Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

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

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

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the top in terms of noise cancellation. And the fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s are the same, providing one of the best experiences we've had with noise cancelling headphones in recent memory. The moment you put them on and activating noise cancellation is like walking into a veritable cone of silence: The sound of engines, the whir of HVAC systems, creaking metal, even neighboring conversations are all quiet to an unimaginable degree.

The XM5s are also impressive in the realm of audio, with an expansive soundstage that can give all elements of a track the space to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy for example, the drums are pounding with a pleasing amount of weight and drive while the soaring vocals blend throughout the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s stand out are their smart interactions with your smart device. They can recognise when they're removed from your head and play music, they can note that you're driving on a noisy road and automatically dial down the noise cancelling level and they can also connect to two devices simultaneously to switch between them, depending on what you need urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also are environmentally friendly. The WH-1000XM5s are made of recycled plastics, acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene. Their headband is made of high-quality fabric. They also include a collapsible carrying case that folds to form a compact bag, as well as a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm aux cable for listening in a passive mode. The ear cups are also removable for easy washing. The XM5s come with rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20-hours of playtime. They are equipped with a quick charging system that charges twice as fast as 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 a great deal of background noise They are more adaptable than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT Wireless Headphones. The Bose headphones come with 20 hours of battery life, and are more convenient to charge and can be used with a smartphone even when the battery is empty. This makes them a great choice for those looking for headphones that can be used as commuter or as travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones come with a button that activates Google Assistant, which will play music as well as answer trivia questions and also read notifications from your smartphone. They have great noise cancellation abilities. They're old-fashioned in comparison to the standards of 2020 but you can enjoy amazing bargains.

The QC35s, as with other Bose ANC headsets, do a good job at blocking ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over time. They're not the top ANC headphone available, especially when compared to newer competitors. Audiophiles may want to look elsewhere for a better sound.

Like the Sonys, the QC35s can connect to two devices simultaneously and "audio share" one of them with a companion, which is great if you're looking to listen music in one ear while talking to someone else. These headphones are popular with frequent flyers and have the classic Bose design that a lot of people love. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers for decals are readily available at a reasonable price when you wish to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s aren't a lot in the way of aesthetic or comfort improvements from the M3s, but its noise cancellation is a whole new beast. The company has swapped out the old system-on-chip (SoC) for a brand new one that it claims allows it to more accurately detect and respond to ambient audio in real-time, and reduce high- and mid-frequency sounds through its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup capture ambient sound. This is then processed by the QN1 noise canceling processor to reduce it as quickly as possible without altering the quality of your music. The result is an impressive level of noise cancellation that easily beats out the Best Active Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones 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 in a public space, for example, you might want some ambient sound to filter through in the background, while at home you'll want a more secluded listening experience. This feature also uses geo-location access to automatically apply the correct setting depending on where you're going.

The WH1000XM4s are capable of making calls using hands-free technology. They also come with a 30 hour battery life and fast charging capabilities. They also boast a robust Bluetooth 5.0 connection with support for multipoint as well as NFC. In my tests, a quick remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie was clear and dynamic, while even rough mixes and home recordings sounded crisp and full.

To get the most out of these headphones, you'll need download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. It lets you alter the EQ settings and provides convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint, as well as allowing you to unlock some of the latest cool stuff - such as access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering process that breathes new life into the older music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are a ideal choice for those seeking headphones that provide excellent active noise cancellation at affordable prices. The 710N Wireless is a step up over its predecessor, offering improved ANC performance, and superior sound quality. The 710N Wireless also has an elongated design and battery life of 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 the best choice for you. They also don't come with a carry case or auto-pause functionality and the earcups don't fold and can make them difficult to travel with.

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent but not as good over ear noise cancelling headphones as the aforementioned 1000XM5. The earcups and headband are made of plastic which is a breeze and comfortable to wear for long periods of time but won't hold up to rigorous use or a few tumbles on hard surfaces. The design is also a little bulky and the earcups tend to creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use with tactile buttons which provide a good clicky feedback. A single touch of the power button turns ANC on and off, while pressing and holding prompts you to activate Sony's Adaptive Audio Control feature. This feature lets you select a preset audio profile depending on the way you're using the headphones (e.g., "Staying at Work" or "Running") or your current location (with your phone's permission to make this determination).

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

5. Earfun Air Pro

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are well-known for their excellent 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. These headphones also have many features that you can find in headphones that cost up to twice as more.

The earbuds are characterized by an over ear headphones noise cancelling-emphasized bass range which adds rumble and punch to most tracks and keeps the lead vocals and instruments clear and clear. This makes them perfect for a variety of content. However, they may sound a bit boomy to some. The frequency response is very consistent, ensuring they sound the same regardless of the music you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds embraced the track's bassy opening with zeal and energy. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly quick listen with the treble shining through the layered vocals as well as percussion.

On the phone, voice quality is very good, even in noisy environments. The earbuds feature the most recent Qualcomm chip to ensure the clarity of calls with background noises and clicks being kept to a minimum, even when speaking next to the London Underground at rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is also excellent, with a small number of issues during our tests. They connect quickly and have minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They're also IPX5 water resistant, so they're suitable for rainy days and workouts, but you shouldn't submerge them in water. They come with a case that can accommodate two and best active noise cancelling over Ear headphones a quarter charges. This is great for travel.