12 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones For Flights That Beat Plane Engines

If you’ve ever sat on a long flight with engines roaring like giant fans strapped to your seat, you know why travelers search for the best noise-cancelling headphones for flights. Cabin noise can quickly turn even a dream trip into an exhausting marathon, making it nearly impossible to rest, watch a movie, or just enjoy some peace. That’s where great ANC (active noise cancellation) steps in—it’s not just a luxury, it’s almost a travel essential now.

What makes these headphones special isn’t only their ability to hush down engine rumble. It’s about the sound quality, the comfort that lasts over multiple hours, and whether they actually fit into your travel lifestyle. Some models shine with incredible battery life, while others balance things with a compact case size that slips into a backpack without hogging space.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through my favorite picks, explain how they’re tested against real airplane noise, and share pro traveler tips that’ll help you fly smarter. Whether you’re a frequent business traveler, a parent juggling kids mid-flight, or just someone who wants to nap without endless ambient noise, you’ll find a headphone that feels like an audio cocoon in the sky.

Quick Picks: Best for Every Traveler

Every traveler has different priorities, so here’s a quick breakdown before we dive deeper:

Best Overall for Long-Haul – Perfect balance of noise cancellation, comfort, and 30+ hours of battery life.
Best Budget Over-Ear – Reliable noise-cancelling headphones under $150, lightweight yet durable.
Best In-Ear for Light Packers – Compact wireless earbuds that slip in your pocket but still tame engine hum.
Best for Business Travelers – Headphones with dual-device connectivity and excellent microphone quality for calls.
Best for Kids/Family Trips – Volume-limited, sturdy builds to survive rough handling.
Best for Side-Sleepers – Slim-profile designs with soft seals that don’t dig into the pillow.
Best Battery Life – Stamina kings with over 40 hours of battery life and quick-charge support.
Best for Audiophiles – Premium models where ANC + sound quality work in harmony.

This shortlist is your fast track to finding the right travel companion, but stick around—the details matter when you’re spending 8–12 hours with headphones on your head.

How We Test ANC for Airplanes

Cabin-Noise Simulation

We don’t just trust marketing claims. Each pair is tested against recordings of real cabins: the low-frequency sound waves from engines, mid-range chatter across the aisle, and high-pitched clinks and announcements. Effective noise reduction at these frequencies is what separates great models from average ones.

Comfort & Fit Protocol

It doesn’t matter how strong the ANC is if your head hurts after two hours. We measure clamp force, check ear-cup depth, and note how soft the headband padding feels. For ear headphones and in-ears, the seal is key—poor fit means passive isolation fails, letting wind noise and ambient sound creep back in.

Travel Features Audit

Traveling adds extra demands. We check for dual-device connectivity (phone + laptop), wired modes for in-flight entertainment, and whether the case size makes sense for carry-on packs. Quick-charge is a must—ten minutes of charging should buy you at least a few hours of listening.

The 12 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Flights

1. Premium Over-Ear Pick #1 – Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony’s latest flagship, the Sony WH-1000XM6, earns its spot because of its incredible noise cancellation and consistently strong sound quality. On planes, the deep engine rumble fades almost completely, while voices and ambient noise soften to a whisper.

Travelers also love the hours of battery life—over 30 per charge, with a 10-minute quick top-up giving 5 hours of listening. Add in dual-device connectivity, a compact case size, and intuitive touch controls, and you’ve got an excellent combination of performance and portability.

2. Premium Over-Ear Pick #2 – Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Bose has always been the benchmark, and the Ultra is their most refined yet. Its strength lies in how natural it feels—the ANC doesn’t create a heavy pressure sensation, instead it feels like a calm audio cocoon around your ears.

The microphone quality makes it great for inflight calls or meetings, while the light clamping force makes it a comfortable pair for travelers who wear glasses. It doesn’t quite beat Sony’s frequency range, but for those who value comfort + clarity, this is a safe bet.

3. Comfort-King Over-Ear – Master & Dynamic MW65

If you’re flying overnight or tend to binge movies, comfort is critical. The Master and Dynamic MW65 is built with plush earcups and soft padding that avoids fatigue. Its passive noise reduction is strong even before ANC kicks in, meaning you’ll notice less wind noise when walking through airports.

Sound tuning leans warm and natural—ideal for jazz or acoustic playlists. The leather build makes it premium, though it doesn’t fold as small as some others, so case size is a slight compromise. Still, for marathon fliers, it’s among the best.

4. Best Battery Life Over-Ear – Jabra 85h

For travelers who forget chargers (or just don’t want the stress), the Jabra 85h is the answer. It pushes close to 36–40 hours of battery life, easily covering long-haul + layovers. Even if you do run low, a 15-minute charge provides 5 hours of play.

ANC is adaptive, adjusting automatically to cabin noise, and its noise-canceling features balance out engine rumble well. It’s not the slimmest headset, but the rugged build and water resistance add peace of mind if your trip involves multiple climates.

5. Best Value Over-Ear – Sony WH-CH700N

If you’re looking for solid ANC without burning your wallet, the Sony WH-CH700N is still a standout. While not as advanced as the WH-1000XM6, it delivers dependable noise-cancelling headphones performance at half the price.

The design is lightweight, making it easy to wear for hours, and the passive noise reduction helps even when the battery runs out. You’ll get around 30 hours per charge, which is plenty for most trips. For budget-conscious travelers, this is an excellent combination of affordability and performance.

6. Compact Over-Ear – JBL Tour One

Sometimes it’s not about maximum ANC but packability. The JBL Tour One folds flat, slips into a small case size, and weighs under 300 grams, making it ideal for minimalist travelers.

You’ll still enjoy effective noise reduction, especially with steady cabin hum, plus balanced sound quality tuned for travel playlists. While its battery life isn’t class-leading, 25 hours with ANC on is more than enough for regional and transatlantic flights.

7. Best Microphone/Calls on the Go – TaoTronics SoundSurge 46

Not everyone uses their headphones just for movies or music. If you’re constantly hopping on calls, the TaoTronics SoundSurge 46 deserves attention. Its microphone quality is surprisingly strong for the price, minimizing cabin chatter and ambient noise.

The ANC is solid for the budget range, especially with active noise-canceling headphones tech suppressing low rumbles. Add dual-device connectivity, so you can stay linked to your phone and laptop, and you’ve got a travel-friendly workhorse.

8. Best In-Ear ANC #1 – Sony WF-1000XM5

For those who prefer wireless earbuds, Sony’s WF-1000XM5 brings flagship-level noise cancellation in a tiny package. On planes, the seal plus digital ANC tackles both the airplane band rumble and higher-frequency chatter.

Despite the size, you get 8–10 hours of playtime (plus 24 from the case), so total hours of battery life can stretch across your journey. They’re also a comfortable pair for side-sleepers, since the low profile doesn’t dig into pillows. If you want portable yet powerful, this is the one.

9. Best In-Ear ANC #2 – Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

If you’re prone to ear fatigue from long flights, Bose’s in-ears provide relief. The soft tips reduce pressure while still delivering reliable active noise-canceling headphones performance. Engine rumble on the airplane band is hushed effectively, though not as fully as the over-ear models.

The sound quality is warm and balanced, perfect for streaming during short hops. You’ll get 6–7 hours per charge, with the case adding 18 more. It’s a compact option that balances comfort and noise cancellation without overwhelming your ears.

10. Best Budget In-Ear ANC – Anker Soundcore Life P3

Travelers on a budget will love these. The Life P3 packs surprisingly effective noise-cancelling headphones technology into an affordable pair of wireless earbuds. While they can’t match the Sony WF-1000XM5 in finesse, the passive isolation plus ANC blocks most ambient noise decently well.

The user experience is enhanced by a companion app with EQ controls, so you can tweak the profile to your preference. At around $80, they’re one of the best-value travel companions for those who want ANC without stretching their wallet.

11. Best for Side-Sleepers – 1More ComfoBuds Z

Trying to nap on flights can be tough, especially if you’re a side-sleeper. The 1More ComfoBuds Z are designed with a super low profile that doesn’t dig into your pillow. Their snug fit ensures strong passive noise reduction, which reduces wind noise and chatter even without ANC.

These aren’t powerhouse headphones, but they provide just enough noise cancellation for quiet zones on overnight flights. With built-in sleep sounds, they double as a travel-ready sleep aid.

12. Best Kid-Friendly Pick – PuroQuiet

Flying with children? The PuroQuiet headphones are built for families. They feature a safe volume limiter, durable build, and simple controls. The passive isolation reduces distracting ambient noise, while the built-in ANC helps kids rest during longer trips.

Battery runs up to 20 hours of battery life, which is more than enough for family vacations. Parents also appreciate the lightweight design and easy-to-clean ear pads. If you’re looking for peace of mind (literally), these are a smart choice.

Buying Guide: What Actually Matters on Planes

ANC vs Engine Rumble

The main reason you invest in noise-cancelling headphones is to fight low-frequency rumble. Jet engines push sound at the airplane band (20–250 Hz), which creates that constant drone. The best models don’t just block high chatter—they specifically target these frequencies. According to reviewers like Lauren Dragan, this is where premium cans like Sony and Bose separate themselves from cheaper rivals.

Comfort for Hours

Eight or more hours with headphones on is no joke. That’s why a comfortable pair with the right clamp force, deep padding, and flexible fit is crucial. Glasses wearers should look for designs with softer ear pads. For in-ears, strong seals are key to passive noise reduction—without it, ambient noise sneaks back in no matter how powerful the ANC is.

Battery Life & Charging

Long-haul travelers should target 30+ hours of battery life. Quick-charge features are also lifesavers: 10 minutes plugged in should give at least 3 hours of play. Brands like Sony and Jabra excel here, offering stamina that lasts from boarding to final taxi without stress.

Connectivity & IFE

Many frequent fliers still rely on seatback entertainment. That’s why wired support, dual 3.5mm adapters, and Bluetooth transmitter compatibility matter. Multipoint pairing helps you bounce between laptop and phone, so you don’t miss a call. These small things elevate the user experience mid-air.

Multipoint & Controls

On planes, fumbling with settings isn’t fun. Some travelers prefer physical buttons; others like touch controls. A bonus is transparency mode, which lets you hear crew announcements without removing your headset. That small feature can make travel smoother.

Packability

Even the best headphones aren’t worth it if they hog luggage space. Fold-flat designs save room, and checking case size in liters can be a surprising detail that matters. For backpackers and minimalists, every cubic inch counts.

Sound Quality

Finally, don’t overlook sound quality. Look for codecs like AAC, aptX, or LDAC if you care about hi-res playback. For casual fliers, balanced tuning is enough, but audiophiles should consider models that offer both ANC and wide frequency range for richer detail. The sweet spot is finding an excellent combination of ANC performance and tonal balance.

Pro Tips for a Quieter, Comfier Flight

The Two-Minute Fit Check (Over-Ear & In-Ear)

Before takeoff, spend a couple of minutes adjusting. Make sure the ear cups sit evenly, and for ear headphones, check the seal around your ears. With in-ears like the Sony WF-1000XM5, try different tips to maximize passive isolation—it boosts noise cancellation more than most people realize.

Pressure & Ear Fatigue

Cabin air can mess with comfort. Take short breaks using transparency mode to release pressure and stay aware. Simple tricks like chewing or yawning also help, and staying hydrated reduces that “plugged ear” feeling that builds up mid-flight.

Smart Settings by Phase

Not all moments need max ANC. Keep full strength during boarding and cruising, but switch modes or pause ANC during meal service and announcements. For some models, especially the JBL Tour, these adjustments feel seamless.

Hygiene & Care

Wipe down your headphones with a soft cloth after flights. Replace ear pads every year or so, and for in-ears, refresh silicone tips regularly. Clean gear equals better comfort and longer life.

Traveler Playbooks

Business Traveler

Business fliers should prioritize dual-device connectivity, strong microphone quality, and reliable noise cancellation. Models like the Sony WH-1000XM6 balance work calls with downtime movies, making them a go-to for efficiency.

Backpacker/Budget

Durability matters here. Hinges should handle rough use, and good passive noise reduction helps when ANC isn’t available. Options like the Sony WH-CH700N or TaoTronics SoundSurge 46 bring solid value without fear of breaking the bank.

Family with Kids

For parents, kid-safe picks like PuroQuiet are lifesavers. A comfortable pair for children plus limited volumes means peace on both sides. Combine with transmitters so siblings can share movies.

Audiophile

If tone is everything, look for ANC that doesn’t ruin sound quality. The Master and Dynamic MW65 is a favorite, praised by reviewers like Lauren Dragan, for preserving detail while cutting engine roar. Wired hi-res listening adds flexibility.

Light Packer/Side-Sleeper

Compact gear rules here. The Sony WF-1000XM5 offers portable ANC, while the 1More ComfoBuds Z excel with soft seals that reduce wind noise. Both make excellent travel partners for those who sleep on the go.

Conclusion: Pick for Your Flight Style

Choosing the best noise-cancelling headphones for flights comes down to what kind of traveler you are. If you’re after all-day stamina, go for models with 30+ hours of play. For those who want portability, ear headphones and in-ears like the WF-1000XM5 are unbeatable. Families benefit from kid-safe picks, while audiophiles lean toward premium builds with uncompromised sound quality.

Across the board, strong noise cancellation makes the difference between fatigue and peace. Look for headphones that specifically tackle the airplane band, since that’s the toughest sound to block. Combine that with comfort, excellent combination features like multipoint or quick-charge, and you’ll be set for any journey.

Whether you’re packing a premium over-ear or lightweight buds, the right noise-cancelling headphones will turn your flight into a calmer, more enjoyable ride. Find the pair that matches your habits, and the next time engines roar, you’ll barely notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Bluetooth headphones during takeoff and landing?

Yes, most airlines now allow wireless earbuds and Bluetooth headsets from gate to gate. But if the crew asks, switch to wired mode or pause. Having both options ensures your noise cancellation keeps working without issues.

Do I need an airplane adapter for in-flight entertainment (IFE)?

For seatback screens, you’ll usually need a dual 3.5mm adapter. Brands like the JBL Tour One and Sony WH-1000XM6 include these, or you can grab a Bluetooth transmitter. This way, you keep ANC active while still watching movies.

Over-ear vs in-ear ANC on planes — which cancels engine noise better?

Over-ear models tend to handle the airplane band (that deep engine rumble) better. In-ears like the Sony WF-1000XM5 still provide excellent sealing and passive isolation, but for long flights, over-ears remain the stronger pick.

Will ANC cause ear pressure or nausea?

Some travelers feel pressure from ANC, especially at high settings. Experts like Lauren Dragan note this sensation usually fades with use. Taking breaks or toggling transparency mode helps reduce discomfort on longer flights.

What battery life is enough for a long-haul flight plus layover?

Aim for 30+ hours of battery life if possible. Models like Jabra and Sony hit that benchmark. Even if you forget to charge, most modern sets offer quick top-ups that add hours in just minutes.

How do I connect wireless headphones to seatback screens?

You’ll need either a wired connection or a Bluetooth transmitter. Plugging into the audio jack is easiest, but a transmitter keeps you cable-free. Just check microphone quality and stability to avoid dropouts during movies.

Do ANC headphones block wind noise on layovers?

Yes, though results vary. Over-ear designs with good seals reduce wind noise well, while in-ears rely more on passive noise reduction. For city layovers, some fliers actually prefer compact models like the JBL Tour for lighter travel.

Which model is best if sound quality matters most?

Audiophiles should look at the Master and Dynamic MW65 or Sony’s XM series. Both deliver rich sound quality while still offering reliable noise-canceling features. Reviewers like Lauren Dragan often praise them for striking the right balance between ANC strength and tonal detail.