A pair of noise-canceling headphones is one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make to your in-flight tech stack. A quality pair of noise canceling headphones can transform a cramped 12-hour redeye into a window for sleep, focused work, or a streaming marathon.
For a limited time, three of the most popular travel headphones on the market are seeing deep discounts on Amazon and a select few other retailers. These deals span everything from a sub-$100 Sony model to the flagship Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones.
The headline deal is Sony’s WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones, which are available for just $92.95, down from a list price of $179.99. That’s 48% off, and it brings one of Sony’s top travel-friendly headphones under the $100 mark.
If you’re shopping at the premium end, Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones are also discounted by 38% to $248, and Sennheiser’s highly-rated Momentum 4 Wireless Noice Canceling Headphones are 51% off, dropping to just $222.
Here’s a closer look at all three headphone deals and how to decide which pair belongs in your carry-on.
Sony WH-CH720N Headphones: Now 48% Off
Sony’s WH-CH720N entry-to-mid level noise canceling headphones are one of the most-recommended travel headsets in its price tier. It’s lightweight (just 192 grams), folds flat in a carry-on, and delivers noise cancellation at a price point that’s easy to stomach.
Typically available for $179.99, Sony’s WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Headphones are now just $92.95 on Amazon, a whopping 48% off retail. Discounts this deep on a current-generation Sony noise-canceling model are uncommon outside of the major holiday sales windows.
Key features of the Sony WH-CH720N:
- Active noise cancellation
- Ultra-lightweight design at just 192 grams
- Up to 35 hours of battery life with noise cancellation enabled
- Fast charging – 3 minutes for up to 1 hour of playback
- Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint pairing for two devices
- USB-C charging and built-in microphone for hands-free calls
View the Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Headphones – Now: $92.95 (List Price: $179.99)
For travelers who want capable active noise cancellation and a battery that easily holds a charge through the longest flights without the “flagship” model price tag, the WH-CH720N headphones are one of the best options on the market right now.
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Sony WH-1000XM5: Sony’s Flagship Also 38% Off
If you’ve been waiting for a deal on the headphones that consistently top “best noise-canceling headphones for travel” lists, this is one of the better opportunities since the holiday season. Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones are the top pick for travelers who want the absolute best ANC performance from Sony.
Update: A reader recently shared that the Sony WH-1000XM5 model is available at Costco for just $219. So, if you have a Costco membership, you’ll be able to save an additional $29 versus buying on Amazon. It’s also worth noting that while – overall – reviews for the product are positive, this reader also pointed out that some purchasers report the WH-1000XM5s as being “too fragile” and can “break easily.”
Normally $399.99, Sony’s WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones are currently just $248 on Amazon – a $151.99 savings off the retail price. The XM5 headphones are the model frequent flyers most often compare directly to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Apple AirPods Max, and at this discount, it’s currently the most affordable of the three.
Key features of the Sony WH-1000XM5:
- Best-in-class active noise cancellation with eight microphones
- Up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC enabled
- Fast charging – 3 minutes of charging delivers up to 3 hours of playback
- Multipoint Bluetooth pairing – switch seamlessly between phone and laptop
- LDAC hi-res audio support
- USB-C charging
View the Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones – Now: $248.00 (List Price: $399.99)
For travelers who want the strongest active noise cancellation in Sony’s lineup, the XM5s remain the headline pick. The 38% discount keeps it well below most flagship competitors.
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Another Great Deal: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Headphones at 51% Off
Sennheiser’s Momentum 4 Noise Canceling Headphones have built a reputation as the audiophile pick among premium travel headphones. The Momentum 4 Noise Canceling Headphones balance strong active noise cancellation with sound that’s often described as more natural and less “processed” than its Sony and Bose counterparts. It’s also the longest-lasting on this list, with up to 60 hours of battery life on a single charge.
Right now, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Noise Canceling Headphones are available for just $222 on Amazon – 51% off the $449.95 list price. That’s the steepest discount of the three headphones in this post and arguably the best price-to-performance ratio of any current-generation flagship travel headphones.
Key features of the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless:
- Active noise cancellation with transparency mode
- Up to 60 hours of battery life on a single charge
- Sennheiser-tuned 42mm transducers for natural, audiophile-grade sound
- Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive and multipoint pairing
- Folding hinge-free design with a soft case for travel protection
- USB-C charging
View the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Noise Canceling Headphones – Now: $222.00 (List Price: $449.95)
For travelers who care about sound quality or who want the longest battery life on this list to power through multi-leg international itineraries – the Momentum 4s are the strongest value of the three.
Worth a Mention: Sennheiser Momentum 4 Lufthansa Edition (Europe Only)
For the dedicated Lufthansa flyers, Sennheiser also produces a special Lufthansa Edition of the Momentum 4 Noise Canceling Headphones. It’s the same headphones with branded styling and Lufthansa-themed packaging. It’s a unique pickup for collectors or anyone whose airline loyalty has become a part of their daily life.
The Lufthansa Edition is sold exclusively through the Lufthansa WorldShop and only ships within Europe. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting if you’re traveling in Europe and want a unique souvenir version of an already-excellent pair of travel headphones. You can find the Lufthansa Edition on the Lufthansa WorldShop here.
Where to Buy and How to Maximize Your Purchase
All three of these deals are currently live on Amazon and a few other retailers. Here are a few tips before you click buy:
- Check airline shopping portals before purchasing direct or via Amazon. Portals and programs like AAdvantage Shopping, American’s SimplyMiles, and the United MileagePlus Shopping portal occasionally offer bonus miles for eligible purchases.
- Amazon Prime members get free same-day or next-day delivery on most of these models plus free returns.
- Color and inventory availability can change quickly on deals this deep. If the color you want is in stock at the discounted price, it’s usually worth grabbing rather than waiting.
The Bottom Line
It’s pretty rare to see top travel headphones on the market discounted simultaneously, and rarer still to see two of them at 48% and 51% off. The Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Headphones at $92.95 are one of the easiest sub-$100 headphone deals we’ve seen this year, and the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Noise Canceling Headphones at $222 are one of the better price-to-performance flagship model deals currently available.
For travelers who want Sony’s top-of-the-line active noise cancellation without crossing the $400 mark, the Sony WH-1000XM5 Premium Noise Canceling Headphones at $248 round out the trio as the premium pick.
These prices likely won’t last long, and inventory on the most popular colors tends to disappear first. If a long-haul flight is on your calendar this summer, now is one of the better windows in months to upgrade your in-flight setup.
Did you stumble across an amazing travel deal? Be sure to let us know below so that we can share it right here on TravelUpdate.
The Sony 1000XM5 are $219 at Costco – reviews aren’t good – too fragile and break easily, the app is required to use the equalizer to improve sound quality
Interesting. Thanks for the heads up. I will add in that you can get them for less at Costco and mention your feedback on build quality. -MP