Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation model of Sony's noise-cancelling headphones look a little different to the previous version but sound just as good. They're comfortable, lightweight 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 powerful, cutting train noises 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 in the field of noise cancellation. And the fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s are no exception, offering one of the most enjoyable experiences we've had using noise cancelling headphones in recent memory. When you put on the headphones and turn on noise cancellation, it's like walking into a cone of silence. Engine noises as well as HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors are all muted.

The XM5s also stand out in the realm of audio with a wide soundstage capable of giving all 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 force and power, while soaring vocals harmonise throughout the mix.

The XM5s are also notable because of their smart interaction with your smart device. They can detect the moment they are removed from the head and stop the music. They can also detect that you are on a busy highway and automatically lower the noise cancelling volume.

The WH-1000XM5s are also very green. The WH-1000XM5s consist from recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, around ear noise cancelling headphones butadiene and styrene. The headband is constructed of premium fabric. They come with a collapsible carrying case that folds into itself to form a small pouch, and an 3.5mm-to-3.5mm aux cable for listening in a quiet mode. The earcups can be removed for easy cleaning. The XM5s come with rechargeable batteries that provide up to 20-hours of playtime. They are also equipped with a fast charging system that is twice as fast as standard USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

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

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

Like other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do a solid job in reducing ambient noise and noise reduction technology has advanced over time. However they're not the most effective ANC headphones on the market, especially compared to their contemporary counterparts and audiophiles should look elsewhere for better sound quality.

The QC35s can also be used to connect to two devices at once, and can "audio share" with a friend. This is a great option for those who like listening to music while talking to someone else. They're also a popular option for frequent travellers, and they've got that classic Bose design that a lot of people love. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker decal covers are readily available at a reasonable price when you wish to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s don't offer much in terms of aesthetic or comfort changes in comparison to the M3s, but its noise cancelling is an entirely new beast. The company has replaced its old system-on chip (SoC) with a brand around ear noise cancelling Headphones new one that, according to the company, will allow it to listen and respond more precisely ambient audio 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. The sound is processed by the QN1 noise cancellation processor to reduce it quickly without affecting the quality of your audio. The result is an amazing level of noise reduction that is able to compete with the best headphones at this price.

There's a sensitivity dial that lets you adjust the noise cancellation to suit your needs. If you're out in public, for example you may want a little bit of ambient noise to be blocked out, while at home you'll prefer a more closed-off listening experience. This feature also uses geo-location to automatically apply the correct setting based on where you're heading.

The WH1000XM4s can be used for making calls using hands-free technology. They also have 30 hours of battery life and quick charging capabilities. They also boast a robust Bluetooth 5.0 connection that supports for multipoint and NFC. In my tests I noticed that an instant restoration of Paul McCartney's Flaming pie sounded lively and clear as well as rough mixes and recordings from the home also sounded clear and crisp.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to make the most of these headphones. You can adjust the EQ and enjoy 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 noise cancelling are excellent choice if you're looking to buy a pair that offers excellent active noise cancellation at affordable costs. They improve on their predecessor, the 710N Wireless, with higher ANC performance and better audio quality. The 710N Wireless also has an elongated design and battery lasting up to 35 hours.

These headphones are not for you if you want flagship features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening that incorporates voice assistants. They don't come with a carrying case, auto-pause feature, or earcups that fold and are therefore difficult to carry Around Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent however, it's not as great as the 1000XM5. The earcups and the headband are made of plastic, which is light and comfortable to wear for extended periods but will not stand up to heavy use or the occasional tumble on hard surfaces. The design is a bit heavy and the earcups squeak when you move. The controls are simple to use, however they feature tactile buttons that provide an excellent click-based feedback. The ANC can be turned off and on by pressing the power switch. Pressing and holding the button triggers Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature allows you select a preset profile that is based on your location or the way you use the headphones.

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

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's earbuds and headsets are well-known for their value and the Air Pro is no exception. They're efficient for calls and exciting for music, and their ANC blocks a significant amount of sound without making you feel like your ears are being suffocated. They also come with a lot of features found on competing headphones that cost twice or more.

The earbuds are emphasized in the bass range which can create a rumble on many tracks. Lead vocals and instruments remain clear and bright. This makes them suitable for a broad variety of content, though they may sound a little loud for some. They have a uniform frequency response, meaning that they sound the same no matter what you are listening to.

We listened to Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did a great job of highlighting the song's bass-heavy intro with energy and zeal. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly quick listen with the treble playing off the many layers of vocals and percussion.

The quality of voice is superb even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds are equipped with the latest Qualcomm chip to maintain the clarity of calls with background noises and clicks kept at bay even when talking in the vicinity of the London Underground at rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent, with little to no issues during our tests. They connect quickly and have minimal latency to 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 also come with a carry-on case that can hold two and a half charge that are great for travelling.