sony bluetooth headphones travel

The best travel headphones 2024, chosen by our jet-setting reviewers

Mute airplanes, trains and automobiles

• Best overall
• Best budget
• Best premium
• Best for battery life
• Best earbuds for ANC
• Best earbuds for Apple
• Best mid-priced earbuds
• Best super-cheap earbuds
• Earbuds for in-flight movies
• How to choose
• How we test
• Latest updates

When looking for the best travel headphones, we're slightly adjusting our priorities compared to looking for more general headphones. We're looking for portability, battery life and, of course, active noise cancellation (ANC) more than we might otherwise. For those looking for the best airplane headphones, the option of a wired connection becomes crucial too, for those in-flight movies.

This list of the best travel headphones overlaps heavily with the best noise-cancelling headphones , but focusing more on their battery life, whether they have a folding lightweight design, and making sure they have a 3.5mm jack. Over-ear headphones are better at ANC than wireless earbuds, and wireless buds don't have wired connections, s headphones are our first pick – but best noise-cancelling earbuds have a huge portability advantage, so we've included those too (and one of them actually can handle a wired connection).

Our reviewers have tested all of these travel headphones on the exact kinds of transport we're talking about – our recommendations are based on real-world use for flights, trains, buses and even the occasional boat.

The quick list

Want a simple way to find the travel headphones with the features and price range you want? Use our quick list below – you can click to see a longer write-up of each product for more in-depth information.

The best travel headphones for most people

These headphones offer strong noise cancellation, great sound, good battery life, wired or wireless use, and a comfortable fit in a lightweight folding design. Ideal for travel at a superb price.

Read more below

The best cheaper travel headphones

These headphones can't cut out as much noise as higher-end models, but they're excellent for the price, and come with some useful smart features. They're light, and work wired or wireless.

The best premium travel headphones

The best noise cancellation we've used to date, elite sound quality, spatial audio, and a super-comfortable design that folds up. They're expensive, though, and the battery life is short.

The best travel headphones for battery life

You get glorious sound quality and solid noise-stopping here, with some super-smart features, and wired or wireless use. Oh, and 60 hours of battery life, which crushes everything else here.

The best noise-cancelling earbuds

These offer essentially the best noise cancellation of earbuds, with a solid and secure fit. Great sound quality, smart features, and very good value for premium-level earbuds.

The best earbuds for iPhone and iPad

With noise-blocking powers to challenge the Bose, amazing Spatial Audio for watching movies on iPhone or iPad, and glorious audio quality, these are ideal for Apple fans. 

Load the next products...

The best mid-priced earbuds for noise cancellation

Half the price of Bose headphones or AirPods, and more premium than the Earfun, these hit a perfect balance. You get astounding audio quality, great ANC, and good battery life.

Read more below  

The cheap earbuds with good noise cancellation

For this price, no other buds delivers better noise cancellation. And as an added bonus, they offer a long battery life of 7 hours with ANC on. They're very future-proof for features, too.

The best wireless earbuds for in-flight movie systems

Exquisite sound, decent ANC, weak battery life – but you can connect their case to a 3.5mm jack, and it beams sound to the buds. They're uniquely good for flights, but they'll cost you.

I've been reviewing tech for 14 years, and for pretty much all that time I've been testing headphones and speakers. As one of TechRadar's most frequent travellers, I've tested a ton of headphones and earbuds on flights and train rides, and I've used experience to choose the headphones that best fit the particular priorities of people flying or taking other long journeys.

Recent updates

April 11, 2024 Added the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones based on our review.

The best travel headphones 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The best travel headphones overall

1. Sony WH-1000XM4

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Sony WH-1000 range has gone from strength to noise-cancelling strength with each iteration. While the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are now available, the 2020 XM4s still offer an incredible combination of brilliant ANC and enjoyably balanced audio quality from a lightweight set of folding cans. You could shell out the extra for the latest model but these are a significantly better buy for being slightly older. 

For travel especially, the noise cancelling here is exceptional. You’ll only realize just how loud that plane engine hum actually is when you take these off. This is thanks to Sony’s proprietary processor, which is constantly sampling the world around you and adjusting the noise cancellation accordingly. And not only will intrusive noises disappear but the pleather cups are cosy and comfortable even for long haul journeys, making the Sony WH-1000XM4s our top pick for the very best travel headphones, even though the newer Sony WH-1000XM5 is available – that model lacks the folding design, and is more expensive without being a big leap better.

Read our full Sony WH-1000XM4 review  

• ^ Back to the top

2. Sony WH-CH720N

Sony's more affordable counterpart to its flagship 'XM' model can be found for under $150/£100, but delivers very impressive audio quality regardless, especially when it comes to detail and overall balance. Instruments are crisp, treble and bass both get to shine in their own way, and the mid-range is warm and full.

The noise cancellation really helps clamp down on the volume of outside sounds so that you can hear dialog in a movie on a plane, in our experience, though it does leak in noticeably more sound overall than the higher-end options here (both in terms of over-ear headphones and earbuds), so we had to significantly turn up the volume on a quiet, speech-heavy movie on a plane compared to those options. But it's as good as anything else available for the price.

They're very lightweight and are generally comfortable to use for long periods, which means we can forgive them for not folding. They don't feel as premium as other options here, but again, that's fine. The wired option is very welcome for plane use, and the quoted 35-hour battery life is essentially on the money in our experience.

Read our full Sony WH-CH720N review

The best travel headphones for elite noise cancellation

3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones

These are, perhaps, the ultimate travel companion – with just one flaw that might put you off. They check so many boxes, with their best-in-class active noise cancellation at the center of the success. We found in our testing that nothing else stops the hubbub of a city or traffic around you so effectively – though we did find that they reacted oddly to extremely loud sounds (sitting by a bus engine on a hill, and during plane take-off) with some very robotic output. But we were happy to forgive these moments, since they're so good the rest of the time.

And on top of that, you get truly exceptional audio quality that's more exciting, precise and detailed than anything else in this list. They're capable of deep, velvety bass and delicate, elevated treble, with plenty of expression and clarity through the mid-range. And on top of this, they have a spatial audio mode that does a good job of feeling like the sound isn't being pumped right into your ears, from any source, which can help flights to feel less claustrophobic.

And they do all this in a fairly light design that folds up for travel, so they're great for your carry-on (and they come with a hard cases). The only real downside? The 24-hour battery life is lower than other over-ear headphones here, though it's still enough to make it through the vast majority of flights, of course. Just remember to charge when you land. All of this comes at a high price compared to the other headphones here, though we think it's well worthwhile if you can stretch to it. (If not, the non-Ultra Bose QuietComfort Headphones offer very nearly as good ANC for cheaper, and are still light and foldable).

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review

The best travel headphones for huge battery life

4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless

The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless cans were TechRadar’s favorite headphones of 2022 , the year they launched, and they're seriously impressive headphones that deliver on every level. 

You see, before we even get onto the excellent audio and brilliant ANC, let’s just take a moment to celebrate the 60-hour battery life. Yes, 60 hours , even with ANC and normal volume levels. That’s enough for five transatlantic flights without even having to think about going anywhere near a USB-C port. Oh, and if you do somehow run out of juice, there’s a 3.5mm jack for just that or plugging into a plane entertainment system.

While that battery life would be enough for us, Sennheiser has also managed to cram in wonderfully dynamic audio. No matter the music genre, the Momentum 4 Wireless deliver an ultra detailed and crisp aural performance. There’s a real depth here that is rare even in over-ear cans. Add in strong active noise cancellation (with genius adaptive features you can customize through the app) and you’ll very quickly forgive the slightly basic looks and mildly chunkier weight of these travel cans.

Read our full Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless review  

The best noise cancelling earbuds for travel

5. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

While some earbuds come with a selection of silicone tips to make sure you can personalize the fit of your buds, the new Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II go one better and customize audio specifically for your ear canals. Thanks to what Bose calls CustomTune, both ANC and audio in these buds are personalized to best suit your ears. And going by the clear and extra-detailed sound here, we can say it’s doing something right. Combined with Bose’s best-in-class noise cancellation, these buds sing with a vibrant soundstage even over the whirr of jet engines. 

The design has been overhauled from the previous generation, with a significantly more comfortable fit that’s ideal for long listening sessions. They aren’t the smallest buds, but they are lighter than the original Bose QC Earbuds, and the lozenges don’t look nearly as bulky in your ears. The downsides here are that there’s no hi-res audio support, no spatial audio, no multi-point pairing, and the chunky design may not suit everyone, though they fit very securely.

And while the active noise cancellation is effectively the best you can get for earbuds (the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are arguably better, but not much better, and they're notably more expensive, though they do also bring spatial audio support), the high-end over-ear stuff is even more effective. But then, they don't slip in your pocket wherever you go, like these do.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 review  

The best ANC earbuds for iPhone and iPad

6. Apple AirPods Pro 2

The AirPods Pro 2 were huge leap forward for the AirPods line, delivering not just a super-convenient experience for Apple users, but audio quality and noise cancellation that's up there with the best in the class. There’s an expansive soundscape that we’ve just not heard on previous AirPods, with incredibly layered audio. Vocals, bass, and even individual instruments all get their chance to shine. 

Add in excellent ANC that's only a hair behind the Bose at #5 on this list , plus a lighter weight and smaller case than almost all similar rivals, and Apple's Find My functionality in case you leave them somewhere, and the AirPods Pro 2 are the perfect travel companions.

The final cherry on the icing for traveling is Spatial Audio, however. Use them with an iPhone or iPad to watch movies and they recreate the feeling of being in a movie theater surrounded by speakers, rather then feeling the sound is pumping right in your ears. It's nice to feel less confined when traveling, and nothing does that more effectively than these.

But this all really applies if you're deep into Apple tech; the functionality is very limited on Android. And note that the six hours of battery life per charge is very average – the Sony WF-C700N at #6 on the list offer 7.5 hours, by comparison.

Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

The best mid-priced earbuds for ANC

7. Sony WF-C700N

It's not many products that leads us to say that a pair of earbuds "just ripped our notions on what is achievable at this level to smithereens" in a review, but these did. If you want to spend less than $100/£100 on a pair of earbuds while getting the best possible sound and noise cancellation from them, read no further. Nothing beats these.

It's not just the energetic, accurate, detailed audio quality, but that the effective (and customizable) noise cancellation that makes it easy to hear. Yes, the Bose earbuds or over-ear headphones do it better, but you pay a ton more to get there.

Throw in support for Sony's 360 Reality Audio tech for positional sound, plus generally great app support, a super-light and secure fit, and long battery life from the buds, and you've got a winning package. That you only get one additional charge from the case is a bit of an issue for traveling, but not a dealbreaker. It's the same with the lack of auto-pause when you remove them, or hi-res support – again, we're not concerned for the price. We love them.

Read our full Sony WF-C700N review

Best super-cheap earbuds with good ANC

8. Earfun Air Pro 3

We called these "the best cheap noise-cancelling earbuds you can get" in our review, and that's the long and short of it. Do they block noise as well as the Bose, AirPods, or Sony earbuds also in this list? No – but they're way less expensive (and often discounted further), and they do it as well as anything else at the same kind of price.

And when you then factor in the fantastic nine-hour battery life, and that they're future-proofed with features such as Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio support, they're even more of a bargain. The sound is good for the price, with no obvious weaknesses, even it isn't as rich as more elite models – it's still fun and compelling to listen to.

The design is not very svelte, but we don't mind too much considering what's been packed in there. These are such good all-rounders, and the quality of the sound for the cost makes them our cheapest pick.

Read our full Earfun Air Pro 3 review

Best true wireless earbuds for in-flight movie systems

9. Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2

When it comes to sound quality, few earbuds can match these. We said "you're in for a sonic masterclass" in our review, and raved that dynamic elements are delivered with "more zeal and energy than we've heard from any set of true wireless earbuds to date". When it comes to audio quality, they're second to none.

That's sadly not true when it comes to the quality of the noise cancellation (which let's through far more low-frequency rumble than we expect from something so premium), and the battery life, which is the lowest of anything in this list.

But they have an ace up their sleeve. Unlike basically all other true wireless earbuds, these can be used wired. The case comes with a couple of cables (one USB-C to USB-C, one 3.5mm jack to USB-C), so that you can connect the case to an audio source such as an in-flight entertainment system. The sound is beamed from the case to the earbuds over aptX high-quality streaming.

All of the over-ear headphones we've featured in this list have a wired options, but none of the earbuds does. That's the nature of going true wireless. You get the best of both worlds here. Well, most of the best – if only the noise cancellation was better. They're also very large – those with small ears should give them a test before committing.

Read our full Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 review

How to choose the best travel headphones for you

When it comes to choosing the best travel headphones, all of the important decisions are fully subjective. This is about finding the best travel headphones for  you  and not anybody else, so there are a few things to consider. 

The first one is an easy choice. Do you prefer over-ear cans or earbuds? We all have very different preferences, and there’s no right or wrong answer. Some people find in-ear buds invasive or worry about finding exactly the right fit. Thankfully if you’re fretting about the latter, most earbuds now come with a collection of silicone tips to ensure that the buds are snug enough for you not to worry about them tumbling out. Active noise cancelling depends on a good seal, so most ANC pairs have a good selection. Earbuds are also handy for travelling thanks to their compact cases that can slide into an inside pocket. 

But if you’re happy to carry something a little bigger and want some added audio oomph, there are plenty of over-ear options explicitly designed to press the mute button on airports and crowded train carriages. Brands like Sony and Bose have long reigned over the travel crowd, purely for their ultra-comfortable over-ear fit, excellent noise cancellation and satisfying audio chops.

They also fit snugly even when you’re cosied into your neck pillow on the plane, which is incredibly satisfying as you drift off. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for over-ears that come with a 3.5mm cable in the case so you can plug into the airplane entertainment system without having to resort to the free foamy monstrosities so you can watch a movie.

True wireless earbuds won't have a cable option (mostly), so if you're taking them on a flight, make sure you've filled your tablet or phone with entertainment.

Once you’ve decided on a fit, it’s time to think about your budget. If you fly regularly or want to silence a noisy metro train daily, you might want to invest in a high-end pair of ANC cans. If you’re just heading onto one short flight and don’t want to spend as much as the ticket on a pair of headphones, plenty of ANC options are available that won’t break the bank. You’ll sacrifice some bells and whistles, but audio quality doesn’t always have to suffer.

Speaking of ANC, you'll want to consider just how much you want to block out the world around you. As we said above, the more you pay the better the ANC tends to be. But that isn't always the case, so be sure to read our first-hand reviews. All of the options in this guide have some level of ANC – we consider it essential for a pair of the best travel headphones – but we also have a guide dedicated to the best noise cancelling headphones and best noise cancelling earbuds specifically if wrapping yourself up in an immersive cocoon of sound is your number one priority.

Higher-end headphones also may come with a system to adjust the air pressure between the seal and your eardrum, which is obviously nice on airplanes, when the pressure changes. Sony's WH-1000XM4 at #1 on this list feature 'Atmospheric Pressure Optimizing' tech, for example, while AirPods Pro 2 at #7 on this list also feature a pressure-balancing system.

How we test the best travel headphones

When we review headphones with active noise cancellation, we always test them for travel as much as possible anyway, since that's usually the hardest test for their noise blocking powers! We listen to them in cities among traffic, on public transport including trains and buses, and we've tested most of these options on flights, to find the best headphones for airplanes.

For audio fidelity, we test headphones from a range of sources, but mainly the best music streaming services . Our tests range from very high-quality tracks on Tidal to the very basic quality of Spotify's app, plus we'll test podcasts, YouTube , movie streams and other common ways to listen. 

We always test out the apps that most modern headphones have, to see how they can affect the experience (for better or worse), plus any features that are enabled by the apps, such as customizable noise cancellation, EQ settings, or spatial audio.

And we'll test the battery claims with actual use – and we'll use them for a long time to test the comfort, while we're at it.

We're comparing our verdicts in all these areas against other products at the same kind of price to arrive at our conclusion of not only whether something sounds good or blocks noise well, but whether it achieves good value while doing that.

Latest updates to the best travel headphones

December 6, 2023 Checked rankings against recent product launches and added in a new lead image.  

June 25, 2023 This guide launches for the first time! All entries were chosen by our team, based on our own reviews and opinions of the products.

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Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Entertainment, meaning he's in charge of persuading our team of writers and reviewers to watch the latest TV shows and movies on gorgeous TVs and listen to fantastic speakers and headphones. It's a tough task, as you can imagine. Matt has over a decade of experience in tech publishing, and previously ran the TV & audio coverage for our colleagues at T3.com, and before that he edited T3 magazine. During his career, he's also contributed to places as varied as Creative Bloq, PC Gamer, PetsRadar, MacLife, and Edge. TV and movie nerdism is his speciality, and he goes to the cinema three times a week. He's always happy to explain the virtues of Dolby Vision over a drink, but he might need to use props, like he's explaining the offside rule.

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Sound On, Noise Off: The 7 Best Travel Headphones to Take on Your Next Trip

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

At a Glance: The Best Travel Headphones

• Best Overall: Sony WH-1000MX5
• Best Noise-Cancelling: Bose QuietComfort Ultra
• Best Sound: Bang & Olufsen Px8
• Best Under $150: Soundcore by Anker Space Q45
• Most Durable: Sennheiser Momentum 3
• Best Audiophile Sound: Bowers & Wilkins Px8
• Most Compatible: Shure AONIC 50 (Gen 2)

Traveling and daily commutes can be stressful, to say the least. Often, the culprit is noise — be it a plane engine, crying babies, or loud road-trip companions. But with a pair of the best travel headphones , flights, road trips, and train rides can quickly become a peaceful time with your favorite music, podcasts, and movies.

Related: Tune Out to Jet Off: These Are the Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Travel

Because so many people are now finding tranquility with a pair of noise-reducing headphones , dozens of brands are making solid options with travelers in mind. But only a handful of these headphones can offer the crispness, full bass, and effective noise-reduction that audiophiles and frequent flyers are looking for.

The Best Travel Headphones to Buy Right Now

1. sony wh-1000mx5.

BEST OVERALL

Sony’s WH1000MX5s aren’t just the best headphones for travel – they’re also our number one pick for some of the best noise-cancelling headphones in general. Their predecessor, the WH-1000XM4s, were great, but the WH-1000MX5s introduce some slight improvements to make them the best in the business.

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Noise-cancellation was central in the WH-1000MX5s development, as the headphones boast industry-leading noise cancellation, now with the Auto NC Optimizer. Eight microphones pick up ambient noise, run it through a Noise-Cancelling Processor — we’ve been on several flights wearing these, and there’s truly minimal outside sound whether you’re in a busy airport or on a road trip .

These stellar headphones also offer multipoint pairing, which lets you connect to multiple devices at once. This means you can seamlessly switch between, say, Netflix on your laptop and a call on your phone. This is just one of the WH-1000MX5s several convenient features, which also includes auto-pausing when you speak. Plus, the headphones feature incredible 30-hour battery life, plus three hours of battery with a quick three minute charge.

2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra

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As expected from premium headphones, sound quality with the QuietComfort Ultras is crisp and deep thanks to active EQ. You also get plenty of customizability with the sound through the Bose app. In terms of comfort, the QuietComfort Ultras get top marks as well with a lightweight, half-pound build and enough padding for hours of use while catching a long flight or grinding in the office (and with a pricey piece of tech, this is a major plus). Plus, they’ve got a stellar 24-hour battery life (18 with immersive audio turned on), so they’ll last through the longest hauls of your travels.

3. Bowers & Wilkins Px8

When celebrated audio companies try their hand at high-end headphones, it doesn’t always work. With Bowers & Wilkins , it did, and their latest PX8 headphones are the proof.

Soft earcups and a large, cushy headpiece make the Px8s comfortable enough for long-period usage, but the headphones’ real strength is audio quality. Beefy 40mm drivers and tuning by the B&W experts provide seriously good sound — no matter what type of music or movie you’re watching.

The Px8s are also very impressive technology-wise with a six-microphone setup for capturing and adapting to outside noise. They have what B&W calls “Ambient Pass-Through,” which is meant to relay the important stuff like conversational noises (so the plane engine will be silenced but you might catch the flight attendant’s drink offer). Plus, the headphones feature multipoint pairing for connecting to multiple devices at once.

For their sound quality alone, we recommend these headphones, but the added ANC and lengthy battery life makes these a great choice for travel .

4. Soundcore by Anker Space Q45

Traveling is pricey, but the best travel headphones don’t have to be. Case in point is these Soundcore Q45 headphones from Anker . At $150, the headphones are much more affordable than our other picks, but their sound quality and noise cancellation powers punch far above their price point.

In an effort to communicate better with your audio streaming device, the Q45s use LDAC technology to enhance Bluetooth files. Inside the cans are 40mm silk-diaphragm drivers, which lend enough bass for thumping hip-hop and full orchestral riffs. Noise cancellation, meantime, comes from two microphones on each earcup that pick up sound and adapt to block it out.

Other features we like about the Q45s are wearer detection (which turns off audio when you take off the headphones) and an exceptionally lightweight build. This lightness is both comfortable for long sessions and helpful when it comes to keeping luggage weight to a minimum. Overall, the headphones offer perhaps the best value of any travel headphones.

5. Sennheiser Momentum 3

Don’t get us wrong, the comfort factor is still there thanks to a headband made from genuine sheepskin leather and soft ear cushions with plush memory foam. Compared to Sennhesier’s newer Momentum 4s, we prefer the hard plastic and metal design of these headphones , especially with their sturdy frame and matte steel arms that can withstand being tossed around any carry-on bag.

Instead of plastic toggles, the Momentum 3s feature a rubberized material three-button interface that lets you quickly switch between listening to music and making phone calls, activating voice assistance, and adjusting the volume.

Sound performance is also stellar under the hood as well , with a 42-millimeter dynamic driver and an internal audio equalizer you can adjust from the Sennheiser app. Active noise cancellation and transparency mode also make it easy to wear these headphones out into the world and not worry about being interrupted while you’re playing your tunes or missing an important announcement in a train station or airport.

6. Bang & Olufsen H95

If you’re looking for a pair of luxury headphones fit for first class, check out these Bang & Olufsen H95s . The real upgrade with the H95s is in design quality, with the headphones sporting memory foam earcups, a leather headpiece, and anodized aluminum discs on the earcup exterior. These upgrades translate to more comfort (from the memory foam), an extremely elegant look, and lasting quality.

But the H95s aren’t all looks. Bang & Olufsen has equipped the headphones with Advanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) which discerns and effectively blocks outside noises of different frequencies using eight microphones. And when you feel like hearing the world around you again, swipe the left earcup to activate transparency mode. The earcups also feature intuitive touch controls for pause/play, switching tracks, and so on. Further sound customization is available via the Bang & Olufsen app.

7. Shure AONIC 50 (Gen 2)

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Sound quality is very impressive with the Aonic 50s , largely thanks to the headphone’s 50mm drivers (hence the name). What’s more, the Shure headphones sound good with almost any input music as they support a very wide range of codecs. No matter what you’re listening to, expect balanced, full sound at every frequency.

Thanks to memory foam earcups, the Anoic 50s are prepared to sit comfortably on your head for long flights, road trips, and work sessions. The headpiece is also nice and chunky to avoid discomfort up top. Plus, since the design is foldable it makes it easy to carry them on the go.

You get two settings — “active noise-cancellation” and “environment mode” — but the latter (which lets in some outside noise) features multiple levels ranging from minimal noise to essentially transparent. This can be controlled via the ShurePlus PLAY app, while onboard buttons offer basic controls. You’ll also get up to 45 hours battery life with quick charge capabilities, more than doubling its runtime from the prior generation.

Buying Guide: How We Picked the Best Travel Headphones

Even top-of-the-line headphones have some variation in features and quality. Here are a few considerations we kept in mind while choosing the best travel headphones for your needs.

Noise-Cancellation : Not all noise-reduction systems are made equal. The headphones in our roundup all boast the maximum level of noise-cancellation, but some have more adjustability. This will allow you to customize noise reduction to your setting and needs (for example, transparency mode while walking down a busy street).

Comfort : The best travel headphones should be comfortable enough to wear for hours. But not all cans have the same level of comfort: some have softer ear cups and headpieces, while others are more lightweight. We’ve chosen brands that have taken extra steps to make their headphones as comfortable as possible, like adding memory foam or leather padding to the headset.

Battery : We’ve picked headphones with industry-leading battery life of at least 24 hours (or, about enough for two long-haul flights). Still, there’s some variation, and if you’re constantly on the go, a large battery of up to 40-50 hours is a must-have.

Microphone : All the headphones above have mics for making calls or talking to virtual assistants (i.e. Alexa, Siri, etc), but some have engineered their mics to block out ambient noise as well. This means your call recipient will actually hear your voice — and not the loud airport chatter around you.

Durability : Sadly, your new headphones are bound to be dropped, bumped, or caught in the rain while traveling. For this reason, we picked travel headphones with at least an IPX4-5 water resistance and a somewhat rugged build.

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We tested the 6 best noise-canceling headphones for travel

I can't fly anywhere without a pair of noise-canceling headphones.

Even if I'm not actively listening to music or enjoying a TV show, I often use noise-canceling headphones to drown out background noise.

If you've traveled recently, I probably don't need to convince you of the value of a pair of these headphones. These days, there are more distractions than ever in airports and on planes — there are only so many times I can hear the same canned pitch for a cobranded airline credit card.

However, if you really want to drown out everything, which pair of headphones or earphones does it best? Here's a guide to my current favorites based on portability, sound experience, comfort, battery life and, of course, how well their noise-canceling abilities fare in the TPG hair dryer test.

Apple AirPods Pro

How portable are they.

Since their introduction in 2019, Apple's AirPods Pro have been my go-to travel headphones, thanks in no small part to their portability.

AirPods Pro have two components: a charging case and the earbuds. The charging case is where the AirPods sit when they're not in your ears, and there's even a built-in speaker to help you find the case if you misplace it.

The actual earbuds are much smaller than Apple's entry-level AirPods, and they're much less bulky and unwieldy than some other earbuds on the market.

How is the sound?

Apple recently introduced the second-generation AirPods Pro with a claim of double the active noise cancellation of the legacy model. If you were on the fence about these earbuds before, this updated model should make them a no-brainer for most travelers who use an iPhone.

With the second-generation buds, I am disturbed by fewer announcements and chatty passengers than with the original model. The sound quality is also noticeably better, thanks to a more powerful audio driver.

How comfortable are they?

Aside from the portability, the AirPods Pro also excel in terms of comfort.

As you decide which headphones are right for you, you'll need to choose between in-ear and over-ear models. Back in the day, in-ear headphones didn't offer great noise cancellation. However, Apple and its competitors have since introduced earbuds that feature this travel must-have.

That's great news since I find earbuds are generally more comfortable than over-ear headphones. Also, with four tip sizes included with the AirPods Pro, you're bound to find the right fit.

How is the battery?

The second-generation AirPods Pro offer up to six hours of listening time with a single charge. The charging case offers 30 hours of listening time, and just five minutes in the case provides about one additional hour of listening time.

The hair-dryer test

To simulate the background noise on an airplane, I borrowed my wife's Dyson hair dryer and blasted it at full force next to my ears while listening to the same song (Taylor Swift's "Enchanted") through each of the following six pairs of headphones (set at the same 80% volume level).

The verdict? I could hear the blow dryer when it was at the highest setting, but only just.

Are they worth it?

The fact that the AirPods Pro fit in my pocket makes them a game changer for travel. I used to lug around bulky over-ear headphones, but why bother when you can get great sound quality in a pair of earbuds that fit in the palm of your hand?

Sure, there are headphones that offer better noise cancellation, but the AirPods Pro pack the best mix of sound, noise cancellation and portability that an iPhone user will find in a small package.

Additionally, with multiple microphones, they double as a great set of headphones for those who make phone calls while on the road.

Buy now for $199.00 and save 20% on the standard price of $249.00

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700

Bose's Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are the company's sleekest over-ear headphones, but you'll still need to tote around a nearly 1-pound pouch when the headphones are stowed safely in your bag.

Aside from Bluetooth wireless connectivity, I love that you can also use the provided 3.5-millimeter audio cable to plug the headphones into seatback entertainment systems that don't yet support Bluetooth.

Bose is renowned for its best-in-class noise-canceling headphones, and the 700 series builds on that legacy with some of the best sound and noise cancellation you'll get in a pair of headphones.

I always feel immersed in my music when I listen to these headphones, and the noise cancellation is among the best I've experienced.

I also love that you can adjust the noise-cancellation levels to control how much of the outside world you want to hear.

These headphones are much more comfortable than some of Bose's older models, but they aren't for everyone.

During long-haul flights, I find that my ears sometimes start feeling numb after wearing these headphones for prolonged periods (something that hasn't bothered me with other over-ear headphones like the AirPods Max).

Bose's top-of-the-line headphones offer up to 20 hours of nonstop listening. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to fully recharge the headphones, and a quick 15-minute charge will provide up to 3 1/2 additional hours of battery life.

I couldn't hear the faintest sound from the hair dryer, even when it was blasting at full force.

Back in the day, Bose was No. 1 when it came to noise-canceling headphones. The company now has some formidable competitors, but Bose builds on a very strong foundation with the Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.

These are among the world's best over-ear noise-canceling headphones, and you certainly can't go wrong with them. I just wish they were a tiny bit more comfortable for prolonged periods of use.

Buy now for $299.00 and save 21% on the standard price of $379.00

Sony WH-1000XM5

Like any over-ear noise-canceling headphones, you'll need to make room in your bag for Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones, though they only weigh around 250 grams and shouldn't add too much weight to your luggage. They come with a carrying case to keep them in tip-top shape while you're on the move — just note that the ear cups don't fold in for a more compact carrying experience.

Like the Bose headphones, Sony's top-of-the-line model can connect directly to seatback entertainment systems using a 3.5-millimeter audio cable.

These headphones pack some serious active noise-cancellation chops, building on the company's already industry-leading noise-canceling technology.

Unlike the Bose offering, you can't adjust the level of noise cancellation, but you'll have no issue tuning out your surroundings when listening to music with these headphones.

I find these headphones to be perfectly comfortable for long-haul flights. They aren't too heavy on the head and ears, and the padded headband helps keep them in place throughout the journey.

Sony's headphones offer some of the best battery life you'll find. The company advertises up to 30 hours of nonstop use, with the ability to quickly charge the headphones for three minutes to unlock an additional three hours of music playback.

Just like the Bose 700s, I couldn't hear any noise from the hair dryer while listening to music with these headphones. To test them further, I blasted some music at 100% volume on my home speaker, and I could still barely hear any distractions with the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.

Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones are about as good as you can get in the roughly $400 range. They've got great sound in a (somewhat) portable package with top-notch battery life.

In my experience, the Sony WH-1000XM5s slightly outperform the similarly priced Bose headphones in terms of noise cancellation — I am usually less distracted when wearing Sony's headphones on a plane.

Buy now for $328.00 and save 18% on the standard price of $399.99

Apple AirPods Max

There's no denying that these are among the sleekest headphones on the market, though that comes at the expense of some portability.

The AirPods Max include a magnetic smart carrying case, but it only protects the actual earpieces themselves. The headphones can't be folded to create a more compact configuration, so you'll need to make room in your bag for them.

While you might think that the AirPods Max only connect via Bluetooth, there's some great news. You can actually plug them directly into seatback entertainment systems using a Lightning to 3.5-millimeter Audio Cable, sold separately for $35.

As the most expensive headphones in this guide, you might not be surprised to learn that they offer the best noise cancellation I've experienced yet.

You can't control the level of noise cancellation, but when flying around with these headphones, you won't want to. With the AirPods Max, I had no trouble drowning out a crying baby sitting three rows behind me.

Combine this impressive noise cancellation with immersive sound, and these headphones offer travelers the best listening experience.

The AirPods Max aren't just sleek — they also boast an incredibly snug fit on the ear.

Apple did a great job designing the AirPods Max for inflight use, and for most domestic and transatlantic flights, your ears should stay cool and comfortable while using these headphones.

That said, some friends have complained about them getting a bit uncomfortable during the longest flights, something experts call "eardrum suck."

The AirPods Max offer up to 20 hours of listening time on a single charge, and five minutes of charging provides roughly an additional hour and a half of listening.

These numbers mean that you're set for all but the longest flight in the world (nearly 20 hours from pushback in New York to landing in Singapore).

As you might expect, the AirPods Max passed the hair-dryer test with flying colors.

The AirPods Max combine a best-in-class audio experience with top-notch noise cancellation in a modern and sleek package.

As the most expensive headphones in this guide, the AirPods Max are most definitely a splurge. However, if you're already in Apple's ecosystem and looking for the best travel headphones, these are it.

Buy now for $449.00 and save 18% on the standard price of $549.00

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

Much like the AirPods Pro, these earbuds are among the most portable noise-canceling headphones you'll find. They also magnetically snap into a separate charging case, which is longer and narrower than the AirPods Pro case.

The buds themselves are small and sleek and should fit into your ear without any issues — more on that below.

What sets these earbuds apart is the noise cancellation. They're just as good, if not a tiny bit better, than Apple's second-generation AirPods Pro.

That said, I find the overall listening experience on AirPods Pro to be more immersive — I don't feel nearly as engrossed with my music when using the Bose earbuds.

Bose's QuietComfort Earbuds II are very comfortable. There are three different size options for the tips and ear bands.

With nine different possible combinations, you shouldn't have a problem finding a very stable fit, no matter the shape of your ear.

Bose advertises up to six hours of battery life on a single charge, but I was able to beat that estimate by about 30 minutes on a recent flight.

The charging case offers 18 additional hours of battery life, and just 20 minutes of charging in the case should deliver up to two additional hours of listening time from the earbuds.

Bose's earbuds outperformed the AirPods Pro on the hair-dryer test. They blocked slightly more noise, but both sets of in-ear headphones should do the trick on most flights.

For most travelers, these earbuds will compete head-to-head against the AirPods Pro. If you aren't in the Apple ecosystem, the Bose buds may be the right choice for you.

For everyone else, the choice is much trickier. AirPods integrate seamlessly into the entire iPhone (and Apple product) experience. Coupled with a quick setup and familiar controls, the AirPods will certainly do the trick for many.

However, if you're looking for best-in-class noise cancellation, I'd consider the $50 splurge over the AirPods Pro for Bose's earbuds.

Buy now for $236.55 and save 21% on the standard price of $299.00

Soundcore by Anker Life Q20

One of the best travel features of the Life Q20 headphones is that they swivel inward for increased portability. They come with a drawstring travel pouch, and they won't take up as much space as the other over-ear headphones in this guide.

Aside from Bluetooth wireless connectivity, you can use the provided 3.5-millimeter audio cable to plug the headphones into seatback entertainment systems that don't yet support Bluetooth.

As you might expect for a sub-$60 pair of headphones, the Life Q20s aren't going to beat the likes of Apple, Bose or Sony.

That said, given the price tag, they offer an impressive amount of active noise cancellation. I find that the sound quality is better than expected for such an inexpensive pair of noise-canceling headphones.

With memory foam ear cups, these headphones do a pretty good job of molding to your ears. They're a bit bulkier than some of the other over-ear models, but that's a trade-off you have to make, given the price.

Of all the headphones in this guide, the cheapest ones also pack the longest battery life. Anker advertises 40 hours of wireless playback on a single charge.

If you're pressed for time, you can quickly charge these headphones for five minutes to add four hours of listening time.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, these headphones did the worst job of blocking out the background noise from the hair dryer. At the highest setting, I could definitely hear the noise from the Dyson.

If you aren't a super-frequent traveler, the Life Q20s may be a great starter option for you. The active noise cancellation and sound quality aren't as impressive as with the other, more expensive brands, but you're saving around $300 with these headphones.

Several other features may feel quite basic, including the outdated micro USB charging port. However, that's not stopping nearly 50,000 customers from leaving five-star Amazon reviews for these headphones.

Buy now for $59.99

I test headphones for a living — these are the best for travel

As an audio expert, I always have the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones with me for my daily commutes — here's why

As audio editor, sound quality is everything even when I'm choosing a pair of headphones to take away with me on my travels. But there are other factors to consider when seeking the best performance on the move. 

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones may have been around for a while, but they continue to be my favorite headphones for travel. I confess that I feel slightly guilty that I don't prefer the newer WH-1000XM5 version, which replaced the XM4 last year, but there are solid reasons for making them my travel choice. 

Firstly, they're foldable, which makes them so much more practical for sliding into my work or travel bag, and the protective case is a lot smaller too. And judging by the number of fellow travelers on my work commutes also sporting the older version of Sony's XM-series headphones on their head, I'm not alone.  

• The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are priced at $349 / $350 / AU$438 through the Sony website . They're also available via online retailers including Amazon , Best Buy , and Walmart , and are regularly discounted.

Selecting a pair of headphones to accompany me on my routine work commutes to and from the Tom's Guide office, or on my trips away, was not a decision I made entirely consciously. My choice came about as part of the natural day-to-day test routine while evaluating new headphone designs over the past 12 months. Eventually, I realized that I kept coming back to this one pair of headphones again and again, and they've stuck as my go-to travel companion for their high performance and practical reliability.

Travel utopia

Look around any airport, city street, or train station, and it's easy to appreciate that a pair of the best headphones or earbuds are an essential accessory to the way many of us travel and how we use the time. Headphones have become a vital element to the way we get our entertainment fix. Whether that's catching up on our favorite shows or movies downloaded to one of the best tablets or best phones to pass the time on a flight, listening to our best-loved tunes offline while walking to the office, or just tuning out the noise around you with a pair of the best noise-cancelling headphones , a pair of good-quality headphones can make all the difference to your journey.

What I look for in a pair of travel headphones

Although I am fortunate in that I get to try out plenty of different headphones, most headphone buyers have one shot when it comes to selecting the perfect travel headphones. So it's a good idea to think about what features will work best for your travel needs. 

For me, first and foremost, any pair of headphones have to sound great — compromise on sound quality and I might as well read a book to while away the time on a long flight or train journey. They also need to offer superior levels of comfort, robust build, and solid connectivity to be considered a valued companion for my travel plans. Oh, and they need to look pretty respectable, too.

Battery life is another important factor to consider, along with whether you want a set of headphones with some kind of noise cancelling tech to block out the sound of your fellow travelers. 

As it happens, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones score highly across the board, and have effective noise cancelling and battery life that runs to at least 30 hours playback time.   

Sony WH-1000XM4: Control app connectivity

I'm always trying out new wireless headphones on my train journeys to and from the office, but I've lost count of the number of times I've been unable to connect to partnering control apps downloaded to my playback device. Some apps are vital for adjusting the noise-cancelling levels, or tweaking the EQ settings for a sound balance that suits your tastes. But these are often rendered useless on my travels due to poor network and Wi-Fi connectivity. 

You see, as well as the Bluetooth wireless connectivity between the playback device carrying the audio signal to the headphones, some control apps need to connect to external servers via the internet using a Wi-Fi or a mobile network, and signals can be patchy when traveling on public transport. 

Then, of course, there's the firmware updates, which are required far too regularly for my liking, and often seem to pop up just as I go to start listening to a pair of headphones on a long journey home.  

Sony's Headphone Connect app has been very reliable so far. I haven't suffered from any connection issues or firmware updates during my daily commutes. In fact, I managed to perform all of the audio customization adjustments I suggested in my how to make Sony's headphones sound even better without any app connectivity issues whatsoever while on a train journey home.

Sony WH-1000XM4: Great for comfort

If you're going to wear a pair of headphones on a long journey, you want them to be comfortable. And as it turns out, comfort and fit have been great for me on the WH-1000XM4. I can easily spend the majority of my journey time with them placed on my head without any discomfort from the clamping force or the earpads making my ears hot. I do often give my ears a break after an hour or so, though, just to prevent any kind of listening fatigue or tiredness setting in. But when we originally reviewed them in 2021, our reviewer found that he managed to wear them for three hours daily during a three-day weekend without any problems. 

I found the headband extenders are flexible enough to get just the right fit, and the plush cushioning on the earpads is like resting my head on a soft pillow. The larger earcup cutouts provide good ventilation, which prevents moisture buildup during long listening sessions, too.

Sony WH-1000XM4: The popular travel choice

Having listened to the XM4 headphones extensively to compare them to the next-gen WH-1000XM5 flagship version, it's easy to understand why the older version continues to be so popular given their great sound and ANC performance, build, and practical foldable design. 

Although the new flagship headphones should be applauded for moving the XM-series on and bringing eco credentials to the design, they're less practical from a travel point of view. And it looks as though Sony and plenty others agree. 

Despite being superseded, Sony's XM4 headphones continue to be available and are easily the most popular travel headphone I see on my work commutes — and I know several colleagues in the Tom's Guide office who feel the same. These are the best kind of traveling companion; one that helps me switch off and relax, and makes the journey time to my destination pass more quickly.

Planning on a longer journey? Then check out my recommendations for the best headphones for travel . 

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As a former editor of the U.K.'s Hi-Fi Choice magazine, Lee is passionate about all kinds of audio tech and has been providing sound advice to enable consumers to make informed buying decisions since he joined Which? magazine as a product tester in the 1990s. Lee covers all things audio for Tom's Guide, including headphones, wireless speakers and soundbars and loves to connect and share the mindfulness benefits that listening to music in the very best quality can bring.

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The Best Wireless Travel Headphones of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Take your tunes with you with our top picks

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Tripsavvy / Alli Waataja

Every traveler needs a great pair of headphones. After all, they’re the key to warding off boredom on long journeys by losing yourself in your favorite music and movies. Wireless headphones make sense if you’re often on the move since they afford greater mobility, have fewer parts to lose, and feel more compact. Other things to look out for include effective noise cancellation (essential for when you inevitably get seated next to the crying baby), superior sound quality, and the ability to fold into a robust carry case capable of withstanding life on the road.

To help you navigate the many options, our travel experts tested 14 of the best wireless travel headphones on the market, including options from top brands such as Bose, Apple, and Sennheiser. We scored each one for ease of use, functionality, sound quality, and noise cancellation—and the results determined the winners of categories ranging from Best Budget to Best Battery Life. The Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 headphones took the top spot, combining exceptional sound quality with lightweight comfort and an affordable price tag. Check out the other wireless travel headphones we tested below. 

TripSavvy's Picks

• Other Options We Tested

How We Tested

What to look for, why trust tripsavvy, best overall, anker soundcore life q35 wireless.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5
• Sound Quality 5 /5
• Battery Life 5 /5

Lightweight, secure-fitting comfort

Three effective noise cancellation modes

Unbelievably good value

If you’re looking for flawless performance at an incredibly reasonable price, you’ll love the Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 Wireless Headphones. We did, so much so that they received perfect scores across the board during testing. We connected them to our phone and laptop in less than a minute, with no instructions or specialist apps needed. They’re incredibly lightweight, with memory foam padding on the headband and ear cups—making them super comfortable to wear for extended periods. We especially liked that they remained securely in place even during an intense cardio session.

With 40-millimeter silk-diaphragm drivers, a Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification, and advanced LDAC technology that transfers three times more sound detail than regular Bluetooth, the sound quality is insane. We experienced faultless consistency and found that the connectivity never wavered, no matter how far we moved away from the phone or laptop. The headphones also offer three noise-canceling modes (Transport, Outdoor, and Indoor), allowing us to eradicate ambient noise completely. When receiving phone calls, you can tap to switch to Transparency mode for crisp, clear sound on both ends of the conversation. 

Other highlights included the touch controls, a built-in sensor that automatically pauses sound when removing the headphones, a two-hour full charge time, and a battery life that we felt exceeded the 40 hours advertised. Finally, your purchase includes a compact travel case and an airplane adapter for easy integration with in-flight entertainment. 

Playtime: 40 hours | Charge Time: 2 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux, NFC | Charge Port: USB-C

TripSavvy / Marco Bebawy

Best Overal, Runner-Up

Bose quietcomfort 35 ii headphones.

• Comfort 4.5 /5

Three effective noise-canceling modes

The crisp, clear call quality

Easy set-up and personalization via the app

Sound could be richer at low volumes

Offering wired, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity, the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Wireless Headphones are a worthy alternative choice. We could pair them immediately with our phone and laptop, then used the Bose Connect app for a guided tour of the different functions and features. The app also allows you to personalize your audio settings. The headphones also work with Bose AR and Amazon’s Alexa (giving you voice-control access to music and information). 

The headphones boast volume-optimized EQ, meaning balanced audio at any volume. Although the sound was generally clear and powerful, we had to increase the volume to get our desired richness for music and movies. The three levels of noise cancelation, though, were very effective. When we tested the call function, we could hear and be heard perfectly, while the padded headband and ear cups made the headphones incredibly comfortable. Finally, Bose claims a 20-hour battery life, but we could go weeks without charging them.

Playtime: 20 hours | Charge Time: 3 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux, NFC | Charge Port: Micro USB

TripSavvy / Lydia Price

Best Budget

1more sonoflow.

• Sound Quality 4 /5

Intuitive setup and operation

Reliable, high-quality sound

Impressive battery life

Noise cancellation was not very effective

The only option on this list to retail for under $100, the 1More SonoFlow Wireless Headphones impressed us with their excellent value, sound quality, and comfort. We found them incredibly easy to set up and connect, and the connection remained reliable even when we moved away from the phone. Operation is intuitive, too, with four easy-to-use buttons. The headphones feature 40-millimeter dynamic drivers and support LDAC coding technology for detailed Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified sound. 

We were impressed with the sound quality, especially given the headphones’ budget price. Clarity was best at higher volumes. Calls came through clearly thanks to an AI algorithm and beamforming microphones, and we found that the headphones fit comfortably, even over multiple ear piercings. With soft leather ear cups, they’re also pretty light. The only downsides were some slight slippage during active exercise and the underwhelming noise-canceling mode (although the headphones naturally muffled quite a bit of background noise). 

Playtime: 70 hours | Charge Time: 3 to 4 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux | Charge Port: USB-C

TripSavvy / Alessandra Amodio

Best for Kids

Puro sound labs puroquiet.

Volume is limited to a safe level for kids

It can still be used while charging

Hard case protects from rough handling

Relatively pricey for kids' headphones

Designed especially for children, PuroQuiet headphones offer one-touch Bluetooth pairing with all iPhone and Android devices and a generous 30-foot range. We found them amazingly easy to pair, set up, and use, even without instructions. They also come with a 3.5-millimeter audio cable if your child prefers a wired connection. The padded headband was very adjustable, allowing for a secure fit on various head sizes. Meanwhile, the heavily cushioned ear cups provide maximum comfort. 

We especially liked the sound quality, which was great at every volume. Volume is limited to 85 decibels to protect children’s sensitive hearing, but with effective noise canceling, they can still hear clearly no matter what’s happening in the background. We tested the headphones on a noisy airplane and found we couldn’t hear other passengers. Other clever features include a built-in microphone ideal for online classes, a cable with an audio splitter that allows two Puro headphones to connect to the same device, and up to 35 hours of playtime. 

Playtime: 35 hours | Charge Time: 3 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux | Charge Port: Micro USB

Best Battery Life

Sennheiser momentum 4 wireless.

• Ease of Use 3.5 /5

Super-fast recharging time

Amazing, customizable sound

Hinged headband for added comfort

Slightly tricky to pair initially

Considernnheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones if you want world-class battery life. Boasting up to 60 hours of battery, they particularly excel at recharging quickly—so much so that when they died, we only had to charge them for five minutes to watch an entire movie. The Auto On/Off feature also helps save battery. We did struggle to pair them at first, but once we did, the sound quality was phenomenal (and remained so no matter how far we moved from our device). 

The Sennheiser Smart Control app offers built-in EQ presets, sound modes, and full Sound Personalization. We found the noise cancelation effective even in a busy airport—and when you need to hear what’s happening around you, activate Transparency mode with a touch. Other clever features include Smart Pause (triggered when you remove the headphones) and dual beamforming microphones for crystal-clear calls on each side. We found the padded, hinged headband comfortable and secure, even when wearing glasses.

Playtime: 60 hours | Charge Time: 2 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux | Charge Port: USB-C

TripSavvy / Morgan Ashley Parker

Best Splurge

Apple airpods max.

One-tap set-up across Apple devices

Exceptional sound at all volumes

Complete noise cancellation

It could be a little bit lighter

At roughly 3.5 times the price of our overall winner, the Apple AirPods Max headphones are undoubtedly a splurge; but one that we feel is worth it. Set-up is effortless—you can pair them with any of your Apple devices with a single tap. The frame features super strong and flexible stainless steel, with telescoping arms that adjust easily to create the perfect fit and a mesh headband so light we could barely feel it (although the ear cups are noticeably heavier).

The anodized ear cups rotate independently to create a perfect seal. Along with Apple’s custom-built driver and personalized Spatial Audio, this results in an unbelievably clear sound that’s powerful and vibrant at all volumes, with a distinct surround sound effect. A control dial lets you change the volume, skip tracks, answer calls, and activate Siri, while playback automatically pauses and resumes when the headphones are taken off and put back on. Finally, the noise cancellation is exceptional. We used it on a plane and the subway and could hear nothing unless we switched to Transparency mode. 

Playtime: 20 hours | Charge Time: 2 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux | Charge Port: Lightning 

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Best Sound Quality

Microsoft surface headphones 2.

• Comfort 3.8 /5

Intuitive voice, touch, and fingertip controls

Thirteen levels of Active Noise Cancellation

Excellent sound quality across all volumes

Pairing to Apple devices can be tricky

The Microsoft Surface Headphones 2 can connect to multiple devices simultaneously, and although our tester did have a few issues connecting to his Apple laptop, it was possible. Once made, the connection was strong and consistent even from several rooms away, while the voice, touch, and fingertip controls are intuitive and easy to locate. You can use them to play audio, make calls, or get help from your preferred digital assistant. The headphones are also compatible with Microsoft 365 for voice dictation in Word etc. 

We found that the headphones stayed in place well, even when we bent over or jumped while wearing them. They were a little uncomfortable after several hours; however, the crystal clear Omnisonic sound more than made up for this. Even at the very loudest volume, the sound quality was flawless. We were also impressed with the efficient, customizable Active Noise Cancellation, which is adjustable to 13 levels. Dual microphones offer exceptional call clarity, while audio automatically pauses after removing the headphones. 

Playtime: 18.5 hours | Charge Time: 2 hours | Connectivity: Bluetooth, aux | Charge Port: USB-C

TripSavvy / Kathryn Braet

The Soundcore by Anker Life Q35 Wireless Headphones (view at Amazon ) was our top pick, standing out for their fantastic sound quality, comfort, lightness, and complete noise cancellation. For a worthy budget alternative, try the 1More SonoFlow Wireless Headphones (view at Amazon ). 

Other Wireless Travel Headphones We Tested

Bowers & wilkins px8 wireless headphones.

These headphones had a lot to like, including their adjustable fit, comfort, and ease of use. However, the noise canceling mode was underwhelming, especially given the high cost.

Technics EAH-A800 Wireless Headphones

Accessing and understanding instructions for these headphones was a little tricky, and while we found them comfortable, we couldn’t get a secure fit. However, the sound quality was good. 

Urbanista Los Angeles Solar-Powered Headphones

Determining the headphones’ remaining battery was difficult, although they did last for the test duration. We also found them uncomfortable while the sound quality could be crisper. 

HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless Headphones

These headphones were intuitive and quick to set up. The sound quality was consistently good, too, so although they have few bells and whistles, we feel they’re worth their reasonable price. 

Jabra Elite 45H Wireless Headphones

These headphones did not come with instructions. The fit was too loose, they don’t have a noise canceling mode, and the call quality was poor. However, they were comfy with good battery life. 

Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT Wireless Headphones

These headphones charged quickly and connected easily. They fit comfortably and stayed in place while exercising, but they didn't offer noise cancelation or work during our test calls.

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones

We could pair the headphones easily with both a phone and a laptop. They were very comfortable and cut ambient noise reasonably well. We would like to see the sound quality improved.

First, we unboxed and assembled (where relevant) each set of headphones. We assessed how clear the instructions were and how easy the headphones were to set up, including calibration, Bluetooth connectivity, and app installation. Next, we put them on and evaluated their fit, adjustability, and comfort. Then, while listening to music at an average volume, we scored each for sound quality and consistency, the stability of the Bluetooth connection, and how audible the external noises were. 

Tests continued with a thorough check of all functions, from adjusting the volume to skipping songs and testing “aware” and “noise cancellation” modes where relevant. We also tested how easy it was to receive a call while listening to music and call quality. Finally, we carried out a group test to check the efficiency of the headphones’ noise-cancelation feature. Testers were exposed to a series of noises at various volumes (corroborated by a decibel meter). Different headphones were compared side-by-side to see how well they blocked ambient noise. 

At the end of the testing process, headphones were scored from 1 to 5 for ease of use, functionality, sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and value. Overall scores determined our category winners. 

When deciding which wireless travel headphones to purchase, consider the kind of activities you’ll use them for. If the answers are mainly sedentary (like listening to music on the plane or taking work calls while driving), on- or over-ear headphones are typically best for comfort and unparalleled sound quality. But if you plan on using your headphones for physical pursuits like hiking or going to the gym, in-ear headphones are lighter, less bulky, and more secure. Of course, compactness is key for all travel headphones, so a foldable design and a durable carry case that will fit easily in your bag is important no matter what style you choose. 

Sound Quality

Sound quality depends on many different factors and is not necessarily correlative to headphone type (e.g., high-quality in-ear headphones may provide better sound quality than low-end over-ear headphones, and vice versa). Generally speaking, though, over-ear headphones offer the best potential for flawless sound for two reasons. One, they create the best seal, blocking out ambient noise and amplifying bass tones in the most natural way. Headphones with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enhance this isolating effect. Two, their size means they can accommodate a much larger driver diameter than in-ear headphones. 

Bluetooths and Mics

When it comes to wireless headphones, those with LDAC technology claim to deliver three times more sound detail than regular Bluetooth. It’s worth noting that Apple products do not currently support LDAC. Other Bluetooth factors to consider include how easily the headphones will pair with your existing devices. If you have an Apple smartphone or laptop, for example, opting for Apple headphones will enable you to pair in a matter of seconds simply by tapping an on-screen prompt. Some headphones offer NFC technology, allowing them to be paired with an NFC-enabled device by tapping them together. When it comes to microphones, choose headphones with dual beamforming mics on both sides to ensure superior call clarity.

Headphones on this list range in price from just under $100 to almost $550, and there are many options at even more extreme ends of the cost spectrum. While it’s generally true that trusted brands (like Apple, Microsoft, or Sennheiser) offer some of the best products on the market in terms of performance, it’s also true that supporting one of these big tech companies could see you paying over the odds for the brand name. Our overall winner, the Life Q35 headphones from Soundcore by Anker, was also one of the most affordable products we tested. It’s a good idea to check user reviews and industry write-ups carefully to get the best idea of which headphones offer the best value for money. 

For over- or on-ear headphones, start by removing the ear pads. Then, use a soft, clean toothbrush to remove visible debris, making sure not to push it into the drivers. Once finished, you can use a dampened microfiber cloth (not soaked) with soapy water to gently clean exterior surfaces. Repeating this step with rubbing alcohol will eliminate lingering germs, but be careful not to damage leather and plastic components. Finally, pat dry with a clean sheet of paper towel before reassembling. For in-ear headphones, remove the ear tips and use the included cleaning tool or a Q-tip to remove ear wax or other debris. You’ll also need to clean the charging case. In both cases, warm soapy water and/or rubbing alcohol work wonders. 

 You can wear whatever headphones you like when traveling by plane. Many people choose ones with Active Noise Cancelation to block out the engine's sound and other passengers. Using your personal headphones to listen to in-flight entertainment can be trickier. Some airlines now offer Bluetooth connectivity and allow Bluetooth devices to be used in flight mode at all times except during take-off and landing. Otherwise, you can purchase Bluetooth transmitters to make this connection. Some planes have standard 3.5-millimeter ports if you're using wired headphones. Others use two-pin ports that are only compatible with airline headphones; in this instance, you’ll need to purchase a special adaptor.

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert. She also regularly contributes commerce articles relating to adventure and family travel. As a frequent traveler with a passion for music (and as the mom of a daughter who likes to watch Frozen on repeat in the car), she understands the value of a great pair of wireless headphones. This article is based on the results of real-life tests carried out by TripSavvy’s team of travel experts. 

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• All Headphones

Model: WH-CH520/B

About this item.

• With up to 50-hour battery life and quick charging, you’ll have enough power for multi-day road trips and long festival weekends. 1
• Great sound quality customizable to your music preference with EQ Custom on the Sony | Headphones Connect App. 3
• Boost the quality of compressed music files and enjoy streaming music with high quality sound through DSEE ™ .

Stunning sound and longer battery life

Enjoy high sound quality all day long. The WH-CH520 headphones with up to 50 hours of battery life, stable connectivity, and enhanced call performance, meet the demands of your day.

AT A GLANCE

All your favorite features in the box

Stay powered up for days

A listening experience just for you

With up to 50 hours of battery life, you can listen to your favorite music without worrying about running out of charge. And, if your headphones battery is running low, a 3-minute quick-charge can give you 1.5 hours of listening time.

Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) restores the harmonics and liveliness lost during typical music compression, for a more authentic performance. You can even tailor music to your own taste with EQ settings on the Sony | Headphones Connect app, for a personalized listening experience.

Crystal clear calls

Designed for all-day comfort

A built-in microphone provides you with hands-free calling, and it also works just as well for joining an online class or work meeting. 1

Not only is the design stylish, but it’s also crafted with ease-of-use in mind. The lightweight build and swivel earcups gently slip on and off, while the adjustable headband, cushion and soft ear pads give you all-day comfort.

Stays powered up for days

Listen longer with up to 50-hour battery life

Keep your music playing all day with a battery life that delivers up to 50 hours of power. 1 USB Type-C quick charging gives up to 90 mins of play back from 3 minutes of charge. Now you’ll have enough power for multi-day road trips and long festival weekends.

Enjoy all day comfort

With an adjustable headband, soft earpads and lightweight design, you can find your perfect fit and stay comfortable for longer.

Reviews & Questions

Return policy, frequently bought together, recently viewed.

• Actual performance varies based on settings, environmental conditions, and usage.
• Interoperability and compatibility among Bluetooth ® devices may vary.
• Download Headphones Connect app at Google Play and the App Store. Network services, content, and operating system and software subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require fees, registration and credit card information. 360Reality Audio requires subscription to compatible online music service and third-party terms, conditions, account and fees may apply.
• Google Assistant users must connect to a Google account to use, including voice to activate linked apps. Subscriptions may be required to access certain content.
• Recycled plastic is used in multiple parts of the headphone body, which can be subject to change. Coating and adhesive materials excluded.

©2023 Sony Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony and the Sony logo are trademarks and or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. Bluetooth and the Bluetooth logo are trademarks of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.

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Sony’s ULT Power Sound headphones and speakers go big on powerful bass

Sony has announced a line of wireless audio products under a new sub-brand called ULT Power Sound (or ULT for short). They look familiar because they are the next-gen versions of three of Sony’s existing product lines: Extra Bass headphones, portable Bluetooth speakers, and tower-shaped party speakers.

Sony ULT Wear, $200

Sony ult field 1, $129, sony ult field 7, $499, sony ult tower 10, $1,199.

They’ll all be available this spring, but Sony hasn’t given exact timing for release dates.

Why group wireless headphones, a variety of portable Bluetooth speakers, and some giant party speakers together under a single sub-brand? Sony says that it has identified two key features that its buyers value: big bass sound and lots of power (i.e., volume). The ULT brand unifies Sony products that share these two traits.

• Q Acoustics’ new 5050 floorstanding speakers are built to fill big rooms with sound
• JBL brings the boom with upgraded portables and party speakers for 2024
• JLab steps closer to Sony and Bose with JBuds Lux ANC headphones

Sony is no stranger to the bass craze. Its ExtraBass and MegaBass features have been included on dozens of its audio products for decades. But now, that ExtraBass capability has been folded into the new ULT feature — each product includes a dedicated ULT button that lets you boost the sound via dedicated ULT modes.

A side benefit of the ULT strategy is that Sony has finally abandoned some of its complex model numbers. Instead of needing to remember that the Sony headphones you want are called the WH-XB910N, now you can just call them the Sony ULT Wear. The portable speakers are known as ULT Field, and the party speakers are now the ULT Tower series.

Here, we’ll cover the ULT Power Sound products that Sony has announced today, but you can also expect additional models in the ULT family in the future.

Sony was kind enough to invite me to a demo session in New York City so that I could hear the new lineup ahead of its launch, so I’ve included a few first impressions with each product.

The ULT Wear replace Sony’s bass-oriented WH-XB910N noise-canceling headphones  and live directly beneath Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM4 ($350) and WH-1000XM5 ($400) headphones. They come in three colors: black, off-white, and a new Forest Gray option.

With the same fold up/fold flat design as their predecessors, the ULT Wear get a variety of claimed improvements including better noise cancellation thanks to the use of Sony’s V1 chip, better wind-noise reduction for ANC and calls, faster quick-charge times, wear-detection sensors, and head-tracked spatial audio when used with Sony 360 Reality Audio tracks and compatible smartphones.

Sony says it has also improved the comfort of the earcups, and the headphones will support Bluetooth LE Audio with a planned firmware update.

The most notable change, however, is the addition of the ULT button on the left earcup. Pressing it will cycle the headphones between three modes: ULT 1 (bass enhancement), ULT 2 (bass and sound pressure enhancement), and off.

In the above photo on the left, it may look like the ULT button is backlit with a rainbow LED, but it’s actually just the light reflecting off of a dichroic label (material that reflects different colors based on the angle of the light).

My short time with the ULT Wear convinced me that Sony had indeed improved its ANC compared to the WH-XB910N, and while I’m not sure I’ll be spending a lot of listening time in ULT 1 or ULT 2 modes, they created an undeniable uptick in power and bass response — at times it felt like the earcups were vibrating.

The ULT Field Series are the newest version of Sony’s previous X-Series portable Bluetooth speakers. The Field 1 pick up where the SRS-XE200 left off, with a compact design and a rugged, IP67-rated body for full waterproofing and dustproofing. Like the ULT Wear, it’s available in black, off-white, and Forest Gray, as well as a new orange color option.

Battery life has been reduced from a claimed maximum of up to 16 hours to up to 12 hours, however, the Field 1 can be used in either vertical or horizontal orientations, whereas the XE200 was optimized for vertical use only.

Sony has maintained the speakerphone functionality and has modified the carry strap so that you can use it as a handle as well as hanging lanyard.

As with the ULT Wear, the Field 1 gets an ULT button, but in this case it only has two modes: off and ULT 1 (bass enhancement).

My Field 1 demo included a comparison with the SRS-XE200. The Field 1 produced an immediately apparent improvement in the overall sound field — especially in horizontal orientation — creating a much more immersive experience.

The ULT Field 7 replaces the SRS-XG500. Similarly to the Field 1, Sony has modified the Field 7 so that it works in both horizontal and vertical orientations, with handles mounted at both ends of the flared cylindrical shape.

LED lighting has been preserved, and the Field 7 is now a bit tougher, with an IP67 rating instead of IP66. For the first time, the speaker is now rustproof as well as waterproof.

Sony has kept battery life at a claimed 30 hours, and you still get inputs for a wired karaoke microphone and a guitar tucked away in a rear covered panel.

LED lighting is incorporated into the sides of the speaker and can be controlled via music or the Sony app.

New on the Field 7 is Sony’s Sound Field Optimization. Yes, that’s the name of the calibration technology that Sony uses on its HT-Series soundbars, but Sony tells me it works differently on the Field 7. Apparently on portable products like the Field 7, Sound Field Optimization adjusts the speaker’s sound to compensate for environmental noise, whereas the same feature on soundbars adjusts sound based on a room’s acoustic properties.

The Field 7 gets a ULT button, of course, which cycles you through ULT 1, ULT 2, and off modes.

As with the Field 1 demo, the Field 7 possessed a far greater sense of width and depth when compared to the XG500, though there were a few moments when the XG500’s tonality sounded more natural and less forced than that of the Field 7.

Sony’s new monster block rocker grabs the floor from the previous Sony SRS-XV900 . It maintains the omnidirectional sound, but with substantially more power. A larger set of wheels makes it easier to move, and it comes with its own wireless mic and a handy set of flip-out mic holders.

You can use a second wired mic for karaoke duets or use the input as a guitar amplifier.

LED lighting is a key feature of any party speaker and Sony says the multicolor LED system on the Tower 10 has 34 areas of illumination — twice as many as the XV900. Sony has kept the TV Booster mode, which lets you plug the Tower 10 into your TV via an optical cable, and Sound Field Optimization should complete the pseudo-soundbar functionality.

On the Tower 10, the ULT button’s modes are designed to give you deeper, lower bass frequencies (ULT 1) or louder, punchier bass (ULT 2).

The one thing the ULT Tower 10 can’t do is power your party without a cable — unlike the XV900, there’s no internal battery.

My Tower 10 demo was a solo act — Sony didn’t have an XV900 on hand. But I was mightily impressed by the sheer power of this speaker. Sony had it set up in the basement of a fairly spacious New York bar and restaurant. The sound was so intense that the restaurant could have easily used a single Tower 10 to power that one space, instead of what was likely a much more expensive installed sound system.

Updated with more information about Sony’s portable version of Sound Field Optimization.

Editors' Recommendations

• Sony WH-1000XM6: the design and features we want Sony’s next headphones to deliver
• Rock and roll till dawn with Sony’s 25-hour SRS-XV500 party speaker
• Samsung’s new Dolby Atmos wireless speaker doubles as a picture frame
• B&O’s latest speaker is a love letter to aluminum
• Soundcore’s new Motion speakers are tough little portables with hi-res sound

Tivoli Audio's new tabletop radio isn't a radio at all. The Model Two Digital ($449) works with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and has a sleek new design that can be positioned horizontally or vertically. It eliminates the Model One Digital's oversized dial and screen in favor of a much simpler, single knob that does triple duty as the control for power, source selection, and volume. It also lacks an AM or FM tuner, making it the first Tivoli Audio "Model" series tabletop product to lack a terrestrial radio feature. The Model Two Digital is available for preorder starting September 19 and is expected to ship in November.

Tivoli Audio says the Model Two Digital, which is available in three color combos (walnut/gold, white/silver, and black/black), will appeal to the person that loves streaming and isn’t concerned about a traditional FM/AM radio feature because they can access their favorite terrestrial stations via apps like TuneIn. This effectively makes the Model Two Digital a wireless speaker.

Sonos has unveiled the latest version of its Move portable smart speaker -- the Move 2. It looks nearly identical to the original Sonos Move, yet contains several updates that bring it in line with the company's recently released Era 100 and Era 300 speakers. The Move 2 has been priced at $449, a $50 increase over the previous model, and will be available starting September 20, 2023, in a wide selection of countries. The Move 2 replaces the first-gen speaker, though Sonos will continue to sell the original Move while inventory remains, so you may want to keep an eye open for some deep discounts.

At a distance, you can't tell the Move and Move 2 apart, well, unless the Move 2 shows up in its new color option -- olive. The Move 2 is a hair bigger, but it still weighs the same 6.61 pounds. Sonos has kept the same rubberized no-slip base as well as the integrated carry handle on the back. As with the original, the Move 2 is built for the outdoors with an IP56 rating for dust and water resistance.

Ultimate Ears (UE) has added another Bluetooth speaker to its portable family of Boom products: the $350 Epicboom, which hits ultimateears.com on September 6, and then additional retailers on September 22. Available in two color choices, The new speaker fills the size and power gap between the Megaboom 3 and the giant Hyperboom, while boasting impressive ruggedness.

Like the rest of the Boom family, the Epicboom is designed to offer 360-degree sound and the company says the speaker's oval shape helps by offering a larger internal acoustic volume than the cylindrical design of the Boom 3 and Megaboom 3. It has two 1.5-inch active mid-high frequency transducers and a 4.6-inch woofer, which UE claims will deliver loud, bassy sound.

• Reviews TV REVIEWS   v1.11 HEADPHONES REVIEWS   v1.7 MONITOR REVIEWS   v1.2 SOUNDBAR REVIEWS   v1.3 MOUSE REVIEWS   v1.5 KEYBOARD REVIEWS   v1.3.1 PRINTER REVIEWS   v1.2 VACUUM REVIEWS   v1.3 PROJECTOR REVIEWS   v0.8 TOASTER REVIEWS   v1.0 BLENDER REVIEWS   v1.0 KEYBOARD SWITCH REVIEWS   v1.0 SPEAKER REVIEWS   v0.8 CAMERA REVIEWS   v0.12.1 LAPTOP REVIEWS   v0.8.2
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• Arctis Pro Wireless

SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless Headphones Review

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are outstanding gaming headphones. They combine the connectivity options of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC by including a wireless transmitter that doubles as a battery charging station, and they even throw Bluetooth in there for good measure. This results in highly versatile wireless gaming headphones that can mix audio from a console and a mobile device at the same time. On the downside, there have been many user reports of their units' hinges breaking over a short amount of time, and you can read more in our  build quality  section.

Our Verdict

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are good for neutral sound. While their bass and treble delivery depend on their fit, seal, and positioning, the USB transmitter and their companion software offer a graphic EQ and presets that make it easy to tweak the way they sound to fit your needs.

• Comfortable design.
• Great audio and microphone reproduction.
• Bass and treble delivery varies significantly across users.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are alright for commuting. You can pair them to your mobile devices via Bluetooth or use them passively with the provided audio cable. Although they don’t isolate sound very well, the microphone is retractable and they’re quite comfortable, so they’re an alright option for commuting if you don't mind the over-ear design.

• Wireless via USB transmitter and Bluetooth.
• Poor noise isolation.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are decent for sports. They're bulky but have breathable padding on their ear cups. You can also use them wirelessly with mobile devices, and they're decently stable thanks to their tight yet comfortable fit. However, they won't be the most practical for physical activities since you can get quite warm exercising with them on, and they’re prone to slipping off. They also have a mediocre build quality, and their hinges may break over time.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are okay for office use. The SteelSeries Engine provides you with a good amount of customization options and they're comfortable enough to wear for long hours. Their microphone is great for taking calls and you can use them wirelessly by plugging the wireless transmitter into your work computer as well as by pairing them to your mobile Bluetooth device. They won’t block much office chatter, but they also don’t leak as much as other gaming headsets. Their battery life can also last a whole work day.

• Impressive battery system.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are very good for wireless gaming. They sound great, can be used with a console and mobile device at the same time, have an excellent mic that filters a lot of noise and are very comfortable. They also have low wireless latency via their wireless transmitter base. Like most gaming headphones, they also have poor noise isolation, but it won't be a problem if you game in a quiet room. That said, they have a unique and convenient battery charging system and are likely to keep up with even your most intense gaming sessions.

• No button to adjust microphone volume.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are very good for wired gaming. They're comfortable for long gaming sessions, and their boom microphone captures voices clearly, even in more demanding environments. Their wireless transmitter is also nice for tweaking your audio on the fly. Unfortunately, they lack an adjustable mic level control. They also have poor noise isolation, but they'll be more than adequate if you're gaming at home.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are good for phone calls. Their boom microphone captures voices clearly, even in noisy environments. However, they don't have the best noise isolation so background sound can seep into your audio, making it more difficult to hear the person on the other end of the line.

• 8.2 Neutral Sound
• 6.6 Commute/Travel
• 7.0 Sports/Fitness
• 7.9 Wireless Gaming
• 7.6 Wired Gaming
• 7.8 Phone Calls
• Updated Mar 15, 2024: We've added a comparison between these headphones and the Astro A50 X in Base/Dock .
• Updated Feb 01, 2024: The following test groups have been updated following TB 1.6: Wired Connection , Bluetooth Connection , and Wireless Connection (Dongle) . There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the usages and product comparisons to match these results.
• Updated Feb 01, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.6 , which updates how we measure latency. We've updated and renamed the following test groups: Wired Connection , Bluetooth Connection , and Wireless Connection (Dongle) . We've also added new codec latency measurements and provided an audio sample of recorded latency.
• Updated Jan 10, 2023: The headphones' Build Quality was reevaluated based on widespread complaints about the hinges cracking and breaking from regular use. This score has changed from 8.0 to 6.0.
• Updated Feb 14, 2022: Retested 'Connection' in our Wired test.
• Updated Oct 12, 2021: We have retested 'Continuous Battery Life' and 'Non-Bluetooth Latency'.
• Updated Sep 22, 2021: We've retested 'Multi-Device Pairing'.
• Updated Jul 23, 2021: We've updated our Test Settings.
• Updated Jun 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.5 .
• Updated Mar 25, 2021: We've retested their non-Bluetooth latency.
• Updated Jan 28, 2021: We've updated the Build Quality text to better clarify the materials used in their design.
• Updated Feb 05, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.4 .
• Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3.1 .
• Updated Nov 21, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 1.3 .
• Updated Feb 15, 2019: Review published.
• Updated Feb 13, 2019: Our testers have started testing this product.
• Updated Feb 13, 2019: Early access published.
• Updated Feb 11, 2019: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
• Updated Feb 05, 2019: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Compared To Other Headphones

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless combine the wireless support of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 with the customizability of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC, making them jam-packed with features. What really sets them apart from other gaming headphones, however, is their swappable dual-battery charging system. They also have Bluetooth support so you can channel mix your gaming audio with team chat from your mobile device.

If you're still looking for gaming headphones, check out our recommendations for the best PS4 gaming headsets .

If versatility is important to you, then the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have the edge over the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro . The Arctis Pro are wireless headphones that you can use wired. They support Bluetooth, which means you can use them more casually. They're also better built, have a more neutral default sound profile, and their microphone performance is a bit better. However, the Arctis Nova Pro offer a bit more customizability, thanks to their companion software.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile gaming headphones than the  Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 , as you can use them wired or wirelessly. Although the SteelSeries are prone to more inconsistencies in their audio delivery, their sound can be tweaked on the fly, thanks to the EQ on their wireless transmitter. You can use their dock to store an extra physical battery while another is in your headphones, so you shouldn't have to worry about running out of power. They support Bluetooth, which is nice if you like to stream audio from your phone while gaming. However, the Astro have the edge when it comes to wireless gaming. They have even lower wireless latency via their base station, a more comfortable fit, and their boom mic offers a slightly better overall performance.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are slightly better gaming headphones than  SteelSeries Arctis 7+ Wireless . While both headphones are comfortable, the Arctis Pro come with a wireless dock that offers several connectivity options, as well as features like channel mixing and EQ presets that you can adjust on the fly. They have a more neutral default sound profile, support Bluetooth, and their boom mic offers better overall performance. However, the Arctis 7+ offer a lot more customization features as they're compatible with Sonar, which offers a parametric EQ among other robust customization features.

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless [PC, PS, Xbox] have an edge over the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. The Arctis Nova Pro deliver audio more consistently, and have ANC to help block out an alright amount of background noise. Their total battery life is longer, and you can even get these headphones in an Xbox or PlayStation variant, which offers different compatibility with either console. However, the original Arctis Pro have a more neutral sound profile, and their mic offers better overall performance.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC are similarly performing gaming headphones with different advantages. The Pro Wireless are completely wireless and they offer Bluetooth support while the GameDAC are more customizable as they have a better EQ and mic options. There are also more features available in the SteelSeries Engine software for the GameDAC than on the Pro Wireless. You also won’t have to monitor battery life with the wired GameDAC, but the dual battery setup of the Pro Wireless is great and you’re likely never going to lack battery life.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile headphones than the Logitech G PRO X WIRELESS LIGHTSPEED Gaming Headset . The SteelSeries have a more neutral, less bass-heavy default sound profile that's more suitable for a wide variety of music genres. However, their audio delivery isn't as consistent, so they may sound differently depending on their fit. They also have a more stable fit and a graphic EQ. Unlike the Logitech, they're compatible with Bluetooth, can be used wired, and work with Xbox One. However, the Logitech are more comfortable and have a longer continuous battery life.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile gaming headphones than the  HyperX Cloud Alpha Wireless . You can use the SteelSeries wired or wirelessly, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and their microphone offers better overall performance. They also support Bluetooth, which is good if you want to receive audio from your smartphone while connected to your PC. Their wireless transmitter base has a few different inputs too. However, the HyperX are more comfortable, and their continuous battery life is significantly longer. Some users have reported that using the companion app's features adds high latency though.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better-suited for PC and PS4 gaming while the  SteelSeries Arctis 9X Wireless are better for gaming on the Xbox One. Although you can EQ both headphones using SteelSeries Engine software, the Pro have a nice dual-battery system that lets you charge one battery while using the other one. Both are Bluetooth-compatible too, but the Pro also have full mic and audio support when used wired on all consoles. However, if you mainly game on Xbox One, the 9X will still offer better value as they support Xbox One Wireless, unlike the Pro.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the  HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II Wireless . The SteelSeries have a more stable fit and have a better-balanced sound profile. Their battery performance is better, too, and you can customize their sound profile via SteelSeries Engine software's graphic EQ and presets. They even support Bluetooth and can be used with a wired connection. However, the HyperX Cloud II Wireless are more comfortable and better built.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile than the  SteelSeries Arctis 9 Wireless . The Pro have a better-balanced sound profile out of the box, block out more ambient noise, have a better-performing boom microphone, and last longer on a single charge. They also come with a 1/8" TRRS cable that allows for full audio and microphone compatibility via analog connections and their wireless latency is lower too. The 9 have a broader range of microphone volume adjustment in their companion software.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless and the Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are designed for different uses. The SteelSeries are wireless gaming headphones. They have a better overall performing boom mic, support Bluetooth, and support non-Bluetooth wireless. They also come with a transmitter which allows you to adjust more controls like channel mixing and audio sources on the fly. In contrast, the Sony are better suited for casual use. They're more comfortable, can be paired with up to two devices at a time, and have an ANC system that helps block out a lot of background noise.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better wireless gaming headphones than the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless . The SteelSeries more comfortable and have much better controls on the headphones. Their sound profile is much more balanced and neutral with fewer peaks too, which some users may prefer. Their microphone also performs better overall and handles background noise much better. However, they leak more sound and isolate background noise worse than the Corsair. The SteelSeries also support Bluetooth, which is rare for gaming headphones.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better wireless gaming headphones than the Logitech G935 Wireless . The SteelSeries have much better controls, feel a lot more stable, have a more accurate sound profile, leak less audio, have a much better microphone, and have longer battery life. They also have many more connectivity options including Bluetooth, line in/out, optical in, and more. On the other hand, the Logitech have a slightly more open soundstage and may represent better value overall for some people.

The Audeze Maxwell Wireless are a little better than the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless. The Audeze have a much better build quality and a longer continuous battery life. They can connect with multiple Bluetooth devices at once and support the LDAC codec for high-res audio via Bluetooth. Their mic has better noise handling. However, the SteelSeries have an app with more sound customization features. They come with a wireless transmitter that also works as a battery charging station for the headphones.

The  Astro A50 X Wireless  are better gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless. While they both have a similar continuous battery life, the Astro are more comfortable and have a more balanced default sound profile with more consistent audio delivery. They also have more modern connectivity options housed in their base station, with USB-C and HDMI inputs that are optimized for HDMI 2.1 passthrough. If you need line in/out and optical ports, the SteelSeries might be the better bet. They also have a much better noise isolation performance and can be used with a wired connection.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud 2/Cloud II . The SteelSeries are more feature-packed, having a wireless transmitter that gives you access to an onboard EQ, channel mixing, and battery charging. They also support Bluetooth so you can mix in a voice chat from your phone into your game audio. However, the HyperX have a more traditional wired design, which some gamers prefer. They're also more comfortable, and their mic is detachable.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis 7X Wireless . While both headphones are comfortable, The Arctis Pro support Bluetooth and come with a wireless transmitter dock that offers several different inputs, including USB and Optical. The base also charges the headphones' battery, and it has controls like volume, channel-mixing, and EQ presets. These make it easy for you to adjust your settings while you game. However, the Arctis 7X have full non-Bluetooth wireless compatibility with Xbox consoles.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Corsair VIRTUOSO RGB Wireless XT . The SteelSeries are more comfortable, have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, and a wider passive soundstage that feels like it's coming from out of your head. Their microphone also does a better job of separating your voice from ambient noise around you, and their companion software offers more features. However, the Corsair have better Bluetooth compatibility, and their microphone has a slightly better recording quality.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are somewhat better gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless . The Arctis Pro Wireless have more connectivity options since they support Bluetooth, and have a base that acts not only as a wireless transmitter but as a charging station. Their microphone also performs better overall. On the other hand, the 7 2019 Edition are significantly cheaper. If you don’t need Bluetooth and don’t care for the swappable battery design, the 7 may be a better choice, considering the price difference.

Depending on your preferences, you may prefer either the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless or the Razer Barracuda Pro Wireless . The SteelSeries are dedicated gaming headphones that have a more immersive passive soundstage, and have a boom mic that offers a significantly better overall performance. They can also be used wired and come with a USB wireless transmitter base that allows you to charge their spare battery pack as well as adjust controls like EQ and channel mixing on the fly. Unfortunately, their ski-band headband design means that they're prone to inconsistencies in audio delivery depending on their fit, seal, and positioning on your head. In comparison, the Razer are a bit more versatile since they support ANC and can block out an excellent amount of ambient noise around you. They also have longer continuous battery life and have an integrated mic, which you may prefer if you want more casual-looking headphones.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the  SteelSeries Arctis 7P+ Wireless . While both are comfortable, the Arctis Pro have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer, their boom mic offers better performance, and they support Bluetooth, meaning you can be connected to your smartphone and console at the same time. However, the Arctis 7P+ have significantly longer continuous battery life.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile than the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2019  thanks to their wireless design. They also feature a useful dual-battery system that makes it near impossible to run out of power, and they can also be used via Bluetooth as well. The Astro, on the other hand, reproduce sound more accurately across different users and are slightly more comfortable.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless and the Logitech G Pro X Gaming Headset are both solid gaming headsets but serve different purposes. The Logitech is a traditional wired gaming headset, with a sturdy, durable design, and great boom mic. The SteelSeries are more feature-packed wireless gaming headphones, with a wireless transmitter that gives you access to an onboard EQ, channel mixing, and battery charging. They also support Bluetooth so you can mix in a voice chat from your phone into your game audio.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis 7P Wireless . While both headphones are comfortable, and use SteelSeries Engine companion software, the Arctis Pro have a better performing boom mic. They come with a wireless transmitter that also acts as a battery charging station. They recharge in less time and support Bluetooth, which is nice if you want to use them more casually.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are a bit better than the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 for gaming headphones. The Pro Wireless have more connectivity options since they support Bluetooth and have a base that acts not only as a wireless transmitter but also as a charging station. Their microphone also has a better overall performance. The 7 are more breathable, though, and are significantly cheaper. If you don’t need Bluetooth and don’t care for the swappable battery design, the 7 may be a better choice, considering the huge price difference.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are much better wireless gaming headphones than the Corsair Void PRO RGB Wireless . They're more customizable, have a more convenient dual battery system, and a better-balanced default sound profile. The Corsair are still decent but don’t perform quite as well overall.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better overall gaming headphones than the Drop + Sennheiser/EPOS PC38X . The SteelSeries have a virtual soundstage feature, though we don't currently test its performance, and their mic has a better noise handling performance. They can also be used wirelessly, support Bluetooth for more casual use, and are compatible with SteelSeries Engine software, which offers a graphic EQ and presets to help adjust their sound to your liking. However, the Drop are more comfortable and have more consistent audio delivery.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Corsair HS80 RGB Wireless. The SteelSeries have longer continuous battery life and recharge more quickly. Their boom mic also has a significantly better noise handling performance, and they have a much more neutral default sound profile, which some may prefer. They're Bluetooth-compatible and come with a 1/8" TRRS cable, meaning that you can use them via analog connection with Xbox consoles as well as PlayStation and PCs. 

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are much better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Alpha . The SteelSeries have a better-balanced sound profile out of the box, and you can customize the way they sound with a graphic EQ or presets with their companion software. Their microphone performs much better overall, and they're more versatile as they can be used wired or wirelessly. They even support Bluetooth, so you can use them with your phone to mix music in while gaming. That said, the boom mic of the HyperX is removable, which helps the headphones blend in more for everyday use, and they feel more comfortable and durable as well.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better wireless gaming headphones than the JBL Quantum 800 Wireless . The SteelSeries are slightly more comfortable, and have better controls. Although they're prone to inconsistencies in their bass and treble delivery, their companion software comes with a graphic EQ as well as presets, which is similar to the JBL. They also have support non-Bluetooth wireless thanks to their transmitter dock, their boom microphone performs better overall, and their battery life lasts longer too. However, the JBL have an adjustable mic level in their companion software, and they also have a great active noise cancelling feature. They also have RGB lighting, which some users may prefer.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better for wireless gaming than the Razer Barracuda X Wireless 2021 . The SteelSeries are more stable, and they have a better mic performance. Their default sound profile is more neutral, which some users may prefer, and you can also customize them using the graphic EQ with their companion software.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile gaming headphones than the Logitech G535 LIGHTSPEED Wireless . While both headphones are comfortable, the SteelSeries have a more neutral sound profile, and a significantly better boom mic performance. Their wireless transmitter base also allows you to adjust your settings on the fly or charge their extra battery cartridge. They support Bluetooth too, which is handy if you want to stay connected to your console and your phone at the same time, and you can use them wired via their 1/8" TRRS cable. However, the Logitech have a longer continuous battery life.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better wireless gaming headphones than the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless 2020 . The SteelSeries' microphone has a better recording quality. Also, they have a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box. However, the Razer have longer continuous battery life.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Astro A50 Gen 3 Wireless 2017 . While the SteelSeries' sound profile is more inconsistent, they offer a lot of customization features like a graphic EQ, presets to better tweak the sound to your liking. They also contain a noticeably better microphone for online games, and are also Bluetooth compatible, making them a little more versatile than the Astro. The SteelSeries have great wireless range, their dual battery system is very convenient, and you almost can’t run out of battery. On the other hand, the Astro are slightly more comfortable and can be used for mic and audio support on Xbox One with their dock.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Audeze Penrose Wireless . The SteelSeries have a better-balanced sound profile right out-of-the-box, and have a virtual soundstage. Their boom microphone offers better overall performance, they have a longer-lasting battery life, and their wireless dock also allows you to charge their second battery pack in addition to offering several different inputs. However, the Audeze are planar magnetic headphones, which some users may prefer.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are more versatile than the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 2 Wireless . The SteelSeries are more comfortable, have a superior control scheme, are marginally more portable, and have a longer total battery life, courtesy of their included swappable dual batteries. They can also be used on a wired connection, unlike the Turtle Beach. That said, the Turtle Beach deliver audio more consistently.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better overall gaming headphones than the SteelSeries Arctis Prime . You can use the Arctis Pro wired or wirelessly. They're compatible with companion software so that you can customize their sound to your liking using the graphic EQ and presets, and their boom mic offers better overall performance. They also support Bluetooth, so you can listen to audio from your phone while you're connected to your console.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the EPOS Sennheiser GSP 600 . The SteelSeries are more stable, and their default sound profile is more neutral. Unlike the EPOS, you can also use them wirelessly, and their companion software has a graphic EQ so you can customize its sound. That said, the EPOS have better noise isolation and leakage performances.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the  HyperX Cloud Flight S . The SteelSeries are wireless headphones with much better controls, Bluetooth and wired capabilities, a better-balanced sound profile, and better software with EQ settings. They also feel more stable. On the other hand, the HyperX are wired gaming headphones that have a slightly better isolation performance and are a much more budget-friendly option.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are much better gaming headphones than the Razer Nari Ultimate Wireless . While the SteelSeries and Razer both have an inconsistent sound across users, the SteelSeries offer an EQ directly on their wireless transmitter so you can customize sound on-the-fly. The SteelSeries also have a much better performing microphone, and superior battery performance thanks to their two interchangeable battery packs. The SteelSeries also support Bluetooth for added compatibility with mobile devices. However, the Razer have access to a wider range of customization options with the Razer Synapse program, like haptic feedback and Chroma lighting control.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better wireless gaming headphones than the Audeze Mobius . Although they're both similarly comfortable, the SteelSeries have slightly better controls, and their unique swappable battery cartridge system ensures you always have battery life when you're gaming. They also take less time to charge, and you can still use these headphones passively if you don't have a charged battery handy. The SteelSeries companion software also offers a graphic EQ plus presets, and you can use them with their transmitter to wirelessly play on PS4 or PC. That being said, the Audeze offer more virtual soundstage features, and their sound delivery is more consistent across users. However, they only support Bluetooth and can't be used passively.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are much better gaming headphones than the Corsair HS60 . Although both headphones are prone to inconsistent frequency responses and offer companion software to better help customize their sound to your liking, with the SteelSeries, you can directly tweak audio on-the-fly, thanks to their wireless transmitter. The SteelSeries can also be used wirelessly or wired. The SteelSeries are much more expensive but are also more versatile since they can also be used with Bluetooth. That said, the price difference is massive, and if you prefer a wired connection, the Corsair are very well-built and comfortable gaming headphones at a lower price.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Astro A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro 2017 . The SteelSeries are wireless, closed-back headphones that can also be used with an analog connection. They have more versatile controls on the ear cups, a virtual surround feature, and a unique, swappable battery cartridge system that ensures that you always have extra battery life on hand. The SteelSeries also support Bluetooth so you can channel mix audio from your console with team chat from your mobile device. However, both headphones have inconsistent bass and treble delivery across users and use their companion software to give you more control over your audio experience. Users have also reported issues with their SteelSeries' unit breaking at the hinges over time.

The Sony WH-1000XM3 Wireless and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are rather different types of headphones, but both models are very versatile. If you're looking for a great noise cancelling pair of headphones to bring on your daily commute, go with the Sony, but if you want wireless gaming headphones that can also transition to more casual use thanks to their Bluetooth support, then check out the SteelSeries instead.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the HyperX Cloud Flight in almost every way. The SteelSeries have more customization features to tweak their sound to your liking. They have a good app that allows for customization options, and they also support Bluetooth, making them a better option for using on the go with your phone. While the HyperX have a longer single-charge battery life, the SteelSeries provide you with two batteries, which means you can continuously use them wirelessly while the other battery is charging in the dock. They also have lower wireless latency via their transmitter base.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are much better gaming headphones than the Logitech G933 Wireless . Although the SteelSeries and Logitech both have an inconsistent sound across users, the SteelSeries offers an EQ directly on its wireless transmitter so you can customize sound on-the-fly. The SteelSeries also have a better control scheme, a more stable fit, a better microphone, and a quick-charging battery. That said, the Logitech are more breathable and are also compatible with the Logitech's G HUB software, which has more customization features than the SteelSeries Engine. Though the SteelSeries are better headphones in general, fans of Logitech's G HUB software should consider the G933 since it’s still a very good gaming headset at a fraction of the price.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are significantly better gaming headphones than the SteelSeries TUSQ . The Arctis Pro are more comfortable, have a more neutral default sound profile, and you can customize their sound to your liking using their companion software's graphic EQ and presets. They also have a better overall mic performance, can be used wirelessly, and support Bluetooth as well as non-Bluetooth wireless. However, some users may prefer the TUSQ's lightweight and easily portable design.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better wireless gaming headphones than the Turtle Beach Elite Atlas Aero Wireless . The SteelSeries have a more comfortable design. They also have a significantly better control scheme, a better-balanced sound profile, and a better microphone. Finally, while the Turtle Beach only work wirelessly with a PC, the SteelSeries are wirelessly compatible with both PC and PS4. On the other hand, the Turtle Beach last twice as long off a single charge, are slightly more consistent among various users and may represent better overall value to some people.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the Razer Opus X Wireless . The SteelSeries have a significantly better microphone performance, and you can customize their sound to your liking using their companion software's graphic EQ. They also support non-Bluetooth wireless, though it's somewhat high. However, the Razer have an active noise cancelling system to help block out more background noise around you.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are much better-performing gaming headphones than the Turtle Beach Battle Buds , but with a very different design. The SteelSeries are bulky over-ear headphones with a wireless dock to connect to your TV and gaming consoles to use the headphones wirelessly. Meanwhile, the Turtle Beach are wired earbuds with a small boom microphone, designed to use while gaming on a mobile device or to plug into the controller of your home console. The SteelSeries have a more balanced sound profile and a much better performing microphone. On the other hand, the Turtle Beach are much more portable.

The Razer Opus Wireless 2020 and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are two different kinds of headphones designed for different uses. While the Opus are ANC headphones designed for casual day-to-day use, the Arctis Pro are wireless gaming headphones with a wireless base station that plugs into your TV or gaming console. The Razer Opus have an excellent ANC feature that helps block out background noise during your daily commute or while in the office, and their well-balanced sound profile is versatile enough for most genres and content. On the other hand, the boom microphone of the Arctis Pro performs significantly better, and they can be used wirelessly for gaming. Overall, the Arctis are a better choice if you want gaming headphones, but the Opus are the way to go if you want casual daily-use headphones.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones than the JBL Quantum ONE . The SteelSeries have a more comfortable design that shouldn’t look too out of place in an office setting, along with onboard controls for answering phone calls and a better retractable microphone. They use a low-latency wireless receiver for wireless gaming but also provide Bluetooth and wired compatibility, the latter thanks to an included 1/8” TRRS cable. However, the JBL are better suited for gaming in loud environments thanks to their ANC system, which does a good job of blocking out ambient chatter.

The Ultimate Ears FITS Truly Wireless and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are very different headphones, so you may prefer one over the other. The Ultimate Ears are truly wireless in-ears with a smaller, more portable design and a more comfortable, stable in-ear fit. However, the SteelSeries are gaming-oriented over-ears with a better microphone performance and built-in support for non-Bluetooth wireless. They have a more neutral out-of-the-box sound profile, and they're compatible with PS4 and Xbox One consoles.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless and the Beats Solo Pro Wireless have different strengths, and you may prefer one over the other. The SteelSeries are wireless gaming headphones that are more comfortable, have a significantly better boom mic performance, and have longer-lasting continuous battery life. Their companion software also offers more robust customization features like a graphic EQ and presets. However, the Beats are more versatile headphones. They have an ANC system that helps blocks out more background noise when you're on the go and come with a carrying case.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are better gaming headphones compared to the HyperX Cloud Mix Wireless . They have tons of customization options, switchable batteries, and a great control scheme. You can also use them wirelessly when gaming with their transmitter, but also with Bluetooth if you’re on the go. However, while the HyperX can still do chat mixing via Bluetooth, if you want to use them for console gaming, you need to use their wired connection. If you're gaming on a PC, you can either use their Bluetooth or wired connection. At the same time, the HyperX also aren’t as pricey as the SteelSeries and are still very versatile for their price tag.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are much better gaming headphones than the  Wyze Wireless Gaming Headset . The SteelSeries are also significantly more expensive and come with more features, like a companion app with EQ and presets. They can also be used wired and have a better build. However, the Wyze headset has a longer battery life without needing to swap out power cartridges like on the SteelSeries. The Wyze have slightly higher latency via wireless USB dongle, but it still falls within good limits. If you're looking for a budget gaming headset and don't mind a cheaper build and a worse-performing mic, the Wyze perform well. If you can afford the SteelSeries, though, don't hesitate to choose them over the Wyze.

Test Results

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are very similar in design to the rest of the Arctis lineup. They have a wide metal headband with a pronounced curve wrapped in an elastic strap to adjust the fit, reminiscent of ski goggles, that has a premium, durable feel. They’re a bit bulky, but have a retractable microphone for added versatility. They have a sleek, uniform look that's more understated than gaming headsets with flashier designs like the Astro A50 Gen 4 Wireless 2019 , but is more versatile for everyday use. If you want your headphones to stand out more though, you can purchase more colorful headband straps, magnetic ear cup plates, and leather or velour ear cushions directly on the SteelSeries website.

Like the SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC , the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are comfortable gaming headphones. They have a curved metal headband frame with a ski goggle-like elastic that adjusts the fit. The ear cups are large, spacious, and well-padded, and are coated with breathable and soft padding that feels nice on the skin. Unfortunately, the sizing is limited by the length of the elastic strap and the shape of the metal frame, which can’t expand to accommodate all head shapes and sizes. The fit will be fine for most but may feel a little tight for some.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have good controls that are easy to use and provide great feedback. Like the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC , these headphones have a control dial and a microphone mute switch on the left ear cup. When using Bluetooth, the control dial only adjusts the volume. If you're using the transmitter, you can also adjust the volume by default, but clicking the dial accesses more settings like channel mixing, EQ presets, and audio sources. The right ear cup has a power button and a dedicated Bluetooth Sync button, which controls music and calls when you're using a Bluetooth connection. The power button also curves outwards while the Bluetooth button curves inwards, which helps to distinguish the two.

Like most closed-back, over-ear headphones, the SteelSeries Arctis Wireless Pro Wireless have poor breathability. These headphones aren't suitable for sports or exercise since they can make your ears sweat if used while working out. They can also warm your ears up a bit during longer or more intense gaming sessions. That said, you won't have a problem during more casual gaming or listening sessions, especially if you take breaks every now and then.

Like most gaming headphones, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless aren't very portable. Even though they have practically the same design as the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 and the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC , they’re a bit larger too. They have large ear cups, a rigid headband, and they can't fold into a more compact format. Their wireless transmitter is also fairly bulky. However, you don't need to carry it with you when you're on the go as these headphones have Bluetooth support or can be used passively with their audio cable. Still, they're not the easiest to carry around unless you have a bag or backpack to stash them in.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless don't come with a case or a pouch. However, you can purchase one directly from SteelSeries.

Despite their high-end price, the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have a mediocre build quality. They’re nearly identical to the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC with a mostly plastic frame and a headband that's a mix of metal and silicone-like material. Unfortunately, there have been multiple user reports of the hinges of the headphones breaking over short and long periods. The plastic yoke area can crack and cause the hinge completely break off, which is very frustrating.

Unlike most other gaming headphones, the right ear cup houses a removable battery, and the headphones come with two swappable batteries. The microphone is flexible and can withstand being bent in different ways without breaking. It also smoothly retracts into the left ear cup when not in use.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have similar stability to the SteelSeries Arctis 7 Wireless 2017 and the SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless . They have a tight yet comfortable fit that prevents them from moving much once on your head. Since they’re also wireless, there’s no audio cable that can snag on something and yank them off your ears. That said, their fit is tight enough that you can jog with them if you want to, provided you don’t mind your ears getting a little warm.

• Arctis Pro Wireless headset
• Wireless USB transmitter
• Mini-USB to USB audio cable
• 8-pin to 1/8" TRRS audio cable
• Toslink optical cable
• Micro-USB to USB charging cable
• DC to USB power cable
• Microphone windscreen
• Additional battery

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have a sound profile that depends on how they fit on your head. Their position, seal, and whether you have glasses or thick hair can all affect sound delivery, resulting in inconsistent bass and treble. Once properly fitted to your head, however, you'll get a consistent sound. However, you can easily tweak their sound using the EQ on their wireless transmitter. They're also compatible with SteelSeries Engine companion software, which offers a graphic EQ and presets.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have sub-par frequency response consistency. The bass delivery varies, and a drop in bass can occur if the ear cups aren't flush to your head, like if you wear glasses or have thick hair. The treble range is also inconsistent. As the overall frequency response depends on fit, seal, and positioning of these headphones, once you achieve a good overall fit, you'll get a more consistent frequency response each time you use them.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have outstanding bass accuracy but its delivery can vary across users. The bass is accurate and neutral and while some listeners may find that they sound a bit light on the bass, you can use the EQ in the companion software or on the transmitter to adjust the sound to your liking. However, the bass delivery is sensitive to the quality of the fit, seal, and whether you wear glasses. This represents the average bass response and your experience may vary.

These headphones have an excellently accurate and flat mid-range, resulting in the clear reproduction of vocals and lead instruments.

The treble accuracy of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless good but its delivery can vary across users. The low-mid is balanced, and although there's a slight dip, lead instruments and vocals sound present and detailed. There's also a small peak in the mid-treble which can make sibilants like S and T sounds slightly sharp. However, this treble accuracy performance represents the average response and your experience may vary.

The peaks and dips performance of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless is good but their position, seal, and whether you have glasses or thick hair can all affect sound delivery, resulting in inconsistent bass and treble. Although there are a few peaks and dips, most are very slight. However, the peak between the high-mid and low-treble is less balanced than the rest of the range but it's unlikely to be noticeable to most listeners.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have excellent imaging. Although there are two small spikes in the low-bass and mid-bass that are above the group delay's audibility threshold, it may not be audible for most users. Additionally, the L/R drivers of our test unit are exceptionally matched, which is important for the accurate placement and localization of objects and instruments (like voices and footsteps) in the stereo image. However, these results are only valid for our unit and yours may perform differently.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have an unremarkable soundstage. Although it feels relatively large and sounds as if it's coming from out of the listener’s head, the soundstage may still be perceived as a bit unnatural. As they have a closed-back design, it results in a soundstage that may not feel as open as that of open-back headphones.

These headphones have virtual sound support and a speaker modeling feature.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless' weighted harmonic distortion performance is good. Although there's a small spike in the low-bass, this likely won't be audible to all listeners. Otherwise, all frequencies fall within good limits, which will result in clear and pure audio reproduction.

Update 07/23/2021: We originally reported that we tested these headphones using PCM, 24-bit, 48kHz codec. However, this was incorrect and thanks to user feedback, we've updated our results with the correct codec settings: PCM, 16-bit, 48kHz.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro's results are only valid for these settings.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have poor noise isolation. They don’t isolate sounds in the bass range at all and instead, they can let the rumbles of a subwoofer into your audio. Although they block out slightly more mid-range noise like office chatter, it won't be enough for an office or cafe setting. On the upside, they do a better job of reducing treble range noise like A/C fans. However, if you want gaming headphones with better noise isolation, check out the EPOS Sennheiser GSP 600 . The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless are also worth considering as they have an active noise cancelling (ANC) system.

The leakage performance of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless is decent, similar to that of the SteelSeries Arctis 7 2019 Edition Wireless . They mostly leak between the low-mid to low-treble and it sounds fuller and speaker-like than leakage coming from in-ear or more tightly closed-back, over-ear headphones. If you're listening to music at a high volume, it may be audible to those around you, even in a moderately noisy environment.

These headphones have a retractable boom microphone that also comes with an optional windscreen.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless' microphone has a very good recording quality. Speech recorded sounds full-bodied, clear, and detailed. However, it lacks airiness and brilliance. As the microphone doesn't have volume control, it's always at max volume, which causes the recording to sound distorted in our test PC.

There have been numerous reports on user forums of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless' microphone being too quiet on consoles and mobile apps. Resetting the wireless transmitter and updating the firmware seems to resolve this issue for many. You can visit this link to see the discussion surrounding this issue.

The microphone of the SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless has remarkable noise handling. It can easily separate your voice from demanding or noisy environments like gaming events, so you can be heard clearly.

Update 10/12/2021: We retested both batteries to see if we could achieve a result closer to the advertised 10 hours of continuous battery life. We were able to measure roughly 13 hours of playback time. However, our unit is over a year old and has seen a lot of use, which could explain the difference between our original measurement of roughly 15 hours and this measurement of 13 hours. We also managed to get more than the advertised 10 hours of battery life after both retests, and even though these headphones have been regularly used for several months. As a result, we haven't changed our results.

These headphones have an excellent battery system. Two swappable batteries can be inserted into the wireless transmitter for charging when not in use. They use one battery at a time, and they each have over 15 hours of continuous battery life, which means that you don't have to worry about running out of juice during more intense gaming sessions. When you're deep in gameplay, the transmitter can also show the charge level of your headphones as well as the battery that's being charged. There's even an auto-off timer that can be set via their companion software, and if you can't put down the game, you can also use these headphones while charging. You can also use them passively with their included audio cable.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless are compatible with the SteelSeries Engine desktop app, which is a good app with lots of customization features for gamers. You won’t get as many features as you do with the SteelSeries Arctis Pro GameDAC , but there’s a graphic equalizer with presets, DTS surround sound, live mic preview, bass boost, and dialogue enhancement, to name a few. The charge level of the battery in the headset and the battery in the transmitter is available on the app, and the app specifies when the charging battery is fully charged.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless come with an uncommon mini B 8-pin connector cable that connects directly to the headphones. However, the other end is a 1/8" TRRS cable that's compatible with most gaming consoles and operating systems. When the headphones are on, they have slight latency via analog, but your audio and visuals are still well-synced. Using them completely passively drops the latency to virtually imperceptible levels, though.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless have okay Bluetooth connectivity. Although they don't support multi-device with more than one Bluetooth device like the Turtle Beach Elite 800 Wireless , you can still pair them with a Bluetooth device. You can also connect to a PlayStation console and a Bluetooth device simultaneously. With this setup, you can listen to audio from your smartphone while still gaming.

These headphones only support the basic SBC codec. The latency using this codec is quite high, causing lip-sync issues. Some apps and devices compensate for latency, though. Bluetooth also isn't really the best choice for gaming, so if you're looking for lower wireless latency, you'll want to see how the wireless transmitter base performs.

These headphones have excellent wireless connectivity via their wireless transmitter base. Their audio latency is quite low, ensuring your audio and video stay in sync. They also have a very good line-of-sight range, allowing you to use them further away from their audio source.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless can only receive audio when their wireless transmitter is connected to the Xbox One via an optical connection. If you like to stay in touch with your teammates using your microphone, you can use a Bluetooth connection with a phone or other device that has the Xbox app for chat. However, you have full audio and microphone support when you plug their analog cable directly into the controller.

Update 03/27/2019: The SteelSeries don't have native mic support with the Xbox One. You have to use the Bluetooth connection with a phone or device that has the Xbox app for chat. You can also use a USB connection with your PC. For full instructions on how to set this up, you can read more by following this link . However, since the microphone isn't being routed through the Xbox console, we have adjusted the score to reflect this.

The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless come with a USB wireless transmitter base. The headset's battery is charged directly in the transmitter and is inserted like a cartridge. You plug the transmitter into a USB port of a PC or console to use the headset wirelessly. Optical audio is required to use these headphones with the Xbox One or to access the surround sound and ChatMix features on PS4. If you're looking for headphones with a base station that supports HDMI passthrough and offers simultaneous connectivity with PC, Xbox and PlayStation family consoles, it's worth checking out the Astro A50 X Wireless instead.

Sony's new bass-boosted ULT range includes affordable WH-1000XM5 alternative and portable Bluetooth speakers

S ony never sleeps, and it's back again with a brand new line of products that all have one thing in common: going big on bass. The new ULT range currently consists of four debuts: the ULT Wear over-ear wireless headphones, the ULT Field 7 and Field 1 portable Bluetooth speakers, and the Tower 10 party speaker module. Aimed towards today's hip-hop-loving, bass-craving youth, the Sony ULT line's products are united by bold, punchy sound and a heavy focus on that all-important sonic lower-end.

To serve this aim, the products listed above feature bass-boosting profiles that can easily be accessed depending on how you want those lower registers to come through. The ULT Wear wireless headphones, for instance, feature a large, shiny button on the left ear cup which toggles between three sonic modes: a standard non-boosted sound profile, "attack bass" for greater bass punch and then "deep bass" for more resonance in those crucial lower frequencies. We've tried it for ourselves, and while we'll need more testing time, there were certainly three distinct sonic flavours when we cycled through the various modes mentioned above. 

On the subject of the ULT Wear, Sony's new headphones aren't a one-note gimmick. Similar in size and form to the flagship WH-1000XM5 and sporting the same V1 noise-cancelling processor as those current Award-winners, the more affordable ULT Wear offer up to 50 hours of battery life with the ANC turned off and around 30 with it switched on. They also support Bluetooth Multipoint, voice calls and fast pair for Android, and while you can simply use that ULT button for toggling between bass modes, you can also access the Sony mobile app for greater customisation and precision. With swivelling, foldable earcups and a well-padded headband, we're excited to see what the ULT Wear headphones can do when we get our hands on a test pair.

The ULT Wear certainly grabbed our attention during Sony's recent hands-on demo in the heart of Central London, but there's a lot more to the ULT range than wearable audio. Sony has unveiled two portable Bluetooth speakers to add to its arsenal, even if one of those new additions is slightly stretching the definition of "portable".

The burly ULT Field 7 sports similar dimensions to a gym's workout sandbag and offers two in-built carry handles on either side. Yes, it's portable, but rather aptly, you'd have to put in some decent upper body work before you could carry the Field 7 for a few hundred metres before your arms turned to jelly. Think of the JBL Xtreme 3 , roughly double it, and you'll be in the right sort of area. 

Accompanying the Field 7 is the Field 1, a slimline, handheld model that could be a potential rival for the JBL Flip 6 . This smaller unit offers 12 hours of battery life alongside voice call capabilities and fast pair for Android users, as well as shock-proofing for when those on-the-go accidents inevitably occur. It doesn't have on-unit lights, sadly, something which the Field 7 does offer thanks to its glowing concentric rings surrounding the unit's oval radiators.  

Both portable speakers feature impressive IP67 waterproof ratings , with the larger Field 7 offering two bass modes – 'attack' and 'deep' bass – over the Field 1's single "power sound" booster button. The larger Field 7 also beats its smaller sibling for battery life, offering 30 hours from a single charge, plus soundfield optimisation which allows the speaker to assess the noise of its surroundings and adjust its output accordingly. Party Connect mode is also available for when you want to wirelessly connect your Field 7 to other compatible Sony models, akin to JBL's handy PartyBoost feature.

There's one more member of the ULT family to mention: the rather whopping ULT Tower 10. At just over three feet (around 110cm) tall, the gargantuan Tower 10 speaker packs in four tweeters, two midrange drivers and a main speaker unit to provide powerful 360 audio for events, parties or even budding home DJs. With a provided Sony microphone and 360 lighting, it's just the thing to get the karaoke party started.

The new Sony ULT range is available from April 2024 at the following prices:

- ULT Wear over-ear headphones: £180 / €200 / $200 / AU$440

- ULT Field 7 Bluetooth speaker: £400 / €450 / $499 / AU$649

- ULT Field 1 Bluetooth speaker: £120 / €140 / $129 / AU$229

- ULT Tower 10 party speaker: £1000 / €1400 / $1199 / AU$1499

Read our original Sony WH-1000XM5 review 

These are the best Sony headphones from the current kings of the hill 

And the best Bluetooth speakers , tried and tested for every budget

Sony's run of Award-winning headphones is remarkable, so what makes them so special?

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• Home Entertainment

Sony's New ULT Series Bluetooth Speakers Get Extra Bass and a Memorable Name

These speakers and headphones are designed to make you feel like you're in the front row at a concert.

• Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer

I got an early review sample of the ULT Field 1, which costs $130. 

In an attempt to give its audio products more marketing-friendly names, Sony's unveiled a new line of headphones and Bluetooth speakers under its new ULT Power Sound sub-brand. At launch, the ULT series includes new ULT Wear headphones ($200) and three new Bluetooth speakers: the ULT Tower 10 ($1,200), ULT Field 7 ($500) and ULT Field 1 ($130). 

Read more : Best Bluetooth Speakers of 2024

As you might have guessed, ULT is short for ultimate or, as Sony says, "The ultimate step into the evolution of its portable audio products." Power represents "dynamic sound pressure and deep bass." Sound translates to "as if you were in the front row at a concert." Tower and Wear are self explanatory and Field stands for, well, something you'd use when you're out and about -- out in the field, so to speak. I don't know quite what to make of all that, but for better or worse, clearly a lot of thought went into naming this series.  

I got a chance to use the ULT Wear headphones ( read our full review ) and also tried out the new ULT Field 1 , the smallest Bluetooth speaker in the line and a successor to Sony's SRS-XB23 and SRS-XE200 .

Here's a quick rundown of the new Bluetooth speakers.

The Field 1 is available in four color options and will ship April 22.

Sony ULT Field 1

Sony launched the  SRS-XB23  a few years ago and it was a fairly popular portable Bluetooth speaker. The lightweight and compact ULT Field 1 sort of looks like a cross between it and the newer SRS-XE200 and sounds significantly better than the XB23, which had bass forward sound but just didn't offer enough clarity and detail for my tastes. The ULT Field 1 sounds fuller and more balanced and competes favorably with JBL's popular Flip 6, which lists for the same price.

The speaker comes in four colors -- off-white, orange, black and forest gray -- and it's waterproof and dust-proof, with an IP67 rating. It also has speakerphone capabilities and is rated for up to 12 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels.

When you press the ULT button, you get a bass boost and overall fuller sound. Unlike with the ULT button on the Wear headphones that I thought boosted the bass too much, in the case of the Field 1, the speaker sounded didn't have enough bass unless the ULT button was engaged. Here are its key specs:

• Compact and lightweight
• EQ: Low-frequency mode with ULT Button and three-band EQ
• IP67 Waterproof, dust-proof, rust-proof and shock-resistant
• Integrated adjustable strap
• Up to 12 hours battery life
• Speakerphone (built-in microphone)
• Available in black, forest gray, off white and orange
• Ships April 22

The ULT Field 7 is a boom box style speaker that costs $500.

Sony ULT Field 7

I haven't tried the ULT Field 7 but it's supposed to ship before the ULT Field 1, according to Sony. It's the successor to Sony's SRS-SG500 Bluetooth boom box. I liked the SG500 but thought it lacked clarity compared to some of its competitors, including boom box speakers from JBL. 

Sony says the Field 7 offers improved sound and a new karaoke feature, so I look forward to testing it. Here are its key specs:

• Weight: 13.9 pounds (6.3 kg)
• EQ: Two low-frequency modes with ULT button, seven-band EQ
• Lighting: Ambient lighting that synchs with your music
• Battery Life: Up to 30 hours at moderate volume levels
• Quick charge feature (10-minute charge gives you 3 hours of battery life)
• Charge out port
• Vertical and horizontal orientation with multiple handles
• IP67 waterproof, dust-proof and rust-proof
• Sound Field Optimization
• Karaoke function

The massive ULT Tower 10 lists for $1,200 and has built-in wheels to make it easier to move around.

ULT Tower 10

The 64-pound ULT Tower 10 is massive party speaker that features built-in wheels so you can move it around more easily. It does require AC power to use (it is not battery powered) and has an LED light show option as you'd expect from a party speaker.  This is a bigger speaker than Sony's SRS-XV900 ($900) party speaker, which does have a built-in battery. Like that model, there's a karaoke option (a wireless microphone is included) and connectivity option for TVs (TV Booster feature). Here are the Tower 10's key specs.

• Weight: 64 pounds (29kg)
• Omnidirectional sound
• Two low-frequency modes with ULT Button, 7-Band EQ
• Omnidirectional Lighting 34 areas of light compared to 15 for SRS-XV900
• Included Wireless microphone for karaoke
• TV Sound booster feature
• Sound field optimization
• Built-in hand and wheels (wheels are about 50% bigger than XV900's)
• Price: $1,200

Read more : Best Bluetooth Boom Box Speakers of 2024

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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