10 Best Airplane Headphones For Adults 2026 in the United States

The Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones offer several strengths for airplane travel. They come with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency modes, which are excellent for blocking out airplane noise while allowing you to hear announcements when needed. Comfort is well-addressed with their over-ear design and faux leather material, suitable for long flights. Battery life is impressive, providing up to 40 hours of listening time, and a quick 10-minute charge gives 4 hours of playback, ensuring longevity even on extended journeys.

Sound quality stands out with BEATS' custom acoustic platform delivering rich, immersive sound and personalized spatial audio for an enhanced listening experience. Additionally, the headphones are compatible with both Apple and Android devices, making pairing straightforward and versatile. Portability is convenient with a woven carrying case included for easy transportation. Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a strong and stable connection with fewer dropouts when moving around the airplane cabin.

However, the headphones are not water-resistant, which could be a drawback in case of accidental spills or rainy conditions during travel. They are also relatively heavy at 9.2 ounces, which might be less comfortable for some users during prolonged use. Furthermore, the price point may be higher compared to other headphones in the market. If you value high-quality sound, extended battery life, and advanced noise cancellation features during your flights, the Beats Studio Pro is a solid option for adult airplane headphones.

The JBL Tune 720BT headphones are a solid choice for travelers who want reliable wireless over-ear headphones for airplane use. They deliver strong sound quality thanks to JBL’s Pure Bass technology, offering rich and clear audio that can make long flights more enjoyable. Comfort is a highlight here; the lightweight design and adjustable headband help reduce pressure during extended wear, which is important when using headphones on planes. Battery life is impressive with up to 76 hours on a single charge, so you won’t need to worry about recharging during trips. The foldable design adds to their portability, making them easy to pack and carry.

These headphones rely on sound isolation rather than active noise cancellation, which means they block some background noise but won’t fully cancel the loud engine sounds you often experience on flights. If noise cancellation is a top priority, this might be a drawback. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable wireless connection, and the included app allows you to customize the sound to your liking. Hands-free calls and voice assistant support add convenience but may be less useful during flights when devices are often in airplane mode.

The JBL Tune 720BT offers comfort and portability with excellent battery life and sound quality, making it a great option for users who want good sound and comfort without requiring the deepest noise blocking on planes.

The Soundcore by Anker Q20i headphones provide effective noise cancellation and long battery life, making them a strong choice for travelers. Their hybrid active noise cancelling system employs multiple microphones to reduce up to 90% of outside noise, which is beneficial for blocking out airplane engines or busy environments. They offer up to 40 hours of playback with ANC enabled and feature fast charging that provides an additional 4 hours of use from just 5 minutes of charging, ensuring extended use on long trips.

Designed for comfort, these over-ear headphones are lightweight and foldable, making them easy to pack and wear for extended periods. Cushioned ear cups help reduce ear fatigue, though fit may vary depending on head size. Sound quality is enhanced by 40mm dynamic drivers and BassUp technology, delivering deep bass and clear details. The headphones also support Hi-Res audio through a wired connection, appealing to users seeking finer sound quality.

Portability is supported by their foldable design and moderate weight of just over half a pound. Bluetooth 5.0 provides stable connections and allows dual-device pairing, which is convenient for switching between phone and laptop. A companion app offers customizable equalizer settings and three listening modes—ANC, Normal, and Transparency—that help tailor sound and noise control to different situations, such as hearing announcements while wearing the headphones. The headphones charge via a USB-C cable despite some confusion about battery types. They balance performance, comfort, and price effectively, making them a practical option for adults seeking solid noise cancelling and long-lasting use during flights and daily commutes.