Best Travel Headphones On The Market 2023 Reviews

When you’re always on the go, you need the basic traveler’s essentials – a power pack, a passport, and a pair of good headphones.

But what makes a pair of travel headphones the best?

Well, the best is subjective, so we’ve gathered a wide selection of travel headphones to review and help you decide which pair is the best for you. From over-the-ear to wireless earbuds, we will cover comfort, portability, value, and more to find out what makes each pair a top contender for the best travel headphones.

So, let’s go through them and find the perfect pair of travel headphones for you…

Top 10 Best Travel Headphones Reviews

1 Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

Bose is a top name in the audio industry, and this pair of comfortable over-ear headphones shows us why. The newly released model is compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. They have an incredible sound quality and are super comfortable, and our first pair of headphones on the list is also in the running for best noise-canceling headphones around.

The Quiet Comfort features a sleek design with oversized foam padded ear cups. A designated Google Home button is on the left ear cup, giving you access to calls, the internet, and more. Keep in mind that the voiceless commands and Google Home only work with Spotify.

Take control…

The right ear cup features the volume and power buttons, which are all easily distinguishable by touch. The noise cancellation works exceptionally well, canceling out any extra hums or buzzes and features three levels of noise blockage.

On a full charge, these headphones boast a full 20 hours of playback time, or two and half hours on a quick 15-minute charge. The lightweight headphones fold down and can be carried in the included hard case keeping them safe from being tossed around in your bags.

If your top priorities are comfort, noise cancellation, and portability, the Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II are your best bet. These staple headphones are comfortable for long trips and will keep you in your own little world.

2 Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WH1000XM3 – Best Noise Canceling Travel Headphones

The Sony WH1000XM3 is a close rival to the Quiet Comfort 35 II for the best noise-canceling travel headphones on the market. We see Sony keeping up with the times with the switch from a micro-USB to a USB-C charging port and some upgraded levels of comfort in their latest release.

Wearing these padded over-ear cups in noise cancelling mode, you will forget you even boarded the plane. These bad boys drown out every hum and vibration that may try and sneak its way in but let the important stuff in with ambient sound control. For a pair of wireless headphones, the Sony XM3 perform like a home surround sound setup.

Need assistance?

With both Google Home and Amazon Alexa capabilities, these headphones really step up in the ease-of-use department. If your personal rock show becomes suddenly interrupted, simply cover the right ear-cup for quick attention mode to lower the volume. On a full charge, you get up to 30 hours of uninterrupted playback time and up to five hours on a quick 10-minute charge.

Touch controls on the right ear cup are simple to use and remember. The pair themselves come folded up in a hard carrying case with a bonus travel adapter that even works on airplanes. Enjoy the comfort of your own headphones on any airline. Lightweight and convenient, the Sony WH1000XM3 are a steal for mid-range noise cancelling headphones.

3 Plantronics Wireless Noise Cancelling Backbeat – Headphones (Pro 2)

If you’re after a more affordable pair of high performing travel headphones, then you should consider the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2. These super comfortable headphones are easy to use and good looking, so no one will know you didn’t spend a fortune on them.

The BackBeat Pro 2 are super durable and can be tossed in your check-in bag worry free, no matter how many times you have to pass through security scanners. Power is no issue with the 30 hours of battery life and bonus features such as smart-pause and auto-off for when you doze off. Power controls are on the right ear cup and volume on the left, and the buttons are easy to feel and remember.

Comfort all the way…

The ear cups may look big but are ultra-comfortable for long wear in combination with the padded headband. The ear cups swivel flat and lay in the included carrying pouch for safekeeping. Each pair comes with a USB charging cable and an aux cord for wired battery-free listening. As far as sound quality goes, for their price tag, they sound great, but the bass can be punchy.

Noise cancelation is an option easily turned on and off for when you want to cancel out the ambient noise or tune into your surroundings. These affordable headphones are a great match for the value and will give you up to 24 hours of playback time, almost as much as their pricier competitors.

They are supplied with a carrying pouch, aux cord, and a charging cable.

4 Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

It seems that over-sized over-ear headphones are all the rage. Our fourth set of over-ear comfy cups are the Jabra Elite 85h Noise Cancelling Headphones. Carrying a mid-range price tag, this pair offers comfort, noise-cancellation, and quality audio in one convenient package.

The Jabra Elite feature an adjustable padded headband, padded ear cups, and a streamlined design. Block out unwanted noise with noise cancellation and ambient sound for remaining aware of your surroundings. Voice commands work whether you use Google, Amazon, or Siri and are responsive and efficient.

Listen for days…

Enjoy up to 36 hours of play time on a full battery charge, some of the longest we have seen on this list so far. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 15-minute charge will give you five full hours of playback. Enjoy using your own headphones on any airline with an airplane adapter, an aux cord for wired listening, a USB- charging cord all wrapped up in the zippered hard case.

As a bonus, the ever so impressive Jabra Elite are water-resistant; in case of any unforeseen downpours or extra sweaty days, your headphones will survive. For those looking for the best headphones for travel with a focus on battery life and comfort, the Jabra Elite should be your top choice.

5 Mpow Dual-Mic Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones – Best Travel Headphones Under 100 Dollars

The value travel headphones has to be awarded to the Mpow H10 Bluetooth Headphones. These over-ear cups are loaded with the same features as their pricier competitors, such as active noise cancellation, long battery life, and added comfort.

The Mpow H10 boasts one of the longest battery lives of wireless headphones at 30 hours of playback time. The audio quality definitely needs improvement, but they’re so comfortable and functional you really don’t notice. The H10 are suitable for long wear with an adjustable headband, padded ear cups, and weigh around 10 ounces, making them super easy to travel with.

Punch well above their weight…

The left ear cup holds the audio jack and the noise cancelling button. The right ear cup has the rest of the controls for power, volume, tracks, and the charging port. The microphone and call quality of the H10 are a step above some well-known audio names. These durable headphones can be tossed into any bag and taken on the go without a charge for a few commutes to work.

While the H10 doesn’t come with an aux cord, they surely are suited for one. When played with a wired connection, your 30 hours of battery life is due to stretch even further. If you’re looking for quality on a tight budget, the Mpow H10 are the best noise canceling travel headphones under 100 dollars.

6 PeohZarr Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds with 2600mAh Charging Case

If you’re after a more discreet look, the PeohZarr Earbuds are a tough contender. These in earbuds come in their own self-contained charging case that you can easily slip into your pocket or bag. Excellent for athletes and outdoorsman, these earbuds feature IPX8 waterproofing technology.

These earbuds were specifically designed for those looking for the ultimate convenience on the go. Each bud slips into your ear like a hearing aid and stays put for hours on end. When the buds are in your ear, they don’t feel too bulky or heavy like they may fall out.

Easy Bluetooth connection…

Pairing is easy and only needs to be done once.  After pairing all you need to do is take them from the case and put them in, the buds will turn on automatically. You can leave your device with up to 33 feet of connectivity.

If you are concerned with battery life, these are not the earbuds for you; on a call, the earbuds will last up to three hours. When in music mode, these buds only last up to four hours if you’re lucky. Besides the short battery life, the only other downside to these buds is the fact that you may lose one or both if you’re not careful.

What’s in the box?

Included with your earbuds is the charging case, a micro USB charger, and four pairs or replaceable tips. The right earbud does most of the controlling while the left earbud follows suit. The earbuds themselves contain all of the controls, but these can also be done through Siri. With the power pack, you can charge your buds up to five times, and then you will need to recharge the carrying case.

As a bonus, the carrying case can be used as a power pack for your phone. Sound quality is up to par, and these earbuds are more than affordable. The PeohZarr are an affordable pair of high-quality earbuds that will bring you up to speed on the latest audio trends.

7 Cowin E7 Pro [Upgraded] Active Noise Cancelling Headphones – Best Travel Headphones for Toddlers

Our most versatile pair of headphones is the COWIN E7 PRO, which is available in seven color choices. These comfortable over-ear headphones offer plenty of convenience and quality in several good looking forms. An adjustable headband and the padded ear cups will keep you comfortable for long periods of wear.

The E7 Pro feature dynamic drivers that deliver clear and crisp audio with plenty of depth. Each ear cup swivels on its own for a completely customized fit. The active noise cancelling blocks out the lowest of hums, and the hands-free calling is crystal clear.

Wireless or wired?

The E7 PRO work on 30 hours of playback time and can be charged with the included USB-cable. Extend your battery life indefinitely by switching to aux mode with the included aux cord. Simple volume and power controls are on the right ear cup.

For families with little ones, these are the best toddlers travel headphones. The super-sized ear cups fit snugly over little ears and keep them distracted at 30,000 feet in the air. With simple controls, little hands won’t press anything they shouldn’t.

8 Jabra Elite Active 65t Earbuds – True Wireless Earbuds with Charging Case – Best Travel Headphones for Fitness

Keeping up with the minimalist earbud trend, Jabra brings us the Active 65t perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes. The 65t are compact, lightweight, and won’t get in the way. The earbuds have a tab that keep them comfortably snug in your ears even when you’re in motion.

The Elite 65t are available in black with a silver inlay and blue with copper details, as well as a gold, red or white option. The left earbud also holds the track controls; slip your buds back into the charging case for easy charging on the go. To activate them, just take them from the case and pop them in your ear, the rest is automatic.

Voice control…

Three sets of replaceable tips come with the Elite 65t in various sizes as well as the included charging case and charging cable. The Elite 65t feature voice controls compatible with Google, Amazon, and Siri as well as sweat and dust resistance covered by a two-year warranty.

The Jabra Elite 65t are the best fitness travel headphones with built-in active features. When used in harmony with the Jabra Sound+ App, the Elite 65t will track your runs automatically. The ambient noise feature also lets you remain aware of your surroundings, keeping you safe on all of your runs.

These splurge-worthy headphones have premium audio quality and boast up to 15 hours of battery life.

9 Wireless Earbuds, Aukey Bluetooth Headphones – Best Travel Headphones Under 200 Dollars

Worry-free listening comes standard with the AUKEY Wireless Headphones. These neck strap headphones are lightweight and the perfect balance between earbuds and over-ear cups. Never lose your headphones again with the AUKEY Wireless Headphones.

These are the best travel headphones under 200 dollars with their super value price tag and premium audio performance. Perfect for the outdoor enthusiast, these headphones are sweat and dust resistant and ever so easy to use. A remote on the neck strap holds the volume, track, and power control. Easily answer and end calls at the press of the middle button.

Comfortable and secure…

The AUKEY comes with a carrying pouch, replaceable tips, and a USB-charging cord. The earbuds themselves stay put quite well in the ear and provide a comfortable fit. Although the AUKEY has no noise cancelling features, the snug fit blocks out enough of the ambient noise to leave you alone.

On only an hour long charge, the AUKEY will play a good 6 hours of heavy hitting tunes. If you’re after noise cancellation, you may be disappointed. But if you lose things easily and are still looking for a compact pair of headphones, these are the ones for you. The AUKEY are a perfect pair of starter travel headphones if you’re not quite ready to commit to a heftier investment.

10 Edifier H840 Audiophile Over-The-Ear Headphones – Best Travel Headphones for Kids

Edifier is the last on our list, but definitely not the least; these classic headphones show us where all the fuss began. These best budget travel headphones are not super glamorous but are a great starter pair of headphones for kids.

The Edifiers are not wireless, so it eliminates the need to worry about battery life. This also means that all controls are done by your phone rather than on the ear cups. The headphones are super lightweight even though they’re heavily padded and comfortable for long wear. The ear cups swivel individually and lay flat for easy transport.

Thunderous bass…

With fewer moving parts and less advanced features, it leaves us to worry about the sound quality of this pair above all else. The Edifier over the ears produces a mid-range quality of sound, but the bass is where they shine.

Heavy bass is shockingly clear and vibration-free, coming from such a light pair of headphones. If you are looking for a frill-free pair of headphones for yourself or for the young ones, the Edifier over the ear headphones are a superb choice.

Best Travel Headphones Buying Guide

The best pair of headphones depends on a number of factors, and all boils down to what you are looking for. There are a few key features to compare and a few questions you should ask yourself before deciding. If you’re unsure about what to look for or where to start, we’re here to help…

Style

What type of headphones are you after? There are over-the-ear cups, earbuds, and neck strap earbuds. If you are after comfort and sound quality, then a pair of over-ear cups would suit you best. But if you’re after convenience and affordability, a neck strap will work well for you. For the perfect blend of the two, a pair of earbuds is your best bet.

Over-ear cups are larger but more comfortable to wear for longer periods and don’t have to sacrifice quality for size. Neck straps are perfect if you lose things easily but don’t want anything too big or bulky. Earbuds are super compact and combine functionality with quality.

Connection

You can choose between wired and wireless, if you’re lucky, you will get the pleasure of both, and most over-the-ear cups feature an aux cord for wired listening when charging isn’t an option. Our review features one pair of wired headphones and mostly Bluetooth only connection, like the earbuds.

Battery

Your choice of connection brings us to the next feature to consider, battery life. If you choose a pair of wireless headphones, you should consider how long your wear time is.

If you are a daily commuter, you probably want a pair with longer battery life and a quick charge time. On the plus side, most of the headphones we feature today have a decent battery life so you can focus more on your other favorite features.

Sound Quality

This covers a number of features; first, you will want to consider how important sound is to you. You can find a pricier pair of headphones with the best of all features or go for a more affordable pair with great sound but lacking in other features.

Noise cancellation also needs to be considered, as well as ambient noise. Think about what features are most important to you and focus on those. Any style of headphones will include a pair with top-end audio quality.

Convenience

Consider just how portable you want your headphones to be. Would you like to throw them in your pocket or take the time to put them in a protective case?

Also, consider how easy the features and controls are to use. If you’re technically challenged, you may want a wired pair or pair of headphones with easy to use buttons.

More great Headphone Options

Looking for a pair of headphones for when you’re not traveling? If so, check out our reviews of the Best Workout Headphones and Earphones, the Best Neckband Headphones, the Best Headphones for Kids, the Best Bluetooth Headphones under 100 Dollars, and the Best Bone Conduction Headphones currently available 2023.

So, what are the best travel headphones?

If you’re still confused as to which pair of headphones we’ve featured are the best, that’s ok; we’re here to help. We love the…

Jabra Elite 65t

They are the perfect combination of convenience, comfort, and quality. For a mid-range value, the 65t have premium sound quality, long battery life and are extremely comfortable. Not only are these the best active headphones, but all of their versatile features make them the best headphones to travel around with.