10 Best Airplane Headphones 2025 in the United States

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.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones are designed with frequent travelers in mind, particularly those who value noise cancellation and comfort during long flights. With advanced noise-cancelling technology, these headphones effectively reduce background noise, allowing you to enjoy your music or movies without distraction. The different modes—Quiet, Aware, and Immersion—provide flexibility depending on your environment, enhancing your listening experience.

Comfort is a significant highlight, as the soft ear cushions and well-distributed headband pressure ensure that these headphones can be worn for extended periods without discomfort, which is essential during long flights. The battery life of up to 24 hours also means you won’t have to worry about running out of charge mid-journey, and the quick 15-minute charge feature is a nice touch for urgent situations.

Sound quality is further enhanced by the Spatial Audio feature, which offers an immersive listening experience that can make music feel more engaging. The inclusion of a microphone allows for clear calls, making them versatile for both entertainment and communication. While these headphones are generally lightweight and portable, they may be bulkier compared to some other travel headphones on the market. Additionally, while many users appreciate the advanced features, the complexity of the controls—especially touch controls—might not be as straightforward for everyone, particularly those who prefer more traditional buttons.

The JBL Tune 510BT headphones offer some excellent features suitable for airplane use, though they do have their limitations. With up to 40 hours of battery life, these headphones are ideal for long flights, and a quick 5-minute charge provides an extra 2 hours of playtime, ensuring you won’t run out of juice mid-journey. Their foldable design adds to their portability, making them easy to pack away in your carry-on. The built-in microphone allows for hands-free calls, which is convenient for staying connected during travel. Additionally, the wireless Bluetooth connectivity makes switching between devices seamless, useful if you’re juggling between your phone and tablet during a flight.

However, one key drawback is the lack of noise cancellation, which might make these less ideal for noisy airplane environments. The sound quality is respectable with the JBL Pure Bass sound, providing a deep and enjoyable music experience. Comfort is another strong point, although they may feel tight on some users' heads. JBL suggests adjusting the headset or placing it over a ball to stretch it out if needed. The headphones are compatible with both Android and iOS devices, and you can easily activate Siri or Google Assistant with a button press. Weighing just 5.6 ounces, they are lightweight and won’t add much burden to your luggage. Despite the lack of noise cancellation, these headphones still offer a good mix of features and comfort for travelers, though they might be more suited for those who prioritize sound quality and battery life over noise isolation.