It can be tough to choose the right headphones for travel. With so many great options out there, how can you choose? Well we’re here to help, with this list of headphones that would be great for travel and portable use. Whether entry-level or top of the line, Bluetooth or wired, we’ll cover something from every price bracket and use case so you can choose accordingly. So let’s just jump right in.
Best Wireless Travel Headphones
Strauss & Wagner ANCBT501
The Strauss & Wagner SW-ANCBT501 is an excellent entry-level option for travelers due to its lightweight, over-ear design and impressive portability features. With active noise cancellation (ANC) and Bluetooth 5.0, these headphones allow you to enjoy music wirelessly while effectively blocking out ambient noise, whether you’re on a plane or navigating through a busy city. The 40-hour battery life ensures that you won’t need to recharge often, making it ideal for long journeys. The inclusion of a compact carrying case adds to its travel-friendly nature, while the foldable design minimizes bulk in your luggage.
Final Audio UX3000
The Final Audio UX3000 is a solid choice for travelers seeking a balance of sound quality and convenience. With its compact design and lightweight build, it’s easy to pack and carry, especially with the included carrying pouch. The unique Shibo coating resists dirt and fingerprints, making it ideal for frequent handling while on the move. Its ANC is highly effective at reducing background noise, which is especially beneficial in noisy environments like airports or on public transportation. Bluetooth 5.0 with multipoint connection ensures seamless pairing and uninterrupted listening across multiple devices, and the 35-hour battery life (25 hours with ANC) means you won’t be recharging often during long journeys.
Sennheiser Accentum Plus
The Sennheiser Accentum Plus is an ideal travel companion, combining portability with advanced features that enhance the listening experience on the go. With its adaptive hybrid ANC, this headphone adjusts noise cancellation based on your surroundings, making it perfect for blocking out unwanted sounds during flights or in busy environments. Its lightweight design and compact carrying case ensure easy storage, while the 50-hour battery life guarantees extended listening without frequent recharges, perfect for long trips. The Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with aptX Adaptive ensures stable wireless performance, and its responsive touch controls make adjusting volume and playback seamless without needing to pull out your phone.
Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 represents a step up towards a more premium travel experience. Designed with portability in mind, the headphones feature a thin headband and improved earcup design for greater comfort during long trips. The earcups swivel to lie flat, making them easy to store in the compact carrying case, although they no longer fold like earlier versions, which might slightly impact packing efficiency. The adaptive hybrid ANC is exceptional, automatically adjusting to your surroundings, making the XM5 ideal for blocking out the noise of airports, flights, or bustling city environments. With a 30-hour battery life and the option to use a cable if the battery runs out, the XM5 ensures you’re always prepared for extended travel. Fast pairing, a stable Bluetooth 5.2 connection, and intuitive touch controls enhance its usability on the move, making the WH-1000XM5 a standout option for travelers who want premium sound and comfort.
Noble Audio FoKus Apollo
The Noble Audio FoKus Apollo is an ideal choice for those who demand premium sound and versatility in a portable package. With its lightweight yet durable anodized aluminum frame and plush memory foam earpads wrapped in luxurious Korean Protein leather, it offers comfort and durability for long trips. The included EVA carrying case ensures easy transport, and its multiple wired and wireless connection options provide flexibility for various travel situations, whether you’re on a plane or moving between destinations. With up to 80 hours of battery life (60 hours with ANC), the FoKus Apollo is built for extended travel without frequent recharging. Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity makes switching between devices seamless, while the ANC significantly reduces background noise. Whether you’re commuting, on a long flight, or exploring a new city, the FoKus Apollo offers both portability and high-end audio performance to meet your travel needs.
Focal Bathys
The Focal Bathys combines Focal’s signature design elements with a sturdy construction with a luxurious feel, making it durable yet comfortable for extended use. The lightweight design and spacious earcups ensure a snug but comfortable fit during long journeys, while the included zippered carrying case enhances its travel-friendliness. With ANC modes tailored for different environments, such as “Silent Mode” for flights or noisy public spaces, the Bathys ensures a distraction-free listening experience on the go. Bluetooth 5.1 with multipoint connectivity allows seamless device switching, and the impressive 30-hour battery life with ANC on ensures extended playback for long trips. Fast charging also provides an extra five hours of playtime with just 15 minutes of charging. For those willing to invest in high-end wireless headphones, the Focal Bathys delivers an unparalleled blend of portability, style, and superior sound quality, making it an excellent travel companion.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8
The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 is another solid luxury option. With its sleek design featuring a matte finish, cast aluminum arms, and Nappa leather ear pads, the PX8 is lightweight and comfortable for extended use, making it ideal for long flights or commutes. The included compact carrying case ensures easy storage and protection while on the go. Equipped with advanced ANC and an environmental mode, the PX8 adapts effortlessly to various environments, from noisy airports to quiet hotel rooms. With 30 hours of battery life and fast charging that provides seven hours of playback from just a 15-minute charge, the PX8 is perfectly suited for extended travel. Its seamless Bluetooth 5.1 connection and multipoint capabilities ensure smooth transitions between devices.
Mark Levinson No. 5909
The Mark Levinson No. 5909 is a premium choice for audiophiles on the move, offering a luxurious and portable listening experience. Designed with high-grade materials such as anodized aluminum and automotive-grade painted metal, the No. 5909 exudes durability while maintaining a sleek, stylish aesthetic. Despite its slightly heavier build, the plush leather earcups provide comfort for extended listening during long trips. The included hard-shell carrying case and an array of cables and adapters, including an airplane audio adapter, make the No. 5909 highly travel-friendly. With its impressive ANC, the No. 5909 ensures an immersive and peaceful listening environment. A battery life of up to 30 hours with ANC enabled allows for continuous listening on long flights, while Bluetooth 5.1 ensures reliable, high-quality wireless connectivity.
T+A Solitaire T
The T+A Solitaire T offers a top of the line travel experience for audiophiles. Its sleek, sturdy design with high-quality leather padding ensures comfort during long journeys. Weighing just 326 grams, the Solitaire T feels secure yet comfortable, and the rotating earcups make it easy to rest around the neck. The firm carrying case and multiple connection options, including 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks, as well as a USB-C cable, add to its versatility for various travel scenarios. With a remarkable 70-hour battery life (35 hours in high-quality mode) and adaptive ANC that effectively minimizes environmental noise, the Solitaire T is ideal for long flights or commutes. Bluetooth 5.1 ensures a reliable wireless connection, and its “High Quality” mode, driven by a built-in Quad SABRE HiFi DAC, elevates sound performance. For audiophiles seeking exceptional sound and features in a wireless package, the Solitaire T is a luxurious yet practical travel companion.
Best Wired Travel Headphones
Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is a perfect blend of durability and portability, making it an excellent companion for travel. Known for its foldable design, the M50x is easy to pack into its drawstring carrying pouch, ensuring it won’t take up much space in your bag. With plush ear pads and a padded headband, the M50x provides comfort during long listening sessions, whether you’re on a plane or commuting. Its detachable cables, including coiled and straight options, add versatility for different travel scenarios. The secure earcup seal helps isolate external noise, making it easier to enjoy your music in busy environments. Durable, functional, and with a robust sound profile, the ATH-M50x is a reliable choice for those seeking high-quality audio on the go at a great price.
Sivga Oriole
The Sivga Oriole is an excellent option for listeners seeking stylish, portable headphones with solid performance. Its lightweight design, featuring beautifully crafted rosewood earcups with a glossy piano finish, strikes a perfect balance between durability and elegance. The foldable design and included hemp carrying bag make it easy to pack and transport, while the memory foam ear pads provide comfort during long listening sessions. With a low 32 Ohm impedance and a detachable 3.5mm cable, the Oriole is compatible with most portable devices, making it convenient for on-the-go use. The headphone’s sound signature, characterized by a rich bass response and crisp upper mids, delivers an engaging listening experience that enhances a wide range of music genres. Whether you’re on a plane, train, or simply exploring a new city, the Sivga Oriole is a stylish and portable companion for your travels.
Dan Clark Aeon 2 Noire
Turning things up a notch, we have the Dan Clark Aeon 2 Noire. The Dan Clark AEON 2 Noire is an exceptional mid-fi audiophile headphone. Its compact, foldable design makes it easy to pack in its included hard case, perfect for saving space in your luggage. The lightweight build, featuring a combination of carbon fiber, aluminum, and titanium, ensures durability without adding extra weight, making it comfortable for long listening sessions. The planar magnetic drivers, enhanced by Dan Clark’s proprietary TrueFlow technology, provide a detailed, immersive sound experience, while included tuning adjustment options allow for personalized audio preferences. Though it’s best paired with a dedicated amplifier for optimal performance, the AEON 2 Noire’s versatility and portability make it a reliable travel companion for those who demand premium sound on the go.
Denon AH-D7200
The Denon AH-D7200 offers a blend of luxury and performance, making it a solid option for audiophiles who travel frequently. Its lightweight yet sturdy aluminum frame, paired with plush sheepskin leather pads, ensures long-lasting comfort during extended listening sessions, whether you’re on a flight or relaxing in a hotel room. The wooden zebrawood ear cups not only add a touch of elegance but also contribute to the headphone’s durable build. While not foldable, the included drawstring carrying pouch makes it relatively easy to transport. The AH-D7200’s 50mm FreeEdge drivers deliver a detailed and precise sound signature, offering a quick, impactful bass response and a balanced treble, perfect for enjoying high-quality audio on the go. Though its soundstage is more intimate than expansive, the detailed imaging and accurate layering ensure an engaging listening experience during your travels.
Dan Clark Audio Stealth
The Dan Clark Audio Stealth is an exceptional headphone for audiophiles who prioritize both premium sound quality and portability during travel. Yes this may be a bit overkill, but for the audiophile who wants a TOTL option to bring on the go, this is the pick. Just make sure you pair it with the proper amplification it deserves.
Despite being a closed-back planar magnetic headphone, its unique Acoustic Metamaterial Tuning System creates an expansive soundstage that rivals open-back models, making it perfect for immersive listening experiences on the go. The Stealth’s lightweight design and foldable ear cups allow it to easily fit into the included compact carrying case, making it highly portable for travelers. Its automatically adjusting headband and comfortable oval-shaped earcups ensure a snug fit for long listening sessions, whether on flights or during extended trips. With a durable yet sleek build, impressive sound isolation, and a balanced sound signature that maintains clarity across all frequencies, the Stealth combines high-end performance with the practicality needed for travel.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, whether you’re a casual listener or a dedicated audiophile, there’s a wide range of headphones that cater to both travel needs. From budget-friendly Bluetooth options like the Strauss & Wagner ANCBT501 to high-end choices like the Dan Clark Stealth, each model offers unique features designed for comfort, durability, and sound quality on the go. Wired or wireless, entry-level or premium, these headphones deliver solid performance for travelers who value convenience without sacrificing audio excellence.
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