Traveling can be a stressful experience, especially when you're trying to get some peace and quiet. With all the noise and commotion going on around you, it can be hard to relax and enjoy your trip. That's where good travel headphones come in.
Good travel headphones can make all the difference. They can help you block out the noise of the world and enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks. They can also help you sleep better on long flights, making your travel experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
But with so many different options on the market, it can be tough to know which travel headphones are right for you. That's why we've put together this guide to the best travel headphones for 2024. We've tested and reviewed dozens of different headphones, taking into account factors like sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and durability.
What to Consider When Choosing Travel Headphones
Before we get into our top picks, let's discuss some key factors to consider when choosing travel headphones.
1. Noise Cancellation
One of the most important features to consider for travel headphones is noise cancellation. This is especially important if you're traveling by plane, train, or bus. Noise cancellation technology uses microphones to pick up ambient noise and then generates an inverse sound wave to cancel it out. This can significantly reduce the amount of background noise you hear, making it easier to focus on your music or just relax.
There are two main types of noise cancellation:
- Active noise cancellation (ANC): This is the most effective type of noise cancellation, and it's usually found on more expensive headphones. ANC headphones use electronic circuits and microphones to actively cancel out noise.
- Passive noise cancellation: This type of noise cancellation relies on the physical design of the headphones to block out noise. Headphones with a good passive seal can do a decent job of blocking out noise, but they won't be as effective as ANC headphones.
2. Sound Quality
Of course, you want headphones that sound good, but sound quality is subjective. What sounds good to one person might not sound good to another. That said, there are some general guidelines you can follow:
- Frequency response: This refers to the range of frequencies that the headphones can reproduce. A wider frequency response generally means that the headphones will be able to produce a wider range of sounds, from deep bass to high treble.
- Distortion: Distortion occurs when the headphones produce unwanted sounds, such as clipping or buzzing. You want headphones with low distortion, which will produce a clearer and more accurate sound.
- Imaging: This refers to the headphones' ability to create a sense of space and depth in the music. Good imaging will make you feel like you're right there in the studio with the musicians.
3. Comfort
Comfort is a crucial factor when choosing travel headphones. You'll be wearing them for hours on end, so you want a pair that feels comfortable on your head and ears.
- Earcups: Look for headphones with comfortable earcups made from soft materials like memory foam.
- Headband: The headband should be adjustable and padded for a snug but comfortable fit.
- Weight: Consider the weight of the headphones. You don't want a pair that feels heavy or uncomfortable on your head.
4. Durability
You're going to be taking your travel headphones with you on the road, so you want a pair that can withstand the bumps and scrapes of travel.
- Materials: Look for headphones made from durable materials like metal or reinforced plastic.
- Carrying case: Many headphones come with a carrying case, which can help protect them from damage.
5. Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for travel headphones, especially if you're going on a long trip. You want headphones that can last for several hours on a single charge.
- Battery capacity: Look for headphones with a long battery life, preferably at least 20 hours.
- Charging time: Check the charging time of the headphones. You don't want to be stuck with dead headphones while you're on the go.
6. Price
Travel headphones can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The price you pay will depend on your budget and the features you're looking for.
You don't necessarily need to spend a lot of money to get good travel headphones. But if you're willing to spend more, you can get headphones with better sound quality, noise cancellation, and other features.
Best Travel Headphones for 2024
Now that we've covered the key considerations, let's move on to our top picks for the best travel headphones for 2024.
1. Bose QuietComfort 45
Price: $329
Best For: Overall Best
The Bose QuietComfort 45 are the best travel headphones you can buy right now. They offer excellent noise cancellation, comfortable fit, and impressive sound quality.
Pros:
- Outstanding noise cancellation: The QC45 are one of the best noise-canceling headphones on the market, effectively blocking out ambient noise from airplanes, trains, and busy streets.
- Superb sound quality: The QC45 provide a balanced and well-rounded sound experience, with clear highs, deep bass, and a wide soundstage.
- Long battery life: The QC45 offer up to 24 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is more than enough for even the longest flights.
- Comfortable fit: The QC45 are incredibly comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to their soft earcups and adjustable headband.
Cons:
- Expensive: The QC45 are a bit pricey, but their excellent performance justifies the cost.
2. Sony WH-1000XM5
Price: $398
Best For: Active Noise Cancellation
The Sony WH-1000XM5 are a great option for travelers who prioritize active noise cancellation. They offer best-in-class noise cancellation and comfortable fit.
Pros:
- Exceptional noise cancellation: The WH-1000XM5 have the best noise cancellation of any headphones we've tested. They can effectively block out even the loudest noises, making them ideal for travel.
- Top-notch sound quality: The WH-1000XM5 deliver a rich and detailed sound experience, with clear highs, powerful bass, and a wide soundstage.
- Long battery life: The WH-1000XM5 offer up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is impressive for ANC headphones.
- Comfortable fit: The WH-1000XM5 have soft earcups and an adjustable headband that makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Cons:
- Bulky design: The WH-1000XM5 are a bit bulky, which can be a drawback for some travelers.
3. Apple AirPods Max
Price: $549
Best For: Apple Ecosystem Integration
The Apple AirPods Max are a premium option for Apple users. They offer excellent sound quality, noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple devices.
Pros:
- Impressive sound quality: The AirPods Max deliver a rich and detailed sound experience with clear highs, deep bass, and a wide soundstage.
- Effective noise cancellation: The AirPods Max have excellent noise cancellation, effectively blocking out ambient noise.
- Seamless Apple integration: The AirPods Max integrate seamlessly with Apple devices, offering features like automatic pairing, audio sharing, and spatial audio.
- Luxury design: The AirPods Max have a stylish and luxurious design with premium materials like aluminum and stainless steel.
Cons:
- Expensive: The AirPods Max are one of the most expensive headphones on the market.
- Bulky design: The AirPods Max are quite bulky, which can be a drawback for some travelers.
- Limited compatibility: The AirPods Max are primarily designed for Apple devices and may not work as well with other devices.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Price: $349
Best For: Sound Quality
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones offer exceptional sound quality, with a rich and detailed sound experience. They're a great option for audiophiles who value a good sound.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality: The Momentum 4 Wireless deliver a rich and detailed sound experience with accurate bass, crisp highs, and a wide soundstage.
- Comfortable fit: The Momentum 4 Wireless are incredibly comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to their soft earcups and adjustable headband.
- Good noise cancellation: The Momentum 4 Wireless offer effective noise cancellation, though they're not as good as the Bose QuietComfort 45 or Sony WH-1000XM5.
- Long battery life: The Momentum 4 Wireless offer up to 60 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is the longest battery life of any headphones on this list.
Cons:
- Expensive: The Momentum 4 Wireless are a bit pricey, but their excellent sound quality justifies the cost.
5. Beats Fit Pro
Price: $199
Best For: Workout
The Beats Fit Pro are a great option for travelers who want a pair of headphones for both travel and workouts. They're comfortable, secure, and offer good sound quality.
Pros:
- Comfortable and secure fit: The Beats Fit Pro have a secure fit that makes them ideal for workouts and travel. They come with multiple ear tip sizes to ensure a comfortable fit for all ear shapes.
- Good sound quality: The Beats Fit Pro deliver a powerful and energetic sound experience with deep bass and clear highs.
- Active noise cancellation: The Beats Fit Pro offer effective active noise cancellation, effectively blocking out ambient noise.
- Water and sweat resistance: The Beats Fit Pro are water and sweat resistant, making them ideal for workouts and travel.
Cons:
- Not as good noise cancellation as other options: The Beats Fit Pro have good noise cancellation, but they're not as effective as some other options on this list.
- Limited soundstage: The Beats Fit Pro have a relatively limited soundstage, which means they don't offer as much space and depth in the sound as some other options.
6. Jabra Elite 85h
Price: $249
Best For: Value
The Jabra Elite 85h are a great value option for travelers who want noise cancellation and good sound quality at a more affordable price.
Pros:
- Excellent value: The Jabra Elite 85h offer a lot of features for the price, including good noise cancellation, long battery life, and comfortable fit.
- Effective noise cancellation: The Jabra Elite 85h have good noise cancellation, effectively blocking out ambient noise.
- Comfortable fit: The Jabra Elite 85h are comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to their soft earcups and adjustable headband.
- Long battery life: The Jabra Elite 85h offer up to 36 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is impressive for the price.
Cons:
- Sound quality not as good as other options: The Jabra Elite 85h have good sound quality, but they're not as good as some other options on this list.
- Bulky design: The Jabra Elite 85h are a bit bulky, which can be a drawback for some travelers.
7. Anker Soundcore Life Q30
Price: $79
Best For: Budget
The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are a great budget option for travelers who want noise cancellation without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Affordable price: The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are one of the most affordable noise-canceling headphones on the market.
- Effective noise cancellation: The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 offer surprisingly good noise cancellation for the price.
- Comfortable fit: The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to their soft earcups and adjustable headband.
- Long battery life: The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 offer up to 40 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is impressive for the price.
Cons:
- Sound quality not as good as other options: The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 have good sound quality, but they're not as good as some other options on this list.
- Bulky design: The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are a bit bulky, which can be a drawback for some travelers.
Conclusion
Choosing the best travel headphones for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort, durability, battery life, and price. We've provided a comprehensive list of our top picks for the best travel headphones in 2024, covering a range of price points and features. No matter what your budget or needs, you're sure to find a pair of travel headphones that will enhance your travel experience.
FAQs
Q: What is the best travel headphone for noise cancellation?
A: The Sony WH-1000XM5 offer the best noise cancellation of any headphones we've tested. They effectively block out even the loudest noises, making them ideal for travel.
Q: What are the best travel headphones for sound quality?
A: The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless offer exceptional sound quality, with a rich and detailed sound experience. They're a great option for audiophiles who value a good sound.
Q: What are the best travel headphones for budget?
A: The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are a great budget option for travelers who want noise cancellation without breaking the bank. They offer surprisingly good noise cancellation for the price.
Q: Are over-ear headphones better than on-ear headphones for travel?
A: Over-ear headphones generally offer better noise cancellation and sound quality than on-ear headphones. However, on-ear headphones are more portable and often more comfortable for extended periods.
Q: How do I know what size ear tips are right for me?
A: Most headphones come with multiple ear tip sizes. Try out different sizes until you find a pair that fits snugly and comfortably in your ears. You should be able to wear them for hours without any discomfort.