Top 10 Best Headphones for Airplane Movies
Shako Memon
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What are the best noise-canceling headphones for Airplane movies? Noise-canceling headphones are the most useful on plane for watching movies.
It’s hard to find a moment of peace when there’s so much going on around you. Frequent flyers may prefer to relax or work, and the best way to prepare for both is to block out the distractions with the best ANC headphones.
Shopping for headphones shouldn’t be as stressful as getting to the airport, so we’ve done extensive testing to bring you the best options. So read on to find out the best noise-canceling headphones to use on a plane in 2025.
Top 10 Best Headphones for Airplane Movies in 2025
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
With excellent isolation and active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, and a comfortable fit, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is our pick for the best noise-canceling headphones for Airplane Movies.
It’s also one of the best headphones around. But for flying, the WH-1000XM5’s headband is supportive and lightweight, and the earcups seal effectively without putting pressure on your ears, making it easy to wear for hours, even when you’re asleep.
With a battery life of 31 hours and 53 minutes on a single charge, the WH-1000XM5 are a good choice for most round-the-world trips. While they’re not the longest-lasting we’ve tested, considering what they’re powering, the DSEE Extreme, ANC, and Sony 360 Reality Audio are impressive numbers.
The Sony Headphones app lets you tweak your EQ preferences, control preferences, noise-cancelling preferences, and codec choices. Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with LDAC, AAC, or SBC codecs is great for all your devices and ensures there are no latency issues. Sony also continues to support wired connectivity, including a detachable cable with a 3.5mm headphone jack.
This lets you connect to your in-flight entertainment media console to watch TV or movies. The only real downside is the price, and unlike the previous Sony flagship, the Sony WH-1000XM4, this pair doesn’t fold down to a smaller size.
However, if you’re going to be wearing your headphones around your neck on a plane, it’s worth noting that they might not mind folding up.
2. Earfun Wave Pro
If you’re looking for a pair of affordable, travel-friendly headphones, look no further. The Earfun Wave Pro are excellent value over-ear headphones that prove you don’t have to spend over $100 for a solid pair of headphones that are great for long journeys and music on the go.
During our testing, we found the Earfun Wave Pro to be extremely comfortable, thanks to the soft memory foam in the wide cups. The adjustable headband ensures a perfect fit, and the foldable design makes it easy to transport in the luxurious carrying case. The 3.5mm jack on the right cup is a crucial feature for in-flight movie entertainment.
The Earfun Wave Pro can’t compete with audiophile-grade over-ear headphones. The Earfun Wave Pro really impresses compared to the competition.” While headphones this cheap can often sound plain and tinny, the Earfun Wave Pro sound rich and wonderful.
That’s no surprise, considering the impressive tech specs, including 40mm drivers, Hi-Res Audio certification (both wireless and wired), and Sony’s LDAC technology for improved Bluetooth streaming.
They also feature active noise cancellation, which again can’t compete with the best noise-canceling headphones, but it’s effective at blocking out most ambient noise. This makes movies much clearer, even over airplane engine noise, and that’s the most important thing.
You can find better headphones on this list, but they’ll cost you more than twice as much. The Earfun Wave Pro over-ear headphones pack everything you need in a comfortable and surprisingly affordable package.
3. Soundcore Space Q45 Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Before we dive too deep into these headphones, it’s worth mentioning that the Soundcore Space Q45 headphones aren’t cheap. However, for under $150, they perform almost as well as models that cost three times as much. For the price of a concert ticket, you’re basically getting a pair of headphones with great sound quality and comfort that also doesn’t hurt the noise-cancelling.
While they’re not the best ANC headphones we’ve tested, we give these headphones a 5, which should be fine for most people. Sound quality and comfort both earned us a 6, with the bass sounding pretty good without compromising the highs or mids, and you can customize the levels using the Soundcore app.
We also like that they don’t feel uncomfortable around your ears, even when worn for long periods of time. They might get a little too hot in warmer climates, but that’s the case for most headphones we’ve tested! Plus, they all fit into a manageable case that’s not as compact as the earbuds on this list.
You can connect up to two devices at once, but the headphones often switch back and forth without asking either device, so you may need to disable this feature for a smooth listening experience. That said, it’s a minor gripe for an otherwise great pair of headphones.
4. Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 are the brand’s third-generation true wireless earbuds, and they’ve earned a rare 5/5 rating from reviews, which is impressive.
They’re incredibly capable, sound amazing, and are incredibly comfortable, making them a top choice for the most immersive in-flight movie experience. Plus, they're among the best true wireless earbuds we've tested.
There’s a wealth of features here, but the most relevant for travel are the connectivity options. The case’s USB-C port can be connected to non-Bluetooth sources, like in-flight entertainment, and acts as a wireless audio transmitter, sending aptX Adaptive transmission at up to 24-bit/96kHz quality to the buds. That means no annoying cables, and great audio when listening to in-flight movies.
Adding to this convenient in-flight experience are the really effective ANC, which gives you a high level of immersion. In our review, we wrote that you get “that protective feeling of being cut off from the outside world,” but most importantly, there’s no pressure on your eardrums that you sometimes get when you’re in a tight fit.
The improved design makes them comfortable to wear for long periods of time without sacrificing the premium look and feel that B&W is known for. There’s also an in-ear volume control, which the previous buds didn’t have, but it makes in-flight listening infinitely easier.
Battery life is good, at 6.5 hours on the buds and 13.5 hours in the case, even with ANC turned on. Without the case, you get 8.5 hours. This is pretty standard compared to the high-end competition.
In terms of audio, these buds are impeccable. Expect incredible levels of detail and dynamics no matter what you listen to. In our review, we wrote, “No matter what genre of music (and no matter what streaming source) the B&W Pi8s felt as if they had been unpacked, weighed, opened, examined, and layered by the skilled hands of a French patissier.
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 buds are as close as you can get to perfection. And if you want a truly wireless design for long flights, you can’t get much better than these.
5. Bose QuietComfort Ultra
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are one of the best headphones for flying, thanks to their excellent active noise cancellation (ANC) and travel-tuned comfort features.
The large, dense earpads seal well to your head, providing excellent isolation, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones completely block out outside noise.
Comfort is key on long-haul flights, and the QuietComfort Ultra headphones won’t disappoint. Designed with wide, softly padded earcups that comfortably hug your ears, they offer superior noise isolation and comfort.
The headphones are incredibly lightweight at 253g, minimizing head and neck strain during long-term wear. The angled dynamic drivers also take into account ear positioning, improving the overall wearing experience.
Plus, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are a convenient travel choice with a long battery life, lasting you through long-haul flights without the need for frequent recharging. The compact carrying case with space for the cable is included, making them a convenient travel companion for easy storage and transport.
Taking the ANC headphone experience to the ultra, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra noise-cancelling headphones offer up to 24 hours of battery life, a comfortable fit, spatial audio support, and powerful ANC.
6. Apple AirPods Max
The AirPods Max are a new addition to the over-ear headphone market, but Apple has been competing in the market for longer than most people remember.
Several Pack Hacker team members still use their 3.5mm Apple headphones on their iPods, which shows that they have a long lifespan. Still, the AirPods Max are not your old wired headphones, which is why they’re on this list.
The noise-cancelling quality of the AirPods Max is no joke, earning them a 7 out of 10 out of the 10 we tested in our first round. Noise-cancelling comes at a cost, and these headphones are quite heavy and start to feel heavy on your head over time, especially at the top. The comfort score is a 5, but this may vary depending on your neck strength.
The sound quality is pretty good at a 6, but the bass feels a little flat, especially when listening to a lot of ’90s Memphis rap (think Tommy Wright III).
In our opinion, the biggest selling point of these headphones is that they integrate seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem, which is convenient for those who are already invested in the system. Plus, the audio pauses when you take them off, so you don’t miss anything. The case is included and looks like a stylish leather wallet.
7. Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphone
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphone receives the highest ratings in any category, making them a great choice for Airplane movies. They’re well-rounded, receiving a noise-cancelling rating of 6 in all three modes (immersive, quiet, and aware). Sound quality gets a 7, and the bass works well even when listening to booming basslines. The output is balanced but deep enough to enjoy the sound.
In terms of comfort, these headphones get a 7. The pads don’t press too hard on your ears and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The case isn’t small, but I didn’t expect it to be since they’re not earbuds.
It’s about the size of a Nerf football and is quite durable, though not the hardest case I’ve tested, so I wouldn’t recommend throwing them around. These headphones are so good in every way that I can’t say they excel in any one area, but they’re better than headphones that excel in only one area.
8. JBL Tune 510BT
If you’re looking for a budget pair of headphones, look no further. At the time of writing, the JBL Tune 510BT headphones were selling for just under $50.
These headphones don’t have noise cancellation, so they might not be for everyone who travels. Still, noise cancellation isn’t something that everyone cares about, and the sound quality is pretty good, earning them a 5.5 on our scale.
Comfort is a 5, but that depends on the size of your ears. These headphones have small ear pads, so travelers with larger or more sensitive ears might find them uncomfortable—as our primary tester sometimes did.
They don’t completely cover your entire ear, so you might hear some ambient noise. Still, for this price, you’re getting a solid pair of headphones that sound great, and you won’t have to break the bank.
The case isn’t included, but the headphones are pretty sturdy. At this price, you can probably get by without the case, especially considering that the headphones fold up really easily.
9. NEEGO Wireless Bluetooth Headphone
Featuring advanced noise-cancelling technology, these headphones block out engine noise, passenger noise, and other distractions so you can fully immerse yourself in your music or audiobooks. With up to 35 hours of battery life, you’ll never have to worry about your headphones dying mid-flight.
Sony NEEGO features a built-in microphone and hands-free calling, so you can easily answer calls without having to take your headphones off. This is a great choice for anyone looking for the best noise-cancelling headphones for air travel. So sit back, relax, and enjoy your flight in peace with Sony NEEGO.
10. Bose QuietComfort 20i
The Bose QuietComfort 20i is the highest rated headphone overall by experts and users for air travel. The main reasons it’s suitable for airplanes are its excellent noise cancellation and its secure, comfortable fit.
The Bose QuietComfort 20i has a solid, premium feel and easily passed the most rigorous durability tests. This means that it’s unlikely to break even if you quickly take it off after landing and put it in your bag.
The audio from the Bose QuietComfort 20i is very rich, clear, and balanced. The bass response is also accurate and solid. Overall, the headphones deliver excellent sound reproduction.
But where the Bose QuietComfort 20i really shines is with the most powerful and advanced noise cancellation I’ve ever experienced. The silicone eartips, especially the microphone and audio circuitry, effectively block out all sounds, including aircraft engines and human voices.
You can’t hear them, and they’re not even your ears. However, if you need to hear what’s going on around you, there’s a control button to turn off the noise cancellation.
The Bose QuietComfort 20i is ideal for your computer, iPhone, iPad, or iPod. The same model is also available for Android, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone. See the Bose QuietComfort 20.
Overall, the Bose QuietComfort 20i offers excellent noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort. The only downside to the QuietComfort 20i is its somewhat high price.
However, if you’re really looking for something great to make air travel easier, these are the best headphones for air travel. Imagine how quiet and comfortable it’ll be to have these amazing headphones in your ears when you take off.
Conclusion
When watching movies on airplanes, the most distracting thing is the noise in the voice frequency range. The voice frequency for understanding is between 300Hz and 3400Hz, and higher-frequency noise can interfere with understanding.
For example, to distinguish between fail and sell, you need to be able to clearly hear frequencies above 3400Hz. That’s why suppressing high-frequency wind noise on airplanes is of utmost importance.
Comfortable, affordable industrial ear protectors, the higher the rating, the better, and as long as you have your favorite earbuds, you can enjoy a quiet and enjoyable flight.
Ear protectors are really effective at suppressing noise at 500Hz and even more so at higher frequencies. In the frequency range above 300Hz, the 3M Peltor H10A Optime 105 earmuffs effectively reduce background noise to quiet street levels. The ear protectors also prevent the earbuds from falling out when you move.
Active noise-canceling earbuds further reduce background engine hum, but they also produce a high-frequency hiss, and in my opinion are not worth the extra cost.
FAQs
Do you need noise-canceling headphones?
Like most questions, there are a lot of nuances to this. The simple answer is no, but you might. Noise-canceling is a great way to feel comfortable on a plane, eliminate background noise when watching a movie, and de-stress in a busy environment.
Still, headphones with this feature are often more expensive, and they’re not necessary for every situation. Many travelers often carry two pairs of headphones, one with this feature and one without. I’m not saying you should take two pairs for every trip, but rather choose which trips you need, and which trips you need both.
What are standard, noise-canceling, and transparency modes?
Noise-canceling headphones typically come in three modes. First, there’s standard operation. This doesn’t use noise-canceling technology, but some headphones may have their own noise-canceling features. Noise-canceling does just that. It blocks out all the noise around you.
This is great when you want to be completely immersed in whatever you’re listening to or watching. Then there’s transparency mode, which blocks out some of the noise but still lets you hear what’s going on around you.
This feature is ideal for sitting close to family members who want to have a conversation, or walking around the city and wanting to hear what's going on around you.
Why do airplane headphones have two plugs?
Some airplanes use a two-port audio jack system to provide stereo sound to passengers. However, this is becoming less common as newer airplanes adopt the standard 3.5mm jack.
The dual-port setup was traditionally used to separate the audio channels. If you are using a two-port system, you may need an adapter to use your personal headphones with a single 3.5mm plug.
What type of headphones do I need on an airplane?
For airplanes, it’s a good idea to use headphones with noise-canceling capabilities to help cancel out cabin noise. Over-ear or in-ear styles work, depending on your comfort preference. Also, make sure they’re compatible with the device you’re carrying or the airplane’s entertainment system.
Can I use Bose noise-canceling earbuds on a plane?
Earbuds don’t offer as effective passive blocking as headphones. However, ANC is very effective, so you can use Bose earbuds like the QuietComfort Ultra on a plane.
Can I wear noise-canceling headphones during take off?
Policies can vary by airline. Generally, you can still use noise-canceling headphones during takeoff and landing, as long as your connected device is in airplane mode. Some airlines allow headphones once the plane has taken off, while others require passengers to wait until the plane reaches cruising altitude.
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