Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation Sony noise cancelling headphones are a little different from the previous model however they're just as good. They're comfortable, lightweight and feature a variety of features like Speak-to -Chat mode, Quick Attention mode, wear detection and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

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

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the top when it comes noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is not an exception. They offer one of the best audio experiences that we've had. The moment you put them on and activating noise cancellation is like walking into a veritable cone of silence: Engine sounds, the whir of HVAC systems, creaking metal, even conversations with your neighbors are muted to an incredible degree.

The XM5s are also awe-inspiring on the audio side with an impressive soundstage that can give every element of a track the space to breathe and shine. For instance, on Billie Eilish's Bad Guy, the drums beat with a satisfying amount of force and heft as singing voices soaring reverberate across the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s stand out are their intelligent interactions with your smartphone. They can detect the moment they're taken off your head and play music, they can note that you're driving on a noisy road and automatically dial down the noise cancelling volume and connect with two devices simultaneously to switch between them, depending on what you need more urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a very low environmental impact. They are made from recycled plastic and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) with a headband made from high-end fabric. They come with a case that folds into itself, forming a compact pouch. Also included is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so that you can listen to music in passive mode. The earcups can be removed for simple cleaning. In addition, the XM5s run on rechargeable batteries that provide up to 20 hours of playtime on full charge. Additionally, they're equipped with an adaptive speed charging system that charges at twice the speed of conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless with their comfortable fit, balanced sound profile, and ANC technology that blocks a great deal of background noise They are more adaptable than the Audio-Technica Wireless Headphones ATH-DSR9BT. The Bose headphones also come with longer battery life, lasting for 20 hours and take less time to charge, and can be in conjunction with a phone when the battery is dead and makes them a good option for those looking for a pair of headphones that can function as commuting headphones or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones come with a button that turns on Google Assistant, which will play music, answer trivia questions, and read your smartphone notifications. They have great noise cancelling capabilities. They're a bit old-fashioned by 2020 standards however, you can get excellent deals.

The QC35s, like other Bose ANC headsets, Over Ear Wireless Headphones Noise Cancelling do excellent job of cancelling ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved Over Ear Wireless Headphones Noise Cancelling the years. They're not the best ANC headphone on the market in particular when compared with more recent competitors. Audiophiles should look elsewhere for a better audio quality.

Similar to the Sonys the QC35s also connect to two devices simultaneously and "audio share" one of them with a friend, which is useful if you want to listen to music with one ear noise cancelling headphones while conversing with someone else. They're also a popular option for frequent travellers, and they've got the classic Bose design that a lot of people enjoy. If you're looking to dress up your QC35s by adding a touch of personalization, decal covers like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available at an affordable price.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH1000XM4s offer nothing in the way of aesthetic or comfort improvements from the M3s, but its noise cancellation is an entirely new beast. Sony has replaced the older system-on-chip (SoC) with a brand new one, which it claims will enable it to listen and react more accurately to ambient audio in real-time, reducing high and mid-frequency noises using its Dual Noise sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup absorb ambient sound, which is then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling process to cut it down as quickly as possible, without affecting the quality of your music. The result is an impressive level of noise cancellation that is able to compete with the top headphones in this price range.

There's also a sensitivity knob which lets you alter the level of noise cancellation according to your preferences. If you're in a public space for instance you may want a little bit of ambient sound to be filtered through, while at home you'll want a more secluded listening experience. This feature also uses geo-location access to automatically apply the right setting based on where you're headed.

The WH-1000XM4s can be used for hands-free calls. They boast a staggering 30 hours of battery life, with quick charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also have an impressive Bluetooth connection with multipoint and NFC support. In my testing an instant remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and lively and even rough mixes and recordings from home were clear and full.

To get the most out of these headphones, it is necessary to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. This allows you to customize the EQ settings and offers convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint, while allowing you to access some of the cooler new stuff - such as access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering technique that breathes life into older music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're looking for headphones that can provide top-quality active noise cancellation at a budget-friendly price the Sony WHCH720N are a great option. They improve on their predecessor, the 710N Wireless, with more efficient ANC performance and a better audio quality. The 710N beats studio3 wireless true wireless noise cancelling over ear headphones also features a lighter design with a battery life of up to 35 hours.

However, if you're expecting flagship-level features like LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration, these headphones aren't suitable for you. They don't have a carrying case, auto-pause feature, or foldable earcups and are therefore difficult to take on a trip with.

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent, but not as great as the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups made of plastic. They're lightweight and comfortable for long periods of time, but they're not built to withstand intense use or a few drops on hard surfaces. The design is heavy, and the earcups squeak when you move them. The controls are easy to use and have tactile buttons that give good clicky feedback. A single press 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 according to the type of headphones you're using the headphones (e.g., "Staying at Work" or "Running") or your current location (with your phone granted permission to decide this).

The WH-CH720N is among the most affordable headphones for wireless noise cancelling headphones available on the market. You get great ANC for the price, plus lightweight comfort and up to 35 hours of battery life. If you're a frequent commuter, these headphones are worth a look.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's headsets and earbuds are renowned for offering great value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They're great for calling and music, and their ANC technology blocks a lot of noise without making your ears feel suffocated. These headphones also have a lot of features that are found in headphones that cost up to twice as much.

The earbuds are emphasized in the bass range which creates a rumble in most tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain bright and clear. This makes them suitable for a variety of music. However, they might sound a bit boomy to some. Their frequency response is very consistent, ensuring they sound the same no matter what you listen to.

We listened to Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did a fantastic job of showcasing the song's bass-heavy intro with fervor and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar agile sound with the treble accentuating the vocals and percussion.

On the phone, the voice quality is very good, even in noisy environments. The earbuds are equipped with the most recent Qualcomm chip, which ensures that background noises, clicks and other distractions are kept at the bare minimum. This is the case even when talking next to London Underground during rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds are also excellent, with a small number of issues in our testing. They pair and connect quickly and with minimal latency on iOS and Android devices. They're also IPX5 water resistant, so they're fine for rain and exercise - though you shouldn't submerge them in water. They also come with a portable case that can hold two and a half charges which is ideal for travel.