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The best headphones for flying are the Sony WH-1000XM6: top-tier noise cancelling from 12 microphones, up to 30 hours with it on, a folding design and a 3.5 mm cable for the seat-back screen. For comfort on long-haul flights, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) are the softest and lightest. On a budget, the Soundcore Space 2 ($129.99) lasted over 53 hours with noise cancelling in SoundGuys’ test.
Check the Sony WH-1000XM6 on Amazon →
How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications and published reviews from SoundGuys and others (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices or recent ranges. See how we choose products.
What makes headphones good for flying
- Strong low-frequency noise cancelling. Engine drone is a low, constant rumble, exactly what active noise cancelling handles best.
- Comfort for hours, with soft pads and light weight.
- Battery for the whole trip, including delays and the flight home.
- A 3.5 mm cable for the seat-back entertainment system, which usually isn’t Bluetooth.
- A folding design and case that fit in your carry-on.
Best headphones for flying compared
| Headphones | Best for | Battery (ANC on) | Seat-back cable | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM6 | Best overall | Up to 30 hr | 3.5 mm | $450–$500 | Check price |
| Bose QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) | Most comfortable | Up to 30 hr | 2.5 to 3.5 mm included | $449 list | Check price |
| Sennheiser Momentum 5 | Longest battery | Up to 57 hr | See Sennheiser | Check price | Check price |
| Soundcore Space 2 | Best budget | 53+ hr (SoundGuys test) | 3.5 mm | $129.99 | Check price |
| Beats Studio Pro | Works wired with a flat battery | Up to 24 hr | 3.5 mm, no battery needed | $299.99 list ($249.95 on Amazon, Oct 15) | Check price |
The best headphones for flying in 2026
1. Sony WH-1000XM6: best overall
Sony’s flagship has the most complete set of travel features: noise cancelling driven by the QN3 processor and 12 microphones, up to 30 hours with it on, a folding design that the XM5 dropped, and a 3.5 mm cable for in-flight entertainment, with no lag when wired. They usually sell for $450–$500. Our best noise-cancelling headphones guide covers them in full. Good to know: SoundGuys made comfort its biggest gripe, saying the pads are relatively thin, so if you wear glasses or fly long-haul, consider the Bose (SoundGuys).
Check the Sony WH-1000XM6 on Amazon →
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen): most comfortable
On a ten-hour flight, comfort matters as much as noise cancelling, and that’s where Bose leads. SoundGuys calls the second-gen QC Ultra “a rather comfortable set of over-ear, ANC headphones” with ample padding, and notes the plastic build makes them “mercifully light” (SoundGuys). Bose rates them at up to 30 hours with noise cancelling, and they come with a 3.5 mm to 2.5 mm cable for the seat-back screen plus a USB-C cable for lossless audio from a laptop (Bose). List price is $449, and they’ve sold for $399 in sales.
Check the Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) on Amazon →
3. Sennheiser Momentum 5: longest battery life
For long trips with several flights and no time to charge, the Momentum 5 are rated for up to 57 hours, fold for travel, and have a battery you can replace yourself when it wears out (Sennheiser). Good to know: their noise cancelling isn’t quite as strong as the Sony or Bose, so frequent long-haul flyers who prioritize quiet should pick one of those.
Check the Sennheiser Momentum 5 on Amazon →
4. Soundcore Space 2: best budget pick
The Space 2 ($129.99) are the best-value flying headphones. In SoundGuys’ testing they lasted 53 hours 21 minutes with noise cancelling on and blocked an average of 84% of outside noise, doing especially well with low-frequency engine rumble. They swivel flat and fold, weigh 261 g with memory foam pads, and accept a 3.5 mm cable (SoundGuys). Good to know: SoundGuys found the out-of-the-box sound their biggest weakness (use the app’s EQ), and they come with a cloth pouch rather than a hard case.
Check the Soundcore Space 2 on Amazon →
5. Beats Studio Pro: if you forget to charge
The Studio Pro have a feature that’s handy on planes: plugged in with the included 3.5 mm cable, they play without any battery power (Apple), so a flat battery doesn’t end your movie. They last up to 24 hours with noise cancelling, pair with one tap on iPhone and Android, and after a price cut list at $299.99 ($249.95 on Amazon on October 15). Good to know: their noise cancelling trails Sony and Bose. See our Beats Studio Pro page.
Check the Beats Studio Pro on Amazon →
Tips for using headphones on a plane
- Charge before you leave, and pack a USB-C cable in your carry-on; many seats have USB power.
- Bring the 3.5 mm cable. Some planes still use two-pin jacks, so a small airline adapter is worth keeping in the case.
- Prefer AirPods or earbuds? See our best noise-cancelling earbuds for smaller options.
Our verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM6 are the best headphones for flying, with excellent noise cancelling, a folding design and a 3.5 mm cable. Choose the Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) if comfort on long-haul flights is your priority, the Sennheiser Momentum 5 for the longest battery, the Soundcore Space 2 to save money, and the Beats Studio Pro if you want headphones that still work wired when the battery dies.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best headphones for flying?
The Sony WH-1000XM6: strong noise cancelling from 12 microphones, up to 30 hours with it on, a folding design and a 3.5 mm cable. The Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) are the most comfortable for long flights.
Can you use Bluetooth headphones on a plane?
Yes, for your own phone, tablet or laptop, once the airline allows devices in flight mode with Bluetooth. Seat-back screens usually need a 3.5 mm cable instead.
Do noise-cancelling headphones work well on planes?
Yes. Engine noise is a low, steady rumble, which active noise cancelling handles best. SoundGuys found the budget Soundcore Space 2 especially good with low-frequency noise.
What are the best budget headphones for flying?
The Soundcore Space 2 ($129.99): they lasted over 53 hours with noise cancelling in SoundGuys’ test, fold flat and take a 3.5 mm cable.
Which headphones work when the battery is dead?
The Beats Studio Pro play over the 3.5 mm cable without any battery power, according to Apple. Some noise-cancelling headphones need some charge even when wired.
