Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation version of Sony's noise-cancelling headphones look a little different from the previous model but they're just as excellent. The headphones are lightweight, comfortable, and feature many features such as Speak-to-Chat mode and Quick Attention mode. They also feature wear detection, as well as AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

The ANC is extremely powerful and reduces train noise to a quiet rumble. A "pass through" option lets you hear outside sounds if needed.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are regularly among the top in the industry when it comes to noise cancelling. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is the same. They provide one of the most enjoyable audio experiences that we've had. The moment you put them on and enabling noise cancellation is like stepping into a veritable cone of silence: Engine sounds, the whir of HVAC systems, the creaking metal, wireless noise cancelling headphones even conversations with your neighbors are all muted to an incredible degree.

The XM5s also shine on the audio aspect. Their expansive soundstage allows all elements of a song to breathe and shine. For instance, on the track by Billie Eilish called Bad Guy, the drums are pounding with a satisfying force and heft as soaring vocals harmonise across the mix.

The XM5s stand out for their intelligent interaction with your smart device. They can sense the moment they are removed from the head and pause the music. They can also detect that you are driving on a noisy highway and automatically lower the noise cancelling volume.

The WH-1000XM5s have also a low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s consist of recycled plastics and butadiene, acrylonitrile and styrene. Their headband is made of premium fabric. They include a collapsible case that can be folded into itself, creating the compact pouch. Also included is an 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable, so you can listen in a passive mode. The ear cups are also washable and removable for easy cleaning. Additionally, the XM5s are powered by rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20 hours of playtime on full charge, and they're equipped with an adaptive fast charging system that charges twice the speed of conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more versatile than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT Wireless headphones thanks to their extremely comfortable fit, well-balanced sound profile, and ANC feature that blocks a large amount of background noise. The Bose headphones also have a longer 20-hour battery life and take less time to charge and can be used connected to a smartphone even when the battery is not fully charged which makes them a great option for those looking for headphones that can be used as travel headphones or commuting headphones.

These premium Bose headphones come with a Google Assistant button, which allows the assistant to play music, answer trivia and read notifications from your smartphone. They are a great noise cancelling capabilities, and even though they are getting a bit long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors in their sibling line the QC35) However, you can still find fantastic bargains on them.

The QC35s, along with other Bose ANC headsets, do excellent job of blocking out ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over time. They're not the best ANC headphone available in particular when compared with the latest models. Audiophiles will want to look elsewhere for a better audio quality.

The QC35s can also be used to connect to two devices simultaneously and also "audio share" with a person. This is a great option for those who want to listen to music while conversing with someone else. These headphones are also popular with frequent flyers, and have the classic Bose design that people love. If you're looking to spruce up the 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 aren't much different in terms of design or comfort, but their noise cancelling technology is a completely new beast. Sony has replaced the system-on-chip (SoC) for a brand new one that claims to allow it to more accurately listen and react to ambient sound in real-time, and reduce the mid- and high-frequency sound through its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup capture ambient sound. The sound is processed by the QN1 noise cancellation processor to reduce it rapidly without impacting the quality of your audio. The result is an audio quality that is comparable to the best headphones in this price range.

There's even a sensitivity control that allows you to adjust the level of noise cancellation according to your requirements. You might, for instance wish to listen to the sounds of the city while at home, or you might prefer a more secluded off listening experience. This feature utilizes geo-location to apply the right setting based on your destination.

The WH-1000XM4s are able to be used for hands-free calls and have a whopping 30 hours of battery life, along with quick charging capabilities. They also have a powerful bluetooth over ear headphones noise cancelling 5.0 connection with support for multipoint as well as NFC. In my tests the speedy remastering of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and dynamic and even rough mixes and recordings made at home sounded crisp and full.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to get the most from 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

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones make a great option if you're looking to purchase headphones that provide outstanding active noise cancellation at affordable prices. The 710N Wireless is an improvement over its predecessor with more efficient ANC performance, and superior audio quality. The 710N Wireless also has a slimmer design with battery life of up to 35 hours.

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

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent, but not as good as the aforementioned 1000XM5. The headband and earcups made of plastic. They are light and comfortable for long periods, but they won't withstand rigorous use or a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is bulky, and the earcups squeak when you move. The controls are simple to use, however, with tactile buttons that offer an excellent click-based feedback. The ANC is toggled off and on by pressing the power switch. Pressing and holding the button triggers Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you choose a preset profile based on your location or how you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N is among the best-value pairs of wireless noise cancelling headphones on the market. You get top ANC for the price, a lightweight design, and up to 35-hour battery life. These headphones are worth a look for if you frequently commute.

5. Earfun Air Pro

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are well-known for their excellent value. They are perfect for calls and music, and their ANC technology blocks a significant amount of noise without making your ears feel like they are being suffocated. They also come with many features that are found in headphones that cost up to twice as more.

The earbuds have a lot of emphasis in the bass range and creates a rumble in most tracks. Lead vocals and instruments remain bright and clear. This makes them perfect for a variety of music. However, they might sound a bit boomy to some. They have a very consistent frequency response, so they sound exactly 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 booming intro with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar fluid sound with the treble accentuating the vocals and percussion.

The quality of voice is superb even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds come with the most recent Qualcomm chip that ensures background noises, clicks and other distractions are kept to the bare minimum. This is especially true when talking on the London Underground during rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also very good and there were no issues during our tests. They pair and connect quickly and with minimal latency on iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, so they are suitable for rain or workouts. However, they should not be submerged in water. They come with a case that can accommodate two quarters and two quarters of charges. This is ideal for traveling.