10 Best Airplane Headphones For Adults 2025 in the United States

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones excel in providing high-quality noise cancellation, which is ideal for airplane travel. The active over-ear noise-cancelling feature effectively reduces ambient noise, allowing for an immersive listening experience. Comfort is another strong point, thanks to plush earcup cushions and a padded band, making them suitable for long-duration use without discomfort.

With up to 24 hours of battery life, these headphones are perfect for long flights and can be quickly charged for an additional 2.5 hours of playtime in just 15 minutes, a handy feature for travelers on the go. The sound quality is impressive, featuring high-fidelity audio with adjustable EQ settings that let users customize the bass, mid-range, and treble for a personalized sound experience. Additionally, the multipoint Bluetooth connectivity allows seamless switching between different devices, which is convenient for those using multiple gadgets.

However, it's worth noting that these headphones are not water-resistant, so they need to be handled with care around liquids. The carrying case is lightweight and adds to their portability, but the headphones themselves might feel slightly bulky for some users due to their over-ear design. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Bose QuietComfort headphones are a top choice for adults looking for reliable, comfortable, and high-quality noise-cancelling headphones for airplane travel.

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 Bose A30 Aviation Headset is a solid choice for pilots or frequent flyers who want a comfortable, high-quality headset for use in noisy airplane environments. It offers excellent active noise cancellation with three adjustable modes, helping to reduce engine and cockpit noise effectively. The headset's comfort is notable, thanks to its lightweight design and 20% less clamping force compared to previous models, which makes it easier to wear for long periods without discomfort.

Sound quality is clear and well-balanced, with active equalization ensuring voices and audio signals come through crisply, which is crucial for communication in flight. The microphone is designed to minimize background noise and improve transmission clarity, especially helpful in busy cockpits. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to link the headset to mobile devices, making it convenient to listen to audio or connect electronic flight bags, though Bluetooth version 4.2 is not the latest standard, which might slightly limit range or compatibility with very new devices. Battery life relies on two AA batteries, which are included, providing a straightforward and replaceable power source, though it may not last as long as some rechargeable headsets.

The headset is also designed for durability, meeting FAA and EASA certifications, and features easy-to-switch cables and mic placements without tools, adding to its convenience. One downside could be the price, as Bose products tend to be at a higher price point. Also, while the headset is comfortable and portable for its category, it is a full-sized over-ear model, so it may be bulkier compared to some compact travel headphones. This makes the Bose A30 well-suited for adult users seeking reliable noise cancellation, comfort, and clear audio during flights.