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Planes, trains, and cities can be incredibly noisy, but turning your headphones on full-blast can really hurt your ears. So we asked TFG readers to tell us their pick for the best noise cancelling headphones for travel.
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
Table Of Contents
Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
“I’m thinking about getting noise cancelling headphones for travel. Which ones do you all use?”
Headphones with noise reduction or noise cancelling features can be a lifesaver, especially on a long flight or a noisy bus or train. Many TFG readers attest that they are well worth the investment, as cheap ones can easily fall apart or not work properly.
It probably should come as no surprise, but when TFG readers gave their suggestions, nearly all of the recommendations were for Bose travel headphones. Luckily, there are several types to suit anyone’s needs and budget.
Travelers love Bose over-the-ear noise cancelling headphones
Some on-the-ear style headphones can put too much pressure on the wearer’s ears. But while over-the-ear headphones can offer more comfort, they can be bulky and hard to pack.
That’s not the case with these Bose anti-noise headphones. They are designed for a snug fit, engineered for superior sound quality, and are easy to travel with. They’re also stylish, a cinch to store when not in use, and are comfortable for sensitive ears.
As one TFG reader says, “I love my Bose. I tried on-the-ear ones and I like over-the-ear ones much better, especially on long flights. Worth the investment.”
Another adds, “I have both the in-ear and over-the-ear ones. The over-the-ear ones are very comfortable and I use them the most. I even use them in my house when there’s a lot of noise outside.”
Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones
Wireless headphones make great travel noise cancelling headphones
Wireless headphones can be pricey, but they’re mostly worth the cost because they are some of the best noise cancelling headphones for travel out there. They offer the comfort of over-the-ear headphones without the physical limitations of being tethered to your device.
With wireless headphones, you don’t need to worry about tangled cords or limited movement – you can keep your phone safely stored away and still enjoy your tunes.
Bose QuietComfort 35 headphones are one of the priciest pairs, but TFG readers love them anyway. One reader says, “I love my Bose QC35. Definitely worth the price.” Another added that she “can’t live without them.”
Tangled cords? Take a look at these travel cord organizer options and tips on how to pack them!
‘Barely there’ Bose noise cancelling headphones for girls
Earbuds have become a popular choice for travelers over the past few years as they free up so much more space than their bulky over-the-ear counterparts and still offer amazing sound quality.
Bose QuietComfort 20 headphones reduce surrounding distractions and let the music do the talking. Another plus, their sleek tips provide long-lasting comfort and stability.
One reader says, “Bose in-ear! They are comfortable, compact, and deliver great sound!”
But while in-ear headphones certainly reduce noise, they don’t entirely eradicate it. To quiet outside noise entirely, over-the-ear headphones are still the best noise cancelling headphones for travel.
Another reader says, “I chose Bose in-ear headphones because they’re so much smaller and lighter than over-the-ear. Quite an investment but I like them. You do still hear muted sounds though, so they don’t shut out all noises.”
Also, in-ear headphones may not be for everyone when it comes to comfort. Another reader says, “I find I can only use the in-the-ear ones for so long, especially if I’m playing music or listening. However, they pack up into a small space so that’s a plus for traveling.”
Take a look at my Bose QuietComfort 20 review to learn if these noise cancelling headphones really work!
Bose QuietControl 30 Wireless Headphones
QuietControl Bose travel noise cancelling headphones that offer the best of both worlds
If you prefer earbuds, but want to go wireless, Bose has combined everything you desire into one sleek design.
The headphones’ lightweight neckband design conforms to your body for all-day comfort and wearability, while the lithium-ion battery lets you enjoy up to 10 hours of wireless listening per charge.
One reader notes, “I have the in-ear QC30 headphones. You need a Bluetooth adapter to use it with in flight entertainment, but you can get these on Amazon. The downside with the QC30 is that when the battery dies, they are useless, so I bring a cheap set of earbuds as backup in the case.”
This and more on our list of airplane essentials that might make your flight bearable — even enjoyable!
Beats Studio3 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones
Beats Wireless Headphones travel well and deliver the necessary noise reduction for your listening enjoyment
Beats is another top quality brand with noise cancelling headphones for women. Many of our readers rave that they don’t go anywhere without them.
The company’s Studio 3 Wireless model is perfect for any girl on the go as they offer the utmost in style and noise reduction while traveling.
With thick ear pads, a long battery life and far-reaching wifi, Beats headphones make for a cushy, comfortable and long-term fit.
COWIN E7 Active Bluetooth Headphones
Conwin noise cancelling headphones with a lux vibe
These Cowin headphones make just about every best noise cancelling headphones for travel list. These stylishly sleek headphones both significantly drown out noise from the outside and offer crystal clear sound from your music or podcast.
They pair quickly with any Bluetooth connection and have a long-lasting battery that you don’t have to charge every day.
One reader gushes, “They were less than $300—I have these and love them! The battery life is amazing, I used them on flights to and from Thailand and in between, well over 30 hours and the battery didn’t die. I now use them at work to drown out people, and they work great for that too!”
Our readers share their best tips on how to survive long flights – including taking noise cancelling headphones!
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 QuietPoint Active Headphones
Audio-Technica’s in-ear headphones for those who travel light
QuietPoint headphones make the grade as great plane noise cancelling headphones. The earbuds are comfortable to wear for an extended period and the batteries last a good long time.
When you’re already on the ground and in your chosen destination, they drown out street noise equally as well and offer great sound quality.
Noise Cancelling Headphones Comparison Table
| BRAND / MODEL | FEATURE | RATING | PRICEL |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic |
“I love my Bose. I tried on-the-ear ones and I like over-the-ear ones much better, especially on long flights. Worth the investment.” | Check Price | |
|
Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series II) Wireless Headphones |
“I love my Bose QC35. Definitely worth the price.” Another added that she “can't live without them.” | Check Price | |
|
Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic |
“I chose Bose in-ear headphones because they're so much smaller and lighter than over-the-ear. Quite an investment but I like them. You do still hear muted sounds though, so they don't shut out all noises.” | Check Price | |
|
Bose QuietControl 30 Wireless Headphones |
“I have the in-ear QC30 headphones. You need a Bluetooth adapter to use it with in flight entertainment, but you can get these on Amazon. The downside with the QC30 is that when the battery dies, they are useless, so I bring a cheap set of earbuds as backup in the case.” | Check Price | |
|
Beats Studio3 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones |
Beats is another top quality brand with noise cancelling headphones for women. Many of our readers rave that they don’t go anywhere without them. | Check Price | |
|
COWIN E7 Active Bluetooth Headphones |
"They were less than $300—I have these and love them! The battery life is amazing, I used them on flights to and from Thailand and in between, well over 30 hours and the battery didn't die. I now use them at work to drown out people, and they work great for that too!” | Check Price | |
|
Audio-Technica ATH-ANC23 QuietPoint Active Headphones |
The earbuds are comfortable to wear for an extended period and the batteries last a good long time. | Check Price |
Best International Travel Adapter
So now that you know about all the best noise reduction headphones for travel, make sure you’re able to charge them!
If you’re traveling overseas, don’t forget to pack an international travel adapter like this one. You can charge up to three devices at once including your headphones!
What do you think? What are the best noise cancelling headphones for travel? Share in the comment section below!
Please read these related articles:
- Travel Cord Organizer Options
- Voltage Converters vs. Travel Adapters
- Bose QuietComfort Headphones Review
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for digital nomads who need to have noise canceling on the microphone as well, i recommend plantronics voyager focus. allows me to do call conference anywhere without my contact hearing my background;)
Great recommendation Gaelle, thanks!