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 great. The headphones are lightweight, comfortable, and feature a variety of features such as Speak-to-Chat mode and Quick Attention mode. They also come with wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

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

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the top in terms of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are no exception. They provide one of the most impressive noise cancelling experiences we've ever had. The moment you put them on and enabling noise cancellation is like stepping into a veritable cone of silence: The sound of engines, the whir of HVAC systems, the creaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors are muted to an uncanny degree.

The XM5s also stand out in the realm of audio, with an expansive soundstage that can give every element of a track room to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy for example, the drums are pounding with a satisfying amount power and weight while the soaring vocals blend throughout the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s stand out include their smart interactions with your smart device. They can detect when they are being removed from the head and then pause the music. They can also detect that you are on a noisy highway and automatically lower the noise cancelling level.

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 of premium fabric. They also include a collapsible carrying case that folds to form a small pouch, and a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable that can be used in a quiet mode. The ear cups are washable and removable for easy cleaning. In addition, the XM5s are powered by rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20 hours of playtime on a full charge. They're also equipped with an adaptive fast charging system that charges twice the speed of conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018, with their comfortable fit, balanced sound profile, and ANC technology that blocks a great deal of background noise, are more versatile than Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless Headphones. The Bose headphones also have longer battery life of 20 hours, take less time to charge and can be used in conjunction with a phone when the battery is dead, making them a better option for those looking for a pair of headphones that can function as travel headphones or commuting headphones.

These premium Bose headphones have a dedicated button that turns on Google Assistant, which will play music and answer trivia questions and also read notifications from your smartphone. They have excellent noise cancelling capabilities, and even though they're getting long by 2020 standards (and have successors in their sibling line the QC35), you can still get great deals on them.

Like other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do an excellent job of cancelling out ambient noise and their noise reduction technology has improved over the years. However, they're not the best ANC headphones available, especially compared to their more recent competitors and audiophiles should look elsewhere to get better sound quality.

As with the Sonys the QC35s also connect to two devices simultaneously and "audio share" one of them with a companion, which is useful when you're looking to listen music with one ear while conversing with someone else. They're also a popular option for frequent travelers, and they sport that classic Bose look that many people appreciate. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker decal covers are available at a reasonable cost if you want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH1000XM4s offer nothing in the way of aesthetic or comfort improvements from the M3s, but its noise cancelling is a whole new beast. The company has replaced the older system-on-chip (SoC) with a new one that, according to the company, will allow it to listen and respond more precisely to ambient sound in real-time while reducing mid- and high-frequency noises thanks to its Dual Noise Cancelling Headphones Microphone Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup record ambient sound. The sound is processed by QN1 noise cancelling processor to cut it down quickly without impacting the quality of your audio. The result is an incredibly impressive level of noise neutralization that easily competes with the best headphones in this price range.

There's even a sensitivity knob which lets you alter the noise cancellation to your preferences. When you're in public for instance you may need to allow a bit of ambient sound to be filtered through in the background, while at home you'll want a more secluded listening experience. This feature also makes use of geo-location access to automatically select the appropriate setting based on where you're headed.

The WH-1000XM4s are able to be used for hands-free calls and come with an impressive 30 hours of battery life along with fast charging capabilities. They also feature a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection that supports for multipoint as well as NFC. In my testing I noticed that a quick 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 get the most from these headphones. You can adjust the EQ and take advantage of convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint. Additionally, it unlocks amazing new features, such as Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones make a ideal choice for those looking to buy headphones that provide excellent active noise cancellation for an affordable price. The 710N Wireless is a step up over ear noise cancelling headphones wireless its predecessor and offers better ANC performance and superior sound quality. They also feature an elongated design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

However, if you're looking for flagship-level features like LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration These headphones aren't the best choice for you. They also do not come with a carrying case or auto-pause function, and the earcups aren't foldable which could make them difficult to travel with.

The quality of the construction of the WHCH720N is decent but not as impressive as an 1000XM5. The earcups and headband are made of plastic which is a breeze and comfortable to wear for long periods but won't hold up to the rigors of use or even a few tumbles on hard surfaces. The design is also somewhat bulky, and the earcups can creak when you move your head. The controls are easy to use, though they feature tactile buttons that provide good clicky feedback. A single touch of the power button toggles ANC on and off, noise Cancelling headphones microphone whereas pressing and holding the button prompts you to activate Sony's Adaptive Audio Control feature. This feature lets you select the appropriate profile based on your location or how you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N wireless noise cancelling headphones are among the cheapest on the market. For the money, you get great ANC and excellent sound quality, lightweight comfort and up to 35 hours of battery life. These headphones are worth considering if you commute frequently.

5. Earfun Air Pro

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are renowned for their high value. They are perfect for calls and music and their ANC technology blocks a lot of noise without making your ears feel uncomfortable. These headphones also have numerous features that are found in headphones that cost nearly twice as more.

The earbuds have an overemphasized bass range that adds rumble and punch to the majority of tracks while keeping the the lead vocals and instruments clear and alive. This makes them ideal for a wide range of content. However, they might seem a bit loud to some. Their frequency response is also very consistent, meaning they sound exactly the same regardless of the music you are listening to.

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

On the phone, voice quality is very good even in noisy environments. The earbuds feature the most recent Qualcomm chip, which ensures that background noises, noise cancelling Headphones microphone clicks and other distractions are kept to low levels. This is true even when talking next to London Underground during rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent, with little to no issues during our testing. They pair and connect quickly and with minimal latency on iOS and Android devices. They are also IPX5 waterproof, which means they're suitable for rainy days and workouts, but you shouldn't submerge them in water. They also come with a portable case that holds two and a half charges that are great to take on trips.