Top-tier headphones for ventures in 2025: perfect earphones for extended travel
Top Travel Headphones for 2025: Comfort, Noise-Cancelling, and Budget Options
In the ever-evolving world of audio technology, finding the perfect travel headphones can be a daunting task. However, this year, a handful of models stand out for their exceptional comfort, noise-cancelling capabilities, and budget-friendly options.
Sony WH-1000XM6 leads the pack as the top premium travel headphones. Known for its premium over-ear design, the WH-1000XM6 offers market-leading noise cancelling that filters a broad range of sounds, making it ideal for long flights and commutes. With a battery life of up to nearly 32 hours, quick attention transparency mode, and customizable EQ via companion app, these headphones are a testament to Sony's commitment to delivering an unparalleled audio experience. The price, at about $429.99, is a reflection of its high-end features [1][2][3][4].
For those prioritizing comfort and quality at a mid-range price, the Bose QuietComfort series is a recommended choice. The QuietComfort Ultra headphones and earbuds are known for their superior comfort and effective noise cancellation. The headphones, in particular, are praised for their secure, stable fit that is well suited for long flights. With models available around $199, they offer a great option for travelers seeking comfort and quality without breaking the bank [2].
For budget-conscious travelers who want active noise cancelling in earbuds, the Sony WF-C710N is an excellent choice. These budget-friendly earbuds offer very good ANC for their price point, along with musical and detailed sound and solid comfort. With a battery life of around 8.5 hours plus recharge case, they provide excellent value and are notably better than comparably priced options like JBL or AirPods in the same range [5].
In the realm of earbuds, the Nothing Ear (2) are stacked with features and sound fantastic despite their low price. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are one of the best-sounding pairs of earbuds, according to reviews, and offer superior active noise cancelling and a fantastic Immersive Audio feature.
The Sonos Ace headphones, recently reviewed by tech editor Mike Lowe, are the most comfortable pair of headphones. The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 offer superb dynamics and details in their audio quality, along with 30 hours of battery life between charges. They boast top-notch build quality and materials. The Px7 S3 are described as the noise-cancelling king in the website's review, making them the best travel headphones for noise-cancelling.
The Sony WH-1000XM6 have adaptive noise cancelling that can learn about your most commonly visited locations, and they are the best overall travel headphones, according to the website's top picks. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, on the other hand, offer superb, confident, expansive, and balanced sound, making them one of the best-sounding pairs of headphones.
In a recent update on July 4, 2025, newly-launched headphones were added to refresh the recommendations. The updated list continues to highlight the Sony WH-1000XM6 as the best overall travel headphones, the Bose QuietComfort series for the best comfort at a moderate price, and the Sony WF-C710N earbuds as the best budget ANC option.
[1] https://www.sony.com/electronics/headphones/wh1000xm6 [2] https://www.bose.com/en_us/products/headphones/quietcomfort-ultra.html [3] https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/sony-wh-1000xm6-headphones-review/ [4] https://www.wired.com/review/sony-wh-1000xm6/ [5] https://www.sony.com/electronics/headphones/wfc710n [6] https://www.nothing.tech/products/ear-2 [7] https://www.sonos.com/en-us/shop/ace [8] https://www.bowerswilkins.com/en/products/px7-s3 [9] https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-earbuds-review/ [10] https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-review/ [11] https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/sony-wh-1000xm6-headphones-review/ [12] https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/bowers-wilkins-px7-s3-headphones-review/
In the world of travel headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM6 boasts exceptional technology, showcasing market-leading noise cancellation, extended battery life, and customizable EQ through a companion app [1]. On the other hand, for budget-conscious travelers seeking active noise cancelling in earbuds, the Sony WF-C710N offers great value and is notably better than comparably priced options like JBL or AirPods [5].
