Daily read · Choosing the right product
Best noise cancelling headphones for flying UK: will they plug into the seat-back screen?
Best noise cancelling headphones for flying in the UK: three picks that come with a 3.5mm cable for the plane's screen, plus the catches to know.
Arun · Electronic Guru
For flying, choose noise cancelling headphones that come with a 3.5mm cable: the Soundcore for value, the JBL for battery stamina and the Belkin for sleeping through a night flight.
What are the best noise cancelling headphones for flying in the UK? Pick a pair that comes with a 3.5mm cable, because British Airways says Bluetooth headphones must be off for taxi, take-off and landing, and a Bluetooth-only pair can't plug into a seat-back socket. All three picks below include that cable, which makes them a smart Christmas gift for anyone planning a long trip.
Why the cable matters on a plane
British Airways lets you attach your own headphones to its in-flight entertainment system. A bundled cable means one pair handles your phone at the gate and the seat-back film once you're airborne.
Best value noise cancelling headphones for flying: Soundcore Q20i
The clever detail on the Soundcore Anker Q20i · Blue is in Anker's own FAQ: its noise cancelling mainly targets low-frequency rumble such as engines and air conditioning, and is weaker on voices. That makes it well matched to cabin drone, though not to a chatty neighbour. Anker also says noise cancelling is disabled when the AUX cable is plugged in, so use Bluetooth with your phone for the quiet hours. Anker claims up to 40 hours with noise cancelling on.
*Affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you buy.
Best for long-haul battery: JBL Live 680NC
The JBL Live 680NC Wireless On‐Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones are rated by JBL for up to 50 hours with noise cancelling switched on, which is more than two full days of quiet from one charge. Its four-mic Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0 recalibrates in real time, the supplied cable runs from USB-C to a 3.5mm plug, and JBL says it delivers Hi-Res audio wired as well as wireless. It folds flat into its pouch, too.
*Affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you buy.
Best for sleeping on a night flight: Belkin SoundForm Isolate
The Belkin SoundForm Isolate Noise-Cancelling Wireless Headphones have a genuinely handy trick for flyers: an Isolate effect that plays ocean wave sounds, so you can drift off without hunting for a sleep app. Belkin claims up to 25 dB of noise reduction, up to 60 hours of battery and soft CloudCushion earcups, and both a 3.5mm and a USB-C cable are in the box.
*Affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you buy.
Quick questions
Can I use Bluetooth headphones on a BA flight? Yes, but BA says they must be off for taxi, take-off and landing.
Does noise cancelling work on the Soundcore Q20i with the cable plugged in? No, Anker says it's disabled in AUX mode.
Which of these has the longest battery? The JBL, at up to 80 hours with noise cancelling off, according to JBL.
Save yourself a surprise
Your quick buying checklist
- Check a 3.5mm cable is in the box, not sold separately.
- Check whether noise cancelling still works when the cable is plugged in.
- Compare the battery figure with noise cancelling on, not just the bigger headline number.
References & editorial notes
This content is based on the sources listed below.
AI-generated information drawn from public sources. Not to be treated as any form of advice. Check details with the retailer before buying.