The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Travel in 2024

The Verdict: The Sony WH-1000XM5 continues to set the standard for what travel headphones should be. It combines industry-leading noise cancellation with a lightweight design that remains comfortable for hours.

With an improved processor and eight microphones, the ANC on these headphones is nothing short of magical. It completely erases the low hum of airplane engines and significantly reduces brighter noises like voices.

The Verdict: If comfort is your absolute priority, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra lives up to its name. These headphones disappear on your head and offer Bose's signature deep noise cancellation.

Bose has refined its design to be incredibly plush. The "Immersive Audio" feature also adds a spatial element to your music, making it feel more live and open, which is a delight during long trips.

The Verdict: For those deep in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods Max offer an unmatched build quality and seamless integration. They feel substantial, premium, and sound incredible.

The transparency mode on the AirPods Max is the most natural we have ever heard, making it easy to order coffee or hear announcements without taking them off.