Top-10 Airplane Headphones
Loved in the USA

The JBL Tune 510BT headphones offer a strong battery life of up to 40 hours, which is excellent for long flights without needing frequent recharging. Their wireless Bluetooth connectivity is convenient and compatible with both Android and iOS devices, allowing easy switching between devices. Comfort is addressed with an adjustable headband and a lightweight, foldable design, making them reasonably portable and easy to pack in carry-ons.

The sound quality benefits from JBL's Pure Bass technology, delivering a rich and clear audio experience for music and calls via the built-in microphone. However, these headphones do not feature active noise cancellation, which is a key consideration for airplane use to block out engine noise and cabin sounds. While the on-ear design is comfortable for many, some users might find it less isolating than over-ear models.

The lack of a headphone jack means you must rely on Bluetooth, which might be an issue with some in-flight entertainment systems. These headphones represent a solid choice for travelers prioritizing battery life, sound quality, and comfort, but those who consider noise cancellation as a top priority may want to explore other options.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are an excellent choice for airplane travelers. They feature top-tier noise cancellation, which uses Dual Noise Sensor technology to effectively block out ambient sounds, making them perfect for noisy environments like an airplane. With up to 30 hours of battery life and a quick charge option that provides 5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge, these headphones are highly reliable for long flights. Comfort is another highlight, thanks to an updated design that relieves pressure for prolonged use.

The headphones also have touch sensor controls, allowing you to pause, play, skip tracks, and adjust the volume easily. They support Alexa voice control and have excellent call quality with five built-in microphones, ensuring clear communication. One unique feature is Speak-to-Chat, which automatically reduces the volume when you start talking, although this might be a bit too sensitive for some users. In terms of sound quality, the Edge AI and DSEE Extreme technology provide a rich listening experience by upscaling compressed music files in real-time. The multipoint connection allows seamless pairing with multiple devices, adding convenience.

However, the headphones lack water resistance, which could be a drawback for those who expect them to handle various environments. The headphones are also slightly bulkier, weighing 9 ounces, which may affect portability. Despite these minor inconveniences, the Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out in its category for delivering superior noise cancellation, long-lasting comfort, and high-quality audio, making them a solid choice for frequent flyers.

The Sony WH-CH720N are lightweight over-ear headphones weighing just 192 grams, making them one of the lightest options with noise cancellation—ideal for wearing comfortably during long flights. They use advanced Dual Noise Sensor technology combined with Sony’s Integrated Processor V1, which provides effective noise cancellation to help block out airplane cabin noise.

Comfort is a strong point here, with a design focused on all-day wear. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 35 hours on a full charge and quick charging that gives an hour of playback after just 3 minutes, which is handy when on the go. Sound quality benefits from Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine, delivering clear vocals and balanced audio, which is great if you enjoy music or movies while traveling.

Additional smart features like Adaptive Sound control adjust the noise cancellation based on your environment, and multipoint Bluetooth lets you connect to two devices at once, such as a phone and tablet. The headphones also include a built-in microphone with beamforming technology for clear hands-free calls. While the impedance rating of 325 Ohm is relatively high, the headphones are wireless and designed to work well with modern devices, so you likely won’t notice any issues. Being over-ear headphones, they are less compact than earbuds, which might affect portability if you prefer something very small in your carry-on. However, in terms of comfort, noise cancellation, battery life, and sound quality, these headphones are a solid choice for frequent flyers looking for a lightweight, reliable headset.