Long flights come with a familiar soundtrack: engine hum, seat-back screens, nearby conversations, and the pressure to get some rest. The right audio setup won’t change the cabin, but it can change how much engine noise reaches you—and how much sleep you actually get.
How we choose
This roundup highlights 8 useful products for that situation: Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser over-ear noise cancelling; Apple and Bose earbuds; Loop and Mack’s earplugs; and a Twelve South transmitter for wired seat-back screens. They range from a $6.99 foam earplug pack to a $449 over-ear headphone, so the decision comes down to how you prefer to settle in.
Our 8 Picks
BoseQuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen), Wireless Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over Ear Noise Cancelling with Mic, Up to 30 Hours of Play time, Black
What it is
Over-ear wireless noise-cancelling headphones with spatial audio, a built-in microphone, and a stated 30-hour play time.
Why it's worth it
Well suited to long-haul flights where engine drone is the main distraction, this set pairs Quiet and Aware modes so you can switch between full noise cancellation and hearing cabin announcements. Bose rates play time at up to 30 hours, which is enough for most nonstop routes, and the cushioned ear cushions and padded band stay comfortable when you rest your head against the seat. The USB-C connection also lets the built-in mic handle calls without switching devices.
Caveat
With Bose Immersive Audio enabled, the stated play time drops to 23 hours.
SonyWH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones, Black | Auto NC Optimizer, Up to 30 Hrs of Battery, Carrying Case, Crystal Clear Calls, Touch Control, Multipoint Connection
What it is
Over-ear wireless headphones with adaptive noise cancellation, multipoint connection, and a stated 30-hour battery life.
Why it's worth it
A good fit for travellers who want an over-ear set that feels light against a headrest, this design uses soft-fit leather earpads and a cushioned headband to spread pressure evenly. Sony's Auto NC Optimizer adjusts noise cancellation based on your environment and wearing position, and eight microphones support clear calls in a noisy cabin. Sony states a three-minute charge adds up to three hours of play, which helps during tight connections.
Caveat
The 30-hour battery figure is a stated maximum; using high volume or heavy noise cancellation will lower it.
AppleAirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation | Live Translation, Heart Rate Sensing, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Spatial Audio, USB-C Charging
What it is
Apple's third-generation AirPods Pro wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and USB-C charging.
Why it's worth it
A good fit for travellers who prefer a low-profile in-ear option for sleeping against a seat, this earbud design sits flush in the ear and the charging case adds power between flights. Apple states up to 8 hours of listening with active noise cancellation on, which covers short-haul sectors and can be extended with the case on longer routes. Spatial audio and USB-C make it easy to switch from movie sound to a single cable setup with a phone or laptop.
Caveat
Apple's 8-hour battery rating is for the earbuds on a single charge; without the case, a very long flight will leave them drained.
LoopQuiet 2 Ear Plugs - Ultra-Comfy Reusable Hearing Protection for Sleep | 24dB SNR noise reduction. Flexible, customizable fit. Reusable & washable. For deep focus, travel, noise sensitivity
What it is
Reusable silicone earplugs with 24 dB SNR noise reduction for sleep, focus, and travel.
Why it's worth it
Well suited to sleeping without electronics, these earplugs are made from flexible silicone and are designed for side-sleeping comfort. Four ear-tip sizes help you find a snug seal, and the loop-shaped body keeps them anchored under a sleep mask or pillow. They are reusable and washable, and the small carry case keeps the pair clean in a handbag or seat pocket.
Caveat
They lower noise but do not block it completely, and a proper seal depends on choosing the correct ear-tip size.
BoseQuietComfort Earbuds II, Wireless, Bluetooth, Proprietary Active Noise Cancelling Technology in-Ear Headphones with Personalized Noise Cancellation & Sound, Triple Black
What it is
True wireless in-ear headphones with personalized active noise cancellation and sound.
Why it's worth it
This is a good fit for travellers who want Bose's noise cancellation in a compact earbud that takes up little carry-on space. CustomTune technology tailors audio and noise cancellation to the shape of your ear, and the Fit Kit includes three ear tips and three stability bands to help keep the earbuds secure while resting against a headrest. Bose rates the earbuds at up to 6 hours per charge, so the charging case can extend listening time on long flights.
Caveat
At up to 6 hours per charge, a long-haul flight may require a mid-trip recharge from the case.
SennheiserMomentum 4 Wireless Headphones, ANC, 60 Hr Battery, Black/Copper
What it is
Over-ear wireless headphones with adaptive noise cancellation, transparency mode, and a stated 60-hour battery life.
Why it's worth it
This is well suited to frequent travellers who want fewer charging stops: Sennheiser states up to 60 hours of play time, which can cover multiple long flights on one charge. The fold-flat design slides into a bag more easily than bulkier over-ear models, and the cushioned headband helps keep pressure off the top of your head during a nine-hour flight. The 42mm transducers give the signature Sennheiser sound for movie dialogue and music.
Caveat
The 60-hour rating is Sennheiser's stated maximum, and a full charge takes around 2 hours.
Twelve SouthAirFly Pro, Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter, Black | Bluetooth Adapter for AirPods/Headphones, 20+ Hr Battery, Works with 3.5mm aux Jacks on Airplanes, TVs, Gym Equipment, Travel
What it is
Bluetooth audio transmitter that plugs into a 3.5mm headphone jack to send audio from seat-back entertainment to wireless headphones.
Why it's worth it
This is a good fit for travellers who want to use their own Bluetooth earbuds or over-ear headphones with the airline's wired seat-back screen. It transmits audio from any 3.5mm aux jack and, according to Twelve South, has a battery life of more than 25 hours, so it will outlast the flight. Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX Low Latency helps keep sound in sync with the movie, and the 10m/33ft range lets you keep the transmitter near the screen while you sit back.
Caveat
Pairing is easier when other nearby Bluetooth devices, like a phone, are turned off, especially in a crowded cabin.
Mack’s Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs, 7 Pair + Case – 33 dB Highest NRR, Comfortable Ear Plugs for Sleeping, Snoring, Travel, Concerts, Studying and Noise
What it is
Foam earplugs with a 33 dB noise reduction rating and a keychain travel case.
Why it's worth it
A good fit for sleeping without any electronics, these slow-release foam plugs create a soft seal that lowers engine noise and snoring without needing a charge or app. The 33 dB noise reduction rating is the figure Mack's lists for these plugs, and the aluminium travel case clips onto a backpack or seat pocket so they stay clean and easy to find. The tapered shape is designed to fit a range of ear canals while keeping pressure low.
Caveat
Foam plugs need to be rolled and inserted correctly to reach the full 33 dB rating.
How to choose
How to choose the right noise-cancelling headphones and earplugs for long flights
- Start with the physical format. Over-ear headphones spread pressure around the ears and are a natural fit for long movie sessions; in-ear earbuds pack smaller and sit flush against the ear; foam or silicone earplugs take up almost no room and need no charging.
- Match battery life to your longest route, not your average one. Sennheiser states 60 hours, Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra and Sony’s WH-1000XM5 state 30 hours, and Apple states 8 hours per earbud charge. If a flight is longer than the stated number, carry the charging case or cable instead of assuming the headphones will last the whole trip.
- Focus on what touches your head and ears. Sony’s padded earpads and cushioned band, Bose’s Fit Kit with three ear tips and three stability bands, and Loop’s four ear-tip sizes are all examples of fit-focused design. A comfortable seal matters more than the spec sheet.
- Set a budget that matches your travel pattern. This roundup spans $6.99 to $449, so there’s room to spend less on an occasional flight or more on a pair you’ll also use every day.
Takeaway
The point isn’t to silence the whole cabin—it’s to choose the tool that fits the flight. Over-ears for long listening, earbuds for cramped seats, silicone or foam for unpowered rest, and a transmitter for seat-back screens each solve one part of the same problem. Pick the format that matches how you travel and leave the engine hum at the gate.
