Flying is loud. Engine noise, cabin chatter, crying babies—it's a wall of sound that makes it impossible to sleep, work, or enjoy a movie. Noise cancelling headphones are the single best travel accessory you can buy. They turn a noisy cabin into your own quiet space.

For Canadian travellers flying between cities or across the Atlantic, here's what works best.

A man wearing a headset

Best Travel ANC Headphones

Headphones ANC (Plane) Battery Weight Foldable Price
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Best 24 hrs 250g No ~$600 CAD
Sony WH-1000XM5 Excellent 30 hrs 250g No ~$490 CAD
Sony WH-1000XM4 Very Good 30 hrs 254g Yes ~$320 CAD
Bose QC Headphones Very Good 24 hrs 240g Yes ~$490 CAD
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Good 60 hrs 293g Yes ~$490 CAD

Best for Flying: Bose QuietComfort Ultra

Bose has always been the king of airplane noise cancellation. The QC Ultra cancels low-frequency engine drone better than any competitor. On a long-haul flight from Toronto to London, the difference between Bose and Sony is noticeable—Bose makes the engine nearly disappear.

  • ANC: Best-in-class for low-frequency noise
  • Battery: 24 hours (enough for any flight)
  • Weight: 250g
  • Price: ~$600 CAD
For frequent flyers, the Bose QC Ultra's superior low-frequency noise cancellation is worth the premium. Engine noise is the hardest to cancel, and Bose does it best.

Best All-Rounder for Travel: Sony WH-1000XM5

The XM5 is nearly as good as Bose for airplane noise and better for everything else—sound quality, battery life, and versatility. 30 hours of battery means Toronto to Tokyo and back without charging.

  • ANC: Excellent
  • Battery: 30 hours
  • Weight: 250g
  • Price: ~$490 CAD

Best Value for Travel: Sony WH-1000XM4

The XM4 at ~$320 CAD is the smart buy for occasional travellers. ANC is very good on planes, battery lasts 30 hours, and it folds flat—a real advantage for packing.

  • ANC: Very good
  • Battery: 30 hours
  • Foldable: Yes
  • Price: ~$320 CAD

Travel-Specific Features to Consider

Foldable Design

The XM4 and Bose QC Headphones fold flat for packing. The XM5 and QC Ultra don't fold—they're slimmer but take up more case space.

Multipoint Connection

Connect to your phone and laptop simultaneously. Switch between in-flight entertainment and your phone without re-pairing.

Quick Charge

The Sony XM5 gives you 3 hours of playback from a 3-minute charge. Essential when you forgot to charge before your flight.

Wired Mode

All headphones on this list include a 3.5mm cable for wired use. Essential for in-flight entertainment systems that don't support Bluetooth.

Young woman with headphones in a modern city

📺 Watch: Best Travel Headphones 2026

Got Questions? Let's Clear Things Up.

Can I use Bluetooth headphones on a plane?

Yes. Most airlines allow Bluetooth headphones during flight. Some in-flight entertainment systems now support Bluetooth pairing directly. For systems that don't, use the included 3.5mm cable.

How much do noise cancelling headphones reduce airplane noise?

Premium ANC headphones reduce airplane engine noise by 85-95%. You'll still hear some noise, but it's reduced to a faint hum rather than a roar.

Are earbuds good enough for flying?

ANC earbuds (AirPods Pro 2, Sony WF-1000XM5) work well for shorter flights. For long-haul flights (5+ hours), over-ear headphones are more comfortable and cancel more noise.

Noise cancelling headphones transform the flying experience. The Bose QC Ultra is best for frequent flyers, while the Sony XM4 at $320 CAD is the value pick. For more options, check our best noise cancelling headphones guide.

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