Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

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

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

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are regularly among the best in the business when it comes to noise cancelling. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are not an exception. They offer one of the most impressive audio experiences that we've experienced. When you put on your headphones and turn on noise cancellation, you're walking into a cone of silence. Engine noises and HVAC systems, squeaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors are all muted.

The XM5s also impress on the audio front. Their wide soundstage allows the entire song to shine and breathe. For instance, on Billie's Bad Guy, the drums pound with a satisfying force and heft as soaring vocals harmonise across the mix.

The XM5s also stand out for their intelligent interaction with your smartphone. They can detect when they're removed from your head and stop music, they can detect that you're on a noisy road and automatically dial down the noise cancelling volume, and they can pair with two devices simultaneously to switch between them based on what you need urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s are also very green. The WH-1000XM5s consist from recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene. The headband is constructed of premium fabric. And they come with a collapsible carrying case that folds to form a compact pouch, plus an 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable that can be used in a quiet mode. The ear cups are also removable for easy washing. In addition, the XM5s run on rechargeable batteries that provide up to 20 hours of playtime on full charge, and they're equipped with an adaptive speed charging system that charges twice the speed of conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 I/QC35 II Wireless, with their comfortable fit and balanced sound profile and ANC technology that blocks out a great deal of background noise they are more versatile than the Audio-Technica Wireless Headphones ATH-DSR9BT. The Bose headphones come with a 20-hour battery, are more convenient to charge, and can be used with a mobile even if the battery is dead. This makes them an ideal choice to those looking for headphones that can be used as commuter headphones or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphone have a dedicated Google Assistant button, which activates the assistant to play music, answer questions, and read notifications from your smartphone. They have excellent noise cancelling capabilities, and noise cancelling headphones even though they're getting long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors in their sibling line the QC35) However, you can still find fantastic deals on the headphones.

As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do a solid job in reducing ambient noise, and their noise reduction technology has improved over ear headphones noise cancelling wireless time. However, they're not the best ANC headphones available, especially compared to their more recent competitors and audiophiles should look elsewhere for better sound quality.

Like the Sonys the QC35s also connect to two devices at once and "audio share" one of them with a person who is a friend. This is useful when you want to listen to music in one ear while talking to another. They're also a favorite choice for frequent flyers, and they have the classic Bose look that many people appreciate. If you're looking to dress up your QC35s with a touch of personalization, decal covers like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available at a reasonable price.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s don't offer much in the way of aesthetic or comfort changes from the M3s, but its noise cancelling is an entirely new beast. Sony has replaced the older system-on-chip (SoC) with a brand new one, which it claims will allow it to detect and respond more precisely the ambient sound in real time by reducing mid- and high-frequency noises with its Dual Noise sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup capture ambient sounds. This is then processed by the QN1 noise cancellation processor to cut it down quickly without impacting the quality of your audio. The result is an incredibly impressive level of noise neutralization that is able to compete with the top headphones at this price.

There's a sensitivity dial that allows you to adjust the noise cancellation to meet your preferences. When you're in public, for example you may want a little bit of ambient sound to filter through, while at home you'll want a more private listening experience. This feature makes use of geo-location to automatically apply the correct setting based on the location you're at.

The WH-1000XM4s can be utilized to make calls hands-free and boast a staggering 30 hours of battery life, along with fast charging capabilities. They also boast a robust Bluetooth 5.0 connection, with support for multipoint and NFC. In my tests I noticed that a quick Remastering of Paul McCartney's Flaming pie sounded lively and clear, while rough mixes and recordings from home also sound clear.

To get the most value out of these headphones, you'll need download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. You can customize the EQ and take advantage of convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint. Additionally, it unlocks amazing new features, such as Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're looking for a pair of headphones that offer excellent active noise cancel headphones cancellation for an affordable price the Sony WHCH720N are an excellent option. They are a step up from their predecessor model, the 710N Wireless, with higher ANC performance and superior audio quality. They also come with a lighter design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

These headphones are not for you if you want flagship features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening which incorporates voice assistants. They don't come with a carrying case, auto-pause feature or foldable earcups, so they may be difficult to travel with.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent however, it's not as great as an 1000XM5. The headband and earcups made of plastic. They are light and comfortable for long periods of time, but they're not built to withstand intense use or a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is somewhat bulky, and the earcups tend to creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use, though they feature tactile buttons that give excellent feedback via clicks. A single press of the power button turns ANC on and off, while pressing and holding it prompts you to turn on Sony's Adaptive Audio Control feature. This feature lets you select a preset profile that is based on your location or the way you use the headphones.

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

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's headsets and earbuds are known for their value and the Air Pro is no exception. They are great for music and calls, and their ANC technology blocks a large amount of noise, without making your ears feel like they are being suffocated. They also have numerous features you can find on competing headphones that cost twice as much or more.

The earbuds have an overemphasized bass range which adds rumble and punch to the majority of tracks and keeps lead vocals and instruments bright and clear. This makes them perfect for a variety of music. However, they may sound a bit boomy to some. They have a constant frequency response, which means they sound exactly the same no matter the music you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds were enthralled by the track's booming intro with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar dynamic sound, with the treble highlighting the vocals and percussion.

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

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is also excellent, with only a few issues during our tests. They connect quickly and have minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are also IPX5 water resistant, so they're perfect for rain and exercise - though you shouldn't immerse them in water. They also come with a movable case that can hold two and a half batteries which is ideal to take on trips.