If you travel regularly or you’re planning a big trip, you might want to really immerse yourself in your music during the journey. That’s where a good pair of headphones comes in. Whether you’re going on holiday or commuting, we’ve got you covered with the best travel headphones on the market right now.
Disclaimer: some of these are earphones, as we like to give you the option! All of them, though, have active noise cancellation technology, are super comfortable to wear, and sound great. We also have something to suit everyone’s budget.
In a hurry?
| Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones | Ideal for every occasion, whether that be flying or sitting at home listening to music | Check the current price |
| Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones | Probably one of the best all-round ANC headphones on offer without breaking the bank. | Check the current price |
| Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Earphones | Excellent sound quality, IP54 water resistance, and responsive touch control | Check the current price |
Why we’ve chosen these headphones for commuting
I’ve chosen these headphones based on my own experience. For me, it’s just as important to ensure my headphones are safe during a commute as it is to ensure they’re comfortable.
Only one pair on this list doesn’t include a carry case, but they all have some degree of foldability. This is to stop you from destroying the earcup pads as I have done in the past!
After that, it’s all about the comfort, sound quality, and how the ANC works. Now, no ANC technology is perfect, but I like to think all the ones I have tried and listed in this line-up are the best I’ve experienced at their budget, which some easily exceed in my opinion. So without further ado, let’s get started.
The best travel headphones
1. Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones
Key features
- USB DAC built-in for up to 24bit/192kHz playback
- 30-hour battery life with Bluetooth and ANC enabled
- Clear voice capture technology
Pros
- Sound quality is a standout feature with punchy bass and good highs
- Comfortable to wear and feels lightweight
- Premium feel befits price point
Cons
- Not ideal for exercise usage
If you ask any of the staff at AV.com which is their favourite ANC headphones, you can be sure that more than one will say “the Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones”. It’s the same for users and reviewers alike.
These are high-fidelity headphones. The integrated DAC is one of the standout features, as it allows the headphones to achieve a soundstage that’s something to shout about. When on the move, they’ll happily stream music via Bluetooth with the DAC engaged for around 30 hours, making them ideal for commuting.
If you want to unlock up to 24-bit/192kHz, you’ll need to connect the supplied USB-C cable to the Bathys and your smart device. Another benefit of this is that it extends the battery life by around half a day.
The headphones are equipped with weighted physical controls, all located on the right-hand earcup. On the left-hand earcup, you’ll find the ANC button. Like a few other ANC headphones, these also feature a dedicated aeroplane mode. And if you’re out walking, transparency mode can also be engaged, allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings.
Despite being closed-back headphones, they offer a spaciousness more commonly associated with open-back designs. They’re also very comfortable, with a firm fit that doesn’t squash your ears – something that can otherwise lead to fatigue during longer listening sessions.
2. Audio-Technica ATH-S300BT Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Key features
- Exceptional battery life
- Bluetooth 5.1
- Supports Siri and Google Assistant voice control
Pros
- Rich and detailed soundstage
- Multipoint Bluetooth connection
- Comfortable over long listening periods
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a carry case
The Audio Technica ATH-S300BT Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones really are one of the top-pick headphones for commuting, thanks to a few things that set them apart.
Now, you might ask why these headphones make it to the list if they’re not foldable or come with a case. Well, this is because they bring something that none of the other brands do and we simply cannot ignore them.
With approximately 60 hours of playback (yes, you read that right) with both Bluetooth and ANC activated, they really are some of the best at their price point. They’re also extremely comfortable thanks to their soft but firm clamp and cushioned earpad design.
There’s a pair of 40mm drivers found in each cup. These are capable of 20Hz to 20kHz, enabling them to bring the full audible frequency range to your ears. This can be done either via Bluetooth 5.1, streamed from a compatible smart device, or using the included 3.5mm jack cable. The cable houses an additional microphone, which works through Audio Technica’s play-through function.
There are a myriad of features on the headphones, like a built-in mic, which not only assists with calls and voice control, but also ensures you hear the best possible sounds when ANC is activated via the right-hand earcup.
All other inputs and controls are accessible via the left-hand earcup, which also houses the WiFi antenna.
Audio Technica have also tried to make these noise-cancelling headphones as easy as possible to use. The central button between the volume doubles up for power-on and playback/pause to create an uncomplicated user interface.
3. Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Earphones
Key features
- aptX lossless audio technology
- Crystal-clear calls
- IP54 water resistance
Pros
- Sound quality is a standout feature
- Functional case with smart abilities
- Almost disappears once seated in the ear
Cons
- Only five hours of playback – this needs to be better for long-haul flights
As you would guess, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Earphones are an exceptional bit of kit, and they need to be to better their predecessors, which were arguably one of the best ANC earbuds money could buy.
Their touch control requires firm actions, which negates accidental processes. Musically, they are every bit as good as you would expect, and if you’re upgrading from the Pi7s, you can expect a far more grown-up sound, which is more in line with their over-ear headphones.
This is partly thanks to the complete redesign of the earbuds, allowing them to fit more snugly in the ear for a better seal. The improved fit, along with the changes to the earbud design, means the built-in AMPs, DACs and DSP (with 5-band EQ control) can work more effectively to power the 12mm carbon cone driver.
Playback from a single charge isn’t the best in the industry, but compared to other earbuds, these are like walking around with a pair of micro hi-fi speakers in your ears, so it’s easy to forgive them for this.
If you’re interested in hands-free communication, you’ll be pleased to hear that these earbuds include three microphones per earbud, and they’re also Apple MFI certified.
With Bluetooth 5.4, playback standards of up to 32-bit via the aptX™ Lossless codec are achievable, while activating ANC brings a class-leading balance between musical quality and noise cancellation.
One last feature worth mentioning is the flight cable. Connect this to the flight entertainment seat audio output and the charging case to enjoy in-flight audio entertainment without any complications.
4. JBL Tune Beam 2 Ghost Edition Earbuds
Key features
- JBL Pure Bass with Spatial Sound
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation technology
- Up to 48 hours playback
Pros
- Comfortable to wear in-ear
- Microphone call audio crisp and clear
- Will allow multi-point connection if required
Cons
- Controls can be a little sensitive
For a pair of earphones, the JBL Tune Beam 2 Ghost Edition Earbuds really do show many premium noise-cancelling earbuds what’s achievable without having to hike the price towards the stratosphere.
We’ll start with opening the box, which is probably its weakest point. JBL haven’t made the process particularly exciting, as everything is already on show within the packaging, so the mystery and anticipation are gone.
With that being one of the only negatives in our opinion, things only get better as the combined weight of the case and earbuds feels quite premium.
There is also a dedicated JBL app, which we have to say, brings the most versatile options we have ever seen, and this even goes as far as being able to change the audio options for voice calls.
Sound quality, without doubt, is one of the standout features from JBL. They have nailed both the spatial audio and their ANC technology, which brings width and height to the soundstage while eliminating unwanted audio from external environmental sounds.
JBL also claim up to 48 hours of combined playback, with 36 hours coming from the charging case and a further 12 hours from the earbuds when Bluetooth and ANC aren’t activated. Plus, there are six built-in microphones, enabling clear calls.
With Bluetooth and ANC activated, usage time drops from 12 hours to around 10, which is still ideal for long-haul flights. Streaming via Bluetooth 5.3 also allows for premium audio playback without compromise.
Overall, these are a very well thought-out pair of wireless Bluetooth earbuds and make an excellent travel companion for anyone looking to enjoy music wherever they’re heading in the world.
5. DALI IO-12 True Hi-Fi Wireless Headphones
Key features
- Up to 35 hours of playback
- 50mm SMC Dali Driver technology
- Bluetooth 5.2 version
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality via cable or Bluetooth streaming
- Comfortable and solidly built
- Controls are some of the best in the industry
Cons
- Some people might find them too bulky
With the IO-12 True Hi-Fi Wireless Headphones, DALI have created a pair of active noise-cancelling headphones that rewrite the rules for sound quality. Yes, they’re expensive, but they deliver a soundstage that betters the Focal Bathys, something that nothing else in this line-up can claim.
When looking at all the over-ear ANC headphones in this list, you’ll notice that they all use 40mm drivers, and this is where the DALIs differ.
Using 50mm drivers designed specifically for the IO-12, Dali have effectively brought their loudspeaker driver technology into a headphone design, and the results are impressive. If you want to hear what a truly refined pair of headphones should sound like, these are well worth trying.
Many headphones tend to emphasise the highs and lows, but the slightly larger drivers here, around 10mm bigger than most others in this line-up, reproduce the midrange far more convincingly. The result is a much more balanced presentation, similar to the soundstage you’d expect from a pair of Dali floorstander speakers.
Battery performance is equally impressive. Even with ANC activated, the IO-12 still delivers around 35 hours of playback, which is more than enough for long journeys or extended listening sessions.
For hi-res audio, you can connect the supplied USB-C cable to a compatible device, or stream wirelessly from a certified Bluetooth device capable of outputting up to 24-bit/96kHz.
As you’d expect at this level, voice assistant support is included, with both Google Assistant and Siri available. The headphones are also designed with careful attention to ergonomics, making them straightforward to use and comfortable to wear for longer periods.
The supplied carry case keeps everything protected when travelling. If the battery runs out, a 3.5mm jack-to-jack cable is included inside the case, allowing you to continue listening in passive mode until you’re able to recharge them.
6. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 Wireless Headphones
Key features
- Supports aptX lossless Bluetooth streaming
- 5-band EQ
- 7 hours of playback after 15 minutes charge
Pros
- Audio reproduction is engaging with a good level of bass and clear highs
- Exceptional ANC thanks to the myriad of microphones working in tandem with the ANC chipset
- Feels premium and doesn’t disappoint against its competition
Cons
- Not the best for gaming
Bowers & Wilkins make another appearance here, and although the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 wireless headphones sit in sixth place, that certainly doesn’t mean they’re last in terms of performance.
Like many of the headphones in this line-up, they use 40mm drivers housed within a closed-back design. They also feature Bluetooth 5.3, enabling true high-fidelity wireless streaming – something not every pair of noise-cancelling headphones in this category can offer.
As expected, they’re foldable and come with a protective carry case for travel. Charging is handled via USB-C, with a quick 15-minute charge providing around seven hours of playback, while a full charge of the lithium-ion battery takes roughly two hours.
These over-ear headphones also include multiple microphones, which help power one of the more advanced noise-cancelling systems available. This has helped them build a strong following, especially when combined with their snug and comfortable fit, which naturally adds a good level of passive noise isolation.
Another feature we like on the Px7 S3 headphones is the Ambient pass-through mode. This allows you to remain aware of your surroundings, particularly useful when walking near busy roads, so you can hear both your music and nearby traffic without needing to remove the headphones.
How to choose the best travel headphones
The most obvious consideration is your budget. At the lower end of the market, there are many capable headphones with active noise cancellation available, which can make choosing the right pair feel somewhat overwhelming.
If we’ve done our job properly with this article, we should have helped simplify your options and highlighted what we, and many users, consider to be some of the best headphones for commuting, whether that’s travelling from home to university or flying away on holiday.
The next decision is whether you’re looking for earphones or over-ear headphones. If you prefer earphones, it’s worth noting that products designed to be highly compact often come with a higher price point, largely due to the engineering required to deliver similar performance in a much smaller form factor compared with traditional over-ear designs.
For travel, we’d recommend looking for headphones that are foldable and supplied with a protective case. It’s something many people overlook, but headphone earpads can split if they’re frequently compressed in a bag. When this happens, the inner padding becomes exposed, which not only looks untidy but can also discolour over time.
It’s also worth considering headphones with replaceable earpads, which many of the models in this list offer.
If you plan to use your headphones for in-flight entertainment, some models are capable of blocking out the constant drone of aircraft engines while also providing the necessary connections to plug directly into the seat entertainment system.
For those regularly walking through busy cities, headphones with a transparency or ambient mode are highly recommended. This feature uses built-in microphones to allow important environmental sounds through, helping you stay aware of your surroundings while still reducing unwanted background noise.
It’s also worth deciding whether Bluetooth connectivity alone is enough or if you’d like the option of a wired connection as well. Some headphones can operate in passive mode when connected with a cable, just like traditional headphones. This can be particularly useful when travelling for long periods or when you’re away from easy access to charging.
If sound quality is a priority and you want to listen wirelessly, pay attention to the Bluetooth standard supported by the headphones. Not all versions support hi-res audio playback, and some may limit playback quality to CD-level or compressed formats depending on the codec support.
Comfort is another key consideration, especially if you expect to wear your headphones for long periods – whether on a long-haul flight or during a lengthy train commute.
Ultimately, as long as you understand what you need from your active noise-cancelling earphones or headphones, this guide should help you find a pair that suits both your requirements and your budget.
The best headphone brands right now
Now, everyone has their own opinion about which brand they prefer, as sound can be quite subjective. When you add noise-cancelling technology into the mix, it becomes an entirely different conversation, making it even harder for people to agree.
For us, Audio Technica, DALI, Focal, and Bowers & Wilkins all sit near the top when it comes to noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds. Each of these brands has its own distinctive sound signature, giving listeners plenty of choice, while also offering a wide range of advanced features that pack more computing power than the Apollo spacecraft.
ANC vs. passive noise cancelling vs. transparency mode
You may not be familiar with all the technologies available in modern headphones, but understanding the basic differences between ANC, passive noise cancellation, and transparency mode will help ensure you choose the right headphones or earphones for your needs.
We’ll start with active noise cancellation (ANC). ANC headphones use a series of small microphones to detect both the audio you’re listening to and the surrounding environmental noise. This information is then processed by a chipset that works to reduce many of the ambient sounds that would normally interfere with your music.
When a soundwave is detected by one of the microphones and doesn’t match the audio being played through the headphones, the ANC system generates an inverted soundwave that is 180 degrees out of phase.
This opposing soundwave effectively cancels out the unwanted noise. While ANC isn’t perfect, it’s particularly effective at reducing consistent low-frequency sounds, such as engine noise, which can otherwise overpower other audible frequencies.
Passive noise cancellation is much simpler and doesn’t rely on electronic processing. Instead, it works through the physical design of the headphones. Well-padded earcups, sound-isolating materials, and a snug seal around the ears help block external noise from entering. While it isn’t as effective as ANC in noisy environments, it can still work well in quieter settings, such as at home or in an office.
Finally, there’s active noise cancellation with transparency mode. This is a more advanced implementation of ANC that uses additional microphones to monitor both your audio and your surroundings. Rather than blocking all external sound, the system selectively allows certain environmental noises through, such as traffic or announcements, while still reducing unwanted background noise.
By continuously analysing sounds in real time, the ANC chipset can decide which sounds are important for awareness and which can be suppressed.
Can you use wireless headphones on a plane?
This might seem like a strange question to frequent flyers, but for first-time travellers it’s a genuine concern. As long as passengers remember to place their devices into “airplane mode” during take-off and landing, Bluetooth headphones can usually still be used during the flight, provided the airline allows it.
We’d also advise anyone flying, whether on short or long-haul journeys, to consider using noise-cancelling headphones like those featured in our line-up. These headphones are designed to reduce the constant droning sound of aircraft engines, something ordinary headphones often struggle to handle.
What’s more, those wanting to connect to in-flight entertainment may not realise that many modern aircraft now offer Bluetooth connectivity or provide adapter options for wireless headphones.
FAQs
Which headphones are the best for plane travel?
If you’re travelling by plane, it’s important to look for ANC headphones with a specific aeroplane mode, like the Focal Bathys, as these have a more aggressive ANC setting to cancel out the drone of the aeroplane engine sound.
Why are Bluetooth headphones not allowed on planes?
There are some rules to follow when using Bluetooth devices on aircraft. While Bluetooth headphones aren’t completely banned, many airlines restrict their use during take-off and landing. This is because these phases of a flight are considered critical, and airlines want to minimise any potential electronic interference with aircraft systems.
What is the 60 rule for headphones?
The 60/60 rule set out by hearing experts states that you should listen to audio with headphones or earbuds for no longer than 60 minutes at 60% maximum volume.
Final thoughts
With some of the best travel headphones mentioned in this article, anyone seriously considering a pair of ANC headphones will likely have at least two of these models on their shortlist.
If we’ve introduced a surprise option along the way, it’s only because, when we tested them, they delivered noticeably better sound quality than some of their competitors.
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