8 Wireless Earbuds for United Airlines’ Headphone Policy

We’ve all been there: sitting quietly on a flight, minding our own business, when suddenly, a passenger decides to scroll through their TikTok feed with the audio on full blast. They don’t have headphones, or if they do, they’re nowhere to be found. And if you don’t have headphones, you’re forced to listen along.

Luckily, airlines are cracking down on streaming music or movies in public spaces without personal headphones. United Airlines recently added a new headphone policy to their Contract of Carriage, which states that the company can now deny boarding to anyone playing their audio out loud on a personal device—and can even ban them for life. 

While United will continue offering free headphones for seatback entertainment, it’s best to come prepared with your own set of wireless earbuds; you don’t want to risk becoming “that” noisy passenger. Luckily, Amazon is stocked with plenty of styles that offer premium sound quality without the hefty price tags. Even better, many are small enough to easily pack in your personal item and come equipped with features like noise cancellation, charging cases, and long-lasting battery life for your best in-flight experience. Shop our eight favorite picks under $100 below,  from top brands like Skullcandy, JLab, JBL, and more. 

Best Amazon Wireless Earbuds Overall

If you want a simple, reliable pair of earbuds to toss in your carry-on, these are an easy win, especially while they’re marked down to just $30. These earbuds offer JBL’s signature deep bass sound along with up to 32 hours of battery life with the charging case, which is more than enough for even the longest cross-country flights. I own a pair myself and can confirm that they’re lightweight and comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time—no achy ears here. Best of all, the compact case is small enough to stash in your personal item or pocket. Other shoppers seem to agree that their battery, sound quality, and fit make them an “excellent” choice for the price. “If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck as far as wireless earbuds go… you’ve found it,” wrote one shopper who compared them to their pricier AirPods. “You truly can’t get much better than these.”

For something a little more premium, these popular Beats earbuds are currently 41 percent off. They feature active noise cancellation and a transparency mode, which is perfect for tuning into your audiobook while being able to hear announcements from the flight crew. The battery lasts up to 36 hours with the charging case, making them ideal for long-haul travel days. Plus, they’re compatible with both Apple and Android devices, and have a loud, clear microphone that filters out background noise during calls. Snag them while they’re $70 off. 

It took me losing an earbud mid-flight to realize that, when you’re leaned up against the window trying to get some shut-eye, regular earbuds won’t cut it. They tend to fall out when you switch positions, while over-ear headphones just get in the way. These earbuds by JLab are the perfect solution, thanks to their hooked design that loops around the ear. Despite the $30 price tag, they deliver surprisingly strong sound quality and up to 32 hours of battery life with the case, which has a built-in USB-C cable you can plug right into a charging block. 

Small but mighty, these compact Skullcandy earbuds are perfect for travelers who want something ultra-portable. The sleek charging case can clip onto a keychain or belt loop, so they’re always within reach when it’s time to watch a movie or listen to a podcast. Despite their size, they still deliver crisp sound and reliable Bluetooth connectivity. On sale for just $35, they’re also affordable to make sure you’re following the headphone rule on your next flight.

Airplane cabins aren’t exactly known for being quiet, which is where Tozo’s noise-canceling earbuds come in handy. They have hybrid active noise cancellation that helps minimize the hum of the engines, so you can actually hear your movie or playlist without having to crank up the volume. With the charging case, they offer 59 hours of battery life, and they come in eight trendy colors—including sage green, cherry red, and icy blue—that’ll make them easy to find after you’ve tossed them into your carry-on.

These budget-friendly Soundcore earbuds punch well above their price point, offering serious noise cancellation and powerful bass for around $30. They’re compact and can slide just as easily into a backpack as they can into a jacket pocket or sling bag for on-the-go access. Best of all, the charging case doubles as a phone stand: Once you pop in the earbuds, just flip up the case, lay your phone across the top at an angle, and enjoy hands-free streaming throughout your flight. 

Another pair for travelers who are prone to losing tiny earbuds, Pocbud’s hooked headphones add extra security during your adventures. Their sporty design keeps them firmly in place, whether you’re sprinting through a terminal or settling in for a long-haul flight. They also offer an impressive battery life—up to 80 hours with the charging case—which means you won’t have to worry about recharging them throughout the day. With over 14,000 five-star reviews, they’re a steal while they’re on sale for just $26.  

Raycon’s best-selling wireless earbuds are a workhorse for excellent audio. They deliver up to 32 hours of battery life, which easily covers a full day of travel, and they have active noise cancellation capabilities to drown out background noise on flights. The compact case also makes them easy to stash in your backpack so they’re always within reach when you want to watch a movie or catch up on a podcast. Plus, they’re sweat- and water-resistant—perfect for getting a quick run or workout in.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.