6 Best True Wireless Earbuds for Travel in 2025

Traveling today often means moving through airports, train stations, and busy city streets while trying to find a little peace and quiet. A good pair of wireless earbuds can make all the difference—turning noisy environments into calm, focused spaces where you can relax, catch up on podcasts, or simply tune out the chaos.

The latest generation of true wireless earbuds brings together powerful noise cancellation, excellent audio quality, and travel-ready comfort in compact designs that easily slip into your pocket or carry-on. Whether you’re flying across continents or commuting across town, there’s a model built to fit your needs and budget.

In this guide, we highlight some of the best wireless earbuds available right now for travelers, featuring a mix of premium and budget-friendly options from trusted audio brands.

Best Wireless Earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM5

When it comes to travel-friendly earbuds, Sony’s WF-1000XM5 continues to set the bar for premium noise cancellation and sound quality. These are the kind of earbuds that make long flights feel shorter and busy terminals a little more peaceful.

The XM5s are smaller and lighter than their predecessors, but they pack even more advanced tech inside. Sony’s new Integrated Processor V2 and HD Noise Cancelling Processor Qn2e work together to deliver industry-leading ANC performance—cutting out everything from the low rumble of jet engines to chatty passengers a few rows back.

Audio quality is rich, dynamic, and detailed, thanks to 8.4 mm Dynamic Driver X units that handle everything from deep bass to crisp highs beautifully. They also support LDAC for high-resolution audio, so if you’re streaming from a compatible Android phone, you’ll notice the clarity right away.

For travelers, comfort and endurance matter as much as sound. Sony nails both: the XM5s are ergonomically shaped, offer up to 8 hours of playback (24 with the case), and feature multipoint connectivity, letting you seamlessly switch between your laptop and phone mid-journey. Add in IPX4 water resistance, and you’ve got earbuds that handle everything from light rain to sweaty hikes.

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Apple AirPods Pro 3

Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 refine nearly everything that travelers loved about the previous generation. They deliver a seamless experience that feels almost invisible, especially for those deep in the Apple ecosystem.

The new adaptive audio system automatically adjusts between active noise cancellation and transparency modes depending on your surroundings. That means you can move from a quiet airport lounge to a boarding gate announcement without needing to switch settings manually. The improved microphones and venting design also make these some of the most natural-sounding transparency earbuds available today.

Sound quality has taken a step forward thanks to a redesigned driver and amplifier that produce a more balanced and dynamic signature. Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking remains a highlight, creating a sense of immersion ideal for watching movies or listening to live recordings during long flights. Personalized Volume fine-tunes playback based on your environment, making listening more natural and less fatiguing over time.

Battery life now reaches up to eight hours on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation enabled, and the case provides up to 24 hours in total. The updated charging case supports USB-C, MagSafe, and Apple Watch charging, while the lightweight design and soft silicone ear tips ensure comfort during extended travel.

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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

Bose has built a reputation for industry-leading noise cancellation, and the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) continue that legacy with refinement and precision. Designed for travelers who demand both comfort and immersion, these earbuds transform noisy environments into personal listening spaces.

The hallmark feature here is Bose’s CustomTune technology, which automatically calibrates sound and noise cancellation to the unique shape of your ears. The result is a highly personalized listening experience that maintains balance and clarity whether you’re on a flight, in a café, or walking through a busy terminal.

Sound quality is rich and enveloping, supported by Bose Immersive Audio—a spatial mode that creates a sense of depth and dimension in music or films. The noise cancellation remains among the most effective in the market, blocking low-frequency engine hums and background chatter with ease. When awareness is needed, Aware Mode and Immersion Mode allow for flexible control over how much of the outside world you hear.

Comfort is another strong point. With nine combinations of ear tips and stability bands, it’s easy to find a secure fit for long listening sessions. Battery life reaches up to six hours per charge (24 with the case), and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity ensures smooth transitions between devices.

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Technics EAH-AZ100

Technics has long been a trusted name in high-fidelity audio, and the EAH-AZ100 brings that studio-grade expertise to a true wireless format tailored for travel. These earbuds blend precise engineering with advanced smart features that make them as functional as they are refined.

The EAH-AZ100 delivers an expansive, detailed sound signature powered by newly developed magnetic fluid drivers and support for high-resolution audio. The result is clear, articulate playback with tight bass and a natural midrange—ideal for everything from playlists to podcasts during long commutes or flights.

A key highlight is Technics’ AI-powered spatial audio and Dolby Atmos support, which create a three-dimensional sense of space that moves naturally with your head position. Adaptive noise cancellation automatically adjusts to your surroundings, while Voice Focus AI enhances clarity during calls even in crowded terminals or busy city streets.

Travelers will appreciate the practical touches: three-point multipoint connectivity for managing multiple devices, an IPX4 rating for splash resistance, and up to ten hours of playback on a single charge (28 hours total with the case). Despite their feature set, the earbuds remain compact and lightweight, making them comfortable for extended wear.

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Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4

Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds bring audiophile-grade performance to a travel-ready form factor. Known for their balanced tuning and precise soundstage, these earbuds appeal to listeners who care as much about fidelity as they do about comfort and reliability on the go.

At the heart of the Momentum True Wireless 4 is Sennheiser’s TrueResponse transducer system, designed to deliver detailed, distortion-free audio across the frequency spectrum. They support high-resolution codecs including aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, and LC3, ensuring top-tier sound whether you’re streaming music, taking calls, or watching in-flight entertainment.

Noise cancellation has been further refined with adaptive ANC that automatically adjusts to your environment. Whether you’re in a noisy airport or a quiet cabin, the earbuds strike a natural balance between isolation and awareness. The Transparency Mode is equally effective, allowing outside sound in when needed without harshness or hiss.

Practical features make them ideal for frequent travelers: Bluetooth 5.4 and multipoint connectivity for easy device switching, a wireless charging case, and up to 30 hours of total playback time. The fit is secure and ergonomic, with multiple tip options for long-term comfort.

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CMF Buds 2 Plus

For travelers who want dependable sound and solid noise cancellation without spending a premium, the CMF Buds 2 Plus offer exceptional value. Designed by Nothing’s sub-brand CMF, these earbuds combine a stylish, minimalist aesthetic with features that punch well above their price point.

Equipped with 12 mm liquid crystal polymer drivers, the Buds 2 Plus deliver clear, balanced audio with tight bass and smooth mids. The tuning favors a natural, engaging sound signature that works well for a variety of music genres and spoken content. Support for LDAC ensures high-resolution wireless audio when paired with compatible devices, a rare perk at this price.

The 50 dB hybrid active noise cancellation is surprisingly effective for the cost, reducing low-frequency hums and ambient chatter. Smart Adaptive Mode automatically fine-tunes noise reduction based on your environment, making them suitable for flights, commutes, or quiet work sessions. A Spatial Audio Effect mode adds an immersive quality for movies and games.

Battery life is another standout feature: up to 15.5 hours on a single charge, with the charging case extending total playback time to an impressive 61.5 hours. The earbuds are IP55-rated for dust and water resistance, ensuring durability through unpredictable travel conditions.

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What to Look for in Good True Wireless Earbuds

Here are the most important things to consider before buying a pair of true wireless earbuds—especially if you plan to travel frequently.

1. Fit and Comfort

You could buy earbuds with incredible sound quality, but if they don’t fit comfortably, you won’t want to wear them for long. A good fit ensures both comfort and sound isolation, which directly affects audio performance and noise cancellation. Look for earbuds that include multiple ear tip sizes or customizable fittings so you can achieve a snug, secure seal.

Comfort isn’t just about sitting still—consider how they feel when walking through airports, taking long flights, or exercising. Lightweight designs with ergonomic shaping tend to stay in place better and reduce ear fatigue over time.

2. Sound Quality

Sound quality can vary widely between models. Read or watch detailed reviews to gauge real-world performance during calls, music playback, and media streaming.

While driver size isn’t the only factor in sound performance, larger drivers (up to about 15 mm in earbuds) can deliver fuller sound with better bass response. Also pay attention to codec support: advanced codecs such as AAC, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, or LC3 can offer higher fidelity audio over Bluetooth—useful for those who value rich, detailed sound.

3. Noise Cancellation and Transparency

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has become a must-have for travel. It helps block the constant hum of airplane engines, the chatter of fellow passengers, or the background noise of busy transit hubs.

Most premium earbuds also include a transparency or “aware” mode, which lets in outside sound when needed. This is ideal for hearing announcements at airports, staying alert in unfamiliar areas, or quickly talking with someone without removing your earbuds.

4. Battery Life

Battery performance varies widely, so check both the individual earbud and total case runtime. Some earbuds provide only a few hours of playback per charge, while newer models can last 8–10 hours or more. The charging case is equally important—many add several additional charges, extending total use to over 24 hours.

For travelers, features like fast charging or wireless charging can make a big difference. Just a few minutes of charging can sometimes provide an hour or more of playback—handy for layovers or quick breaks between flights.

5. Connectivity and Range

Bluetooth range affects stability and sound quality, especially if your audio source isn’t always nearby. Standard Bluetooth 5.3 or 5.4 connections typically offer a range of about 30 feet, though some earbuds can extend that to around 100 feet under ideal conditions.

If you plan to use your earbuds mostly on planes, trains, or in hotel rooms, range isn’t a big concern. However, if you like leaving your phone on a charger while moving around your home or workspace, look for models with strong connectivity and minimal dropouts. Multipoint pairing—which lets you connect to two devices at once—is another valuable feature for travelers juggling phones, tablets, and laptops.

6. Water and Sweat Resistance

If you’ll be using your earbuds for workouts, hikes, or unpredictable weather conditions, pay attention to the IP rating. An IPX4 rating protects against splashes and light rain, while IP55 or IP57 ratings offer better protection from sweat, dust, and occasional exposure to water.

Even if you’re not planning to exercise, having that extra durability is useful when traveling in humid climates or caught in a sudden downpour.

7. Controls and App Support

Modern earbuds often include touch or button-based controls for playback, volume, and calls. Intuitive controls make it easier to adjust settings mid-flight or during commutes without reaching for your phone.

Many brands now offer companion apps that allow you to customize equalizer settings, ANC levels, or gesture controls—helpful for tailoring your listening experience to your travel needs.

Choosing the best wireless earbuds for travel comes down to finding the perfect balance between comfort, sound quality, noise cancellation, and reliability. Whether you prefer the premium refinement of Sony and Bose, the seamless Apple ecosystem, the precision tuning of Sennheiser and Technics, or the impressive value of CMF, there’s a pair here that can make every trip quieter, easier, and more enjoyable.

With so many excellent options available, you can focus less on the noise around you—and more on the journey ahead.