When you’re on the go – especially when you’re flying for hours on end – having quality entertainment can make or break your journey. Sure, most aircraft are equipped with entertainment systems to help you while away the hours. But sometimes, you just need the comfort of your own mobile phone, laptop or tablet – and that’s where having quality sound comes into play.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right earphones or headphones to accompany you on your travels. High-definition audio is important, but so is comfort, portability and durability. The right audio device can even help you combat jetlag.
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of earphones and headphones, focusing on their value while travelling.
Earphones vs headphones for travelling: which is better?
Headphones and earphones both come with distinct advantages and disadvantages when travelling. It all comes down to personal preference, so here are some things to consider.
Earphones for travel
Earphones are compact devices that deliver sound directly to your ear. In-ear earphones sit inside the ear canal to provide enhanced audio quality and noise isolation, while earbud-style earphones sit on the outer part of your ear for better comfort.
Earphones could be a good option for flying if you:
- Like to travel light. Earphones can easily fit into your pocket or a small bag, making them a compact and convenient option when you’re on the go.
- Want to be discreet. When you don’t want to draw attention to yourself, earphones can be great for staying on the down-low while you take a work call or listen to your favourite podcast.
- Want maximum convenience. Earphones can be removed quickly when you’re passing through security and immigration, need to hear an important announcement, or when you’re boarding the plane.
But also be aware that:
- They can become uncomfortable after long periods. Earphones are designed to sit inside your ear canal. This can cause discomfort and ear sensitivity after prolonged use – which isn’t great when flying!
- Earphones can fall out during travel. Running to catch your flight or resting your head against a plane window? Earphones are prone to falling out of your ears, and their small size can make them tricky to find. I speak from experience when I say that trying to retrieve one from the floor of a dark aircraft cabin after a bout of turbulence is not fun.
- Sound quality can be compromised. Many higher-end earphones deliver superb audio quality and offer noise cancellation, which is especially important in busy airports or loud planes. But generally, due to the smaller size of earphones, they typically have fewer sound drivers, which can have a minor impact on the quality of the audio and lead to a weaker bass or less clarity.
Our pick for earphones for travel
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) – Apple Store via Amazon
Headphones for travel
Headphones are audio devices designed to be worn on the outside of the ear. Over-ear headphones cover the entire ear for an immersive audio experience, while on-ear headphones can feel more comfortable while resting on the ear.
You may want to consider headphones for travelling if you:
- Want crisp, immersive sound. Compared to in-ear audio, over-the-ear headphones often provide a more immersive audio experience with improved sound quality.
- Value noise-cancellation features. Headphones that fit over your ears offer excellent passive noise isolation, which is handy for drowning out the ambient sounds of airport terminals or plane engines.
- Want durability. The larger, sturdier design of headphones makes them less prone to damage and loss.
But you should also consider:
- Headphones are bulky. Limited on luggage space? Headphones weigh more than earphones and can take up valuable space in your carry-on luggage.
- Discomfort after prolonged use. Like earphones, headphones can become uncomfortable after wearing them for long periods. The pads on over-ear headphones can cause discomfort to your ears if not fitted properly, and the headband can cause pressure on your head if not adjusted to the right size.
- Headphones capture heat more easily. In warm climates, the leatherette pads of over-ear headphones can trap heat and create sweat. Wearing headphones for too long can prevent natural cooling around your ears and cause irritation.
Our pick for headphones for travel
Bose QuietComfort SC Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones – Bose Store via Amazon
In-flight Bluetooth adaptors
Flimsy, ill-fitting headphones connected to your in-seat entertainment system on the plane – we’ve all been there. Thankfully, you don’t need to commit to the provided audio device the next time you fly. It’s possible to use your own earphones or headphones and enjoy the in-flight entertainment – all thanks to a Bluetooth adaptor.
Bluetooth adaptors plug into the audio jack of the in-flight entertainment system, or the spot where you’d normally plug the airline’s provided headphones. This device allows you to use your own earphones or headphones to connect to the in-flight entertainment wirelessly. Bluetooth adaptors are battery-powered and extremely compact, so they’re easy to pop into your carry-on bag before your next flight.
How to earn points when buying headphones
Are you eyeing a new pair of earphones or headphones before your next trip? Here are some ways to earn points from your purchase.
Qantas Shopping
Qantas Shopping allows you to earn Qantas Points when shopping online for earphones or headphones. You’ll find all the big audio brands here, including JBL, Sennheiser, Sony, Jabra and Apple, plus retailers like The Good Guys, David Jones and Catch.
All you need to do is click through to your favourite store via the Qantas Shopping portal to track your purchase. Then, complete your order as usual and wait for the Qantas Points to land in your account. Easy!
Gift cards
In the market for a new pair of earphones or headphones for your travel adventures, and have some time up your sleeve? You may want to consider waiting for a gift card offer. Woolworths and Coles regularly offer 20x bonus Everyday Rewards points and Flybuys points, respectively, on select gift cards. You’ll often find gift cards that can be used at JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys, Kogan.com, Officeworks, and other stores that sell earphones and headphones. Most gift cards can be used online and in-store – handy if you’d prefer to ‘try before you buy’.
Learn more about gift cards bonus points in our Case Study: How I easily earned 10,000 bonus points with gift cards.
Use a points-earning credit card
For any purchases – not just audio devices – it pays to use a credit card that earns points. You’ll rack up rewards from purchases you would make anyway – think about your everyday spending like groceries, dining out, or fuel. Plus, when you take advantage of a credit card sign-up bonus like the one below, you’ll be on your way to flying to the pointy end in no time!
Need some inspiration on how to use your points? Check out our Experiences trips to Cappadocia, Kyushu, Hamilton Island and more.
Summing up
So, which audio device should you consider when travelling? It depends entirely on your needs and personal preferences.
If you prefer something compact, discreet, and easy to slot into your pocket or bag, then earphones could be a great choice. They’ll also save space and weight in your carry-on luggage and are easier to remove when you need to hear important airport announcements.
If you value sound quality and a less invasive device on your ears, then choosing over-ear headphones for your travels could be a good option. They’re durable and provide excellent sound quality, which is great for drowning out background noise while on the go.
No matter which option you choose, you can maximise your rewards and earn points with the right credit card, or using Qantas Shopping or gift cards.
Featured image: Daniel Romero, Unsplash.
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The AirPods Pro 2 noise cancelling is impressively good not only on the plane but especially in the lounge to drown out morons walking around shouting into their phone broadcasting their business conversations. Or in the hotel lobby bar when trying to have a quiet read.
Sure the Bose QC give better sound but the AirPods are good enough. I’ve stopped updating and carrying the former to fly light. They take up a lot of room in the bag and are only used when awake on a flight, not worth the hassle now.
Need a decent Bluetooth gadget to connect to the plane system. Airflynworks work well.
Also need a double adapter to plug it into the plane socket. Cheap online.