10 Best Airplane Headphones 2025 in the United States

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 JBL Tune 720BT headphones come with some impressive features that make them a good option for airplane use. Firstly, the headphones offer JBL Pure Bass Sound, which ensures deep, rich audio quality, enhancing your listening experience. The latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology allows for seamless wireless connectivity to your devices, reducing the hassle of tangled cords. A standout feature is the exceptional battery life of up to 76 hours, meaning you can use these headphones for multiple long flights without needing a recharge. Additionally, the speed charge function is useful when you need a quick power boost.

Comfort-wise, these over-ear headphones are lightweight and designed to be comfortable for long periods, which is crucial for airplane travel. They are also foldable, enhancing their portability and making them easy to carry in your bag. However, one notable drawback is the absence of active noise cancellation (ANC). While they do offer sound isolation, ANC would have been more effective in drowning out the noise of airplane engines and other ambient sounds. This might be a deal-breaker for some frequent flyers who prioritize a quieter experience.

The headphones can be customized using the JBL Headphones App, which is a nice touch for those who like to tweak their audio settings. Hands-free calls with Voice Aware allow you to manage calls without taking off the headphones, adding to their convenience. In summary, the JBL Tune 720BT are strong contenders in terms of sound quality, comfort, battery life, and portability, but the lack of active noise cancellation may be a significant downside for those who need it.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are designed to cater well to frequent travelers and those seeking a quality audio experience while on the go. One of their key strengths is the Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) feature, which effectively blocks out ambient noise, making them ideal for airplane use. Coupled with personalized spatial audio and a rich sound profile, users can enjoy an immersive listening experience, whether for music or calls.

Comfort is another highlight, as these over-ear headphones are designed for extended wear, making long flights more pleasant. The impressive battery life of up to 40 hours means users can listen for a whole week without needing to recharge, and a quick 10-minute charge provides an extra 4 hours of playtime—perfect for when you're in a rush.

In terms of connectivity, the Beats Studio Pro offers seamless pairing with both Apple and Android devices, providing versatility for users of different platforms. The Bluetooth range is excellent, reducing dropouts during use, which is a significant plus for mobile use. However, the headphones are not without drawbacks. They are relatively bulky compared to some other options, which could be a concern for those looking for portability. While they come with a carrying case, the overall weight may be a factor for some users who prioritize lightweight travel gear.

Additionally, while sound quality is generally praised, some audiophiles might find the bass-heavy tuning of Beats headphones less appealing for certain genres of music. Lastly, the lack of water resistance means they are not suitable for use in wet environments, limiting their versatility.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are well-suited for travelers and casual listeners who appreciate excellent noise cancellation, superb battery life, and a rich sound experience, but may not be the best choice for those who prioritize portability or require a more neutral sound profile.