I have flown more than 60 segments in the last two years, and I have packed, dropped, slept in, and forgotten more earbuds than I would like to admit. That is exactly why this guide exists. Travel earbuds have to do three things at once: kill engine drone on a Boeing 777, stay comfortable through a 14-hour flight to Tokyo, and slip into a jeans pocket without bulging. The eight pairs below are the ones I would actually pack today.
Standard everyday buds often fail on at least one of those jobs. We tested every pair here across airplane cabins, hotel rooms, hostel bunks, and beach Airbnbs, looking at active noise cancellation against real low-frequency rumble, real-world battery endurance, fit over multi-hour wear, and how the case survives being thrown into a stuffed carry-on. If you are choosing the best wireless earbuds for travel in 2026, start with this list and then narrow down using the buying guide further down.
Quick note before we dive in: packing cubes and luggage matter just as much as the earbuds themselves. If you are also building a kit, our 12 Best Luggage for Business Travel roundup and the 10 Best Checked Luggage for International Travel guide pair well with this one.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Travel at a Glance (September 2026)
Apple AirPods Pro 2
- H2 chip with up to 2x ANC
- Adaptive Audio blending
- Personalized Spatial Audio
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
- Adaptive ANC 2.0
- LDAC Hi-Res and 50h battery
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3
Best Wireless Earbuds for Travel in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 |
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| Soundcore Liberty 4 NC |
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 Soundcore Space A40 |
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 Soundcore P40i |
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| Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 |
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 Sony WF-C510 |
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 Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen |
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 Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro |
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1. Apple AirPods Pro 2 — Best Overall for Travel
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Ear Buds with USB-C Charging, Up to 2X More Active Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones, Transparency Mode, Adaptive, Personalized Spatial Audio, White
H2 chip with 2x ANC
6h battery, 30h with case
Personalized Spatial Audio
Pros
- Class-leading ANC against engine drone on planes
- Adaptive Audio blends ANC and Transparency seamlessly
- Four ear tip sizes for a secure fit during sleep
- Personalized Spatial Audio for in-flight movies
- Easy pairing and device switching across iPhone iPad and Mac
Cons
- Best experience locked to the Apple ecosystem
- Stem design presses against a pillow when side-sleeping
- USB-C cable sold separately on some bundles
I wore the AirPods Pro 2 across a 9 hour red eye from New York to Paris and a 6 hour connection in a hostel bunk room, and they did the one thing that matters most on a long flight: they made the engine drone vanish. The H2 chip pushes ANC performance roughly twice as hard as the previous generation, and you feel it immediately at cruising altitude where low frequency rumble is relentless.
The Adaptive Audio feature is the standout for travel because it quietly blends ANC and Transparency depending on what is happening around you. Announcements over the cabin PA slip through, but the engines stay muffled. I also like how four pairs of silicone tips let me find a real seal, which is half the battle with ANC.
For in-flight entertainment, Personalized Spatial Audio is genuinely immersive with Dolby Atmos content on Apple TV and most airline apps. Sound quality is warm, full bodied, and forgiving on lower bitrate streams, which matters when you are streaming over hotel Wi-Fi. Call quality is also reliable, which is huge when you step off a plane and have to dial into a meeting from a noisy airport gate.
Battery lands around 6 hours per charge with ANC on and roughly 30 hours with the case, which is enough for a transatlantic flight plus a layover. Charging is USB-C and you can top up on a power bank between segments. If your travel life revolves around an iPhone, these are still the easiest and most polished pick.
Best for iPhone owners flying long haul
The combination of class leading ANC, smart Adaptive Audio, and seamless Apple device switching is hard to beat. You pop them out at your seat, they connect to your iPhone instantly, and you can hand one to your travel partner to pair with their phone in seconds.
Where they fall short
Side sleepers on a long flight will feel the stem against the pillow. You can flip them so the stem points up, but it is not as comfortable as a stem-free bud like the Soundcore Space A40. Android users also miss out on Personalized Spatial Audio and the smoothest pairing flow.
2. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC — Best Value for Frequent Flyers
Soundcore by Anker Liberty 4 NC Wireless Earbuds
Adaptive ANC 2.0
10h battery, 50h with case
LDAC Hi-Res and BT 5.3 multipoint
Pros
- Adaptive ANC 2.0 that adjusts on the fly
- LDAC Hi-Res support for Android devices
- 50 hour total battery with the case
- Multipoint Bluetooth across phone and laptop
- Wireless charging and IPX4 splash resistance
Cons
- Touch controls are sensitive and easy to misfire
- Case hinge can collect dust and feel loose over time
- No onboard volume control or Hey Siri support
The Liberty 4 NC is the pair I recommend to friends who fly six times a year and refuse to spend flagship money. Adaptive ANC 2.0 adapts to engine drone, cabin chatter, and hostel lobbies without me touching the app. On a 5 hour flight to Mexico City, the buds held their seal and kept low rumble at bay for the full duration.
Battery life is one of its strongest travel features. I get around 9 to 10 hours per charge with ANC on, and roughly 50 hours total with the case, which means I can fly round trip to Europe and never touch a wall outlet for the buds. The case also supports wireless charging, so I just drop it on my hotel nightstand pad.
LDAC support is the surprise. On a Samsung or Pixel phone, Hi-Res audio sounds noticeably fuller and more detailed than standard SBC. Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 also lets me stay paired to both my MacBook and iPhone at the same time, which is perfect for joining a Zoom call from a coworking space and then walking out to answer a call.
The HearID 2.0 feature maps your ears and tunes the EQ accordingly. After running the test, vocals and podcasts sounded clearer without me having to fiddle with presets. Microphone quality through the 6 mic AI array is solid for airport gate calls.
Best for budget savvy frequent flyers
You get roughly 90 percent of the AirPods Pro 2 experience for a fraction of the cost. The case is small enough to fit in a money belt or sling bag, and battery life means you can leave the charger in the hotel on short trips.
Where they fall short
Touch controls are aggressive. Rolling over in bed will sometimes pause or skip a track. Soundcore does let you turn them off in the app, which I recommend doing the moment you set the buds up.
3. Soundcore Space A40 — Best Budget Travel Companion
Soundcore by Anker Space A40 Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Adaptive ANC
10h per charge, 50h with case
LDAC Hi-Res, BT 5.2 multipoint
Pros
- Compact and lighter than most ANC buds
- Adaptive ANC adjusts in real time
- 50 hour total battery with fast charge
- LDAC Hi-Res support for Android
- Wireless charging built into the case
Cons
- Touch controls need sensitivity tweaks in the app
- Call quality drops in very loud environments
- No head tracking or spatial audio
The Space A40 is the most packable pair in this lineup. The case is genuinely tiny, smaller than a matchbox, and it disappears in a front jeans pocket. For one bag travelers and hostel hoppers, that size matters more than any spec sheet.
Adaptive ANC is a step up from basic noise cancelling because the buds measure your environment every few seconds and tune themselves. On a 4 hour bus ride through the Andes, the engine drone faded into the background once I switched from Transparency to ANC. The seal from the included silicone tips was stable even when I dozed off.
You get about 10 hours per charge with ANC on, and roughly 50 hours with the case. A 10 minute top up in an airport lounge gives around 4 more hours, which is enough to get you through a long haul connection. LDAC support again shines on Android, where streaming Tidal or Apple Music in lossless actually sounds detailed rather than compressed.
Weight is just 18 grams for the pair, which is why they disappear during side sleeping. I wore them for a 6 hour overnight train from Vienna to Zurich without any ear fatigue, which is the test that breaks most heavier buds.
Best for backpackers and one bag minimalists
If every gram and every cubic centimeter in your pack is rationed, the Space A40 is the pair that does not force a tradeoff. ANC, LDAC, and 50 hour battery in a case that fits in a palm.
Where they fall short
Call quality in loud airports is middling compared to the AirPods Pro 2 or Powerbeats Pro 2. Music is excellent, but voice calls through the mics sound thin when there is wind or crowd noise around you.
4. Soundcore P40i — Best Battery for Long-Haul Routes
Soundcore P40i by Anker Noise Cancelling Earbuds with Adaptive ANC
Adaptive ANC
12h per charge, 60h with case
6 mics with AI, phone stand case
Pros
- 12 hours per charge and 60 hours with the case
- Strong bass response from 11mm drivers and BassUp
- Adaptive ANC that reacts to cabin noise
- Phone stand built into the case for in flight movies
- Clear calls via 6 mic AI array
Cons
- Stick stem design is bulkier than stem free buds
- Case is a bit larger than the Space A40
- Touch controls can misfire in bed
- Less bass thump than older Soundcore models
The P40i is the battery king of this list, and on a 16 hour flight to Singapore that title is meaningful. I got the full 12 hours per charge with ANC on, and the case pushed total endurance past 60 hours across two weeks of bouncing between airports without ever opening the Soundcore app.
The clever twist is the case. Soundcore built a small phone stand into the lid so you can prop your phone up on a tray table and watch downloaded movies hands free. It sounds gimmicky until you are crammed in a middle seat and have nowhere to lean your phone. Pair these with the LDAC connection on an Android phone and you essentially have a portable theater.
Sound quality leans warm and bass forward thanks to the 11mm composite drivers and BassUp. For travel, that tuning is forgiving on lower quality streaming audio, which is what most of us get on hotel Wi-Fi. The 6 mic array also delivers clean call quality for airport gate meetings.
Adaptive ANC reacted quickly when a flight attendant started a beverage service mid podcast, dropping the transparency level back to noise cancelling within a beat. Small thing, but it makes a difference across long days.
Best for long-haul and ultra-long routes
12 hours per charge covers every commercial flight in the world on a single charge. The 60 hour total endurance means you can leave the wall charger at home on a week long trip.
Where they fall short
The stem design is not as comfortable for side sleepers as a stem free bud. The case is also a bit larger than the Space A40, so it is not the most discreet pocket carry.
5. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 — Best for Active Travelers
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 – Wireless Noise Cancelling Workout Earbuds with Secure- Fit Earhooks, Up to 45-Hour Battery with Charging Case, Sweat & Water Resistant, Heart Rate Monitoring – Jet Black
Apple H2 chip
Secure-fit earhooks
45h battery, IPX4, heart rate
Pros
- Earhooks stay locked during running and airport sprints
- Apple H2 chip with seamless iPhone pairing
- Up to 45 hours of total battery life
- Built in heart rate monitoring for workouts
- Wireless Qi charging case included
Cons
- Premium pricing compared to non-Apple ANC buds
- Earhooks take a few wears to feel natural
- USB-C cable sold separately
If your travel day includes a 5k through a new city, a hike to a viewpoint, or even just sprinting through Heathrow to make a connection, the Powerbeats Pro 2 earhooks are a lifesaver. Beats tested the nickel titanium alloy hooks across 1,500 hours of athletic use, and they hold their position through sweat, head turns, and quick backpack adjustments in a way stem-based earbuds simply cannot.
ANC is tuned for training environments, which translates surprisingly well to planes and gyms. On a recent flight I sat next to a crying baby for 4 hours and the ANC softened the worst of it. Battery life is the real headline: I got roughly 10 hours per charge and 45 hours with the case, and a 5 minute Fast Fuel top up gave me another 1.5 hours before boarding.
The Apple H2 chip means iPhone users get the same easy pairing and device switching as AirPods. Android users also get one touch pairing and Google Fast Pair, so you are not locked out if you bounce between ecosystems. Six microphones keep call quality clean at airport gates, and Adaptive EQ tunes the sound to the seal in your ear.
Heart rate monitoring is a niche bonus, but if you travel with an Apple Watch or a fitness app, having live heart rate data from your earbuds is genuinely useful for runs in a new city. The case is also the first Beats case to support wireless Qi charging, which made dropping it on my hotel nightstand pad a habit.
Best for runners, hikers, and active itineraries
The earhook design is the single most secure fit in this lineup. If your travel day includes sweat, speed, or sports, you will not worry about losing a bud mid stride.
Where they fall short
You pay a premium over comparable ANC buds, and the hooks take a day or two to feel natural. If you never exercise while traveling, the Liberty 4 NC gives you most of the experience for less.
6. Sony WF-C510 — Best Compact for One-Bag Travel
Sony WF-C510 Truly Wireless Bluetooth Earbud Headphones, Black
BT 5.3 multipoint
11h battery, 22h with case
Pocket-size cylindrical case, DSEE
Pros
- Truly pocketable cylindrical charging case
- 11 hours per charge and 22 with the case
- Multipoint connection across two devices
- IPX4 splash resistance for sweat and rain
- DSEE enhances compressed music streams
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- only sound isolation
- Charging cable not included in box
- 6mm drivers are lighter on bass than flagship buds
The WF-C510 is the smallest, lightest pair in this guide, and the cylindrical case is what makes it special. It slides into a jeans coin pocket or a sling bag without leaving a bulge, which is exactly what one bag travelers and digital nomads care about.
Battery life is impressive for the size at 11 hours per charge and 22 with the case. Quick charging adds an hour of playback from a 5 minute top up, which is exactly enough to bridge a 4 hour flight delay. Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 lets me stay paired to my MacBook and phone, so a Slack call at a cafe transitions to a Spotify playlist on the walk back without manual reconnection.
Sound quality is clean and balanced. The 6mm drivers do not push as much bass as the larger 11mm drivers in the Liberty 4 NC, but DSEE upscales compressed audio, which is a real benefit when streaming from a hotel network. Ambient Sound Mode is also well tuned for quick conversations at the gate.
Comfort over multi hour wear is excellent. The buds weigh less than 5 grams each and the tips sit shallow enough that they do not press on the ear canal during side sleeping.
Best for one-bag and digital nomad travel
If your travel philosophy is carry on only, the WF-C510 saves space and weight without giving up battery life or multipoint. Pair it with our guide on how to distribute weight in a travel backpack for a fully minimalist setup.
Where they fall short
You only get passive sound isolation, not active noise cancellation. On a loud cabin or a busy hostel, you will still hear the engines through the seal.
7. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) — Best ANC for Engine Noise
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) – Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds with Mic, Immersive Audio, USB-C Charging, Up to 6 Hours Battery, IPX4 Rating, Black
CustomTune adaptive ANC
6h battery, 4 with Immersive Audio
Wireless charging case
Pros
- World-class active noise cancellation on planes
- CustomTune personalizes sound to your ear shape
- Bose Immersive Audio for cinema-like movie playback
- SpeechClarity mics keep calls clean at gates
- 9 eartip and stability band combos for a locked fit
Cons
- Premium price compared to most competitors
- Battery life is shorter at 6 hours per charge
- Case is larger than the Liberty 4 NC and Space A40
- App requires internet and has limited features
Bose has built its reputation on airplane ANC, and the 2nd Gen QuietComfort Ultra is the strongest example in earbud form. Reddit threads on r/traveladvice and r/onebag consistently call these out as the best at killing engine drone, and after a 13 hour flight to Seoul, I agree: the low frequency rumble simply vanishes.
CustomTune technology is the magic ingredient. The buds play a tone at first fit, measure how your ear canal responds, and adapt both the EQ and the ANC curve to your specific ear shape. That is why the ANC feels deeper and more personalized than competitors. ActiveSense also smooths sudden spikes like PA announcements without you touching a button.
Bose Immersive Audio virtualizes a surround sound stage that makes in flight movies sound like a small theater. Cinema Mode is even better for downloaded Netflix content on a tablet propped on the tray table. SpeechClarity microphones kept my voice clear on a windy airport tarmac phone call.
Battery life lands around 6 hours per charge with ANC on, or 4 hours with Immersive Audio enabled. The case holds three extra charges, which is enough for a week of commuting. The case is on the larger side, but it supports wireless charging.
Best for noise sensitive travelers on long flights
If you sleep on planes, work in economy plus, or just want the quietest cabin possible, the Bose QC Ultra (2nd Gen) is the single best ANC in this lineup.
Where they fall short
You pay flagship money, the case is bulkier than the Soundcore cases, and the Bose app is limited. If ANC is your only priority, this is the pair. If you also care about battery, the P40i beats it.
8. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro — Best for Android Users
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro (2026) AI True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Black
Adaptive ANC 2.0
24-bit Hi-Res audio codec
IP57 water and dust resistance
Pros
- Exceptional 24-bit Hi-Res audio over Bluetooth
- Tweeter plus woofer two-way speakers for full sound
- Adaptive ANC 2.0 adjusts in real time
- IP57 water and dust resistance for travel
- Live Translate breaks language barriers abroad
Cons
- Premium price point
- Best features locked to Galaxy devices
- Battery life is shorter at 7 hours per charge
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro is the most complete Android first option in this guide. The 24-bit Hi-Res codec preserves more audio detail than standard Bluetooth, and the two way speaker design (separate tweeter for highs, woofer for lows) gives a wider, more dynamic sound than most single driver buds.
Adaptive ANC 2.0 is genuinely smart. Walking from a quiet hotel hallway into a crowded market in Marrakech, the buds raised noise cancellation in real time without me touching the phone. The IP57 rating also means a sudden rainstorm or a sandstorm at the beach will not kill them, which is reassuring when you travel somewhere unpredictable.
For Galaxy S26 owners, HD Voice delivers clearer phone calls than standard Bluetooth, and Live Translate is genuinely useful when you land in a country where you do not speak the language. It whispers translations through the buds while someone talks to you in their native language, which is the closest thing to a Babel fish I have tested.
Fit is light and ear hugging. The Buds 4 Pro stay put during a day of walking tours without needing adjustment. Wireless charging is built into the case.
Best for Samsung and Android power users
You get the deepest codec support, the most refined ANC, and unique features like Live Translate, all tied together with a comfortable design that survives a full day of walking.
Where they fall short
You lose the best features on a non Galaxy Android phone, and battery life is shorter at 7 hours per charge than the Soundcore P40i or Liberty 4 NC.
What to Look for in Travel Earbuds?
Choosing the best wireless earbuds for travel is less about brand loyalty and more about checking a handful of travel specific boxes. Here is the framework our team uses whenever we evaluate a new pair before a trip.
ANC strength against low-frequency engine drone
Airplane cabins and bus engines produce low frequency rumble between 50 and 300 Hz, which is the hardest band for passive isolation to block. Active noise cancellation that has been tuned specifically for low frequencies, like the Bose QC Ultra or the Apple AirPods Pro 2, will outperform a generic ANC that targets mid and high frequencies.
Battery life for 8+ hour flights
The longest non stop commercial routes run about 18 hours, and most long haul flights are at least 8 hours. Look for at least 8 hours per charge with ANC on, and a case that holds 24 hours or more of total playback so you can skip a day of charging in transit.
Comfort and fit for long wear
Side sleeping on a red eye is the test that breaks most earbuds. Stem free buds like the Soundcore Space A40 are easier to sleep with than stem designs like the AirPods Pro 2. Multiple ear tip sizes are essential, and foam tips can help if you find silicone uncomfortable over 4+ hours.
Bluetooth codecs and multipoint pairing
For iPhone users, AAC is the codec that matters. For Android users, LDAC (Sony, Soundcore) or aptX Adaptive gives you Hi-Res audio over Bluetooth. Multipoint pairing lets you stay connected to your phone and laptop at the same time, which is a quiet superpower for digital nomads.
Charging case portability and wireless charging
The case lives in your pocket or carry on more than the buds do. Smaller cases like the Sony WF-C510 and Soundcore Space A40 are easier to pack. Wireless charging is convenient at hotel nightstands but not a dealbreaker.
IP rating for sweat, rain, and spills
IPX4 is the minimum I look for on any travel earbud. It handles rain, sweat, and the occasional spilled drink. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro goes to IP57, which also covers dust and brief submersion.
TSA, airport security, and in-flight entertainment tips
Yes, TSA allows wireless earbuds in your carry on and in your checked bag. I keep mine in a small organizer pouch so I can drop them into the bin at security without fishing around the bottom of my backpack. For checked luggage, put the case inside a sock or a padded pouch so the case hinge does not snap under pressure.
One thing most travelers do not know: airplane seatback screens still do not have Bluetooth on most carriers. If you want to use your own earbuds for in flight movies, you need a Bluetooth transmitter like the AirFly Pro or Twelve South AirFly Duo. Plug it into the headphone jack, pair your earbuds to it, and the sound plays through your wireless set. This trick is essential for long haul flights.
If you are packing for a longer trip, take a peek at our off season travel guide to time your booking alongside your new gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TSA allow wireless earbuds?
Yes. TSA allows wireless earbuds in both carry-on and checked bags. Keep the charging case in a small pouch so you can quickly drop it into the security bin without digging through your backpack. The earbuds and case do not need to be removed from your bag like a laptop does.
Is it better to wear headphones or earbuds on a plane?
It depends on your priority. Over-ear headphones like the Bose QC Ultra deliver the strongest ANC and longer battery life, but they are bulky and uncomfortable for side sleeping. Wireless earbuds are far more compact, easier to sleep in, and good ANC models like the AirPods Pro 2 or Bose QC Ultra Earbuds close most of the noise cancellation gap. For most travelers, earbuds win on portability and packability.
What are the best earphones for airplane travel?
For most flyers, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 is the best all-around pick thanks to its class-leading ANC against engine drone, Adaptive Audio blending, and Personalized Spatial Audio for in-flight movies. If you want the strongest possible ANC, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) is the next step up. Budget travelers should look at the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC or Space A40.
Can you use Bluetooth earbuds on a plane?
Yes, you can use Bluetooth earbuds during flight. Airlines and regulators including the FAA and EASA permit Bluetooth use in flight mode. Note that most airplane seatback screens do not have Bluetooth, so to use your own earbuds for in-flight entertainment you need a Bluetooth transmitter like the AirFly Pro plugged into the headphone jack.
What features should travel earbuds have?
The most important travel features are strong active noise cancellation tuned for low-frequency engine drone, at least 8 hours of battery per charge with ANC on, a comfortable fit for multi-hour wear (especially side sleeping), Bluetooth multipoint so you can pair to a phone and laptop at once, an IPX4 or higher rating for sweat and rain, and a compact charging case that supports wireless charging.
Are wireless earbuds good for travel?
Yes, modern wireless earbuds are excellent for travel. Top travel pairs like the Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QC Ultra Earbuds now match or beat over-ear headphones for ANC, while weighing a fraction as much and fitting in a pocket. Combined with long battery life, multipoint pairing, and water resistance, wireless earbuds are the most versatile travel audio option available in 2026.
Final Verdict: Which Travel Earbuds Should You Pack?
After 60+ flight segments and dozens of hotel nights, our top pick for the best wireless earbuds for travel in 2026 is still the Apple AirPods Pro 2. The combination of class leading ANC, Adaptive Audio, Personalized Spatial Audio, and seamless Apple device switching is unmatched, and it is the pair I reach for when packing for an unfamiliar long haul route.
If you are budget conscious or carry an Android phone, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC gives you adaptive ANC, LDAC Hi-Res audio, and 50 hours of total battery at a fraction of flagship cost. For the longest routes on earth, the Soundcore P40i with its 60 hour total battery and phone stand case is a smart pick. For runners and active itineraries, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earhooks are unbeatable. And if ANC is the only spec that matters, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) is the gold standard.
Whichever pair you pick, pack a small Bluetooth transmitter in your carry on so you can use your earbuds with airplane seatback screens, drop the case into a soft pouch to protect the hinge, and you will be set for the year ahead. Safe travels, and quieter flights.