Nervous flyer praises £38 noise-cancelling headphones that ‘saved her trips’

Shopping writer Eve Rowland shares her thoughts on ‘incredible’ headphones ideal for daily commuting

For anyone who dreads the roars, bumps, and chaos of plane travel, a clever tech swap might be the key to a calm journey. Shopping writer Eve Rowlands admits taking off used to give her ‘the shakes,’ but she has found a budget remedy that works every time.

Her secret is the Soundcore by Anker Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, a stylish, foldable set currently on sale for £37.99 (down from £49.99) on Amazon. Eve said the sub-£40 pair has been a total ‘lifesaver’ for filtering out anxiety-inducing flight noises, keeping her calm on journeys of all lengths without breaking the bank.

The wireless headphones use four integrated microphones to block out up to 90% of background noise, and are equipped with hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Eve said: “(This feature) has been a godsend on flights, as it muffles aircraft noise that would usually kick my anxiety into high gear, allowing me to fully immerse myself in whatever I’m listening to.”

That said, it’s important to note they aren’t 100% noise-cancelling. Eve pointed out: “While they massively reduce ambient noise, higher frequencies still sneak through. As the brand notes, the headphones’ ANC targets low-frequency hums (like engine roar and air conditioning) rather than human voices. But these voices don’t cut through what is being played – not in the slightest.”

It’s also worth noting the Active Noise Cancellation only works in wireless mode. That means ANC won’t engage if users plug into an in-flight entertainment system using the included cable.

Beyond standard listening and noise cancellation, the headphones also feature a transparency mode. It works to let in essential surrounding sounds – like traffic, footsteps, and speech – so users can safely cross the road or catch train announcements without removing them.

When it comes to wearability, the set scores top marks. Built with plush, ultra-soft ear cushions, Eve said the super-lightweight cans are comfortable enough to wear for hours at a time, whether you are on a long flight, working out at the gym, or out for a walk.

However, Eve admits her ‘only real gripe’ with the headphones is how the microphone handles breezy weather. She said: “I’ve experienced people I’m calling telling me they can’t hear me due to the wind.”

The set boasts an impressive 60 hours of playtime in standard mode and 40 hours with Active Noise Cancellation enabled. Users can also track remaining battery life and toggle between modes via the brand’s dedicated app.

Eve also describes the battery life on the Soundcore pair as ‘nothing short of incredible.’ She revealed: “Having owned them for over a year, I’ve only needed to charge them a handful of times fully.”

Overall, Eve considers the Soundcore by Anker Q20i headphones an absolute steal for under £40. Despite a few minor flaws, their impressive battery life, rich sound, and travel-soothing noise cancellation make them a permanent fixture in her bag.

More headphones to consider

For anyone weighing up a few alternatives, the Sony On-Ear Wireless Headphones (£29.99 from £34.99, Argos) are another brilliant budget option. While they lack noise cancellation, they pack an impressive 50-hour battery life.

And for those who prefer in-ear options, the JBL Tune Buds 2 are currently down from £79.99 to £59.99 and come fully loaded with Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling, Smart Ambient tech, and JBL Spatial Sound. Meanwhile, for shoppers not minding a bit of a splurge, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (£179.95) claim to deliver world-class ANC and total sweat/water resistance.