Frequent flyers know the struggle: roaring jet engines, crying babies, and chatty seatmates can turn a long-haul flight into a nightmare. The solution? A premium pair of Active Noise Canceling (ANC) headphones.
For the US traveler, the right headphones need to offer more than just good sound. They must feature marathon battery life for cross-country flights, all-day comfort, and a compact carrying case that easily slips into a carry-on backpack.
In this guide, we've rigorously tested and reviewed the top contenders on the market to help you find your perfect travel companion. Here is what you should look for:
ANC Quality: Can it block out low-frequency airplane hums?
Battery Life: Does it last longer than a 15-hour international flight?
Comfort: Are the earcups deep and breathable?
Read on for our top recommendations.