Table of Contents
Are you interested in buying the Best Travel Headphones, but with such a wide range of choices, you are not sure which one to select? We are here to help you with this buyer’s guide to make the right decision and purchase the best headset for your needs. We did the research and came up with ten premium products for travelers.
Besides, we have created three different price categories, moving from the expensive to the cheaper options, which means that you are guaranteed to find something you like, whether you have a limited budget or not.
You can also read our purchasing considerations section if you have never bought a travel house. Here you will discover which functions you are looking for and which add value to the travel experience. By the time you have finished reading this buyer’s manual, we are confident that you have a good idea of what you need and can make the right choice when selecting your perfect and best travel headphones.
Best Travel Headphones List
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the Best Travel Headphones that are for sale to most people in every price range. We take into account the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preferences and listening habits will do more in your selection, especially if you listen to audio at sufficiently high volumes to drown the ambient noise from your commute.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless
The best travel headphones we tested are the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. These comfortable, well-built over-ears have an ANC feature that does an excellent job of blocking out background noise such as bus and plane engines. With an uninterrupted battery life of over 37 hours, they are well suited for the longest international flights.
They have a standard sound profile with lots of bass that adds an extra thump and rumble to your favorite songs. If you prefer a different sound, a graphic EQ and presets are available in the Sony headphone Connect app to help you customize your listening experience. Unlike the wireless Sony WH-1000XM3, these headphones do pair with multiple devices, so you can easily switch your audio source from your laptop to your phone when you’re on the go.
[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/simple_list next=1]
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Bose’s Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are a perfect example of why competition is a great benefit to consumers. After years of practicing with the only sound-absorbing headphones worth buying. The new Bose headphones stand out with a smooth redesign, with lots of useful features and improvements in noise cancellation (for demand and music) and audio quality. All things considered (including their compelling price), the 700’s are a definite improvement over the Bose 35 II Quiet Headphones and one of the best travel headphones you can buy today.
With slim cylindrical arms and a matte black, unobtrusive casing, the Bose 700 look like a futuristic invention you’d see in a science fiction film. I hope that the clean exterior of the headphones, emphasized by the soft finish and subtle, sexy curves, will be a role model for future headphones. I didn’t appreciate how compact the 700s were until I placed them next to Sony’s WH-1000XM3s.
Sony’s critically acclaimed noise-canceling headphones look downright clumsy alongside Bose’s latest offerings. The Bose 700s have a certain sophistication that not everyone will like, but I would still claim that the Bose 700s are the most stylish over-ear headphones there are. Read more in our Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 Review
[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/simple_list next=1]
Sony WH1000XM3
The Sony WH-1000XM2 conquered the world of gadgets, captured the top position of headphones with active noise cancellation, and beat Bose in the process. Although the newer WH-1000XM3 is more a subtle upgrade than a complete redesign, it makes these headphones a much better buy for anyone interested in shutting down the world when listening to music. The Sony WH-1000XM3 is not much different at first glance than the previous version, but if you look a little deeper, some crucial improvements become clear.
First, the ear cushions on the WH-1000XM3 have more depth, which makes for a slightly more comfortable fit. If the latter model fits a bit too snug for comfort, then the newer model should suit you. Another important update is the addition of a USB-C charging port, making these headphones protected for much longer than the previous micro-USB model. Read more in our Sony WH-1000XM3 Review
[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/simple_list next=1]
Razer Opus Wireless
The best travel headphones under $200 we tested is the Razer Opus. These ANC Bluetooth over-ears prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get an impressive ANC feature wrapped in a well-built and premium design. They are very similar to the Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless and are just as comfortable. The battery lasts 33 hours and lasts longer than any other recommendation on this list, and they have easy to use physical buttons, come with a great hard carry case, and look and feel very durable and well built.
Their standard sound profile is very balanced and accurate, making them versatile enough for most genres and content. Fans of genres like EDM or hip-hop may find that they lack a bit of bass, but their sound profile can be easily adjusted via a graphic EQ and presets in their dedicated companion app.
[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/simple_list next=1]
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless
If you want a more budget-friendly over-ear headphone, consider the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless. They’re not as well built as the Razer Opus Wireless and have a less comfortable, less stable fit, but they offer similarly fantastic sound isolation at a more affordable price. Their ANC feature effectively blocks ambient noise and the rumble of bus and aircraft engines, and they have a long continuous battery life of roughly 44 hours.
Their excited, v-shaped sound profile may be too bass heavy for some, but luckily you can access a graphic EQ and presets through their companion app. They can connect to two devices at once, which is nice if you’re always switching between your phone and laptop. Unfortunately, they leak a lot of audio, so listening to your music at high volume may irritate people nearby.
[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/simple_list next=1]
Sony WH1000XM2
The digital noise cancellation in the Sony WH1000XM2 is leading in the industry and eliminates background noise to a minimum. Besides, the intelligent listening application detects your activity to automatically adjust noise cancellation based on where you are and what you are doing. Also, the combination of noise cancellation technology and the drivers used in the Sony WH1000XM2 can execute excellent beats with ease. With a wide frequency response from 4 Hz to 40 kHz, the headphones can play more notes making the sound excellent.
You can also listen to music effortlessly for hours because the Sony headphones use first-class padded earmuffs. Also, the headphones are equipped with touch controls, which means you can adjust the volume, change music, and pause music without having to touch your smartphone. You can also answer incoming calls because the Sony WH1000XM2 has a built-in HD microphone. You can also use the microphone to activate and communicate the Google assistant.
[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/simple_list next=1]
Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series 2)
The Bose QuietComfort 35 is a great traveling headset that can hold up to 20 hours of playback and up to 40 hours in wired mode. Moreover, the charging time is swift, with less than 2 hours. Connect quickly via Bluetooth technology, thanks to the built-in NFC link that automatically establishes connections between headphones and smartphones. Besides, the ear padding is very soft and comfortable to wear for a long time.
The tight fit also offers a noise cancellation experience that minimizes ambient noise. Also, you can adjust the noise-canceling level to suit your environment better, for example, if you are at a train station, then canceling zero noise is best to stay safe. Moreover, the volume-optimized EQ ensures that your music always sounds excellent, whether you are in an airplane or working in the office. The headset also has a built-in microphone on the side of the earpiece, allowing you to make hands-free calls wherever you are.
[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/simple_list next=1]
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
Take premium materials and make a nice pair of headphones, add stellar sound and a great companion app, shake powerfully, and you get the $399 Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless headphones. But the 3rd generation Momentum brings enhanced active noise cancellation into the mix. Plus, the headphones offer Tile integration, which will help you keep tabs on the cans up to 150 feet. But the price of $399.95 may not be enough for everyone except the most hardcore music lover.
In a world of plastic and faux materials, be like Sennheiser and embrace the grandeur that is stainless steel and genuine leather. The headband and ear shells are lined with supple ebony leather, while the joints and the yokes are made of solid silver stainless steel. Although the earcups are made of matte black plastic, this does not detract from the otherwise luxurious appearance. Read more in our Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless Review
[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/simple_list next=1]
COWIN E8
The connectivity technology used in the COWIN E9 active noise-canceling headphones is Bluetooth, which means you do not have to struggle with a cable. Moreover, the battery life lasts no less than 20 hours, after 2-3 hours of charging, and can even be used for telephone conversations, because there is a built-in microphone on the ear. Besides, these headphones are equipped with active noise cancellation that excludes virtually all unnecessary ambient sounds. This also means that the audio will sound much better because there are no background noises to interrupt you.
However, if you are in a situation where you need to know what is going on, COWIN has allowed you to turn ANC off to stay safe. Furthermore, the designers and sound engineers of the COWIN E9 have focused on the comfort and experience of the audio. The padded ear warmers feel extraordinarily soft and cover the entire ear for a noise-isolating experience. Besides, the audio is tuned to deliver clear vocals, clean bass, and crisp highs.
[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/simple_list next=1]
Monster DNA
The advanced noise-isolating design reduces ambient noise and makes the Monster DNA on-ear headphones ideal for use in public areas. The soft pillow cushions are also comfortable to wear for a long time and do not have to put too much pressure during wearing. Also, the DNA headphones are incredibly durable because they are resistant to most drops and can be well-packed with other items when carried without a carrier.
Best Cheap Noise Canceling Headphones
You can also insert double jacks into two different headphones to share the music with a friend, which is a feature that a pair of headphones rarely has. Moreover, the sound quality is excellent for all genres, whether it is deep bass or pop music, because the headphones are tuned to produce a lifelike concert musical experience. Besides, you can answer calls with these headphones if you are using the ControlTalk cable made for Apple.
[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/simple_list next=1]
COWIN E7
The COWIN E8 is one of the better sounding headphones on this list and delivers clear vocals, clear bass, and crisp percussion. Moreover, you can control the music without having to grab your smartphone because side buttons are installed to optimize the sound, skip tracks, and answer calls. Also, these headphones are connected via Bluetooth technology, meaning that there are no more annoying wires during travel.
The COWIN E8 also uses NFC pairing, so that it quickly connects to your device. Besides, when you buy COWIN E8 Active Bluetooth headphones with noise-canceling, you get a compact travel bag that is lightweight and robust, so that your headphones are protected at all times. The earcups can also turn to one side, which means that you can change them to mini speakers if you want to listen to a friend.
[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/simple_list next=1]
Sol Republic Tracks HD2
The luxurious metallic finish and slim ear cushions give the SOL REPUBLIC tracks the HD2 Earphones a unique look and style. The headset has four different colors, which means you can choose a style that suits you best. To keep the design comfortable on the ear, use extra thick, soft, soft speaker pads that are more durable and pressure-free. Besides, the connection technology is wired, so you do not have to use the battery life of the smartphone, which is ideal when traveling.
You can also control the music with the remote control on the button, so you can adjust the volume, skip songs, and pause/play music. Moreover, the music sounds great, because improved noise isolation is used that excludes even more ambient noise than the average headphones. Furthermore, thanks to the high-quality premium drivers, the bass sounds incredible, while the vocals stay nice and soft.
[content-egg module=Amazon template=custom/simple_list next=1]
Things To Know Before Buying Best Travel Headphones
Portability
Portability is an essential factor to consider when buying the best travel headphones. Nowadays, most headphones are supplied with a travel pouch, making them safe and easy to store. Weight should also be something that you look at because some headphones can add up to a pound and are, therefore, a liability when traveling. Moreover, some headphones are entirely foldable, which means that they occupy even less space than ordinary headphones. However, make sure that you have the bag on hand. Otherwise, you can scratch and bend the headphones if they are packaged without a layer of protection.
Comfort
The comfort of your headphones should be excellent if you want to enjoy your audio experience. Wearing ear pads that exert too much pressure can lead to tension and pain during prolonged wearing. Headphones are more likely to feel uncomfortable for hours after wearing; therefore, the design on the ear is more ideal. However, not all on-ear headphones are uncomfortable – it all depends on the padding and the materials used. A design above the ear is best to travel because they are usually more comfortable to wear and even help with noise isolation. You can also opt for an open-back design that lets in air, but this means that there is no noise isolation and that ambient noise can spoil the listening experience.
Audio Quality
Audio should be the primary concern when buying a pair of best travel headphones because traveling with terrible distorted sounds can be a nightmare. Here are some of the essential factors that you should look at before buying the best travel headphones:
- Design: in this list, you will find two options: designs on the ear and over the ear. Each has its advantages and benefits; for example, designs on the ear can load ears after prolonged use. Over-ear designs can be more comfortable to wear for a long time and are often noise-isolating, reducing unwanted ambient noise.
- Frequency range: the frequency range determines the width of the notes that your headphones can pick up. The average is around 20 Hz to 20k Hz, which is ideal, and everything wider than that is just a bonus.
- Noise cancellation: while traveling, it can be extremely annoying to hear your surroundings, especially noisy aircraft engines. Therefore, it is a must to buy headphones with active noise cancellation. This headphone eliminates ambient noise and leaves you crystal clear audio. Besides, most headphones nowadays have the option of turning ANC off entirely when needed, allowing them to be used safely near bus stops, train stations, and other busy areas.
Connectivity
Bluetooth technology is great because you do not have the hassle of a cable that gets tangled up on objects. Be sure to purchase headphones that use Bluetooth 4.0 plus, all to a lesser extent, can lead to slow and distorted connections. However, choosing a wired version is not bad either, because you do not have to worry about charging your headphones before you travel. The only drawback is that you can over-extend the cable many times and wear the wires inside.
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
Brand
Going to a well-known brand is almost always a better option because it guarantees a quality product since you know their reputation. However, this is not still the case, as some smaller brands create equally good headphones at a lower price. It is up to you to take the time to examine them and make the decision to buy their products.