How to Choose Headphones for Travel: Top Picks and Tips

You’re on a plane, in the middle of a long flight, and the surrounding sounds fill the space from every direction. The sound of the airplane engines, passengers talking, safety announcements – everything seems overwhelming, except for the music you long to listen to or the movie you’ve been waiting to watch. But you need something to block out all that noise, something to keep you calm and enhance your experience. This is where how to choose headphones for travel becomes crucial.

So, get ready to explore the key factors that will help you find the ideal headphones for your travels. 

Advantages of Headphones for Travelers

When you’re on a long journey, whether on a plane or in a crowded train, headphones can make the trip much more comfortable and enjoyable. If you’re a frequent traveler or a lover of adventure, knowing how to choose headphones can greatly enhance your experience. Here are some of the advantages that will help you select the perfect headphones:

• Noise Cancellation

Headphones with noise-cancelling technology help block out surrounding sounds like airplane noise, enhancing your listening experience and making your journey more peaceful.

• Comfort

Comfortable headphones are essential, especially on long trips. Over-ear headphones provide more comfort compared to smaller in-ear options.

• Battery Life

Headphones with long battery life, lasting up to 30 hours or more, are ideal for frequent travelers.

• Sound Quality

Headphones that support technologies like Dolby Atmos provide clear and immersive sound, making listening to music or watching movies more enjoyable.

• Portability

Lightweight and foldable headphones offer easy storage and extra space in your bag during travel.

Wired vs Wireless Headphones: Which is Best for Travel?

When it comes to how to choose headphones for travel, the important question arises: should you choose wired or wireless headphones? Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, and your choice largely depends on the type of trips you take and your personal needs while traveling. Let’s break down the differences between wired and wireless headphones to help you make the best decision.

Wired Headphones

For those seeking stable audio performance and pure quality, wired headphones are often the preferred option. These headphones provide a direct, stable connection without needing a battery, making them practical for long, uninterrupted use.

Advantages:

• High-quality sound with no loss of detail.
• No sound delay, making them perfect for gaming and videos.
• No need for charging, they work as soon as they’re plugged in.
• Lower price compared to wireless headphones with the same audio quality.

Disadvantages:

• Wires can be bothersome and may tangle during use.
• Limited mobility, making them less convenient for travel or exercise.
• Not compatible with some modern devices that lack headphone jacks.

Wireless Headphones

For those who prefer freedom of movement and convenience, wireless headphones offer a comfortable experience without the need for cords. They are perfect for multitaskers or those who need lightweight headphones for work or exercise.

Advantages:

• Complete freedom of movement, no need for a cable connected to the device.
• Support modern features like noise cancellation and improved sound quality.
• Stylish and comfortable design for everyday use.
• Compatible with the latest devices that don’t have headphone jacks.

Disadvantages:

• Requires regular charging, which can be annoying on long flights or journeys.
• Slight audio delay with some models when watching videos or playing games.
• Higher cost compared to wired headphones with similar sound quality.

How to Choose the Right Headphones for Travel

When you’re on a plane or a long trip, you may find that surrounding noise impacts your comfort. Therefore, choosing the perfect pair of headphones can make your trip more peaceful and enjoyable. But how do you choose the right headphones? Here are some tips that will help you make the right decision:

1- Choose Over-Ear Headphones:

Over-ear headphones provide better comfort for long journeys. On-ear headphones are smaller, but they may not be as comfortable for extended use. In-ear headphones are light and portable but can become uncomfortable over time.

2- Look for Active Noise Cancellation (ANC):

If you’re in a noisy environment, ANC technology effectively reduces surrounding noise, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable listening experience. In quieter places, passive noise cancellation may suffice.

3- Ensure Long Battery Life:

Choose headphones with a long battery life, ideally lasting at least 20 hours of continuous use. Some models offer quick charging, allowing you to use them longer in less time.

4- Select Headphones with Great Sound Quality:

Choose headphones that offer balanced sound, especially in bass and treble. Surround sound headphones are perfect for movies or music listening.

5- Go for Lightweight and Portable Headphones:

Especially if you need to store them in your bag, foldable and lightweight headphones will save you space. Lighter headphones reduce pressure on your ears and head during long travels.

Best Headphone Brands for Travel in 2025

When traveling, nothing enhances your experience more than headphones that provide comfort and excellent sound quality, with features like noise cancellation. But how to choose headphones for travel can be overwhelming with so many options available. Here are some of the top headphone brands for 2025 that will make your trips more comfortable and enjoyable:

Apple

• AirPods Max (2nd Generation) offers advanced noise cancellation and spatial audio, providing seamless integration with Apple devices and delivering an immersive sound experience.
• AirPods Pro (3rd Generation) comes with improved noise cancellation, extended battery life, and enhanced water resistance, making them perfect for travelers who need reliable in-ear earbuds.
• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is designed for fitness enthusiasts, featuring a secure fit, heart rate monitoring, and high-performance audio powered by the H2 chip.
• Beats Fit Pro delivers secure-fit wingtips, dynamic sound quality, and active noise cancellation, making them a great choice for an active lifestyle.
• AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation provides a budget-friendly option with seamless connectivity and effective noise cancellation, ideal for iOS users.

Sony

• WH-1000XM5 stands out as premium over-ear headphones with industry-leading noise cancellation, exceptional sound clarity, and a comfortable design for long journeys.
• WF-1000XM5 offers compact true wireless earbuds with superior sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a snug fit, ideal for frequent travelers.
• LinkBuds S introduces ultra-lightweight earbuds designed for all-day comfort, immersive sound, and adaptive noise control that adjusts to your environment.
• WH-1000XM6 is an upcoming model expected to feature a new hinge design and detachable earpads while maintaining Sony’s legacy of high-end noise cancellation and superior audio performance.
• WF-SP900 is a waterproof pair of earbuds designed for swimmers, offering onboard music storage and a secure fit for an active lifestyle.

JBL

• Tour Pro 3 is a set of in-ear wireless earbuds known for their crystal-clear sound, adaptive noise cancellation, and an innovative touchscreen charging case.
• Live Beam 3 enhances user experience with on-case touchscreen controls, customizable sound settings, and a comfortable fit for prolonged use.
• Reflect Aero TWS is built for athletes, offering a secure fit, sweat resistance, and powerful audio performance to match an active lifestyle.
• Club Pro+ TWS features adaptive noise cancellation, wireless charging, and JBL’s signature high-quality sound, perfect for music lovers on the go.
• Endurance Peak 3 is a rugged pair of earbuds designed for outdoor enthusiasts, providing long battery life, a durable build, and deep bass for a rich audio experience.

Asus

• ROG Cetra True Wireless caters to gamers with low-latency performance, active noise cancellation, and customizable RGB lighting for a unique look.
• ZenEar Pro provides high-fidelity wired earbuds with a balanced sound profile and ergonomic comfort for audiophiles.
• ROG Strix Go BT introduces wireless over-ear headphones with fast charging, virtual surround sound, and a lightweight design for gaming and travel.
• The ROG Delta S is a USB-C headset that delivers high-definition sound, a detachable microphone, and a comfortable design for long-term use.
• TUF Gaming H3 Wireless is a durable wireless gaming headset with 2.4 GHz connectivity and immersive audio, making it a reliable travel companion.

Samsung

• Galaxy Buds3 Pro delivers vibrant sound, effective noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Samsung devices for a premium audio experience.
• Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers a budget-friendly option with excellent sound quality, a comfortable fit, and active noise cancellation to block out distractions.
• Galaxy Buds Live 2 features a unique bean-shaped design, providing all-day comfort and open-type active noise cancellation for situational awareness.
• AKG N400 presents premium earbuds with studio-quality sound, adaptive noise cancellation, and water resistance, making them a durable option for travelers.
• Level U2 is a neckband-style pair of earbuds designed with an ergonomic fit, long battery life, and clear sound quality for extended listening sessions.

In conclusion, we hope we have provided you with all the information you need to how to choose headphones for travel that suit your needs and match your upcoming adventures. With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the right pair for you. However, always remember that the decision is not just about technical specifications. You need to find the perfect balance between sound quality, comfort, and battery life to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable journey.

If you’re looking for an excellent audio experience while traveling but don’t want to spend too much, used headphones may be the ideal option for you. At Soum, we offer used headphones in excellent condition, thoroughly inspected to ensure the highest level of performance and quality.