference between ANC and transparency mode?
ANC blocks sound; transparency lets some outside noise in, useful for hearing announcements.
How long should battery life be for travel headphones?
Look for at least 20–30 hours for over-ear models or 6–8 hours plus a charging case for earbuds.
Are AirPods good for travel?
Yes - AirPods Pro and AirPods Max provide excellent integration for iPhone users on the go.
Which are better for flights: earbuds or over-ear headphones?
Over-ear models offer superior comfort and ANC for long flights, while earbuds are more portable.
Can I use travel headphones with both Android and Apple devices?
Yes, though Apple- and Android-specific features tend to work best in their own ecosystems.

Which travel headphones are right for you?

In 2025, travel headphones are smarter, lighter, and more powerful than ever. Whether you prioritize noise cancellation, portability, Apple or Android integration, or budget-friendly options, there’s a model that fits your travel style. Use this guide to match features to your journey and enjoy stress-free listening from takeoff to touchdown.

You may also be interested in:

Sources: