If you’re looking for the best travel headphones, you’re in the right place. Our team has been testing and reviewing headphones for nearly two decades, putting hundreds of models through their paces – and gathering up the air miles. For this guide, we’ve prioritized portability, long battery life, and active noise cancellation (ANC); all essential for blocking out the noise of planes, trains, and busy terminals.
Since ANC is a must-have for travel, many of our best travel headphones picks overlap with our best noise-cancelling headphones list. Over-ear models tend to offer superior noise cancellation and often include wired connectivity, making them ideal for long-haul comfort. That said, the best noise-cancelling earbuds win on portability – perfect for today’s strict carry-on limits – so we’ve included a few standout options that punch above their weight.
To ensure our recommendations truly deliver, we tested each pair of headphones in real-world travel conditions – from long flights and daily commutes to bustling city streets. Whether you need immersive sound for a long-haul flight or a compact pair to slip into your pocket, you'll find the best travel headphones right here.
I've been reviewing tech for 15 years, and for pretty much all that time I've been testing headphones and speakers. As one of TechRadar's most frequent travellers, I've tested a ton of headphones and earbuds on flights, train journeys and bus commutes, and I've used my experience to choose the headphones that best fit the particular priorities of people flying or taking other long journeys.
December 24, 2025
We gave this guide a big overhaul, changing the original order of some recommendations and adding in new ones based on recent testing, including the 1More SonoFlow Pro HQ51 as our 'best budget' pick, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen as our 'top earbuds for ANC' and Bose QuietComfort Headphones as 'best mid-range'. We also switched out the AirPods Pro 2 for the AirPods Pro 3.
The best travel headphones, as tested by us
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The best travel headphones overall
For a long time Bose has been our top premium audio pick for travel, thanks to its class-leading ANC and commitment to light and folding headphones. But that changes with the arrival of the Sony WH-1000XM6. These over-ears are magnificent when it comes to noise cancellation, and instantly become our top pick for immersive sound and sonic performance on the move.
Let’s start with the ANC: The XM6 offer seriously impressive noise-cancelling capabilities. In our review, one tester wrote they “could barely hear anything other than my favorite tunes [...] even when walking in areas with heavy traffic or while vacuuming.” That makes them our best ANC pick right now, and a no-brainer for travel, particularly on long-haul flights or daily commutes.
Sound performance has also had a big upgrade here. The new 30mm driver and QN3 processor work together to deliver expressive, detailed audio with lots of control. Sony’s ‘noise shaper’ enhances the digital-to-analog conversion and helps smooth out sudden shifts in volume or tone. The result is a more refined and stable listening experience with a balanced sound signature that still delivers punchy bass, rich mids, and crisp, energetic highs. Whether you're deep into a podcast on a bus or lost in a cinematic score on a flight, they sound consistently impressive.
Feature-wise, these cans are among the best on the market. Alongside the excellent ANC, you get adaptive sound control, LDAC for higher-res wireless audio, DSEE Extreme to upscale mediocre streaming quality, extensive EQ settings, Cinema mode for immersive audio, and Auracast support. Just about every premium audio feature you could ask for is present here. However. battery life sits at 30 hours with ANC on, which is fine but not as impressive. Some rivals, even cheaper ones, can stretch much further or even double that figure these days.
The design has also had a refresh. These are lightweight and comfortable, with a wider headband and snugger fit, which makes them ideal for long listening sessions. But the standout here is the return to a foldable design, last seen in the XM4 model. No, they don’t collapse into the smallest form factor, but they’re noticeably more portable than the XM5. Some may still find the shape a bit chunky when they're wearing them, but it's only aesthetic, and not a dealbreaker.
With class-leading ANC, exceptional sound, a travel-friendly foldable design and high-end comfort, the Sony WH-1000XM6s are a premium pick in every sense. They’re not cheap, but if you're looking for a first-class audio experience on the move, they’re absolutely worth the investment and our top pick overall.
Read our full Sony WH-1000XM6 review
Sony WH-1000XM6: scorecard
Portability | 4.5/5 |
Battery life | 3.5/5 |
Noise cancellation | 5/5 |
Audio quality | 5/5 |
The best mid-range travel headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Headphones carry Bose's legacy of strong ANC and a comfortable fit. Yes, Bose now has better performers in the range, including the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones and the more recent Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen). But the reason we're recommending the original QCs here is simple. As an older model, they're now regularly and heavily discounted. They're still by no means cheap, but they're our best mid-tier pick for travel because they're comfortable, easy-to-use, foldable and deliver solid ANC on long journeys.
Usability is a real strength. You won't find cutting-edge features of the newer models, but you do get reliable ANC, very good sound, simple physical buttons, plus a clean and intuitive app. Setup is straightforward and everything just works.
The QuietComfort Ultras (and Sony XM6, of course) do a slightly better job at ANC overall, but the fit and seal here are excellent and in day to day use the QCs still silence the rumble of transport and background chatter. Some louder sounds slip through, but for commuting and travel they deliver the solid ANC that Bose is known for. Battery life is one of the weaker areas, – you'll get up to 24 hours, but rivals can push to almost double that.
Sound quality is warm and rich out of the box. The drivers lean a little bass heavy but the tuning stays balanced with natural vocals, crisp highs and strong details across every genre. EQ options are limited compared with rivals, but the default profile is likely all you need.
What really sets them apart is their comfort. At just 240g with plush memory foam earcups and a well-judged clamping force, they're among the easiest over-ears to wear for long stretches of time. The folding design and hard shell case make them practical for travel too.
If you want the latest and greatest from Bose, go for the the QC Ultras. But otherwise, if you want something reliable, extremely comfortable, travel-friendly and free from unnecessary extras, this is a smart, dependable mid-range choice.
Read our full Bose QuietComfort Headphones review
Bose QuietComfort Headphones: scorecard
Portability | 4.5/5 |
Battery life | 2.5/5 |
Noise cancellation | 4.5/5 |
Audio quality | 4/5 |
The best budget travel headphones
If you're looking for travel headphones on the cheap, the 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 are some of the best value over-ears that money can buy. They serve up quality audio, excellent ANC, and a nice-looking design all for less than $100 / £100. That sounds like a tall task, but during our testing we were pleased to find they deliver all of this and more.
When it comes to audio and noise cancellation, you're not going to get the sort of quality you'd find from premium models. But they still perform incredibly well for the money – you get clear sound that's full and expressive, even at high volumes. They also have a sound signature that's more bass heavy, but you can temper low-end output with the 1More Music app’s EQ settings. There's LDAC here, which delivers a detailed listen. ANC is highly effective too, enough to seriously quieten down chatter on public transport.
Battery life is excellent at 100 hours, but that's only with LDAC and ANC off. But even with ANC on, you'll get a very impressive 65 hours. They're supremely comfortable thanks to the generous padding on the cups and headband. So they've got the battery life and design for high-comfort and long-lasting listening sessions. Especially if you're travelling or commuting.
They look nice too. They’re angled forward slightly, giving them a curved, sleek look and have a matte finish. The only downside is that the button controls here are a little plasticky and the headband feels a little feeble. We also had some trouble connecting to the app during testing and when we did get onto the 1More Music platform, it felt a little dated.
No, they might not be capable of elite-tier audio and the build isn't high-end. But for sub-$100 cans, you're going to struggle to find headphones as complete as this. They're among our top picks for cheap headphones generally, but they're excellent for travel.
Read our full 1More Sonoflow Pro HQ51 review
1More SonoFlow Pro HQ51: scorecard
Portability | 4/5 |
Battery life | 5/5 |
Noise cancellation | 3.5/5 |
Audio quality | 3.5/5 |
The best travel earbuds for anc
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are our top pick for the best noise-cancelling technology in a true wireless form factor. They’re perfect for blocking out external noise when you're on the move in a sleek, convenient and pocketable design. Replacing the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds on our list, this newer version of the Ultras now takes the crown. The original Ultra Earbuds already offered excellent ANC and Bose’s Immersive Audio technology. But now the 2nd Gen buds also add extra features, like multi-point connectivity, better all-round performance and a nice new hue.
In our review, we said that "Bose has absolutely aced the sonic treatment here" as audio is loud, energetic and expansive. Where detail is concerned you might find better performance from similar high-end rivals. But otherwise, they sound phenomenal. The spatial Immersive Audio is also good for music lovers and an ideal companion for travel. Paired with outstanding ANC, these earbuds truly let you escape into your music. They also add aptX Adaptive support for high-quality, low-latency streaming and multi-point connectivity.
In terms of design, this 2nd Gen version of the Ultras are similar to the original model with a compact and sleek design. Although there is now what Bose calls an embedded ear wax guard now to stop any wax and debris getting into the driver housing. There's also a choice of tips and fins here, as well as a fit test to make sure you've got the best possible fit for your ears.
These premium earbuds deliver best-in-class ANC and an unparalleled immersive audio experience. They aren’t cheap, but for the best in noise-blocking, true wireless sound, they’re hard to beat.
Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) review
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): scorecard
Portability | 4.5/5 |
Battery life | 3.5/5 |
Noise cancellation | 5/5 |
Audio quality | 5/5 |
The best travel earbuds for apple users
The AirPods Pro 2 were a big step forward for Apple's buds, and we're happy to report that the AirPods Pro 3 are even better. If you're an iPhone user with a decent budget, they're the best travel-friendly buds you can buy. They're small, stable and equipped with some of the strongest ANC we've ever tested.
The AirPods Pro 3 sound energetic and surprisingly immersive, especially with dynamic head-tracking turn on – which is excellent for watching movies while you travel, by the way. In our review, we described the sound here as "enjoyable and emotive". There's also an exuberant soundstage that performs well across genres.
The audio is backed by excellent ANC, which really is something. On an iPhone, it's the closest we've come to experiencing true near-silence from a pair of buds. If you want a true "bubble of silence" feeling on planes or trains, only the Bose option matches them.
The design hasn't changed that much from the Pro 2s, but the driver housing has been subtly reshaped and the eartups are firmer, which make a noticeable difference to comfort and stability. They were definitely more secure during our testing and you get a choice of tips to fine-tune the seal.
We'd still only recommend them to iPhone users, you'll lose what makes them special on Android. And it's worth mentioning that battery life is a tad disappointing, measured at 5.5 hours with ANC and spatial audio on, which is fine but not class-leading.
For iPhone users who want best-in-class ANC in a compact and travel-ready package, they're very hard to beat. They're simply the best ANC earbuds around for Apple fans, even if they're not the longest-lasting.
Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 3 review
Apple AirPods Pro 3: scorecard
Portability | 5/5 |
Battery life | 3.5/5 |
Noise cancellation | 5/5 |
Audio quality | 4.5/5 |
The best travel earbuds for in-flight movies
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are the brand's third-gen true wireless earbuds and they're seriously impressive, receiving a rare 5 out of 5 stars in our review. They're incredibly competent, sound amazing and are very comfortable, making them a top choice for the most immersive in-flight movie experience. They're also among the best true wireless earbuds we've ever tested.
There are features aplenty here, but the most relevant to travel include the connectivity options. You can plug the case's USB-C port into a non-Bluetooth source, like the headphone jack on an in-flight entertainment system, and it works as a wireless audio transmitter, sending aptX Adaptive transmission up to 24-bit/96kHz quality to your buds.
To add to this convenient in-flight experience, you'll get a high level of immersion thanks to really effective ANC. In our review, we wrote you'll get: "that cocooned feeling of leaving the outside world" but, crucially, without the all-too-familiar eardrum pressure you'll sometimes experience with a tight seal. This is down to an improved design, which makes them comfortable to wear for long periods without sacrificing the premium look and feel B&W is known for.
They also now have on-ear volume control, which the previous version didn't have, but make in-flight listening infinitely easier. Battery life is good at 6.5 hours from the buds and a further 13.5 hours from the case, and that's with ANC on. Expect 8.5 hours without it – similar to the AirPods Pro 3 overall.
Audio-wise, these buds are nothing short of impeccable. Expect incredible levels of detail and dynamism regardless of what you're listening to. In our review, we wrote: "no matter what genre of music I threw at them (and no matter the streaming source) it felt as if the B&W Pi8 had unpacked, weighed, opened out, examined, layered and finally presented my music with the skilled hand of a French pâtissier. "
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 buds are as close to perfection as you'll get. And if you want a true wireless design for long plane journeys, they're hard to beat.
Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 review
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8: scorecard
Portability | 4/5 |
Battery life | 3.5/5 |
Noise cancellation | 3.5/5 |
Audio quality | 5/5 |
How to choose the best travel headphones for you
Choosing the right travel headphones is personal. It’s about finding what works best for you. Here’s what to consider:
Design and comfort: The first decision is simple: over-ear or earbuds? It’s all about preference. Some find in-ear buds uncomfortable or struggle with fit, but most now come with multiple silicone tips to ensure a snug, secure seal, which is crucial for effective noise cancellation. Earbuds are also ultra-portable, with compact cases that slip easily into a pocket.
If you don’t mind carrying something larger and want better sound and noise cancellation, over-ear headphones are worth it. Sony and Bose dominate this space, known for their exceptional comfort, immersive audio, and top-tier ANC. Ideal for drowning out the chaos of airports and train stations. They also stay put when you’re curled up with a neck pillow mid-flight.
Look for models with a 3.5mm cable included so you can plug into an airplane’s entertainment system and avoid using those flimsy freebie headphones. Most true wireless earbuds won’t have this option, so if you’re relying on them for a flight, make sure your phone or tablet is loaded with content.
Budget: Once you’ve settled on a style, it’s time to talk budget. If you fly regularly or need daily peace on a noisy commute, investing in a premium ANC pair is worth it. But if you just need headphones for a single trip, there are plenty of budget-friendly ANC options that deliver solid performance without the hefty price tag. You may sacrifice some premium features, but good sound doesn’t always have to cost a fortune.
Active noise cancellation: How much do you want to block out the world? Higher-end models generally offer better ANC, but there are exceptions, so always check reviews. Every pair in this guide includes ANC (we consider it essential for travel), but if you’re after the absolute best noise-blocking experience, check out our best noise cancelling headphones and best noise cancelling earbuds guides.
Some premium models also adjust air pressure to prevent discomfort during flights.
Battery life: Finally, consider how long your headphones need to last. While you can charge on a flight or carry a power bank, it’s best to have a battery that goes the distance.
If you’re commuting for under an hour, battery life isn’t as critical. But for long-haul flights, you’ll want something that won’t die mid-journey. Also, keep in mind that ANC drains battery faster, so check how long your headphones last with noise cancellation switched on if that’s a must-have for you.
How we test the best travel headphones
When we review headphones with active noise cancellation, we always test them for travel as much as possible anyway, since that's usually the hardest test for their noise blocking powers! We listen to them in cities among traffic, on public transport including trains and buses, and we've tested most of these options on flights, to find the best headphones for airplanes.
For audio fidelity, we test headphones from a range of sources, but mainly the best music streaming services. Our tests range from very high-quality tracks on Tidal to the very basic quality of Spotify's app, plus we'll test podcasts, YouTube, movie streams and other common ways to listen.
We always test out the apps that most modern headphones have, to see how they can affect the experience (for better or worse), plus any features that are enabled by the apps, such as customizable noise cancellation, EQ settings, or spatial audio.
And we'll test the battery claims with actual use – and we'll use them for a long time to test the comfort, while we're at it.
We're comparing our verdicts in all these areas against other products at the same kind of price to arrive at our conclusion of not only whether something sounds good or blocks noise well, but whether it achieves good value while doing that.
Latest updates to the best travel headphones
December 24, 2025
We gave this guide a big overhaul, changing the original order of some recommendations and adding in a lot of new ones based on recent testing, including the 1More SonoFlow Pro HQ51 as our 'best budget' pick, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2nd Gen as our 'top earbuds for ANC' and Bose QuietComfort Headphones as 'best mid-range'. We also switched out the AirPods Pro 2 for the AirPods Pro 3.
June 4, 2025
Replaced the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones with the Sony WH-1000XM6 over-ears based on our direct comparison testing. Moved the Bose down into our 'Also consider' section, as they're still a top choice and can be found cheaper than the Sony headphones.
March 7, 2025
Refreshed the introduction. Added an 'also consider' section to give readers further recommendations. Itemized our 'how to choose' section with some key considerations, including ANC, battery life and comfort. Added details of new hearing aid features to our AirPods Pro 2 entry.
Read more updates…
January 9, 2025
Refreshed the introduction. Added image galleries to each entry so readers get a better look at the options we're recommending. Switched the Earfun Air Pro 3 for the JLab Go Pop ANC as our 'best super-cheap' pick. Added score cards to the bottom of each entry so readers can quickly compare headphones based on key criteria.
November 22, 2024
Replaced the Bose QuietComfort 2 earbuds with the newer Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds as our 'best earbuds for ANC' pick based on our testing. The QC 2s are now no longer available and the QCUs represent better value and deliver excellent ANC.
September 27, 2024
Replaced the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless with the Cambridge Audio P100 headphones as our 'best battery life' pick based on our testing and the huge 100 hours on offer from these Cambridge Audio cans. Also replaced the Pi7 S2 with the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 for our 'best in-flight movies' choice after our review review. Added details of the new iOS 18 updates to our AirPods Pro 2 entry.
July 30, 2024
Swapped the Sony WF-C700N for the Nothing Ear (a), based on our reviews of both products.
June 7, 2024
Swapped the Sony WH-CH720N for the Earfun Wave Pro, based on our reviews of both products.
April 11, 2024
Added the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones based on our review.
December 6, 2023
Checked rankings against recent product launches and added in a new lead image.
June 25, 2023
This guide launches for the first time! All entries were chosen by our team, based on our own reviews and opinions of the products.
