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The best wireless earbuds for travel
We tested all the best wireless earbuds for travel in our SoundGuys laband ranked our top picks that are worth considering.
Chase is the Managing Editor at SoundGuyswhere he oversees content related to headphonesearbudsspeakersand all things audio. As a founder of the non profit organization Music For Mental HealthChase is also passionate in uncovering the ways music creation and listening can serve individuals and the community. You can find music he produces by searching his name on SpotifyApple Musicand all other streaming platforms. Chase studied Commerce and Applied Music Technology at the University of British Columbia in VancouverCanada.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or gearing up for a long-haul journeythe right pair of wireless earbuds can make all the difference in your travel experience. From tuning out noisy cabin chatter with active noise canceling (ANC) to lasting through layovers with all-day battery lifeearbuds built for travel solve real problems in transit. In my testingI’ve learned that good travel earbuds need to do more than just sound decent—they need to be comfortable for hoursconnect quicklyand hold their charge when you need them most.
This guide rounds up the best wireless earbuds for travel based on firsthand testing and data. I evaluated each pick for sound qualitycomfortbattery lifeANC performanceand overall usability while on the go. Whether you’re after premium features or great valuewe’ve included something for every kind of traveler—because the last thing you want at 30,000 feet is buyer’s remorse.
Belowyou’ll find our top-ranked wireless earbuds for travelbased on the testing we did of over 300 wireless earbuds in our lab.
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- 0 total votes0 total votes
$330
8.6
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$249
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$298
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$120
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$59
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$250
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$230
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$100
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$270
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$179
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$239
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$90
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Product chart
In the chart aboveyou can see how each of the headphones compares in terms of price and performance.
To gather information about how well each of the earbuds and headphones workwe subject each product to a number of objective tests. We use a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 acoustic measurement system to test headphones and earbuds in our SoundGuys lab. The ear canal of the artificial head was created by averaging and smoothing 3D models of individual ear canal features from the MRI scans of 40 different people.
We perform the following testing to determine the best headphones and best earbuds:
- We run sequences to determine the best fit of the headphonesand if there are any manufacturing issues with the product.
- We measure the headphones’ performance and compare the frequency response to our industry-validated SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve to give context to readers.
- To rate sound qualitywe use the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics. These are virtual mean opinion scores as calculated by a powerful machine learning model based on the input of real listeners.
- We play several samples of shaped noise over loudspeakers to test noise canceling and record with our artificial head. We take samples with ANC onANC offand with the headphones off the head. After subtracting the appropriate curves from each otherwe can see how well the headphones block out noise.
- To evaluate microphone qualitywe play pre-recorded spoken Harvard sentences from a calibrated artificial mouth in our test chambereither with or without simulated background noisessimulated reverberant spacesor artificial wind.
- To measure battery lifewe play back music through the headphones or earbuds peaking at 75dB(SPL)a safe and realistic listening level.
In addition to objective testingour team of audio experts uses each of the headphones and earbuds to evaluate the experience of using the product. By wearing the headphones in day-to-day usewe evaluate the comfortnoting any pain points. We also make sure to try out each of the features that the headphones have to offersuch as using the equalizer in the companion app.
Using a combination of subjective and objective testingwe score each product. To learn more about how we evaluate headphones and earbudscheck out our in-depth explainer on how we test.
Here at SoundGuyswe’ve been testing audio products for over a decade. Our team comprises audio product experts who have tested hundreds of different headphonesearbudsand speakers. Moreoverour team comes from diverse backgrounds and a wealth of expertiseincluding audio engineeringfilm productionjournalismpodcastingmusic productionand even touring musicians.
Everything we recommend results from our objective measurements and great subjective experiences. Ultimatelywe want you to enjoy your purchase orat the very leastleave our site with a little more knowledge about the inner workings of audio. To see why you can trust us with your purchase decisionmake sure to check out our ethics policy.
Poll
Do you use headphones or earbuds while flying?
Best overall pick: Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony WF-1000XM5 delivers class-leading active noise canceling and a notably improved fit over the XM4 thanks to smallerlighter buds and more flexible foam tips. Its ANC is a clear step up with better isolation and updated processorsand in our testing the earbuds lasted 9 hours and 32 minutes on a single charge. The WF-1000XM5 supports Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC and LDACoffers Bluetooth multipoint and a dedicated pairing buttonand gains extensive customization through the Sony Headphones Connect app. Our MDAQS charts and ratings show the WF-1000XM5 among the highest overall scoresreflecting upgraded drivers and strong sound fidelity. This model also earned recognition for Best ANCBluetooth 5.0 and moreBest Sound Qualityand Best Battery Life.
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Best for Android users pick: JBL Tour Pro 3
JBL Tour Pro 3 is a feature-dense set of earbuds that leans into versatility for Android ownerswith Bluetooth 5.4 and support for SBCAACLDACand LC3. The standout is the Smart Charging Casewhich can act as a transmitter via USB or 3.5mm and even provides a small UI for changing sound and ANC settings without your phone. The JBL Headphones app unlocks a 10-band EQspatial audiopersoni-fi personal tuningear-tip fit testand regular firmware updates. The Tour Pro 3 holds an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance and managed over eight hours in our battery testingmaking it practical for long days away from a charger. All of this makes the Tour Pro 3 a natural fit for Android users who want broad codec support and a truly versatile case-driven experience.
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Best for Comfort pick: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 are designed with comfort in mindusing three sizes of concha fins and shallow nozzles so the buds sit securely without needing deep insertion. The Sennheiser Smart Control app adds a fit test and a 5-band EQ so you can tune sound and confirm a proper sealwhich helps both comfort and passive isolation. They carry an IP54 rating and in our standardized battery testing delivered about 7 hours and 45 minutes of playbackwith Qi wireless charging and a battery-protection mode in the app. The earbuds also support Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless (and later LC3/LE Audio after updates)making them flexible across devices. These traits earned them recognition for comfortand they also received Best for iPhone users acknowledgment for their solid integration and overall performance on iOS devices.
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Best Call Quality pick: Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 are built for workouts and travel with an IP68 rating on the earbudsShakeGrip coatingand physical button controls that are configurable in the Jabra Sound+ app. The app provides extensive call customizationincluding a microphone equalizersidetone controland other call-focused settings that help tailor voice pickup for different environments. Battery life in our testing reached about 9 hoursand the case supports wireless charging; the LE Audio smart case can also transmit audio from 3.5mm or USB-C sources for airplane or TV use. Noise canceling is strong for the category and HearThrough is adjustable in the appmaking these earbuds adaptable for both noisy workouts and phone calls. For these reasons we highlight them for call qualityand they also earned recognition as Best Value for their broad feature set.
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Our verdict
Across wireless earbudsthe Sony WF-1000XM5 nails the combination of top-tier ANClong battery lifeand high MDAQS-rated sound qualitymaking it our pick when noise suppression and fidelity matter most. The JBL Tour Pro 3 is the best option for Android users who want feature depth and a Smart Charging Case that doubles as a transmitter and on-case UIwhile the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 prioritizes comfort and a refined fit backed by a helpful fit test and robust codec support. The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 stand out for call-focused featuresdurabilityand a smart-case workflow that broadens use beyond standard Bluetooth.
For shoppers still weighing other options: the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100 aim at focusedsit-down listening with long battery life and high MDAQS sub-scores but show a specific bouncing-noise quirk on the highest ANC setting; the Nothing Ear (3) bring a distinctive Super Micstrong app customizationand solid ANC but some feature awkwardness in real-world use; the Technics EAH-AZ100 deliver competitive codecseffective ANC and an AI voice-focus call mode plus long battery lifemaking them a sensible pick for buyers wanting a different aesthetic and high-bitrate support.
FAQ
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Over-ear headphones with strong ANC work best on planes and trains.
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Compact earbuds are great for commuting and portability.
The best travel earbuds combine active noise cancellation (ANC) to block engine noiseong battery lifeand a comfortable fit you can wear for hours. Bonus points if they’re compactwith a case that’s easy to carry in a pocket or bag.
Many premium earbuds support multipoint pairingletting you stay connected to your phone and laptop/tablet at the same time. This is very handy for switching between entertainment and calls while travelling.
Earbuds are more compact and portablemaking them easier to carry through airports and pack in small bags. Over-ear headphones often provide stronger ANC and comfort for long flightsbut they take up more space. It comes down to whether you prioritize portability or maximum noise reduction.
- ANC + Transparency mode
- Multipoint connectivity
- Long battery life & quick charge
- Comfortable fit for long wear
- Compact charging case
- High-quality mic for calls
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