If you’re a frequent traveller, you know that the background noise on a plane, train, or bus can be a major distraction. Fortunately, noise-cancelling headphones can provide some much-needed peace and quiet.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to the 10 best noise-cancelling headphones for peaceful travel. We’ve done the research for you and have compiled a list of the top performers on the market, including the Bose QuietComfort, Anker Soundcore Life P3, and Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro.
Each headphone offers its own unique features and benefits, so we’ll walk you through the benefits of each one. Whether you’re on a long-haul flight or just trying to block out the noise at a busy coffee shop, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the world of noise-cancelling headphones.
Why noise-cancelling headphones?
When it comes to peaceful travel, noise-cancelling headphones are a game changer. Not only do they block out the distracting sounds of airplane engines, crying babies, and chatty passengers, but they also provide a much-needed escape from the chaos of travel.
With the ability to listen to your favourite music, podcasts, or audiobooks without interruption, noise-cancelling headphones offer a sense of calm and relaxation that is hard to come by in a busy airport or on a crowded plane. So, whether you’re a frequent traveller or just looking to make your next trip a little more enjoyable, investing in a quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones is a must.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Travel
There are a few factors that you should consider when choosing the best noise-cancelling headphones for travel. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Noise Cancellation Performance: The primary purpose of noise-cancelling headphones is to block out background noise, so the quality of the noise-cancellation technology is essential. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds and Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise-Cancelling Headphones are some of the top-performing options on the market right now.
- Comfort: You’ll likely be wearing your headphones for an extended period, so comfort is essential. Look for headphones that have padding around the ear cups and headbands. The Jabra Elite 85h, for example, has a comfortable headband with ear cups that rotate to fit your ears’ shape.
- Battery Life: The last thing you want on a long flight is to have your headphones die mid-flight. Look for headphones with long battery life, such as the Jabra Elite 85h, which offers up to 36 hours of use on a single charge.
- Portability: You want headphones that are easy to carry around when travelling. Look for headphones that are foldable or come with a carrying case. The Sony WH-1000XM4 comes with a compact carrying case that makes it easy to take them on the go.
- Connectivity options: When choosing noise-cancelling headphones for travel, consider connectivity options such as Bluetooth or wired connection, range, and compatibility with your devices.
- Additional Features: Some headphones come with additional features that are useful for travel. For example, the Jabra Elite 85h has a built-in motion sensor that detects when you remove your headphones and automatically pauses your music. It’s also rain and water-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
By considering these factors, you can find the perfect pair of noise-cancelling headphones for your next trip. Keep in mind that the best headphones for you may vary depending on your needs and preferences. So, take the time to research and test out different options to find the perfect fit for you.
Top 10 Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Peaceful Travel
OUR TOP PICK
Sony WH1000MX4
The Sony WH1000MX4 is one of the best noise-cancelling headphones for peaceful travel, and there are several reasons why it has received rave reviews from both casual users and audiophiles alike. First and foremost, the noise-cancellation technology in these headphones is top-notch. The headphones employ two feedforward microphones and a proprietary algorithm to filter out external noise, making them ideal for use on planes, trains, and buses.
In addition to its exceptional noise-cancellation capabilities, the Sony WH1000MX4 also features exceptional sound quality. The headphones are equipped with a high-quality HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 and a Bluetooth Audio SoC that ensures excellent audio quality across all genres of music. The Sony WH1000MX4’s DSEE Extreme feature enhances the quality of compressed audio files, so you can enjoy high-quality sound even if you’re streaming music over Bluetooth.
When it comes to travel-friendly features, the Sony WH1000MX4 has plenty to offer. The headphones are lightweight and comfortable, which is essential for long trips. The battery life is impressive, with up to 30 hours of playback on a single charge, and the headphones come with a carrying case that protects them during transport.
Another great feature is the Quick Attention mode, which allows you to lower the volume and temporarily disable noise-cancelling by covering the right earcup with your hand, so you can quickly hear announcements or have a conversation.
Overall, the Sony WH1000MX4 is an excellent choice for travellers who value exceptional noise-cancellation, good sound quality throughout, and comfort. Its additional features, such as the DSEE Extreme and Quick Attention mode, make it a standout option in the crowded field of noise-cancelling headphones.
MOST STURDY
Bose QuietComfort 45
The Bose QuietComfort 45 is one of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market today, and it is a perfect companion for travellers who want to enjoy peace and quiet on their journey. The headphones are designed with advanced noise-cancelling technology that can block out even the most distracting background noise, ensuring that you can focus on your music or podcasts.
In terms of sound quality, the QuietComfort 45 produces a well-balanced and detailed audio experience that will impress even the most discerning audiophile. The headphones feature a comfortable and lightweight design that makes them easy to wear for extended periods, which is particularly important for long-haul flights. The QuietComfort 45 also comes with touch controls that allow you to adjust volume, skip tracks, and access voice assistants without having to take your phone out of your pocket.
One of the most notable features of the QuietComfort 45 is its long battery life, which can last up to 24 hours on a single charge. This means you can enjoy uninterrupted music throughout your entire journey without worrying about the battery life of your headphones. The headphones also come with a convenient carrying case that makes them easy to pack and protect when you’re on the go.
Overall, the Bose QuietComfort 45 is an excellent choice for travellers who value noise-cancelling performance, audio quality, comfort, and convenience over-ear headphones. Whether you’re on a long flight or a noisy train, these headphones will provide you with top audio performance and the peace and quiet you need to enjoy your journey.
EXCEPTIONAL SOUND QUALITY
Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless
If you’re looking for a premium pair of noise-cancelling headphones that can deliver exceptional sound quality while also being ideal for travel, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless headphones are worth considering. These headphones feature advanced noise-cancellation technology that can block out even the loudest of noises, making them perfect for use on long-haul flights or noisy train rides.
They also offer great comfort, thanks to the soft leather earpads and adjustable headband, which helps to reduce fatigue during extended listening sessions.
One of the standout features of the Momentum 3 Wireless headphones is their ability to deliver high-quality sound with excellent clarity and detail. The headphones feature 42mm drivers that produce deep, rich bass and clear treble, making them ideal for listening to music or watching movies while on the go. They also have a transparent hearing mode that lets you hear your surroundings without having to take off the headphones, which is particularly useful when you need to be aware of your surroundings while travelling.
The headphones are also packed with extra features that make them easy to use and customise to your preferences. They have a touchpad on the earcup that lets you control your music playback and adjust the volume, as well as activate the voice assistant on your device. They also have a foldable design that makes them easy to pack and carry around, along with a long battery life of up to 17 hours, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice during your travels.
Overall, the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless headphones are a great choice for anyone looking for premium noise-cancelling headphones that can deliver exceptional sound quality and comfort while also being ideal for travel.
BEST FOR WORKOUT
Beats Studio Buds
The Beats Studio Buds is a great option for those who are looking for high-quality noise-cancelling headphone that is perfect for travel. This headphone features active noise cancellation technology that blocks out external noise, making it easier for you to focus on your music or audiobook, even in noisy environments. It is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around while travelling, and it comes with three different sizes of ear tips to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
One standout feature of the Beats Studio Buds is its transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings while still enjoying your music. This is especially useful when you need to be aware of your surroundings, such as when you are walking on busy streets or waiting for your flight at the airport. Additionally, the wireless earbuds are sweat and water-resistant, making them perfect for workouts and outdoor activities.
The Beats Studio Buds also offer impressive sound quality, with deep, powerful bass and clear, detailed vocals. The headphones use Apple’s H1 chip, which enables hands-free “Hey Siri” voice commands and fast pairing with Apple devices. It also provides seamless switching between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
In summary, the Beats Studio Buds is an excellent noise-cancelling headphone option for travel due to its compact design, active noise cancellation technology, transparency mode, water-resistant feature, and impressive sound quality. Its Apple H1 chip provides easy and convenient access to voice commands, and its fast-pairing feature makes it quick and easy to switch between devices.
CONVENIENTLY PORTABLE
Apple AirPods Pro
The Apple AirPods Pro is a top-of-the-line noise-cancelling headphone that delivers exceptional sound quality and immersive noise cancellation. With its advanced noise-cancelling technology and transparency mode, it allows users to control the amount of sound they want to let in or keep out. These features make it an excellent option for travel, where a peaceful and quiet environment is crucial for relaxation and focus.
The AirPods Pro boasts an ergonomic design that ensures a comfortable fit for extended periods. Its intuitive controls allow users to easily switch between noise-cancelling and transparency modes, skip tracks, and answer phone calls without ever taking the headphones off. The headphones also come with a wireless charging case that extends the battery life to up to 24 hours, ensuring that they stay charged throughout a long-haul flight.
What sets the AirPods Pro apart is its integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Users can easily switch between Apple devices and enjoy seamless integration with Siri voice commands. It also supports spatial audio, which provides a surround sound experience for an immersive listening experience. In summary, the AirPods Pro delivers on all fronts, making it an excellent option for anyone looking for premium sound quality and a high-quality noise-cancelling headphone that is perfect for travel.
BEST BATTERY LIFE
Jabra Elite 85hÂ
The Jabra Elite 85h is one of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market, offering superior noise isolation and a comfortable fit for long trips. This model utilises eight microphones, six of which are used for active noise-cancelling technology, to create a quiet, immersive listening experience. Additionally, the Elite 85h’s SmartSound technology adapts the level of noise-cancelling based on your surroundings, ensuring that you get the best sound quality in any environment.
For travellers, the Elite 85h has a long battery life of up to 36 hours, meaning you can use them for an extended period without worrying about running out of power. The headphones are also lightweight and compact, making them easy to pack and transport. Moreover, the Elite 85h has a durable design that can withstand the rigours of travel, including water and dust resistance.
Other notable features of the Jabra Elite 85h include its touch controls, allowing you to easily manage your music and calls, and its compatibility with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. The headphones also have a “MySound” feature that uses an integrated hearing test to personalise your audio experience. Overall, the Jabra Elite 85h is an excellent choice for travellers who value high-quality noise-cancelling and comfort.
BEST FOR KIDS
Puro Sound Labs BT2200
The Puro Sound Labs BT2200 is an excellent option for anyone looking for noise-cancelling headphones that are safe for children’s ears. These headphones are designed to limit volume to 85 decibels, the recommended safe listening level for children. Additionally, they offer excellent noise cancellation to block out external sounds, ensuring a peaceful listening experience.
The BT2200 headphones are also great for travel, as they are lightweight and foldable, making them easy to pack and carry around. The battery life lasts up to 18 hours, meaning they can last for the duration of long flights or car rides without needing a recharge. The headphones are also made of durable materials and come with a hard carrying case to protect them during travel.
In terms of extra features, the BT2200 headphones have a built-in microphone and controls for phone calls and music playback. They also have a wireless range of up to 30 feet, making it easy to use them without being tethered to a device. The headphones come in several different colours, so you can choose the one that best suits your style. Overall, the Puro Sound Labs BT2200 headphones offer great noise-cancelling capabilities, safe listening levels for children, and travel-friendly features, making them a top choice for parents looking for headphones for their kids.
EXCELLENT ACTIVE NOISE-CANCELLING BUDS
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro is one of the best noise-cancelling headphones in the market today. This pair of earbuds boast a great noise-cancelling feature that can block out even the loudest of noises. The ANC feature also has an adjustable intensity level which lets users adjust the amount of noise-cancelling according to their preference. It is a perfect travel companion for those who want to have some peace and quiet while on the go.
The Galaxy Buds Pro also has a long battery life, which is essential for travellers who are always on the move. The earbuds have an 8-hour battery life, and the case provides an additional 20 hours of battery life, making it convenient for long flights and layovers.
One of the unique features of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro is the Ambient Sound Mode that amplifies the surrounding noise. This feature is useful for travellers who need to stay aware of external sound in their surroundings while still enjoying their music. Additionally, the earbuds have a voice detection feature that automatically switches between ANC and Ambient Sound Mode when it detects that the user is speaking.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro also has a sleek design and is available in Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, and Phantom Violet colours. The earbuds have a comfortable fit, making them perfect for long flights. They also come with different-sized ear tips to ensure a perfect fit. With the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, users can enjoy high-quality sound and a great noise-cancelling experience, making it an excellent option for travellers who want to tune out the world and enjoy their music.
BEST BUDGET EARBUDS
Anker Soundcore Life P3
The Anker Soundcore Life P3 is a great noise-cancelling headphone option for travellers on a budget. With its advanced noise-cancelling technology, it can block out a significant amount of ambient noise, making it easier to concentrate and relax while travelling. Additionally, it features six microphones for enhanced call quality and a transparency mode that allows users to hear their surroundings without having to remove the headphones.
One standout feature of the Anker Soundcore Life P3 is its battery life. It offers up to seven hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 35 hours of playback with the included charging case. This is especially convenient for long flights or road trips, as users won’t have to worry about running out of battery mid-travel. The headphones also support fast charging, with 15 minutes of charging providing up to three hours of listening time.
The Anker Soundcore Life P3 is designed with convenience in mind. It features touch controls that allow users to adjust the volume, switch between tracks, and activate noise cancellation with just a tap. The headphones are also IPX5 water-resistant, making them durable and suitable for use during workouts or in wet conditions. Overall, the Anker Soundcore Life P3 offers an affordable and feature-packed option for those in need of noise-cancelling headphones for travel.
BEST DESIGN
Bowers & Wilkins PX7
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 is one of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market, and it stands out for its exceptional sound quality and noise-cancellation technology. Its over-ear design makes it comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, and the noise-cancelling feature is impressive, making it perfect for travel. The adaptive noise-cancelling feature is intelligent, and it adjusts to ambient noise, ensuring that you can enjoy your music or movies without any disturbance.
One of the standout features of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 is its battery life, which lasts up to 30 hours with ANC turned on. The headphones also come with a quick charge feature that provides 6 hours of playtime with just 15 minutes of charging. Additionally, the PX7 has a unique sensor system that detects when you lift an earcup, pausing your music automatically. This is a great feature for travellers who need to be aware of their surroundings.
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 also features Bluetooth 5.0 and aptX HD audio codec, ensuring that you get high-quality sound while streaming music wirelessly. The headphones are easy to use, and the controls are intuitive, with a dedicated button for ANC and playback controls. The headphones are also foldable, making them easy to pack in your luggage or bag.
Overall, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 is a premium noise-cancelling headphone that offers excellent sound quality, exceptional noise-cancelling technology, and impressive battery life. It’s perfect for travel, and its comfortable design makes it suitable for extended use. The additional features like the sensor system, Bluetooth connectivity, and intuitive controls make it a great choice for travellers who demand high-quality audio and convenience.
Comparison of the Top 10 Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Each of the top 10 headphones on this list has unique features and benefits, making it a great choice for different users. The Bose QuietComfort 45 stands out for its exceptional noise-cancelling technology, while the Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless impresses with its crystal-clear sound quality. The Beats Studio Buds are a great option for users who want an ultra-compact design and easy Bluetooth connectivity.
For travellers, the Apple AirPods Pro and Jabra Elite 85h are both excellent options. The AirPods Pro offer active noise-cancelling and a compact design, while the Jabra Elite 85h boasts exceptional battery life and a comfortable fit. The Puro Sound Labs BT2200 is a great choice for parents who want to protect their children’s hearing, while the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro stands out for its impressive durability and water resistance.
Finally, the Anker Soundcore Life P3 and Bowers & Wilkins PX7 both offer exceptional sound quality and noise-cancelling technology, making them great choices for audiophiles. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors like noise-cancelling technology, sound quality, battery life, and overall design when selecting your ideal noise-cancelling headphones.
Conclusion
Ultimately, choosing the best noise-cancelling headphones for travel comes down to personal preference and budget. For those willing to invest in top-of-the-line quality, the Beats Studio Buds or the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are worth the price tag. However, those with a limited budget may want to consider the Anker Soundcore Life P3 or the Puro Sound Labs BT2200.
In conclusion, the top 10 noise-cancelling headphones for peaceful travel all have their unique features and benefits. By considering personal preferences and budget, travellers can easily find the perfect pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones for their next adventure. Regardless of which stylish noise-cancelling headphones one chooses, they are sure to enjoy a more peaceful and enjoyable travel experience with noise-cancelling technology at their fingertips.
