Traveling can be thrilling, but it’s rarely quiet. The roar of airplane engines, chatty passengers, public transit rumble, or the hustle of a busy terminal can easily overwhelm your senses—and your music. That’s why a great pair of noise-canceling earbuds can be a game-changer for travelers.
Unlike traditional earbuds, active noise-canceling (ANC) earbuds use microphones to pick up ambient noise and then generate inverse sound waves to cancel it out. This technology blocks distractions and helps you stay focused, rested, or simply enjoy your audio in peace.
With so many models on the market, finding the right pair for travel can be tough. We’ve narrowed it down to the top noise-canceling earbuds in 2025 that combine excellent ANC performance, comfort, battery life, and portability.
1. Sony WF-1000XM5
Why It’s Great for Travelers:
Sony has refined its flagship earbuds year after year, and the WF-1000XM5 might be its best travel companion yet. With improved active noise cancellation, smaller form factor, and longer battery life, they’re built for both comfort and quiet.
Highlights:
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Top-tier ANC that adapts to your environment
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Excellent sound quality with customizable EQ via the app
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Up to 8 hours of battery life (24 with charging case)
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Multipoint Bluetooth support for switching devices
Drawbacks:
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Premium price point
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Touch controls can be sensitive
These are among the best noise-canceling earbuds on the market for travelers who demand performance and style.
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Why It’s Great for Travelers:
Bose is known for its stellar noise cancellation, and the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds continue that legacy. They deliver an immersive experience with balanced sound, plush fit, and class-leading ANC that’s especially effective on flights.
Highlights:
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World-class noise cancellation
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Immersive Audio mode for spatial sound
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Comfortable fit for long travel days
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6 hours of battery life, with 24 total via the case
Drawbacks:
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Case is larger than competitors
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Some find the fit bulky
For travelers who prioritize silence above all else, these are a top pick.
3. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)
Why It’s Great for Travelers:
If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are nearly a no-brainer. With a recent update to USB-C charging and better chip efficiency, these offer seamless integration with Apple devices and excellent ANC performance.
Highlights:
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Smooth integration with iPhones, iPads, and Macs
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Adaptive Transparency Mode reduces sudden loud sounds
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Spatial Audio support for immersive listening
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6 hours of listening time, 30 hours with case
Drawbacks:
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Best features are limited to Apple users
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ANC is slightly behind Sony/Bose in some environments
For Apple loyalists, the convenience and performance are hard to beat.
4. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Why It’s Great for Travelers:
Android users—and Samsung fans in particular—will appreciate the Galaxy Buds2 Pro for their sleek design and rich feature set. They pack robust ANC, 24-bit Hi-Fi audio support (on Samsung phones), and IPX7 water resistance, making them great for any kind of trip.
Highlights:
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Great ANC and clear call quality
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360 Audio for immersive experiences
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Compact, pocket-friendly case
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5 hours of battery life (ANC on), 18 hours with case
Drawbacks:
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Full features only available with Samsung phones
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Shorter battery life than competitors
Ideal for Android users who want excellent ANC in a travel-ready form.
5. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
Why It’s Great for Travelers:
Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4 focuses on premium sound quality, making them perfect for travelers who want studio-like audio on the go. ANC has been improved over previous generations and the ergonomic design ensures a snug fit even during long flights.
Highlights:
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Rich, detailed sound signature
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Improved noise cancellation
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7.5 hours of playback, 30 hours with charging case
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AptX Adaptive and Bluetooth 5.4
Drawbacks:
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No wireless charging
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App interface could be smoother
These are ideal for audiophiles who don’t want to compromise sound for portability.
6. Jabra Elite 10
Why It’s Great for Travelers:
The Jabra Elite 10 strikes an ideal balance between comfort, ANC, and voice clarity. Their semi-open design helps with long-wear comfort, and they include six microphones for excellent call quality—perfect if you take work calls while traveling.
Highlights:
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Comfortable fit with AirComfort tech
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ANC performance rivals big brands
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Dolby Atmos and Spatial Sound support
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6 hours of use, 27 hours total with the case
Drawbacks:
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Slightly bulkier design
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Not as well-known as Sony or Bose
These are great for business travelers or digital nomads juggling meetings and media.
7. Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Why It’s Great for Travelers:
On a budget but still want solid ANC? The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC punches well above its price. With impressive noise canceling, long battery life, and a solid app for customization, these are great for travelers who don’t want to overspend.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NCHighlights:
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Surprisingly strong ANC for the price
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11 hours of playtime, 50+ hours with the case
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Adjustable EQ and ANC settings via app
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Multipoint connectivity
Drawbacks:
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Sound quality not as refined as high-end models
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Bulky case
Perfect for budget-conscious travelers who still want great features.
8. Google Pixel Buds Pro
Why It’s Great for Travelers:
For Pixel phone users or those who prefer Google’s ecosystem, the Pixel Buds Pro offer intuitive integration, hands-free Google Assistant, and effective ANC. They’re great for travelers who value convenience and smarts over audiophile tuning.
Highlights:
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Auto-switching across Android devices
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Silent Seal for personalized ANC
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Up to 11 hours of listening time, 31 hours with the case
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Wireless charging support
Drawbacks:
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Occasional Bluetooth hiccups
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ANC not as strong as Bose/Sony
These are best for Android users who want Google-smart convenience.
Conclusion
When choosing the best noise-canceling earbuds for travel, consider the following:
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Noise cancellation strength: Especially important on planes or trains
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Battery life: Look for 5+ hours minimum with ANC on
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Comfort and fit: You’ll wear them for hours—don’t compromise
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Platform compatibility: Choose based on your phone or devices
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Portability: Compact charging cases make a big difference
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, weekend road tripper, or city commuter, there’s a pair of ANC earbuds that can make your journey more peaceful. From the premium prowess of Sony and Bose to value-packed options like Anker, you can find a model that meets your needs and budget.
