Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

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

The ANC is extremely powerful and reduces train noise to a low rumble. The option to pass through lets you hear outside sounds, if you need.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are always among the best in the business when it comes to noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is the same. They offer one of the most impressive audio experiences that we've had. When you put on your 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 neighbors all become muted.

The XM5s also excel on the audio front. Their large soundstage lets every element of a song to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy for example, the drums pound with a satisfying amount of weight and drive, while soaring vocals harmonise throughout the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s standout are their intelligent interactions with your smartphone. They can detect when they are being removed from the head and stop the music. They can also note that you are on a busy highway and automatically lower the noise cancellation level.

The WH-1000XM5s are eco-friendly. They are made from recycled plastic and acrylonitrile styrene (ABS) with a headband made of premium fabric. They include a collapsible case that can be folded into itself, forming a compact pouch. Also included is an 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so you can listen in passive mode. The earcups can be removed for simple cleaning. The XM5s also come with a rechargeable battery which provides up to 20 hours of playing time. They come with a rapid charging system that can charge twice as fast as standard USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018, with their comfortable fit, balanced sound profile, and ANC technology that blocks out a great deal of background noise, are more versatile than the Audio-Technica Wireless Headphones ATH-DSR9BT. The Bose headphones come with 20 hours of battery life, and are more convenient to charge and can be used with a mobile even if the battery is dead. This makes them an ideal choice for those looking for headphones that can be used as commuter headphones or as travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones feature a dedicated Google Assistant button, which allows the assistant to play music, answer trivia and read notifications from your smartphone. These headphones have excellent noise cancellation abilities. They're outdated by the standards of 2020 but you can enjoy great bargains.

The QC35s, like other Bose ANC headsets, do excellent job of blocking out ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over time. They're not the best ANC headphone available particularly when compared to the latest models. Audiophiles may want to look elsewhere for a better sound.

Like the Sonys the QC35s also connect to two devices at once and "audio share" one of them with a companion, which is useful if you're looking to listen to music in one ear while conversing with someone else. They're also a favorite choice for frequent travelers, and they sport the classic Bose design that a lot of people love. If you're looking to spruce up your QC35s by adding some personalization, decal covers like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available for affordable prices.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s from Sony aren't much different in terms of design or comfort however their noise cancellation technology is a completely new device. The company has replaced the older system-on-chip (SoC) with a new one that, according to the company, will allow it to listen and respond more precisely ambient sound in real-time by reducing mid- and high-frequency noises thanks to its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward mics in each earcup suck up ambient sounds, which are then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling processor to reduce it as quickly as possible, without affecting the quality of your music. The result is a level of noise reduction that is comparable to the best headphones in this price range.

There's a sensitivity knob that allows you to adjust the noise cancellation to fit your needs. For instance, if you prefer to hear ambient sounds in public while at home, or you may prefer a more closed off listening Experience Superior Sound with VOCLO A9 Headphones. This feature uses 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 30 hours of battery life and quick charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also feature a robust Bluetooth connection that supports multipoint and NFC support. In my tests I noticed that a quick Remastering of Paul McCartney's Flaming pie was lively and clear, while rough mixes and home recordings also sounded clear and crisp.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to get the most from these headphones. This allows you to customize the EQ settings and provides convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint, as well as allowing you to unlock some of the most exciting new stuff - such as access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering process that breathes life into older music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're looking for a pair of headphones that offer excellent active noise cancelling at an affordable price the Sony WH-CH720N headphones are a great option. The 710N Wireless is a step up over the ear noise cancelling headphones its predecessor, offering improved ANC performance and better audio quality. They also feature an elongated design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

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 for you. They don't come with a carrying case, envtox.snu.ac.kr auto-pause feature or earcups that fold and are therefore difficult to travel with.

The quality of the construction of the WHCH720N is decent however, it's not as great as the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic. They're lightweight 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 heavy and the earcups squeak when you move. The controls are simple to use, however they feature tactile buttons that give excellent feedback via clicks. One press of the power button switches ANC on and off, whereas pressing and holding it prompts you to turn on Sony's Adaptive Audio Control feature. This feature lets you select a preset profile that is based on the location you are in or how you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N is one the most cost-effective headphones for wireless noise cancelling headphones available on the market. For the money you get top ANC, excellent sound and comfort, as well as up to 35 hours of battery life. If you're a frequent commuter these headphones are worth checking out.

5. Earfun Air Pro

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are known for their great value. They're great for calls and music, and their ANC technology blocks a significant amount of noise without making your ears feel suffocated. They also have a lot of features found on competing headphones that cost twice or more.

The earbuds have an overemphasized bass range that adds rumble and a punch to most tracks, while keeping lead vocals and instruments bright and envtox.snu.ac.kr alive. This makes them perfect for a variety of music. However, they could sound a bit stuttery to some. Their frequency response is also very consistent, ensuring that they sound the same no matter what you're listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds took to the track's booming intro with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly fluid listen, with the treble showcasing the layered vocals as well as percussion.

On the phone, the voice quality is very good even in noisy environments. The earbuds are equipped with the most recent Qualcomm chip that ensures background noises, clicks, and other distractions are kept to bay. This is the case even when you are talking to London Underground during rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent with any issues during our testing. They connect quickly and have minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, so you can use them in 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 great to take on trips.