Flying has never been the epitome of a relaxing travel experience, and in recent times, it has only become more stressful. With frequent flight delays, unruly passengers, cramped seating, and the added worry of recent aviation mishaps, air travel can often seem more like a bother than a benefit. If you’re aiming to enhance your flying experience, investing in a high-quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones can significantly improve the situation.
Luckily, there are numerous options at your disposal. Whether you lean towards over-ear designs or compact wireless earbuds, many headphones today feature active noise cancellation (ANC). By 2025, you won’t need to spend a fortune to acquire respectable ANC—some models can be found for under $100. However, if you seek a genuinely serene experience at 35,000 feet, it’s worthwhile to invest a bit more. To aid in your selection, we have tested and evaluated the leading noise-cancelling headphones available today.
How Much Should You Invest in Noise-Cancelling Headphones?
If you’re genuinely committed to discovering the finest headphones for air travel, anticipate spending between $250 and $500. Premium models within this range generally provide excellent noise cancellation, customizable sound settings, and transparency modes that allow you to hear vital announcements at the gate or during the flight.
While economical options priced under $100 may promote noise-cancelling features, many depend on passive noise isolation and often underperform. These lower-priced models frequently permit more ambient sound, experience connectivity issues, and may be uncomfortable during prolonged use.
Ultimately, comfort is equally crucial as sound quality—especially during lengthy flights. Even the most effective noise cancellation won’t matter if your headphones are too uncomfortable to wear for more than a few hours. This is why we emphasized comfort and travel-friendly design in our suggestions, awarding extra points to headphones that are simple to pack and comfortable for extended use.
If spending $250 or more seems unattainable, there are still some reliable options in the budget category, including wireless earbuds with ANC. Just keep in mind that these may come with compromises in sound quality, battery longevity, and comfort.
Looking to save? Watch for sales. Brands like Bose, Sony, and Apple frequently reduce their headphone prices throughout the year. If you prefer not to search for bargains yourself, Mashable’s deals section is an excellent resource for monitoring the latest discounts. Here are the price points we suggest waiting for:
– Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones — Aim for $349 or less (preferably $329)
– Sony WH-1000XM5 — Look for prices around $329 or even as low as $299
– Apple AirPods Pro 2 — Try to acquire them for $189 or lower (while $199 is a discounted price, they often drop lower on Amazon)
What Are the Premier Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Air Travel?
Airplanes are one of the most ideal scenarios for noise-cancelling headphones. With constant background noise and activity, it can be nearly impossible to enjoy a moment of silence. Whether you wish to sleep, work, or simply savor your music or movies undisturbed, a quality pair of ANC headphones can truly make a difference.
To eliminate the uncertainty from your search, we’ve tested a broad array of headphones to identify the best options for flying in 2025. From high-end over-ear styles to cost-effective earbuds, our selections are based on real-world testing and performance in noisy settings—especially airplane cabins.
So if you’re prepared to enhance your travel experience, continue reading for our top recommendations for the best noise-cancelling headphones for flying this year.