Finding the perfect travel headphones can transform any journey from stressful to sublime. I swear by the Sony XM5s (now upgraded to XM6s) and wore them on a long-haul from Kuala Lumpur to Dublin and couldn’t hear the upset baby two rows back. If you’re facing a long trip, by plane, train or a grim terminal layover, the right pair creates your own private sound-zone.
After testing dozens myself, here’s the pairs I’d actually spend my own money on in 2025.
1. Sony WH-1000XM6
★ Best Overall Travel Headphones (2025) Price: $449 / £400
Sony’s latest flagship, the WH-1000XM6, officially launched in May 2025 and brings back the much-requested foldable design. These are stunning and it’s no surprise that every tech guru on YouTube is salivating about the flexible design. Even I’m tempted to upgrade from the XM5s.
The XM6 delivers upgraded noise cancellation with a 12-microphone array (up from eight on the XM5) and uses AI to continuously adapt to external factors such as changes in air pressure.
Why it’s perfect for travel:
- Improved noise cancellation with 12 microphones and AI adaptation to air pressure changes
- Folding design returns for more compact travel case
- Premium sound quality with new QN3 processor
- 30+ hour battery life
- Available in black, silver and midnight blue
The verdict: Sony’s XM6 has replaced the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (I still love them) as the top choice based on direct comparison testing, making it the ultimate travel companion for 2025.
Honorable Mention: Nothing Headphone (1)
※ Most Distinctive Design Price: $299 / £299
Nothing just launched its first over-ear headphones, the Headphone (1), combining the company’s recognisable see-through aesthetic with 35 hours of listening with active noise cancellation. These headphones are almost two ounces lighter than the AirPods Max at under 12 ounces (329 grams), featuring custom 40mm dynamic drivers with Hi-Res Audio, spatial audio with head tracking and ANC with four feedback mics.
Why they’re notable for travel:
- Distinctive transparent design that stands out from the crowd
- Lightweight at 329 grams: lighter than many premium competitors
- Simplified and distinct button controls for easy operation while wearing
- Essential Space feature for seamless switching between audio apps (with Nothing phones)
- Competitive pricing against established brands
The verdict: While the design will be divisive (I love it but some are comparing the look to Cybermen from Doctor Who), they offer sound quality that aims to rival AirPods Max at a much more accessible price. Truthfully, I’d pick these over the AirPods Max (which get a big waa-waa from me), they won’t weigh down your head as much.
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones
♦ Best for Pure Noise Cancellation Price: $449 / £450
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are considered the best travel headphones by many testers for their very comfortable fit and powerful noise cancelling system. Perfect for travellers with the great carry case and folding design, as well as the superior active noise cancelling.
Why it’s perfect for travel:
- Bose’s renowned noise cancellation makes these ideal for blocking out engines, announcements, and other passengers
- Premium comfort for long flights
- Spatial audio with head tracking
- 24-hour battery life
- Customizable noise cancellation levels
The verdict: While no longer the #1 pick, these remain the gold standard for noise cancellation and comfort.
3. Cambridge Audio Melomania P100
• Best Battery Life Champion Price: $279 / £229
Cambridge Audio’s inaugural over-ear headphones launched in July 2024 and offer exceptional value. The P100 promises up to 60 hours of use with active noise cancellation turned on, or up to 100 hours with ANC disabled.
Why it’s perfect for travel:
- Exceptional 60-100 hour battery life - among the longest available
- Hi-Res audio with aptX Adaptive/Lossless support
- Significantly undercuts premium rivals on price while delivering comparable performance
- User-replaceable battery for long-term sustainability
- Solid active noise cancellation with three modes
The verdict: Outstanding value that competes directly with more expensive mainstream options. If battery life anxiety tends to stress you out, I’d trust this pair to last an entire week of commutes.
4. Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
♪ Best Premium Travel Earbuds Price: $399 / £349
The Pi8 won TechRadar’s Headphones of the Year award for 2024 and represent a complete redesign from B&W’s previous earbuds. These are clearly the best wireless earbuds from the brand and real contenders for class-leading status. If you’re the kind of flyer who ends up asleep before takeoff, these are the pair I’d shove in my bag first.
Why it’s perfect for travel:
- Unique USB-C to 3.5mm cable allows connecting to inflight entertainment systems wirelessly
- Breathtaking detail and refinement in sound quality
- Excellent noise canceling for frequent travelers
- 6.5 hours of earbud life with smart charging case retransmission feature
- Premium materials and build quality
The verdict: Simply the best wireless headphone option tested in 2024, by quite a wide margin.
5. Edifier STAX SPIRIT S5
♠ Best for Audiophiles on the Go Price: $499 / £499
The STAX SPIRIT S5 incorporates upgraded planar magnetic drivers and latest Bluetooth technology into a compact and portable form factor. These are agreeably compact and, at 347g, impressively lightweight by planar magnetic standards.
Why it’s perfect for travel:
- Up to 80 hours of music playback with just 10 minutes charging providing 11 hours
- Planar magnetic drivers with 2μm thin film and 2nd gen EqualMass™ wiring technology
- Flexible and foldable design for easy storage and convenient portability
- Support for all major high-res codecs including aptX Lossless, LDAC, and LHDC
- Two sets of earpads: lambskin for comfort and mesh for travel
The verdict: Probably the best closed-back planar magnetic headphones for the price, though they lack ANC.
6. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
▲ Best for Apple Ecosystem Integration Price: $199 / £229
Still the benchmark for wireless earbuds, AirPods Pro 2 offer excellent noise cancellation, adaptive transparency, and seamless integration with Apple devices. Apple’s easy pairing and use across iPhone, iPad and MacBook still beats anything else, but you’re paying for the privilege.
Why it’s perfect for travel:
- Seamless integration with iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Compact case perfect for travel with personalized spatial audio
- Find My integration for peace of mind
- 6 hours playback + 24 hours with case
The verdict: Unbeatable for iPhone users who want the most integrated experience. I use these as my workout ear buds.
7. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
◊ Best All-Around Performance Price: $295/ £300
Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 Wireless delivers balanced, detailed audio and effective ANC, all in a comfortable, travel-friendly package with up to 60 hours battery life.
Why it’s perfect for travel:
- Premium audiophile sound signature
- 60-hour battery life
- Adaptive noise cancellation
- Foldable design with premium materials
- Excellent call quality
The verdict: Perfect balance of sound quality, comfort, and features for discerning travelers.
8. Anker Soundcore Space Q45
$ Best Value for Money Price: $139 / £129
The Soundcore Space Q45 performs nearly as well as models costing three times as much, with effective ANC and impressive comfort.
Why it’s perfect for travel:
- Adaptive ANC system that adjusts to noise around you
- Around 44 hours continuous battery life
- LDAC support for high-res audio
- Multipoint Bluetooth connection
- Excellent value with nearly flagship-level performance
The verdict: Essentially, for the price of a concert ticket, you can get headphones with killer sound quality and comfort.
What actually Matters if You’re stuck on a Plane?
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Essential for blocking airplane engines, train noise, and chattering passengers. Look for adaptive systems that automatically adjust to your environment.
Battery Life
Aim for 30+ hours for over-ear models and 6+ hours (plus case) for earbuds. Fast charging is crucial for quick top-ups between flights.
Comfort & Fit
Memory foam ear cushions, adjustable headbands, and proper weight distribution make the difference on long journeys.
Portability
Foldable designs and sturdy cases are essential. Consider how much space they’ll take in your carry-on.
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.0+, multipoint pairing, and high-res codec support (aptX, LDAC) enhance the travel experience.
Special Travel Features
- Wired backup option for airplane entertainment
- Pass-through/transparency modes for announcements
- App controls for EQ and noise cancellation settings
- Quick attention modes for conversations
Final Recommendations by Travel Style
▼ Frequent Flyers: Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra for maximum noise cancellation and comfort.
♪ Audiophiles: Edifier STAX SPIRIT S5 for planar magnetic fidelity or Sennheiser Momentum 4 for premium dynamic drivers.
※ Business Travellers: Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 for premium earbuds or Cambridge Audio P100 for incredible battery life.
$ Budget Conscious: Anker Soundcore Space Q45 offers flagship features at a fraction of the cost.
▲ Apple Users: AirPods Pro 2 for seamless ecosystem integration.
The Bottom Line: I always say: invest in the best headphones you can afford. Your ears will thank you when you’re still fresh after a 9 hour flight. For me, the Sony XM6s set the new gold standard for portability and comfort, but whichever pair you choose, I hope they turn your next noisy journey into something closer to silence.
Reminder: I’m fully independent. I bought or borrowed from friends to try everything on my list. No sponsorships.