10 Best Airplane Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian headphones are a strong choice for airplane use, especially if you value noise cancellation and sound quality during your travels. Their adaptive Active Noise Cancelling effectively blocks out engine noise and other distractions, while Transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings when needed. The sound is rich and immersive thanks to Beats’ custom acoustic platform and personalized spatial audio, which enhances the listening experience beyond typical headphones.

Comfort is decent for long flights, with over-ear cushions and a relatively lightweight design at just over 9 ounces. Battery life stands out with up to 40 hours on a single charge and fast charging that gives you 4 extra hours with just 10 minutes plugged in—perfect for long trips or layovers. Portability is addressed by the included foldable design and a woven carrying case, making it easy to pack in your carry-on.

These headphones are not water resistant, so extra care is needed when traveling in wet conditions. While they offer seamless pairing with both Apple and Android devices, the size might feel a bit bulky compared to smaller travel earbuds. These headphones combine premium sound, effective noise cancellation, and long battery life, making them well-suited for travelers who want a high-quality audio experience on planes.

The Beats Solo 4 headphones offer several advantages for travelers, especially those looking for long battery life and comfort. With up to 50 hours of playback and fast charging providing 5 hours from just 10 minutes, you won't have to worry about running out of power on long flights. They are lightweight and designed with soft UltraPlush ear cushions and an ergonomic headband, making wearing them comfortable for hours. The custom acoustic design delivers the powerful, clear audio Beats is known for, and they support high-resolution wired listening as well.

These on-ear headphones use sound isolation rather than active noise cancellation. This means they block some outside noise mainly by physically covering your ears, but they won't cancel out as much airplane cabin hum and engine noise as headphones with active noise cancellation would. For travelers prioritizing blocking ambient noise, this could be a limitation.

Their wireless Bluetooth connectivity is strong and versatile, compatible with both Apple and Android devices, and includes multiple control options along with a built-in microphone for calls or voice assistant use. Portability is decent with a protective fabric case included, though the on-ear design may be bulkier compared to smaller in-ear options. The Beats Solo 4 headphones are a solid choice for those seeking durable, comfortable headphones with excellent battery life and good sound quality for travel, though those needing advanced noise cancellation might consider other models.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are an excellent choice for airplane travelers. They feature top-tier noise cancellation, which uses Dual Noise Sensor technology to effectively block out ambient sounds, making them perfect for noisy environments like an airplane. With up to 30 hours of battery life and a quick charge option that provides 5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge, these headphones are highly reliable for long flights. Comfort is another highlight, thanks to an updated design that relieves pressure for prolonged use.

The headphones also have touch sensor controls, allowing you to pause, play, skip tracks, and adjust the volume easily. They support Alexa voice control and have excellent call quality with five built-in microphones, ensuring clear communication. One unique feature is Speak-to-Chat, which automatically reduces the volume when you start talking, although this might be a bit too sensitive for some users. In terms of sound quality, the Edge AI and DSEE Extreme technology provide a rich listening experience by upscaling compressed music files in real-time. The multipoint connection allows seamless pairing with multiple devices, adding convenience.

However, the headphones lack water resistance, which could be a drawback for those who expect them to handle various environments. The headphones are also slightly bulkier, weighing 9 ounces, which may affect portability. Despite these minor inconveniences, the Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out in its category for delivering superior noise cancellation, long-lasting comfort, and high-quality audio, making them a solid choice for frequent flyers.