Instagram.com/newbottega
From the budding jet setter to the seasoned commuter, there’s one indispensable travel companion that elevates every journey: the humble headphones.
Fellow travellers aren’t naïve to the chorus of excitement and restless chatter of airports and cabins. But when it’s time to truly escape to your own private bubble, especially after a long-tired commute where your social battery hummed its last drum – noise-cancelling headphones can feel like a quick escape. These sleek gadgets have quietly transformed the in-flight experience by alleviating distracting ambient sounds and enriching your audio experience through new, cutting-edge technology.
Today’s top models combine impeccable sound quality with thoughtful features, including extended battery life, ergonomic design, and a fit that promises hours of uninterrupted listening.
You might also like Everything we’re eyeing, buying and booking in the upcoming 2026 Black Friday sales
Editor’s picks: best noise-cancelling headphones
- Best premium model for travellers: Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION
- Best in-class noise cancellation: Sony WH-1000XM6
- Best affordable option: JLab JBuds Lux ANC over-ear headphones
- Best noise-cancelling earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM5
- Best noise-cancelling wired earbuds: Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds
As for my personal recommendations, go for the newly-released Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION if you’re after impeccable style, quality and noise-cancellation, with the Sony WH-1000XM6 a close second for performance. I also enjoy using the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones for everyday use.
After extensive research, we’ve curated a collection of the best noise-cancelling headphones designed for air travel and long commutes: each selected for its comfort, performance, and ability to turn your next long-haul flight into a holiday of its own.
Best noise-cancelling travel headphones for 2026
Best premium model for travellers
01
Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION
Sony’s 1000X THE COLLECTION combines years of audio innovation into one refined model. These headphones are crafted with premium materials, hand-polished finishes, and faux leather that took two years to develop. But it’s not all about looks. Under the hood, Sony has packed in a newly developed carbon composite driver, Grammy-winning mastering engineer-tuned sound, and the debut of DSEE Ultimate which is an AI-powered technology that restores detail to compressed audio in real time.
Battery life: Up to 24 hours of battery life (ANC on) / 32 hours (ANC off)
Other key features:
- 12-mic Multi-Noise Sensor + Adaptive NC Optimizer
- AI DSEE Ultimate (real-time audio upscaling)
- 360 Upmix – Music, Cinema & Game modes
- Platinum and black colourways
- ~25% recycled plastic, plastic-free packaging
- Magnetic closure carry case with handle
Also available at:
Best noise reduction headphones for airplanes:
02
Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones have garnered widespread acclaim for their exceptional noise cancellation, making them a top premium choice among competitors. Their minimalist design also earns the discerning globetrotter’s tick of approval, offering a sleek look with a lightweight feel. Use the Bose app to control volume, modes, and EQ levels, allowing you to easily tailor the sound to your liking. Plus, with a 24-hour battery life, they’re the perfect pair for an immersive listening experience. If you’re keen to block out the world, this is your chance.
Note the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) is now available to order at Bose, offering 30 hours of battery life as opposed to 24, though only a two per cent increase in noise reduction.
Battery life: Up to 24 hours of battery life and up to 18 hours with Immersive Audio
Other key features:
- Three different modes: Quiet Mode, Aware Mode and Immersion Mode
- Mic system for clear calls
- Touch control
- Battery charging time up to three hours, while quick 15-minute charge gives you up to two hours play time
- 90-day risk free trial
- Compatible with Bose app
- Comes with carry case
Best for an immersive and cinematic sound experience
03
Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless noise cancelling headphones
Whether you’re listening to your favourite tunes or streaming your favourite shows, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver a premium listening experience with customisation tailored to your needs. They offer up to 30 hours of music playback with noise-cancelling activated, while a quick 10-minute charge provides approximately five hours of use. Other key features include spatial, cinematic sound, an easy-to-access mute and unmute button, and intuitive controls. The headphones can even detect when you’re speaking, pausing the music so you can seamlessly engage with your surroundings. While positioned at the premium end of the market, the combination of top-tier noise cancellation, sound quality, and features makes the investment worthwhile.
Battery life: Up to 30 hours
Other key features:
- Ability to connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously
- Compact folding design
- Continue to listen to music while charging
- Mute button on headphones
- Get three hours worth of charge after just three minutes
- Carrying case included
- Cinematic, spacial sound for an immersive experience
- Control headphones with natural head gestures or control with your voice
Also available at:
Best affordable noise-cancelling headphones:
04
JLab JBuds Lux ANC over-ear headphones
For quality that isn’t sacrificed for price, JLab JBuds Lux ANC over-ear headphones are the perfect companion for travelling afar. They’re lightweight and comfortable, and their cups feature a wider opening to accommodate your ears compared to other models. You can also control the sound using the multifunctional buttons or via the JLab app. While not as technically advanced as more premium competitors, customer reviews highly praise this model, considering it excellent value for money, with strong specs, long battery life, and effective noise-cancelling for the price.
“Love these headphones! Got them for a great price and they are worth it! I’ve never been dissappointed with a Jlab product so far,” said one five-star review.
Battery life: Up to 70 hours, plus 40 hours with ANC on
Other key features:
- Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling up to 35dB
- Be Aware mode for listening in
- Spacial audio
- Mic for clear calls
- Customise your experience via the JLab app
- Rotating ear cuffs for easy storage
- Available in a variety of colours
Also available at:
Best for home audio integration
05
Sonos Ace headphones
The noise cancelling is solid and relatively on par with its competitors, but the Sonos Ace actually stands out more for its ability to adjust to individual factors such as hair, glasses, or hats, thereby improving their performance. As part of the Sonos brand, the Ace headphones can also wirelessly stream audio from compatible Sonos soundbars directly to the headphones, a feature that contributed to their recognition as a TIME 2024 Best Invention. While options like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony WH-1000XM6 may offer more refined noise cancellation and broader compatibility, the Sonos Ace is a strong contender, especially if you’re already invested in the Sonos ecosystem.
Battery life: Up to 30 hours
Other key features:
- Connectivity via Bluetooth
- Get up to three hours of playback in just 3 minutes
- Noise cancelling adapts to your surroundings by detecting and neutralising external sounds
- Comes with spatial audio and dynamic head tracking
- Smooth, stainless steel headband
- Slide-controls to manage volume, and button to answer calls
- Two devices can be paired at the same time
- Sleek travel case with cable pouch
Also available at:
- $599 at JB Hi-Fi
- $599 at The Good Guys
Best for the Apple ecosystem
06
Apple AirPods Max 2
For those interested in staying within the Apple ecosystem, the Apple AirPods Max 2 are a strong choice, known for their exceptional sound quality, active noise cancelling capabilities, and premium build – crafted with anodised aluminium ear cups and a stainless steel headband. With up to 20 hours of listening time and easy automatic switching between devices, these headphones seamlessly integrate into your personal tech catalogue.
Battery life: Up to 20 hours
Other key features:
- 1.5 x more Active Noise Cancellation than original AirPods Max
- Connectivity via Bluetooth
- Personalised spacial audio with dynamic head tracking for an immersive experience
- Sound sealed by bespoke fit ear cushions
- Easy access to transparency mode with the touch of a button
- A five‑minute charge delivers around 1.5 hours of listening.
- Automatically switch between your computer and phone when taking a call
- Compatible with Siri
Also available at:
Best new release
07
Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5
The Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 5 are Sennheiser’s redesigned flagship earbuds. Taking their design up a notch, the new addition features a smaller profile and charging case, plus user-replaceable batteries — meaning a worn-out battery won’t force you to replace an otherwise functional pair of earbuds. With up to 12 hours of playback with ANC off and a whopping 40 hours with the charging case, plus the promise of eight-minute quick charging, this state-of-the-art in-ear companion promises bigger and better sound for longer.
Battery life: Up to 14 hours, 40 hours total with case
Other key features:
- High-fidelity TrueResponseTM transducers
- 3D immersive sound
- User-replaceable batteries to extend the lifespan
- AI-powered voice isolation for clearer calling
Also available at:
- $499 at Sennheiser
- $499 at JB Hi-Fi
Best for high-resolution earphones
08
Sony WF-1000XM5 noise cancelling wireless earphones
Whether you’re flying high on a plane or running against the wind, these handy noise-cancelling earphones deliver premium, true noise-cancelling capabilities. The buds are small enough to fit snug in your ear and lighter than previous models, ensuring a secure fit. You can even configure these wireless earbuds to resume Spotify music playback or Endel personalised soundscapes with just two or three taps, no phone required. With rich, pristine sound and an IPX4 water-resistance rating, all that’s left is you and the music.
Battery life: Up to eight hours, plus 16 hours stored in case
Other key features:
- Water and sweat resistant
- A specially designed driver unit lets you experience rich, finely-tuned vocals
- Configure the wireless earbuds to quickly access your favourite music
- Easily control headphones by using natural head gestures
- Ergonomic design perfectly matches human ear for a stable fit
- Six microphones across both ears help deliver perfect noise cancellation
- Three-minute quick charge will give you up to 60 minutes of listening time
Also available at:
- $399.95 at Sony
Best for good value
09
Nothing CMF Buds 2
The CMF Buds Pro 2 are an insider’s best-kept secret. While extremely affordable, they still deliver impressive noise cancellation. The design is smooth, lightweight, and easy to carry, featuring two holes for a lanyard to pass through. With up to 55 hours of total playback time, including charges from the compact charging case, these earbuds are ideal for travellers and commuters who want long-lasting battery life without constantly reaching for the charger. For those looking for a budget-friendly pair of noise-cancelling earbuds with solid performance and thoughtful design features, the CMF Buds Pro 2 are a standout choice.
Battery life: Up to 13.5 hours with a single charge, 55 hours total
Other key features:
- 7.5-hours of playback with a 10-minute charge
- Six HD mics with clear voice technology and wind noise reduction
- Can connect to two devices at once
- ChatGPT integration
- Water and dust resistant
- Compatible with the Nothing X app
Best wired noise cancelling earbuds
10
Bose Noise Cancelling Wired Earbuds
For those who are a little more old school, Bose has recently released a pair of wired noise-cancelling headphones. Featuring the latest Bose signature sound and renowned noise cancellation, all you need to do is plug and play to experience the best in wired sound.
Other key features:
- Wired USB-C connection
- QuietControl noise cancellation
- Customisable fit
- Carry case included
Also available at:
- $169 at JB Hi-Fi
How noise-cancelling works
Noise-cancelling headphones use a feature called active noise cancellation (ANC) to block out background sounds. This works through the implementation of tiny microphones inside the headphones that listen to noises around you, like the hum of airplane engines or people talking, and then the headphones create a sound that cancels it out. This works especially well for low, constant sounds like engine rumble on an airplane. The shape and padding of the headphones can also help block some higher-pitched noises. While sudden or sharp sounds might still get through, these headphones make long flights much more comfortable by reducing the constant noise that can make your ears tired.
Are noise-cancelling headphones good for flying?
Noise-cancelling headphones are great for flying as they can filter out cabin noises and even bring relief to flight anxiety by creating a more peaceful environments and reducing sensory overload. They are perfect for frequent travellers who undertake long flights and value comfort, sound quality, and peaceful in-flight experiences.
Many frequent flyers report that noise-cancelling headphones help reduce the fatigue that often comes from prolonged exposure to the consistent loud noise on planes, making the flight feel less exhausting. However, while they can enhance comfort and help you rest, noise-cancelling headphones don’t directly reduce jet lag, which is primarily caused by disruption to your internal body clock.
Do noise-cancelling headphones actually block noise?
Premium noise-cancelling headphones are effective at blocking ambient noises; however, their effectiveness depends on both the technology and your environment.
Noise-cancelling headphones work by using active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, which uses microphones to pick up on background noise. The headphones then generate sound waves that are the exact inverse of the detected noise, effectively cancelling it out. ANC is more effective against low-frequency sounds but can sometimes be less effective against sudden and irregular noises. The fit and design of the headphones also play a crucial role in determining how effective your noise-cancelling headphones are.
