Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

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

The ANC is powerful, reducing train noise to a background rumble. A 'pass through' option lets you hear outside sounds if you want.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the top models in the field of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are the same, providing one of the most satisfying experiences we've had with noise cancelling headphones in recent memory. The moment you put them on and activating noise cancellation is like stepping into a vast cone of silence: engine sounds, the whir of HVAC systems, the creaking metal, even conversations with your neighbors are all quiet to an unimaginable degree.

The XM5s also stand out in the realm of audio with a wide soundstage capable of giving the various elements of a track room to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for example, the drums are pounding with a satisfying amount of power and weight and soaring vocals are a perfect fit throughout the mix.

The XM5s also stand out for their intelligent interaction with your smartphone. They can detect the moment they are removed from the head and stop the music. They also can detect that you are driving on a noisy highway and automatically reduce the noise cancellation level.

The WH-1000XM5s are also very environmentally friendly. They are made of recycled plastic and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) with the headband being made of premium fabric. They include a collapsible case that can be folded into itself, forming the compact pouch. Also included is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable, so you can listen to music in passive mode. The ear cups are removable for easy cleaning. Additionally, the XM5s run on a rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 hours of playtime when on a full charge. They're also equipped with an adaptive speed charging system that charges twice the speed of conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more adaptable than the Audio-Technica's ATH-DSR9BT Wireless headphones due to their extremely comfortable fit, well-balanced sound profile, and ANC feature that blocks out a large amount of background noise. The Bose headphones also have longer battery life of 20 hours and require less time to charge, and can be used connected to a smartphone even when the battery is dead, making them a better choice for those in need of headphones that can be used as commuting headphones, or 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 even read your phone notifications. They are a great noise cancelling abilities, and while they're becoming a bit long by 2020 standards (and have successors in their sibling line the QC35) However, you can still find fantastic deals on the headphones.

The QC35s, as with other Bose ANC headsets, do well at blocking ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has been improved over the ear headphones wireless noise cancelling time. However they're not the top ANC headphones on the market, especially compared to their more recent competitors, and audiophiles should look elsewhere for a better sound experience.

The QC35s are also able to connect to two devices simultaneously, and can "audio share" with a friend. This is great for those who want to listen to music while talking with another person. They're also a favorite choice for frequent travellers, and they've got the classic Bose look that many people love. If you're looking for a way to spice up the QC35s with some personalization, cover-ups for decals such as SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available at affordable prices.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s aren't a lot in terms of aesthetic or comfort changes from the M3s, but its noise cancellation is a whole new beast. Sony has replaced the old system-on chip (SoC) for a new one that it claims allows it to better listen to and react to ambient sounds in real-time, over the Ear headphones wireless noise cancelling reducing high- and mid-frequency sounds with its Dual sennheiser noise cancelling headphones Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup capture ambient sounds. This is then processed by the QN1 noise cancelling processor to reduce it rapidly without affecting the quality of your audio. The result is an incredibly impressive level of noise cancellation that is able to compete with the best headphones at this price.

There's a sensitivity dial which allows you to alter the noise cancellation to fit your needs. When you're in public for instance, you might want to allow a bit of ambient sound to be filtered through in the background, while at home you'll want a more private listening experience. This feature also uses geo-location access to automatically apply the right setting depending on where you're going.

The WH-1000XM4s are able to be used to make calls hands-free and come with an impressive 30 hours of battery life along with quick charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also feature an impressive Bluetooth connection with multipoint and NFC support. In my tests an instant remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and dynamic, while even rough mixes and recordings made at home sound clear and full.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to get the most from these headphones. This lets you customize the EQ settings and also provides convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint, as well as allowing you to access some of the cooler new 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 great option if you're seeking a pair that offers outstanding active noise cancellation at an affordable price. The 710N Wireless is an improvement over its predecessor and offers better ANC performance and better audio quality. They also feature an elongated design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

These headphones are not suitable for those who want flagship features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening, which integrates voice assistants. Also, they do not come with a carrying case or auto-pause functionality and over the ear headphones wireless Noise cancelling the earcups can't fold which could make them tough to carry around.

The quality of the WH-CH720N's construction is decent however, it's not as great as a 1000XM5. The earcups and the headband are made of plastic, which is a breeze and comfortable to wear for extended periods but won't hold up to heavy use or a few tumbles on hard surfaces. The design is heavy and the earcups squeak when you move them. The controls are simple to use, however they have tactile buttons that offer excellent feedback via clicks. A single touch of the power button turns ANC on and off, while pressing and holding it prompts you to turn on Sony's Adaptive Audio Control functionality. This feature lets you select the preset audio profile 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 noise cancelling wireless headphones are among the cheapest on the market. You get top ANC for the price, lightweight comfort and up to 35-hour battery life. These headphones are worth a look when you travel frequently.

5. Earfun Air Pro

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are known for their great value. They're great for calls and enthralling for music, and their ANC block a lot of sound without making you feel like your ears are suffocated. They also come with numerous features that you can find in headphones that cost nearly twice as more.

The earbuds are over-emphasized in the bass range and adds a rumble to most tracks. The lead vocals and instruments remain clear and bright. This makes them suitable for a wide range of content. However, they might sound a bit boomy to some. They have a constant frequency response, which means they sound the same no matter what you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds were enthralled by the track's bassy opening with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly fluid listen, with the treble showcasing the layered vocals as well as drums.

Voice quality is top-notch, even in noisy environments. The earbuds come with the latest Qualcomm chip, which ensures that background noises, clicks, and other distractions are kept at the bare minimum. This is true even when you are talking to London Underground during rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent and there were no issues during our testing. They pair and connect quickly, with minimal latency with iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, meaning you can use them for rain or for workouts. However, they should not be submerged in water. They also come with a portable case that holds two and a half batteries, which is great to take on trips.