Flying has never been the most soothing means of travel, and with persistent airline delays, disruptive passengers, and diminishing seat sizes, it can turn into a dreadful experience. Compounding the anxiety are recent airplane incidents. To bring some tranquility to your flying experience, think about acquiring noise-cancelling headphones.
Numerous choices are available, from over-ear models to wireless earbuds, that provide active noise cancellation. In 2025, it’s feasible to discover ANC headphones priced under $100, but investing a little more can significantly improve your comfort at 35,000 feet. With Prime Day on the horizon, it’s an ideal moment to purchase highly recommended headphones.
How much should you invest in noise-cancelling headphones? For optimal options for flying, anticipate spending between $250 and $500. Prime Day might present some leeway, with usual discounts ranging from $50 to $100 on older models and lesser discounts on newer versions.
Investing in high-quality headphones offers superior noise cancellation, customizable features, and transparency modes for essential announcements. Many inexpensive headphones assert to provide “noise-cancelling” functions, but they frequently allow sound in and can be uncomfortable.
Ultimately, a reliable all-purpose pair is worth the investment, as ANC alone won’t be adequate during a flight. Comfort is vital for lengthy flights, and headphones should be convenient to store. If spending over $250 seems excessive, look into budget earbuds under $100, but be mindful of compromises. Mid-tier wireless earbuds with ANC serve as a solid alternative to over-ear headphones.
If budget is a concern, wait for sales. Brands like Bose, Sony, and Apple frequently have promotions. For the finest deals, stay updated with Mashable’s deals coverage. Suggested prices include Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones at $349 or $329, Sony WH-1000XM5 at $329 or $299, and Apple AirPods Pro 2 at $189 or less.
What are the top noise-cancelling headphones for flying? They are crucial on flights to minimize noise. Regular flyers may wish to rest or work, and the finest ANC headphones facilitate this. We’ve tested and chosen the best options, with Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones standing out as our top selection.
Recent testing updates involve substituting Sony WH-1000XM5 with WH-1000XM6 in July 2025. As of May 2025, we’re assessing if Panasonic Technic AZ100 earbuds surpass Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds and if Skullcandy Method ANC 360 earbuds present a viable budget alternative. In February 2025, EarFun Air Pro 4 emerged as our leading budget choice, replacing Anker Soundcore P3i. We’ve also included Sennheiser Momentum 4 for its impressive battery life. In September 2024, we opted not to recommend Dyson OnTrac headphones due to their heaviness and price, despite their extended battery life.