Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

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

The ANC is extremely powerful and reduces train noise to a minimal rumble. A 'pass through' option allows you to hear outside sounds, if you need.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the best over the ear headphones noise cancelling when it comes noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is not an exception. They provide one of the best noise cancelling experiences we've ever experienced. When you put on the headphones and turn on noise cancellation, you're walking into a cone of silence. Engine sounds and HVAC systems, squeaking metal and even neighboring conversations all go out of the window.

The XM5s are also awe-inspiring on the audio front, with an expansive soundstage capable of giving the various elements of a track room to breathe and shine. For instance, on Billie Eilish's Bad Guy, the drums beat with a satisfying amount of weight and drive as high-pitched vocals blend into the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s stand out include their smart interactions with your smartphone. They can recognise when they're being removed from your head and play music, they can detect that you're driving on a noisy road and automatically reduce the noise cancelling level and pair with two devices simultaneously to switch between them based on what you need urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a very low environmental impact. They are made from recycled plastic and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and a headband made from high-end fabric. They come with a collapsible case that can be folded into itself, creating a compact pouch. Also included is an 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable, so you can listen in passive mode. The ear cups can be removed for simple cleaning. The XM5s also have rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20-hours of playtime. They are also equipped with a rapid charging system that charges twice as fast as traditional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 with their comfortable fit with a balanced sound profile and ANC technology that blocks out a large amount of background noise, are more versatile than the Audio-Technica Wireless Headphones ATH-DSR9BT. The Bose headphones noise cancelling come with 20 hours of battery life, and are much easier to charge and can be used with a phone even when the battery is empty. This makes them a better option to those looking for headphones that can be used as commuter or as travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones have a dedicated button that turns on Google Assistant, which will play music, answer trivia questions, and even read your phone notifications. They have outstanding noise cancellation capabilities, and even though they're becoming a bit long by 2020 standards (and have successors in their sibling line the QC35) however, you can still find great deals on these headphones.

The QC35s, like other Bose ANC headsets, do excellent job of blocking out ambient noise. Their noise cancelling headphones wireless reduction technology has also improved over the years. However they're not the most effective ANC headphones out there in comparison to newer competitors, and audiophiles should look elsewhere for a better sound experience.

Similar to the Sonys The QC35s are able to connect to two devices at once and "audio share" one of them with a person who is a friend. This is useful if you're looking to listen to music in one ear while talking to another. They are also popular with frequent flyers and feature the classic Bose design that a lot of people love. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker decal covers are readily available at a reasonable price if you want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s aren't a lot in terms of aesthetic or comfort improvements from the M3s, but its noise cancelling is a whole new beast. The company has swapped the system-on-chip (SoC) for a new one, which it claims allows it to better detect and respond to ambient sounds in real-time, reducing mid- and high-frequency sounds with its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup capture ambient sounds. The sound is processed by the QN1 noise cancelling processor to reduce it quickly without affecting the quality of your audio. The result is an amazing level of noise reduction that easily beats out the best headphones in this price range.

There's also a sensitivity knob that lets you adjust the level of noise cancellation according to your requirements. You might, for instance prefer to hear ambient sounds in public while at home, or you may prefer a more closed off listening experience. This feature uses geo-location to apply the right setting based on the location you're at.

The WH-1000XM4s can be used for hands-free calls and come with an impressive 30 hours of battery life along with quick charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also have an impressive Bluetooth connection that supports multipoint and NFC support. In my tests I discovered that an instant remastering of Paul McCartney’s Flaming pie was dynamic and clear with rough mixes, and home recordings also sound clear.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to make the most of these headphones. This lets you customize the EQ settings and also provides convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint, while allowing you to access some of the cooler new features, such as access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering technique that breathes life into the older music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're looking for a pair of headphones that can provide top-quality active noise cancellation for a budget-friendly price, the Sony WH-CH720N are a great option. The 710N Wireless is an improvement over its predecessor and offers more efficient ANC performance, and superior sound quality. The 710N Wireless also has an elongated design and battery lasting up to 35 hours.

However, if you're expecting top-of-the-line features such as LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration, these headphones aren't suitable for best over the ear headphones noise cancelling you. Also, they do not come with a carrying case or auto-pause functionality and the earcups don't fold which could make them tough to carry around.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent but not as good as the aforementioned 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are constructed of plastic. They're light and comfortable for long periods of time, however, they aren't built to withstand heavy use or even a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is a little bulky and the earcups are likely to creak when you move your head. The controls are easy to use, however, with tactile buttons that offer excellent feedback via clicks. The ANC is toggled off and on with a single press of the power switch. Pressing and holding the button will activate Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you select a preset profile that is based on your location or how you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N is one of the best-value headphones for wireless noise cancelling headphones on the market. You get great ANC for the price, plus lightweight comfort and up to 35 hours of battery life. If you're a frequent commuter these headphones are worth a look.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's earbuds and headsets are well-known for offering great value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They're efficient for calls and exciting for music, and their ANC block a lot of noise, but doesn't make you feel like your ears are squeezed. They also come with numerous features that are found in headphones that cost up to twice as more.

The earbuds have an overemphasized bass range that adds rumble and punch to most tracks while keeping the lead vocals and instruments bright and clear. This makes them perfect for a variety of content. However, they might sound a bit stuttery to some. The frequency response is extremely consistent, which means they sound exactly the same no matter what you listen to.

We cued up Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did a great job of showcasing the song's bass-heavy intro with fervor and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar fluid sound, with the treble highlighting the vocals and the percussion.

On the phone, the voice quality is very good even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds are equipped with the latest Qualcomm chip, which ensures that background noises, clicks, and other distractions are kept to the bare minimum. This is especially true when talking on the London Underground during rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is also excellent, with a small number of issues in our testing. They connect quickly and have minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, which means they are suitable for rain or for workouts. However they shouldn't be submerged in water. They also come with a portable case that holds two and a half charge that are great for travel.