Pack these noise-cancelling headphones next time you travel
From over-ear, noise-cancelling headphones to earphones fit for short-haul breaks, these are your new favourite travel companions...
Words: Jonathan Wells
From flights to ferries, travelling can be a stressful experience — especially these days. After months of lockdowns and staycations, packing up, shipping out or jetting off can induce all manner of anxieties. And that’s before we even get to your fellow passengers. Whether they’re screaming children or raucous groups, a packed car, carriage or cabin can be enough to make you wish you stayed at home.
So, the next time you check-in or climb aboard, make sure you pack some noise-cancelling headphones. That way, whether you encounter tantrums or turbulence, you’ll be safe in your own personal, peaceful haven. Here are the best headphones to pack the next time you travel…
Hush the hustle and bustle with over-ear headphones
If you’ve got room in your carry-on, and want the best in both comfort and noise-cancelling, then an over-ear option is the only way to go. From Bose, these ‘QuietComfort’ headphones are built using supremely light materials, feature an ‘Aware mode’ and offer direct access to Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can effortlessly manage your to-do list or handle calls on-the-go.
Alternatively, Sennheiser promises that its ‘Momentum 3’ headphones can turn any journey into a ‘first class experience’ thanks to pioneering adaptive noise cancellation technology. Or, if you want something truly groundbreaking, Sony’s ‘WH-1000XM4’ headphones have a 30-hour battery life — giving you enough time to completely cut yourself off from check-in to touchdown.
Quiet any commotion with these on-ear headphones
With all the benefits of an over-ear headphones packed into a considerably smaller size, on-ear headphones are a great alternative for frequent flyers or travelling businessmen who like to pack light. And these ‘PX5’ headphones, from Bowers & Wilkins, are perfect for any short haul hops — not only will they drown out any din, but their woven carbon fibre construction doesn’t cut any corners on comfort.
Marshall, too, is on top of its on-ear game. With up to three full days of battery life, you can take all the flights, trains and taxi rides you want without compromising on roaring bass and brilliant treble. Or, if you’ve always been a Beats loyalist, rest easy; the ‘Solo3 Wireless’ model are the brand’s best yet. Our favourite feature? ‘Fast Fuel’ — which allows users to get three hours of playback from just five minutes of charging.
Silence all sounds with these in-ear headphones
The ultimate in utility and portability, in-ear headphones offer you both the chance to slip a top gadget in your pocket, and also plug in and escape the world whenever you see fit. And, if you want ultimate control, turn to KEF. The British brand’s ‘Mu3’ true wireless earphones have been engineered to deliver pure, accurate sound everywhere — and were designed in collaboration with visionary Ross Lovegrove.
Apple’s 3rd Generation AirPods are a little like the Beats above; a natural choice for existing iPhone users and sweet-sounding proof that the tech giant is just getting better and more technically astute with age. Or, designed for any audiophiles embarking on long-haul journeys, these Bang & Olufsen ‘Beoplay EQ’ headphones are noise-cancelling and powered by a new 6.88mm electro-dynamic driver.
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