I love nothing more than listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks on public transportation while staring blankly out of a window. Tuning out the world for a bit to be immersed in audio is a great pleasure, and having the best pair of cans to do that with is vital. Whether you’re looking for great noise-canceling, comfort, or pure audio quality, there are tons of options out there. We’re going to recommend the best of the best, from the top wireless headphones to the best-wired headphones for on-the-go listening.
Bluetooth Headphones
It’s the most obvious pick for a reason. Most of that has to do with its superb noise-canceling, which is likely what you’ll favor most if you’re buying headphones for travel. The XM5 might not have the best sound quality compared to the other selections on this list, but the comfort and isolation are unlike anything else you’ll find on the market. It’s not like the XM5 has bad sound quality though, as the bass is very energetic and you can personalize the sound through in-app EQ.
While the noise-canceling isn’t as strong as the XM5, the Momentum 4 still offers great isolation with better sound quality. Everything from the bass to the highs has better resolution while still providing impact to the sound. You also get a better stereo soundstage that separates the instruments more favorably. It also features the best battery life on the market for ANC headphones, with a maximum of 60 hours of playtime off a complete charge.
The PX7 S2e is one of the best-looking wireless headphones on the market, but it’s not all about style. Thankfully, the PX7 S2e is more than just its looks; its sound and comfort are great, too. It has a compact design that makes them easy to carry around and rest on your shoulders when you’re not using them. You also get good separation and a fun sound signature that combines texture and detail. The noise-canceling also gets the job done, combined with natural isolation from the ear pads. These headphones also have the best color variations, from ocean blue to forest grey.
Now we are starting to get into the audiophile territory. Focal is known for its high-end headphones and speakers, and its Bluetooth option is one of the best. The Bathys is not only one of the best sounding wireless headphones, it’s just a great sounding headphone regardless of its Bluetooth capabilities. It also has a sleek design that is comfortable to wear for many hours. The cups are very breathable and have naturally isolated properties on top of good ANC. Sound quality is what you’re buying these headphones for through, and it is nothing short of amazing. This is the closest thing to having audiophile-grade headphones that are wireless.
If you’re really looking to go all out, I highly recommend the Dali IO-12. It’s one of the priciest selections on this list, but it offers you so much. The sound is nothing short of spectacular, containing little difference from some of the best closed-back wired headphones out there. They’re bigger than most headphones on this list too, but that’s mostly do to the large ear pads, which are super comfortable. It’s one of the few Bluetooth headphones out there that truly makes you feel like you’re listening to a luxury product.
Wired Headphones
If you’re looking for a closed-back headphone that is inexpensive, has good sound quality, and is comfortable, then the Sivga SV021 might be the whole package. For on-the-go listening, the SV021 offers these big ear pads that rest on your head comfortably while forming a tight seal on your ears. It also has a very clean sound that has a kick to its bass. The aesthetic of the SV021 is also on-point, especially te rosewood variation.
You can never go wrong with a classic like the M50x. These headphones are bound to show up on many lists out there regarding headphones, so it’s safe to say that they make great travel companions as well. With the M50x, you’ll be able to enjoy studio-quality sound anywhere, with a classic build that always comes out with some assortment of color variations. Most of its parts are replaceable too, like the ear pads which tend to wear over time.
Another studio legend that I have no problem traveling with is the Beyerdynamic DT 770. I choose the recent edition of the 770 mainly because of the quality of life differences, like the replaceable cable and more comfortable ear pads for the easier-to-drive version. These headphones can withstand more than the M50x can, and although they are slightly bigger, the sound is exactly what you need.
Like the SV021, the 99 Classics is another simple plug-and-play headphone. It’s also another stylish wooden design with a compact look and comfortable ear pads. What elevates the 99 Classics is Meze’s sound signature, which enhanced vocals and instruments to great transparency. Upgrading the stock cable also makes the 99 Classics an even better investment.
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