Decent headphones are invaluable for travelers. Whether you’re on a train or plane, noise-canceling is essential. While some airlines provide headphones in premium cabins, you almost certainly won’t have them if you’re further back, and even in business they are rarely anything special.
Note that noise-isolating, whereby the headphones merely form a seal between you and the outside world, is different from noise canceling. The latter is a clever electronic system that uses a microphone to measure ambient noise. This noise is then reversed in-phase and fed back into the earpieces. The out-of-phase “antinoise” cancels the real noise. Sounds weird, but it does the trick.
The latest, trendiest headphones on the market feature rechargeable batteries that can easily last the longest-haul flight, so sit back, tune in and chill out.
SONY WH-1000XM3 $279.99
Sony makes some of the best wireless headphones and these are the only ones with better noise-canceling than that of Bose – some noise-canceling technology can feel oppressive to the ears but here it’s alive and comfortable. Sony’s cans also have exceptional audio even when noise-canceling is turned off, sounding rich and detailed with plenty of bass that doesn’t overwhelm subtler tones. The WH-1000XM3 over-ears fit comfortably for even the longest flight and battery life is up to 30 hours, although a ten-minute recharge gives you five hours of listening time. To hear when someone talks to you, simply rest your hand on the leftear cup and a microphone will let the outside world in. Choose from a discreet black or punchier off-white finish. sony.com
NURAPHONE $399.00
This story is from the April 2020 edition of Business Traveler.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2020 edition of Business Traveler.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Train of Thought
As Amsterdam’s airport curtails flights because of environmental impact, KLM suggests that its passengers take to the rails
Entry Level
Why travelers are waiting weeks or even months to receive a new passport or renewal
Big Wheels
American Airlines offers a TSA-approved ground service between Philadelphia and surrounding airports
Le Bon Goût
Air France partners with Michelin-starred chefs for its new menus
First Glance
United unveils new high-end seats
Ring of Fire
In October and April, solar eclipses will dazzle the United States
Just Say Know
To improve mental health, learn new skills on the road—and have fun doing it
Rebalancing Act
How Finnair CEO Topi Manner led the airline through two external crises to bring it back on track
New Look
With industry innovations and a star-studded roster of clients, designer Peter Dundas is changing the shape of fashion
Food for Thought
The pioneering Spanish restaurant EI Bulli is transformed into a museum and culinary laboratory