Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation model of Sony's noise-cancelling headphones looks a bit different than the previous version but they sound as good. The headphones are light and comfortable, and feature various features, including Quick Attention mode and Speak-to-Chat. They also feature wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

The ANC is powerful, reducing train noise into a background rumble. A 'pass through' option allows you to hear outside sounds, if you need.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the top in the field of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are no exception. They offer one of the most enjoyable noise cancelling experiences we've ever had. Strapping a pair on and activating noise cancellation is like stepping into a symphony of silence: Engine sounds, the whir of HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors are muted to an incredible degree.

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

Other features that make the XM5s stand out are their intelligent interactions with your smart device. They can detect the moment they're taken off your head and stop music, they'll notice that you're driving on a noisy road and automatically lower the noise cancelling volume, and they can pair with two devices simultaneously to switch between them, depending on what you require more urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s are also very environmentally friendly. The WH-1000XM5s are constructed from recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene. Their headband is made from premium fabric. They include a collapsible case that can be folded into itself, creating an incredibly compact pouch. Also included is an 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable, so you can listen to music in passive mode. The ear cups are also removable for easy washing. The XM5s also have a rechargeable battery which provides up to 20-hours of playing time. They are equipped with a quick charging system that is twice as fast as traditional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018, Skullcandy Hesh ANC Over-Ear Headphones - Black with their comfortable fit with a balanced sound profile and ANC technology that blocks a great deal of background noise, are more versatile than the Audio-Technica Wireless Headphones ATH-DSR9BT. The Bose headphones have 20 hours of battery life, and are more convenient to charge and can still be used with a phone even if the battery is dead. This makes them a better option to those 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 and answer trivia questions and also read notifications from your smartphone. These headphones are incredibly quiet with excellent noise cancelling capabilities. They're a bit old-fashioned in comparison to the standards of 2020 but you can enjoy great bargains.

Like other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do an excellent job of blocking out background noise, and their noise reduction technology has advanced over the years. They're not the top ANC headphone on the market in particular when compared with newer competitors. Audiophiles may want to look elsewhere for a better audio quality.

Like the Sonys The QC35s are able to connect to two devices at once and "audio share" one of them with a friend, which is great if you're looking to listen to music with one ear while conversing with someone else. These headphones are also popular with frequent flyers and feature the classic Bose design that a lot of people love. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers with decals are available for purchase at a reasonable price for those who want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s made by Sony aren't much different in terms of design or comfort 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 that it claims will enable it to listen and react more accurately to ambient sound in real-time, reducing high and mid-frequency noises with its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup suck up ambient sounds, which are then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling process to cut it down as quickly as possible, without affecting the quality of your music. The result is an audio quality that rivals the best headphones at this price point.

There's even a sensitivity control that allows you to adjust the noise cancellation to your preferences. For instance, if you, want to hear ambient sounds in public when you're at home, but you may prefer a more closed off listening experience. This feature makes use of geo-location to determine the appropriate setting based on the location you're at.

The WH1000XM4s have the capability of making hands-free phone calls. They also come with a 30 hour battery life and fast charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s come with an impressive Bluetooth connection that supports multipoint and NFC support. In my testing an instant remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie was clear and lively, while even rough mixes and home recordings sounded crisp and full.

To get the most enjoyment of these headphones, you'll need download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. This lets you customize the EQ settings and offers convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint, while allowing you to unlock some of the latest cool things - like access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering technique that breathes life into older music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are a excellent choice if you're looking to purchase headphones that provide outstanding active noise cancellation at an affordable price. They are a step up from their predecessor that was the 710N Wireless, with a higher ANC performance and better audio quality. They also have an elongated design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

These headphones are not for you if you want top-of-the-line features like LDAC Sumvision PSYC Wave RX Headphones: Bluetooth for all Devices and Smart Listening, which integrates voice assistants. They don't come with a carry case, auto-pause feature or earcups that fold up which makes them difficult to take on a trip with.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent, but not as great as the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic which is light and comfortable to wear for extended periods but won't hold up to the rigors of use or even some tumbling on hard surfaces. The design is also a little bulky and the earcups tend to creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use, though, with tactile buttons that provide an excellent click-based feedback. A single press of the power button turns ANC on and off, while pressing and holding it prompts you to activate Sony's Adaptive Audio Control feature. This feature lets you select the preset audio profile according to the type of headphones you're using the headphones (e.g., "Staying at Work" or "Running") or the current location (with your phone's permission to make this determination).

The WH-CH720N wireless noise cancellation headphones are one of the most affordable models on the market. You get great ANC for the price, lightweight comfort and up to 35-hour battery life. If you're a frequent commuter these headphones are worth considering.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's headsets and earbuds are renowned for their value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They are perfect for music and calls and their Skullcandy Hesh ANC Over-Ear Headphones - Black technology blocks a significant amount of noise without making your ears feel like they are being suffocated. They also come with numerous features you can find on competing headphones that cost twice as much or more.

The earbuds are characterized by an over-emphasized bass range that adds rumble and a punch to the majority of tracks, while keeping lead vocals and instruments bright and clear. This makes them ideal for a variety of content, though they may sound a little boomy for some. The frequency response is extremely consistent, which means they sound exactly 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 showcasing the track's bass-heavy opening with energy and zeal. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar fluid sound, with the treble highlighting the vocals and percussion.

Voice quality is top-notch even in noisy environments. The earbuds are equipped with the most recent Qualcomm chip which ensures background noises, clicks, and other distractions are kept at the bare minimum. This is the case even when you are talking to London Underground during rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent, with little to no issues during our tests. They connect quickly and have minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are also IPX5 waterproof, which means they're perfect for rain and workouts, but you shouldn't immerse them in water. They come with a case that can hold two and a quarter charges. This is perfect for traveling.