Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation Sony noise cancelling headphones are a bit different from the previous model however they're just as good. The headphones are light and comfortable, and have a variety of features, including Speak-to -Chat and Quick Attention mode. They also feature wear detection, as well as AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

The ANC is extremely powerful and reduces train noise to a quiet rumble. A "pass through" option lets you hear outside sounds if needed.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the best when it comes noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are the same. They offer one of the best audio experiences that we've experienced. When you put on the headphones and enable noise cancellation, you're entering a world of silence. Engine sounds and HVAC systems, squeaking metal, and even conversations with your neighbors all become muted.

The XM5s also excel on the audio aspect. Their wide soundstage allows all elements of a song to shine and breathe. For instance, on Billie's Bad Guy, the drums beat with a satisfying amount of power and weight as the high-pitched vocals blend into the mix.

The XM5s also stand out because of their smart interaction with your smart device. They will detect the moment they're taken off your head and play music, they can note that you're driving on a noisy road and automatically lower the noise cancelling level and connect with two devices at once to switch between them, depending on what you require more urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also are environmentally friendly. The WH-1000XM5s are made from recycled plastics and butadiene, acrylonitrile and styrene. The headband is made from premium fabric. They come with a case that folds into itself, creating a compact pouch. Also included is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so you can listen in passive mode. The ear cups are removable for easy cleaning. The XM5s also have rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20 hours of playing time. They come with a fast charging system that can charge twice as fast as conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless with their comfortable fit, balanced sound profile, and ANC technology that blocks a great deal of background noise, are more versatile than the Audio-Technica Wireless Headphones ATH-DSR9BT. The Bose headphones also come with longer battery life of 20 hours and require less time to charge, and can be used wired with a phone even when the battery is not fully charged and makes them a good choice for those in need of a pair of headphones that can be used as travel headphones or commuting headphones.

These premium Bose headphones come with a button that activates Google Assistant, which will play music and answer trivia questions and read your smartphone notifications. They have outstanding noise cancellation capabilities, and although they are getting a bit long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors in their line of siblings, the QC35) however, you can still get great bargains on them.

The QC35s, like other Bose ANC headsets, do well at blocking out ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over time. They're not the most effective ANC headphone available in particular when compared with more recent competitors. Audiophiles should consider other options for better audio quality.

The QC35s also have the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously and "audio share" with a friend. This is a great feature for those who want to listen to music while talking with another person. They are also popular with frequent flyers and have that classic Bose design that people love. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker decal covers are available for purchase at a reasonable price when you wish to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH1000XM4s offer nothing in the way of design or comfort improvements from the M3s, but its noise cancelling is an entirely new beast. The company has replaced its older system-on-chip (SoC) with a brand new one that it claims will enable it to listen and react more accurately to ambient audio in real-time while reducing mid- and high-frequency noises thanks to its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup suck up ambient sounds, which are then processed by the QN1 noise canceling processor to cut it down as quickly as possible without altering the quality of your music. The result is an impressive level of noise cancellation that easily beats studio 3 noise cancelling headphones out the top headphones in this price range.

There's even a sensitivity knob that allows you to adjust the noise cancellation to your preferences. If you're out in public for instance you may want a little bit of ambient sound to be filtered through and at home, you'll prefer a more closed-off listening experience. This feature utilizes geo-location to automatically apply the right setting based on your destination.

The WH-1000XM4s are able to be used for hands-free calls. They come with an impressive 30 hours of battery life, with fast charging capabilities. They also feature a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection that supports for multipoint as well as NFC. In my testing the speedy remastering of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and vibrant and even rough mixes and home recordings sound clear and full.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to get the most from these headphones. It lets you alter the EQ settings and also provides convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint, and also allows you to access some of the most exciting new things - like access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering technique that breathes life into older music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're looking for headphones that offer excellent active noise cancellation at cost-effective prices, the Sony WH-CH720N are an excellent option. The 710N Wireless is a step up over its predecessor with more efficient ANC performance, and superior audio quality. The 710N Wireless also has a lighter design with a battery life of up to 35 hours.

These headphones aren't for you if you expect premium features such as LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening, which integrates voice assistants. They also don't come with a carrying case or auto-pause function, and the earcups can't fold, which may make them tough to carry around.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent but not as great as the aforementioned 1000XM5. The headband and earcups made of plastic. They're lightweight and comfortable for long periods, but they won't withstand rigorous use or even a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is a little bulky and the earcups can creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use with tactile buttons that provide excellent clicky feedback. A single press of the power button turns ANC on and off, while pressing and holding the button prompts you to activate Sony's Adaptive Audio Control functionality. This feature allows you select a preset profile that is based on your location or the way you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N wireless over-ear noise cancelling headphones cancelling headphones are among the most affordable on the market. You get great ANC for the price, lightweight comfort and up to 35-hour battery life. If you're a frequent commuter, these headphones are worth checking out.

5. Earfun Air Pro

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are renowned for their high value. They're great for music and calls and their ANC technology blocks a lot of noise without making your ears feel suffocated. They also have many features that are available on rival headphones that cost more or twice as much.

The earbuds have a lot of emphasis in the bass range, which adds a rumble to most tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain bright and clear. This makes them suitable for a broad variety of content, though they may sound a little boomy for some. Their frequency response is also extremely consistent, which means that they sound the same regardless of the music you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On ear noise Cancelling headphones and the earbuds embraced the track's bassy opening with zeal and energy. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar fluid sound, with the treble highlighting the vocals and percussion.

Voice quality is excellent even in noisy environments. The earbuds use the latest Qualcomm chip to maintain the clarity of calls with background noises and on ear noise Cancelling Headphones clicks kept at bay, even when speaking near the London Underground at rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also very good, with little to no issues during our testing. They connect quickly and have minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, meaning you can use them in rain or workouts. However, they should not be submerged in water. They come with a case that can accommodate two and a quarter charges. This is ideal for traveling.