Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation version of Sony's noise cancelling headphones looks a bit different to the previous version but they're just as good. They're lightweight, comfortable 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 very powerful and reduces train noise to a minimal rumble. The option to pass-through allows you to hear outside sounds when needed.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the top models in terms of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s are no exception, offering one of the most satisfying experiences we've had with noise cancelling headphones in recent times. When you put on your headphones and turn on noise cancellation, you're walking into a cone of silence. Engine noises as well as HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with your neighbors all become muted.

The XM5s also shine on the audio aspect. Their large soundstage lets all elements of a song to shine and breathe. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for example, the drums are pounding with a pleasing amount of power and weight while the soaring vocals blend throughout the mix.

The XM5s are also notable for their intelligent interaction with your smartphone. They can detect the moment they're taken off your head and pause music, they can detect that you're traveling on a busy road and automatically dial down the noise cancelling levels and pair with two devices at once to switch between them, depending on what you need more urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also are eco-friendly. The WH-1000XM5s are constructed of recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene. Their headband is made of high-quality fabric. They include a collapsible carrying case that folds into itself to create a compact pouch, plus a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm aux cable for listening in a quiet mode. The ear cups are also removable for easy washing. The XM5s also have rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20 hours of playing time. They are equipped with a rapid charging system that charges twice as fast as standard USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more versatile than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT Wireless headphones because of their extremely comfortable fit, well-balanced audio profile, and ANC feature that blocks out a significant amount of background noise. The Bose headphones also have longer battery life of 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 choice for those in need of a pair of headphones that can serve as travel headphones or commuting headphones.

These premium Bose headphones come with a button that activates Google Assistant, which will play music, answer trivia questions, and even read your phone notifications. These headphones are incredibly quiet with excellent noise cancellation abilities. They are a bit old-fashioned by 2020 standards but you can get amazing deals.

As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do an excellent job in reducing ambient noise and noise reduction technology has advanced over time. They're not the best ANC headphone available, especially when compared to newer competitors. Audiophiles may want to consider other options for better sound.

The QC35s are also able to connect to two devices simultaneously and "audio share" with a person. This is great for those who like listening to music while conversing with someone else. They are also popular with frequent flyers, and have that classic Bose design that a lot of people adore. If you're looking for a way to spice up your QC35s with a touch of personalization, decal covers like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available for a reasonable price.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

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

Two feedforward mics in each earcup suck up ambient sound, which is then processed by the QN1 noise canceling processor to cut it down as quickly as possible without altering the quality of your music. The result is an audio quality that is comparable to the best headphones available at this price.

There's even a sensitivity control that allows you to adjust the level of noise cancellation according to your requirements. If you're out in public, for example you may need a little bit of ambient noise to be blocked out and at home, you'll want a more private listening experience. This feature makes use of geo-location to automatically apply the appropriate setting based on where you are.

The WH-1000XM4s can be used for hands-free calls and come with an impressive 30 hours of battery life along with quick charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also feature a robust Bluetooth connection that supports multipoint and NFC support. In my tests I noticed that the remastering of Paul McCartney’s Flaming pie was dynamic and clear, while rough mixes and home recordings also sounded crisp.

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

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're looking for headphones that can provide top-quality active noise cancellation for 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 sound quality. They also come with smaller dimensions and up to 35 hours of battery life.

These headphones aren't suitable for those who want top-of-the-line features like LDAC Bluetooth and ncg.kr Smart Listening, which integrates voice assistants. Also, they do not come with a carrying case or auto-pause feature, and the earcups aren't foldable which could make them tough to carry around.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent however, it's not as great as a 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are constructed of plastic. They are light and comfortable for long periods of time but they won't withstand rigorous use or a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is a little bulky and the earcups tend to creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use and have tactile buttons that provide excellent clicky feedback. The ANC can be turned off and on by pressing the power switch. Pressing and holding the button activates Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you select a preset profile based on your location or the way you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N noise cancelling Raycon wireless headphones: over ear - noise cancelling technology headphones are one of the most affordable models on the market. For the price you'll get excellent ANC and excellent sound quality comfortable, and a lightweight design. You can also expect up to 35 hours of battery life. If you're a frequent commuter these headphones are worth considering.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's earbuds and headsets are well-known for their value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They're efficient for calls and exciting for music, and their ANC blocks a significant amount of sound without making you feel as if your ears are suffocated. They also come with a lot of features that are found in headphones that cost nearly twice as much.

The earbuds are characterized by an over-emphasized bass range that adds rumble and a punch to the majority of tracks while keeping the the lead vocals and instruments clear and alive. This makes them suitable for a broad range of music, although they may sound a little too loud for certain. They have a very constant frequency response, which means they sound the same regardless of the content you are listening.

We cued up Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did an amazing job of highlighting the song's bass-heavy introduction with enthusiasm and zeal. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar fluid sound with the treble accentuating the vocals and the percussion.

On the phone, voice quality is excellent even in noisy environments. The earbuds are equipped with the latest Qualcomm chip to ensure call clarity with background noises and clicks being kept to a minimum even when talking in the vicinity of the London Underground at rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is excellent, with very few issues in our testing. They connect quickly and with low latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, which means you can use them for rain or for workouts. However, they should not be submerged in water. They also come with a movable case that holds two and a half charge which is ideal to take on trips.