Hey there travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out my three best noise cancelling headphones for flying this year. When it comes to travelling, especially on a plane or bus etc., the noises around us can often severly influence our ability to get some rest, sleep or even just be able to hear the in-flight movie.
A good set of noise-cancelling headphones then can help you to block these noises around you – even if just to hear your music better. So for those of you looking to keep it quiet as you travel, I have had a good look around and come up with three decent options below.
Let’s check them out…
My Three Recommended Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Flying
I will review these in more detail below. Still, if you want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
What are Noise Cancelling Headphones for Flying?
Noise-canceling headphones use a function called active noise control (ANC) specifically to block out undesired background noise. This feature distinguishes them from passive headphones which employ methods such as soundproofing or white noise.
As above, these headphones can improve sleep quality or the ability to hear inputs such as movies or music in a noisy environment, such as an airplane or in a busy airport or bus station etc. In fact, many have them on must have for flying lists for a reason
Note: Most options these days are wireless meaning you may need an adaptor or dongle to use on an aircraft. I personally use this option and found them to work really well.
Check out these: Noise cancelling earbuds for flying
What Should You Be Looking For?
The following factors should be considered as you look around for a good set of noise cancelling headphones to meet your travel needs.
- Build quality
- Sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- Battery life
- Additions
Build quality
As we know, travel can be especially tough on any thing we take with us, including our headphones. Hence, look for headphones made of sturdy, high-quality plastic and metal frames. Similarly, the foam and cushioning on the ear cups should feel substantial and durable enough to withstand normal wear and tear.
The headband of foldable headphones will contain joints so checking their quality is crucial as they could eventually become weak points. They should move easily and provide enough opposition to hold their position and if your headphones have wires, choose more robust cables that are covered in fabric or rubber for greater longevity.
Sound quality
This probably goes without saying but sound quality is definitely the most important aspect of any headphones that you purchase. This can be influenced by the following:
- Driver units: These are responsible for transmitting audio to your ears by translating electrical impulses into sound waves. Headphones usually consist of 1 to 4 tiny, speaker-like devices that are housed inside the ear cups that range in size from 20 to 50 mm. While these variables can impact sound quality, most of the time, a driver’s manufacturing quality determines how well it performs.
- Frequency range: The audible frequency range for the average individual, which describes the range of high and low sounds they can hear, is 20Hz to 20000Hz. You’ll get greater sound quality with headphones if they can reproduce a broader spectrum of frequencies.
- Bluetooth audio codecs: Algorithms called Bluetooth codecs are used to compress, send and receive audio data between devices. These codecs each have their own manner of compressing data which can impact overall sound quality and the audio file size.
Comfort
Comfortability becomes a key consideration as you’ll be utilizing these headphones during your flight and will likely wear them for a lengthy time. Any slight irritation or annoyance might trigger a distraction as well as the fact that the ANC effects work significantly better with a good fit.
Look for headphones with proper ear cup rotation, adjustable headbands, a folding design, etc. The more the headphones can move and adjust for your head, the better you’ll feel when you wear them and the better they will work.
Battery life
As noise-cancelling technology uses more power to operate than normal headphones, battery life is another crucial factor to consider. Additionally, if your battery lasts a long time, you may use your headphones for longer without worrying about constantly charging them.
Typically, noise-canceling headphones last between 15 and 40 hours before requiring another charge. Although luckily most airline seats come equipped with USB ports these days as well – which definitely helps here.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Connectivity: This feature allows you to connect to your mobile phones (iOS and android), where you’ll find your travel playlist.
- Wireless build: Minimalist noise-canceling headphones have no cords for more comfortable wear.
- Foldable design: This quality enables the headphones to become space-savers, lessening the space they consume in your travel bags.
FAQ
Are noise cancelling headphones worth in on airplanes?
Absolutely! If you are someone who likes peace and quiet, likes to sleep or even just hear your movie on an airplane, then noise cancelling headphones are more than worth the money. The noise cancelling effects can all but remove engine noise, people talking and anything else that can interrupt your ‘me time’ on a plane.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. JBL Tune 660NC: Wireless On-Ear Headphones
My first recommendation comes from a known brand which means you get high-quality noise-canceling headphones even at a low price. It comes with a simple design, durable build and comfortable fit. See their specifications below:
- Brand: JBL
- Battery life: 44 hours
- Connectivity: Bluetooth connectivity for iPhone and smartphone and HDMI
- Dimensions: 9.37 x 8.11 x 1.93 inches
- Weight: 5.9 ounces
Other inclusions:
- Zero cables
- Foldable design
Why have I chosen them?
These headphones are built of lightweight, high-quality materials and fold thanks to the sturdy construction for increased portability. Once turned on, this product rapidly establishes a connection with your Android or smartphone device thanks to ‘Fast Pair’ where they will last for up to 44 hours of listening duration with active noise cancellation. With ANC turned off, you can use wireless listening for up to 55 hours as well.
Additionally, they are charged with a universal Type-C USB cable and can be used for an extra two hours after just 5 minutes of charge time.
2. Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones
My second recommended noise-cancelling headphones are a great choice thanks to their comfort and sound quality. The ANC functionality quickly adapts to your environment for premium quality especially when things are extra noisy. See their specifications below:
- Brand: Beats
- Battery life: 22 hours
- Connectivity: Bluetooth connectivity for iPhone and Android devices
- Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.38 x 4.96 inches
- Weight: 9.28 ounces
Other inclusions:
- Several color options
- USB charging cable
- Carrying case
Why have I chosen them?
The headbands on this option have a solid yet flexible metal frame with ear cups made of a hard plastic that feels sturdy whilst maintaining comfort. Their battery life is nearly twice as long, lasting 23 hours of nonstop listening on a single charge. Additionally, they charge completely in just approximately 30 minutes longer than the previous generation.
In terms of use quality they also incorporate Apple’s W1 chip and industry-leading Bluetooth technology keep you connected farther with fewer drop-outs.
3. Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
My last reviewed product is known as one of the class-leading noise-canceling headphones you’ll find today. The 24-hour battery life is industry leading with an ANC feature that does a great job of filtering out background noise, such as the low rumbling of nearby bus and airplane engines. See their specifications below:
- Brand: Bose
- Battery life: 24 hours
- Connectivity: Bluetooth connectivity for iPhone and Android devices
- Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.38 x 4.96 inches
- Weight: 9.28 ounces
Other inclusions:
- Quiet and aware modes
- Integrated mic system
- Reliable Bluetooth connection (30 feet)
Why have I chosen them?
Look, I have used these headphones myself on long haul flights and trust me, if you can afford them, get them. I am more of an ear bud person myself however I have found that these ones don’t cling to your head tightly and have a light feel. Compared to its counterparts from other companies, the cushioning on the ear cups and headband feels plusher and more comfortable.
The controls on these headphones are excellent. Three physical buttons on the right ear cup are straightforward to use and control your input and ANC strengths. There is also an “Action” button on the left that serves as a multifunctional control as well.
The shape of these headphones makes them portable and they can be folded into a more compact shape and the ear cups can be laid flat to take up less room too.
Check out my: Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphone Review
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best noise-canceling headphones for flying this year. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
