Best noise cancelling headphones for flying?
Aug 29, 23, 8:34 am
#406
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: ORD
Programs: UA Plat, Marriott Gold,HH Gold
Posts: 2,750
For me, I don't notice a huge difference in the levels of ANC. The music and bass sounds better on the B&O and B&W. All 3 cans are very capable,
Aug 29, 23, 8:48 am
#407
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: DL PM, MR Titanium/LTP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,073
So I've been flying with AirPods Pro for the past couple of years, because of the small packing footprint.
Very limited experience with over the ear headphones. I have a pair of Plantronics. It's big and while noise cancellation is okay, I don't think it's using the mic arrays of current ANC headphones.
Besides size, it pinched my ear lobes so I couldn't wear them for more than about 4 hours at a time, so for all the battery life, my use was limited to the battery cycle of AirPod Pros anyways.
Is there a fitting guide for over the ear ANC cans? Since most stuff is ordered online these days, I don't know where you'd go to try out the Sonys. I suppose Bose stores would have demo units.
I don't know if my ears are bigger than normal but the bigger cans would also result in a bigger packing footprint too, I would guess. I notice most cans are round now, not oval.
Has anyone had luck with comfort as far as these things not pinching your lobes to the point where you can't use them all the way on intercontinental flights or even coast to coast flights?
Very limited experience with over the ear headphones. I have a pair of Plantronics. It's big and while noise cancellation is okay, I don't think it's using the mic arrays of current ANC headphones.
Besides size, it pinched my ear lobes so I couldn't wear them for more than about 4 hours at a time, so for all the battery life, my use was limited to the battery cycle of AirPod Pros anyways.
Is there a fitting guide for over the ear ANC cans? Since most stuff is ordered online these days, I don't know where you'd go to try out the Sonys. I suppose Bose stores would have demo units.
I don't know if my ears are bigger than normal but the bigger cans would also result in a bigger packing footprint too, I would guess. I notice most cans are round now, not oval.
Has anyone had luck with comfort as far as these things not pinching your lobes to the point where you can't use them all the way on intercontinental flights or even coast to coast flights?
The ANC is excellent (both on planes and as someone who WFH with a toddler -- I can verify that the ANC is very good for both uses) and I've found them to be very comfortable for wearing all day (again both WFH and for long flights). You just have to buy either an AirFly or a cable to connect to IFE, at least until more airlines roll out Bluetooth connections in their IFE.
Sep 2, 23, 7:36 pm
#409
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,403
Have some long flights coming up in Q4, so picked up the Bose QC Earbuds II. While I've never really explored the ANC headphone world, they do work! Though, the connection isn't as efficient and seamless as Apple's earbuds (I use an iPhone), they connect well enough, I suppose. Just have to reset every once in a while, which I don't recall ever having to do with the Apple ones.
Anyway, sounds good and the ANC really does work. I'm kind of surprised, since I sort assumed it was just all marketing fluff.
Anyway, sounds good and the ANC really does work. I'm kind of surprised, since I sort assumed it was just all marketing fluff.
Sep 3, 23, 9:14 am
#410
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 156
For some background, see my June 9 post.
Used my QCll buds for two more trips this summer (Germany & Alberta). The sound on these continues to amaze me.
On the YYZ-FRA flight, something happened where they wouldn’t connect to my iPhone. I suspect it had something to do with airplane mode. When we got to our hotel in Frankfurt I was able to re-pair and it was fine after that. One thing I’ve implemented as a (sort of) fail-safe is to only use my iPad Mini with the Bose. The iPad doesn’t have to go into airplane mode, and I haven’t had any connection issues. Plus, it eliminates the super annoying “Turn off airplane mode or use wi-fi to access data” pop-up messages.
As others have reported, the QCll, when it works, is stellar. It’s the apparent finickey software that can mess things up. I truly wish Apple would do a complete redesign of the AirPods Pro. They just do not stay in my ears. The QCll is stable and comfortable, and I’ve never had one come loose (though I’m only using for travel, or on my sofa). For me, they’re worth it, if you can get on it sale.
Used my QCll buds for two more trips this summer (Germany & Alberta). The sound on these continues to amaze me.
On the YYZ-FRA flight, something happened where they wouldn’t connect to my iPhone. I suspect it had something to do with airplane mode. When we got to our hotel in Frankfurt I was able to re-pair and it was fine after that. One thing I’ve implemented as a (sort of) fail-safe is to only use my iPad Mini with the Bose. The iPad doesn’t have to go into airplane mode, and I haven’t had any connection issues. Plus, it eliminates the super annoying “Turn off airplane mode or use wi-fi to access data” pop-up messages.
As others have reported, the QCll, when it works, is stellar. It’s the apparent finickey software that can mess things up. I truly wish Apple would do a complete redesign of the AirPods Pro. They just do not stay in my ears. The QCll is stable and comfortable, and I’ve never had one come loose (though I’m only using for travel, or on my sofa). For me, they’re worth it, if you can get on it sale.
Sep 3, 23, 9:30 am
#411
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,403
Thanks for the heads up!
I suspect my connection issues likely had something to do with the airplane mode and/or constant switches to telephone mode. I have had to repair them several times and, while slightly annoying, they seem to be ok for a while after the repairing. For this price, I would hope Bose would fix any permanent pairing issues should they arise.
However, as you've said, they are absolutely amazing! I was quite frankly stunned by the effectiveness of the noise canceling. I mean, it really does work! You put them on and voila, no more noise. It's amazing and it sounds great. I'll keep in mind the iPad suggestion and may resort that should it give me issues on longer flights abroad.
I picked them up for $249 usd? Not cheap, but it's ok, I suppose.
PS - As with me, these Bose are much more comfortable than the Apple earbuds. I can wear these all day and they seem to fit my ears perfectly--it's almost as if they were made for me.
I suspect my connection issues likely had something to do with the airplane mode and/or constant switches to telephone mode. I have had to repair them several times and, while slightly annoying, they seem to be ok for a while after the repairing. For this price, I would hope Bose would fix any permanent pairing issues should they arise.
However, as you've said, they are absolutely amazing! I was quite frankly stunned by the effectiveness of the noise canceling. I mean, it really does work! You put them on and voila, no more noise. It's amazing and it sounds great. I'll keep in mind the iPad suggestion and may resort that should it give me issues on longer flights abroad.
I picked them up for $249 usd? Not cheap, but it's ok, I suppose.
PS - As with me, these Bose are much more comfortable than the Apple earbuds. I can wear these all day and they seem to fit my ears perfectly--it's almost as if they were made for me.
Sep 3, 23, 9:39 am
#412
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 156
One thing I forgot to mention When youre using them, try rotating them around a bit. Ive found even a slight shift improves the ANC. I can get mine tuned to the point where I dont hear the aircraft engines at all (with music playing).
Sep 4, 23, 7:56 am
#413
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,403
Agreed. These are the most comfortable buds I’ve ever owned. That, plus the ANC mean I can forget any contemplation of ever buying cans.
One thing I forgot to mention … When you’re using them, try rotating them around a bit. I’ve found even a slight shift improves the ANC. I can get mine tuned to the point where I don’t hear the aircraft engines at all (with music playing).
One thing I forgot to mention … When you’re using them, try rotating them around a bit. I’ve found even a slight shift improves the ANC. I can get mine tuned to the point where I don’t hear the aircraft engines at all (with music playing).
Sep 5, 23, 12:03 am
#414
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: RDU
Programs: Marriott Platinum. AA and UA as well, but I don't care about them anymore.
Posts: 303
I damaged my QC20's in a recent trip. Am so disappointed to find out they are discontinued and cant by directly from Bose anymore. I have the QC II Earbuds and they are "OK" but nothing like the QC20's as far as comfort. The wireless capability is good but with airplane entertainment systems that really doesn't work. I also cant sleep very well with the QC II Earbuds.
So, I am curious if anyone has suggestions for a reliable site to get some refurbished QC20's? Most of what I see on Ebay looks sketchy. Amazon looks legit but curious if anyone has any experience.
So, I am curious if anyone has suggestions for a reliable site to get some refurbished QC20's? Most of what I see on Ebay looks sketchy. Amazon looks legit but curious if anyone has any experience.
Sep 5, 23, 7:55 am
#415
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 6,733
really late reply but I loved my QC-20s that I did buy a replacement set from a retailer on eBay and took a chance on them. They were perfect and genuine, still sealed and brand new. I saw they were discontinued and bought the new set as a backup for when the old set eventually ages out.
Sep 16, 23, 5:10 pm
#417
Join Date: Sep 2022
Programs: United Mileage Plus
Posts: 511
Quick takes from CNET on all 3 models.Read in CNET: https://apple.news/A_vrdS2RLQqa1zsXaaZR2AQ
Oct 26, 23, 6:03 pm
#419
Join Date: Sep 2022
Programs: United Mileage Plus
Posts: 511
This is kind of useful, Rtings.com quantifies the noise cancellation by listing the attenuation measurements in a nice table.
https://www.rtings.com/headphones/te...passive-active
As expected, the Sony and the Bose products are at the top but there are a couple of bargains in there price-wise, though the overall sound quality may be mixed in the less expensive products.
https://www.rtings.com/headphones/te...passive-active
As expected, the Sony and the Bose products are at the top but there are a couple of bargains in there price-wise, though the overall sound quality may be mixed in the less expensive products.
Oct 26, 23, 11:32 pm
#420
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: SAN
Posts: 281
I purchased the Sony WH-1000XM5 a couple of months ago and been happy with it so far. Very comfortable and had them on continuously on a 12 hours flight without discomfort. Audio quality is decent and can be tailored using the equalizer on the phone app. Noise cancelling worked well and the quick ambient sound mode allowed me to talk to the FAs without taking them off. Touchpad works well.
