10 Best Airplane Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Soundcore Anker Life Q20 headphones are a solid choice for airplane travelers looking for good noise cancellation and long battery life without spending too much. Their hybrid active noise cancellation is designed to cut down on low-frequency sounds like airplane engines and city noise, which helps create a quieter environment during flights. With up to 50 hours of wireless playtime while noise cancelling is on, these headphones can easily last through multiple long-haul trips, and a quick 5-minute charge provides several hours of listening if you're in a hurry.

Comfort-wise, the memory foam ear cups and over-ear design mean you can wear them for hours without much discomfort, which is a big plus on long flights. The sound quality is impressive for the price range, especially with the 40 mm drivers delivering clear highs and strong bass, which you can boost further using the BassUp feature if you enjoy bass-heavy music.

They are fairly lightweight and come with a travel pouch, making them easy to carry around in a bag. Connectivity via Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable wireless connection with various devices, and there’s also a wired option if you prefer or need it. One minor downside is that while the noise cancellation is effective, it may not be as powerful as on premium headphones that cost significantly more. Also, the build is mainly plastic, so they might not feel as durable as higher-end models. These headphones offer a great balance of noise cancelling, comfort, sound quality, and exceptional battery life, making them a practical and budget-friendly choice for frequent flyers or anyone needing reliable noise reduction on the go.

The JBL Tune 510BT headphones offer a strong battery life of up to 40 hours, which is excellent for long flights without needing frequent recharging. Their wireless Bluetooth connectivity is convenient and compatible with both Android and iOS devices, allowing easy switching between devices. Comfort is addressed with an adjustable headband and a lightweight, foldable design, making them reasonably portable and easy to pack in carry-ons.

The sound quality benefits from JBL's Pure Bass technology, delivering a rich and clear audio experience for music and calls via the built-in microphone. However, these headphones do not feature active noise cancellation, which is a key consideration for airplane use to block out engine noise and cabin sounds. While the on-ear design is comfortable for many, some users might find it less isolating than over-ear models.

The lack of a headphone jack means you must rely on Bluetooth, which might be an issue with some in-flight entertainment systems. These headphones represent a solid choice for travelers prioritizing battery life, sound quality, and comfort, but those who consider noise cancellation as a top priority may want to explore other options.

The JBL Tune 720BT headphones come with some impressive features that make them a good option for airplane use. Firstly, the headphones offer JBL Pure Bass Sound, which ensures deep, rich audio quality, enhancing your listening experience. The latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology allows for seamless wireless connectivity to your devices, reducing the hassle of tangled cords. A standout feature is the exceptional battery life of up to 76 hours, meaning you can use these headphones for multiple long flights without needing a recharge. Additionally, the speed charge function is useful when you need a quick power boost.

Comfort-wise, these over-ear headphones are lightweight and designed to be comfortable for long periods, which is crucial for airplane travel. They are also foldable, enhancing their portability and making them easy to carry in your bag. However, one notable drawback is the absence of active noise cancellation (ANC). While they do offer sound isolation, ANC would have been more effective in drowning out the noise of airplane engines and other ambient sounds. This might be a deal-breaker for some frequent flyers who prioritize a quieter experience.

The headphones can be customized using the JBL Headphones App, which is a nice touch for those who like to tweak their audio settings. Hands-free calls with Voice Aware allow you to manage calls without taking off the headphones, adding to their convenience. In summary, the JBL Tune 720BT are strong contenders in terms of sound quality, comfort, battery life, and portability, but the lack of active noise cancellation may be a significant downside for those who need it.