Mashable editors and writers, including past and current tech reporters, senior tech editors, as well as shopping reporters and editors, conducted hands-on testing of seven different headphones. The selection of these headphones was guided by several key criteria:
Comfort: Headphones that are uncomfortable for long-term wear were excluded, as comfort is essential for enjoying active noise cancellation (ANC) during extended use, such as long flights.
Battery life: Headphones with short battery life were not considered, as they need to last through at least short trips. The selections typically involved higher-end models with extended battery life and quick charge options.
Active noise cancellation quality: The focus was on headphones providing multiple levels of ANC or a strong single level of ANC without needing music to be effective, as not all ANC technology is equal.
Portability: Given the bulkiness of over-the-ear models, the selection prioritized headphones that could be folded or came with sleek carrying cases to enhance travel-friendliness.
- Durability: Durability was crucial for withstanding the wear and tear of travel, leading to higher-cost selections that offer longevity and justify the initial investment.
For more information on the testing process for headphones and earbuds, a comprehensive guide is available through Mashable’s resource.
Recent Testing Updates:
In February 2025, the EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds were added as the top budget pick, replacing the Anker Soundcore P3i earbuds. The testing of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones is ongoing.
In September 2024, there were no lineup changes. The Dyson OnTrac headphones, despite their long battery life, were not included because they are too bulky and costly to be recommended as travel headphones.
In August 2024, the Bose 700 headphones were removed from the list due to discontinuation. No replacement for adjustable ANC headphones has been selected.
In June 2024, the Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones were phased out for the same reason. Testing is underway on the new Bose QuietComfort headphones as potential replacements.
In May 2024, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e headphones were evaluated. Despite their high-end design and sound, their ANC and Bluetooth stability did not meet expectations, leading to the recommendation of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones instead.
In April 2024, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 headphones were added to the tested lineup, previously included based on research and reviews.
Other additions include Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones in November 2023 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds in February 2024. Although the JBL Tour One M2 headphones displayed good battery life, comfort, and multipoint pairing, their ANC did not justify the $300 price tag, making Bose headphones a preferable option.
