10 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones For Travel 2025 in the United States

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones are a solid choice for travelers seeking high-quality noise cancellation. These over-ear headphones feature advanced noise-cancelling technology with multiple modes, including Quiet Mode for full noise cancellation and Immersion Mode that combines noise cancellation with spatial audio for a truly immersive listening experience. Their battery life is impressive, offering up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge, and a quick 15-minute charge provides up to 2.5 hours of use, making them suitable for long trips.

Comfort is another strong point, with soft ear cushions and an evenly distributed headband ensuring a snug fit for extended wear. The sound quality is enhanced by CustomTune technology, which personalizes the audio to suit your ears, and the built-in microphones deliver clear phone calls by filtering out background noise. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.3, providing a stable connection within 30 feet and the ability to sync with Bose smart soundbars.

The headphones also boast user-friendly touch controls on the earcups and compatibility with the Bose app for updates and additional features. However, while these headphones excel in many areas, they lack water resistance, which may be a downside for those who need durability in more rugged or wet conditions. Additionally, they are slightly heavier at 8.8 ounces, which could impact portability for some users. Finally, the higher price point could be a consideration for budget-conscious travelers. If you prioritize top-notch noise cancellation, comfort, and sound quality for travel, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra is a compelling option.

The Apple AirPods Max are premium over-ear headphones designed to deliver great sound quality and effective noise cancellation, making them a strong choice for travelers who want to block out background noise on planes or in busy environments. Their active noise cancellation is rated as pro-level, reducing up to twice as much noise compared to older models, and the Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings easily when needed. With personalized spatial audio and dynamic head tracking, the sound feels immersive and tailored to your ears, which is a nice touch for enjoying music or movies during travel.

Comfort is well thought out with soft memory foam ear cushions and a knit-mesh canopy that helps reduce pressure during extended wear—a key factor on long trips. Battery life lasts about 20 hours with noise cancellation on, which covers most travel days, and a quick 5-minute charge can add about 1.5 hours of listening time. Connectivity is seamless for Apple users thanks to the H1 chip, with easy pairing and automatic switching between Apple devices, though non-Apple users might find this less smooth.

On the downside, the AirPods Max are relatively heavy (around 386 grams) and their size, combined with the included Smart Case, makes them less portable compared to foldable travel headphones. They also lack water resistance, so they need to be kept dry. While the USB-C charging is convenient and modern, the premium price may be a drawback for budget-conscious travelers. These headphones excel in noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort, making them well-suited for frequent travelers who prioritize audio performance and have other Apple devices. However, their bulk and cost may not suit those looking for ultra-compact or budget-friendly options.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are a strong choice for travelers who want excellent noise cancellation and sound quality. Thanks to a highly advanced noise-cancelling system with 12 microphones and a fast processor, these headphones do a great job blocking out airplane noise and other distractions, making flights or busy environments much more pleasant. The sound is clear and balanced, co-designed with audio experts, so music and calls come through crisply and naturally.

They are comfortable to wear for long periods, with a soft, adjustable headband and ear cups that fit over your ears without too much pressure, which is important on long trips. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 30 hours of playback, which easily covers multi-leg journeys without needing frequent recharging. The foldable design and included compact carrying case help make them easy to pack and carry around. Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth and supports various devices like phones and laptops, plus wired listening if needed.

Durability is good, with solid metal parts and protective casing, though the headphones are a bit on the larger side, so not the most pocket-friendly if you want ultra-compact gear. One minor downside is that the touch controls might take some getting used to if you prefer physical buttons. These headphones are well suited for travelers looking for high-quality sound and top-tier noise cancellation combined with comfort and long battery life.