Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation Sony noise cancelling headphones are different from the previous model, but sound just as great. The headphones are lightweight, comfortable, and feature many features such as Speak-to -Chat and Quick Attention mode. They also have wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

The ANC is powerful, reducing train noise reduction headphones to an ambient rumble. The option to pass-through allows you to hear outside sounds when needed.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are regularly among the top of the line in the market in the field of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are not an exception. They provide one of the best audio experiences that we've had. When you put on your headphones and enable noise cancellation, you're entering a world of silence. Engine sounds and HVAC systems, squeaking metal, and even conversations with your neighbors are all muted.

The XM5s are also awe-inspiring in the realm of audio, with an expansive soundstage that can give all elements of a track space to breathe and shine. For instance, on the track by Billie Eilish called Bad Guy, the drums beat with a satisfying amount of weight and drive as singing voices soaring reverberate across the mix.

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

The WH-1000XM5s also have a low environmental impact. They are made of recycled plastic and acrylonitrile styrene (ABS), with the headband being made of premium fabric. They include a collapsible case that can be folded into itself, creating 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 ear cups are also removable for easy washing. The XM5s also come with rechargeable batteries that provide up to 20-hours of playtime. They come with a fast 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 ATHDR9BT Wireless headphones thanks to their incredibly comfortable fit, well-balanced audio profile, and ANC feature that blocks out a significant amount of background noise. The Bose headphones have a battery that lasts for 20 hours, they are more convenient to charge and can still be used with a phone even when the battery is empty. This makes them a great choice for those who are looking for headphones that can be used as commuter or as travel headphones.

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

As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s are capable in reducing ambient noise and noise reduction technology has advanced over the years. However they're not the most effective ANC headphones out there, especially compared to their more recent competitors and audiophiles should consider looking elsewhere to get better sound quality.

The QC35s are also able to connect to two devices at once, and can "audio share" with a person. This is a great feature if you'd like to listen to music while talking to another person. They are also popular with frequent flyers and feature the classic Bose design that a lot of people adore. If you're looking to dress up your QC35s with some personalization, cover-ups for decals such as SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available for affordable prices.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s from Sony do not change much in terms of comfort or aesthetics however, their noise cancellation technology is a totally new device. The company has replaced its old system-on chip (SoC) with a brand new one, which it claims will enable it to listen and respond more precisely to the ambient sound in real time while reducing mid- and high-frequency noises thanks to its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup capture ambient sound. This is then processed by the QN1 noise cancellation processor to cut it down quickly without affecting the quality of your audio. The result is a level of noise reduction that is comparable to the top headphones available at this price.

There's a sensitivity knob that lets you adjust the noise cancellation to meet your needs. You might, for instance wish to listen to the sounds of the city while at home, or you might prefer a more closed off listening experience. This feature also makes use of geo-location access to automatically apply the right setting based on where you're headed.

The WH-1000XM4s are able to be used for hands-free calls. They come with an impressive 30 hours of battery life, along with fast charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also have an extremely robust Bluetooth connection with multipoint and NFC support. In my testing the speedy remastering of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and dynamic as well as rough mixes and recordings from home sound clear and full.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to get the most from these headphones. You can customize the EQ and take advantage of convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint. It also unlocks some cool new features, 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 an affordable price the Sony WHCH720N are a great option. They are a step up from their predecessor model, the 710N Wireless, with a more efficient ANC performance and a better sound quality. The 710N Wireless also features a slimmer design with battery lifespan of up to 35 hours.

These headphones are not for you if you want flagship features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening, which integrates voice assistants. They don't come with a carry case, auto-pause feature or earcups that fold up and are therefore difficult to travel with.

The quality of the construction of the WHCH720N is decent, but not as good the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups made of plastic. They are light and comfortable for long periods of time but they're not built to withstand intense use or even a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is a bit bulky, and the earcups creak when you move. The controls are easy to use and have tactile buttons that give excellent clicky feedback. The ANC can be turned off and on by a single push of the power switch. Pressing and holding the button triggers Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature allows you select a preset profile based on your location or how you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N wireless noise cancelling headphones are among the cheapest on the market. For the money, you get great ANC and excellent sound quality and comfort, as well as up to 35 hours of 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 renowned for their high value. They're great in calling and thrilling for music, while their ANC block a lot of noise, but doesn't make you feel as if your ears are drowned. They also have a lot of features found on competing headphones that cost twice or more.

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 broad variety of content, though they might sound a bit boomy for some. Their frequency response is very consistent, meaning that they sound the same no matter what you listen to.

We listened to Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did an amazing job of celebrating the song's bass-heavy intro with energy and zeal. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly quick listen, with the treble showcasing the layered vocals as well as drums.

On the phone, voice quality is very good even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds feature the most recent Qualcomm chip, noise which ensures that background noises, clicks and other distractions are kept to low levels. This is especially true when you are talking to London Underground during rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds are also excellent, with only a few issues during our tests. They connect and pair quickly and with minimal latency on iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, which means you can use them in rain or for workouts. However they shouldn't be submerged in water. They also come with a portable case that can hold two and a half batteries, which is great to take on trips.