Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds for Airplane Travel: An In-Depth Review

Picture this. You're on a transcontinental flight and the incessant humming of the airplane engines is driving you to the brink of a meltdown. Quite simply, you crave a moment of tranquility, a chance to indulge in your favored podcast or the latest album from that obscure indie band you adore. But the noise is unyielding.

Now, the airline might toss you a pair of run-of-the-mill earbuds, but these typically fall short of expectation. They're discomforting, offer subpar auditory experience, and barely suppress the engine's drone. What you absolutely need are noise-cancelling earbuds. And not just any off-the-shelf pair. You're after the best noise cancelling earbuds tailored for airplane travel. And if they're wired, even better. No fretting over battery life or connectivity glitches.

So, how does one scout the best wired noise cancelling earbuds for airplane travel? Relax, buckle up (as relaxed as you can be amidst that engine roar), and let's dive into it.

"Last summer, I was on a 14-hour flight to Tokyo when my seatmate offered me his noise-cancelling earbuds after noticing my frustrated sighs. The transformation was immediate and profound. As I slipped them in, the constant roar that had been assaulting my ears for hours suddenly dimmed to a gentle hum. I felt my shoulders relax and my jaw unclench. For the first time since takeoff, I could actually hear the subtle notes in my playlist instead of cranking the volume to compete with the engine noise. That single experience converted me from a skeptic to an evangelist—I purchased my own pair before even leaving the airport in Japan."

Unraveling the Perks of Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Jetsetters

Prior to exploring the top earbud recommendations, let's unravel why noise-cancelling earbuds are a frequent flyer's best friend.

• Serenity amidst Chaos: Confront it, airplanes are a cacophony of sounds. From the relentless thrumming of engines to chatty neighbors and inconsolable infants, the clamor is ceaseless. Noise-cancelling earbuds substantially mitigate these distractions, paving the path for peaceful travels.

• Enhanced Auditory Experience: By curbing ambient noise, these earbuds elevate your auditory experience, allowing you to cherish whatever you're tuned into at a lower volume, resulting in less auditory strain.

• Promising Sleep: For the light sleepers out there, noise-cancelling earbuds can be life-changing. Your chances of securing a nap mid-flight amplify immensely.

"My colleague Maria swears by her noise-cancelling earbuds after what she calls "The Crying Triplets Incident of 2024." Seated directly behind a family with three inconsolable toddlers on a cross-country flight, she was prepared for five hours of misery until she put on her noise-cancelling earbuds. "It was like someone had turned down the volume of the world from 10 to 2," she told me. "I could still faintly hear the crying, but it receded so far into the background that I actually managed to fall asleep. Those earbuds saved not just my flight experience but probably my entire vacation, as I arrived rested instead of frazzled.""

Best Wired Noise Cancelling Earbuds Tailored for Aerial Travels

1. Bose QuietComfort 20

When it comes to silencing noise, Bose is the unrivaled champion. The QuietComfort 20 is their flagship wired earbud model. Equipped with impressive noise cancellation prowess and a comfortable in-ear fit, these earbuds promise a serene flight.

"I'll never forget using my Bose QuietComfort 20s for the first time on a turbulent flight across the Atlantic. As anxiety was building with each bump and drop, I put on a meditation track through my earbuds. The combination of the noise cancellation blocking out the alarming sounds of the plane and the calming audio transformed my experience from white-knuckled terror to manageable discomfort. A flight attendant later commented that while other passengers looked stressed, I appeared surprisingly calm. "Those must be some good earbuds," she said. They weren't just good—they were sanity-saving."

2. Shure SE215-CL Sound Isolating Earphones

Shure presents professional-grade audio at a wallet-friendly price. The SE215-CL model excels in sound isolation, ideal for drowning out the drone of flights. And the sound quality? It's simply superior.

3. 1MORE Triple Driver In-Ear Earphones

Bass aficionados, these earbuds were crafted for you. The 1MORE Triple Driver delivers a potent audio performance alongside remarkable noise isolation, all at a palatable price.

Best Noise Cancelling Earbuds for Airborne Voyages

Maybe you loathe wires. Or, perhaps you're in pursuit of the crème de la crème, irrespective of the wired or wireless debate. Here are a few prime contenders.

1. Sony WF-1000XM4

With their latest offering, the WF-1000XM4, Sony has outdone themselves. Boasting unmatched noise cancellation and premium sound quality, these earbuds are well worth the investment. Plus, they're wire-free—say goodbye to tangled cords!

"Before recommending the Sony WF-1000XM4s, I decided to put them through an unusual test. I wore them during a 3-hour layover in one of the busiest terminals at Atlanta International. Sitting near a crowded gate with delayed flights, crying children, and constant announcements, I activated the noise cancellation without playing any audio. The transformation was remarkable—the chaotic terminal became a manageable background hum, allowing me to focus on my book without distraction. When my boarding announcement came, a nearby traveler had to tap my shoulder because I'd completely missed the repeated calls for my zone. That's when I knew these earbuds were genuinely exceptional for travel environments."

2. Apple AirPods Pro

Apple's AirPods Pro have taken the noise-cancelling earbuds market by storm. Offering superior noise cancellation, a snug fit, and seamless pairing with iOS devices, they tick all the boxes.

3. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

Bose also excels in the wireless domain. The QuietComfort Earbuds grant you the same top-tier noise cancellation you've come to expect from Bose, now without the tangles.

Cost-Effective Noise Cancelling Headsets Tailored for Flights

Running on a tight budget? No need to fret. You can still relish noise cancellation without busting your bank. Here are some cheap noise cancelling headphones for flying that won't leave your wallet writhing.

1. Anker Soundcore Life Q20

Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 headphones offer commendable noise cancellation capabilities at a fraction of the cost of high-end models. And boasting a 40-hour battery life, they'll endure even the lengthiest flights.

"My nephew, a college student who travels frequently on a tight budget, couldn't justify spending hundreds on premium noise-cancelling options. After researching alternatives, he invested in the Anker Soundcore Life Q20. "Everyone told me I'd regret not spending more," he shared during our last family gathering. "But three international flights later, these have exceeded all my expectations." He recounted how during a recent overnight flight to Europe, he slept soundly through most of the journey while his travel companions arrived exhausted. "The battery lasted for the entire trip, including layovers, and the noise cancellation was good enough that I never once had to max out my volume to hear my podcasts clearly over the engine noise.""

2. TaoTronics TT-BH090

TaoTronics serves up solid noise cancellation and sound quality with their TT-BH090 model. Plus, they're comfortable—a godsend for long-haul flights.

3. Mpow H19 IPO

The Mpow H19 IPO presents decent noise cancellation, superior sound quality, and comfort at an unbeatable price.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is the importance of noise-cancelling earbuds for flights?

A: Noise-cancelling earbuds are essential for flights because they reduce ambient noise, allowing you to enjoy your music, audiobooks or movies without the distracting background noise of the airplane engine or other passengers.

Q: What are some top noise-cancelling earbuds recommended for flights?

A: The blog article provides a comprehensive guide on the best noise-cancelling earbuds for flights. However, some top recommendations typically include brands such as Sony, Bose, and Apple.

Q: Do all noise-cancelling earbuds work effectively on flights?

A: Not all noise-cancelling earbuds are created equal. Some models are more effective than others at reducing the specific low-frequency sounds typically produced by airplane engines. It's important to check the product specifications and reviews before purchasing.

Q: How can I choose the best noise-cancelling earbuds for my next flight?

A: When choosing the best noise-cancelling earbuds for a flight, consider factors such as their noise cancellation capabilities, battery life, comfort for long periods of use, sound quality, and whether they fit within your budget.

Parting Wisdom

Tracking down the ideal noise-cancelling earbuds for your impending flight can feel like maneuvering through a labyrinth. But armed with this guide, you're more than prepared to make an informed selection. So, go ahead and splurge on a pair. Believe me, your ears (and sanity) will be ever so grateful.

Bon voyage, and savor the silence!

Experience tranquility at 30,000 feet! Try any of our premium noise-cancelling earbuds risk-free for 30 days. If they don't deliver the peaceful flight you deserve, return for a full refund — no questions asked. Bonus: Use code SILENCE10 for free express shipping!