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 they're just as good. They're comfy, lightweight and boast a range of features, including Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention mode wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

The ANC is powerful, cutting train noise into 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. And the fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s are not an exception, providing one of the most enjoyable experiences we've had using noise cancelling headphones in recent years. The moment you put them on and activating noise cancellation is like walking into a symphony of silence: Engine sounds and the whirring of HVAC systems, the creaking metal, even neighboring conversations are muted to an incredible degree.

The XM5s also excel on the audio front. Their large soundstage lets every element of a song to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for example, the drums pound with a satisfying amount force and power, while soaring vocals harmonise throughout the mix.

The XM5s stand out because of their smart interaction with your smart device. They can detect when they're removed from your head and play music, they can detect that you're traveling on a busy road and automatically reduce the noise cancelling level and Beats Studio3 Wireless True Wireless Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones they can also connect to two devices at once to switch between them, depending on what you require more urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s consist of recycled plastics and butadiene, acrylonitrile and styrene. The headband is constructed of premium fabric. They also come with a collapsible carrying case that folds into itself to form a compact bag, as well as an 3.5mm-to-3.5mm aux cable for listening in passive mode. The ear cups are removable to make it easy to clean. The XM5s also have a rechargeable battery which provides up to 20-hours of playing time. They are equipped with a quick charging system that is twice as fast as traditional 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 thanks to their extremely comfortable fit, a well-balanced sound profile and ANC feature that blocks a significant amount of background noise. The Bose headphones come with a battery that lasts for 20 hours, they are much easier to charge, and can be used with a smartphone even if the battery is dead. This makes them a better option for those who are looking for headphones that can be used as commuter 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 also read notifications from your smartphone. They have great noise cancellation capabilities. They are a bit old-fashioned in comparison to the standards of 2020 however, you can get great deals.

As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s are capable in reducing ambient noise and noise reduction technology has advanced over ear noise cancelling headphones wireless the years. However they're not the most effective ANC headphones on the market in comparison to contemporary counterparts and audiophiles should consider looking elsewhere for a better sound experience.

The QC35s can also be used to connect to two devices at once and "audio share" with a friend. This is a great feature for those who like listening to music while conversing with another person. These headphones are also popular among frequent flyers and feature that classic Bose design that a lot of people adore. If you're looking to spruce up your QC35s with a touch of personalization, decal covers like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available for an affordable price.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s from Sony don't change much in terms of design or comfort however, their noise cancellation technology is a brand new beast. The company has replaced its older system-on-chip (SoC) with a new one, which it claims will enable it to listen and react more accurately to ambient audio in real-time while reducing mid- and high-frequency noises thanks to its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

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

There's even a sensitivity knob which lets you alter the noise cancellation to your needs. For instance, if you prefer to listen to the sounds of the city while at home, you might prefer a more secluded off listening experience. This feature utilizes geo-location to apply the appropriate setting based on the location you're at.

The WH1000XM4s have the capability of making calls using hands-free technology. They also come with a 30 hour battery life and fast charging capabilities. They also feature a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection that supports for multipoint as well as NFC. In my testing an instant remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie was clear and vibrant, while even rough mixes and home recordings sound clear and full.

To get the most enjoyment of these headphones, it is necessary to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. You can alter the EQ and enjoy convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint. Additionally, it unlocks cool new stuff, like Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're seeking a pair of headphones that provide excellent active noise cancellation for cost-effective prices the Sony WHCH720N are a great option. They are a step up from their predecessor, the 710N beats studio3 wireless true wireless noise cancelling over ear noise cancelling headphones wireless ear headphones (no title), offering higher ANC performance and better audio quality. The 710N Wireless also has an elongated design and battery lifespan of up to 35 hours.

These headphones are not for you if you want top-of-the-line features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening, which integrates voice assistants. They don't come with a carry case, auto-pause feature, or foldable earcups which makes them difficult to take on a trip with.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent, but not as good the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic which is a breeze and comfortable to wear for extended periods but will not stand up to heavy use or some tumbling on hard surfaces. The design is a bit bulky, and the earcups rattle when you move them. The controls are simple to use, however, with tactile buttons that provide good clicky feedback. One press of the power button switches ANC on and off, whereas pressing and holding 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 the current location (with your phone's permission to decide this).

The WH-CH720N is one of the most affordable pairs of wireless noise cancelling headphones on the market. You get top ANC for the price, plus lightweight comfort, and up to 35-hour 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 known for their great value. They're effective for calls and exciting for music, and their ANC blocks a good amount of noise, but doesn't make you feel like your ears are being suffocated. They also come with many features that are available on rival headphones that cost twice as much or more.

The earbuds have an overemphasized bass range that adds rumble and punch to most tracks and keeps instruments and lead vocals clear and alive. This makes them suitable for a broad range of music, even though they may sound a little boomy for some. They have a consistent frequency response, so they sound the same regardless of what you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds took to the song's bassy intro with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar dynamic sound, with the treble highlighting the vocals and the percussion.

Voice quality is excellent, even in noisy environments. The earbuds feature the latest Qualcomm chip that ensures background noises, clicks and other distractions are kept at the bare minimum. This is true even when talking on the London Underground during rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds are also excellent, with only a few issues we encountered during our testing. They connect and pair quickly, with minimal latency with iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, meaning they are suitable for rain or workouts. However, they should not be submerged in water. They also come with a movable case that holds two and a half batteries, which is great for travelling.