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 sound as good. They're comfy, lightweight and boast a range of features including Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention mode, wear detection and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

The ANC is powerful, cutting train noise into an ambient rumble. The pass-through option lets you to hear external sounds when needed.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are consistently among the best in the market in the field of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is not an exception. They offer one of the most impressive noise cancelling experiences we've had. When you put on the headphones and turn on noise cancellation, it's like walking into a cone of silence. Engine sounds, HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with your neighbors all go out of the window.

The XM5s also shine on the audio front. Their wide soundstage allows the entire song to breathe and shine. For instance, on Billie's Bad Guy, the drums pound with a satisfying weight and drive as soaring vocals harmonise across the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s stand out include their smart interactions with your smart device. They can recognise when they're removed from your head and stop music, they can note that you're traveling on a busy road and automatically reduce the noise cancelling levels and they can also connect with two devices simultaneously to switch between them based on what you require more urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a very low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s are made from recycled plastics and butadiene, acrylonitrile and styrene. Their headband is made from premium fabric. And they come with a collapsible carrying case that folds to create a compact pouch, and a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm accessory cable to listen in a passive mode. The earcups are washable and removable for easy cleaning. In addition, the XM5s are powered by a rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 hours of playtime when on a full charge, and 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 QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more versatile than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT Wireless headphones thanks to their incredibly comfortable fit, well-balanced sound profile, Bang and olufsen beoplay hx - Premium bluetooth headphones and ANC feature that blocks a large amount of background noise. The Bose headphones also come with a longer 20-hour battery life, take less time to charge, and can be wired with a phone even when the battery is dead which makes them a great choice for those in need of headphones that can be used as commuting headphones or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphone have a dedicated Google Assistant button, which will allow the assistant to play music, answer trivia and read notifications from your smartphone. They are a great noise cancelling abilities, and while they are getting a bit long by 2020 standards (and have successors in their line of siblings, the QC35), you can still find fantastic deals on these headphones.

Like other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s are capable of blocking out background noise, and their noise reduction technology has advanced over the years. However they're not the top ANC headphones out there in comparison to newer competitors, and audiophiles should look elsewhere for a better sound experience.

The QC35s are also able to connect to two devices simultaneously and "audio share" with a friend. This is a great feature for those who want to listen to music while conversing with another person. They are also popular with frequent flyers, and have that classic Bose design that many people adore. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker decal covers are readily available at a reasonable price when you wish to personalize your QC35s.

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 brand new beast. The company has replaced its old system-on chip (SoC) with a new one that, according to the company, will enable it to listen and respond more precisely ambient sound in real-time, reducing high and mid-frequency noises thanks to its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup absorb ambient sound, which is then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling processor to reduce it as fast 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 even a sensitivity control that allows you to adjust the level of noise cancellation according to your needs. For instance, if you prefer to listen to the sounds of the city when you're at home, but you might prefer a more closed off listening experience. This feature makes use of geo-location to apply the correct setting based on where you are.

The WH1000XM4s can be used for making hands-free phone calls. They also have 30 hours of battery life and quick charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also feature an extremely robust Bluetooth connection that supports multipoint and NFC support. In my tests, a quick remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and dynamic and even rough mixes and recordings from home were clear and full.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to get the most from these headphones. This lets you customize the EQ settings and offers convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint, and also allows you to access some of the latest cool things - like access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering process that breathes life into old music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are a great option if you're seeking a pair that offers excellent active noise cancellation at an affordable price. They're a step up from their predecessor that was the 710N Wireless, offering higher ANC performance and better sound quality. They also have a lighter design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

If you're looking for top-of-the-line features such as LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration, these headphones aren't for you. They don't have a carrying case, auto-pause feature or earcups that fold, so they may be difficult to carry around.

The quality of the WH-CH720N's construction is decent however, it's not as great as the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic. They are light and comfortable for long periods, but they're not built to withstand intense use or a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is also somewhat bulky, Bang And Olufsen Beoplay HX - Premium Bluetooth Headphones the earcups can creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use, though they have tactile buttons that give an excellent click-based feedback. The ANC is toggled on and off by a single push of the power switch. Pressing and holding the button activates Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature allows you to 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 granted permission to decide this).

The WH-CH720N Ultimate immersion: Wireless Hybrid Noise Cancelling Headphones noise cancellation headphones are among the cheapest on the market. You get great ANC for the price, lightweight comfort and up to 35 hours of battery life. These headphones are worth checking when you travel frequently.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's headsets and earbuds are known for offering great value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They're efficient for calls and enthralling for music, and their ANC block a lot of sound without making you feel like your ears are suffocated. These headphones also have numerous features that are found in headphones that cost up to twice as much.

The earbuds are over-emphasized in the bass range which can create a rumble on many tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain bright and clear. This makes them perfect for a wide range of content. However, they could sound a bit boomy to some. They have a constant frequency response, which means they sound the same no matter the music you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did a great job of showcasing the song's bass-heavy introduction with energy and zeal. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar fluid sound with the treble accentuating the vocals and the percussion.

On the phone, the voice quality is excellent even in noisy environments. The earbuds feature the latest Qualcomm chip, which ensures that background noises, clicks, and other distractions are kept at bay. This is the case even when talking next to London Underground during rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent with any issues during our testing. They connect quickly and with low latency to iOS and Android devices. They are also IPX5 water-resistant, so they're perfect for rain and exercise - though you shouldn't immerse them in water. They also come with a portable case that holds two and a half charge which is ideal for travel.