Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation Sony noise cancelling headphones are a bit different from the previous model however they're just as good. The headphones are light and comfortable, and feature various features, including Speak-to-Chat mode and Quick Attention mode. They also feature wear detection, and over-ear noise cancelling headphones AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

The ANC is powerful, cutting train noise to a background rumble. A "pass through" option lets you hear outside sounds, if you need.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the top models in terms of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is the same. They provide one of the most impressive audio experiences that we've experienced. When you put on your headphones and enable noise cancellation, it's like entering a world of silence. Engine sounds, HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with your neighbors all go out of the window.

The XM5s are also awe-inspiring on the audio front, with an expansive soundstage that can give the various elements of a track space to breathe and shine. For instance, on the track by Billie Eilish called Bad Guy, the drums are pounding with a satisfying weight and drive as singing voices soaring reverberate across the mix.

The XM5s also stand out for their intelligent interaction with your smart device. They will detect when they're being removed from your head and play music, they can note that you're traveling on a busy road and automatically dial down the noise cancelling volume and they can also connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them, depending on what you need more urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a low environmental impact. They are made from recycled plastic and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and the headband being made of high-end fabric. They include a collapsible carrying case that folds into itself to create a compact pouch, plus an 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable that can be used in a passive mode. The earcups can be removed for simple 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 ATH-DSR9BT Wireless headphones due to their extremely comfortable fit, well-balanced sound profile, and ANC feature that blocks a significant amount of background noise. The Bose headphones have 20 hours of battery life, and are more convenient to charge and can still be used with a phone when the battery is out. This makes them a better option for those who are looking for headphones that can be used as commuter or as travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones have a dedicated button that activates Google Assistant, which will play music and answer trivia questions and even read your phone notifications. These headphones are incredibly quiet with excellent noise cancelling capabilities. They're old-fashioned in comparison to the standards of 2020 however, you can get great deals.

Like other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s are capable in reducing ambient noise, and their noise reduction technology has improved over time. However, they're not the best ANC headphones available particularly when compared to more recent competitors and audiophiles should consider looking elsewhere to get better sound quality.

The QC35s are also able to connect to two devices at the same time and also "audio share" with a person. This is a great option for those who like listening to music while talking to another person. They're also a popular choice for frequent travelers, and they sport the classic Bose appearance that a lot of people love. 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

The WH-1000XM4s made by Sony do not change much in terms of aesthetics or comfort, but their noise cancelling technology is a brand new beast. The company has replaced the old system-on chip (SoC) with a brand new one, which it claims will allow it to detect and react more accurately to ambient audio in real-time, reducing high and mid-frequency noises thanks to its Dual noise cancelling headset with mic sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup capture ambient sound. This is then processed by the QN1 over-ear noise cancelling headphones; http://en.easypanme.com/, canceling processor to cut it down as quickly as possible without altering the quality of your music. The result is a level of noise reduction that is comparable to the best headphones available at this price.

There's a sensitivity knob that allows you to alter the noise cancellation to meet your needs. For instance, if you prefer to listen to the sounds of the city when you're at home, but you might prefer a more secluded off listening experience. This feature uses geo-location to determine the correct setting based on the location you're at.

The WH1000XM4s can be used for making calls using hands-free technology. They also have a 30 hour battery life and quick charging capabilities. They also have a powerful Bluetooth 5.0 connection with support for multipoint as well as NFC. In my tests I discovered that a quick remastering of Paul McCartney’s Flaming pie was dynamic and clear, while rough mixes and recordings from home also sounded clear and crisp.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to make the most of these headphones. You can alter the EQ and enjoy features that make it easy such as Bluetooth multipoint. It also unlocks some cool new stuff, like Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're looking for headphones that provide excellent active noise cancellation at an affordable price, the Sony WH-CH720N are a great choice. They're a step up from their predecessor, the 710N Wireless, with a more efficient ANC performance and better audio quality. They also have a lighter design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

These headphones are not suitable for those who want premium features such as LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening that incorporates voice assistants. They don't come with a carrying case, auto-pause feature, or earcups that fold, so they may be difficult to take on a trip with.

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent, over-ear noise cancelling headphones but not as impressive as the 1000XM5. The earcups and the headband are made of plastic which is light and comfortable to wear for extended periods but isn't built to withstand the rigors of use or even some tumbling on hard surfaces. The design is a bit heavy and the earcups creak when you move them. The controls are simple to use, with tactile buttons that provide good clicky feedback. The ANC can be switched on and off by a single push of the power switch. Pressing and holding the button will activate Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you select a preset profile based on the location you are in or how you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N is one the most cost-effective headphones for wireless noise cancelling headphones 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 considering.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's headsets and earbuds are known for their value and the Air Pro is no exception. They're great for calls and music, and their ANC technology blocks out a lot of noise without making your ears feel uncomfortable. They also have a lot of features found on rival headphones that cost twice as much or more.

The earbuds are over-emphasized in the bass range and creates a rumble in most tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain bright and clear. This makes them ideal for a variety of content. However, they could seem a bit loud to some. Their frequency response is also extremely consistent, which means that they sound the same regardless of what you listen 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 showcasing the many layers of vocals and drums.

On the phone, voice quality is very good even in noisy environments. The earbuds come with the latest Qualcomm chip that ensures background noises, clicks and other distractions are kept at bay. This is especially true when you are talking to London Underground during rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also very good with no issues during our testing. They connect and pair quickly, with minimal latency with iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, so you can use them for rain or for workouts. However they shouldn't be submerged in water. They come with a case that can hold two quarters and a quarter of a charge. This is ideal for traveling.