Traveling is exhilarating—but the background noise isn’t. Whether you’re flying, commuting, or working remotely on the go, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones can transform your experience. From the hum of airplane engines to chatty passengers, modern ANC (Active Noise Cancelation) technology offers you a personal bubble of calm.
In this guide, we’ve handpicked the best noise-canceling headphones for travel in 2025, ranked by comfort, sound quality, battery life, and noise-blocking power.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
Best Overall Noise-Canceling Headphones
- ANC: Industry-leading dual processor noise cancelation
- Battery Life: Up to 30 hours
- Weight: 250g
- Price: ~$399
Why It Stands Out:
The XM5s improve upon an already stellar lineage with even better ANC, ultra-soft earcups, and phenomenal sound. They fold flat (not inward), making them great for travel cases.
✅ Pros:
- Exceptional ANC performance
- Crystal-clear audio with deep bass
- Fast charging (3 min = 3 hrs)
Cons:
- Doesn’t fold as compact as previous models
- Premium pricing
- ANC: Adaptive + Immersive Audio
- Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
- Weight: 250g
- Price: ~$429
Why It Stands Out:
Bose takes comfort to the next level. The QuietComfort Ultra delivers rich, spacious sound with an immersive audio mode and plush cushioning for marathon travel sessions.
✅ Pros:
- Best-in-class comfort
- Intuitive touch controls
- Excellent call quality
Cons:
- More expensive than XM5
- No aptX codec support
Best Battery Life
- ANC: Hybrid adaptive ANC
- Battery Life: Whopping 60 hours
- Weight: 293g
- Price: ~$379
Why It Stands Out:
Sennheiser brings audiophile-quality sound with an unmatched 60-hour battery. Ideal for extended travel or those who forget to charge frequently.
✅ Pros:
- Superb battery life
- Clean, rich audio tuning
- Foldable and travel-friendly
Cons:
- Slightly heavier
- ANC not as aggressive as Sony/Bose
4. Bose Quiet Comfort 45
Best Value from a Trusted Brand
- ANC: Classic Bose active noise cancelation
- Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
- Weight: 240g
- Price: ~$329
Why It Stands Out:
A slightly pared-down version of the Ultra, the QC45 still delivers signature Bose comfort and sound without breaking the bank.
✅ Pros:
- Lightweight and foldable
- Smooth, balanced sound
- Solid ANC and mic performance
Cons:
- No customizable EQ
- Lacks some premium features
5. Anker Sound core Space One
Best Budget Noise-Canceling Headphones
- ANC: Adaptive noise cancelation
- Battery Life: Up to 40 hours with ANC
- Weight: 265g
- Price: ~$99
Why It Stands Out:
You don’t need to splurge for silence. The Space One offers impressive ANC, long battery life, and comfort at a fraction of the price.
✅ Pros:
- Incredible value
- Good ANC for the price
- Stylish design and long battery
Cons:
- Audio quality not audiophile-level
- Build slightly plasticky
Tune Out the World, Tune Into Comfort
Whether you’re navigating busy airports, tuning out noisy trains, or just enjoying solitude mid-flight, a reliable pair of noise-canceling headphones can make all the difference. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
| Headphones | Best For | Battery Life | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM5 | Overall performance | 30 hrs | ~$399 |
| Bose QC Ultra | Ultimate comfort | 24 hrs | ~$429 |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 | Longest battery life | 60 hrs | ~$379 |
| Bose QC45 | Trusted value pick | 24 hrs | ~$329 |
| Anker Soundcore Space One | Best on a budget | 40 hrs | ~$99 |
Whatever your destination, bring along crystal-clear sound and peace of mind. Silence has never sounded so good.
