travel reference headphones

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• Best Headphones
• Best Upper Mid-Range
• Best Mid-Range
• Best Budget
• Best Earbuds

Notable Mentions

Recent updates, all reviews, the 6 best travel headphones - spring 2024 reviews.

Whether you're a jet setter or just taking the subway to work every day, a good pair of travel headphones can be a total game-changer. Having something comfortable with great noise isolation can make your travels much easier to endure and even more enjoyable.

When looking for travel headphones, you'll want something easy to use when hunting down your gate or running to catch a bus, with a long enough battery life to last you throughout the day. While many prefer over-ear headphones for long flights or train rides, earbuds or in-ear headphones are popular for their portability. Usually, models with active noise cancelling (ANC) do the best job at reducing the deep rumbling noises of bus or plane engines, but some in-ear headphones block out lots of noise passively.

We've tested over 780 pairs of headphones, and below are our recommendations for the best headphones for airplane use, traveling, and commuting. Also, make sure to check out our recommendations for the  best headphones , the  best noise cancelling headphones , and the best budget noise cancelling headphones .

Best Travel Headphones

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are the best travel headphones we've tested. These top-of-the-line over-ears have a very comfortable fit and are suitable for long trips. They are equipped with powerful ANC and can block out a wide array of sounds, including the low rumble of bus and plane engines. And with their ANC on, they last 29 hours continuously, so you don't need to worry about running out of battery life. Unfortunately, the headphones need to be powered on if you want to use them wired, but at least you can plug them into in-flight entertainment without losing ANC.

These well-built over-ears have a bass-rich sound out of the box, delivering extra thump, rumble, and boom to your favorite tracks. You can adjust their sound using their companion app's graphic EQ and presets. You can even access a head-tracking feature for a more dimensional audio experience. Additionally, you can connect these headphones with up to two devices at a time, so you can stay connected to your smartphone and laptop simultaneously, and they come with a sturdy, durable carrying case to keep them safe in your bag.

See our review

Best Upper Mid-Range Travel Headphones

For something premium at a less steep price, try the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. Even though they've been replaced by the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless and are getting harder to find in stock, these still provide the best noise cancelling performance for long journeys. Their fantastic ANC feature blocks bass-range noises like bus and plane engines and passenger chit-chat. They also last about 37 hours continuously, so you won't need to recharge them during a long trip. You can even use them wired while keeping ANC on, and they come with an airplane adapter, all of which you can safely store in their sturdy carrying case.

They have a lightweight and well-padded fit, though the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless still have the edge regarding comfort. However, you can wear them during long trips without experiencing too much fatigue. Their bass-heavy sound profile adds extra thump and rumble to your audio, and if you prefer a different sound, you can also tweak them via their app's graphic EQ and presets.

If you need to take calls on the go, the Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless is worth considering. They're hybrid headphones designed for casual use as well as gaming but have a sleek design that doesn't stand out from the crowd. Their integrated mic offers a better overall performance, so your voice sounds clear and natural. However, their ANC system doesn't block out quite as much ambient noise as that of the Sony.

Best Mid-Range Travel Headphones

Travel is expensive enough without adding the cost of premium headphones. Fortunately, if you're looking for something more affordable, check out the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless, the best headphones for airplane trips we've tested at this price point. They have a shorter battery life than the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless and aren't quite as comfortable or well-built. However, they have an adaptive ANC system that adjusts itself to the noise around you and can block out a remarkable amount of ambient sound, including rumbling engines. Their overall noise isolation performance is almost as good as that of the Sony model.

Out of the box, they have a V-shaped sound profile with extra emphasis in the bass and treble, which lends your audio with intense rumble and punch, while instruments and vocals are bright and somewhat harsh. There's a companion app with graphic EQ and presets if you prefer a different sound. They last for around 27 hours continuously with their ANC on, and in a pinch, you can always plug the included audio cable into your phone or laptop to listen to audio passively.

Best Budget Travel Headphones

If you're looking for a cheaper option, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless are the best commuter headphones under $100 we've tested. Anker tends to dominate the mid-to-budget price range for over-ear headphones, especially when noise cancelling is important for use on a noisy plane or train. These headphones are significantly cheaper than the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless , but their ANC performs similarly, even though it's standard ANC and not adaptive. It does a fantastic job of blocking out the low rumble of engines and effectively reduces higher-pitched sounds like voices. Out of the box, their sound packs a lot of extra bass into your audio, so music has intense thump, rumble, and punch, but mixes can also sound muddy or cluttered. Like the previous pick, they have companion app support, including a graphic EQ and presets for sound customization.

These headphones are well-built and comfortable and have a long continuous battery life of around 44 hours. Unfortunately, they leak much more audio than the Q45, so your music is more likely to be audible to people nearby, especially if you like to listen at louder volumes. The Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones Wireless are also a good option if you want budget-friendly headphones with less leakage. They don't isolate from bass-range noise, like rumbling engines, as well as the Q30, but they still have a great overall noise isolation performance.

Best Cheap Travel Headphones

If you're on a tighter budget, the best cheap travel headphones we've tested are the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless. These are an earlier version of the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless that are still available. Like their successor, they outshine similarly priced headphones from other brands in noise cancelling. Their ANC system doesn't block out as much bass-range noise as the previous picks but still does a decent job of reducing engine noise. It also does a great job of reducing higher-pitched sounds like background conversations.

They have a V-shaped sound profile out of the box, with intense rumble and punch in the bass, bright and sparkly instruments, and lead vocals in the treble. This sound suits bass-heavy genres like EDM, hip-hop, pop, and rock. However, sibilants like S and T sounds can seem harsh, and they don't have sound customization features, unlike the Q30. That said, they have a similarly comfortable fit and a decently sturdy build quality, although they feel plasticky and only come with a cloth pouch instead of a rigid protective case like the Q30.

Best Travel Earbuds

Over-ears can be bulky and take up precious space in your bag or carry-on. If you're looking for something smaller and more portable, earbuds like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless are worth checking out. They're comfortable and come with a selection of ear tips and stability fins to help you find the best fit for your needs. Their compact design also makes it easy to toss them into your pocket. If their bass-heavy default sound profile isn't to your tastes, you can revamp it using their companion app's EQ and presets.

Like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless , they can block out a significant amount of ambient noise, thanks to their ANC system. They easily tackle common commuter noise like rumbly buses and trains as well as ambient chatter. While their seven-hour continuous playback time falls short compared to over-ear headphones, their carrying case holds an extra three charges if needed. They don't support multi-device pairing, so if you want to stay connected to your smartphone while working on your laptop, try the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless . They aren't quite as comfortable, though.

If you're looking for more earbuds, check out our recommendations for the best noise cancelling earbuds !

• Apple AirPods Max Wireless: The Apple AirPods Max Wireless headphones have a premium design and a remarkably effective ANC feature, but they don't fold into a more compact design. Unlike the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless, they come with a carrying sleeve, which doesn't completely cover the headphones and won't protect them from significant damage. See our review
• Bose 700 Headphones Wireless: The Bose 700 Headphones Wireless are premium ANC headphones designed for business professionals. If you care about call quality, their mic offers significantly better overall performance than the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. However, their ANC doesn't block out as much bass-range noise, but they still do an excellent job of reducing ambient noise around you overall. See our review
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3: The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3 are wireless earbuds with a longer continuous battery life than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless. They're cheaper but less comfortable, and their ANC isn't as effective, particularly when blocking out low-pitched noise like rumbling engines. See our review
• Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless: The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless have a more premium build than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless, which you might appreciate, considering the price of either pair. They have an excellent noise isolation performance but don't block out as much noise as the Bose, and they have an even shorter battery life. See our review
• OnePlus Buds 3 Truly Wireless: The OnePlus Buds 3 Truly Wireless are budget-friendly earbuds equipped with ANC technology. While they don't block out as much external noise as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless, they're also a fraction of the price. They offer a comfortable, stable fit, too, and last up to seven hours with the ANC enabled. See our review

May 02, 2024: We've added the OnePlus Buds 3 Truly Wireless as a Notable Mention due to their great cost-to-ANC-performance ratio, but our picks remain the same otherwise.

Mar 04, 2024: As the Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless are the same price as the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless, we've removed the Razer as a separate pick and added them as a comparison to the Sony since they can be a viable choice if you care about call quality. We've also renamed the Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless as the 'Best Mid-Range Travel Headphones' we've tested.

Jan 08, 2024: We've made the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless our top pick as they have a versatile performance and slightly outperform the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless. We also replaced the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless with the next generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless.

Nov 02, 2023: Confirmed accuracy and availability of our picks. Some minor text edits for clarity.

Sep 06, 2023: Added the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless as an alternative to the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II Truly Wireless. Moved the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless to Notable Mentions.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best noise cancelling headphones for travel for most people to buy. We factor in the price (cheaper headphones win over pricier ones if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no headphones that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

If you would like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our reviews for headphones, ranked by their suitability for commuting and traveling. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There are no perfect headphones. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection, especially if you listen to audio at high enough volumes to drown out the ambient noise of your travels.

The best travel headphones 2024, chosen by our jet-setting reviewers

Mute airplanes, trains and automobiles

• Best overall
• Best budget
• Best premium
• Best for battery life
• Best earbuds for ANC
• Best earbuds for Apple
• Best mid-priced earbuds
• Best super-cheap earbuds
• Earbuds for in-flight movies
• How to choose
• How we test
• Latest updates

When looking for the best travel headphones, we're slightly adjusting our priorities compared to looking for more general headphones. We're looking for portability, battery life and, of course, active noise cancellation (ANC) more than we might otherwise. For those looking for the best airplane headphones, the option of a wired connection becomes crucial too, for those in-flight movies.

This list of the best travel headphones overlaps heavily with the best noise-cancelling headphones , but focusing more on their battery life, whether they have a folding lightweight design, and making sure they have a 3.5mm jack. Over-ear headphones are better at ANC than wireless earbuds, and wireless buds don't have wired connections, s headphones are our first pick – but best noise-cancelling earbuds have a huge portability advantage, so we've included those too (and one of them actually can handle a wired connection).

Our reviewers have tested all of these travel headphones on the exact kinds of transport we're talking about – our recommendations are based on real-world use for flights, trains, buses and even the occasional boat.

The quick list

Want a simple way to find the travel headphones with the features and price range you want? Use our quick list below – you can click to see a longer write-up of each product for more in-depth information.

The best travel headphones for most people

These headphones offer strong noise cancellation, great sound, good battery life, wired or wireless use, and a comfortable fit in a lightweight folding design. Ideal for travel at a superb price.

Read more below

The best cheaper travel headphones

An affordable and comfortable pair of over-ears. They fold up nicely for storage, have a 3.5mm jack for plane movies and offer decent noise cancellation. Amazing for the price.

The best premium travel headphones

The best noise cancellation we've used to date, elite sound quality, spatial audio, and a super-comfortable design that folds up. They're expensive, though, and the battery life is short.

The best travel headphones for battery life

You get glorious sound quality and solid noise-stopping here, with some super-smart features, and wired or wireless use. Oh, and 60 hours of battery life, which crushes everything else here.

The best noise-cancelling earbuds

These offer essentially the best noise cancellation of earbuds, with a solid and secure fit. Great sound quality, smart features, and very good value for premium-level earbuds.

The best earbuds for iPhone and iPad

With noise-blocking powers to challenge the Bose, amazing Spatial Audio for watching movies on iPhone or iPad, and glorious audio quality, these are ideal for Apple fans. 

Load the next products...

The best mid-priced earbuds for noise cancellation

Half the price of Bose headphones or AirPods, and more premium than the Earfun, these hit a perfect balance. You get astounding audio quality, great ANC, and good battery life.

Read more below  

The cheap earbuds with good noise cancellation

For this price, no other buds delivers better noise cancellation. And as an added bonus, they offer a long battery life of 7 hours with ANC on. They're very future-proof for features, too.

The best wireless earbuds for in-flight movie systems

Exquisite sound, decent ANC, weak battery life – but you can connect their case to a 3.5mm jack, and it beams sound to the buds. They're uniquely good for flights, but they'll cost you.

I've been reviewing tech for 14 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 and train rides, and I've used my experience to choose the headphones that best fit the particular priorities of people flying or taking other long journeys.

Recent updates

June 7, 2024 Swapped the Sony WH-CH720N for the Earfun Wave Pro, based on our reviews of both products.

The best travel headphones 2024

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The best travel headphones overall

1. Sony WH-1000XM4

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Sony WH-1000 range has gone from strength to noise-cancelling strength with each iteration. While the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are now available, the 2020 XM4s still offer an incredible combination of brilliant ANC and enjoyably balanced audio quality from a lightweight set of folding cans. You could shell out the extra for the latest model but these are a significantly better buy for being slightly older. 

For travel especially, the noise cancelling here is exceptional. You’ll only realize just how loud that plane engine hum actually is when you take these off. This is thanks to Sony’s proprietary processor, which is constantly sampling the world around you and adjusting the noise cancellation accordingly. And not only will intrusive noises disappear but the pleather cups are cosy and comfortable even for long haul journeys, making the Sony WH-1000XM4s our top pick for the very best travel headphones, even though the newer Sony WH-1000XM5 is available – that model lacks the folding design, and is more expensive without being a big leap better.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM4 review  

• ^ Back to the top

2. Earfun Wave Pro

If you want a pair of travel-friendly headphones for a low price, look no further. The Earfun Wave Pro are an excellent-value pair of over-ears that prove you don't need to spend more than $100/£100 for solid headphones that'll suit long journeys and music on the move.

During our testing, we found the Earfun Wave Pro to be exceptionally comfortable, thanks to the soft memory foam on the wide cups. The adjustable headband ensures a perfect fit, and the foldable design allows for easy transport in the premium-looking carry case. The 3.5mm jack on the right cup is a crucial feature for in-flight movie entertainment.

When it comes to sound, the Earfun Wave Pro aren't going to compete with audiophile-grade over-ears, but as we wrote in our review, "compared to their rivals, the Earfun Wave Pro are really impressive." Usually, headphones this cheap sound distinctly average and tinny, but the Earfun Wave Pro sound fulsome and great. This makes sense, considering there are some impressive tech specs here, including 40mm drivers, High-Res Audio certification (both for wireless and wired music) and a Sony's LDAC tech for improved Bluetooth streaming.

You'll also get active noise cancellation, which, again, won't compete with the best noise-cancelling headphones but does a good job of blocking out most ambient sounds – you're definitely able to hear movies much more clearly over the plane engine noise because of it, and that's the most important thing.

While you'll find better headphones on this list, you'll have to pay more than double the price. The Earfun Wave Pro over-ear headphones pack everything you need into a comfortable and incredibly affordable package.

Read our full Earfun Wave Pro review

The best travel headphones for elite noise cancellation

3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

These are, perhaps, the ultimate travel companion – with just one flaw that might put you off. They check so many boxes, with their best-in-class active noise cancellation at the center of the success. We found in our testing that nothing else stops the hubbub of a city or traffic around you so effectively – though we did find that they reacted oddly to extremely loud sounds (sitting by a bus engine on a hill, and during plane take-off) with some very robotic output. But we were happy to forgive these moments, since they're so good the rest of the time.

And on top of that, you get truly exceptional audio quality that's more exciting, precise and detailed than anything else in this list. They're capable of deep, velvety bass and delicate, elevated treble, with plenty of expression and clarity through the mid-range. And on top of this, they have a spatial audio mode that does a good job of feeling like the sound isn't being pumped right into your ears, from any source, which can help flights to feel less claustrophobic.

And they do all this in a fairly light design that folds up for travel, so they're great for your carry-on (and they come with a hard cases). The only real downside? The 24-hour battery life is lower than other over-ear headphones here, though it's still enough to make it through the vast majority of flights, of course. Just remember to charge when you land. All of this comes at a high price compared to the other headphones here, though we think it's well worthwhile if you can stretch to it. (If not, the non-Ultra Bose QuietComfort Headphones offer very nearly as good ANC for cheaper, and are still light and foldable).

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review

The best travel headphones for huge battery life

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless cans were TechRadar’s favorite headphones of 2022 , the year they launched, and they're seriously impressive headphones that deliver on every level. 

You see, before we even get onto the excellent audio and brilliant ANC, let’s just take a moment to celebrate the 60-hour battery life. Yes, 60 hours , even with ANC and normal volume levels. That’s enough for five transatlantic flights without even having to think about going anywhere near a USB-C port. Oh, and if you do somehow run out of juice, there’s a 3.5mm jack for just that or plugging into a plane entertainment system.

While that battery life would be enough for us, Sennheiser has also managed to cram in wonderfully dynamic audio. No matter the music genre, the Momentum 4 Wireless deliver an ultra detailed and crisp aural performance. There’s a real depth here that is rare even in over-ear cans. Add in strong active noise cancellation (with genius adaptive features you can customize through the app) and you’ll very quickly forgive the slightly basic looks and mildly chunkier weight of these travel cans.

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review  

The best noise cancelling earbuds for travel

5. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

While some earbuds come with a selection of silicone tips to make sure you can personalize the fit of your buds, the new Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II go one better and customize audio specifically for your ear canals. Thanks to what Bose calls CustomTune, both ANC and audio in these buds are personalized to best suit your ears. And going by the clear and extra-detailed sound here, we can say it’s doing something right. Combined with Bose’s best-in-class noise cancellation, these buds sing with a vibrant soundstage even over the whirr of jet engines. 

The design has been overhauled from the previous generation, with a significantly more comfortable fit that’s ideal for long listening sessions. They aren’t the smallest buds, but they are lighter than the original Bose QC Earbuds, and the lozenges don’t look nearly as bulky in your ears. The downsides here are that there’s no hi-res audio support, no spatial audio, no multi-point pairing, and the chunky design may not suit everyone, though they fit very securely.

And while the active noise cancellation is effectively the best you can get for earbuds (the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are arguably better, but not much better, and they're notably more expensive, though they do also bring spatial audio support), the high-end over-ear stuff is even more effective. But then, they don't slip in your pocket wherever you go, like these do.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 review  

The best ANC earbuds for iPhone and iPad

6. Apple AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 2 were huge leap forward for the AirPods line, delivering not just a super-convenient experience for Apple users, but audio quality and noise cancellation that's up there with the best in the class. There’s an expansive soundscape that we’ve just not heard on previous AirPods, with incredibly layered audio. Vocals, bass, and even individual instruments all get their chance to shine. 

Add in excellent ANC that's only a hair behind the Bose at #5 on this list , plus a lighter weight and smaller case than almost all similar rivals, and Apple's Find My functionality in case you leave them somewhere, and the AirPods Pro 2 are the perfect travel companions.

The final cherry on the icing for traveling is Spatial Audio, however. Use them with an iPhone or iPad to watch movies and they recreate the feeling of being in a movie theater surrounded by speakers, rather then feeling the sound is pumping right in your ears. It's nice to feel less confined when traveling, and nothing does that more effectively than these.

But this all really applies if you're deep into Apple tech; the functionality is very limited on Android. And note that the six hours of battery life per charge is very average – the Sony WF-C700N at #6 on the list offer 7.5 hours, by comparison.

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

The best mid-priced earbuds for ANC

7. Sony WF-C700N

It's not many products that leads us to say that a pair of earbuds "just ripped our notions on what is achievable at this level to smithereens" in a review, but these did. If you want to spend less than $100/£100 on a pair of earbuds while getting the best possible sound and noise cancellation from them, read no further. Nothing beats these.

It's not just the energetic, accurate, detailed audio quality, but that the effective (and customizable) noise cancellation that makes it easy to hear. Yes, the Bose earbuds or over-ear headphones do it better, but you pay a ton more to get there.

Throw in support for Sony's 360 Reality Audio tech for positional sound, plus generally great app support, a super-light and secure fit, and long battery life from the buds, and you've got a winning package. That you only get one additional charge from the case is a bit of an issue for traveling, but not a dealbreaker. It's the same with the lack of auto-pause when you remove them, or hi-res support – again, we're not concerned for the price. We love them.

Read our full Sony WF-C700N review

Best super-cheap earbuds with good ANC

8. Earfun Air Pro 3

We called these "the best cheap noise-cancelling earbuds you can get" in our review, and that's the long and short of it. Do they block noise as well as the Bose, AirPods, or Sony earbuds also in this list? No – but they're way less expensive (and often discounted further), and they do it as well as anything else at the same kind of price.

And when you then factor in the fantastic nine-hour battery life, and that they're future-proofed with features such as Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio support, they're even more of a bargain. The sound is good for the price, with no obvious weaknesses, even it isn't as rich as more elite models – it's still fun and compelling to listen to.

The design is not very svelte, but we don't mind too much considering what's been packed in there. These are such good all-rounders, and the quality of the sound for the cost makes them our cheapest pick.

Read our full Earfun Air Pro 3 review

Best true wireless earbuds for in-flight movie systems

9. Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2

When it comes to sound quality, few earbuds can match these. We said "you're in for a sonic masterclass" in our review, and raved that dynamic elements are delivered with "more zeal and energy than we've heard from any set of true wireless earbuds to date". When it comes to audio quality, they're second to none.

That's sadly not true when it comes to the quality of the noise cancellation (which let's through far more low-frequency rumble than we expect from something so premium), and the battery life, which is the lowest of anything in this list.

But they have an ace up their sleeve. Unlike basically all other true wireless earbuds, these can be used wired. The case comes with a couple of cables (one USB-C to USB-C, one 3.5mm jack to USB-C), so that you can connect the case to an audio source such as an in-flight entertainment system. The sound is beamed from the case to the earbuds over aptX high-quality streaming.

All of the over-ear headphones we've featured in this list have a wired options, but none of the earbuds does. That's the nature of going true wireless. You get the best of both worlds here. Well, most of the best – if only the noise cancellation was better. They're also very large – those with small ears should give them a test before committing.

Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 review

How to choose the best travel headphones for you

When it comes to choosing the best travel headphones, all of the important decisions are fully subjective. This is about finding the best travel headphones for  you  and not anybody else, so there are a few things to consider. 

The first one is an easy choice. Do you prefer over-ear cans or earbuds? We all have very different preferences, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Some people find in-ear buds invasive or worry about finding exactly the right fit. Thankfully if you’re fretting about the latter, most earbuds now come with a collection of silicone tips to ensure that the buds are snug enough for you not to worry about them tumbling out. Active noise cancelling depends on a good seal, so most ANC pairs have a good selection. Earbuds are also handy for travelling thanks to their compact cases that can slide into an inside pocket. 

But if you’re happy to carry something a little bigger and want some added audio oomph, there are plenty of over-ear options explicitly designed to press the mute button on airports and crowded train carriages. Brands like Sony and Bose have long reigned over the travel crowd, purely for their ultra-comfortable over-ear fit, excellent noise cancellation and satisfying audio chops.

They also fit snugly even when you’re cosied into your neck pillow on the plane, which is incredibly satisfying as you drift off. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for over-ears that come with a 3.5mm cable in the case so you can plug into the airplane entertainment system without having to resort to the free foamy monstrosities so you can watch a movie.

True wireless earbuds won't have a cable option (mostly), so if you're taking them on a flight, make sure you've filled your tablet or phone with entertainment.

Once you’ve decided on a fit, it’s time to think about your budget. If you fly regularly or want to silence a noisy metro train daily, you might want to invest in a high-end pair of ANC cans. If you’re just heading onto one short flight and don’t want to spend as much as the ticket on a pair of headphones, plenty of ANC options are available that won’t break the bank. You’ll sacrifice some bells and whistles, but audio quality doesn’t always have to suffer.

Speaking of ANC, you'll want to consider just how much you want to block out the world around you. As we said above, the more you pay the better the ANC tends to be. But that isn't always the case, so be sure to read our first-hand reviews. All of the options in this guide have some level of ANC – we consider it essential for a pair of the best travel headphones – but we also have a guide dedicated to the best noise cancelling headphones and best noise cancelling earbuds specifically if wrapping yourself up in an immersive cocoon of sound is your number one priority.

Higher-end headphones also may come with a system to adjust the air pressure between the seal and your eardrum, which is obviously nice on airplanes, when the pressure changes. Sony's WH-1000XM4 at #1 on this list feature 'Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing' tech, for example, while AirPods Pro 2 at #7 on this list also feature a pressure-balancing system.

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

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.

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Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Entertainment, meaning he's in charge of persuading our team of writers and reviewers to watch the latest TV shows and movies on gorgeous TVs and listen to fantastic speakers and headphones. It's a tough task, as you can imagine. Matt has over a decade of experience in tech publishing, and previously ran the TV & audio coverage for our colleagues at T3.com, and before that he edited T3 magazine. During his career, he's also contributed to places as varied as Creative Bloq, PC Gamer, PetsRadar, MacLife, and Edge. TV and movie nerdism is his speciality, and he goes to the cinema three times a week. He's always happy to explain the virtues of Dolby Vision over a drink, but he might need to use props, like he's explaining the offside rule.

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Home » Gear » best travel headphones

The 8 Top Travel Headphones in 2024

These days a good pair of headphones is as important a travel essential as a decent travel bag or travel wallet. Travel headphones are a great way of keeping you entertained while traveling, with many of the best also offering the fantastic added extra of noise-cancelling functionality – which is always appreciated on a plane, train, or hotel with noisy air conditioning! What’s more, travel headphones are lightweight and compact too.

But which of the 250 travel headphones on the market should you spend your hard-earned money on? Check out our detailed reviews of the very best available now!

We’ve covered things like best headphones for hiking, best noise cancelling headphone, most compact, in ear, over ear, good travel headphones on a budget. You get the idea, we’ve got them all!

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Games

Top travel headphones, best noise-cancelling headphones under $100, best wireless travel headphones, best travel headphones for iphone, best travel headphones with microphone, best over-ear travel headphones, best travel earbuds, bonus best travel pillow to use with headphones, best of the rest, how we tested the best travel headphones, faq about the best travel headphones.

• Top Travel Headphones – Bose QuietComfort 35 II
• Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Under $100 – Silensys E7
• Best Wireless Travel Headphones – Sony WI 1000X
• Best travel headphones for iPhone – Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Apple Devices
• Best Travel Headphones with Microphone – Skullcandy Crusher
• Best Over-ear Travel Headphones – Aftershokz Aeropex Headphones
• Best Travel Earbuds – Skullcandy Earbuds
• BONUS! Best Travel Pillow to use with Headphones – Trtl Pillow Plus

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

• Price > $199.95
• > Wired and wireless
• > Noise-cancelling

Silensys E7

• Price > $49.98
• > Great price
• > Active noise-cancelling

Sony WI 1000X

• > Users can adjust the sound profile

Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Apple Devices

• Price > $369
• > Specifically made for Apple devices
• > Built-in microphone

Skullcandy Crusher

• > 40 hours battery life
• > Full range audio drivers plus subwoofer drivers

Aftershokz Aeropex Headphones

• Price > $179.95
• > Lightweight
• > Can be used for fitness routines

Skullcandy Earbuds

• Price > $10.71
• > Made for movement
• > Sweat-resistant

Trtl Pillow Plus

• Price > $64.99
• > Comfortable
• > Perfect for travel headphones!

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These over-ear style closed-back headphones are incredibly comfortable to wear, feel sturdy in the hand, and are simple to set up and use. The QuietComfort 35 II by Bose can be used either wired or wireless and can be connected to two different devices at the same time.

These headphones also offer noise-cancelling functionality, capable of removing a large array of background sounds to create a well-balanced timbre that fits well whatever the music or podcasts you enjoy listening too, although they lack the ability to alter the sound to your own personal likes. The battery life for the QuietComfort 35 IIs is around 20 hours, with charging taking roughly two hours to fully charge.

• Wired and wireless
• Noise-cancelling
• Long battery life
• The over-ear style might not suit every user
• Cannot adjust timbre to personal choice
• Bose AR app only available for iOS users
• Quite bulky

Are the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones for me?

If you’re looking for a pair of over-ear headphones that are going to serve you well during your travels – being comfortable, well-made, and featuring noise-cancelling – then the QuietComfort 35 II by Bose are certainly a very good buy!

The team were super impressed by these headphones, especially those that wanted a superior level of noise cancellation for things like noisy flights or hostel dorms. They love the control they have over the noise cancellation with the 3 levels which is super useful for different travel situations. The addition of alexa, music sharing and the connect app not only adds extra functionality but added levels of control too. They also found the headphones to be pretty light too given their high quality feel.

A pair of travel headphones don’t have to cost hundreds of dollars. Even if you’re on a tight budget as a student or backpacker there are some fantastic pairs of travel headphones on the market to consider. The Silensys E7 active noise-cancelling headphones are one such pair! Though they might lack some of the all-round styling of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones, Silensys E7 do come in five cool colors as well as a glossy black.

More importantly perhaps for those on a budget, these headphones come in at a penny under $70, while still offering active noise-cancelling capabilities in both wired and wireless modes. A built-in microphone allows you to make hands-free calls from your smartphone, while the good-quality sound means you’ll always enjoy using your Silensys E7s.

• Great price
• Good color range
• Active noise-cancelling
• Over-ear style
• Weight of close to 1.5 lbs
• Batteries not included
• Not as sturdy as more expensive models

Are the Silensys E7 active noise-cancelling headphones for me?

Not only do the Silensys E7 headphones offer an excellent price point for anyone traveling on a budget in the need for a good pair of headphones, but also come in some cool color choices if plain black or white isn’t quite your look. Despite the price, these headphones also offer wired and wireless modes and hands-free call taking!

The team were really impressed by the levels of noise cancellation offered for such a great price. They felt that for those that don’t want to spend a few hundred $ on something that could potentially get broken, stolen or lost pretty easy on the road, these were a great solution. Another thing they liked was the cool range of colours which many other brands don’t offer.

Available in black and gold, the Sony WI 1000X are much more exciting than their name might suggest. These in-ear headphones are another closed-back form with a neckband that is both well-made and looks good. These headphones also offer some good noise cancellation despite not being an over-ear form of travel headphone.

Their basic set-up is pretty well-balanced to suit any genre of music, however, the WI 1000X also connect to Sony’s Headphones Connect app (on Android and iOS), from where users can adjust the sound profile to your exact personal tastes! These headphones provide the option of hands-free calling with vibration notifications on the neckband and have ten-hour battery life.

• Users can adjust the sound profile
• In-ear headphone
• Neckband might feel strange to some
• Only black and gold options
• Ten-hour battery life

Are the Sony WI 1000X headphones for me?

Although they are compact and lightweight, this doesn’t stop the Sony WI 1000Xs being wireless headphones with noise-cancelling functionality. They also boast the ability to receive hands-free calls, while true music lovers will adore the ability to adjust the headphones’ sound profile to exactly your preferred settings via the smartphone app.

Our team felt these were the best travel earphones for those looking for a compact in-ear configuration. They loved the deep base and clearer range of frequencies these Sony headphones offer them. They were also impressed by the fact that such a small, light and in ear headphone offers noise cancellation abilities and they felt they were very effective too.

If you have a more recent edition of an iPhone then Apple’s decision to do away with the standard 3.5mm audio jack a few years ago means you’ll be searching for travel headphones which use a lightning connector instead. Those fine folk at Bose have come to the rescue with the Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Cancelling Headphone for Apple devices.

These wired in-ear travel headphones have added StayHear+ tips to ensure the best and most comfortable fit possible, while a built-in microphone, neck-line controls and clothing clip make it incredibly easy to switch between listening to music and making calls on your iPhone.

• Specifically made for Apple devices
• No lightning adapters required
• Built-in microphone
• In-ear headphones
• 16-hour battery life
• Only in black

Are the Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Apple Devices for me?

Apple product users are limited in their choice of headphones to some extent, however, that doesn’t mean they have to settle for second best. The Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Apple devices provide all the features you’d expect from a good pair of travel headphones at this price point while being specifically made for iPhone and other Apple devices!

Our team rate these as their best travel earphones for Apple users due to their superb sound quality and the awesome effectiveness of the noise cancellation for such small headphones. They felt being so small they were pretty much perfect for travellers, especially those who spend heaps of time flying. They also remarked how comfortable these were too.

The Skullcandy Crusher travel headphones are a simply phenomenal pair of headphones all around. Their sleek look – in black, maroon, olive green, and white – make these over-ear closed-back headphones very attractive and street worthy. But more than just looking great, these headphones do their job extraordinarily well too. The use of two full-range audio drivers in addition to two subwoofer drivers creates a strongly immersive experience with adjustable bass levels.

They are also wireless, with up to 40 hours of Bluetooth battery life after a full charge of 2.5 hours, while just ten minutes of charging promises to deliver three hours of functionality. On-ear buttons together with the built-in microphone allow you to answer calls, and adjust sound settings without the need to ever reach for your smartphone!

• Full-range audio drivers plus subwoofer drivers
• 40 hours of battery life
• Over-ear headphones
• Weight of 0.6 lbs
• No horizontal or vertical swivel
• Soft packing bag supplied

Are the Skullcandy Crusher Travel Headphones for me?

Anyone looking for a good pair of travel headphones with a built-in microphone should be drawn towards the Skullcandy Crusher headphones. They have a nice look and excellent audio and subwoofer drivers, while Skullcandy seems to have upped the build quality from previous headphone models! Fully wireless, they also boast an impressive 40-hour battery life.

The team love the Skullcandy headphones for many reasons, but the main one has to be how cool they look! Ok, they’re not that shallow, they also told us just how comfortable these headphones are, in fact, possibly the most comfortable they’ve ever used. They are also great in warmer weather too with the material not being as “sticky” when sweating! They also found the battery level to be almost unbeatable too and perfect for long travel stints and times when recharging is difficult.

We’ve already given you some great examples of over-ear travel headphones in our other categories, but the Aftershokz Aeropex Headphones make the cut as our best over-ear travel headphones for a number of reasons. Firstly, they are incredibly lightweight, weighing in at an almost unbelievable 0.9 ounces! Then there’s the fact these travel headphones are waterproof and sturdy enough in their fit that they can be used for athletic events such as jogging or other fitness routines.

When it comes to tech, the Aeropex Headphones are wireless, and have a built-in microphone and volume control, while fitting snuggly behind the head/neck, allowing bone conduction technology to deliver sound through the skull so you’re still able to capture ambient sounds around you that you might need to hear!

• Lightweight
• Can be used for fitness routines
• Neckbrace style fitting
• 8-hour battery life
• Imported into the US

Are the Aftershokz Aeropex Headphones for me?

If you need a lightweight pair of headphones that aren’t going to fall off as soon as you take a couple of steps jogging, you really should consider the Aftershokz Aeropex Headphones. Weighing less than an ounce, these headphones are waterproof too, meaning you don’t have to stop training with them if and when the weather turns. Additionally, these headphones have built-in volume control and microphone for taking calls!

The team feel these are the best headphones for hiking due to the way in which the design allows you to still be very aware of your surroundings whilst listening to music or a podcast. The design is also perfect for those who want to still be able to hold conversations with their headphones on. The style is also pretty low key and they found they stayed in place well whilst hiking or running and wern’t big enough to get hot or sweaty too.

The Skullcandy Method travel earbuds, or in-ear travel headphones, are also designed with sport and movement in mind and are sweat-resistant as a result. DualLock technology, together with the neck brace or ‘collar’ mean these travel headphones are easy to keep in place even when active.

They have Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in microphone for answering any calls you might receive while out and about, while you’ll find further controls within easy reach on the collar. The battery for the Skullcandy Method Earbuds charges in just 2.5 hours, giving users nine hours of music – enough for a double marathon!

• Made for movement
• Sweat-resistant
• Controls on neck collar
• Neck collar might be uncomfortable to some
• 9-hour battery life
• Not fully wireless

Are the Skullcandy Method Earbuds for me?

Using headphones while doing heavy exercise can be difficult, but the Skullcandy Method Earbuds have DualLock technology and a neck collar to prevent the buds slipping or falling out. What’s more, the collar incorporates a whole load of useful controls alongside a built-in microphone for taking calls and wireless Bluetooth connectivity so you don’t get tangled up in wires as you break those personal training records!

The team were really impressed by the sheer range of features and functions on such a small and lightweight pair of headphones. They felt in terms of travel headphones, there size and weight makes them perfect. In terms of battery life, for their size they were again suitably impressed.

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Ok, so you’ve got some good travel headphones, but you want to use a travel pillow. Hmm, what to do!?

You’re on a plane, or train, or bus, and want to while away the time with music and podcasts but also want to be comfortable throughout by using a travel pillow. What do you do? You need a travel pillow that won’t interfere with your headphones, with the Trtl Pillow Plus a great example of its kind.

Being scarf-like wrap rather than a traditional travel pillow it is soft to the touch, lightweight and unbulky while providing all the support you need to rest well thanks to a in-built plastic headrest. Leaving the ears and lower head free, the Trtl Pillow Plus doesn’t clash with headphones, whether you prefer to use over-ear or in-ear versions, making it the perfect addition to your travel must-haves!

• Comfortable
• Perfect for travel headphones!
• In-built support limits you to one sleeping position
• One-size only
• Not a traditional travel pillow
• No direct connectivity to travel headphones

Is the Trtl Pillow Plus Travel Headphone Pillow for me?

Offering a great combination of features that are easily useable in collaboration with a pair of travel headphones makes the Trtl Pillow Plus a great choice for any traveler. Lightweight, and much less bulky than a traditional travel pillow, it provides comfortable support for those looking to rest that doesn’t get in the way of headphone use.

Our team love this new style solution to that age old problem, sleeping whilst sat upright! The neck support allows them to avoid waking up stiff and sore and the low profile and lightweight construction makes it easier to carry than a conventional pillow/ neck pilow. Most importantly for this post, they love that the design doesn’t cover the ears allowing them to wear pretty much any kind of headphones with ease.

Plantronics Backbeat

The Plantronics Backbeat over-ear headphones have an attractive vintage look of black and tan that provides up to 24 hours of wireless music before having to connect up to a cable or charge. Its Bluetooth connectivity extends to a very healthy 100 meters with the ability to be connected to two different devices at the same time, while these headphones are also great for travel because they can be twisted flat and kept in a protective travel sleeve.

On top of that, the Plantronics Backbeat headphones have active noise-cancelling that massively reduces ambient noise while providing top quality audio with powerful audio drivers which create a sound that is rich right across the sound spectrum.

• Stylish look
• Travel-friendly design
• 100m Bluetooth connectivity
• Very specific style
• 6 lb in weight
• No built-in microphone

Are the Plantronics Backbeat headphones for me?

When it comes to headphones that look the part as well as sounding the part, the Plantronics Backbeat over-ear headphones are another fine choice! Not only do they offer great sound quality, but have a battery life that lasts an entire day on one charge, and twist flat so they can be safely packed away without taking up huge amounts of space.

The team love the classic look of these headphone and for those wanting something that they can wear in professional settings, these worked perfectly. The placement of the controls is also pretty unique and the team felt that they were easier to use than many others on this list. They also loved how bassy these headphones were, especially for those favouring heavy metal and dance music.

Sennheiser HD 4.50

Although the Sennheiser brand may not be as well known as Sony, Bose, or Skullcandy, we think these over-ear headphones deserve looking at! Although wireless, the use of Bluetooth 4.0 and aptx technologies ensures a fine sound quality can still be enjoyed. Users of these headphones can also enjoy NoiseGard active noise-cancelling, removing all that irritating ambient background noise that are frequently found in offices, and on various forms of transport.

Ear-mounted buttons make it really easy and simple to stay in control, while the built-in microphone ensures you can make and take calls without reaching for your smartphone. These headphones also come with a very good battery life of 19 hours after a full charge!

• High-quality sound
• NoiseGard active noise-cancelling
• Ear-mounted buttons and built-in microphone
• Over-ear design
• No protective carry case supplied
• Weight of 8 ounces
• Not great for those larger in stature

Are the Sennheiser HD 4.50 headphones for me?

If branding isn’t all important to you, lesser-known Sennheiser has been creating noise-cancelling headphones since 1984, giving them an incredible pedigree and heritage in this sort of technology. The HD 4.50 headphones also offer wireless listening for up to 19 hours in one go, alongside a built-in microphone for making wireless calls, and ear-mounted buttons for easy control.

The Sennheiser brand is well known throughout our team and they just love the high build quality which gives them a real sense on longevity. Another plus point is the superb and accurate sound levels that really blow other options out of the water.

Jabra Elite 85h

One of the chunkier over-ear headphones on our list, the Jabra Elite 85h are fully wireless headphones with smart active noise cancellation that kicks in automatically if it detects background noise such as the hum of an aircraft. Their very clever SmartSound technology means that you’re always guaranteed the best quality sound for your environment, while even with active noise-cancelling switched on they offer a battery life of 36 hours on a single charging.

Users can also get five hours of action with just 15 minutes of charging – perfect if you’re never in the same place for very long! The Jabra Elite 85h headphones also have eight built-in microphones for the very best call quality whatever the noise coming from your background surroundings.

• Fully wireless
• Smart active noise cancellation
• 36-hour battery life
• Multiple built-in microphones for making calls
• Quite bulky to wear
• Water resistant but not waterproof
• Short charging cable

Are the Jabra Elite 85h headphones for me?

These over-ear headphones are impressive all-rounders in an ever-busier marketplace. With active noise-cancelling that is triggered automatically when it picks up background noise, and SmartSound tech that guarantees top-quality sound whatever that background, users can be sure never to miss a beat. And with 8 different microphones built-in, those you talk to wireless won’t have any problem picking up what you’re saying either!

The team felt these were a great option for those on a budget wanting headphones which offer great noise cancellation, a range of features and functionality as well as looking good too. They also felt the sound quality and the base levels were also pretty damn good too for such well priced headphones.

Bose QuietControl30

The little brother or sister of the Bose QuietControl 35 II (already reviewed above), the Bose QuietControl30 wireless headphones offer great sound despite their lightweight nature! These in-ear headphones and next collar incorporate controls on the wire connecting earbud with collar, while these headphones are otherwise wireless.

These headphones also offer the ability to alter the level of noise cancellation to your immediate surroundings, while offering both Bluetooth and NFC connectivity. A dual microphone system makes calls clearer than with headphones using a single built-in microphone and can be used for up to 10 hours on a single full charge.

• Easy access controls at ear level
• Adaptive noise cancellation technology
• Dual microphone system for clear calls
• Neck collar may be awkward for some
• Do not allow Bose music sharing
• 10-hour battery life

Are the Bose QuietControl 30 headphones for me?

If you like the sound of the Bose QuietControl 35 II but are after something a little lighter and less bulky then the BoseQuietControl 30 are the ideal alternative. With Bluetooth and NFC wireless connectivity and two in-built microphones, you can listen to music and make calls without having to reach for your smartphone, with these headphones having enough battery life to keep you entertained on the move for up to 10 hours.

Our team felt these were a close second when it comes to the best headphones for hiking given how well they stayed in their ears. More than that though they were super impressed by the levels of noise cancellation offered by headphones that are so small and light. They also loved that the Bluetooth transmitter could fit inside a planes standard jack and so connect with the inflight entertainment system easily.

Philips PH805

Folding in on themselves to reduce the amount of space they take up in a bag, these over-ear headphones by Philips have a luxurious-feeling memory foam cover than rests over or on top of your ears, to make sure they remain comfortable throughout the day! There’s in-line control and a microphone switch for moving effortlessly between listening to music and taking or making a call, while the specially-designed standalone acoustic chambers and optimized 40mm neodymium drivers ensure good sound quality. The Philips PH805 headphones also feature noise-cancellation technology, and come in at just 8 ounces in weight!

• Folding to reduce storage space
• Memory foam covers
• Great quality sound
• Noise-cancelling tech
• Lack some style
• Over/on-ear headphones
• Not wireless
• Imported to US

Are the Philips PH805 headphones for me?

These Philips PH805 headphones provide a good balance between cost, sound quality, usability, and size. Ear comfort is protected through the use of memory foam covers, while the drivers and acoustic chambers used to create a wonderful sound. Further, the Philips PH805 have noise-cancelling technology built-in, so however noisy the surrounding environment you find yourself in, you’ll still be able to enjoy music as it should be heard.

For what are a super cheap pair of headphones, the team were pretty impressed by what they offered. For less than 40 quid you get decent noise cancellation, good portability and a lightweight design. The wires might be a drawback but for those wanting to switch between their phone, laptop and the entertainment system on the plane, they know it will be quick and easy.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

How to choose the best travel headphones for you

Over-ear versus in-ear headphones

One of the first questions you should ask yourself when you’re thinking of splashing out on a new pair of travel headphones is which sort of headphone do you prefer? Are you a fan of over-ear headphones that make it much easier to become fully immersed in what you’re listening to, or in-ear headphones which tend to be lighter but have slightly reduced sound qualities as a result? Do you like the feel of the neck collars/braces that accompany many modern in-ear choices?

Also, bear in mind what activity or activities you plan to use these headphones for! For example, if you intend to primarily use your new headphones for exercise or activities with a lot of movement, be sure to pick a pair that are specifically built for the purpose. That way, you’ll be sure that your headphones will last, and resist the rigours of running, for instance.

In general, if you’re going to be running or you’re looking for as an example, the best headphones for hiking, you’re going to want ones that will stay in whilst you’re being active too. So, looking for the best travel earphones, ones that go inside your actual ear, is perfect.

Wired, wireless, and true wireless

For most people, deciding between wired, wireless, and true wireless travel headphones is a pretty easy choice coming down to personal preference and what you’re used to. We’d say doing away with wires is definitely the way to go, especially when traveling, when there are already ten different things to get tangled up in! As for the difference between wireless and true wireless, a wireless travel headphone will connect to your smartphone or device through Bluetooth but might have a wire between earbud and neck brace, while you’ll find no wires on any sort in a truly wireless travel headphone.

Other features to consider

While most brands of headphone in the same price bracket will have similar features, its worth noting down exactly what you are looking for in your pair of travel headphones. We’d say finding a pair with good noise-cancelling functionality is all important when traveling – given the amount of noisy downtime you’re likely to face on planes, trains, and elsewhere. The so-called ‘ambient’ noise on a plane can hit 60 decibels for example, which explains why its always so difficult to fully hear films using the airline’s free headphones.

In addition, are you also looking for compact size, so that your travel headphones pack down really small (another reason to opt for in-ear headphones perhaps)? Maybe it’s sound quality which is more important to you.

You will also want to decide whether or not you’re going to want a built-in microphone system, enabling you to make hands-free calls. Frankly we say that if you’re going to be using your smartphone to listen to music, why not also have that hands-free capability!

There is no perfect or exact science when it comes to testing out travel gear, but here at The Broke Backpackers, we’ve got enough experience to have gotten pretty good at it!

When we set about testing a piece of gear, we start by handing each item out to various members of our team spread around the world. This means we always get different opinions and experiences when it comes to feedback.

Our testing revolves around a series of parameters we use for each item to fairly compare them to one another. We look at how well each piece fulfils its primary purpose. So when it comes to picking out good travel headphones that are things like portability, weight, size, noise cancellations, battery life and durability as well as sound quality.

Finally, we also take into account how an item is priced – So more expensive headphones that performed poorly were treated more harshly when it came to doling out points. On the other hand, cheaper headphones were given a bit more leeway.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

Are bluetooth headphones better than wired headphones?

That depends on your personal preference. Bluetooth headphones are definitely handier but they also need to be charged which can get a bit annoying. However, the wire connected with your headphones can get tangled in your clothes and other objects.

Can you wear bluetooth headphones on a plane?

Yes, you can wear bluetooth headphones on a plane. If you’re worried, keep them disconnected during landing and take-off.

Are noise-cancelling headphones any good?

Noise-cancelling headphones are great for people that need to work on their laptop in a busy environment. There is no disadvantage of noice cancelling, unless you need to be aware of your surroundings.

What are the best budget travel headphones?

The Silensys E7 are the best noise-cancelling headphones that are not just high in quality, but also pretty affordable.

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A final point for all those iPhone and iPad users out there

Don’t forget that if you’re a user of Apple iOS products you’re going to need to take the lack of a 3.5mm audio jack into consideration for wired headphones, or you’ll also be faced with needing to add a lightning adapter to your kit list!

When you’re thinking about travel headphones there’s a lot to consider – as you’ve probably already discovered! However, the good news is that we’ve done much of the hard graft for you guys, and we’ve cast our eyes across the 250 different travel headphones out there to bring you only the very best! What’s more, our links make it really easy to make that purchase a reality – so get clicking!

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Article updated on June 18, 2024 at 8:30 AM PDT

Best Travel Headphones for 2024

Do you have upcoming travel plans? We've rounded up the best noise-canceling headphones to pack for all your adventures.

Our Experts

• Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.

What to consider

Value can reflect quality. Consider your needs and what your budget allows.

Fit (Comfort)

Ensuring the headphones you choose fit your head help minimize any discomfort from extended wear.

Sturdy quality helps ensure your headphones hold up well over time.

What are the best travel headphones overall?

However you choose to travel, the right pair of headphones can take a noisy vessel and turn it into a joyful experience full of music or stories while you go to new lands. There are many noise-canceling headphones to pick from for both Apple users and Android users alike. Something to think about when selecting the best travel headphones for you in addition to offering great quality of sound for music is if you want them to also be good for phone calls.

I've tested and used a lot of headphones including earbuds and over-ear headphones during my travels over the last 10 years, and it's tough to pick just one model as the absolute best overall travel headphones. For full-size models, I like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones , the Sony WH-1000XM5 and even the lightweight and more affordable Sony CH-720N (lighter is better when it comes to travel headphones). All these models are wireless headphones, but they include a cord so you can plug into an in-flight entertainment system. They feature active noise canceling to block external noise and are also good for making voice calls.

There are also plenty of great noise-canceling earbud options, including the highly rated Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds , Apple's AirPods Pro 2 and Sony's WF-1000XM5 . True-wireless earbuds are easier to carry around and can be stored in your pocket. The downside is they don't have a wired option and won't connect to an in-flight entertainment system unless you buy a Bluetooth transceiver like Twelve South's AirFly Pro (around $50) and other similar products you can find on Amazon . (Read our full review of the AirFly Pro .)

I've tested all the headphones on this list and will update the list as new travel-friendly headphones are released.

Best travel headphones of 2024

• Excellent sound and best-in-class noise canceling
• Fit Kit ear tips and stabilizer system gets you a secure, comfortable fit
• Immersive Audio creates a different listening experience
• Slightly improved voice-calling
• No wireless charging or multipoint Bluetooth
• Immersive Audio mode hurts battery life

Best for noise-canceling

Bose quietcomfort ultra earbuds.

While the QC Ultra Earbuds aren't a major upgrade over Bose's excellent QC Earbuds 2 that were released in 2022, they're a little better. They should fit most ears very well, and they feature superb noise canceling, arguably the best travel headphones for blocking sound out there. A natural-sounding transparency mode with a new ActiveSense feature kicks in some ANC should the sound get too loud around you (it's sort of similar to the AirPods Pro's Adaptive Audio feature). These Bose headphones also sound slightly better overall, with a touch more clarity, and their new Immersive Audio feature opens up the sound a bit.

• Design is an upgrade
• Lightweight and very comfortable
• Excellent sound and great noise canceling
• Voice-calling performance is top-notch
• Immersive Audio mode offers some sound-quality enhancements
• Higher price than the previous model
• No USB-C audio

Best Bose noise-canceling headphones

Bose quietcomfort ultra headphones.

While Bose's new flagship QuietComfort Ultra Headphones may not be a huge upgrade over the company's Noise Cancelling 700 headphones, they feature a more premium design along with Bose's new Immersive Audio feature, which delivers some sound-quality enhancements. Along with excellent sound and great noise canceling, the QC Ultra Headphones are also superb for making calls, with top-notch background noise reduction. All that adds up to the best new noise-canceling headphones of 2024 and a worthy adversary to Sony's highly rated WH-1000XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max.

• More refined sound and even better noise canceling
• Slightly more comfortable
• Best-in-class voice call quality
• Robust feature set
• Higher price tag than the previous model
• Larger carrying case (headphones fold flat but not up)

Best noise-canceling headphones from Sony

Sony wh-1000xm5.

When you have a product that a lot of people love, change can be risky. Such is the case for Sony's WH-1000XM5, the fifth generation of the 1000X series headphones, which were first released in 2016 as the MDR-1000X Wireless and have become increasingly popular as they've improved with each generation. Over the years, Sony has made some tweaks to the design, but nothing as dramatic as what it's done with the WH-1000XM5. Other than the higher price tag, most of those changes are good, and Sony's made some dramatic improvements with voice-calling performance as well as even better noise canceling and more refined sound.

• New smaller design
• Improved sound, noise canceling and voice calling
• Upgraded processors and drivers
• No Find My feature integrated into app

Best Sony earbuds

Sony wf-1000xm5.

When Sony's  WF-1000XM4  earbuds came out in 2021, we awarded them a CNET Editors' Choice. And while they're excellent, we had some quibbles -- they're on the large side and aren't a good match for certain ears. Clearly, Sony took those gripes to heart when it set out to design its next-generation WF-1000XM5 flagship noise-canceling earbuds. Not only are the XM5s smaller, but they also offer improved performance pretty much across the board, with better noise canceling, great sound quality and voice calling. Are the XM5s perfect? Not quite. At $300 -- $20 more than their predecessor -- they're costly too. Overall they're really impressive; among the very top earbuds on the market.

• Comfortable fit
• Good sound for their low price
• Decent noise-canceling and voice-calling performance
• ANC disabled when in wired mode
• Lacking a bit of clarity

Top new budget noise-canceling headphones

Earfun wave pro.

Earfun has made some very solid budget earbuds and now it's entered the full-size ANC headphone space with its new-for-2024 Wave Pro headphones. They list for $80, but click the coupon on their product page and add the code EWPROCNET at checkout and the price drops to $63 . While they may not sound as good as premium noise-canceling headphones from Bose, Sony, they're comfortable to wear, feature decent sound with punchy bass (they're a bit lacking in clarity and bass definition compared to more expensive models) and offer respectable noise canceling and voice-calling performance. I found them to be a step up from the Soundpeats Space headphones, which sometimes cost a little less.

They're rated for up to 80 hours of battery with noise-canceling off and 55 hours with it on and support multipoint Bluetooth pairing as well as Sony's LDAC audio codec for Android smartphones and other devices that support that protocol. I also like that they come with a hard case and a cable for wired listening (though noise-canceling is disabled when you go wired, which is a bit of a bummer).

• Significantly improved sound and noise canceling
• Better battery life and upgraded microphones
• Powered by Apple's new H2 chip
• Basically the same design as previous model
• No high-resolution audio

Best Apple noise-canceling wireless earbuds

Apple airpods pro 2 (usb-c).

The AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are powered by Apple's new H2 chip, which delivers more processing power while being more energy efficient, according to Apple. The new chip, combined with new low-distortion drivers, allows for improved sound that offers better clarity and depth. The noise canceling is also improved -- Apple says the new AirPods have "double" the noise canceling of the original AirPods Pro. Additionally, the new AirPods add an extra hour of battery, up from five to six hours with noise canceling on. Plus, a speaker in the case that emits a sound that helps locate your buds via Find My should they decide to hide from you.

• Lightweight and comfortable
• Good sound with very good noise canceling
• Good voice-calling performance
• 35 hours of battery life
• No carrying case
• No ear-detection sensors
• No LDAC audio codec support

Top midrange noise-canceling headphones

Sony ch-720n.

Sony's improved entry-level noise-canceling headphones, the CH-720Ns, have a bit of a plasticky budget vibe, but they're lightweight and very comfortable. Part of me was expecting them to sound pretty mediocre, but I was pleasantly surprised. No, they don't sound as good as the WH-1000XM5s. They sound more premium than they look (and feel), and their overall performance is a step up from their predecessor, the CH-710Ns. Are they worth $150? Maybe -- or maybe not. The good news is that, like the CH-710N and WH-XB910 before them, these should see significant discounts in the not-so-distant future, which is what you may want to wait for.

• Well-designed and comfortable to wear
• Good sound quality and noise-canceling performance
• Strong feature set
• Strong battery life
• Voice-calling suffers in windy environments

New mid-range JBL noise-canceling headphones

Jbl live 770nc.

The well-designed and comfortable JBL Live 770NC offers some modest improvements over its predecessor, including better battery life (up to 65 hours with ANC off and 50 hours with ANC on) and Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio (via a future firmware upgrade). Equipped with 40mm drivers, you get bold, nicely defined sound with powerful bass that's relatively tight. JBL's Ambient Aware and TalkThru features are on board along with multipoint Bluetooth pairing (the one feature that's missing is ear-detection sensors that pause your music when you take the headphones off). I thought the headphones' noise muffling capabilities were good and callers said they could hear me well even in noisier environments except when the wind picked up around me. The headphones fold up and a simple carrying pouch (no hard case) is included along with a cable for wired listening.

• Improved sound quality, noise canceling and ear pad design
• Very good voice-calling performance
• Spatial audio with head tracking for Apple users
• USB-C audio
• No Apple H2 chip
• No major design changes except for case

Best Beats over-ear headphones

Beats studio pro.

Love 'em or hate 'em, Beats Studio headphones are among the most popular headphones of all time, launching as wired headphones back in 2008. This is the fourth generation version, and they carry the same list price as their predecessor and look very similar on the outside but have some big changes on the inside that make them significantly better headphones. I'm tempted to describe them as more affordable plastic versions of the AirPods Max. That's not quite accurate due to a choice in chipsets and one notable missing feature. Read our full review to find out what makes this a very good headphone with some caveats.

• Excellent sound
• Improved noise canceling and voice-calling performance
• Impressive battery life
• Good sound personalization features
• Ho-hum design
• Noise-canceling isn't as good as Sony's or Bose's

Best Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones

Sennheiser momentum 4 wireless.

Sennheiser's previous-generation Momentum Wireless headphones have always had a pretty distinct look that was part retro, part modern, and stood out for the exposed metal on their headband. For better or worse, that's all gone now, and the new Momentum 4 Wireless, Sennheiser's flagship noise-canceling headphones, look a bit more subdued and also a bit more like some of their competitors.

The Momentum 4 Wireless offers superior performance over the Momentum 3 Wireless in every regard, although the biggest gains are with noise canceling and voice-calling performance as well as battery life, which is outstanding (up to 60 hours at moderate volume levels). Transparency mode allows ambient sound in, and they can create a custom sound profile in the Smart Control app for iOS and Android using the built-in EQ, sound modes and a new Sound Personalization feature that "assesses the user's listening preferences and adjusts the listening experience according to their taste." 

Equipped with 42mm drivers, Sennheiser says the Momentum 4 Wireless offers "best-in-class" sound, which is debatable. I'd say the Momentum 4's sound quality is right there with other models in this price range. They sound excellent, with the requisite well-defined, punchy bass, relatively wide soundstage (they sound pretty open) and smooth treble that brings out some of the finer details in well-recorded tracks. They're a pleasure to listen to.

• Very good sound and noise canceling
• Headphone cable now has integrated microphone
• Mostly the same as previous model but costs $50 more

Slightly upgraded Bose noise-canceling headphones

Bose quietcomfort headphones.

When Bose released its new flagship QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, it also replaced the QuietComfort 45s with a new, slightly updated model simply called the QuietComfort Headphones. Like the QC 45s, this model carries on the very comfortable tried-and-true legacy QuietComfort design that's been around for a few generations and that people continue to love. The QC Ultra Headphones add Bose's new Immersive Audio feature and have a more refined design with some metal parts (they also have Bluetooth 5.3 instead of Bluetooth 5.1). The QuietComfort Headphones still feature very good sound (the Ultras offer a small step up in quality), excellent noise canceling and strong voice-calling performance.

As for differences between these and the QC45s, Bose says it adjusted some of the electronics to improve battery life (now 24 hours vs. 22 hours) and adjusted the logos to make the products "visually distinguishable and more in line with its latest design language." It also added an inline microphone to the auxiliary cable to "help with some users who may prefer a plug-and-play solution rather than Bluetooth pairing." There's also a Wind Block feature and some additional small performance improvements due to software upgrades. Finally, the headphones come in new color options, including green and a light blue version that's only available at bose.com.

While the QuietComfort Headphones carry a $350 list price that's $50 higher than that of the QC 45s, we expect them to be regularly discounted to $250 and possibly less than that in 2024 -- so look to buy them when they're on sale. You can read our review of the QuietComfort 45 to get a good take on the QuietComfort Headphones.

Factors to consider when choosing travel headphones

Before anything else, you'll want to figure out how much you're willing to spend on new travel headphones. The quality of value-priced noise-canceling headphones continues to improve, so you can find good affordable headphones for less than $100. The premium models, which offer better build quality and performance, tend to cost $200 or more -- sometimes much more. 

Fit (comfort)

It's key that the travel headphones you buy fit your head well. They should offer a comfortable fit that's snug yet not too snug. Ideally, you want headphones you can wear over a day with minimal breaks.

You want travel headphones that hold up well over time, so look for models that we note have sturdy build quality.

Maximize performance and features for your budget

You want the best-sounding headphones with the best noise-canceling, call quality and features for whatever fits your budget.

Return policy

It's critical to buy your headphones at a retailer that has a good return policy, in case you have buyer's remorse. Some people who are having trouble deciding between two models sometimes buy both, try them out for a few days and then return one.

How we test travel headphones and earbuds

We test travel headphones and earbuds based on six key criteria. These criteria include  design ,  sound quality , noise-canceling performance ,  voice-calling performance, features  and  value . 

• Design : Evaluating design, we assess not only how comfortable the headphones and earbuds fit (their ergonomics) but their build quality and how well the controls are implemented. When it comes to earbuds, we also look at water- and dust-resistance ratings. 
• Sound quality : We evaluate sound by listening to a set playlist of music tracks and comparing the earbuds to top competing products in their price range. Sonic traits such as bass definition, clarity, dynamic range and how natural the headphones sound are key factors in our assessment.
• Noise-canceling performance : We evaluate noise-canceling performance by wearing headphones in the same spot indoors near a noisy HVAC unit to see how well they do at muffling lower frequencies. Then we head out to the streets of New York to test the headphones in a real-world environment where we see how they do at muffling not only street noise but people's voices. 
• Extra features : Some great-sounding noise-canceling headphones and earbuds aren't loaded with features, but we do take into account what extra features are on board. These include everything from quick-access awareness to transparency modes (your music pauses and the headphones open up to the outside world so you can have a conversation) to special sound modes to ear-detection sensors that automatically pause your music when you take the headphones off your ears. We also take a look at the companion app for the headphones if there is one and how user-friendly it is. 
• Voice-calling : When we test voice-calling performance, we make calls in the noisy streets of New York and evaluate how well the headphones or earbuds reduce background noise and how clearly callers can hear our voices.
• Value : We determine value after evaluating the strength of the headphones and earbuds against all these criteria and what they're able to deliver compared to other models in their price class. 

Other travel headphones we tested

JBL Live 670NC : The JBL Live 670NC is one of a relatively small number of on-ear headphones to offer active noise canceling. It's something of a value model -- no carrying case is included -- but it does have memory foam ear pads that get you a comfortable fit for an on-ear headphone. Deliver clear sound with punch bass, it has 32mm drivers and improves on its predecessor's battery life, offering up to an impressive 70 hours (or 44 hours with ANC on), and an extra three hours of battery with just five minutes of charge. This model includes the latest Bluetooth 5.3 (with LE Audio) and multipoint Bluetooth pairing. It also has JBL's Ambient Aware (transparency mode) and TalkThru features. It's available in black, white and blue and comes with a cord for wired listening.

Master & Dynamic MW75 : The MW75 are Master & Dynamic's best full-size headphones yet. Needless to say, they're pricey at $599; most people will be quite satisfied with the $400 Sony WH-1000XM5, which is lighter and more comfortable and delivers best-in-class voice calling and noise canceling. The MW75's build quality is hard to beat and they offer top-notch sound for a wireless model (I thought they sounded better than Apple's AirPods Max headphones), plus strong voice-calling and noise-canceling performance. With their support for aptX Adaptive, they have additional appeal for Android users, who can get a touch better sound with the right setup. I was also quite happy streaming music with my iPhone 13 Pro using the AAC codec.

Master & Dynamic MW09 (Update: sold out): Master & Dynamic headphones and earbuds have always featured unique, eye-catching designs that include premium materials like aluminum, sapphire glass and Kevlar. Its latest MW09 flagship earbuds look pretty similar to its earlier MW08 buds, but have some upgrades on the inside that deliver better performance, particularly when it comes to battery life and noise canceling (it's now very close to what Bose and Sony offer, although not quite at their level for ANC).

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro : The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers improved noise canceling along with very good sound and voice-calling performance, plus support for high-resolution wireless audio streaming if you're a Galaxy device owner with the right setup. Their biggest upgrade may be their new design and smaller size, which make them a better fit for more ears. Aside from their somewhat high price tag, their only drawback is that some of their key features only work with Samsung Galaxy devices.

Beats Studio Buds Plus : Alas, for those of you who bought the original Beats Studio Buds, which remain on the market for now, I'm sorry to report that these new Plus buds are significantly improved, with better sound, noise canceling and battery life. Additionally, they now deliver top-notch voice-calling performance.

Beats Fit Pro : While the Beats Fit Pro technically aren't AirPods, they're built on the same tech platform as the AirPods Pro (yes, Apple owns Beats). Unlike Beats' earlier and less expensive  Studio Buds  and new-for-2023 Studio Buds Plus , the Beats Fit Pro include Apple's H1 chip and have most of the  AirPods Pro's  features, including active noise canceling, spatial audio and Adaptive EQ. I'd venture to call them the sports AirPods you've always wanted.

Google Pixel Buds Pro : The Pixel Buds Pro are Google's first earbuds to feature active noise canceling. While it's nice that they finally have a feature that most true-wireless earbuds have had for a while, what ultimately sets the Pixel Buds Pro apart and makes them worth considering -- particularly for Android users -- is their distinct design and winning fit. That helps enhance their performance on both the sound and noise-canceling fronts. While not quite elite for voice-calling, they also performed well as a headset for making calls. Read our  Google Pixel Buds Pro review . 

Travel headphones FAQ

Are noise-canceling headphones worth it.

A few years ago, you had to pay significantly more money for active noise-canceling headphones. The feature has become pretty common and while the best noise-canceling headphones (by that I mean the headphones that offer the best noise-canceling) tend to be fairly expensive, you can find cheaper models that offer decent noise cancellation. I do think that if noise canceling is important to you, it's better to spend more money on the best pair of noise-canceling headphones you can afford. It's worth noting that many of the premium models get discounted sporadically during the year so you can often save $50 or more on many top headphones if you time your purchase right. 

What's the difference between 'Noise-Canceling' and 'Noise Cancelling?'

Either spelling is correct, as "canceling" is more common in American English while "cancelling" is more common in British English. CNET uses "noise canceling" since the company is based in the US, but the noise is canceled just the same, regardless of spelling. If you're looking to see what different noise-impacting technology is out there for headphones, check out our article on noise-canceling versus noise-isolating headphones , which highlights differences in function (and not just a difference in spelling).

Does noise cancellation block all noise?

Noise-canceling headphones have traditionally been good at blocking out lower frequency sounds such as the rumbling you hear while traveling on a plane. They haven't been so good at muffling higher frequencies (a baby screaming, for example) and even people talking around you. Companies like Bose, Sony and Apple have improved the technology in the last year or two so their noise canceling works across a wider range of frequencies. It still can't muffle all noise but top noise canceling is now doing a better job tamping down more noises that live in midrange and higher frequencies.

Does noise canceling drain the headphones' battery?

When noise canceling is engaged, it does tend to have an impact on battery life. This is more of a factor with earbuds, which tend to offer anywhere from five to eight hours of battery life with noise canceling on and seven to 12 hours with it off. Full-size headphones can offer 25 to 30 hours of battery life with noise canceling on and up to 40 to 50 hours with it off.

Does noise canceling impact sound quality?

Active noise canceling does hurt sound quality, especially if the noise canceling isn't all that good (noise canceling can create a faint background hiss). It can mess with the purity of the sound so it's tricky to create a noise-canceling headphone that sounds really good. As a result, often high-end noise-canceling headphones that tout fantastic sound don't have as powerful noise canceling (the noise canceling feels lighter). 

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Sound On, Noise Off: The 7 Best Travel Headphones to Take on Your Next Trip

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

At a Glance: The Best Travel Headphones

• Best Overall: Sony WH-1000MX5
• Best Noise-Cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
• Best Sound: Bang & Olufsen Px8
• Best Under $150: Soundcore by Anker Space Q45
• Most Durable: Sennheiser Momentum 3
• Best Audiophile Sound: Bowers & Wilkins Px8
• Most Compatible: Shure AONIC 50 (Gen 2)

Traveling and daily commutes can be stressful, to say the least. Often, the culprit is noise — be it a plane engine, crying babies, or loud road-trip companions. But with a pair of the best travel headphones , flights, road trips, and train rides can quickly become a peaceful time with your favorite music, podcasts, and movies.

Related: Tune Out to Jet Off: These Are the Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Travel

Because so many people are now finding tranquility with a pair of noise-reducing headphones , dozens of brands are making solid options with travelers in mind. But only a handful of these headphones can offer the crispness, full bass, and effective noise-reduction that audiophiles and frequent flyers are looking for.

The Best Travel Headphones to Buy Right Now

1. sony wh-1000mx5.

BEST OVERALL

Sony’s WH1000MX5s aren’t just the best headphones for travel – they’re also our number one pick for some of the best noise-cancelling headphones in general. Their predecessor, the WH-1000XM4s, were great, but the WH-1000MX5s introduce some slight improvements to make them the best in the business.

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Noise-cancellation was central in the WH-1000MX5s development, as the headphones boast industry-leading noise cancellation, now with the Auto NC Optimizer. Eight microphones pick up ambient noise, run it through a Noise-Cancelling Processor — we’ve been on several flights wearing these, and there’s truly minimal outside sound whether you’re in a busy airport or on a road trip .

These stellar headphones also offer multipoint pairing, which lets you connect to multiple devices at once. This means you can seamlessly switch between, say, Netflix on your laptop and a call on your phone. This is just one of the WH-1000MX5s several convenient features, which also includes auto-pausing when you speak. Plus, the headphones feature incredible 30-hour battery life, plus three hours of battery with a quick three minute charge.

2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Bose has always been on the cutting edge of noise-cancelling headphones, and their latest model, the QuietComfort Ultra , follows suit with Bose’s prowess. Unsurprisingly, the best feature is the headphones’ noise-cancellation powers, which are arguably the best around.

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As expected from premium headphones, sound quality with the QuietComfort Ultras is crisp and deep thanks to active EQ. You also get plenty of customizability with the sound through the Bose app. In terms of comfort, the QuietComfort Ultras get top marks as well with a lightweight, half-pound build and enough padding for hours of use while catching a long flight or grinding in the office (and with a pricey piece of tech, this is a major plus). Plus, they’ve got a stellar 24-hour battery life (18 with immersive audio turned on), so they’ll last through the longest hauls of your travels.

3. Bowers & Wilkins Px8

When celebrated audio companies try their hand at high-end headphones, it doesn’t always work. With Bowers & Wilkins , it did, and their latest PX8 headphones are the proof.

The Px8s are also very impressive technology-wise with a six-microphone setup for capturing and adapting to outside noise. They have what B&W calls “Ambient Pass-Through,” which is meant to relay the important stuff like conversational noises (so the plane engine will be silenced but you might catch the flight attendant’s drink offer). Plus, the headphones feature multipoint pairing for connecting to multiple devices at once.

Battery life is industry-leading with the Px8 , boasting 30 hours of listening time with a full charge, and seven hours with a 15-minute charge. This is more than enough for a full day of international travel, and when we tested these headphones we found the battery life definitely lived up to its mark.

For their sound quality alone, we recommend these headphones, but the added ANC and lengthy battery life makes these a great choice for travel .

4. Soundcore by Anker Space Q45

Traveling is pricey, but the best travel headphones don’t have to be. Case in point is these Soundcore Q45 headphones from Anker . At $150, the headphones are much more affordable than our other picks, but their sound quality and noise cancellation powers punch far above their price point.

In an effort to communicate better with your audio streaming device, the Q45s use LDAC technology to enhance Bluetooth files. Inside the cans are 40mm silk-diaphragm drivers, which lend enough bass for thumping hip-hop and full orchestral riffs. Noise cancellation, meantime, comes from two microphones on each earcup that pick up sound and adapt to block it out.

Other features we like about the Q45s are wearer detection (which turns off audio when you take off the headphones) and an exceptionally lightweight build. This lightness is both comfortable for long sessions and helpful when it comes to keeping luggage weight to a minimum. Overall, the headphones offer perhaps the best value of any travel headphones.

5. Sennheiser Momentum 3

When in comes to choosing a long-lasting pair of cans that can stand up to the heavy usage on the road, Sennheiser’s Momentum 3 rose above the pack of buzzy, luxe pairs and became our go-to recommendation for durable travel headphones thanks to a few key features.

Don’t get us wrong, the comfort factor is still there thanks to a headband made from genuine sheepskin leather and soft ear cushions with plush memory foam. Compared to Sennhesier’s newer Momentum 4s, we prefer the hard plastic and metal design of these headphones , especially with their sturdy frame and matte steel arms that can withstand being tossed around any carry-on bag.

Instead of plastic toggles, the Momentum 3s feature a rubberized material three-button interface that lets you quickly switch between listening to music and making phone calls, activating voice assistance, and adjusting the volume.

Sound performance is also stellar under the hood as well , with a 42-millimeter dynamic driver and an internal audio equalizer you can adjust from the Sennheiser app. Active noise cancellation and transparency mode also make it easy to wear these headphones out into the world and not worry about being interrupted while you’re playing your tunes or missing an important announcement in a train station or airport.

6. Bang & Olufsen H95

If you’re looking for a pair of luxury headphones fit for first class, check out these Bang & Olufsen H95s . The real upgrade with the H95s is in design quality, with the headphones sporting memory foam earcups, a leather headpiece, and anodized aluminum discs on the earcup exterior. These upgrades translate to more comfort (from the memory foam), an extremely elegant look, and lasting quality.

Battery life is great with the H95s, clocking in at 38 hours of playtime with Bluetooth and ANC, according to the brand. As expected from high-end Bang & Olufsen headphones, the H95s’ sound quality is top-notch. Electro-dynamic 40mm titanium drivers and integrated bass ports ensure a surplus of thumping bass plus sharp, clear upper levels.

7. Shure AONIC 50 (Gen 2)

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Sound quality is very impressive with the Aonic 50s , largely thanks to the headphone’s 50mm drivers (hence the name). What’s more, the Shure headphones sound good with almost any input music as they support a very wide range of codecs. No matter what you’re listening to, expect balanced, full sound at every frequency.

Thanks to memory foam earcups, the Anoic 50s are prepared to sit comfortably on your head for long flights, road trips, and work sessions. The headpiece is also nice and chunky to avoid discomfort up top. Plus, since the design is foldable it makes it easy to carry them on the go.

You get two settings — “active noise-cancellation” and “environment mode” — but the latter (which lets in some outside noise) features multiple levels ranging from minimal noise to essentially transparent. This can be controlled via the ShurePlus PLAY app, while onboard buttons offer basic controls. You’ll also get up to 45 hours battery life with quick charge capabilities, more than doubling its runtime from the prior generation.

Buying Guide: How We Picked the Best Travel Headphones

Even top-of-the-line headphones have some variation in features and quality. Here are a few considerations we kept in mind while choosing the best travel headphones for your needs.

Noise-Cancellation : Not all noise-reduction systems are made equal. The headphones in our roundup all boast the maximum level of noise-cancellation, but some have more adjustability. This will allow you to customize noise reduction to your setting and needs (for example, transparency mode while walking down a busy street).

Comfort : The best travel headphones should be comfortable enough to wear for hours. But not all cans have the same level of comfort: some have softer ear cups and headpieces, while others are more lightweight. We’ve chosen brands that have taken extra steps to make their headphones as comfortable as possible, like adding memory foam or leather padding to the headset.

Battery : We’ve picked headphones with industry-leading battery life of at least 24 hours (or, about enough for two long-haul flights). Still, there’s some variation, and if you’re constantly on the go, a large battery of up to 40-50 hours is a must-have.

Microphone : All the headphones above have mics for making calls or talking to virtual assistants (i.e. Alexa, Siri, etc), but some have engineered their mics to block out ambient noise as well. This means your call recipient will actually hear your voice — and not the loud airport chatter around you.

Durability : Sadly, your new headphones are bound to be dropped, bumped, or caught in the rain while traveling. For this reason, we picked travel headphones with at least an IPX4-5 water resistance and a somewhat rugged build.

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I test headphones for a living and these are the best for travel

These long-lasting headphones are great options for work commutes, business trips and vacations

Best for business trips

Best for weekend trips, best for work commutes, best for vacations.

Having to regularly top off the battery on your wireless headphones can be a chore, right? Even the best wireless headphones I've tried don't yet support wireless charging, meaning I have to remember to hunt down the charging cable and USB-C power adapter every time my headphones need a boost. 

The last thing I want to be concerned with on a lengthy work commute, business trip, or while away on a vacation, is refilling the battery on my headphones. Just as Sod's (or Murphy's) law states 'anything that can go wrong will go wrong,' so it is highly probable that my headphones will run out of battery right while I'm in the middle of catching up on a favorite TV show, listening to a music playlist, or enjoying a podcast.

So a robust and reliable pair of headphones with great sound and practical battery life are always at the top of my travel bag wherever I go. 

As wireless headphones get more and more adaptive processing tech on board to help block out the noise of our surroundings and personalize the sound to our ears, the drain on the battery life when these features are enabled can happen more rapidly.

Thankfully, many of the latest headphone designs have managed to significantly increase their battery life, and also come with fast charging that can achieve several hours of playback time from just a 10-minute quick charge. 

So what are the best wireless headphones models for battery life? Read on to discover my recommendations for the best models I've tried that allow you to listen for longer.

1. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless  

At 60 hours with ANC fully enabled, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones have the longest battery life of any pair of noise-cancelling headphones we've ever encountered. This is exceptionally high for a headphone of its type, and by comparison outperforms the Sony WH-1000XM4 (below) by some 30 hours. 

This is a considerable step up on playback time over Sennheiser's Momentum 3 Wireless that claims 17 hours, but gave less when ANC was enabled. How the company has managed to increase battery life so dramatically hasn't been discussed, but the possibility of only ever neededing to charge these headphones every couple of weeks at most (or once a month if you listen for just two hours a day) makes them very desirable for work commutes, business travelers and the perfect model to take on a vacation. What's more, with battery life this good you may not need to take the charging cable and USB power adapter with you.   

Even when you do need to recharge it's pretty rapid, taking just 2 hours from empty to fully charged, while a 5 minute charge claims to give up to 4 hours of playback time.

Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: was $349 now $276 @ Amazon The 60-hour battery life is a real crowd pleaser and the ANC model to beat. Add in the easy-going Sennheiser sound and effective noise cancelling, and the Momentum 4 is one the most practical ANC headphones we've seen, perfectly built for a life on the road.

2. Cleer Enduro ANC

The Cleer Enduro ANC headphones are an incredible value for money. Battery life claims to match the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless above, and combined with an easy going fit aided by an easily adjustable headband and earcups that can both rotate and pivot in a foldable design, these are particularly good for travelers.   

Is the battery life too good to be true? As it turns out, yes, though the Enduro ANC is anything but a letdown. With ANC enabled, the volume at 50% and connected via Bluetooth, it gave over 50 hours from a single charge in our tests. Many of our  best over-ear headphones  don’t come close to that, with or without noise cancellation. 

We originally tested the Cleer Enduro ANC headphones in 2021, and back then these were easily the longest-lasting pair of noise-cancelling headphones Tom’s Guide had reviewed. Battery life may have been bettered by Sennheiser (above), but the Cleer Enduro ANC continue to be the best cheap noise-cancelling headphones overall. 

The only downside is a lengthy empty-to-full recharging time of 3 hours, though you can get 2 hours of playback time from a quick 10-minute charge. 

Cleer Enduro ANC: was $149 now $129 @ Amazon The Enduro ANC may have been around for a while but they are still by far the best pair of cheap noise-cancelling headphones we've tested, especially when it comes to battery life. The modern, feature-rich design is backed up by great sound quality and effective ANC. The transparent ambient mode works well, fit is decent, and Bluetooth supports aptX Adaptive. 

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

As I mentioned when making previous travel headphone recommendations , I feel slightly guilty that I don't prefer Sony's newer  WH-1000XM5 headphones, which replaced the XM4 last year. But there are solid reasons for making the XM4 my best travel headphones for work commutes. 

Firstly, they're foldable, which makes them so much more practical for sliding into my work or travel bag, and the protective case is a lot smaller too. And judging by the number of fellow travelers on my work commutes also sporting the older version of Sony's XM-series headphones on their head, I'm not alone.

Battery life may only run to half the time of the models mentioned above, but at around 30 hours with ANC-enabled it is similar to the new XM5 version, and long enough for most travelers. Do the math and it is enough juice to keep you entertained on a round-trip flight to Tokyo, with some power left to binge YouTube clips on Uber rides to and from the airports.   

Based on our testing, the rated time was about an hour off, as our pair lasted around 29 hours when listening with ANC on. High volume, heavy streaming, and extra features barely affected playtimes, so we have to commend Sony for its admirable job with battery management. Quick charging eases any low battery anxiety by generating 5 hours of playtime from a 10-minute boost.

4. Anker Soundcore Space Q45 

Like the Cleer Enduro ANC (above), Anker's Soundcore Space Q45 are quite the bargain with remarkable battery life, features and effective ANC performance. Anker’s never been one to cheat their consumers out of battery life. After all, they built their legacy on selling high-powered portable chargers. It should come as no surprise that the Space Q45 has some of the lengthiest playtimes in the category, no matter how you use the headphones.

A full charge gets you 50 hours with ANC on and up to 65 hours with ANC off, placing them in the same company as the Sennheiser Momentum 4 (60 hours). It's worth pointing out that these aren’t accurate playtimes, though, as high volume and features such as high-quality audio LDAC support brings them down to around between 37 to 45 hours. Anyone who uses the Space Q45 moderately can get about a month of use. Music lovers like myself should get around two weeks of ANC listening before needing a recharge, making them an ideal choice for a vacation.

If that’s not enough, Anker’s quick-charging technology helps get you 4 hours of listening time in 5 minutes, which is very impressive indeed. These are a great value travel companion and worthy of tracking down.

Anker Soundcore Space Q45: was $149 now $129 @ Best Buy The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 delivers quality ANC, lively sound and a comfortable design along with extra long battery life. The sonic soundstage is wide and immersive, and the high-quality audio LDAC support makes the Soundcore Space Q45 a versatile travel option for sound aficionados.

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As a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring.

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10 Best Travel Headphones In 2023

In today's article, we are hand selecting a few headphones floating around on the current market for some robust, long life, comfy candidates which make for great contenders for the 10 best travel headphones in 2023.

When it comes to audio on the go you have to consider a few extra factors with portability and comfort at the forefront of it all.

Quite often we opt for in-ear models to travel as their naturally compact nature lends to their portability but they are not always the best for blocking out engine noise on a plane.

Whilst many earbud sets boast active noise cancellation they do very little to passively noise cancel and so, despite their best efforts, don't make the best airplane headphones. They are typically less hardier and the audio somewhat lacking in comparison to their overhead counterpart whom are generally speaking far more capable thanks to the extra space they have available for harboring larger drivers.

Table of Contents

At a glance: Our top 3 picks

1. cowin e7 active, 2. koss ur-20, 3. koss ksc75 portable, 4. bose quietcomfort 25, 5. paww wavesound 3, 6. beats solo3 wireless, 7. cowin e7 pro, 8. taotronics active noise, 9. edifier h840 audiophile, 10. active noise canceling headphones, what to look for when buying air travel headphones.

Today we have taken a few of the best options to compare which make for good 'pack for the airport' headphones.

• Optimized bass enhancement.
• Active noise cancellation tech.
• Affordable pair.

View The Best Travel Headphones Below

We open today with the E7 model from COWIN, which are very well designed large-aperture option with an appealing price-tag.

They are closed back, and the cups are once again free to swivel and collapse pretty flat. The cups are comfortably cushioned with a memory protein material making them comfortable to wear for long periods.

They feature bass optimized 45mm diaphragm drivers which work fairly efficiently. The electronics are engineered to respond based on a wave processing algorithm, which makes the noise cancellation tech very effective and the audio production very rich.

The built-in Bluetooth is a little older but not outdated and we have included the newly upgraded model as a product later in today's article.

The integrated microphone is good quality , supported by the ANC, and has user-friendly controls, it makes handling voice calls a breeze.

They can deliver up to 30 hours of listening between charges which is unbelievable and a very valuable asset in a travel option.

Pros: + Optimized bass enhancement. + Active noise cancellation tech. + Affordable pair.

Why We Liked It - Despite being an older model it serves up superb audio and the Bluetooth on-board is not redundant, so some of you on a shoestring can save yourselves a few bucks.

We are going to take a look at two very different Koss models now which have made their way to the top of the market with their rapidly escalating rapport.

The first model is the UR-20 set which is a low budget wireless model that manages to compare quite fairly to our other top ten choices today. Though they are intended as home headphones they provide a cheap overhead option which capably competes with some of the more travel-worthy sets we are highlighting later.

The drivers utilize neodymium magnets and are sufficiently capable with a big workload. They have a decent frequency response and serve up high fidelity audio which outperforms anything with a similarly low price.

These budget headphones are built sturdily and have the all-important cushioning required for longer listening sessions. The headband is very flexible but supported with a frame to keep them durable.

Pros: + Cheap choice. + Sturdily built. + Surprising audio.

Why We Liked It - They serve up superior audio to similarly priced cheaper options and despite not being specifically aimed at travel we think they are worth a mention for those with a more restrictive budget in mind.

The second cheap set from Koss which have caught our attention are the only set of headphones we have included which are not an overhead model.

They are actually an over-ear hook model, as they feature a sports clip that comfortably tucks behind the ear, but they have many large drivers similar to a traditional overhead model so they serve up better audio than an over-ear hook earbud set could ever produce. The drivers are titanium-coated and made with good quality components.

The mini-ear cups can pivot freely providing a self-adjusting fit that keeps them comfortable they have soft synthetic padding.

The concept endows them with a bigger sounding board to produce audio which is delivered far more powerfully. They have an extended frequency response tailored to providing better low-end. The dynamics and richly textured sound blows all typical over-ear option s out of the water.

Pros: + Versatile concept. + Strong drivers. + Great bass.

Why We Liked It - TThey provide an interesting option for people who aren't comfortable with an overhead option but want around ear audio instead of in ear audio.

We are no strangers to the QuietComfort series by Bose and neither should you be as we have reviewed models in the past. Model 25 is marketed as a set of airplane headphones and we think it epitomizes everything we love about Bose engineering.

They provide deep resonant high-definition sound and both actively and passively cancel noise, significantly reducing background hustle and bustle, and blocking out the sound of roaring engines.

They are exceptionally crafted feature quality components and are luxuriously cushion-lined to make them comfortable, allowing for a longer length of use.

They feature powerful high-performance drivers, forged with top-quality components and employ over-sized coils for richer audio.

The highs are authentically detailed and beautifully offset against the mid and bass frequencies. They have a very dynamic accurate response and cover a broad range of frequency.

They fold for convenience, making them more portable. They once again come with a storage case, which appears to be pretty durably built. They also generously include a free compatible air-travel connector, making them the perfect plane headphone choice and today's clear front runner. They do, however, unfortunately, have a retail price which reflects the many idyllic properties they offer up as an air travel headphone option.

Pros: + Premium audio with great sounding bass. + Excellent driver response and performance. + ANC and PNC. + Fold-away design concept to keep them compact. + Air travel connector.

Why We Liked It - Whilst they may not be within the realms of possibility for some with their well over one hundred dollar price-tag, something would certainly be amiss if we missed out on highlighting this airplane ready model fresh off of the factory lines of a truly superb series.

The WaveSound 3 model is a fantastic upgraded wireless overhead headphone model which presents some great features for your convenience.

They weigh less than 7 ounces and can fold compactly, making them easier to store when not in use.

They are comfortable to wear for long periods as they are garnished with ultra-light, soft protein padded ear-cups and a comfort coated headband.

They are fully adjustable and the ear cups can swivel generously making them effortless to slip on and off.

They have 40mm drivers that employ high-end beryllium magnets, which help to excel their performance and hone their accuracy. They deliver stunningly detailed audio, which is natural and high-def.

The electronics are impeccable and have been engineered to respond to customized patterns for optimal audio delegation and production.

They feature current active noise cancellation tech which helps maintain hands-free calls, with zero interference.

They have now equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and incorporate the AptX tech that you are probably familiar with from our other headphone reviews. They are very low latency and high resolution making them a step above the rest.

Pros: + Beryllium drivers. + Bluetooth 5.0. + Low latency. + Noise canceling.

Why We Liked It - They are made with premium components, which have been cost effectively manufactured to provide an affordable model which serves up superb audio.

This next set are todays highest price pair so we know a few of you may want to scroll on down but before you do just take a look at what they offer to help you set the bar in the budget regions.

These Beats headphones provide premium playback, thanks to their high-end drivers. which are exceptionally engineered and function operating within a wave-assisted algorithm innovatively conceived?

The proprietary Beat Sound tech has won itself awards, so the performance on this pair really is hard to beat. They are fine-tuned to an astonishingly accurate degree, the clarity within each register is maximized, the breadth of the audio created is staggering and fully immersive.

All materials used are top-quality, and all the components housed within are impeccably put together

They harbor an Apple W1 chip which makes them incredibly efficient in terms of energy consumption they can capably provide up-to 40 hours use. They also have a useful FastFuel option that gives a five-minute energy top-up which lasts for around 3 hours.

They are fully adjustable for custom comfort fitting. The cups sport luxurious memory protein pads which cushion your ears exceedingly well. They are aesthetically charming and come in a range of unique shades, such as this sweet rose-gold set.

Pros: + Award winning engineering. + Accurately fine tuned. + Audiophile level sound. + Next-level comfort. + 40 hours premium playback. + FastFuel quick charge function.

Why We Liked It - They are prime example of just what your money can get you and as we are discussing flight headphone options, the price tag of this set may not be as unobtainable for some of our first class frequent fliers.

Next we have the new and improved pro level upgrade of the E7 model we opened with. They are an upgraded which capably provide a stable and secure Bluetooth 5.0 connection and have be redesigned with lusher materials incorporated to serve up better comfort. They are overall far lighter than previous models but more durably built.

They feature hard working dynamic combination drivers which deliver well-balanced audio that has great depth. The middles are well mixed, the crossover provides good dynamics and details as the treble end is especially crisp.

They have a closed back design which directs sound solely to the listener, the cups themselves can rotate freely and are comfortably padded. The microphone has seen a recent upgrade as well and they deliver active noise cancellation so the hands-free voice call functions impeccably clear.

They are available in 5 different colors, are priced accessibly, and can provide a staggering 30 hours of battery life between charges.

Pros: + New and improved model. + Pro noise canceling. + Affordable option. + 30 hours battery life. + Bluetooth 5.0 connection.

Why We Liked It - They have an exceptionally long battery life and are very comfortable to wear. They provide premium level ANC without a hefty price-tag.

We have been impressed with other TaoTronics models in the past, their in-ear models are pretty innovative in terms of design concept solutions and we have been rather surprised by this overhead option as well.

They appear very well-manufactured especially for a reasonably priced set. They can fold away for more compact storage like some of the other sets we have examined with a strong concept, less likely to wear and tear them. they are incredibly lightweight and they do come with a sturdy storage case for traveling about with.

The cups can swivel up-to 90 degrees, and of course, fold inwards when put into storage mode, they are padded and lined with soft cushioning, as is the headband itself to provide a comfortable experience for listeners.

Though they are physically a little smaller than some at 40mm the drivers have a lightning response, outperforming many in their class. They offer up awesome audio with great balance and truthful resolution. The bass is powerful, with great presence but doesn't over-shadow the mids in the mix, providing an equally proportionate stereo blend.

A two-hour charge provides up to 30 hours extensive use which gives them an edge over many competitors.

Pros: + Swivel mounted cups. + Fold-up design. + Sturdy storage. + Powerful bass. + 30 hours battery.

Why We Liked It - They are very well built we like the fold up cups it means the headband itself is a little more heavy duty than on some models that feature sliding or bending mechanisms.

We are huge fans of Edifiers affordable speakers so it should be no surprise that this competitively priced headphone set has has won itself a spot in this weeks reviews.

They are expertly manufactured with solid construction, which we really can't fault. They feature good quality closed monitor cup and have a sturdy steel-reinforced headband for added durability as well as a high strength cable.

They serve-up professional sound with a wide response. The drivers work 40mm units which are carefully calibrated by engineer Phil Jones from Pure Sound to their proprietary wave-guide to provide epic dynamics with a balanced crossover.

The headband is ergonomically designed and has leather headrests in just the positioning for optimal comfort and the cups are cushioned nicely. They fold up for smaller storage and come with a case to keep them in.

Pros: + Carefully calibrated sound. + Ergonomic fit. + Super-soft leather. + Reinforced design.

Why We Liked It - They are excellently engineered and have decent on-board noise cancellation abilities and though they are lacking in-line controls serve up some of the best audio in a headphone for under $50.

Lastly we have this great set of folding lightweight overhead headphones which serve up some very deep bass and come with a compact carry pouch to store them away in when they are not in use.

They are very competitively priced and provide cutting edge ANC capabilities and are of course conveniently portable making them an excellent travel option.

The drivers onboard have fantastic performance, delivering hi-fi quality stereo sound. The low end is impressive.

They have a gold plated 3.5mm connector for better signals and the built-in microphone is very clear.

They are well-manufactured and feature easy to operate in-line controls. They can capably sustain around 20 hours of power between each full charge and can be used wired as well. Recharging takes around 2 hours until full, which shaves off a little time in comparison to other charging sets we have looked at.

Pros: + Great active noise cancellation abilities. + Decent battery life between charges. + Fold-up option with drawstring storage pouch.

Why We Liked It - They are a fab wired/wireless option, they are pretty comfortable and the folding design is very strong.

Travel Headphones Buyers Guide

There are essentially two schools of thought as briefly mentioned in our introduction and they really do depend on your travel methods.

We have reviewed many options in the past ideal for those traveling on foot or via public transport, which ticks the boxes when it comes to being weather resilient and staying in place during motion.

These are typically the less cumbersome in-earbud models which come in a multitude of forms. They have many great qualities for traveling, for starters their tinier size (especially the true wireless earbud models which are the size of a pair of marbles and charge on the go) but they have many drawbacks.

Today however we have focused on over-ear travel headphones to give our readers some great options for headphones for flying. Overhead options make the best headphones for planes for many different reasons which we will divulge in this weeks what to look for.

If you are going to be flying you will probably find that closed ear cups are the only way to go, as you won't want to disturb other passengers around you. You will also need to seek a set with noise canceling properties so you can hear your audio well above the engine racket.

You will definitely want something ergonomically designed and fully adjustable as you won't want something tight on your head as you increase altitude, or the pressure will be far too uncomfortable.

So you should look for headbands which have flexibility and cups which can rotate or swivel to some degree. The cups should be comfortably cushioned and preferably this should be with skin-friendly materials as you don't want your ears to overheat or sweat.

If you want to wear headphones on planes you may find you need a special connector to get stereo sound, the Bose QuietComfort 25 set we reviewed come with one, they also feature top-notch noise cancellation properties making them ideal headphones for airplane movies.

You will also likely want something as compact as possible if you are flying as luggage restrictions can be pretty limiting. You could consider a folding set, but think about the manner in which they fold as some mechanisms are stronger than others providing better longevity.

You also ought to opt for something with a sufficient storage solution which protects as your headphones travel.

If you are opting for a wireless set you will want something with up to date Bluetooth and NFC capabilities and decent battery life, though we would suggest a wired set for flight, so as to keep transmissions completely stutter free.

If you plan to connect your headphones to a mobile device to travel with you will probably want to consider the microphone quality, whether or not you need inline controls and the active noise cancellation properties it can provide to keep conversations free of interference.

As always the decision on what to go for is down to you as an individual, but we are quietly self-assured that we have given you some food for thought.

If you are still unsettled on the overhead versus in-ear argument then why not thumb through some of our previous headphone articles for inspiration.

However, if you are looking for a set to travel with on an airplane then we will have hopefully highlighted the benefits of overhead/over-ear models for you clearly in today's article and informative buyers guide

With an over headset of headphones the biggest choice to make is really just wired or wireless, once this is settled you can set to work sourcing a large-aperture pair which are suitably decked out for wearing for long periods. Comfort is really key when choosing a set of cups to keep your company on the go whether you are flying or not.

If you want a set of travel headphones and you aren't flying anywhere but are a sportier sort, you might find our 10 best headphones for working out article well worth a quick note, it highlights a range of models which aim to stay in place during energetic endeavors.

Did you Know

Many airline companies sell their own headphones on planes with the previously mentioned special connectors . However if you are in the know then you can come prepared, and luckily the adapters aren't too difficult to get a hold of.

If you've enjoyed this review by Music Critic , please leave a positive rating:

Our editors carefully select every product we recommend. We may earn a commission from these links. Learn more

The Best Travel Headphones For Your Next Trip

By: Cameron Cardwell Published: Sep 06, 2023

By: Cameron Cardwell and Chris West Published: Sep 06, 2023

Contributors

Whether you’re on a quick commute across the city, or on an intercontinental flight across the sea, the need for a reliable pair of audio peripherals might spell the difference between a mind-numbing travel experience, or an enjoyable start to your day. Sure, there are a ton of versatile offerings out there that can pass as travel-oriented listeners, giving you exceptional audio quality, and playing your favorite music, podcasts, or True Crime playlists with ease — but if you’re looking to take your audio game to the next level, you’re going to have to invest. And we’ve rounded up the best travel headphones to make the decision a little bit easier.

The Best Travel Headphones

Best Earbuds for Travel

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Best Headphones for the Plane

Beats Studio Pro

Best Headphones for Music

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2

Best Headphones Overall

Sony WH-1000XM5

Best Headphones for Apple Users

Apple AirPods Max

What headphones are best for traveling.

For those who are serious about maintaining their sanity while traveling, there’s nothing more important than a pair of efficient headphones to cut out the noise. To achieve this, you’ll need to peruse the industry’s leading manufacturers’ catalogs for variants that include innovative noise-canceling properties, robust audio drivers, and designs that can help seal out the inhibitive sound associated with busy areas. At the end of the day, if you travel/commute often in noisy public places, the most important feature to look for is active noise cancelling (or ANC). For our guide, every pair of headphones included comes equipped with ANC, so you don’t have to worry.

Earbuds vs. over-ear headphones (for travel)

Most will agree that over-ear headphones will be more comfortable for long commutes or trips, but some may still prefer the feeling and extra portability of earbuds. Because of this, most of the picks in our guide will be over-ear headphones, but we’ve included a pair of earbuds to round it out. Earbuds will often come with extra bud tips so you can get the right fit, and as the design of earbuds improves alongside the tech, they’re getting more comfortable every year. Battery life isn’t quite as good as over-ear options, however, but that’s also improving with each upgrade.

What to look for

Noise Cancellation: This is by far the most important feature to consider when shopping for a pair of travel headphones. Again, every pick we’ve included has active noise cancellation (ANC – the industry standard), which uses built-in mics to cancel out ambient noise.

Battery: The second most important feature to consider is battery life, and you’re aiming for a pair that can last at least 20 hours on a single charge. Fast-charging capabilities are also very convenient, providing you with several hours of listening time on a ~10-minute charge.

Comfort: Plush ear cushions, adjustable headbands, and lightweight designs are ideal for travel headphones. It can be hard to cram all these features in a pair of headphones that has it all (great battery life, sound quality, etc.), so don’t brush off a potential pick that has most of them, as some may need to sacrifice something like weight for better battery life.

Sound: Luckily, headphones that have the best noise-cancelling tech to offer usually have great sound quality, too. But if you want to take it to the next level, go for a pair that has a solid selection of EQ settings and/or app connectivity so you can fine-tune things to your liking.

Portability: Headphones you can fold up quickly are always nice to have when traveling, and many options come with carrying cases even if they don’t (or at least offer them separately).

• Super portable and lightweight
• Sweat-resistant
• Comes with a kit for a custom fit
• Touch controls
• Low battery life compared to over-ear options

Best Earbuds for Travel: The 2nd edition of Bose’s QuietComfort earbuds takes everything that the legendary manufacturer has learned about home sound systems, and exhibits it in a single compact platform. These earbuds bring all of the company’s lauded audio qualities and latest ANC tech to the realm of travel, alongside innovative voice-assisted properties like Alexa, the Bose Fit Kit with a variety of bud tips to get the perfect fit, and multiple levels of noise-canceling to keep you focused throughout the day.

With these, you’ll be able to keep all of the distractions out or allow ambient sound in, making them an adaptable solution to noisy commutes where concentration is key. If you need help, access Alexa and Google Assistant at the touch of a button; and while you’re at it, check out the Bose Music App to personalize EQ, noise-cancellation, and personalize your experience even more.

Battery: ~6 hours Case Battery: 24 hours Resistance: IPX4 Quick Charge: 20 minutes for 2 hours

• Very comfy plush ear pads
• Super long battery life
• Spatial audio
• Convenient for Apple users
• Transparency mode isn’t quite as good as the AirPods Max

Best Headphones for the Plane: Beats’ Studio Pro headphones have made waves within the audio industry for their deep, clear bass, and slimline design properties. Each pair boasts the company’s revered adaptive noise cancelling, which blocks external noise as it changes throughout the day, depending on where you’re at; and thanks to the device’s 40-hour battery life, it’s safe to say that you’ll be listening to your favorite tunes day in, and day out. To bolster their performance, the implementation of a powerful custom Beats chip and custom acoustic platform ensures that your audio will remain uninhibited when listening, making these valuable peripherals one of the most dependable items on our list.

While these don’t have the latest Apple H1 or H2 chips, the sound quality, battery life, and adaptive noise cancellation make them one of the best picks for air travel (bolstered by the super comfortable plush ear pads). You’re still getting the Apple ecosystem compatibility, however, so Apple users should strongly consider these headphones (especially if the AirPods Max seems a little steep for you).

Battery: ~40 hours Drivers: 40mm Resistance: None Quick Charge: 10 minutes for 4 hours

• Best-in-class sound quality
• EQ and ANC settings via smartphone app
• Lightweight design
• Great for calls as well
• Wearing sensors can be finicky sometimes

Best Headphones for Music: Bowers & Wilkens have already created some of the industry’s most widely acclaimed headphones, and with the Px7 S2, they’ve created something a bit more travel-minded. With these attractive offerings, you’ll be able to experience your favorite music, podcasts, and audio at the highest level, thanks to the company’s legendary 43.6mm drivers and adaptive noise-canceling properties. As an added bonus, you can rest assured knowing that each and every pair is created, and tuned, by the company’s talented engineers — the minds behind the 800 Series Diamond speakers that are used in Abbey Road Studios.

Battery life is more than adequate, with up to 30 hours on a single charge and 7 additional hours provided by a 15-minute quick charge. The arms are made with a lightweight polymer, and along with the technical fabric on the ear pads, make for a pretty lightweight design that’s comfortable for long wearing sessions. EQ settings are accessed through B&W’s smartphone app, which also lets you toggle between ANC modes and voice controls.

Battery: ~30 hours Drivers: 43mm Resistance: None Quick Charge: 15 minutes for 7 hours

• Alexa compatibility
• Convenient adaptive noise-cancelling
• Comfortable leather ear pads
• Clear call quality
• No sweat resistance

Best Headphones Overall: Sony’s Noise Cancelling WH1000XM5 was built to bring professional travelers the next evolution in silence, offering an unparalleled listening experience that’s truly best-in-class. Thanks to an innovative design that cuts through more outside sound than ever, the WH1000XM5 brings adaptive sound control, voice assistance, and Quick Attention modes to the realm of over-ear headphones, affording users the opportunity to personalize them to fit their own unique style. Inside, the company’s proprietary active noise cancellation works to drown out unwarranted sounds, providing the device’s dedicated V1 processor the ability to reproduce your in-ear sounds at an uncompromising level.

The battery gets you 30 hours on one charge, and an impressive 3 hours on a 3-minute quick charge. These earn the best overall spot because of the build and sound quality, sure; but the auto noise-cancelling optimizer that adapts to your surroundings makes them perfect for planes, trains, and automobiles (and the four beamforming mics mean your calls will sound crisp, too.)

Battery: ~30 hours Drivers: 30mm Resistance: None Quick Charge: 3 minutes for 3 hours

• Spatial audio with head tracking
• Apple design style and quality
• Comfortable mesh ear pads
• Built to use with other Apple devices

Best Headphones for Apple Users: It’s hard to leave out the AirPods Max whenever discussing the best noise-cancelling headphones, because they do a lot of things right, and you can easily change the ear pads whenever they get worn out. The seamless connectivity to other Apple devices is also a huge plus, and can improve workflow if you’re trying to get some work done on the road.

Inside, we have Apple’s custom dynamic driver and active noise cancellation, with a transparency mode that allows you to hear more of your surroundings. The breathable knit mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions provide comfort during extended use, and Apple’s H1 chip is still as impressive as ever, providing some of the best sound quality in the game. These cans also come available in five different colors with the option to add an engraving if you purchase through Apple.

Battery: ~20 hours Drivers: 40mm Resistance: None Quick Charge: 2 hours for 20 hours

The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones You Can Get

Some of these picks landed on our best noise-cancelling headphones guide, which covers some more high-quality cans for you to check out.

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The Best Wireless Travel Headphones of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Take your tunes with you with our top picks

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Tripsavvy / Alli Waataja

Every traveler needs a great pair of headphones. After all, they’re the key to warding off boredom on long journeys by losing yourself in your favorite music and movies. Wireless headphones make sense if you’re often on the move since they afford greater mobility, have fewer parts to lose, and feel more compact. Other things to look out for include effective noise cancellation (essential for when you inevitably get seated next to the crying baby), superior sound quality, and the ability to fold into a robust carry case capable of withstanding life on the road.

To help you navigate the many options, our travel experts tested 14 of the best wireless travel headphones on the market, including options from top brands such as Bose, Apple, and Sennheiser. We scored each one for ease of use, functionality, sound quality, and noise cancellation—and the results determined the winners of categories ranging from Best Budget to Best Battery Life. The Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 headphones took the top spot, combining exceptional sound quality with lightweight comfort and an affordable price tag. Check out the other wireless travel headphones we tested below. 

• TripSavvy's Picks
• Other Options We Tested

How We Tested

What to look for, why trust tripsavvy, best overall, anker soundcore life q35 wireless.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5
• Sound Quality 5 /5
• Battery Life 5 /5

Lightweight, secure-fitting comfort

Three effective noise cancellation modes

Unbelievably good value

If you’re looking for flawless performance at an incredibly reasonable price, you’ll love the Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 Wireless Headphones. We did, so much so that they received perfect scores across the board during testing. We connected them to our phone and laptop in less than a minute, with no instructions or specialist apps needed. They’re incredibly lightweight, with memory foam padding on the headband and ear cups—making them super comfortable to wear for extended periods. We especially liked that they remained securely in place even during an intense cardio session.

With 40-millimeter silk-diaphragm drivers, a Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification, and advanced LDAC technology that transfers three times more sound detail than regular Bluetooth, the sound quality is insane. We experienced faultless consistency and found that the connectivity never wavered, no matter how far we moved away from the phone or laptop. The headphones also offer three noise-canceling modes (Transport, Outdoor, and Indoor), allowing us to eradicate ambient noise completely. When receiving phone calls, you can tap to switch to Transparency mode for crisp, clear sound on both ends of the conversation. 

Other highlights included the touch controls, a built-in sensor that automatically pauses sound when removing the headphones, a two-hour full charge time, and a battery life that we felt exceeded the 40 hours advertised. Finally, your purchase includes a compact travel case and an airplane adapter for easy integration with in-flight entertainment. 

Playtime: 40 hours | Charge Time: 2 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux, NFC | Charge Port: USB-C

TripSavvy / Marco Bebawy

Best Overal, Runner-Up

Bose quietcomfort 35 ii headphones.

• Comfort 4.5 /5

Three effective noise-canceling modes

The crisp, clear call quality

Easy set-up and personalization via the app

Sound could be richer at low volumes

Offering wired, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Headphones are a worthy alternative choice. We could pair them immediately with our phone and laptop, then used the Bose Connect app for a guided tour of the different functions and features. The app also allows you to personalize your audio settings. The headphones also work with Bose AR and Amazon’s Alexa (giving you voice-control access to music and information). 

The headphones boast volume-optimized EQ, meaning balanced audio at any volume. Although the sound was generally clear and powerful, we had to increase the volume to get our desired richness for music and movies. The three levels of noise cancelation, though, were very effective. When we tested the call function, we could hear and be heard perfectly, while the padded headband and ear cups made the headphones incredibly comfortable. Finally, Bose claims a 20-hour battery life, but we could go weeks without charging them.

Playtime: 20 hours | Charge Time: 3 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux, NFC | Charge Port: Micro USB

TripSavvy / Lydia Price

Best Budget

1more sonoflow.

• Sound Quality 4 /5

Intuitive setup and operation

Reliable, high-quality sound

Impressive battery life

Noise cancellation was not very effective

The only option on this list to retail for under $100, the 1More SonoFlow Wireless Headphones impressed us with their excellent value, sound quality, and comfort. We found them incredibly easy to set up and connect, and the connection remained reliable even when we moved away from the phone. Operation is intuitive, too, with four easy-to-use buttons. The headphones feature 40-millimeter dynamic drivers and support LDAC coding technology for detailed Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified sound. 

We were impressed with the sound quality, especially given the headphones’ budget price. Clarity was best at higher volumes. Calls came through clearly thanks to an AI algorithm and beamforming microphones, and we found that the headphones fit comfortably, even over multiple ear piercings. With soft leather ear cups, they’re also pretty light. The only downsides were some slight slippage during active exercise and the underwhelming noise-canceling mode (although the headphones naturally muffled quite a bit of background noise). 

Playtime: 70 hours | Charge Time: 3 to 4 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux | Charge Port: USB-C

TripSavvy / Alessandra Amodio

Best for Kids

Puro sound labs puroquiet.

Volume is limited to a safe level for kids

It can still be used while charging

Hard case protects from rough handling

Relatively pricey for kids' headphones

Designed especially for children, PuroQuiet headphones offer one-touch Bluetooth pairing with all iPhone and Android devices and a generous 30-foot range. We found them amazingly easy to pair, set up, and use, even without instructions. They also come with a 3.5-millimeter audio cable if your child prefers a wired connection. The padded headband was very adjustable, allowing for a secure fit on various head sizes. Meanwhile, the heavily cushioned ear cups provide maximum comfort. 

We especially liked the sound quality, which was great at every volume. Volume is limited to 85 decibels to protect children’s sensitive hearing, but with effective noise canceling, they can still hear clearly no matter what’s happening in the background. We tested the headphones on a noisy airplane and found we couldn’t hear other passengers. Other clever features include a built-in microphone ideal for online classes, a cable with an audio splitter that allows two Puro headphones to connect to the same device, and up to 35 hours of playtime. 

Playtime: 35 hours | Charge Time: 3 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux | Charge Port: Micro USB

Best Battery Life

Sennheiser momentum 4 wireless.

• Ease of Use 3.5 /5

Super-fast recharging time

Amazing, customizable sound

Hinged headband for added comfort

Slightly tricky to pair initially

Considernnheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones if you want world-class battery life. Boasting up to 60 hours of battery, they particularly excel at recharging quickly—so much so that when they died, we only had to charge them for five minutes to watch an entire movie. The Auto On/Off feature also helps save battery. We did struggle to pair them at first, but once we did, the sound quality was phenomenal (and remained so no matter how far we moved from our device). 

The Sennheiser Smart Control app offers built-in EQ presets, sound modes, and full Sound Personalization. We found the noise cancelation effective even in a busy airport—and when you need to hear what’s happening around you, activate Transparency mode with a touch. Other clever features include Smart Pause (triggered when you remove the headphones) and dual beamforming microphones for crystal-clear calls on each side. We found the padded, hinged headband comfortable and secure, even when wearing glasses.

Playtime: 60 hours | Charge Time: 2 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux | Charge Port: USB-C

TripSavvy / Morgan Ashley Parker

Best Splurge

Apple airpods max.

One-tap set-up across Apple devices

Exceptional sound at all volumes

Complete noise cancellation

It could be a little bit lighter

At roughly 3.5 times the price of our overall winner, the Apple AirPods Max headphones are undoubtedly a splurge; but one that we feel is worth it. Set-up is effortless—you can pair them with any of your Apple devices with a single tap. The frame features super strong and flexible stainless steel, with telescoping arms that adjust easily to create the perfect fit and a mesh headband so light we could barely feel it (although the ear cups are noticeably heavier).

The anodized ear cups rotate independently to create a perfect seal. Along with Apple’s custom-built driver and personalized Spatial Audio, this results in an unbelievably clear sound that’s powerful and vibrant at all volumes, with a distinct surround sound effect. A control dial lets you change the volume, skip tracks, answer calls, and activate Siri, while playback automatically pauses and resumes when the headphones are taken off and put back on. Finally, the noise cancellation is exceptional. We used it on a plane and the subway and could hear nothing unless we switched to Transparency mode. 

Playtime: 20 hours | Charge Time: 2 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux | Charge Port: Lightning 

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Best Sound Quality

Microsoft surface headphones 2.

• Comfort 3.8 /5

Intuitive voice, touch, and fingertip controls

Thirteen levels of Active Noise Cancellation

Excellent sound quality across all volumes

Pairing to Apple devices can be tricky

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 can connect to multiple devices simultaneously, and although our tester did have a few issues connecting to his Apple laptop, it was possible. Once made, the connection was strong and consistent even from several rooms away, while the voice, touch, and fingertip controls are intuitive and easy to locate. You can use them to play audio, make calls, or get help from your preferred digital assistant. The headphones are also compatible with Microsoft 365 for voice dictation in Word etc. 

We found that the headphones stayed in place well, even when we bent over or jumped while wearing them. They were a little uncomfortable after several hours; however, the crystal clear Omnisonic sound more than made up for this. Even at the very loudest volume, the sound quality was flawless. We were also impressed with the efficient, customizable Active Noise Cancellation, which is adjustable to 13 levels. Dual microphones offer exceptional call clarity, while audio automatically pauses after removing the headphones. 

Playtime: 18.5 hours | Charge Time: 2 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux | Charge Port: USB-C

TripSavvy / Kathryn Braet

TripSavvy's Picks

The Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 Wireless Headphones (view at Amazon ) was our top pick, standing out for their fantastic sound quality, comfort, lightness, and complete noise cancellation. For a worthy budget alternative, try the 1More SonoFlow Wireless Headphones (view at Amazon ). 

Other Wireless Travel Headphones We Tested

Bowers & wilkins px8 wireless headphones.

These headphones had a lot to like, including their adjustable fit, comfort, and ease of use. However, the noise canceling mode was underwhelming, especially given the high cost.

Technics EAH-A800 Wireless Headphones

Accessing and understanding instructions for these headphones was a little tricky, and while we found them comfortable, we couldn’t get a secure fit. However, the sound quality was good. 

Urbanista Los Angeles Solar-Powered Headphones

Determining the headphones’ remaining battery was difficult, although they did last for the test duration. We also found them uncomfortable while the sound quality could be crisper. 

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Headphones

These headphones were intuitive and quick to set up. The sound quality was consistently good, too, so although they have few bells and whistles, we feel they’re worth their reasonable price. 

Jabra Elite 45H Wireless Headphones

These headphones did not come with instructions. The fit was too loose, they don’t have a noise canceling mode, and the call quality was poor. However, they were comfy with good battery life. 

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT Wireless Headphones

These headphones charged quickly and connected easily. They fit comfortably and stayed in place while exercising, but they didn't offer noise cancelation or work during our test calls.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones

We could pair the headphones easily with both a phone and a laptop. They were very comfortable and cut ambient noise reasonably well. We would like to see the sound quality improved.

First, we unboxed and assembled (where relevant) each set of headphones. We assessed how clear the instructions were and how easy the headphones were to set up, including calibration, Bluetooth connectivity, and app installation. Next, we put them on and evaluated their fit, adjustability, and comfort. Then, while listening to music at an average volume, we scored each for sound quality and consistency, the stability of the Bluetooth connection, and how audible the external noises were. 

Tests continued with a thorough check of all functions, from adjusting the volume to skipping songs and testing “aware” and “noise cancellation” modes where relevant. We also tested how easy it was to receive a call while listening to music and call quality. Finally, we carried out a group test to check the efficiency of the headphones’ noise-cancelation feature. Testers were exposed to a series of noises at various volumes (corroborated by a decibel meter). Different headphones were compared side-by-side to see how well they blocked ambient noise. 

At the end of the testing process, headphones were scored from 1 to 5 for ease of use, functionality, sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and value. Overall scores determined our category winners. 

When deciding which wireless travel headphones to purchase, consider the kind of activities you’ll use them for. If the answers are mainly sedentary (like listening to music on the plane or taking work calls while driving), on- or over-ear headphones are typically best for comfort and unparalleled sound quality. But if you plan on using your headphones for physical pursuits like hiking or going to the gym, in-ear headphones are lighter, less bulky, and more secure. Of course, compactness is key for all travel headphones, so a foldable design and a durable carry case that will fit easily in your bag is important no matter what style you choose. 

Sound Quality

Sound quality depends on many different factors and is not necessarily correlative to headphone type (e.g., high-quality in-ear headphones may provide better sound quality than low-end over-ear headphones, and vice versa). Generally speaking, though, over-ear headphones offer the best potential for flawless sound for two reasons. One, they create the best seal, blocking out ambient noise and amplifying bass tones in the most natural way. Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enhance this isolating effect. Two, their size means they can accommodate a much larger driver diameter than in-ear headphones. 

Bluetooths and Mics

When it comes to wireless headphones, those with LDAC technology claim to deliver three times more sound detail than regular Bluetooth. It’s worth noting that Apple products do not currently support LDAC. Other Bluetooth factors to consider include how easily the headphones will pair with your existing devices. If you have an Apple smartphone or laptop, for example, opting for Apple headphones will enable you to pair in a matter of seconds simply by tapping an on-screen prompt. Some headphones offer NFC technology, allowing them to be paired with an NFC-enabled device by tapping them together. When it comes to microphones, choose headphones with dual beamforming mics on both sides to ensure superior call clarity.

Headphones on this list range in price from just under $100 to almost $550, and there are many options at even more extreme ends of the cost spectrum. While it’s generally true that trusted brands (like Apple, Microsoft, or Sennheiser) offer some of the best products on the market in terms of performance, it’s also true that supporting one of these big tech companies could see you paying over the odds for the brand name. Our overall winner, the Life Q35 headphones from Soundcore by Anker, was also one of the most affordable products we tested. It’s a good idea to check user reviews and industry write-ups carefully to get the best idea of which headphones offer the best value for money. 

For over- or on-ear headphones, start by removing the ear pads. Then, use a soft, clean toothbrush to remove visible debris, making sure not to push it into the drivers. Once finished, you can use a dampened microfiber cloth (not soaked) with soapy water to gently clean exterior surfaces. Repeating this step with rubbing alcohol will eliminate lingering germs, but be careful not to damage leather and plastic components. Finally, pat dry with a clean sheet of paper towel before reassembling. For in-ear headphones, remove the ear tips and use the included cleaning tool or a Q-tip to remove ear wax or other debris. You’ll also need to clean the charging case. In both cases, warm soapy water and/or rubbing alcohol work wonders. 

 You can wear whatever headphones you like when traveling by plane. Many people choose ones with Active Noise Cancelation to block out the engine's sound and other passengers. Using your personal headphones to listen to in-flight entertainment can be trickier. Some airlines now offer Bluetooth connectivity and allow Bluetooth devices to be used in flight mode at all times except during take-off and landing. Otherwise, you can purchase Bluetooth transmitters to make this connection. Some planes have standard 3.5-millimeter ports if you're using wired headphones. Others use two-pin ports that are only compatible with airline headphones; in this instance, you’ll need to purchase a special adaptor.

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert. She also regularly contributes commerce articles relating to adventure and family travel. As a frequent traveler with a passion for music (and as the mom of a daughter who likes to watch Frozen on repeat in the car), she understands the value of a great pair of wireless headphones. This article is based on the results of real-life tests carried out by TripSavvy’s team of travel experts. 

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The 11 Best Noise-Canceling Headphones of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested noise-canceling headphones to find the best options for all of your travels.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Others We Liked
• Tips for Buying

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Whether you can’t get enough of music, podcasts, or audiobooks, a pair of the best noise-canceling headphones can significantly improve the quality of your listening experience — especially if you’re traveling on a plane, commuting on a busy route, or working amid an abundance of background noise. 

In our New York City lab, we tested 27 pairs of noise-canceling headphones from the industry’s leading brands, including Apple, Samsung, and Jabra. We performed a series of tests that evaluated ease of use, functionality, comfort, and, of course, sound quality. We listened to a series of noises at different frequencies, such as a screaming baby, an airplane cabin, and a siren, to discover which headphones truly have the most ear-saving power. We then also tested all of these headphones out in the real-world to guarantee the best results to guide you while you shop.

The best noise-canceling headphones we tested are the Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700. These tried-and-true wireless headphones blew us away with the ability to silence any fracas with their active noise-canceling. On top of that, they are exceptionally comfortable to wear and are easy to set up and use. If over-the-ear headphones aren’t your style preference, we also have versatile earbud recommendations as well as verdicts on the best multi-use and budget options.

Best Overall

Bose noise cancelling headphones.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Functionality 5 /5
• Sound Quality 5 /5
• Noise Cancelation 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5

These have a unique adjustability with an expandable headband and ear cups that slide up and down for an even better fit.

They didn't feel as secure on the head as other headphones we tested.

The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 earned the top spot on our list for the best noise-canceling headphones with superior performance across all of our testing categories. Most notably, these headphones blocked almost all outside sound with their active noise-canceling feature turned on — allowing you to work from anywhere . There are 11 levels of passive and active noise-canceling on this Bose model, and when we used the headphones at the highest setting, we couldn’t even hear ourselves voice talking. Even after six months of use, we found these to have the best noise-cancellation capabilities of any headphones we tested.

Along with the great noise cancellation quality, we also love how slim the case is — those two qualities seem ideal for commuting to the office. We wore these on a five-hour flight, and they were comfortable the whole time. The right earcup has touch sensors to adjust the sound level and noise-canceling presets as well as power the headphones on and off. Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa can work with these Bose headphones to allow hands-free assistance for answering texts or changing music selections. They're simple and easy to set up, but users will need to download the Bose app to take advantage of the headphones’ full functionality. Additionally, they're comfortable to wear, but when we moved around a bit, they didn’t feel as secure as some of the other headphones we tested.

The Details: Up to 20 hours battery life | Up to 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 8.96 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Anker soundcore life p3.

• Sound Quality 4 /5
• Noise Cancelation 4 /5
• Comfort 4.5 /5

The sound quality of the music is sharp and vibrant.

The sound quality isn’t as good during phone calls and it takes a few moments to turn them off and on.

For a pair of noise-canceling headphones at such an accessible price, we were impressed with the excellent sound projected from the Anker Soundcore Life P3 during testing. When listening to music at a low level, the active noise-canceling concealed all outside sounds, including the decibel tests with a baby screaming, a siren, subway sounds, and more. However, during the phone test, the person on the other end of our call could hear outside sounds. If some background noise during phone calls doesn’t bother you, this shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s something to consider if your primary use of these headphones would be for something requiring no disturbances.

After using these headphones for a full month, we found them to be so comfortable that we often forget we're wearing them. There are also several different sizes of tips included so you can tailor your headphones to your own preference. Users will need to download the Soundcore app to control the noise-cancelation settings, but the app was simple to use and the earbuds paired to our device immediately. 

The Details: 7 hours of playing time and another 35 hours with the case | Android and iOS | 2.24 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Best Sound, Earbuds

Samsung galaxy buds pro.

The headphones have crisp and clear sound quality. 

The price depends on the color — some are more expensive than others.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro headphones block out all surrounding noise and provide a vibrant sound. We love how lightweight and comfortable the earbuds are to wear, and they feel secure when you’re on the move. In lab testing, the active noise-canceling feature prevented almost all outside noises from being heard, except for some ambient noise at 84.5 decibels. Other than that, we couldn’t hear a siren, a baby screaming, an airplane cabin, or a construction drill at various decibel levels. Although Samsung is an Android product, we used an iPhone to pair with the earbuds and it was simple and hassle-free. Users can tap an earbud to adjust the active noise-cancelation and transparency levels as well as pause or play a song. We loved that it does a great job of adding bass to songs, creating a vibrant listening experience.

The Details: Up to 8 hours battery life | Up to 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 1.2 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Best Sound, Over-ear

Jbl tour one m2.

The smart noise cancelation instantly adapts to mask any new sounds introduced to your environment.

Talking on the phone or during video calls takes some getting used to as your own voice may sound echoey.

For daily commuters, frequent travelers, or anyone else who wants to be completely immersed in sound, JBL's Tour One M2 headphones have the adaptive technology you need to get that concert-quality experience. You can use these over-ear headphones right out of the box without the app, you just connect them to your device as you would any other Bluetooth device. The app, however, is helpful with interactive images to help guide you through headphone setup or to change the settings including the tap controls. Throughout our tests, we were able to connect to multiple devices, and especially love how it prioritizes your phone so, if you get a call while listening to your computer, it automatically switches devices when you answer.

These headphones are perfect for audiophiles as the noise-blocking capabilities are so advanced, it actually takes some getting used to. The Tour One M2's have smart noise cancelation that continuously adjusts as you’re wearing so if, for example, a train or siren goes by, the noise is blocked along with the regular nat sound of the room. We loved listening to music on these and felt more focused when listening to podcasts and audiobooks because there wasn’t any distracting background noise. It really allows you to be in your own world with whatever you’re listening to.

The Details: Up to 50 hours battery life | Android and iOS | 9.6 ounces | Over-ear

Most Comfortable, Over-ear

Sony wh-1000xm5 headphones.

 Amazon

• Ease of Use 2 /5
• Functionality 4 /5

They completely block out loud sounds and background noises.

The set-up can be tricky at first.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are one of the most impressive all-around noise-canceling headphones we've used. We loved the lightweight and comfortable fit of the headphones; they aren't too snug or too loose but do appear slightly bulky on the head. During lab testing, these headphones impressed us with their automatic adaptive noise-canceling, which turns the noise-canceling on and off when someone starts speaking and allows users to easily skip or pause songs by tapping the side of the ear cups. When the active noise-canceling was turned on, it could prevent the sounds of a ride-on lawnmower from being heard while landscaping. And, when we walked around the city, the headphones created a “bubble” where outside noises were completely tuned out.

We did have some difficulties setting up the headphones due to a lack of instructions included by Sony, but once the app was downloaded, it became a much more intuitive experience. While the setup was tricky, these headphones more than made up for the inconvenience with incredible active noise cancelation.

The Details: Up to 30 hours battery life | Up to 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 8.8 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Most Comfortable, Earbuds

Jabra elite 85t earbuds.

• Functionality 4.5 /5
• Sound Quality 4.5 /5
• Noise Cancelation 4.5 /5

The Jabra app has a tool that tests sound leakage and recommends which size of the rubber earbud tip should be used.

You may have to read the directions to help with connecting to your computer.

Earbuds can be uncomfortable to wear for long amounts of time, but the Jabra Elite 85ts come with several thoughtful features to enhance comfort. There are three different sizes of rubber earbud tips, and the Jabra Sound+ app has a tool that emits a sound to test for leakage so that it can recommend the best fit for improving sound and comfort quality. We loved how lightweight and secure the earbuds felt.

There are 11 sound levels with active noise-canceling and a transparency mode for when you need to hear surrounding sounds better. You can toggle between six included sound settings and create custom presets on the app or by tapping the earbud. After wearing these headphones regularly for one month, we found that the noise-canceling aspect does work really well and makes for much more pleasant rides on the commuter train. These earbuds would be ideal for commuting or extended flights when travelers want to listen to music for long periods of time without having to worry about ear pain. 

The Details: Up to 25 hours battery life | 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 1.06 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen

Best Splurge

Apple airpods max.

The sound quality and noise-canceling are excellent during phone calls.

They don't turn off unless they're in the case, so you have to always carry the case with you.

Apple’s first pair of over-the-ear headphones, the AirPods Max earned our fandom with noise-canceling abilities that blocked out nearly all outside commotion while providing crisp and vibrant sound for music and phone calls. We found the sound quality to be much higher than other options, and the cancel/transparency range is larger. We also appreciated how intuitive the headphones are to use thanks to buttons along the earpiece that allow you to adjust the sound level, play or skip a song, and change the active noise-cancelation and transparency settings. During our decibel tests, the headphones only let in the sound of a screaming baby at 75.3 decibels; otherwise, the noise-cancelation blocked out sirens, talking, construction drills, and more. Even with the transparency setting on, we noted that the headphones provided a noise-blocking effect.

The headphones are comfortable to wear and shaped nicely to our heads without many adjustments needed, but they still not be the best option to use during your workouts. Although these Apple headphones have a higher price point than some, we think the sound and material quality match the cost for those who have a larger budget. Even after six months of regular use, these headphones certainly live up to the hype and continue to deliver an amazing listening experience.

The Details: Up to 20 hours battery life | 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 13.6 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Best Battery Life

Jabra elite 85h.

There are six preset equalizer settings, but you can save custom presets, too.

The noise-cancelation didn’t feel as strong as other headphones we tested.

On one single charge, the Jabra Elite 85H has a 36-hour battery life with the active noise cancelation turned on — an ideal length for travelers that might not have regular access to a power-up. To pair the headphones and control the noise-canceling abilities, users will have to download the Jabra Sound+ app, which includes features like sleep mode and a headphone tracker to find them if they get misplaced. We had no issues setting up the app and appreciated the tour the app gave that outlined how to use the headphones. After one month of regular use, these exceeded our expectations. The audio quality is amazing and the noise cancelation and hear-through mode works like a charm.

The noise-canceling feature especially impressed us by blocking out ambient noise like the sounds of an airplane cabin. We were able to hear the highest-pitched sounds like a baby screaming, but thoughtful features like the ability to play white noise from the app help block out noise. The headphones are comfortable to wear but aren’t as lightweight as the others we tested. On the plus side for portability, they fold up and fit into a compact carrying case that is perfect for air travel. 

The Details: Up to 36 hours battery life | 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 10.4 ounces | Carrying Case | Over-ear

Best for Apple Users

Apple airpods pro.

• Durability 4.5 /5

It takes Apple users seconds and almost no effort to pair Apple AirPods Pro.

After six months of use, we noticed the battery life doesn't last as long as when they were new.

Apple users who are looking to stay within the iOS family should consider the AirPods Pros. The pairing process for Apple users takes minimal effort and almost no time at all. We paired the headphones to a phone easily and were able to adjust the active noise-canceling and transparency features without issue. The sound quality of the headphones didn’t blow us away, but we were thoroughly impressed with the noise-canceling ability that silenced any outside noise, including our simulated tests with sounds like a siren, a screaming baby, and a car honking. On a flight, we were impressed with the quality and its ability to drown out the airplane noises.

To suit your size preference, the Apple earbuds come with three different earbud tips so you can customize how snug you want them to feel in your ear. Another great feature for Apple users is the ability to track your earbuds if you misplace them by using the Find My Friends app on an iPhone. Android users can certainly enjoy a pair of AirPods Pros, but we think Apple users or people new to using wireless earbuds will appreciate the convenience the most. [Note: We tested the first generation headphones here, but we've also later reviewed the newer model as well.]

The Details: Up to 5 hours battery life | Android and iOS | 0.18 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Best Multi-use

Beats fit pro noise canceling earbuds.

• Ease of Use 4.5 /5

You can skip songs and adjust the volume level by tapping on the earbud.

The control buttons aren't easy to locate; you may have to feel around to find them.

Whether you're traveling, commuting, or working out at the gym, you'll love how comfortable and intuitive the Beats Fit Pros are. Pairing the headphones to a phone is incredibly easy — all you have to do is open the case and the device will automatically connect via Bluetooth. These earbuds have special audio that allows users to adjust the sound transparency to completely block out noise or allow it to filter through while using the earbuds. The sound quality for playing music was powerful, and nothing leaked through the active noise-cancelation. However, when talking on the phone, you may not want to activate the noise-canceling feature, otherwise you may not sound clear on the other end. After six months of regular use, we're so impressed with the battery power on these headphones and find that they only need to be charged once a week.

The Details: Up to 24 hours battery life | 33 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | Carrying Case | Earbuds

Best Customizable

Bose quietcomfort earbuds.

• Ease of Use 4 /5
• Comfort 3.5 /5
• Noise-Cancellation 5 /5

We love the quiet mode for when you really need to focus.

They may not be comfortable for people with small ears.

When it comes to noise-canceling headphones, we usually focus on blocking out sound so you can hear your music or movie without distraction. These headphones take things one step further by allowing users to customize their own noise-cancelation mode from a full cancelation "quiet" mode to a fully aware mode that automatically adjusts based on your surroundings. There's also an app you can use to track you earbuds — not just the case — in case one gets lost. We were also very impressed with the sound quality of these earbuds when listening to music. It feels like a full surround system and the music is so clear. The downside is that the left earbud doesn't work on its own since the Bluetooth actually connects to the right bud. Both earbuds also have tap controls, so these are best used together for optimal listening.

The Details: Up to 6 hours battery life | 30 feet Bluetooth range | Android and iOS | 0.3 ounces | Carrying Case | Earbuds

We gathered our product testers in our New York City lab to find the best noise-canceling headphones through a series of tests that evaluated ease of use, functionality, sound quality, comfort, noise-cancelation, and overall value. We tested 27 earbuds and headphones from industry-leading tech and audio brands like Apple, Bose, Sony, and more.

To test the ease of use, we had our participants unbox each set of headphones and note how easy it was to pair their cellphones to them. Some brands require an app to be downloaded that controls the features of each headphone, whereas others can be controlled by tapping on the earbud to adjust the settings. These features were tested for functionality to determine how difficult it was to navigate the headphones’ features.

Next, we carefully considered the comfort of each pair of headphones and earbuds. Some earbuds came with multiple sizes of rubber tips, and the over-the-ear headphones could be adjusted to fit the shape of the user’s head. Everyone made a phone call to test the microphone and asked the person on the other end of the call how clear their voice sounded. 

Our team used the headphones during a variety of noise-canceling challenges that included listening to music while walking around outside and participating in frequency assessments to listen for sounds at different levels with and without music playing. The decibel tests included a baby screaming, sirens, subway noises, construction drills, cars honking, and airplane cabin noises.

Travel + Lesiure / Vicky Wasik

Other Noise-canceling Headphones We Liked

Some noise-canceling headphones came close to making our list of top performers, but the pairs below lacked features and qualities compared to our winners. 

Bose QuietComfort 35 II : These headphones were comfortable to wear and easily blocked ambient sounds, but the sound quality didn’t impress us, and we think there are better headphones out there for the same price or less. 

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay HX : These have a great battery life and the app is easy to use, but the price is high considering we couldn’t fully tell the difference between the active noise-canceling and transparency settings. 

Sony WH-1000XM4 : Despite having excellent sound quality and noise-canceling abilities, the newer version of these headphones outperformed this older set during testing. 

OnePlus Buds Pro True Wireless Earbuds : These earbuds are simple to use, but they weren’t the most comfortable to wear and felt disorienting when listening to only one earbud at a time.

Tips for Buying Noise-canceling Headphones

Consider your primary use .

Depending on what you plan on using a pair of noise-canceling headphones for, be sure to consider factors like earbuds versus headphones, noise-canceling ability with phone calls versus music, and the price. If you’re planning on using a pair of noise-canceling headphones for work, consider prioritizing headphones that block out noise during phone calls specifically. For travelers, a lightweight pair of earbuds will be best for portability as well as long battery life and overall comfort for long journeys. 

Know the pros and cons of overhead versus earbuds

Overhead headphones and earbuds can both offer excellent noise-canceling abilities but differ when it comes to style, portability, and comfort. Travelers might find earbuds to be easier to carry around — especially if they are already bringing along a travel pillow — but headphones that go over the ears may end up being more comfortable for longer amounts of time. Plus, while earbuds are small and discreet, headphones are noticeable and could get in the way of workouts or sleeping on your side.

Noise-canceling headphones are designed to reduce background noise while listening to music or talking on the phone. While they can’t eliminate all surrounding sounds, active noise-cancellation can help with drowning out ambient noise and providing clear and crisp sound quality whether you’re listening to music or taking a phone call. Some headphones, like those from the Jabra brand, have white noise features that let users listen to sounds like ocean waves to help cover outside noise.

Active noise-canceling (ANC) neutralizes outside sounds using built-in microphones to pick up sounds and using sounds that are out of phase with the external sounds to counteract ambient noise. Passive noise-canceling features are the physical design of the earbud or headphones that prevent outside noise. For example, the shape and cushion of ear cups and the rubber tips on earbuds are passive noise-canceling features. 

Noise-canceling headphones, especially over-ear headphones, generally have padding and other components that block noise even when they are not projecting music. Active noise-canceling headphones (ANC) can block noise whether or not you are playing music.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best noise-canceling headphones based on a series of tests completed by our testers in our lab.

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Related Articles

Best audiophile headphones 2024: the 9 best-sounding hi-fi pairs

Prioritise sound quality? So do these headphones, designed for discerning music lovers

• Best studio
• Best for comfort
• Best premium
• Best luxury
• Best money-no-object
• Best earbuds
• Best high-end earbuds
• Best wireless

Also consider

• How to choose
• How we test

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1. The list in brief 2. Best value 3. Best studio 4. Best for comfort 5. Best premium 6. Best luxury 7. Best money-no-object 8. Best earbuds 9. Best high-end earbuds 10. Best wireless 11. Also consider 12. How to choose 13. How we test 14. FAQ 15. Recent updates 16. Today's best deals

We aren't short of choice when it comes to premium-priced headphones, many of which are fitted with high-tech bells and whistles like wireless connectivity and active noise cancellation. But what if you just want the purest listening experience available for your particular budget?

With the emphasis firmly on sound quality – hence why all but one are wired models! – our pick of the best audiophile headphones is an ode to outstanding sonics rather than sound-blocking or spatial audio technologies, prioritising maximum sound for your pound (or dollar). These are headphones worth connecting to DACs / headphone amplifiers or hi-fi systems. Want something for your phone? Check out our best headphones list instead.

We have rigorously tested audiophile headphones in their hundreds and hand-picked the very best of the bunch below, covering a wide range of budgets. Indeed, the good news is that they're not necessarily prohibitively expensive – great-value sound quality worthy of the 'audiophile' label does exist.

If it's on this list, you can be sure it's a class-leading performer.

The quick list

These open-backed home headphones remain the best-value options for your typical audiophile.

Read more below

Marketed for studio use but just as good at home, these closed-back over-ears are as musical as they are informative.

Supremely wearable over-ears that offer all-day comfort and an equally appealing sonic experience. 

Paired with a high-quality source (or DAC), these open-back Beyerdynamics sound truly sensational.

Luxurious materials, attractive aesthetics and stupendous sound make these open-back Focals worth every penny.

Headphones most audiophiles can only aspire to, these Yamahas are hard not to fall in love with.

Load the next three products ↓

Prefer a pair of in-ears? These sophisticated Shures are masters of musicality. 

A pricey proposition, yes – but the IE 900’s build, engineering and sound quality justify the outlay. 

Want the convenience of cable-free listening? These noise-cancelling over-ears set the benchmark for wireless performance at this lofty price.

June 2024: The wireless Mark Levinson No. 5909 replaced the Sony WH-1000XM5 in light of a recent price drop, making the superior-sounding over-ears better value. We also added FAQs to offer you extra buying advice.

I am What Hi-Fi? 's managing editor and have been reviewing and writing about headphones for over a decade. I'm a massive head-fi (headphones and the like) fan, and while I like wireless headphones for everyday use, nothing beats listening to music through a pair of wired, sound-first audiophile headphones. I'd argue it is often preferable to a hi-fi system! I've heard every pair below – and live with two of them – and can assure you they represent the best value for money in their fields. Unsure which is right for you? Check out my how to choose advice below.

Best value audiophile headphones

1. grado sr325x.

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Say hello to the best audiophile headphones for outright value. Grado's SR325 headphone model has set the benchmark at this price point for years, and its latest SR325x are the best iteration the Brooklyn-based company has produced yet.

While they may only be a modest improvement over the previous SR325e, when you consider that those old-timers previously topped this list of best audiophile headphones for years, any improvement is an achievement in itself. 

The bigger achievement is that the SR325x picked up a What Hi-Fi? Award in 2021, 2022 and 2023 for being the most impressive sounding pair at their price. Indeed, nothing has beaten them since they arrived three years ago.

So, for those familiar with previous SR325 iterations, what's new here? On the surface, not much; there are flatter foam earpads, an updated cable and lighter-coloured stitching on the firmly padded headband. But the real work has gone on under the hood. The 44mm drive unit has a revised motor system, new diaphragm and upgraded coil, all to improve efficiency and reduce distortion. And the new 8-conductor cable uses 'super' annealed copper to deliver a purer sound.

The result is a smoother listen, more authoritative bass and an overall cleaner, clearer sound. "These headphones have always been detailed and articulate performers, and that hasn’t changed," our in-house reviewers note in our SR325x review , "but the ‘x’ generation sounds that bit more precise and insightful." They deliver rhythms with enthusiasm and plenty of punch, and sound effortlessly musical.

They do have an open-back design, though, meaning they leak sound in and out like a sieve and don't quite have the outright weight and low-end punch of closed headphone designs. If you don't mind that because you're after a pair primarily for private listening in a quiet room in your home, and don't require oodles of bass, you'll be rewarded.

Our experts advise pairing the Grados with "an outboard  DAC  of the quality of  Chord’s Mojo  for the laptop and phone, and at least  Astell & Kern’s A&norma SR25  music player" if you want to hear the scale of the SR325x’s talents.

Got a smaller budget? The next-model-down Grado SR80x are equally impressive for their lower price level, while the Beyerdynamic DT 900 Pro X (open-backs) and DT 700 Pro X (closed-backs, below) are worthy alternatives for those who don't dig Grado's retro vibe. 

Read our full Grado SR325x review

Best studio audiophile headphones

2. beyerdynamic dt 700 pro x.

These closed-back headphones, like their DT 900 Pro X open-back cousins, are aimed at content creators, with Beyerdynamic labelling them as 'studio' headphones. But 'studio' or not, they have plenty to offer content consumers too. With a spacious, precise and nimble sound and comfortable, lightweight design, they are the best traditional closed-back over-ears our expert reviews team has come across at this accessible price.

At their heart is Beyerdynamic’s new Stellar.45 drive unit. It’s designed and manufactured in-house and uses a layered Peek polymer diaphragm, with a damping material sandwiched in between, and a Neodymium motor system. The aim? To deliver a detailed sound with an easy load which will allow the headphones to be driven by laptops and smartphones without any problems.

And it works! The DT 700 Pro X sound effortlessly composed – the order and precision with which instruments are presented give music a solid foundation on which the headphones can build. "The honesty in the execution is second to none at this price and the headphones still communicate dynamic shifts of percussion, strings and wind instruments extremely effectively," reads our DT 700 Pro X review . It's not the most exciting presentation we’ve ever heard, the headphones choosing to major in careful control and subtlety instead, but they're still musical and far, far from sounding sterile and unemotional.

Add to that the lack of sound leakage inherent to their closed-back design, plus a reassuringly robust build ("the overall impression you get is that this is a pair of headphones that’s going to give you plenty of mileage over the years," note our in-house reviewers), and you're onto a winner for creators and consumers alike.

Read our full Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X review

Best audiophile headphones for comfort

3. beyerdynamic amiron.

Beyerdynamic’s Amiron are the headphone equivalent of a nice, warm pair of slippers. With a headband and earpads covered in Alcantara microfibres and microvelour, these open-backed over-ears can be worn for hours on end before your ears eventually need a rest.

It’s not just those feather-soft materials that allow that either. The pads that surround the 45mm drivers give your listening gear plenty of space, and they weigh just 340g without the 3m cable attached, so they won’t weigh your head down too much either. 

Fortunately, they also sound so good you’ll never want to take them off, with a large, spacious sound that takes the whole frequency range in its stride: the mids are insightful, they handle treble well, and there’s nice bass detail. Everything sounds well-organised and rhythmic and, as our in-house experts noted in our Amiron review , "The level of transparency and range that the Amiron provide means that, if you put high-quality sound into it, you’ll get high-quality sound out of it. On the whole, the ability of the Amiron will keep you happy no matter what they’re playing."

As always with open-backed headphones, they leak like a bottomless bucket so are not the most social headphones you can buy – though you’ll be too busy luxuriating in their unrivalled comfort and sumptuous sound to care (even if we can't say the same for anyone else in the same room).

An alternative option is Shure’s SRH1540 , which are similarly snug and were our reference audiophile headphones for years, but they are much longer in the tooth now.

Read the full Beyerdynamic Amiron review

Best premium audiophile headphones

4. beyerdynamic t1 (3rd generation).

It’s been over a decade since we first laid ears on the original T1 model, and they have since become something of a touchstone for us as far as premium audiophile headphones go. In those years the model has reached its third generation, and it mainly separates itself from its predecessor by being easier to drive for laptops and mobile devices (The old model had a 600 ohm impedance, while this new one takes that down to 32 ohms). That said, be under no illusions – high-quality source material is still vital to make the most of their undeniable talents.

They're open-backed, so the usual provisos about leaking sound apply (try their Beyerdynamic T5 siblings if you'd prefer talented closed-backs instead). Indeed, they're intended for home listening, which is aided by the provision of a 3m cable. Incidentally, the cable is easily detachable, so if it ever does break or get damaged, swapping to a replacement will take a matter of seconds. Oh and it doesn't make much mechanical noise as you move around – always a plus.

A nicely shaped, partially Alcantara-covered headband and generous velour-trimmed earpads that don't overheat ears in a hurry make them suitable for longer listening sessions, too.

Sound-wise, the T1 3rd Gen don’t let the lineage down. They're a little cleaner and clearer than their predecessors, sounding a bit less bright and more rounded in the treble. It makes them more forgiving of aggressive electronics and recordings, but they're still admirably even-handed and balanced. As our T1 (3rd Generation) review notes, "We’re pleased to report that Beyerdynamic hasn’t over-egged the bass frequencies either, with the T1 (3rd Gen) sounding as tonally convincing as ever."

What impresses us most is how utterly faithful they are to the recording – vocals come through with particularly wonderful nuance and clarity – and their renditions of even denser music are exceptionally organised and coherent.

For around the same price, you might also want to consider the Grado RS1x , but their more retro aesthetic might put some people off.

Read our full Beyerdynamic T1 (3rd Generation) review

Best luxury audiophile headphones

5. Focal Clear Mg

Focal made its name with loudspeakers, but the French company is now equally admired for its headphones – and the Clear Mg are some of its finest.

Before you even open the box it’s clear that these are high-end audiophile headphones. The packaging is suitably luxurious and there’s no denying the high-quality materials and standard of build, with the appearance certainly a far cry from many of its comparatively drab-looking competitors. A carry case and two detachable cables are included (1.2m 3.5mm and 3m 4-pin XLR), but for the price you might expect a slightly longer 3.5mm cable in the box as well.

Stick the Focal Clear Mg on your head and they’re every bit as comfortable as you’d hope. Their 450g weight is distributed well, with the thick, leather-cushioned headband and microfibre earpads ensuring that there’s not too much inward pressure.

Like many on this list, the Clear Mg are open-backed and therefore better suited to home listening than taking out and about, but that lack of an enclosure means they excel when it comes to transparency and dynamic expression. Their presentation is expressive and entertaining, with plenty of clarity, texture and punch. You can also expect precise stereo placement, plus surefootedness and control when it comes to rhythms.

Tonally, the Clear Mg are, to quote our Clear Mg review , "full-bodied in a manner that eludes most rivals, and this presentation results in instruments and voices coming through in a more natural and engaging manner". They're convincing in all the right ways, without sounding as though they're trying too hard.

A word of advice from our in-house reviews team: "Don’t let the inclusion of a 3.5mm jack and relatively short lead tempt you into using your phone as the primary source... the Clear Mg will produce decent volume levels in most set-ups [but] you really need quality electronics to justify their expense."

If the blingy design isn’t for you, the Grado GS3000x are also worth considering if you can find some extra cash, but in performance-per-pound terms the Focals are our undisputed high-end champs.

Read the full Focal Clear Mg review

In a relatively short time, loudspeaker stalwart Focal has built itself a reputation for producing wired headphones that don't just sound fantastic but, unlike many pairs, look it too. The Clear Mg are proof of that, and you'll benefit most from their sonic luxury by pairing them with a price-suitable DAC (at least something of the Chord Mojo 2 's talents), or a source of equivalent skill. Just avoid aggressive-sounding electronics, as this will only emphasise the Focals' forward nature.

Best money-no-object audiophile headphones

6. yamaha yh-5000se.

What with Yamaha's broad range of musical products, its headphones tend to get overlooked. The YH-5000SE are an attempt to change that; an ode a modern-day successor to the Japanese company's 1970s HP-1, which was the first pair to use its orthodynamic driver (an older term for what we now call a planar magnetic driver). These one-of-a-kind open-backed headphones are certainly built for audiophiles. And they're excellent.

They're made of lightweight materials – the earcup housing is made of magnesium, while the rest of the headphone’s structure uses a mix of steel, ABS, leather and aluminium – which combine with the soft leather (or suede – both are supplied) earpads to make for some of the most comfortable headphones we've ever worn. The design is a little more functional than some of the 'wow' headphones you get at this price level, but that's fine by us. "These headphones feel beautifully engineered and are built with obvious care," penned our impressed reviewers in our YH-5000SE review .

Besides, what matters is performance, and fortunately that's exceptional. The YH-5000SE come close to equivalently priced  Stax  electrostatics when it comes to outright resolution and clarity, but in our opinion they deliver the sound with greater verve, which makes them a more enjoyable listen. "It is hard to think of an alternative that’s as insightful and balanced," noted our team – is there a greater compliment?

The one downside (apart from the price, of course) is that you'll need to buddy them with sufficiently high-end partnering kit, otherwise you won't hear them at their best. And that would be a crime. Yamaha would naturally point you to its HA-L7A headphone amplifier , which was tuned using the YH-5000SE, though they worked well during our testing with everything we tried, from our reference hi-fi system to a laptop connected to the Chord Hugo TT2 DAC/headphone amplifier. 

If you want to audition some others before taking the plunge, take a trip to your nearest Focal dealer and ask to try the French brand's Utopia and Stellia models.

Read our full Yamaha YH-5000SE review

Best audiophile earbuds

7. shure aonic 5.

The Aonic 5 are the top in-ear model in  Shure’s Aonic range. On paper, their design credentials look suitably impressive. They use three high-definition balanced armature drivers in a dual woofer and single tweeter configuration – and that's actually something you can spy for yourself thanks to the clear section of each earpiece acting as a window.

Each earpiece uses an MMCX connector to attach to the supplied headphone cable (which helpfully has an in-line remote), though they can also work as a wireless pair with Shure's true wireless secure fit adapter, which costs an extra £175 / $179 / AU$309.

While they will work with a phone (providing it has a 3.5mm headphone jack), to hear them at their best you really should feed them quality audio files from a quality source. Using a laptop and streaming in lossless CD quality? We’d seriously suggest using the Shures with a dedicated external  DAC/headphone amp (like the AudioQuest DragonFly Red ).

In addition to several pairs of different-sized ear tips are three pairs of nozzles that alter the balance of the sound produced by the earbuds. During our Aonic 5 review testing, our in-house team tried all three and landed on the 'Balanced' option for "the best balance of weight, agility, detail and refinement" – though as always with these kind of things it's worth experimenting for yourself.

Trust us, a good time awaits. "There’s a wonderful sense of clarity and they shower the listener with detail," reads our review. "They’re particularly talented with midrange information – vocals sound superb, rich in detail and natural expression."

If your budget doesn't quite stretch, however, be sure to check out the Shure Aonic 3 , which are more affordable and, yes, inferior-sounding – but still class leaders at their price point, hence their What Hi-Fi? Award.

Read the full Shure Aonic 5 review

Best high-end audiophile earbuds

8. sennheiser ie 900.

Sennheiser’s IE 900 will appeal to purists who want to get the best audio possible from a high-quality source, period. They put sound quality front and centre, so if that is paramount to you, then these wonderful IEMs are the way to go.

This is a suitably premium package befitting the best audiophile headphones, with six ear tip options and three cables with a choice of normal 3.5mm and balanced 2.5mm and 4.4mm connectors.

Sennheiser's engineers have chosen to go with a single driver rather than the more fashionable multiple-unit approach that many rivals take and it's made with rigidity and low resonance in mind. The results are fantastic. 

They’re impressively revealing, clear and open-sounding, able to dig deep into the production of a recording – and highlight any shortcomings in it (or your partnering kit). "These Sennheisers capture the music’s energy superbly," notes our IE 900 review . "They sound confident and insightful, revealing layers of low-level information and organising it into a structured and cohesive whole." They strike a wonderful balance between over-analysing and having fun, too, and that goes a long way toward how entertaining they sound.

Partner them with a high-quality outboard DAC, such as the  Chord Mojo , and use good-quality files and you'll hear just why the IE 900 justify their hefty price tag. Our reviewers' only complaint was that the signal cable is prone to transmitting any noise caused by movement – an issue if you want to wear these headphones on the move.

If you've got even more to spend, you might also want to consider Shure's KSE1200 .

Read our full Sennheiser IE 900 review

Best wireless audiophile headphones

9. mark levinson no. 5909.

And now we come to the only wireless pair on this list and one of very few deemed worthy of this position. In fact, the only wireless pair we've come across that performs better is the wildly expensive T+A Solitaire T at £1200 / $1600 / AU$2160.

The Mark Levinson No. 5909 perform substantially better than the class-leading crop of slightly cheaper (but still very premium) competition – think the Apple AirPods Max and Focal Bathys – and for not much extra now that they have been reduced from their original RRP.

"If we hadn’t unboxed the Levinsons and gone through the simple Bluetooth pairing process ourselves, we would have been tempted to check for any wires dangling from the earcups," our reviews team penned in our No. 5909 review . That's how surprisingly strong their sound quality is. While the No. 5909’s performance is still significantly short of the best available from similarly priced wired headphones, such as the Beyerdynamic T1 3rd Gen above, it’s easily among the best wireless headphones performance we’ve heard. (For extra context, a laptop feeding a  Chord Mojo 2 DAC  connected to  Grado SR325x  headphones offers greater all-round sonic sophistication and finesse.)

The Mark Levinsons complement their Bluetooth connectivity with decent active noise cancellation, and we admire the consistency of their sonic character and quality when ANC is on and off – not by any means a given for noise-cancelling wireless headphones. Even without ANC on, they physically block sound better than most noise-cancelling pairs due to their substantial build and solid yet satisfactory clamp force. Their appearance may not be to everyone's taste, and the on-cup buttons feel a bit cheap, but there's no denying their general build quality is impressive.

For anyone who is after the convenience of wireless and ANC without sacrificing too much sound quality, the No.5909 are highly recommendable.

Read our full Mark Levinson No. 5909 review

Since our last update , we've tested three pairs that fit the audiophile profile. The four-star Meze Audio Empyrean II mostly impressed but fall short of class-leading dynamic levels. Sennheiser’s first closed-back HD 600 headphones, the HD 620S , also found favour with our reviews team but lacked the punch and dynamic skill to trouble their Grado and Beyerdynamic rivals.

The ambitiously priced Sonos Ace proved, in a word, disappointing, lacking the sonic talents of their best wireless headphone competitors in more areas than one.

Looking for an alternative to the audiophile headphones above?  Below are models that come close to being included but don't quite make the final cut. They could be five-star (or sometimes four-star) performers that we think still deserve your consideration. They might even be a better fit for certain people with certain circumstances.

• Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e: As more affordable alternatives to the wireless Mark Levinsons above, Bowers & Wilkins' premium Bluetooth noise-cancellers offer a more luxurious design alongside dynamic expression and detail that, while comparatively inferior, are highly competitive at their lower price point.
• Grado RS1x : At many of the price points above are invariably Grado competitors that are just as good as the entry we've chosen. The RS1x are one example, massively transparent and musical performers. If you don't mind their dated design, they're mighty strong alternatives to the Beyerdynamic T1 3rd Gen above.
• Austrian Audio The Composer : Austrian Audio is another manufacturer whose sound-first headphones have consistently impressed. Its latest, The Composer, are worthy picks if you're serious about hearing as much detail in your music as possible but cannot stretch your budget to the aspirational Yamahas in our list.

How to choose the best audiophile headphones

If you want the best sound quality possible for your budget, which seems likely considering you've landed on an audiophile headphones buying guide, you'll be best served by a pair of over-ear wired headphones . These prioritise performance and aren't held back by sound-limiting wireless functionality or other distracting, costly features such as active noise cancellation. If that's the case, you should read all about the differences between closed-back vs open-back headphones so that you can determine which of the two types available is best for you. In short, open-backs leak sound in and out and tend to sound more spacious and precise than traditional, non-leaky closed-backs.

If you do want to add modern-day convenience to the mix , you could opt for audiophile headphones that combine state-of-the-art noise-cancelling technology with state-of-the-art Bluetooth performance, like the Mark Levinsons in our list above. Just know that a class-leading pair of similarly priced wired headphones will trump even the best wireless models in the sound department. Our wired vs wireless headphones article outlines the pros and cons of each style.

So what else do you need to consider when buying audiophile headphones? If you're spending north of around £300 / $300 / AU$600 on a pair, we recommend you partner them with a high-quality source , such as a portable music player , or a quality headphone amplifier (whether that is one built into, say, a stereo amplifier or an external dedicated one) to extract the best performance from them. Want to primarily plug your pair into an (inherently poor-sounding) laptop? You should certainly consider connecting them to a DAC . 

Also, keep in mind that over-ear audiophile headphones tend to be designed primarily for home listening ; neither a supplied 3m cable nor an open-back design is ideal for the train or open-plan office.

Or perhaps you want the best in-ear audiophile headphones , in which case you can expect a discreet design and a performance that majors on clarity, directness, precision and musicality, with little in the way of features – many don't even have an in-line remote for answering calls. Again, wired earbuds will sound significantly better than wireless earbuds that cost a similar amount. 

How we test audiophile headphones

With over 150 years of collective testing experience, What Hi-Fi?'s in-house reviews team tests over 100 pairs of headphones every year, many of which are what we would call 'everyday' wireless headphones, but also plenty that are worthy of the 'audiophile' label.

We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading, where our expert reviewers carry out all our testing, giving us complete control of the environment and partnering equipment these tests are conducted in and with. We test audiophile headphones with various source equipment – from laptops connected to USB DACs, to our reference hi-fi system – depending on their cost and design type, to see how they work in their most likely real-world set-ups. Each pair is given plenty of running in and testing time, with various music genres and recording quality making up our test tracks . Importantly, we compare each audiophile headphone under review with the current class leader(s) at their price point – often a What Hi-Fi? Award winner – to ensure we can place its talents within the market.

As with all our review verdicts, the star rating we give each pair of audiophile headphones is agreed upon by several team members rather than simply an individual reviewer, helping to ensure consistency and avoid any personal preference.

From all our reviews, we only choose the very best products to feature in our Best Buys , like this one. That's why if you take the plunge and buy any of the audiophile headphones recommended above, or something else on another Best Buy , you can be assured you're getting a best-in-class, What Hi-Fi?- approved product.

Audiophile headphones FAQ

What are audiophile headphones.

Headphones referred to as 'audiophile headphones' are generally those that prioritise sound quality over excessive styling or additional features such as active noise cancellation (ANC) and wireless connectivity (though our list above does include one exceptional-sounding Bluetooth pair for those who are happy sacrificing a little sound quality for the convenience of cable-free listening).

Such audiophile headphones put music first and, due to their sonic calibre, generally warrant being connected to similarly sophisticated source devices that will make the most of them. These include portable music players , hi-fi components with built-in headphone amplifiers , or laptops and phones connected to an external DAC.

Are audiophile headphones good for gaming?

Audiophile headphones have a few good gaming headphone traits. Firstly, they tend to be wired, so they can directly connect to your console or controller. Secondly, they generally sound significantly better than dedicated gaming headsets , putting sound quality first and combining neutral tonality with an open soundstage.

However, they don't typically integrate a microphone, which is pretty essential for online gaming, nor do they have adjustments for bass levels or surround sound modes.

Why are audiophile headphones so expensive?

When you think of audiophile headphones, you might think of those with four (or five) figure price tags – the very best-sounding available that benefit from expensive drivers and components, as well as the luxury design materials one might expect at the higher end of the market. This list offers many examples of them above. But affordable headphones worthy of the 'audiophile' label exist, too, due to their performance-first ethos and the fact they can also justify being connected to a sophisticated music source.

• April 2024: We added an 'Also Consider' section above to give you further choice if nothing in our handpicked list suits your requirements.
• February 2024: We broke down picks into price- and design-related categories to help you more easily find a pair that's right for your priorities and budget.
• November 2023: We labelled headphones on this list that had recently won a What Hi-Fi? Award 2023 , such as the Grado SR325x. This label indicates a class leader.

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Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10+ years in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices. In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.

• Stefan Wow.. such a long list with many headphones that are not really 2020 new releases like the SE425 and SE846 from Shure.. but no Audeze mentioned, which I bet the iSINE20 or any LCD offer better sound quality than many of those mentioned by you. Reply
• EMMOORE Although I know many of the headphones in this article are good, I do find it odd that Audez LCD headphones are not represented. When I purchased my LCD 2, I was initially allowed to try various headphones including Focal and Grado at a similar price. I am a musician and I found the LCDs to be more natural reflecting how I would hear instruments live and I also felt they had a more spacious sound-stage so that each instrument could be picked out easily. The bass also sounded more realistic. So it surprised me when I did not see them listed. Is there a reason? If anyone is interested, I also own a Chord Mojo and that is so good with the LCDs. Reply

Stefan said: Wow.. such a long list with many headphones that are not really 2020 new releases like the SE425 and SE846 from Shure.. but no Audeze mentioned, which I bet the iSINE20 or any LCD offer better sound quality than many of those mentioned by you.

Friesiansam said: This is a " round-up of the best audiophile headphones you can buy in 2020 " not a list of new headphones released in 2020. Also, we can all think of headphones we think should be included, eg Beyerdynamic T5Ps but, you can't expect everything to be included. BTW, the Shure SRH1540s are great for the money, especially if you take the trouble to find a good price.

• Winter Paint it any way you want guys ! You simply can not ignore audeze . I have lcd x / lcd 3 . Both will blow this lot out of the water . Bit like an headphone amp lineup without the word chord ? Come on ! Reply

Friesiansam said: BTW, the Shure SRH1540s are great for the money, especially if you take the trouble to find a good price.

• This is really a horrible list. I think it's a list of 'the headphones we tested' more than anything. The HD820 over the 800/800S? Really? Grado ear murder as number 1? The reviewer must have some high frequency hearing loss. :LOL: Amiron over the 1990 Pro, T1 or T5P? No Audeze? No HiFiMan? Reply
• rupert3k Like others i'm surprised Audeze didn't make the list. I've never heard and certainly can't afford a pair yet based on reputation they are the headphones I aspire to. I own an older pair of polished 325's which I pulled the badge off and fitted donuts to mimic PS1000 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Reply
• toymotor I bought grado sr80 and the sound was pleasing. However the gimbals snapped very soon. I can't say I'm rough on my kit but they were always coming apart. They are very flimsy with some really cheap brittle plastic. I wish someone would make a middle of the range Headphone that sounded good and was robust enough for everyday use. Reply
• kdbur Someone's got a Grado, fetish... Reply
• View All 21 Comments

The 10 best headphones 2024

T3's expert guide to the best headphones – from affordable to luxury

Best overall

Best premium, best budget, best anc earbuds, best comfort, best when on offer, best for sports.

• Best Apple headphones
• Best luxury headphones
• Best luxury in-ear headphones
• How we test the best headphones
• How to choose the best headphones for you

T3's Top Picks

Best overall headphones

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones excel in every area, from the superior construction to the gorgeous audio fidelity, and these headphones are our pick for the best pair overall.

Read more below

Best premium headphones

The prestigious Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2e are our pick for the best premium headphones, mostly down to their awesome performance: they're pricey, but they're worth every penny.

Best budget earphones

The best budget headphones are the Nothing Ear (2). Looking for in-ear true wireless that won't break the bank? This award-winning pair are definitely worthy of your consideration.

With top-notch sound, decent battery life, and high-level comfort, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds impress in every area – but especially in their amazing noise cancellation capabilities.

Best for comfort

The first pair of headphones that Sonos has ever put out sound fantastic, and look great – and they're also extremely comfortable to wear, thanks to the design and material choices.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 offer superb sound, superb ANC, and a superb finish – they're a superb and a worthy investment that, while not budget, are worth every penny and a great upgrade. 

T3's Expert Recommendations

00. The list in brief ↴ 01. Best overall : Bose QC Ultra Headphones 02. Best premium : B&W PX7 S2e 03. Best budget : Nothing Ear (2) 04. Best ANC in-ears : Bose QC Ultra Earbuds 05. Best for comfort : Sonos Ace 06. Best when on offer : Sony WH-1000XM5 07. Best for sports : Jabra Elite 8 Active 08. Best for Apple users : AirPods Pro 2 09. Best luxury over-ears : B&W PX8 10. Best luxury in-ears : Denon PerL Pro 11. How we test 12 . How to choose

When it comes to the best headphones there are stacks of amazing options to pick from. We've got other guides for the best active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones , the best in-ear ANC true wireless headphones , the best high-end wired-only headphones , and even the best running headphones for sports use – here at T3 we're keen to ensure every base is covered. 

So what about this best headphones list? This is T3's selection of selections , the very best-of-best headphones across a wide range of categories and requirements, handling budgets from small to large, and including in-ear to over-ear products. There's something for everyone here, whether you're seeking optimum noise-cancelling for in- or over-ear, a luxury option, or something more affordable. 

Not everything in this list is the very latest released product, simply because some previous-generation headphones are still superb options to buy – but available for a smaller price and therefore well worthy of consideration. The headphones experts at T3 have years and years of review experience under their belts, so we can guarantee that every option in this list has been thoroughly tested and considered.

• Back to the top ⤴

1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are not only ultimate at audio, their active noise-cancelling is unrivalled too – and there's a lot of strong competition. There's also a fantastic Immersive Audio (spatial audio) feature to enhance your sound. 

The QC Ultra Headphones are versatile too, and exceptional for travel – the great carry case and folding design are testament to that – which makes these Bose over-ears ideal for those on the go, as well as those who want to listen at home. 

As we said in our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review : "All hail the noise-cancelling king! If you're looking for incredible travel headphones then you can do no better." Give your ears a real treat with our pick for the best headphones overall.

2. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e

Our premium pick are the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e headphones: they're not the cheapest out there, but the audio quality is undeniable. You get superb dynamics and details from this pair, and a prestige sound to match this prestige brand name.

The build quality and the materials used here are top-notch too, at the expense of a little extra weight that we don't think most people will mind. There are easy-to-use on-board controls, as well as the option of a wired connection if you need it.

Add in the 30 hours of battery life between charges, and it's a fantastic deal. As we said in our Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e review , these headphones represent a "marvellous ensemble of sound quality, luxurious build and sublime comfort".

3. Nothing Ear (2)

If your budget is a little more limited, the second-generation of Nothing's earbuds, the Ear (2), knocked the T3 team's socks off (well, ears off). These affordable in-ears bring with them top-notch sound and app management, plus great battery life.

Indeed it's hard to find fault with these affordable ANC-ers – unless, that is, you don't particularly enjoy the transparent design and motifs. But in a sea of otherwise black and grey/creme colours, we think the Ear (2) stand out – and for all the right reasons.

"ANC earbuds don't come more complete than this," we wrote in our Nothing Ear (2) review . We don't think you've going to find any wireless earbuds that give you this much bang for your buck, across features, sound quality, and innovative design.

4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

We can well understand those of you who prioritise active noise cancellation (ANC) above everything else, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are our winners here: pricey sure, but excellent at blocking out extraneous noise to the extreme.

As we put it in our Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review , "if you're in the market for one of the best-sounding pairs of earbuds, these sit in scarce company". The accompanying app is really well done too, adding to the appeal of the headphones.

It's hard to find anything to complain about with the build quality, the design, and the comfort of these wireless earbuds either. While we've highlighted the ANC in particular here, these are earbuds that score highly in just about every category.

5. Sonos Ace

The Sonos Ace headphones are the first pair we've seen launched by Sonos, and while it's quite a surprise that they don't offer full integration with existing Sonos Wi-Fi speaker systems, there's an awful lot to like about what's on offer here.

First and foremost, the Sonos Ace offer a superior level of comfort, thanks to the memory foam headband and snug fit. In our Sonos Ace review , tech editor Mike Lowe called them the most comfortable pair of headphones he's ever worn.

It's not just that they're super comfy though – the Sonos Ace pump out a fantastic level of audio quality, feature some really well thought out design choices, and bring with them a very respectable amount of battery life between recharges as well.

6. Sony WH-1000XM5

With every iteration of its WH-series noise-cancelling (ANC) over-ear headphones, Sony has dramatically improved the listening experience – but the XM5 cans have taken everything to a whole new aural level altogether. 

The WH-1000XM5 deliver an expansive soundstage and the very best ANC that Sony has ever produced. As we say in our Sony WH-1000XM5 review : "Sony has delivered a pair of headphones that can deal with virtually any external sound short of an HGV moving off from the lights."

Comfort and build quality are top notch too, and the new design is beautifully minimalist. Even in the middle of a very competitive market, the WH-1000XM5 headphones are able to stand out and offer a compelling proposition.

7. Jabra Elite 8 Active

We've picked the Jabra Elite 8 Active as the best headphones for sports right now, and that's down to a number of factors – including the durable, premium-level quality of their construction, and the tight fit offered by these wireless earbuds.

Of course it's not all about the tough design: these Jabra Elite 8 Active headphones are able to pump out some fantastic-sounding audio as well. Whether you're on a morning jog or an evening workout, you won't be disappointed by the soundscape.

Read our full Jabra Elite 8 Active review and you'll see that we described these earbuds as "brilliant workout buds, the most rugged on the market, with excellent sound" – which is quite an advertisement if you're looking to make a purchase.

8. Apple AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 2 have been out a while now (and were just re-released with new USB-C port for charging), but the noise-cancelling earbuds are still some of the best headphones for Apple devices (and they'll work with other gadgets too).

Not only do they have handy automatic pairing and switching ideal for those embedded in the Apple ecosystem, but they’ve also got wireless charging functionality, as well as handy IPX4 water resistance so you can head to the gym and not have to worry. 

The audio still massively impresses, with solid noise-cancelling and decent battery life as well. We described them as a "big win" for Apple in our Apple AirPods Pro 2 review , which may be part of the reason they haven't been replaced yet.

Best luxury

9. Bowers & Wilkins PX8

Yes, the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 are pricey, but these are the Premier League of headphones: if you want luxe materials and finish and hours of comfortable wear, not to mention all the top-flight codec compatibility, not much else compares.

As said in our full Bowers & Wilkins PX8 review : "If you’re prepared to spend big on a new pair of headphones, but want to hear as well as see and feel where all that money has gone, you need to check out these Bowers & Wilkins."

These are our top picks when it comes to luxury feel and audio, and even at this high price, you're getting a lot of value back from your money. The sound you get from these is quite simply superb, as is the thought that's gone into their construction.

Best luxury in-ears

10. Denon PerL Pro

In our Denon PerL Pro review we said these headphones offered "sound quality that's out of this world", which gives you some idea of what we're dealing with here: earbuds worthy of being our number one picks in the luxury earbuds category.

As well as the astonishing sound, the Denon PerL Pro earbuds also bring with them some clever personalisation options, excellent build quality, and a stylish look – though we suspect their aesthetic isn't going to fully chime with everyone.

Okay they're pricey, but the five-star rating that we gave the Denon PerL Pro earbuds is fully justified – and when you pop them in your ears, we think you'll understand why. Headphones to consider if you want the best quality money can buy.

How we test

How we test headphones .

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

At T3 how we test our headphones is beautifully simple: We listen to them a whole lot. And not just when sitting in a quiet room. We do it out in the street. On public transport. On planes. When out shopping. That way we can judge seal and active noise-cancelling (ANC) where applicable. 

We also like to test out multiple genres of music to make sure we can hear the full spectrum of sound, which is different for rock or underground compared to, say, classical. The full soundstage, from treble to bass and everything in between, is analysed to ensure we get the most accurate real-world impression. 

Such testing also means we get a good impression of battery life based on real-life scenarios. Not just imaginary ones. When a manufacturer promises a given amount of time using ANC, for example, we want to make sure that's achievable. 

We also get that people's lives often mean music isn't the entirety of their wants and needs: that's why we test call quality, where applicable, to see just how well headphones can deliver voice. Whether in quiet or in noisy conditions, it's another key part of a headphones feature set. 

All that combines, as does consideration to the design and comfort factors, to cumulate into a score out of a maximum 5-stars. We only rate in full stars, no halves, here at T3, so only the best-of-best get the full marks. 

How to choose

How to pick the best headphones for you.

When it comes to picking the best headphones for you personally, thankfully for your budget you don’t always have to go for the most expensive option. Firstly, it's important to think about where you want to use your headphones. Are they for exercise? Wearing in the office? Or maybe to put the mute into your morning commute? Dreadful puns aside, if you do want the rest of the world to disappear, you definitely want to invest the extra in a pair of active noise-cancelling headphones, and if you're a gym bunny you'll really want something sweat proof. 

Once you've worked out what you need, your next choice is what style of headphone you want. And truthfully it's all about comfort and subjectivity. Maybe you want the subtlety of a pair of true wireless in ear buds or maybe you want the world to know you are actively listening to music. We've given you the best headphone for all budgets, all you need to do is choose what's right for you.

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Mike is the Tech Editor at T3.com. He's been writing about consumer technology for 15 years and, as a phones expert, has seen hundreds of handsets over the years – swathes of Android devices, a smattering of iPhones, and a batch of Windows Phone too (remember those?). But that's not all, as a tech and audio aficionado his beat at T3 also covers tablets, laptops, gaming, home cinema, TVs, speakers and more – there's barely a tech stone unturned he's not had a hand on. Previously the Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint for 10 years, he's also provided work for publications such as Wired, The Guardian, Metro, and more. In addition to his tech knowledge, Mike is also a flights and travel expert, having travelled the globe extensively. You'll likely find him setting up a new mobile phone, critiquing the next MacBook, all while planning his next getaway... or cycling somewhere.

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4 Best Open-Ear Headphones for Exercise, Travel, and More

Play some tunes without tuning out the world around you.

In our experience in trying out this new headphone style, we found that the audio quality can vary among devices. Even if the intention is to never completely block sound from the outside world, some pairs still sound better than others and allow you to hear more clearly and consistently. These four open-ear headphones are the only ones we deem truly worthy of our full, unreserved recommendation.

Best Overall Open-Ear Headphones

Soundcore aerofit pro open-ear headphones.

Best Sound from Open-Ear Headphones

Bose ultra open wireless earbuds.

Best for Running and Cycling

Oladance ows sports.

Taking all factors into consideration, the Soundcore AeroFit Pros are the most fully featured open-ear headphones you can buy and the best value for your money. They provided the best fit and more than acceptable sound quality for listening or making phone calls. The detachable neckband ensures they won't fall out of your ears, even during the most intense workouts.

As for longevity, the AeroFit Pro headphones are water resistant and made for hours of continuous use. They fit around your ears, not in them, so you won't start to feel the itch to clean your ears every hour, as you do with earbuds. That's not just me, right?

Open-ear headphones are typically antithetical to the high-quality performance you get from the noise-canceling earbuds you're used to dropping a few hundred bucks on. We say "typically" because one product bridges that gap: Bose Ultra open earbuds. These are premium priced, but they deliver on comfort and sound quality. What more could you want?

The Bose Ultra open earbuds are compact, look stylish in your ear, and are surprisingly successful at creating an immersive earbud-like experience without needing to shove anything down your ear canal.

Oladance offers a handful of open-ear headphone variants. The OWS Sports with neckband is the pair we found the most useful and appropriately priced. If you're running , cycling , or doing any other kind of intensive cardio where you need a long-lasting battery and sweat-resistant buttons, this is the open-ear pair for you.

The neckband provides the stability needed for an hour-long, sweat-drenched workout. It doesn't take much for regular earbuds or ear hooks to fall out, but these headphones fix that problem and also use real buttons (which we love) to tackle another: the age-old conflict between touch controls and perspiration.

If you're biking through a busy, or windy, city, these aren't going to block out everything, and you'll miss some words from your favorite podcasters every now and then. In most situations, though, cranking up the volume will suffice.

Soundcore C30i Open-Ear Clip Earbuds

If you're on the fence about open-ear tech (we know we were at first), these Soundcore C30i earbuds are a perfect starter set to test the water.

These basic buds will shock (and rock) you with their clear, crisp sound. They won't eliminate the din of the N.Y.C. subway, but turning on 3D immersive audio via the app does help cut through outside noise. A unique feature of these earbuds is how they fit. With removable ear grips for different-sized lobes, the buds clip on unobtrusively—although we doubt everyone will find this to be the most comfortable setup.

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What to Consider

Before purchasing open-ear headphones, there are a few key factors to consider.

Do you actually want open-ear headphones?: We won't lie to you. There are pitfalls to the open-ear design that have yet to be 100 percent sorted out. Compared to earbuds and over-ear headphones, an open-ear headset lets in more noise. Some might say that's the point—they're designed that way. But you're not going to get amazing bass or active noise cancelation the way you will out of Apple's AirPods .

Sound: That being said, it's still important to make sure you get a pair that delivers clear sound, with crisp vocals and a hearty bass. You want to be able to hear what you're listening to without needing to blast your eardrums.

Fit: You'll want your open-ear headphones to feel comfortable and stable on your ears but to still allow airflow. That's why you're getting these instead of earbuds, remember? Each of these options fits in a slightly different way, so pick your preference.

Durability: Generally, durability is great (you don't want earbuds that will shatter when you drop them), but for exercising, water resistance is key. Look to the IP rating to see how sweat resistant and waterproof a pair of headphones are.

How We Picked the Best Open-Ear Headphones

When it comes to comfort and sound quality, we based our decision on our own ears, biased as they may be. We aim to understand the full gamut of features before we decide whether a product is worthy of an endorsement from Esquire.

Why Trust Esquire?

Personally, I've been testing all kinds of products for years—and collectively, Esquire's staff can measure its experience in decades. We know the tech and gadgets that are worth your hard-earned cash. Importantly, we’re insiders. We know all the weird jargon and tech specs that you don't need to worry about. We compile our guides by performing heavy research and testing, and the gadgets we choose to award are what we'd spend our own money on.

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Accessories

Going on vacation these are the best travel essentials for apple devices.

It’s vacation season, and whether you’re heading out of town for some much-needed rest, or just traveling for work as usual, the accessories you travel with can make a world of difference.

Here are the best travel essentials for Apple devices.

Connect to plane’s TV with AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones

For as wonderful as Bluetooth headphones can be, the one place they can disappoint is when you want to watch something on an airplane. In-flight TVs typically require using a standard 3.5mm headphone jack to connect.

That’s where the AirFly SE audio transmitter comes in. AirFly plugs into a standard headphone jack and creates a wireless signal that enables your AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones to connect to the TV. It feels a bit like magic.

Keep your battery charged on the go

Apple no longer makes its iPhone MagSafe Battery, but there’s a much more affordable alternative anyways. Anker’s MagSafe portable iPhone charger attaches magnetically to your iPhone to provide charge on the go. It comes in a variety of great colors, and can be recharged using USB-C.

If you need a lot more charging juice, this portable power bank packs a whopping 26800mah of capacity. It’s a lot of power that can charge a variety of devices, while still being TSA-safe for taking on the plane with you.

Finally, if you’re looking for a convenient Apple Watch charging solution, this keychain Watch charger is the way to go. Snap it on your keychain and charge up as needed throughout the day, then recharge it via USB-C.

Reduce packing clutter

My favorite 3-in-1 charger for my iPhone, Watch, and AirPods just happens to be perfect for travel, too. Rather than dealing with a lot of different charging bricks and cables, this 3-in-1 solution uses a single cable and brick, and can be easily collapsed for taking up minimal space in your bag.

• Hands-on: I finally found the 3-in-1 iPhone charger I’ve been looking for

Another great way to upgrade your packing game, while better protecting your Mac or iPad, is to use a sleeve. I recommend this sleeve for Mac or this one for iPad . It keeps your bag organized, your device safe, and can be taken out for on-the-go outings.

Block out airplane noise

There is no shortage of solid noise-canceling headphones out there. I’m partial to the AirPods Pro 2 , but over-ears will better physically isolate external sounds. You can’t go wrong with any of the following options, ranked from least to most pricey:

• Bose QuietComfort
• AirPods Max

Don’t let your bags get lost

It may go without saying, but a list of travel essentials would be incomplete without the AirTag. Throw one in every bag, on your keys, on any valuable item you’re bringing with you—that way, if something happens you’re not out of luck. You can get a discounted 4-pack or just buy one .

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

Ryan got his start in journalism as an Editor at MacStories, where he worked for four years covering Apple news, writing app reviews, and more. For two years he co-hosted the Adapt podcast on Relay FM, which focused entirely on the iPad. As a result, it should come as no surprise that his favorite Apple device is the iPad Pro.

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South Florida Severe Weather Update 2

Affected Airports - City , State Association:

• Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL)
• Fort Myers, FL (RSW)
• Miami, FL (MIA)
• Orlando, FL (MCO)
• Sarasota, FL (SRQ)
• Tampa, FL (TPA)
• West Palm Beach, FL (PBI)

For complete details View

Update June 13, 2024 - 1600CT

Cities Affected: MCO, TPA

Update June 13, 2024

Ticket travel dates: June 12 - 16, 2024

New travel dates: June 12 - 20, 2024

American Airlines has implemented a special exception policy to our travel partners that is now available for our mutual customers due to o perational disruptions, including delays and cancellations due to inclement weather in the area.

Our Travel Notice exception policies on American are also available when ticketed to/from/through on our Joint Business partners: This applies to both prime and codeshare flights as shown below:

Inventory Requirements

Lowest Inventory, Same Cabin

If original inventory is not available rebook lowest inventory available in the same ticketed cabin. As a reminder, customers that do not hold a Basic Economy fare should never be booked into B inventory.

Basic Economy -

• Must be booked in B inventory only. If B inventory is not available, then an alternate flight must be selected. Advance Purchase and Ticket Change restrictions are waived.

Instant Upsell -

Refer to Travel Notice Policy - Travel Agency Guidelines for rebooking guidelines and Endorsement Box requirement when the customer purchased Instant Upsell (IU) directly with American on aa.com . IU PNRs contain the following SSRs:

• OTHS AGENCY RETAINS CONTROL OF TKT FOR REISSUES
• OTHS INSTANT UPSELL ANCILLARY EMD ISSUED 001xxxxxxxxxx

Refer to Exceptions to Fare Rules .

Note: If customers are unable to rebook or reissue their ticket within the given timeline, they can cancel their reservation and use the value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket; all rules and restrictions apply. Travel must commence no later than one year from the date of original issuance.

Endorsement Box Requirements

• Refer to individual Travel Notice for Event Name
• Ticket Reissue required. This is the only required verbiage and supersedes all other information.

Instant Upsell (IU) tickets must use waiver code: TNADV/IU when rebooking in the Instant Upsell Inventory IU PNRs contain the following SSRs:

Refer to Travel Notice Policy - Travel Agency Guidelines for Endorsement Box requirement when the customer purchased Instant Upsell (IU) directly with American on aa.com .

Changes to Origin/Destination - Not Allowed

• Waive Change Fee
• Ticket reissue for original ticketed fare
• 300 Mile Radius is always allowed, unless otherwise stated in the notice
• Changes to origin/destination are not permitted for the travel notice
• Any changes made to origin/destination all fare rules apply

300-Mile Radius Only - Allowed

• Within same country
• For booking inventory, view Inventory Requirements

Basic Economy Short-haul fares

book in B inventory only.If B inventory is not available, then an alternate flight must be selected.

Changes to Connection City

Changes to Co-Terminal

Changes to Co-terminal and MAC airports on AA Prime and AA*/Codeshare flights are allowed

• Co-terminal & MAC Airports are considered the same routing.  

Reissue Policy Information

American Airlines will waive change fees and travel agents may rebook and reissue tickets provided the below guidelines are met and applied:

• Ticket issued on the following ticket stock: AA 001, AY 105, BA 125, El053, IB 075, JL 131, QF 081
• Applies to AA*/ one world flights
• Travel has not commenced on the affected flight segment and the ticket has not been reissued by American Airlines
• The first departure flight is more than 2 hours away
• Affected coupons are in OK status
• Travel reissuance only in accordance to dates identified in the applicable Travel Notice Exception Advisory
• More than one change allowed without an additional collection, including penalty or change fee within the Travel Notice dates
• Original issuing agency responsible for ticket reissue
• Ticket Revalidation not permitted
• The return travel must be booked in the original class of service (inventory)
• Refer to Extend Travel Rebooking after the Travel Event
• Basic Economy must be rebooked in the appropriate Basic Economy inventory
• Please ensure the above procedures are accurately followed to prevent debit memo issuance

Rebooking - Exception to Fare Rules

Exception to Fare Rules: All fare rules apply with the exception of the following:

• Advance Purchase requirement waived
• Minimum/Maximum Stay requirement waived
• Change Fee waived
• When changes to the outbound travel occur, the unaffected return date may be changed to protect the original length of the trip. The return travel must be booked in the original class of service (inventory).

SalesLink Request

• Rebook flights in compliance with Travel Notice Exception Policy
• Log-in to SalesLink at www.saleslink.aa.com
• Request Type: select 'Service'
• Input AA PNR
• Waiver Type: select 'Travel Notice'
• Travel Notice: select applicable Travel Notice event name
• Select 'Next' - and complete request
• Verify: SalesLink approval remarks in PNR
• New Ticket Endorsement Box: Enter event name only
• Ticket Reissue required

Endorsement Box requirement: 12JUN24A or the exchange will be subject to a debit memo

Extend Travel Rebooking Guidelines

If customers are unable to rebook within the New Travel Dates, may reschedule their reservation to/from the same city or alternate cities and reissue their ticket with the below guidelines:

• Cancel their itinerary and apply the value of the original ticket towards the purchase of a new ticket for travel commencing within 1 year from the date of original issuance
• Change fee only is waived as long as the original ticket is reissued within ticket validity and the impact dates are in accordance with those identified in the Travel Notice
• Basic Economy fares may only be used towards the purchase of other Basic Economy fares.
• Residual MCO's are not allowed when using the TNADVE waiver code for reissue.
• Extend Travel Rebooking does not apply to tickets in conjunction with Instant Upsell (IU)

Refund Policy Information

When the flight is cancelled or the length of delay is 91+ minutes , travel agents may refund ticket(s) through normal GDS/ARC/BSP processing. Refer to our Schedule Irregularity policy for delays 90 minutes or less.

• Refund To Original Form Of Payment - All penalties/fees waived
• Non-Refundable Fare
• Refundable Fare with cancellation Fee
• Basic Economy Fare
• Bulk/Opaque Fare

Note: If the ticket has been exchanged by American as an INVOL submit the refund request directly with American. Refer to American Airlines Refunds .

When the flight is not cancelled or the length of delay is 90 minutes or less , a refund does not apply:

• If customer elects to cancel their reservation and use the value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket outside the Travel Notice dates; may use Extend Travel Rebooking or may hold ticket for future travel; all rules and restrictions apply.
• Travel must commence no later than one year from the date of original issuance.

En route/Diversion

• Connecting customers' en route to one of the above-listed destinations or whose flights are diverted will have the option to return to their original departure city and rebook travel to alternate future dates.
• Customers should work directly with the airport to obtain a boarding pass for return travel to their original departure city. If the customer wishes to rebook travel to alternate future dates, please contact American Airlines Reservations for assistance. Alternatively, they may receive a refund if re-accommodation options are unacceptable.
• If a ticket has already been reissued by American Airlines or the ticket is partially used, travel agents must submit the refund request online at https://prefunds.aa.com/refunds/

American Airlines will continue to monitor this Travel Notice Exception Advisory and adjust this policy if needed. Changes will be posted on AA.com and www.saleslink.aa.com reference. Please check these sources frequently for the most up to date information.

• www.saleslink.aa.com Reference: Select Travel Notice Policy - Travel Agency Guidelines
• Visit www.saleslink.aa.com and navigate to AA News and Offers to view current travel notices.
• Contact your Sales Support Center 800-621-8489 or American Airlines Reservations 800-433-7300 (U.S. and Canada) or for Reservations outside the U.S. and Canada, please see our Worldwide Reservations Numbers American Airlines encourages all customers to check flight and gate status prior to leaving for the airport. For complete travel information, visit AA.com .
• Group reservations must be changed by AA Group & Meeting Travel
• Information contained on this web site is subject to change at any time without notice. American Airlines shall not be liable for any consequences resulting from your reliance on the information.

The new travel etiquette for tech: Wear headphones and stop filming strangers

Millions of Americans are planning summer trips. Follow these tips to make the journey more bearable for everyone.

The stress of travel rarely brings out our best.

But seat-back screens, a carefully cultivated Spotify collection and other techie travel niceties can help take the edge off. The catch? Remembering that the way you and your family use your tech affects other people, too.

We know that’s probably the last thing on your mind as you prepare for a long, possibly sweltering schlep. To help, here’s a brief guide on the tech etiquette you — and the people around you — ought to keep in mind while in transit.

Brush up on the new tech etiquette

Don’t hog the power outlets.

If you’re lucky, you’ll find some open power outlets near your airport gate, or mounted low between the seats on an upcoming flight. These are a huge help for keeping your gadgets charged in transit, but please resist the urge to leave your stuff plugged in indefinitely.

There is one exception: If you travel with power outlet splitters — decent ones usually cost less than $20, and they’re a huge help at conferences and trade shows — then more people can plug in at once. Your fellow travelers will no doubt appreciate your generosity and consideration.

Mind your screen’s brightness

Few things are as annoying as someone watching a flashy movie on a screen at full brightness while you’re trying to get some shut-eye. (This is doubly true on red-eye flights, where people are often fighting for every moment of sleep they can get.)

If you like to settle into your seat with a film — or if you’re prone to falling asleep while watching something — do everyone a favor and dial down the brightness first. Be mindful of that light whether you’re watching something on a seat-back display, a laptop, or a tablet propped up in the dining car.

Oh, and consider your audience when deciding what to watch. You of course have the right to watch whatever you want, but if your seat is surrounded by children, “The Silence of the Lambs” may freak out the tiny screen-peepers around you.

The rules of flying like a decent human

Headphones are a must — even for kids

On nearly every flight I’ve been on this year, I’ve been within earshot of a child watching “ Peppa Pig” or “Bluey” on a tablet with the volume dialed up. The first time it happened, I grinned — the kid was cute! But it was less charming the 14th time. Don’t be the parent who lets this happen.

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There’s no consensus on how young is too young for headphone use, but it’s easy to find headphones meant for toddlers. You still need to be careful with those kid-friendly cans, though: The World Health Organization recommends that children avoid listening at volumes higher than 75 decibels — about as loud as a normal vacuum cleaner — for more than 40 hours a week.

Here’s a rule of thumb: Your child sitting next to you should still be able to hear you talking to them over a movie and the din of the cabin. If they can’t, turn down the volume. In fact, if they’re young enough, they may not need to hear anything — lots of parents have told me they just turn off audio entirely.

And if you’re, say, older than 12 and still prefer to watch video out loud on planes, trains and automobiles? No excuses: Be considerate, put on headphones, and let everyone else relax a little, too.

Turn off any scheduled alarms

Here’s another one to file under: Don’t ruin red-eyes. You may rely on your smartphone to wake up in the morning, but not everyone keeps the same schedule as you. (Those schedules get a little funky when you cross time zones, anyway.) Be sure to turn off any upcoming alarms — or, if you absolutely need them, set them to vibrate only.

Here’s how to do it:

On iPhones:

• Open the Clock app and tap Alarms.
• Find the alarm you would like to change, and tap it.
• Tap Sound, scroll all the way down, then select the option labeled “None.”
• Scroll back up to the “Haptics” option, tap it and choose the vibration pattern for your alarm.

On Android phones:

• Open your Clock app and tap Alarm.
• Find the alarm you would like to change and tap it.
• Make sure the Vibrate option is enabled, then tap the alarm icon or Sound option.
• Select “No sound” or “silent” — the exact name will depend on your phone’s make.

Not everyone wants to cameo in your content

It’s not hard to see why the post-travel reunion video has become such a social media mainstay — “Love, Actually” had it right when the holiday classic said “love is everywhere” at airports.

We’re not telling you to avoid chronicling those moments, but remember: Not everyone in an arrival hall will be as keen to make an appearance in your photos and videos as the folks you’re trying to capture. Do your best to keep innocent passengers out of your rendezvous videos.

Help Desk: Making tech work for you

Help Desk is a destination built for readers looking to better understand and take control of the technology used in everyday life.

Take control: Sign up for The Tech Friend newsletter to get straight talk and advice on how to make your tech a force for good.

Tech tips to make your life easier: 10 tips and tricks to customize iOS 16 | 5 tips to make your gadget batteries last longer | How to get back control of a hacked social media account | How to avoid falling for and spreading misinformation online

Data and Privacy: A guide to every privacy setting you should change now . We have gone through the settings for the most popular (and problematic) services to give you recommendations. Google | Amazon | Facebook | Venmo | Apple | Android

Ask a question: Send the Help Desk your personal technology questions .

The Best AirPods Deals in June 2024: Save Up to $100 on Apple's Earbuds and Headphones

Amazon is offering incredible deals on Apple's latest AirPods, including the best-selling AirPods Pro 2.

Apple AirPods are some of the most popular wireless earbuds around — and for good reason. The impressive noise cancellation, spatial audio, waterproofing and portable design of AirPods makes it hard to leave the house without them. While Apple rarely has sales on its own, you can almost always find AirPods on sale, as long as you know where to look.

If you're in the market for a pair of  noise-cancelling headphones , Amazon has the best AirPods deals right now. Ahead of Amazon Prime Day in July, the early Apple deals include big discounts on every model of AirPods starting at just $80. AirPods can run pretty expensive, so when you find a great deal on them, it's best to snag the savings.

Ahead, find all the best early Prime Day AirPods deals available on Amazon today.

Best AirPods Deals in June 2024

Apple’s newest  AirPods Pro 2  are on sale for an unbeatable price of $190. Regularly $249, Apple's most advanced pair of earbuds to date feature personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking for immersive sound. We're not expecting this deal to last for too long, so don't hesitate to add these earbuds to your cart. 

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

This 2023 refresh of the classic AirPods Pro earbuds brings better battery life and high-quality sound that audiophiles will love. Give them their new favorite pair of earbuds and they'll be bopping along to the music in no time. 

$249   $190

Equipped with Apple's brand-new H2 processor, the  AirPods Pro 2 feature improved noise-canceling capabilities for dramatically less noise on your commute, or when you want to focus. AirPods Pro 2 have a battery life of up to 6 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation enabled, which is 30% more than the first-generation earbuds.

You can also get a new pair of second-gen AirPods  for just $80. They're lightweight and easy to use, making the earbuds a popular choice for morning commutes and working from home. If you're looking for workout earbuds , we recommend the sweat and water-resistant  3rd generation AirPods , which are also on sale at Amazon.

Apple AirPods (2nd Generation)

AirPods deliver an incredible wireless headphone experience. Simply remove them from their charging case and use them with all your devices.

Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)

The shorter stem of Apple's 3rd generation AirPods can make it easier for anyone with medium to larger ears to wear them comfortably. This generation also has a more accurate skin sensor to detect when they're in your ear, so they'll seamlessly stop playing music whenever you pop them out. 

$169   $127

Apple AirPods Max

Apple's best headphones may be pricey, but they're well worth the entry fee. With a knit mesh headband and impossibly comfortable earcups, they're perfect for longtime wear and have a booming bass with high treble. 

$549   $449

For even more savings on best-selling products, check out our ultimate guide to all the  best Amazon deals  on tech, fashion, beauty, home and more to shop today.

Updates on Celebrity News, TV, Fashion and More!

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Tune Out the Cicadas With These Speaker and Headphone Deals

The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones That Cost Less Than AirPods Max

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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iOS 18 makes iPhone more personal, capable, and intelligent than ever

New Levels of Customization and Capability

Photos Gets a Unified View, New Collections, and Customization

Powerful Ways to Stay Connected in Messages

Enhancements to Mail

Big Updates to Safari

Introducing the Passwords App

New Privacy Features Designed to Empower Users

Apple Intelligence Transforms the iPhone Experience

• In Apple Maps , users can browse thousands of hikes across national parks in the United States and easily create their own custom walking routes, which they can access offline. Maps users can also save their favorite national park hikes, custom walking routes, and locations to an all-new Places Library and add personal notes about each spot.
• Game Mode enhances the gaming experience with more consistent frame rates, especially during long play sessions, and makes wireless accessories like AirPods and game controllers incredibly responsive.
• Users get new ways to pay with Apple Pay , including the ability to redeem rewards and access installments from their eligible credit or debit cards. 5 With Tap to Cash, users can send and receive Apple Cash by simply holding two iPhone devices together. 6 Tickets in Apple Wallet bring a richer experience for fans, putting key event information like stadium details, recommended Apple Music playlists, and more at their fingertips. 7
• SharePlay with Apple Music allows even more users to share control of music playing from HomePod, Apple TV, or any Bluetooth-enabled speaker, making listening together more fun and engaging.
• The AirPods experience gets even more personal, private, and convenient with Siri Interactions, allowing AirPods Pro (2nd generation) users to simply nod their head yes or gently shake their head no to respond to Siri announcements. For even clearer call quality, Voice Isolation comes to AirPods Pro, ensuring the caller’s voice is heard in loud or windy environments. AirPods updates also provide the best wireless audio latency Apple has ever delivered for mobile gaming, and add Personalized Spatial Audio for even more immersive gameplay.
• In the Notes app , formulas and equations entered while typing are solved instantly with Math Notes. New collapsible sections and highlighting make it easier to emphasize what’s important.
• In Journal , an all-new insights view helps users keep track of their journaling goals, and the ability to search and sort entries makes it easy to enjoy past memories. Time spent journaling can be saved as mindful minutes in the Health app, and users can log their state of mind right in Journal. A Journal widget is now available for users to quickly start an entry from the Home Screen or Lock Screen, audio recordings are automatically transcribed, and users can export and print journal entries.
• Calendar becomes even more helpful by showing both events and tasks from Reminders . Users can create, edit, and complete reminders right from Calendar, and the updated month view provides an overview of events and tasks at a glance.
• In the Health app , Medical ID has been redesigned to make it even easier for first responders to find the most important information in an emergency. The Health app can help users better understand their data during pregnancy by making adjustments and recommendations to reflect changes in their physical and mental health.
• Emergency SOS Live Video allows users to share context through streaming video and recorded media. In the middle of an emergency call, participating emergency dispatchers can send a request for a user to share live video or media from the user’s camera roll over a secure connection, making it easier and faster to get help.
• The Home app introduces guest access, providing users with easy ways to grant guests control of select smart home accessories, set schedules for when guests can access the home, and more. For an effortless home entry experience, hands-free unlock with home keys leverages Ultra Wideband technology to allow users to instantly open supported entry locks as soon as they are six feet away from their door. With convenient updates to the Energy category, the Home app makes it easier for eligible users to access, understand, and make more informed decisions about their home electricity use.
• Accessibility updates include Eye Tracking, a built-in option for navigating iPhone with just eyes; Music Haptics, a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to experience music using the Taptic Engine in iPhone; and Vocal Shortcuts that enable users to perform tasks by making a custom sound.

Text of this article

June 10, 2024

PRESS RELEASE

The release introduces all-new customization options, the biggest-ever redesign of Photos, powerful updates for staying connected, and Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA  Apple today previewed iOS 18 , a major release that features more customization options, the biggest redesign ever of the Photos app, new ways for users to manage their inbox in Mail, Messages over satellite, and so much more. Users will be able to arrange apps and widgets in any open space on the Home Screen, customize the buttons at the bottom of the Lock Screen, and quickly access more controls in Control Center. Photo libraries are automatically organized in a new single view in Photos, and helpful new collections keep favorites easily accessible. Mail simplifies the inbox by sorting email into categories using on-device intelligence, and all-new text effects come to iMessage. Powered by the same groundbreaking technology as existing iPhone satellite capabilities, users can now communicate over satellite in the Messages app when a cellular or Wi-Fi connection isn’t available. 1

iOS 18 also introduces Apple Intelligence , the personal intelligence system for iPhone, iPad, and Mac that combines the power of generative models with personal context to deliver intelligence that’s incredibly useful and relevant. 2 Built with privacy from the ground up, Apple Intelligence is deeply integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. It harnesses the power of Apple silicon to understand and create language and images, take action across apps, and draw from personal context, to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks.

“We are thrilled to introduce iOS 18. It is a huge release with incredible features, including new levels of customization and capability, a redesigned Photos app, and powerful ways to stay connected with Messages. There are so many benefits for everyone,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “This release also marks the beginning of a tremendously exciting new era of personal intelligence with Apple Intelligence delivering intuitive, powerful, and instantly useful experiences that will transform the iPhone experience, all with privacy at the core. We can’t wait for users to experience it.”

iPhone users have new ways to customize the Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Control Center. Users can now arrange apps and widgets in any open space on the Home Screen, including placing them right above the dock for easy access or perfectly framing a wallpaper. App icons and widgets can take on a new look with a dark or tinted effect, and users can make them appear larger to create the experience that is perfect for them.

Control Center has been redesigned to provide easier access to many of the things users do every day, and it gets new levels of customization and flexibility. The redesign delivers quick access to new groups of a user’s most-utilized controls, such as media playback, Home controls, and connectivity, as well as the ability to easily swipe between each. Users can now add controls from supported third-party apps into Control Center to quickly unlock a vehicle or jump right into capturing content for social media — all from one place. The new controls gallery displays the full set of available options, and users can customize how the controls are laid out, including adjusting them to the ideal size and creating entirely new groups.

For the first time, users can now switch the controls at the bottom of the Lock Screen, including choosing from options available in the controls gallery or removing them entirely. With the Action button available on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, users can quickly invoke controls available in the gallery.

Photos receives its biggest-ever redesign to help users easily find and relive special moments. A simplified, single view displays a familiar grid, and new collections help users browse by themes without having to organize content into albums. Plus, collections can be pinned to keep favorites easily accessible. A new carousel view presents highlights that update each day and feature favorite people, pets, places, and more. Autoplaying content throughout the app brings libraries to life, so past moments can be enjoyed while browsing. Because each user’s photo library is unique, the app is customizable, so users can organize collections, pin collections to access frequently, and include what’s most important to them in the carousel view.

iMessage receives all-new text effects that bring conversations to life by amplifying any letter, word, phrase, or emoji with dynamic, animated appearances. Users can better express tone by adding formatting like bold, underline, italics, and strikethrough. Tapbacks expand to include any emoji or sticker, and now users can compose a message and schedule to send it at a later time.

When messaging contacts who do not have an Apple device, the Messages app now supports RCS for richer media and more reliable group messaging compared to SMS and MMS.

iOS 18 introduces Messages via satellite for the times when cellular and Wi-Fi connections aren’t available. Powered by the same groundbreaking technology as existing iPhone satellite capabilities, Messages via satellite automatically prompts users to connect to their nearest satellite right from the Messages app to send and receive texts, emoji, and Tapbacks over iMessage and SMS. 3 With Dynamic Island, users always know when they are connected to a satellite. Because iMessage was built to protect user privacy, iMessages sent via satellite are end-to-end encrypted.

Later this year, Mail will introduce new ways for users to manage their inbox and stay up to date. On-device categorization organizes and sorts incoming email into Primary for personal and time-sensitive emails, Transactions for confirmations and receipts, Updates for news and social notifications, and Promotions for marketing emails and coupons. Mail also features a new digest view that pulls together all of the relevant emails from a business, allowing users to quickly scan for what’s important in the moment.

Safari, the world’s fastest browser, 4 now offers an even easier way to discover information on the web with Highlights and a redesigned Reader experience. Using machine learning, Safari can surface key information about a webpage. For example, users can review a summary to get the gist of an article; quickly see the location of a restaurant, hotel, or landmark; or listen to an artist’s track right from an article about the song or album. Reader has been redesigned to offer even more ways to enjoy articles without distraction, with a summary and table of contents included for longer articles.

Building on the foundation of Keychain, which was first introduced more than 25 years ago, the new Passwords app makes it easy for users to access their passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes. The app also includes alerts for users regarding common weaknesses, such as passwords that are easily guessed or used multiple times and those that appear in known data leaks.

iOS 18 gives users even more control with tools to manage who can see their apps, how contacts are shared, and how their iPhone connects to accessories.

Locked and hidden apps offer users peace of mind that information they want to keep private, such as app notifications and content, will not inadvertently be seen by others. Users can now lock an app; and for additional privacy, they can hide an app, moving it to a locked, hidden apps folder. When an app is locked or hidden, content like messages or emails inside the app are hidden from search, notifications, and other places across the system.

iOS 18 puts users in control by letting them choose to share only specific contacts with an app. In addition, developers now have a way to seamlessly connect third-party accessories with iPhone without letting an app see all the other devices on a user’s network, keeping a user’s devices private and making pairing seamless.

Deeply integrated into iOS 18 and built with privacy from the ground up, Apple Intelligence unlocks new ways for users to enhance their writing and communicate more effectively. With brand-new systemwide Writing Tools built into iOS 18, users can rewrite, proofread, and summarize text nearly everywhere they write, including Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.

New image capabilities make communication and self-expression even more fun. With Image Playground, users can create playful images in seconds, choosing from three styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch. Image Playground is easy to use, built right into apps like Messages, and also available in a dedicated app.

Memories in Photos lets users create the stories they want to see just by typing a description. Apple Intelligence will pick out the best photos and videos based on the description, craft a storyline with chapters based on themes identified from the photos, and arrange them into a movie with its own narrative arc. In addition, a new Clean Up tool can identify and remove distracting objects in the background of a photo — without accidentally altering the subject.

With the power of Apple Intelligence, Siri takes a major step forward, becoming even more natural, contextually relevant, and personal. Users can type to Siri, and switch between text and voice to communicate with Siri in whatever way feels right for the moment.

With Private Cloud Compute, Apple sets a new standard for privacy in AI, with the ability to flex and scale computational capacity between on-device processing, and larger, server-based models that run on dedicated Apple silicon servers. When requests are routed to Private Cloud Compute, data is not stored or made accessible to Apple and is only used to fulfill the user’s requests, and independent experts can verify this privacy.

Additionally, access to ChatGPT is integrated into Siri and systemwide Writing Tools across Apple’s platforms, allowing users to access its expertise — as well as its image- and document-understanding capabilities — without needing to jump between tools.

Additional features in iOS 18 include: 

Availability

The developer beta of iOS 18 is available through the Apple Developer Program at developer.apple.com starting today, and a public beta will be available through the Apple Beta Software Program next month at beta.apple.com . iOS 18 will be available this fall as a free software update for iPhone Xs and later. Apple Intelligence will be available in beta on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad and Mac with M1 and later, with Siri and device language set to U.S. English, as part of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia this fall. For more information, visit apple.com/ios/ios-18-preview and apple.com/apple-intelligence . Features are subject to change. Some features are not available in all regions, all languages, or on all devices. For more information about availability, visit apple.com .

• Messages via satellite will be available in iOS 18 along with Apple’s existing satellite features in the U.S. on iPhone 14 and later.
• Users with an eligible iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and Siri and device language set to English (U.S.) can sign up this fall to access the Apple Intelligence beta.
• SMS availability will depend on carrier. Carrier fees may apply. Users should check with their carrier for details.
• Testing was conducted by Apple in May 2023. See apple.com/safari  for more information.
• The new Apple Pay features are available on cards from participating banks and card providers in certain markets. Subject to eligibility and approval.
• Apple Cash services are provided by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC, and only available in the U.S. on eligible devices. Learn more about the terms and conditions . To send and receive money with an Apple Cash account, users must be 18 and a U.S. resident, or if under 18, part of an Apple Cash Family account. Tap to Cash transaction limits are subject to change, including lowering limits, at any time during the developer or public betas without notice.
• Ticket enhancements in Apple Wallet are available for events from participating ticket issuers.

Press Contacts

Nadine Haija

[email protected]

Tania Olkhovaya

[email protected]

Apple Media Helpline

[email protected]

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