One of the keys to a happy flight is by creating a personal bubble. When you’re with friends that bubble may extend over a few seats, so you can have conversations or play games. When you’re flying solo, nothing beats a good pair of headphones to create a personal bubble. They come in handy whether you’re watching a movie, listening to music or just want to be left alone.
In addition to providing audio from your devices, the noise canceling headsets do a good job of blocking out other sounds from an airplane, train, bus or car. The technology removes any background noise and allows audio to come through clearly. Regardless of their noise canceling abilities, the larger over the ear headphones are a sign to others that you’re ears, and mind are in a different place and you shouldn't be disturbed, which makes noise cancelling headphones ideal for travel.
Noise canceling headphone systems work by using the opposite sound waves to essentially negate outside sounds from the headphones. While most noise canceling headphones are over the ear, there are some really good earbud styles on the market.
This side sleeper prefers earbuds since they tend to be easier to deal with when it's time to take a nap. We’ll look at a couple of the best options for both styles, so you can choose the headphone that works best for your travel.
Over the Ear
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
These are not headphones for the budget minded with a $349 retail price. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II’s come with google assistant built in (the Bose QuietComfort 35 are without the assistant if you prefer) so you can find out the weather or whatever "Hey Google" can help with. The feature that matters most here, noise canceling, is often touted as the best in class.
Other useful features for these headphones include adjustable noise canceling so you can block out the world as much - or as little - noise as you want. Obviously, Bose sound is great but there might be a better option for the real audiophiles out there.
Sony WH-1000XM2
This Sony headphone is often ranked just ahead of the Bose QuietComfort for one reason. These headphones have the best sound quality that you’ll find in a wireless over the ear headphone. The noise canceling feature is might fall a little below the quality you’ll find with the Bose headphones above but not by much. The battery lasts 30 hours which is fantastic if you’re on a long flight across the country. You can even control your songs and volume on the right ear of the headphones.
In-Ear (Earbuds)
Shure SE535-V
In a previous life, I worked in the music industry. When a band we worked with was ready for in-ear monitors we’d immediately call Shure because they were the best. They’re still a great company and the Shure SE535-V is one of their best consumer products on the market.
These triple HD microdrivers come with a hefty $449 price tag are offered with or without wires. I recommend a wired connection for earbuds since they tend to slide out on occasion. One of the best features is that the sound isolating sleeves for the earbuds come in different sizes to deliver the best fit while providing top-notch noise isolation.
Bose QuietComfort 20
Bose quality isn’t confined to traditional over the ear headphones. The QuietComfort 20 earbuds are probably the most popular on the market today. Bose goes deep again with great audio and great noise canceling technology.
While Shure might offer the best audio of the bunch, this Bose model has the best noise reduction of all earbuds. The StayHear+ Sport silicone tips are designed for in-ear stability and most importantly a comfortable fit. Best of all is that these earbuds retail for about $100 less than the over the ear version.
