Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation version of Sony's noise-cancelling headphones look a little different to the previous version but sound just as great. They're comfortable, lightweight and boast a range of features including Speak-to -Chat mode, Quick Attention mode, wear detection and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

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

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are always among the Best over ear headphones noise cancelling in the industry when it comes to noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is no exception. They offer one of the most enjoyable audio experiences that we've had. Strapping a pair on and activating noise cancellation is like stepping into a vast cone of silence: engine sounds, the whir of HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors are muted to an uncanny degree.

The XM5s also impress on the audio aspect. 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 of power and weight while the soaring vocals blend throughout the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s stand out include their smart interactions with your smart device. They will detect the moment they are removed from the head and then pause the music. They also can detect that you are on a busy highway and automatically reduce the noise cancelling volume.

The WH-1000XM5s are eco-friendly. They are made of recycled plastic and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) with the headband being made of premium fabric. They come with a collapsible case that can be folded into itself, creating an incredibly compact pouch. Also included is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so that you can listen in a passive mode. The earcups are washable and removable for easy cleaning. In addition, the XM5s run on rechargeable batteries that can provide 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 QuietComfort 35 I/QC35 II BAndW PX8 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones - Premium Quality, with their comfortable fit, balanced sound profile, and ANC technology that blocks out a large amount of background noise, are more versatile than Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless Headphones. The Bose headphones also have longer battery life, lasting for 20 hours 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 function as commuting headphones, or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones have a dedicated button that activates Google Assistant, which will play music, answer trivia questions, and read your smartphone notifications. These headphones are incredibly quiet with excellent noise cancellation abilities. They're old-fashioned by 2020 standards however, you can get great bargains.

Like other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do an excellent job of cancelling out ambient noise, and their noise reduction technology has advanced over the years. They're not the most effective ANC headphone available, especially when compared to the latest models. Audiophiles should look elsewhere for better sound.

The QC35s are also able to connect to two devices at the same time and "audio share" with a friend. This is a great feature for those who like listening to music while talking to someone else. They're also a popular choice for frequent travellers, and they've got that classic Bose appearance that a lot of people enjoy. If you're looking to dress up the QC35s with a little personalization, cover-ups for decals such as SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available at an affordable price.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s don't offer much in the way of aesthetic or comfort changes from the M3s, however its noise cancellation is a whole new beast. The company has swapped the old system-on chip (SoC) for a new one, which it claims allows it to better detect and respond to ambient sounds in real-time, and reduce mid- and high-frequency sounds with its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup suck up ambient sound, best noise cancelling headphones which is then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling processor to reduce it as quickly as possible without altering the quality of your music. The result is an amazing level of noise reduction that easily beats out the top headphones at this price.

There's a sensitivity dial which allows you to alter the noise cancellation to meet your preferences. If you're in a public space, for example, you might want to allow a bit of ambient noise to be blocked out in the background, while at home you'll prefer a more closed-off listening experience. This feature uses geo-location to automatically apply the correct setting based on where you are.

The WH-1000XM4s are able to be used for hands-free calls and have a whopping 30 hours of battery life, with quick charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also have a robust Bluetooth connection that supports multipoint and NFC support. In my testing, I found that the Remastering of Paul McCartney's Flaming pie sounded lively and clear with rough mixes, and recordings from home also sound clear.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to make the most of these headphones. This lets you customize the EQ settings and also provides convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint, while allowing you to access some of the most exciting new features, such as access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering process that breathes life into older music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're looking for a pair of headphones that can provide top-quality active noise cancelling at a budget-friendly price the Sony WHCH720N are an excellent option. They are a step up from their predecessor, the 710N Wireless, with more efficient ANC performance and superior audio quality. They also come with smaller dimensions and up to 35 hours of battery life.

These headphones aren't the best suitable for those who want premium features such as LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening, which integrates voice assistants. They don't come with a carrying case, auto-pause feature, or foldable earcups, so they may be difficult to carry around.

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent but not as good as the 1000XM5. The earcups and the headband are made of plastic which is lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods but won't hold up to heavy use or the occasional tumble on hard surfaces. The design is a little bulky and the earcups tend to creak when you move your head. The controls are easy to use, however, with tactile buttons that offer good clicky feedback. The ANC can be turned on and off by pressing the power switch. Pressing and holding the button activates Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you select a 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 determine this).

The WH-CH720N is among the most cost-effective pairs of wireless noise cancelling headphones on the market. For the price, you get great ANC, excellent sound and comfort, as well as up to 35 hours of battery life. These headphones are worth checking for if you frequently commute.

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 exciting for music, while their ANC blocks a good amount of noise, but doesn't make you feel like your ears are being squeezed. These headphones also have numerous features that are available in headphones that cost up to twice as much.

The earbuds are emphasized in the bass section which can create a rumble on many tracks. The lead vocals and instruments remain bright and clear. This makes them suitable for a variety of music. However, they could sound a bit stuttery to some. They have a consistent frequency response, so they sound the same no matter what you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds embraced the track's bassy opening with zeal and energy. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar agile sound, with the treble highlighting the vocals and percussion.

On the phone, the voice quality is very good even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds use the latest Qualcomm chip to maintain call clarity with background noises and clicks being minimized even when talking next to the London Underground at rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent with no issues during our tests. They pair and connect quickly with a minimal amount of latency for iOS and Android devices. They are also IPX5 water-resistant, so they're fine for rain and workouts - although you shouldn't submerge them in water. They also come with a carry-on case that holds two and a half charge that are great for travel.