Best Noise-Canceling Headphones for Travel (2025 Edition)

Traveling can be exciting, but let’s be honest: it is also very loud. The roar of the airplane engine, the crying baby three rows back, and the constant chatter in the train station can ruin your peace. This is where noise-canceling headphones save the day. In 2025, technology has moved fast. The headphones we have now are smarter, lighter, and better at blocking noise than ever before.

If you are planning a trip this year, you cannot just grab any old pair of headphones. You need something that is comfortable for hours, has a battery that lasts all day, and, most importantly, creates a bubble of silence around you.

In this guide, we will explore the absolute best noise-canceling headphones for travelers in 2025. We have tested the top models to see which ones are worth your money.

1. The King of Silence: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (Gen 2)

For a long time, Bose has been the favorite brand for frequent flyers. In 2025, they kept their crown with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen). If your main goal is to block out the world, these are the ones to buy.

Why They Are Great for Travel

The noise cancellation on these headphones is incredible. They use a special technology called CustomTune. This plays a small chime when you put them on to measure the shape of your ears. Then, it adjusts the silence to fit you perfectly.

When you are on a plane, the low hum of the engine completely disappears. Even tricky sounds, like people talking nearby, are blocked out much better than other brands.

Comfort and Features

Bose is famous for comfort, and the Ultra does not disappoint. The ear cups are super soft and plush. You can wear them for a 12-hour flight without your ears hurting. They also fold up nicely to fit into a small travel case, which is a huge plus for saving space in your carry-on bag.

They also feature Bose Immersive Audio. This makes your music or movies sound like they are coming from around you, not just inside your head. It is like having a mini theater in your seat.

• Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
• Best Feature: Unbeatable noise cancellation
• Downside: They are expensive

2. The Best All-Rounder: Sony WH-1000XM6

Sony has been fighting Bose for the top spot for years. In May 2025, they released the Sony WH-1000XM6, and it is a beast. While Bose might be slightly quieter, the Sony XM6 does everything else perfectly.

Smarter Noise Control

The biggest upgrade in the XM6 is the new AI-driven noise cancellation. It has 12 microphones (more than the previous model) that listen to the world around you. It automatically changes the settings based on where you are. If you are walking in a busy airport, it might let in some announcement sounds. If you are sitting on a quiet train, it goes into full silence mode.

Features You Will Love

Sony added a very cool feature called Head Gestures. If your hands are full of luggage and someone calls you, you can just nod your head to answer the call or shake your head to decline it. It sounds silly, but it is very useful when you are rushing through a terminal.

The sound quality is also fantastic. It is warm, clear, and has great bass. If you use an Android phone, you get even better sound quality thanks to a special tech called LDAC.

• Battery Life: 30+ hours
• Best Feature: Smart AI features and amazing sound
• Downside: The design is a bit plain

3. Best for Apple Lovers: AirPods Pro 3

Not everyone wants big, bulky headphones. If you prefer something small that fits in your pocket, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are the best choice for travel in 2025.

Tiny but Mighty

Don’t let their size fool you. The noise cancellation in the AirPods Pro 3 is shocking. They can block out deep airplane rumbles almost as well as the big over-ear headphones. Because they fit right inside your ear, they create a very tight seal against noise.

Seamless Magic

If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, these are a no-brainer. They switch between your devices instantly. You can be watching a movie on your iPad, and if your iPhone rings, the audio switches automatically so you can answer.

For 2025, Apple improved the Transparency Mode. This mode lets you hear outside sounds clearly without taking the earbuds out. It sounds so natural that you might forget you are wearing them. This is perfect for ordering coffee or listening to a pilot’s announcement.

• Battery Life: 6-7 hours (plus more from the case)
• Best Feature: Fits in your pocket and works like magic with iPhone
• Downside: Battery life is shorter than over-ear headphones

4. The Battery Champion: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

Imagine getting on a plane in New York, flying to Tokyo, flying back, and still having battery left. That is what you get with the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless.

Never Worry About Charging

These headphones have a legendary 60-hour battery life. That is double or even triple what other brands offer. You can easily go on a week-long vacation without ever needing to plug them in. For travelers who hate carrying extra cables and chargers, this is a dream come true.

Premium Sound

Sennheiser is an audio company first, so sound quality is their priority. The audio is crisp, detailed, and balanced. It doesn’t have the overwhelming bass of some other brands, making it great for jazz, classical, or acoustic music.

While the noise cancellation is very good, it is a tiny step behind Bose and Sony. However, for most travelers, the insane battery life makes up for it.

• Battery Life: 60 hours
• Best Feature: You almost never have to charge them
• Downside: ANC is great, but not the absolute best

5. The Budget Hero: Anker Soundcore Space One

You do not need to spend $400 to get peace and quiet. If you are traveling on a budget, the Anker Soundcore Space One is the best value for your money in 2025.

Incredible Value

These headphones usually cost under $100, but they perform like they cost much more. The noise cancellation is surprisingly strong. It blocks out engine drones very well, even if it struggles a bit with high-pitched voices.

Travel Friendly

They are built for travel. They fold up neatly, come with a travel pouch, and are lightweight. The ear cups rotate to lie flat around your neck when you are not using them.

The sound is fun and punchy. It might not satisfy a professional music producer, but for watching Netflix or listening to Spotify on a plane, it is more than good enough. They also have a solid battery life of around 40 hours with ANC on.

• Battery Life: 40-50 hours
• Best Feature: Amazing performance for a low price
• Downside: Build quality feels a bit more “plastic” than premium brands

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Pair

With so many options, how do you decide? Here are the four main things to look for when buying travel headphones in 2025.

1. Comfort is King

When you are on a long flight, nothing is worse than headphones that pinch your ears.

• Over-ear headphones (like Bose and Sony) are usually the most comfortable for long periods because they sit around your ears, not on them.
• Earbuds (like AirPods) are great for sleeping because they are small, but some people find them irritating after 4 or 5 hours.

2. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Power

Not all ANC is the same.

• Adaptive ANC: This is the best type. It listens to the room and changes the level of silence automatically. Sony and Bose are the masters of this.
• Standard ANC: This just turns on and blocks noise at one steady level. It is good, but not as smart.

3. Battery Life and Fast Charging

Look for headphones with at least 20 hours of battery life. Also, check for “Fast Charging.” Most top models in 2025 can give you 3 to 5 hours of playtime from just a 10-minute charge. This is a lifesaver if you forget to charge them before your flight.

4. Portability

Space is limited in carry-on bags.

• Look for headphones that fold up. The Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QC Ultra can fold into a compact shape.
• Check the case. A hard case protects your expensive headphones from getting crushed in your backpack.

Conclusion

Traveling in 2025 doesn’t have to be noisy and stressful. Whether you want the absolute silence of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, the smart features of the Sony WH-1000XM6, or the endless battery of the Sennheiser Momentum 4, there is a perfect pair for you.

For Apple users, the AirPods Pro 3 offer incredible convenience in a tiny package. And for those saving money for their trip, the Anker Soundcore Space One proves you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a quiet journey.

Investing in good headphones is investing in your own sanity. So pick your favorite, put them on, and enjoy the silence.