Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

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

The ANC is powerful, cutting train noise into a background rumble. A "pass through" option allows you to hear outside sounds if needed.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the best in the field of noise cancellation. And the fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s are not an exception, providing one of the most enjoyable experiences we've had using noise cancelling headphones in recent times. The moment you put them on and enabling noise cancellation is like stepping into a symphony of silence: engine sounds as well as the whir of HVAC systems, the rumbling metal, and even conversations with neighbors are all quiet to an unimaginable degree.

The XM5s also stand out in the realm of audio with an impressive soundstage that gives the various elements of a track room to breathe and shine. For instance, on Billie's Bad Guy, the drums beat with a satisfying amount of power and weight as the high-pitched vocals blend into the mix.

The XM5s also stand out for their intelligent interaction with your smart device. They can sense the moment they are removed from the head and then pause the music. They can also note that you are driving on a noisy highway and august bluetooth noise cancelling headphones - grey - mic automatically reduce the noise cancelling volume.

The WH-1000XM5s are also very green. The WH-1000XM5s are made from recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. Their headband is made of high-quality fabric. They include a collapsible carrying case that folds into itself to form a compact pouch, and an 3.5mm-to-3.5mm accessory cable to listen in a passive mode. The earcups can be removed for simple cleaning. In addition, the XM5s are powered by rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20 hours of playtime on a full charge. They're also equipped with an adaptive fast charging system that charges twice the speed of traditional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 I/QC35 II Wireless, with their comfortable fit, balanced sound profile, and ANC technology that blocks a large amount of background noise They are more adaptable than the Audio-Technica Wireless Headphones ATH-DSR9BT. The Bose headphones also come with longer battery life, lasting for 20 hours, take less time to charge, and can be wired with a phone even when the battery is not fully charged, making them a better option for those looking for headphones that can serve as commuting headphones, or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones have a dedicated button that activates Google Assistant, which will play music and answer trivia questions and even read your phone notifications. They have great noise cancellation capabilities. They are a bit outdated by the standards of 2020 however, you can enjoy excellent deals.

The QC35s, along with other Bose ANC headsets, do well at blocking out ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over time. They're not the best ANC headphone on the market in particular when compared with the latest models. Audiophiles may want to look elsewhere for a better sound.

The QC35s can also be used to connect to two devices at the same time and also "audio share" with a friend. This is a great option for those who want to listen to music while talking with someone else. They're also a favorite choice for frequent travelers, and they sport the classic Bose look that many people enjoy. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers for decals are available for purchase at a reasonable price if you want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s aren't a lot in terms of design or comfort improvements from the M3s, however its noise cancelling technology is a whole new beast. The company has swapped out the old system-on-chip (SoC) for a new one that it claims allows it to more accurately listen and react to ambient sounds in real time, reducing the mid- and high-frequency sound by using its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup capture ambient sound. This is then processed by the QN1 noise cancelling processor to cut it down quickly without affecting the quality of your audio. The result is an impressive level of noise cancellation that easily competes with the top headphones in this price range.

There's a sensitivity dial which allows you to alter the noise cancellation to meet your preferences. If you're out in public for instance you may need to allow a bit of ambient sound to filter through and at home, you'll want a more private listening experience. This feature uses geo-location to determine the right setting based on the location you're at.

The WH-1000XM4s can be used to make calls hands-free and boast a staggering 30 hours of battery life along with quick charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also feature a robust August Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones - Grey - Mic connection with multipoint and NFC support. In my tests, I found that the restoration of Paul McCartney's Flaming pie was dynamic and clear, while rough mixes and recordings from home also sounded crisp.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to make the most of these headphones. You can customize the EQ and enjoy convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint. It also unlocks amazing new features, such as Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are a ideal choice for those seeking headphones that provide excellent active noise cancellation at an affordable price. The 710N Wireless is an improvement over its predecessor and offers improved ANC performance and better sound quality. The 710N Pollini Wireless Active Noise Cancelling Headphones - Deep Bass is also equipped with a lighter design with a battery lifespan of up to 35 hours.

However, 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 suitable for you. They don't have a carrying case, auto-pause feature, or earcups that fold up and are therefore difficult to carry around.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent, but not as great as the aforementioned 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are constructed of plastic. They're lightweight and comfortable for long periods, but they won't withstand rigorous use or even a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is quite bulky and the earcups tend to creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use, though they have tactile buttons that offer good clicky feedback. A single touch of the power button turns ANC on and off, while pressing and holding the button prompts you to activate Sony's Adaptive Audio Control feature. This feature allows you to select an audio profile that is preset depending on the way 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 wireless noise cancellation headphones are one of the most affordable models on the market. You get great ANC for the price, plus lightweight comfort, and up to 35-hour battery life. These headphones are worth considering when you travel frequently.

5. Earfun Air Pro

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are known for their great value. They're efficient for calls and exciting for music, and their ANC blocks a good amount of noise, but doesn't make you feel like your ears are being squeezed. They also come with numerous features that are found in headphones that cost more than twice as much.

The earbuds are characterized by an over-emphasized bass range which adds rumble and punch to most tracks, while keeping lead vocals and instruments bright and alive. This makes them perfect for a wide range of content. However, they might seem a bit loud to some. They have a constant frequency response, which means they sound exactly the same no matter the content you are listening.

We listened to Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did a fantastic job of highlighting the song's bass-heavy introduction with enthusiasm and zeal. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly fluid listen with the treble playing off the various layered vocals and percussion.

On the phone, the voice quality is very good even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds are equipped with the latest Qualcomm chip to maintain the clarity of calls with background noises and august bluetooth noise cancelling headphones - Grey - mic clicks being kept to a minimum even when talking in the vicinity of the London Underground at rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent and there were no issues during our testing. They pair and connect quickly with a minimal amount of latency for iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, which means they are suitable 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 charges that are great for travelling.