Top-Notch Headphones for On-the-Go Listening During Travels
Traveling can be a noisy experience, but having a good pair of headphones can make it a lot more enjoyable. Here's a roundup of some top picks for the best headphones to take with you on your journeys.
Shruti Shekar's Choice: Sonos Ace Over-Ear
I'm a big fan of Sonos products, and the Sonos Ace headphones are no exception. They offer incredible comfort, and while the noise-cancellation could be better, it's good enough for me to zone out. I love listening to music while reading, and these headphones have been a game-changer for my long-haul flights.
Derrek Lee's Pick: Jabra Elite 8 Active
Although Jabra is no longer producing consumer earbuds, I'm glad I held on to my Jabra Elite 8 Active pair. The audio quality is great, they're durable, and I love that they have physical buttons for easy control. If you can find the Gen 2 version, I'd definitely recommend those. They add LE Audio capabilities and let you plug the case into a headphone jack for direct connection to airplane entertainment.
Jerry Hildenbrand's Favorite: Campfire Audio Stellar Horizon
These wired earbuds may be expensive, but they sound amazing and fit perfectly. They're not the most practical for travel due to the risk of losing them, but they're worthy investments if you can handle the expense.
Nick Sutrich's Top Pick: CMF Buds Pro 2
Affordable and unique, the CMF Buds Pro 2 earbuds are a standout option in today's crowded market. The charging case doubles as a way to interact with your earbuds, making them easy to control without your phone. It's the little things like this that can make a big difference on the go.
Patrick Farmer's Recommendation: Sony WH-1000XM4
Although these headphones were released several years ago, they continue to impress me with their blend of comfort, balanced sound, and customizable noise cancellation. They're a must-have for any traveler who wants to enjoy their music in peace.
Andrew Myrick's Pick: Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 3
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Pixel Buds Pro 2 are both excellent choices, but I've gone with the Galax Buds Pro 3 thanks to their stem controls. I've also paired them with Comply TrueGrip Memory Foam ear tips for a secure and comfortable fit.
Harish Jonnalagadda's Selection: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Buds (for short trips) and QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (for longer trips)
For short trips, I prefer the Bose QuietComfort Ultra buds. They excel at noise isolation, have great sound quality, and fit comfortably. For longer trips, I upgrade to the QuietComfort Ultra headphones for added comfort and even better noise isolation.
Michael Hicks' Pick: Shokz OpenFit 2 (for walking) and Meta Ray-Bans (for outdoor activities)
I typically use my Shokz OpenFit 2 earbuds for walking because they allow me to hear the sounds around me while still enjoying my music. I use my Meta Ray-Bans for outdoor activities because they offer protection from the sun and open-ear audio.
Brady Snyder's Recommendation: Apple AirPods Max
While I don't love the AirPods Max, they're the best headphones I've found for blocking out airplane noise and turbulence. The noise isolation is unmatched, making them a must-have for any plane trip.
Namerah Saud Fatmi's Selection: Marshall Monitor III ANC
I can't travel without my Marshall Monitor III ANC headphones. They offer an incredible 70-hour battery life, advanced noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. I highly recommend these headphones for anyone who struggles with noise sensitivity during travel.
Nandika Iyer Ravi's Pick: Apple AirPods
For me, it's all about convenience and comfort. That's why I stick with my AirPods when I travel. They fit my ears perfectly without the need for rubber tips, making them easy to carry and use on the go.
The Sonos Ace Over-Ear headphones, as recommended by Shruti Shekar, are ideal for those who love to unwind with music while reading, especially during long-haul flights. On the other hand, Derrek Lee's pick, the Jabra Elite 8 Active, offers great durability and audio quality, making them suitable for travelers who prioritize practicality and excellent sound.