Best Headphones for Travel
As a child of tape cassettes, VCRs, and, yes, floppy disks, I never could’ve imagined I’d be writing an article on why someone would need a second pair of headphones specifically for travel. With that said, travel headphones do beg a slightly different set of capabilities than everyday headphones.
Specifically, travel headphones benefit from being as durable, compact, and – especially if you hate airports and other crowded places as much as me – as noise reducing as possible without sacrificing performance.
Also, as a general life rule I hate having things sticking in my ear, so I’ve eliminated the discomfort of earbuds and the hassle of their cords from this list. Without further ado, keep reading for the 6 best over ear headphones for travel!
The Best Travel Headphones – Summary Comparison Chart
To summarize, here's a chart summarizing the best travel headphones.
| Brands | Noise Cancelling? | Bluetooth? | Price |
| 1. Bose Acoustic | Yes | No | Buy on Amazon |
| 2. Paww WaveSound 3 | No | Yes | Buy on Amazon |
| 3. COWIN Headphones | Yes | Yes | Buy on Amazon |
| 4. MonoDeal Active | Yes | Yes | Buy on Amazon |
| 5. Edifier H650 Hi-Fi On-Ear | No | No | Buy on Amazon |
| 6. Mpow Thor | No | Yes | Buy on Amazon |
Keep reading for reviews of each!
The Best Travel Headphones
1. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones
Though they’ll cost you, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones are without doubt the class of the best noise cancelling headphones for travel.
Offering significant noise reduction and an inline remote & microphone for music & calls, the QuietComfort insulates you from the craziness of travel while still allowing you to keep in touch.
Plus, these Bose headphones are compatible with essentially every Apple, Android, Blackberry and Windows device, meaning you can just sync up and go!
2. Paww BlueTooth Headphones
Replete with the latest noise reducing technology, rechargeable BlueTooth battery, and backup micro-USB charging cable, the Paww WaveSound 3 BlueTooth Headphones bring all the essentials to the travel headphones game.
However, when you consider the WaveSound’s airplane adapter & auxiliary cable, foldable storage position, and durable travel case, you realize why the WaveSound has earned its reputation as one of the best headphones for airplane travel.
It truly goes above and beyond!
3. COWIN Bluetooth Headphones
The COWIN Noise Cancelling Headphones might blend form and function better than any of the other best headphones for air travel on this list.
For form, it’s hard to find a sleeker look than the E7’s black-and-chrome design with royal blue finishes. For function, the E7 features a noise cancelling technology capable of eliminating the noise from an airplane cabin, inline microphones for hands-free business or personal calls, comfortable ear pads, and a 30-hour life from a single BlueTooth charge.
In short, there’s no flight or itinerary that’s a match for these travel headphones!
4. MonoDeal Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Very much the Goldilocks of the best headphones for travel, the MonoDeal Active Noise Cancelling Headphones seem to have just the right amount of everything you need for great travel headphones.
The MonoDeal’s noise cancelling technology eliminates 85% of background noise, features foldable hinges for easy storage, offers a 20-hour battery life and inline functionality for phone calls, and even features premium memory foam ear pads.
What more could you want!
5. Edifier H650 Hi-Fi On-Ear Headphones
An incredible value at just under $25, the Edifier H650 Hi-Fi On-Earphones offer one of the comprehensively best over ear headphones for travel.
Unlike many headphones for air travel that simply fold at the hinges, the Edifier H650 fold entirely in half for maximum storability.
Plus, with a stainless steel-reinforced headband and matching designs for kids, you and the whole gang can be jetsetters knowing you have one of the most durable headphones for travel on the market!
6. Mpow Thor Bluetooth Headphones
With its abundant functionality and incredible price, the Mpow Thor Bluetooth Headphones really have dropped the hammer on the headphones for air travel market.
The Thor headphones feature all the essentials, including a collapsible design, inline microphone for calls and remote control, and memory foam-secured ear pads.
Its 8-hour battery life leaves a little to be desired but with a backup audio port and this price point, it’s hard to ask for more!
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Read More in my travel packing checklist series:
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The Best Carry on Luggage for 2020
The Best Packing Cubes for a Perfectly Organized Bag
The Best Lightweight Luggage for Overpackers
The Best Hard Luggage Sets for Stylish Travelers
The Best Underseat Luggage for Minimalists
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I’ve been looking for new travel headphones but I could never quite figure out if a set of wireless over ear headphones (like you, I don’t like earbuds) would connect to an in-flight entertainment system. It’s a bit of a must for me. Looks like the WaveSounds do though so thumbs up.