Noise Cancelling Headphones For Sleeping On Plane

Noise Cancelling Headphones For Sleeping On Plane

Traveling by plane can often be a noisy experience, especially when you’re trying to catch some much-needed sleep. The drone of the engines, chatter from fellow passengers, and cabin announcements can make rest feel impossible. This is where a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones becomes an absolute game-changer.

Finding the perfect pair for sleeping on a plane involves more than just powerful noise cancellation. Comfort is paramount, particularly for long flights or if you’re a side sleeper. Battery life, portability, and sound quality also play significant roles in your decision.

This curated list explores a variety of top noise-cancelling headphones designed to help you find peace and quiet in the skies. We’ve gathered options across different price points and styles, ensuring there’s something ideal for every traveler’s needs and preferences.

Whether you prioritize ultimate silence, plush comfort, or a compact design, you’ll discover excellent choices here. From premium over-ear models to discreet earbuds, these suggestions aim to enhance your travel experience. Get ready to transform your next flight into a serene slumber session.

Here are some of the best noise cancelling headphones for sleeping on plane:

1. Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

These headphones are widely considered among the best in noise cancellation technology. They offer an incredibly quiet experience, effectively silencing engine hums and cabin noise, which is perfect for sleeping on plane journeys. Their plush earcups and lightweight design ensure lasting comfort.

The XM5s are an excellent choice for frequent flyers seeking premium quality and advanced features. They adapt noise cancellation to your environment, making them highly effective. This model sits in the premium price range, offering exceptional value for its performance.

One standout feature is their industry-leading noise cancellation, which actively blocks out a wide spectrum of disruptive sounds. This allows for truly undisturbed rest, making them a top contender for those prioritizing absolute quiet.

2. Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Bose has long been a leader in noise cancellation, and the QC45s continue this legacy with impressive performance. They provide a comfortable fit with soft earcups, ideal for extended wear during long-haul flights. Their robust noise cancellation creates a peaceful oasis.

These headphones are perfect for travelers who value a balanced sound profile and reliable quiet. They are straightforward to use and incredibly durable for travel. You’ll find them in the mid-to-premium price bracket, reflecting their consistent quality.

A key benefit is their acclaimed comfort, which is crucial when trying to sleep upright or reclined. The lightweight build and gentle clamping force mean less pressure on your head, even after hours of use.

3. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

For those who prefer a more discreet listening and sleeping experience, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are an outstanding option. They offer world-class noise cancellation packed into a tiny, comfortable form factor. This makes them ideal for side sleepers.

These earbuds are best for individuals who want powerful noise blocking without the bulk of over-ear headphones. Their secure fit ensures they stay put even if you shift during sleep. They are positioned in the premium price range due to their advanced technology.

Their standout feature is personalized noise cancellation and sound performance, which customizes audio to your ear canal. This ensures maximum effectiveness in blocking out disruptive cabin sounds, helping you relax more deeply.

4. Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Truly Wireless Earbuds

Sony’s flagship earbuds deliver exceptional noise cancellation and superior audio quality in a compact design. They are smaller and lighter than previous models, enhancing comfort for prolonged wear, especially when trying to sleep on a plane.

These earbuds are perfect for tech-savvy travelers who demand premium features and excellent sound from a truly wireless package. Their strong battery life supports long flights. They are a premium-priced option, reflecting their cutting-edge performance.

A notable feature is their integrated processor V2, which enhances noise cancellation and audio processing significantly. This results in clearer calls and a more immersive, quiet listening experience, ideal for unwinding.

5. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 offers a superb blend of sound quality, adaptive noise cancellation, and an astonishing battery life. With up to 60 hours on a single charge, they are perfect for multiple long flights without needing to recharge. Their comfortable design aids relaxation.

These headphones are a great choice for audiophiles and travelers who prioritize extended battery life and rich sound. They provide excellent passive isolation along with effective ANC. They fall into the premium price category, offering a luxurious experience.

Their primary advantage for travel is the incredibly long battery life, which removes any worry about running out of power mid-flight. This allows for uninterrupted quiet and music, making them highly practical for globetrotters.

6. Soundcore Anker Space Q45 Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones

The Soundcore Space Q45 headphones provide impressive noise cancellation at a more accessible price point. They effectively reduce common travel noises, creating a quieter environment for napping. Their comfortable earcups are designed for extended wear.

These are an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers who still want strong noise-cancelling performance. They offer a good balance of features and affordability. You’ll find them in the mid-range price category, providing great value.

A key benefit is their adaptive noise cancellation, which automatically adjusts to different environments. This means consistent quiet whether you’re taking off, cruising, or waiting at the gate, contributing to better rest.

7. Soundcore Anker Space A40 Auto-Adjusting Noise Cancelling Earbuds

For those seeking compact and effective noise cancellation without a hefty price tag, the Soundcore Space A40 earbuds are a compelling choice. They are small, lightweight, and offer good noise blocking for their size, fitting comfortably in your ears while sleeping.

These earbuds are perfect for travelers who need portable quiet and prefer in-ear comfort over bulky headphones. They offer a decent battery life for their size. They are positioned in the budget-to-mid-range, making quality ANC more attainable.

Their main advantage is the auto-adjusting noise cancellation, which optimizes performance based on your surroundings. This smart feature ensures you get the best possible quiet for sleeping, without manual adjustments.

8. Jabra Elite 85h Over-Ear Headphones

The Jabra Elite 85h headphones combine smart noise cancellation with excellent call quality and a comfortable fit. Their “SmartSound” technology automatically adjusts the audio and ANC based on your environment. This is useful for varied travel situations.

These headphones are a great choice for business travelers or those who need reliable performance in different settings. They offer solid battery life and durability. They typically sit in the mid-range price category, offering robust features.

A standout feature is their water and dust resistance, adding an extra layer of durability for travel. While not directly for sleeping, it signifies their sturdy build, making them a reliable companion for any journey.

9. JBL Tune 760NC Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Cancelling Headphones

The JBL Tune 760NC offers a budget-friendly entry into the world of active noise cancellation. They effectively reduce ambient noise, making them a suitable option for travelers looking to quiet their environment without breaking the bank.

These headphones are perfect for students or occasional flyers who want basic but effective noise cancellation. They are lightweight and offer a comfortable fit for short to medium flights. They are firmly in the budget price range.

Their key selling point is the combination of JBL’s signature bass sound with active noise cancellation at an affordable cost. This allows you to enjoy your music or podcasts quietly, or simply drift off to sleep in peace.

10. Philips Fidelio L3 Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

The Philips Fidelio L3 headphones offer a sophisticated design paired with strong noise cancellation and high-resolution audio support. They are built with premium materials, providing both comfort and a luxurious feel. The sound profile is balanced and engaging.

These headphones are ideal for discerning travelers who appreciate refined aesthetics and superior sound quality alongside effective ANC. They offer a comfortable experience for long journeys. They are a premium-priced option.

A notable feature is their hybrid active noise cancellation, which efficiently blocks out various frequencies. This creates a quiet listening space, allowing you to focus on your audio or simply enjoy the silence needed for sleep.

11. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

For Apple users, the AirPods Pro 2 offer seamless integration and impressive noise cancellation in a small, convenient package. Their adaptive transparency mode is useful for awareness, but the ANC truly shines for quieting plane cabins.

These earbuds are perfect for iPhone owners seeking a familiar ecosystem experience with powerful noise-cancelling capabilities. Their comfortable fit with multiple ear tip sizes helps for sleeping. They are a premium-priced choice.

Their standout feature is the H2 chip, which powers advanced audio processing and twice the noise cancellation of the previous generation. This makes them exceptionally effective at reducing plane engine noise, creating a tranquil environment.

12. Beats Studio Pro Noise Cancelling Headphones

The Beats Studio Pro headphones deliver powerful, balanced sound with excellent active noise cancellation. They offer a comfortable over-ear design that helps to passively block noise, further enhancing the ANC’s effectiveness for sleeping.

These headphones are great for those who enjoy a vibrant sound profile and want effective noise cancellation with a stylish design. They are also compatible with Apple’s ecosystem features. They are a premium-priced option.

A key benefit is their strong noise cancellation, which is adept at quieting a noisy airplane cabin. This allows you to immerse yourself in your audio or simply enjoy a peaceful nap, undisturbed by your surroundings.

13. Wyze Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Wyze, known for smart home devices, also offers surprisingly capable noise-cancelling headphones at an incredibly attractive price. They provide decent active noise cancellation that can significantly reduce plane noise. Their lightweight design adds to comfort.

These headphones are an excellent budget-friendly choice for travelers who want to try ANC without a significant investment. They offer a good balance of features for their price. They are firmly in the budget category.

Their standout feature is the impressive value for money, offering effective noise cancellation and comfortable earcups at a fraction of the cost of premium brands. This makes quiet travel more accessible to everyone.

14. Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

The Soundcore Life Q30 headphones are celebrated for their strong active noise cancellation and comfortable design at an affordable price. They can significantly reduce a wide range of ambient noises, making them excellent for plane travel.

These are ideal for travelers seeking a cost-effective solution for quiet flights and extended listening. Their soft earcups and headband are comfortable for long periods. They are a popular choice in the budget price range.

A key benefit is their multiple noise cancellation modes (Transport, Outdoor, Indoor), allowing you to tailor the ANC to your specific environment. The “Transport” mode is specifically tuned to block out engine noise, perfect for flights.

15. Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

The Skullcandy Hesh ANC offers a straightforward approach to noise cancellation with a focus on powerful sound and ease of use. They provide effective noise reduction, helping to mute the airplane cabin for a more relaxing journey.

These headphones are perfect for users who want reliable noise cancellation and a strong bass response without complex features. They are designed for comfortable wear. They fall into the budget-to-mid-range price category.

A standout feature is their rapid charge capability, which provides extra listening time with just a short charge. This can be a lifesaver if you forget to charge them fully before heading to the airport.

16. Raycon Everyday Headphones (The Everyday Earbuds)

While Raycon offers various audio products, their Everyday Earbuds are a compact choice for travelers. They provide some level of passive noise isolation and often feature active noise cancellation in their newer models, suitable for light noise reduction.

These earbuds are best for those who prioritize portability and a stylish design for casual travel. They are very discreet for sleeping and offer a comfortable fit. They are typically found in the mid-range price category.

Their key appeal is the compact, true wireless design combined with decent sound and some level of noise cancellation. This makes them a convenient option for quick naps on a plane without bulky gear.

17. OneOdio A10 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

The OneOdio A10 headphones offer a compelling package of hybrid active noise cancellation and comfortable earcups at a very budget-friendly price. They are designed to reduce up to 95% of low-frequency ambient noise, which is great for plane engines.

These are an excellent option for travelers on a strict budget who still want effective noise cancellation for better sleep. Their foldable design makes them easy to pack. They are firmly in the budget price range.

A standout feature is their impressive battery life, often providing many hours of playtime with ANC enabled. This ensures they can last through even the longest international flights, keeping your quiet sanctuary intact.

18. TOZO NC2 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds

The TOZO NC2 earbuds provide effective hybrid active noise cancellation in a compact, in-ear design. They are designed for a secure and comfortable fit, making them suitable for sleeping, even for side sleepers, without discomfort.

These earbuds are perfect for budget-conscious travelers who prefer the discreetness and portability of earbuds for noise cancellation. They offer good sound quality for their price point. They are in the budget price category.

Their main advantage is the strong noise cancellation for their size and cost, effectively reducing airplane cabin noise. This allows for a more peaceful environment, whether you’re listening to music or simply enjoying the quiet.

19. EarFun Air Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Earbuds

The EarFun Air Pro 3 earbuds deliver impressive active noise cancellation and clear audio at a very competitive price. They are lightweight and offer a comfortable, secure fit, which is crucial for sleeping without them falling out.

These earbuds are ideal for travelers looking for strong performance without spending a lot. They provide a good balance of features, including decent battery life. They are a strong contender in the budget price range.

A key benefit is their effective noise cancellation, powered by QuietSmart 2.0 technology, which can silence up to 43 dB of ambient noise. This makes a noticeable difference in reducing the drone of a plane, helping you relax.

20. Mpow H12 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

The Mpow H12 headphones offer a comfortable over-ear design with hybrid active noise cancellation, aimed at providing a quiet experience for travel. They are designed to be lightweight and have soft earcups for extended wear.

These headphones are a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option for noise cancellation on planes. They focus on delivering core ANC performance and comfort. They are in the budget price range.

Their standout feature is the combination of comfort and effective noise reduction at an affordable price. This allows more travelers to experience the benefits of noise cancellation for sleeping, enhancing their journey.

21. SleepPhones Wireless Sleep Headphones

SleepPhones are a unique option, designed specifically for sleeping. They are a soft, comfortable headband with thin, flat speakers embedded inside. They don’t offer active noise cancellation, but their design provides excellent passive noise isolation.

These are the best choice for side sleepers or anyone who finds traditional headphones uncomfortable for sleeping. They are incredibly soft and won’t press against your ears. They are typically in the mid-range price category.

Their primary benefit is the ultimate comfort for sleeping in any position, as there are no bulky earcups or earbuds. They are perfect for listening to calming sounds, white noise, or audiobooks to help you drift off.

22. Kokoon Nightbuds Sleep Headphones

Kokoon Nightbuds are another specialized sleep-focused audio device. These ultra-thin earbuds are designed to be worn comfortably throughout the night, with a focus on sleep tracking and audio features to help you fall and stay asleep.

They are ideal for individuals who want a complete sleep solution, combining comfortable audio with smart sleep insights. Their slim profile is excellent for side sleepers. They are a premium-priced specialized sleep aid.

A standout feature is their ability to monitor your sleep and automatically fade audio as you drift off. This intelligent design ensures uninterrupted rest, making them highly effective for achieving quality sleep on a plane.

Last Words

Choosing the right noise cancelling headphones for sleeping on plane trips can truly revolutionize your travel experience. From the powerful silence of premium over-ear models to the discreet comfort of specialized sleep earbuds, there’s a perfect match for every preference. Each product on this list offers unique features designed to help you find peace and quiet amidst the hustle and bustle of air travel.

Consider what matters most to you: ultimate noise cancellation, exceptional comfort for side sleeping, extended battery life, or a budget-friendly price. With so many quality options available, you can confidently select a pair that will transform your next flight into a serene, restful journey. Take a moment to consider your specific needs and check out the current prices and availability on Amazon to make your best purchase.

About the Author

+ posts

I dig until I hit truth, then I write about it. Diane here, covering whatever needs covering. Rock climbing clears my head; competitive Scrabble sharpens it. My engineering background means I actually read the studies I cite. British by birth, Canadian by choice.