HeadphonesFinderSoundcore Space One
Effective ANC, long battery life and a 3.5 mm cable: excellent value for travel.
Compare pricesWhat are the best headphones for flying and travel?
In the cabin, engine noise hovers around 80 dB for hours on end. Good travel headphones make it bearable, plug into the seatback screen and last an entire long-haul flight. The selector is preset for a very noisy environment.
Updated November 13, 2026
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Our picks
Sony WF-1000XM5
Compact earbuds with top-tier noise canceling, ideal for sleeping on a flight.
Compare pricesBose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
Comfort and quiet for long-haul flights, with a 3.5 mm cable for the seatback screen.
Compare pricesExample models chosen for their reputation in this category. Prices and availability change: check them on the retailer's page.
Noise canceling is priority number one
The roar of a jet engine is exactly the kind of low, constant noise that active noise canceling handles best. The result: you listen at a lower volume, arrive less worn out, and can even sleep with no music at all, just ANC on.
Make sure you can plug into the seatback screen
In-flight entertainment systems are almost always wired (3.5 mm jack, sometimes a two-prong adapter). Check that your headphones accept a 3.5 mm cable and that ANC still works in wired mode. With wireless earbuds, a small Bluetooth transmitter plugged into the seat jack does the trick.
Comfort and packability
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Over-ear headphones | Best isolation, comfortable for 10 hours, 3.5 mm cable often included | Bulky, hot in tropical climates |
| ANC earbuds | Tiny, let you sleep on your side | Shorter battery life per charge, no 3.5 mm jack |
For a long-haul flight, go for headphones that fold into a hard case, with soft ear cushions and a reasonable weight (250 to 300 g). If you sleep leaning against the window, well-fitted earbuds get in the way less.
Battery life and charging
- Aim for at least 20 hours with ANC on to cover a long-haul flight plus connections.
- USB-C fast charging (a few minutes for a few hours of playback) can save you on a layover.
- Wired mode often lets you keep listening with a dead battery, but without ANC.
Mistakes to avoid
- Leaving without a 3.5 mm cable or a transmitter for in-flight entertainment.
- Choosing open-back headphones: zero isolation, and your sound leaks to your seatmates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use Bluetooth headphones on a plane?
Yes, most airlines allow Bluetooth in airplane mode once you're in the air. For the seatback screen, you'll need a 3.5 mm cable or a Bluetooth transmitter.
Does ANC help with ear pain during takeoff?
No. That pain comes from pressure changes in the middle ear; ANC reduces noise, not pressure. Swallowing or yawning is still the best remedy.
Headphones or earbuds for a long-haul flight?
Headphones generally offer better isolation and more battery life; earbuds are handier for sleeping and traveling light. Many frequent flyers pack both.