Travelers who need maximum quiet and comfort on long flights.
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Travel (2026)
The best travel headphones for 2026, ranked by ANC strength on planes, comfort for long flights, battery life, and foldability.
Our top picks at a glance
Best for flights
Bose QuietComfort 45Frequent travelers who prioritize all-day comfort and simple, reliable ANC.
Strongest ANC
Sony WH-1000XM5Listeners who want the best all-round package of ANC, sound, and features.
Best travel value
Anker Soundcore Space Q45Budget buyers who want strong ANC, LDAC, and huge battery life.
For travel, the Bose QuietComfort 45 is the easiest to live with: comfortable, flat-folding, and long-lasting. The Sony WH-1000XM5 cancels more noise if you can live without flat folding.
The picks, ranked
| Pick | Battery life | Weight | Codecs | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for flightsBose QuietComfort 45 | 24 hours (ANC on) | 240 g | AAC, SBC | Check price |
| Strongest ANCSony WH-1000XM5 | 30 hours (ANC on) | 250 g | LDAC, AAC, SBC | Check price |
| Best travel valueAnker Soundcore Space Q45 | 50 hours (ANC on) | 264 g | LDAC, AAC, SBC | Check price |
Best for flights
Bose QuietComfort 45
Legendary comfort with effortless noise cancelling.
Flat-folding earcups, light clamp, and 24-hour battery make the QC45 the easiest headphone to live with on long travel days.
Strengths
- Exceptionally comfortable for long sessions
- Strong, natural-feeling noise cancelling
- Simple physical controls
Limitations
- No LDAC support
- Fewer smart features than Sony
- Microphone is average for calls
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Very comfortable for all-day wear
- Effective, consistent noise cancelling
- Simple physical buttons that are easy to use by feel
Common complaints
- Some find the sound tuning flat compared with rivals
- Footsteps can thud through the cups while walking
- Fewer features than newer flagship headphones
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Battery life | 24 hours (ANC on) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 240 g |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC |
| Folding | Yes, flat-folding earcups |
| Charging | USB-C, quick charge |
Best for: Frequent travelers who prioritize all-day comfort and simple, reliable ANC.
Skip if: You want LDAC or the latest multipoint features.
Strongest ANC
Sony WH-1000XM5
Flagship ANC with superb sound and multipoint.
Adaptive ANC that adjusts to cabin pressure changes, plus multipoint for phone and laptop. Does not fold flat, so pack accordingly.
Strengths
- Class-leading adaptive noise cancelling
- Excellent, detailed sound with LDAC support
- Multipoint connections for two devices
Limitations
- Does not fold flat for travel
- Touch controls can be finicky in rain
- Premium price
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Noise cancelling is consistently rated among the best
- Comfortable, lightweight fit for long flights
- Strong battery life across years of use
Common complaints
- A recurring minority report the headband hinge cracking after months of use
- Sony often treats hinge breaks as physical damage, not a warranty defect
- The non-folding design makes the case bulky
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Battery life | 30 hours (ANC on) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 250 g |
| Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Multipoint | Yes, two devices |
| Charging | USB-C, quick charge |
Best for: Listeners who want the best all-round package of ANC, sound, and features.
Skip if: You live entirely in the Apple ecosystem and value seamless device switching above all.
Best travel value
Anker Soundcore Space Q45
Flagship features and marathon battery for far less.
50-hour battery means a round-the-world trip on one charge, with solid ANC for the price.
Strengths
- 50-hour battery life with ANC on
- LDAC support at a budget price
- Comfortable for the price
Limitations
- ANC trails Sony and Bose flagships
- Build is plasticky
- App is required for full EQ
| Battery life | 50 hours (ANC on) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 264 g |
| Codecs | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Multipoint | Yes, two devices |
| Charging | USB-C, quick charge |
Best for: Budget buyers who want strong ANC, LDAC, and huge battery life.
Skip if: You demand the absolute best ANC or premium build materials.
Questions, answered
Can I use Bluetooth headphones on a plane?
Most airlines now allow Bluetooth in flight mode. For seatback entertainment without Bluetooth, carry a small Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the headphone jack.
Do noise-cancelling headphones help with ear pressure?
ANC reduces perceived cabin drone but does not change air pressure. Some listeners find reduced drone makes pressure changes less noticeable, but it is not a remedy for ear pain.
How many hours of battery do I need for long-haul flights?
A 20-hour battery covers even the longest nonstop flights with margin. The Anker Q45's 50 hours covers a full round trip without charging.