Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation model of Sony's noise-cancelling headphones look a little different than the previous version but they sound as good. They're lightweight, comfortable and boast a range of features, including Speak-to -Chat mode, best noise cancelling headphones Quick Attention mode wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

The ANC is extremely powerful and reduces train noise to a quiet rumble. The option to pass-through allows you to hear sounds from outside in the event of a need.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the best when it comes noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s are the same, providing one of the most enjoyable experiences we've had with noise cancellation headphones in recent memory. The moment you put them on and activating noise cancellation is like stepping into a symphony of silence: engine sounds as well as the whir of HVAC systems, creaking metal, even conversations with your neighbors are muted to an incredible degree.

The XM5s also shine on the audio front. Their wide soundstage allows all elements of a song to shine and breathe. For Best Noise Cancelling Headphones instance, on the track by Billie Eilish called Bad Guy, the drums are pounding with a satisfying power and weight as the singing voices soaring reverberate across the mix.

The XM5s also stand out because of their smart interaction with your smartphone. They can sense the moment they are removed from the head and then pause the music. They can also note that you are on a noisy highway and automatically reduce the noise cancellation level.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a low environmental impact. They are made of recycled plastic and acrylonitrile styrene (ABS) with a headband 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 to music in passive mode. The earcups are removable for easy cleaning. In addition, the XM5s run on a rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 hours of playtime on a full charge, and they're equipped with an adaptive fast charging system that charges twice the speed of standard USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more flexible than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT beats studio3 wireless true wireless noise cancelling over ear headphones headphones due to their incredibly comfortable fit, a well-balanced sound profile, and ANC feature that blocks a lot of background noise. The Bose headphones have a battery that lasts for 20 hours, they are more convenient to charge, and can be used with a phone when the battery is out. This makes them an ideal choice to those looking for headphones that can be used as commuter or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones feature a dedicated Google Assistant button, which will allow the assistant to play music, respond to questions, and read notifications from your smartphone. These headphones have excellent noise cancelling capabilities. They are a bit old-fashioned in comparison to the standards of 2020 but you can enjoy excellent deals.

Like other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do an excellent job of blocking out background noise and noise reduction technology has improved over time. However they're not the most effective ANC headphones out there, especially compared to their more recent competitors and audiophiles should look elsewhere for better sound quality.

Similar to the Sonys the QC35s also connect to two devices at once and "audio share" one of them with a companion, which is useful if you're looking to listen to music in one ear while talking to someone else. They're also a favorite choice for frequent travellers, and they've got the classic Bose appearance that a lot of people enjoy. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers with decals are available for purchase at a reasonable price for those who want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s don't offer much in terms of aesthetic or comfort changes in comparison to the M3s, but its noise cancelling technology is an entirely new beast. The company has swapped the old system-on chip (SoC) for a brand new one that claims to allow it to more precisely detect and respond to ambient audio in real-time, reducing the mid- and high-frequency sound by using its Dual sennheiser noise cancelling headphones Sensor technology.

Two microphones that feed forward into each earcup capture ambient sounds. This is then processed by the QN1 noise cancellation processor to reduce it quickly without impacting the quality of your audio. The result is a level of noise reduction that rivals the best headphones available at this price.

There's a sensitivity dial which allows you to adjust the noise cancellation to suit your needs. If you're out in public, for example, you might want to allow a bit of ambient sound to be filtered through and at home, you'll prefer a more closed-off listening experience. This feature uses geo-location to automatically apply the right setting based on the location you're at.

The WH-1000XM4s can be utilized for hands-free calls and boast a staggering 30 hours of battery life, along with quick charging capabilities. They also feature a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection, with support for multipoint and NFC. In my testing, I found that an instant remastering of Paul McCartney’s Flaming pie was dynamic and clear, while rough mixes and recordings from the home also sounded crisp.

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

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones make a excellent choice if you're looking to purchase a pair that offers excellent active noise cancellation for affordable prices. They are a step up from their predecessor that was the 710N Wireless, with higher ANC performance and a better sound quality. They also have an elongated design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

However, if you're looking for premium features like LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration these headphones aren't made suitable for you. They don't come with a carrying case, auto-pause feature or earcups that fold, so they may be difficult to carry around.

The quality of the construction of the WHCH720N is decent but not as impressive as an 1000XM5. The earcups and the headband are made of plastic which is light and comfortable to wear for long periods of time but won't hold up to heavy use or the occasional tumble on hard surfaces. The design is also somewhat bulky, and the earcups tend to creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use, though they have tactile buttons that give good clicky feedback. A single press of the power button turns ANC on and off, while pressing and holding it prompts you to activate Sony's Adaptive Audio Control feature. This feature lets you select an audio profile that is preset based on how you're using the headphones (e.g., "Staying at Work" or "Running") or your current location (with your phone granted permission to determine this).

The WH-CH720N is one of the most cost-effective pairs of wireless noise cancelling headphones available on the market. For the money you'll get excellent ANC and excellent sound quality, lightweight comfort and up to 35 hours of battery life. These headphones are worth checking for if you frequently commute.

5. Earfun Air Pro

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are renowned for their high value. They're effective in calling and thrilling for music, while their ANC blocks a significant amount of noise, but doesn't make you feel like your ears are being drowned. They also have numerous features you can find on other headphones that cost twice or more.

The earbuds are emphasized in the bass section, which creates a rumble in most tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain bright and clear. This makes them ideal for a range of music, even though they might sound a bit boomy for some. They have a constant frequency response, which means they sound the same regardless of what you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds took to the track's bassy opening with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly fluid listen with the treble playing off the various layered vocals and drums.

Voice quality is top-notch, even in noisy environments. The earbuds are equipped with the latest Qualcomm chip to ensure call clarity with background noises and clicks kept to a minimum even when talking near the London Underground at rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is excellent, with only a few issues in our testing. They connect quickly and with low latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, so they are suitable for exercise or rain. However, they should not be submerged in water. They also come with a movable case that can hold two and a half charge which is ideal for travelling.