I have AirPods Pro which are just ok for noise cancellation, but I'm considering an over the ear noise cancelling headphone set specifically for flights. Anyone have suggestions? Bose, Sony, Apple, others?

I have a wired Bose set. Really like them. Bought the wired version because they were cheaper and I wanted to use them on a flight to India and back where I would need to plug in to watch movies. I've made two trips to india with them and multiple domestic flights.

If I want to use them on domestic flights where you use your phone, I'm OK with plugging them in. It's not a "cool" look by any stretch but I don't care. The noise cancellation function is great.

Had the Bose but switched to the Sony and I really like them.

Have some Bose QC 25s that I keep around for this exact reason, still love 'em after 10 years.

They do sell replacement parts for the Bose. That was a nice discovery.

I have both Bose and Sony. They're both good.

+1 for wired

Also, one time on a Cathay Pacific 777, they had an old school 1970s style large headphone jack. So buy one of those adapters and the 1:2 adapter for Qantas an a few others in case the plane doesn't have the standard 3.5mm jack.

I was going to go with Bose but most of the reviews I read said Sony was better, so I went with Sony. They have been great so far, but I'm sure you can't go wrong with Bose! Either way, over the ear noise cancelling headphones are a complete game changer for air travel. I can't express how much they've improved my stress levels on long haul flights.

On my second set of Bose and love them. Wife made fun of me the first set, but now has her own.

Never had an issue with battery life either on longer flights.

Appreciate the replies. I'm considering going with Sony 1000MX5

I have the Sony noise canceling wireless ones. They also have a cable for line-in (airplane tv screens).

Work great. Probably $100 or $150

I use Bose A20 on my flights. Love 'em!

It has been several years so I forget the exact model - QC25 Stealth Edition or something along those lines.

Worked great until they didn't. At first it was intermittent then became permanent - the battery would lose connection internally. Couldn't be fixed because the connection was inside a sealed portion of the headphones.

My wife has the Sony WH-1000XM5. They're wireless and she's only had them since Christmas but so far she says they're great.

I liked the specs of the Sony XM5s but ultimately went with the latest model Bose QC because they were almost 150.00 cheaper at BestBuy and I don't think the Sonys are 150.00 better. Day to day I use airpod pros but can't wear them for more than a few hours without my ears starting to hurt. On a recent trip to the middle east I wanted over ear for the long flight and the Bose were perfect. Was able to wear them for a majority of the flight with no discomfort and they did a great job at the active noise cancellation. Battery life was great and was able to use them on a single charge for the entire 14 hour flight. You can use them corded or wireless which I liked to be able to switch between my phone and the in-flight infotainment system. The Sonys do that as well.

Looks like right now the Bose are ~70.00 cheaper (280 vs 350) at BestBuy.

I use the qc35 2nd gen. No issues, best in class noise cancellation. I think you won't go wrong with either.

I've had the Sony WH-1000XM3 for several years and like them. They can be both wired and wireless, which comes in handy on long-haul flights.

fire09 said:

---

I use the qc35 2nd gen. No issues, best in class noise cancellation. I think you won't go wrong with either.

---

Same here. Wired/wireless comes in handy.

I had a pair of Sonys that I used for about 7-8 years and they finally gave out on me. I replaced them last year with the Bose QC45s and the Bose are much better at cancellation (as one would expect, being 8 years newer technology). They have both bluetooth and wired connections available. I like that you can switch back and forth from "aware" to noise cancellation using a button on the headphones without having to turn off your music or change the volume.

TP Ag '87 said:

---

I've had the Sony WH-1000XM3 for several years and like them. They can be both wired and wireless, which comes in handy on long-haul flights.

---

Have these too they are great.

I have the current Bose wireless, and have also had the Sony. Bose is slightly better and balanced sound, but Sony is heavy on the Bass which people like. Little better build quality for the Bose. I live my Bose, but Sony is probably the best value. Can't go wrong.

Wife own a pair of the Bose QC35 bought in 2018, still going strong. Just replaced the ear pads in the last 3 months as they were starting to flake. Really like the structured case for the headphones.

I have a pair of Sennheiser's bought last summer. Very happy with them. Considered the Sony's at the time, but decided on the Senn's.