Headphones for Use in Aircraft – Headphone Experts

Without a doubt, headphones are one of the most important pieces of equipment that an airplane passenger must have.

These headphones, in addition to providing a pleasant listening experience, play an important role in reducing the amount of noise that can be heard inside an airplane, particularly during takeoff and landing.

Due to the constant hum of the engines and the bustle of the other passengers, it may be difficult to focus or rest on board. This may also make it difficult for you to concentrate on your task.

Putting on headphones allows you to block out a significant portion of the distracting background noise, allowing you to enjoy your flight in a more relaxing and pleasurable manner.

Having said that, choosing the best headphones to wear on an airplane can be a stressful experience. This is because there are so many different types of headphones to choose from nowadays.

To select the best headset for your flight, you must consider a number of different factors. These characteristics include the headset’s ability to cancel out ambient noise, its level of comfort and fit, compatibility with in-flight entertainment systems, and durability.

In this article, we will look at some of the most dependable headphones on the market that are specifically designed for use in airplanes. In addition, we will offer advice on how to get the most out of your listening experience while in the air by making it as pleasurable as humanly possible.

5 Best Headphones for use in Airplane

In this Topic we will cover:-

Factors to consider when choosing headphones for use in aircraft
Review of top headphones for use in aircraft
Tips for using headphones in aircraft

1. Factors to consider when choosing headphones for use in aircraft

When choosing headphones for use in aircraft, there are several important factors to consider:

Noise cancelling capabilities:

In order to reduce ambient noise on a plane as well as create a more peaceful and pleasant listening experience, headphones are one of the main reasons why people use them. It is wise to choose headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, which is a type of noise cancellation that uses microphones to detect external sounds and produces opposing sound waves to cancel them out.

It is particularly useful for reducing the constant noise created by aircraft engines when this technique is used.

Comfort and fit:

Because you will most likely be using your headphones for an extended period of time while traveling, they must be comfortable and properly fitted. Look for headphones with padded ear cups and headbands, as well as options for adjusting the size of the headband and ear cups. In-ear headphones are another option for customers looking for a more compact and lightweight design.

Compatibility with in-flight entertainment systems:

The majority of modern aircraft are outfitted with in-flight entertainment systems that provide passengers with access to a wide range of movies, television shows, and musical selections.

When choosing headphones for use with the in-flight entertainment system, make sure they are compatible with either the audio jack or the Bluetooth link. Certain headphones may include a dual 3.5mm audio jack adaptor in the packaging for compatibility with these types of systems.

Durability and reliability:

Because it is probable that you will use your headphones on several occasions when traveling, it is crucial to choose a set that is dependable and constructed to withstand repeated use.

Look for headphones that have a solid construction and are made of high-quality materials, and make sure they come with some kind of warranty or guarantee in case there are any problems.

2. Review of top headphones for use in aircraft

Bose QuietComfort 35 II

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones are high-end headphones designed for use in noisy environments such as airplanes and other public places.

They are outfitted with an active noise canceling (ANC) technique, which uses microphones to detect noises from the outside environment and then generates waves to block those sounds out.

Even in the cacophonous and claustrophobic environment of a flight, this provides a more relaxing and immersive listening experience for the listener.

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II headphones are notable not only for their ability to block out ambient noise, but also for their exceptional comfort and light weight.

They have cushioned ear cups and headbands, as well as size options that can be adjusted, allowing them to be worn for longer periods of time without causing discomfort.

They also have a Bluetooth connection, allowing you to easily connect them to your in-flight entertainment system or other devices.

The extended battery life of the Bose QuietComfort 35 II is one of the product’s most notable features. They are ideal for use on multi-day journeys because a single charge can power them for up to 20 hours.

They also include a carrying case and a 3.5mm audio jack converter for use with in-flight entertainment systems. This provides additional protection for the headphones while they are in transit.

Product Features

Superior active noise cancellation
Great audio quality
Lightweight and comfortable design
20 hours of estimated battery life
Dedicated buttons for power, noise canceling, Bluetooth pairing, and Google Assistant
Volume control buttons on the right ear cup
Action button on the left ear cup for connecting to Google Assistant without having to touch your phone
Bose Connect app for adjusting noise canceling settings and mapping the Action button to noise-cancellation levels
Detachable boom mic for making them more portable
Excellent noise isolation
Leaks some audio at high volumes
World-class noise cancellation with Bose optimized audio.

Pros

Excellent sound quality:
Comfortable fit:
Durable design:
Active noise cancelling:
Long battery life:
Multiple connectivity options:
Customizable EQ:
Voice assistant compatibility:

Cons

Price:
No built-in assistant

Sony WH-1000XM4

With the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones, you will be able to experience high-end listening comfort while traveling in an aircraft or in loud environments.

In order to achieve noise cancellation, they feature active noise cancellation (ANC), which converts external sounds into opposing waves via microphones, which effectively eliminates them by generating opposing waves.

As a result, you will have a much more peaceful and immersive listening experience, even when you are on a crowded airplane.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 have the ability to cancel out noise in addition to providing a high level of comfort and lightweightness.

Besides the well-padded earcups and headbands, these headphones come with adjustable sizing options, so they will ensure a comfortable and secure fit for long periods of time.

Moreover, these headphones are enabled with Bluetooth connectivity so that you can easily pair them with your inflight entertainment system or a device of your choice.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 has a few standout features, but one of the most impressive is its Adaptive Sound Control technology, which allows you to adjust the noise cancelling levels automatically according to your surroundings when you are using the device.

In addition to that, they have a feature called Quick Attention. Using this feature, you can temporarily decrease the volume or turn off the noise cancelling feature by placing your hand over the right ear cup. This is located on the side of the headphones.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 has a long battery life, allowing you to use the device for up to 30 hours on a single charge.

As a bonus, the headphones come with a 3.5mm audio jack adapter so that they can be used with in-flight entertainment systems, as well as a carrying case to protect them during the flight.

Products Features

Great ANC
Comfortable
Connect to multiple devices at once
Expensive relative to competition
Closed, dynamic driver
1.57″ dome type (CCAW Voice coil)
Aluminum coated LCPS
Sensitivities (DB/MW) – 105 dB / mW (1 kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned on), 101 dB / mW (1 kHz) (when connecting via the headphone cable with the unit turned off)
Battery Charge Time – Approx. 3 Hours (Full charge)
Battery Life – Max. 30 hours (NC ON), Max. 38 hours (NC OFF)
Battery Life (Waiting) – Max. 30 hours (NC ON), Max. 200 hours (NC OFF)
Bluetooth – Version 5.0.

Pros

Excellent sound quality:
Comfortable fit:
Durable design:
Active noise cancelling:
Long battery life:
Multiple connectivity options:
Customizable EQ
Voice assistant compatibility:
Touch controls:

Cons

Price:
No built-in assistant:

Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless

The Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless headphones are a high-end pair designed for use in noisy environments such as airplanes and other crowded public places. Because these headphones are wireless, the user will not have to worry about tangled wires interfering with their listening experience.

They are outfitted with an active noise cancellation, or ANC, technology. This system employs microphones to detect sounds in the environment and then generates waves that drown out those sounds.

The listener will have a more soothing and immersive experience as a result of this, even in the cramped and cacophonous environment of an airplane.

The Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless headphones’ remarkable comfort and light weight, combined with their ability to filter out ambient noise, have earned them a well-deserved reputation for excellence.

They have padded ear cups and headbands, as well as the ability to be adjusted to a variety of different sizes, allowing the user to use them for extended periods of time without discomfort.

They also have a Bluetooth connection, allowing you to easily connect them to your in-flight entertainment system or other devices.

The Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless headphones have a stylish and trendy appearance and are available in black or ivory. They also have a long battery life, allowing them to operate for up to 22 hours on a single charge.

They come with a travel bag and a 3.5 millimeter audio jack converter to make them compatible with in-flight entertainment systems. This adds an extra layer of protection to the headphones while they are being transported.

Product features

Foldable design for easy portability
Asymmetrically shaped earpads for better fit and noise isolation
High-quality Alcantara headband
In-line remote with black plastic construction
3.5mm jack
Drivers remain the same
Earpad coupling allows for less bass leakage
Clarity and nuance in guitar plucks, definition in drum kicks and vocals
Weighty bass with Drake’s Started From the Bottom
Balanced energy and finesse for classical music
Improved sound quality over the original Momentum headphones.

Pros

Durable design
Active noise cancelling
Long battery life

Cons

Price
No audio jack:
No customizable EQ:

Bowers & Wilkins PX7

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 noise-cancelling headphones are built to withstand the rigors of flight travel as well as other harsh environments.

They accomplish this through a technique known as active noise cancellation, which involves using microphones to detect background noise and then generating waves to cancel it out (ANC).

Even in the confined and noisy environment of an airplane, this results in a more relaxing and engaging listening experience for the listener.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 headphones are noise-cancelling headphones that are also comfortable to wear and simple to use. They have padded ear cups and headbands, as well as being adjustable to fit your head size, so you can wear them all day.

Because they are equipped with Bluetooth technology, you can easily pair them with your mobile devices or the airplane’s entertainment system.

The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 is available in three colors: black, gold, and silver. Each of these colors has a contemporary and elegant appearance. Furthermore, they can run for up to 30 hours on a single charge of the battery.

They come with a carrying case and an adaptor for 3.5mm audio jacks, allowing them to be used with airplane entertainment systems.

One of the most notable features of the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 is its exceptional sound quality. These headphones’ carbon fiber composite arms and stainless steel headband create a more robust, acoustically transparent design capable of producing full-bodied and nuanced sound.

Product Features

Carbon composite yokes for a sturdy design
High clamping force of the band for stability
ANC toggle, power/pairing switch, volume control and mode toggle on the ear cups
3.5mm cable, type A to type C USB cable for charging, fabric-coated hardshell case
Bluetooth connection and wide range of Bluetooth codecs (aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX, AAC, SBC)
USB-C audio connection
32 hours and 53 minutes of battery life with ANC on, and 15 minutes quick charge for 5 hours of playback.

Pros

Excellent sound quality:
Comfortable fit:
Durable design:
Active noise cancelling:.
Long battery life:

Cons

Price:
No audio jack:
No customizable EQ:
No built-in assistant:

Beats Solo Pro

The Beats Solo Pro are a high-end pair of headphones that were designed to block out noise in a variety of environments and situations, including airplanes and other public places.

They do this through a process known as active noise cancellation, which involves using microphones to pick up background noise and then generating waves to counteract it (ANC).

Even in the confined and noisy environment of an airplane, this results in a listening experience that is both more relaxing and more engaging for the listener.

Headphones with a noise-cancelling lining additionally, the Beats Solo Pro headphones are very lightweight and comfortable to wear. They have padded ear cups and headbands in addition to being adjustable to fit the size of your head, so you can wear them comfortably all day.

Because they come equipped with Bluetooth technology, it will be simple for you to pair them with your mobile devices or the entertainment system on the airplane.

The Beats Solo Pro headphones can be purchased in either black, dark blue, or light blue, each of which contributes to the headphones’ overall streamlined and stylish appearance.

Additionally, they can function for up to 22 hours on a single charge of the battery. They come with a carrying case as well as an adaptor for 3.5mm audio jacks so that they can be used with entertainment systems found on airplanes.

You can hear surrounding sounds while still benefiting from the noise cancelling technology on the Beats Solo Pro thanks to its transparency mode.

This feature has a number of applications, the most notable of which are the transmission of in-flight announcements and the carrying on of conversations with other passengers.

Pros

Excellent noise cancelling capabilities
Highly comfortable and lightweight
Sleek and stylish design
Long battery life
Transparency mode allows you to hear your surroundings while still using noise cancelling

Cons

May be more expensive than some other options
Some users may not prefer the bass-heavy sound signature
No support for the aptX codec, which can result in lower quality audio over Bluetooth connections
Some users may experience connectivity issues with certain devices

Product features

Apple’s H1 chip for hands-free access to Siri, immediate pairing, and greater power efficiency for iOS devices
Speech-detecting accelerometer and beam-forming microphones
Adjustable noise cancelling technology
Tactile button for playback and call controls
Soft zippered pouch and Lightning cable
Up to 40 hours of battery life with noise cancelling and transparency modes turned off.

3. Tips for Using Headphones in Aircraft

Here are some suggestions for using headphones while flying:

It is critical to protect your hearing, especially in a noisy environment like an airplane, so make sure the volume is turned down to an appropriate level. If you intend to listen for an extended period of time, it is critical to keep the volume at an appropriate level and to take frequent pauses.

Put on the headphones correctly to get maximum noise reduction: Take care to use your headphones correctly so that you can get the most out of their noise-cancelling features.

The ear cups should completely cover your ears, and the headband should be adjusted to fit your head size.

To access the in-flight entertainment system, use the airplane’s audio jack or connect via Bluetooth. Nowadays, the vast majority of planes are outfitted with in-flight entertainment systems that give passengers access to a diverse selection of movies, television shows, and musical selections.

Check that the device has the appropriate audio jack or that it supports Bluetooth communication. This will ensure that you can connect your headphones and get the most out of the material.

Take proper care of your headphones: To ensure that your headphones last for more than one trip, handle them gently and always store them in the carrying case provided by the manufacturer when not in use.

It is critical to keep these items away from extreme temperatures or dampness, and to avoid rough handling or twisting the wires.

Conclusion and recommendation

In a nutshell, headphones are an essential piece of equipment for any air traveler. This is because they wish to lessen their exposure to surrounding noise and enhance the quality of their listening experience.

When choosing headphones to use on airplanes, there are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration, including noise-cancelling capabilities, comfort and fit, compatibility with in-flight entertainment systems, and long-term reliability.

After evaluating a wide variety of the most effective headphones for use on airplanes, it has become abundantly clear that the Bose QuietComfort 35 II, Sony WH-1000XM4, Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 Wireless, Bowers & Wilkins PX7, and Beats Solo Pro are all fantastic options.

They offer a diverse selection of features and benefits, and the choice that one makes ultimately depends on their individual preferences and financial constraints.

When you want to get the most out of your headphones and maximize the amount of noise reduction they provide, turn the volume down.

Wear them in the correct manner. You can use the audio jack on the aircraft as well as the Bluetooth connection. It is essential that you take care of your headphones and store them in a safe place when they are not being used.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I bring my own headphones on a plane?

On a plane, you are allowed to bring your own headphones with you. While most wired headsets are equipped with two 3.5mm audio and microphone connectors, they do not have the same compatibility with standard airline media systems that use two-pin plugs.

2. Why do airlines use two-pin sockets?

There is some speculation as to why two-pin sockets are used in commercial aircraft. One interpretation is that it is a relic from a bygone era. Two-pin connectors became standard in aircraft in the 1970s as a component of the tube-based audio systems that were commonly installed. Despite technological advances that have enabled electronic headphone systems, traditional two-pin connectors have not been phased out.

3. What is the best way to use my own headphones on a plane?

To use your own headphones on an airplane, the best option is to purchase an airline headphone converter, which converts a standard one-pin headphone port into a two-pin connection. This adapter is widely available in most electronics stores. Once you’ve plugged your headphones into the adapter and the adapter into the two-pin socket, you’re ready to go.