10 Best Airplane Headphones 2025 in the United States

The JBL Tune 720BT headphones come with some impressive features that make them a good option for airplane use. Firstly, the headphones offer JBL Pure Bass Sound, which ensures deep, rich audio quality, enhancing your listening experience. The latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology allows for seamless wireless connectivity to your devices, reducing the hassle of tangled cords. A standout feature is the exceptional battery life of up to 76 hours, meaning you can use these headphones for multiple long flights without needing a recharge. Additionally, the speed charge function is useful when you need a quick power boost.

Comfort-wise, these over-ear headphones are lightweight and designed to be comfortable for long periods, which is crucial for airplane travel. They are also foldable, enhancing their portability and making them easy to carry in your bag. However, one notable drawback is the absence of active noise cancellation (ANC). While they do offer sound isolation, ANC would have been more effective in drowning out the noise of airplane engines and other ambient sounds. This might be a deal-breaker for some frequent flyers who prioritize a quieter experience.

The headphones can be customized using the JBL Headphones App, which is a nice touch for those who like to tweak their audio settings. Hands-free calls with Voice Aware allow you to manage calls without taking off the headphones, adding to their convenience. In summary, the JBL Tune 720BT are strong contenders in terms of sound quality, comfort, battery life, and portability, but the lack of active noise cancellation may be a significant downside for those who need it.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are an excellent choice for airplane travelers. They feature top-tier noise cancellation, which uses Dual Noise Sensor technology to effectively block out ambient sounds, making them perfect for noisy environments like an airplane. With up to 30 hours of battery life and a quick charge option that provides 5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge, these headphones are highly reliable for long flights. Comfort is another highlight, thanks to an updated design that relieves pressure for prolonged use.

The headphones also have touch sensor controls, allowing you to pause, play, skip tracks, and adjust the volume easily. They support Alexa voice control and have excellent call quality with five built-in microphones, ensuring clear communication. One unique feature is Speak-to-Chat, which automatically reduces the volume when you start talking, although this might be a bit too sensitive for some users. In terms of sound quality, the Edge AI and DSEE Extreme technology provide a rich listening experience by upscaling compressed music files in real-time. The multipoint connection allows seamless pairing with multiple devices, adding convenience.

However, the headphones lack water resistance, which could be a drawback for those who expect them to handle various environments. The headphones are also slightly bulkier, weighing 9 ounces, which may affect portability. Despite these minor inconveniences, the Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out in its category for delivering superior noise cancellation, long-lasting comfort, and high-quality audio, making them a solid choice for frequent flyers.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones are designed with frequent travelers in mind, particularly those who value noise cancellation and comfort during long flights. With advanced noise-cancelling technology, these headphones effectively reduce background noise, allowing you to enjoy your music or movies without distraction. The different modes—Quiet, Aware, and Immersion—provide flexibility depending on your environment, enhancing your listening experience.

Comfort is a significant highlight, as the soft ear cushions and well-distributed headband pressure ensure that these headphones can be worn for extended periods without discomfort, which is essential during long flights. The battery life of up to 24 hours also means you won’t have to worry about running out of charge mid-journey, and the quick 15-minute charge feature is a nice touch for urgent situations.

Sound quality is further enhanced by the Spatial Audio feature, which offers an immersive listening experience that can make music feel more engaging. The inclusion of a microphone allows for clear calls, making them versatile for both entertainment and communication. While these headphones are generally lightweight and portable, they may be bulkier compared to some other travel headphones on the market. Additionally, while many users appreciate the advanced features, the complexity of the controls—especially touch controls—might not be as straightforward for everyone, particularly those who prefer more traditional buttons.