Flying on an airplane can be a loud experience. The constant drone of the engines, air rushing past the cabin, and the chatter of passengers can make it difficult to relax or fall asleep during a flight. This is where noise cancelling headphones can make a real difference.
Noise cancelling headphones use advanced technology to actively cancel out ambient noise around you. Tiny microphones inside the headphones pick up background noise and generate an inverse sound wave to effectively cancel it out before it reaches your ears. This allows you to immerse yourself in music, podcasts, or audio books without distraction.
On an airplane, noise cancelling headphones are invaluable for reducing the loud engine noises to a whisper. This allows you to listen to entertainment at lower, safer volumes. Noise cancellation also helps block out the sounds of crying babies, chatty seatmates, and the drink cart rattling down the aisle. Wearing noise cancelling headphones on a plane allows you to create a peaceful bubble, relax during the flight, and potentially even get some sleep.
Many frequent flyers swear by noise cancelling headphones as an essential travel item. The right pair can transform an airplane from a loud, distracting environment into a calming oasis at 30,000 feet. This guide will highlight the key features to look for and recommend the best noise cancelling headphones to use for your next flight.
Buy Now → How Noise Cancelling Headphones Work
Noise cancelling headphones use technology to block out unwanted ambient noise. There are two main types of noise cancellation:
Passive Noise Cancellation
Passive noise cancellation relies on the physical design of the headphones to block noise. The ear cups form a seal around the ears to prevent external noise from entering. The padding in the ear cups also absorbs sound waves. This method blocks out constant low-frequency noise like the hum of an airplane engine.
Active Noise Cancellation
Active noise cancellation uses electronic technology to cancel noise. The headphones have built-in microphones that detect incoming ambient noise. The headphones then generate an opposing sound wave that essentially cancels out the ambient noise before it reaches your ear. This allows active noise cancellation to block out a wider range of noise frequencies, including mid-range and high-frequency sounds.
The microphones constantly monitor environmental noise and adjust the sound cancellation signal to adapt in real time. This makes active noise cancellation effective at blocking variable noise like people talking around you. The opposing sound waves from the headphones work together with the passive noise isolation of the padded ear cups to minimize distractions.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing noise cancelling headphones for airplane use, there are a few key features to prioritize:
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is critical, as you’ll be wearing the headphones for hours on end during long flights. Look for padding on the ear cups and headband, as well as a lightweight and adjustable design. Over-ear headphones tend to be more comfortable than on-ear models when worn for extended periods.
Also consider the fit. Headphones that fit securely will provide better noise isolation and stay put even if you fall asleep on the plane. Models with a tight but comfortable seal around the ears work best.
Battery Life
Since you won’t have an opportunity to charge during flights, battery life is essential. Look for headphones that provide at least 20+ hours of continuous playback per charge. Some models offer 30+ hours for maximum convenience.
Noise cancelling requires battery power, so factor in that battery will drain faster with ANC on. A quick charge feature can provide a few hours of use from just 15-30 minutes of charging.
Sound Quality
While noise cancellation is the priority, sound quality still matters – especially if you plan to listen to music, podcasts or audiobooks. Seek out headphones that offer clear audio with emphasis on the mid and lower frequencies rather than overly bright highs.
Noise Cancellation Effectiveness
This is the critical feature. The best noise cancelling headphones use digital signal processing (DSP) and microphones to actively cancel out ambient noise. This creates a peaceful environment so you can relax or sleep on the plane.
Advanced models allow you to adjust the level of noise cancellation. Maximum ANC mode can eliminate most engine roar and ambient chatter, while lower settings allow some sound through.
Top Pick: Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are widely considered the best noise cancelling headphones for airplane travel. They offer industry-leading noise cancellation that helps block out the loud ambient noise of jet engines and cabin chatter.
The noise cancellation uses digital signal processing and microphones to continuously measure outside noise and generate an opposite canceling sound. This allows you to immerse yourself in music, podcasts, or movies without distractions. Users report the noise cancellation is so good that it feels like you’re in your own private cocoon.
In addition to stellar noise cancellation, the QC35 II are extremely comfortable for long flights. The ear cups and headband are well-padded with a synthetic protein leather material. The ear cups rotate to conform to your head and don’t put too much pressure. The lightweight design at just 8.2 oz also prevents neck strain.
Battery life is exceptional at an advertised 20+ hours of wireless playtime per charge. This is more than enough for the longest international flights. A 15 minute quick charge can also give you another 2.5 hours if needed.
With excellent noise cancellation, all-day comfort, and marathon battery life, the Bose QC35 II are the ideal travel headphones to make flights peaceful and enjoyable. The combination of premium features makes these a worthwhile investment for frequent flyers.
Buy Now → Runner Up: Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are a top contender for best noise cancelling headphones, offering excellent noise cancellation, long battery life, and convenient touch controls.
Key Features
- Industry-leading noise cancellation: The WH-1000XM4 utilize Sony’s proprietary HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 to block out ambient noise. Dual noise sensor technology catches more unwanted sounds, while an advanced algorithm constantly adjusts to your environment whether on an airplane, train, or out in the city.
- 30+ hour battery life: A full charge gives you up to 30 hours of playback, ideal for long haul flights. Quick charging capabilities allow you to get 5 hours of listening time from just 10 minutes of charging.
- Touch controls: Instead of buttons, the WH-1000XM4 have sensors built into the ear cups that allow you to control your music, activate your voice assistant, and manage calls by simply tapping or swiping on the surface. This allows for an intuitive, seamless experience.
With extremely effective noise cancelling technology, great battery life, and the convenience of touch controls, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are an excellent choice as a runner up for best noise cancelling headphones on airplanes or any environment where you want to isolate yourself from external noise.
Buy Now → Budget Pick: Anker Soundcore Life Q20
The Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones are an excellent budget option for noise cancelling headphones to use on an airplane. They retail for around $60, making them very affordable compared to premium models.
Despite the low price, the Q20 headphones still provide surprisingly effective noise cancellation. They utilize hybrid active noise cancellation technology to block out ambient low and mid-frequency sounds. While the ANC may not be quite as strong as more expensive models, it’s very good for the price. The snug earcup fit also helps passively muffle noise.
Battery life is a major highlight of the Q20 headphones. They can run for an impressive 40+ hours on a single charge with ANC turned on. This is one of the longest battery lives you’ll find in any wireless noise cancelling headphones. You can easily get through several long flights without needing to recharge. Quick charging gives you 4 hours of use from just 10 minutes of charging.
In terms of audio quality, the Q20 headphones sound quite good. The 40mm drivers deliver clear, powerful bass and nicely detailed treble. The sound profile is tuned for strong bass but not overly boomy or muddy. You get punchy, immersive audio that’s great for travel listening.
Overall, if you want effective noise cancelling headphones on a budget, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 are an excellent choice with great noise cancellation, extremely long battery life, and good sound quality. They provide tremendous value and are highly recommended for use on airplanes.
Buy Now → Other Notable Mentions
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i
The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i headphones offer premium build quality and design. They have excellent noise cancellation that can block out most ambient noise, even in a busy airport or on an airplane. The sound quality is crisp and clear, with punchy bass. These headphones are quite comfortable for long wear sessions thanks to the memory foam earcups. However, they are very expensive, usually retailing for $500 or more. The touch controls can also be finicky at times. Still, for those who want luxury headphones with great noise cancelling, the Beoplay H9i are a solid choice.
Buy Now → Sennheiser Momentum 3
Sennheiser is known for high-end audio products, and the Momentum 3 noise cancelling headphones live up to that reputation. They produce rich, detailed sound with thumping bass. The noise cancellation is effective at blocking constant ambient noise. The design is stylish while still being comfortable for long flights. Battery life is also solid at around 20 hours per charge. Downsides are the high price (usually $400+) and the noise cancelling, while good, is not quite on par with Bose and Sony. But overall, the Momentum 3 headphones are great for travel if you want excellent sound.
Buy Now → Apple AirPods Max
As Apple’s flagship noise cancelling headphones, the AirPods Max offer excellent integration with Apple devices. The sound quality is superb, with spatial audio support on certain content. The noise cancelling is very effective, using multiple microphones to block ambient sounds. They are also quite comfortable thanks to the mesh canopy headband and memory foam earcups. However, they are very expensive at $549. Battery life is just average at around 20 hours. While the AirPods Max are arguably the best noise cancelling headphones for Apple users, the price makes them hard to recommend for general travel use.
Buy Now → Tips for Using on an Airplane
When using noise cancelling headphones on an airplane, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Connect to in-flight entertainment – Most airlines today offer entertainment systems with movies, TV shows, music, and more. Noise cancelling headphones can make it easier to immerse yourself in the content without engine noise distractions. Look for headphones with an audio cable or Bluetooth so you can connect to the airplane’s entertainment system.
- Bring a backup battery pack – Noise cancellation requires power, so make sure your headphones are fully charged before boarding or bring a portable battery pack. In-flight power outlets are not always guaranteed, and you don’t want your headphones dying mid-flight. A backup battery ensures you can keep enjoying noise cancellation.
- Stow safely for landing/takeoff – As with all electronic devices, noise cancelling headphones should be properly stowed away for takeoff and landing. Remove them and secure in your carry-on bag. Do not wear them so you can clearly hear flight attendant instructions.
FAQs
Can you sleep with noise cancelling headphones on?
Yes, noise cancelling headphones can be worn comfortably while sleeping, especially on an airplane. The noise cancellation helps block out the ambient noise from the plane’s engines and activity, allowing you to sleep peacefully. However, it’s not recommended to wear any headphones for extended periods of time. Take occasional breaks from wearing them.
Are noise cancelling headphones safe for kids?
Noise cancelling headphones are generally safe for kids to use occasionally. The noise cancellation technology does not emit any harmful frequencies. However, volume levels should be monitored and limited to safe levels to protect children’s hearing. Noise cancelling headphones also block out ambient sounds, so they should only be used briefly and with supervision.
Can you hear important announcements with noise cancelling headphones?
Most noise cancelling headphones allow you to remain aware of your surroundings and hear speech and announcements, even when active noise cancellation is on. However, audio quality and awareness levels can vary between models. Look for headphones with an awareness or ambient listening mode to hear important announcements while still reducing distracting background noise. Also, periodically pause music and remove one ear cup to remain alert to announcements.
Conclusion
There are several excellent noise cancelling headphones to choose from for blocking out airplane noise and engine roar when flying. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II are the top overall pick with their superb active noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, and comfortable design. The Sony WH-1000XM4 are a close second with slightly better noise cancelling abilities. For those on a budget, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 provide surprisingly effective noise reduction at a fraction of the cost.
When choosing noise cancelling headphones for air travel, look for models with multiple microphones for adaptive noise cancellation, sufficient battery life to last the full flight, comfortable earcups that fully cover your ears, and the ability to listen wired or wireless. Consider sound quality, but don’t expect audiophile-level performance from noise cancelling models.
For the best experience on the plane, be sure to bring a headphone adapter if needed to connect to the in-flight entertainment system. Keep headphones easily accessible when boarding and disembarking to maximize usage. Enjoy your music, podcasts or movies and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed. With the right pair of noise cancelling headphones, you may forget you’re on an airplane at all.
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The information in this article is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current updates; please verify details independently before making travel plans. Always check with local sources before confirming your plans.
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