Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

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

The ANC is powerful, cutting train noises to an ambient rumble. The option to pass through lets you hear outside sounds if needed.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the top when it comes noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is the same. They provide one of the best audio experiences that we've had. When you put on ear noise cancelling headphones (Te.legra.ph) the headphones and enable noise cancellation, it's like entering a world of silence. Engine sounds and HVAC systems, squeaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors all go out of the window.

The XM5s also shine on the audio front. Their expansive soundstage allows all elements of a song to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy for example, on Ear noise cancelling headphones the drums are pounding with a satisfying amount of weight and drive while the soaring vocals blend throughout the mix.

The XM5s are also notable for their intelligent interaction with your smart device. They will detect the moment they are removed from the head and then pause the music. They also can detect that you are on a noisy highway and automatically reduce the noise cancelling volume.

The WH-1000XM5s also are eco-friendly. The WH-1000XM5s are constructed of recycled plastics, acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene. The headband is made of high-quality fabric. They come with a collapsible carry case that folds to form a compact bag, as well as a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable that can be used in passive mode. The earcups are removable for easy washing. The XM5s come with rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20-hours of playtime. They are equipped with a rapid charging system that can charge twice as fast as conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more adaptable than the Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless headphones because of their incredibly comfortable fit, a well-balanced sound profile, and ANC feature that blocks a significant amount of background noise. The Bose headphones come with 20 hours of battery life, and are easier to charge, and can be used with a phone even if the battery is dead. This makes them an ideal choice for those who are 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 even read your phone notifications. They have excellent noise cancelling capabilities, and even though they're getting long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors to their sibling line, the QC35) However, you can still get great bargains on these headphones.

The QC35s, along with other Bose ANC headsets, do excellent job of blocking ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over the years. However, they're not the best ANC headphones available in comparison to more recent competitors and audiophiles should consider looking elsewhere for better sound quality.

The QC35s can also be used to connect to two devices simultaneously and "audio share" with a person. This is great for those who want to listen to music while talking with someone else. These headphones are popular with frequent flyers and have the classic Bose design that many people adore. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers with decals are readily available at a reasonable price when you wish to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH1000XM4s offer nothing in the way of design or comfort improvements from the M3s, however its noise cancelling is a whole new beast. The company has swapped the old system-on-chip (SoC) for a new one that claims to allow it to more accurately detect and respond to ambient sounds in real time, reducing mid- and high-frequency sounds with its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup absorb ambient sound. This is then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling process to reduce it as quickly as possible, without affecting the quality of your music. The result is an audio quality that rivals the best headphones available at this price.

There's a sensitivity dial which allows you to alter the noise cancellation to meet your needs. If you're out in public for instance you may need some ambient sound to filter through, while at home you'll prefer a more closed-off listening experience. This feature uses geo-location to automatically apply the appropriate setting based on your destination.

The WH1000XM4s are capable of making hands-free phone calls. They also have 30 hours of battery life and fast charging capabilities. They also have a powerful Bluetooth 5.0 connection, with support for multipoint and NFC. In my tests, I found that the restoration of Paul McCartney's Flaming pie was dynamic and clear with rough mixes, and home recordings also sounded crisp.

To get the most out of these headphones, you'll need download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. It lets you alter the EQ settings and provides convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint, as well as allowing you to unlock some of the cooler new stuff - such as access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering technique that breathes life into old music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're looking for a pair of headphones that offer excellent active noise cancellation at cost-effective prices, on Ear noise cancelling headphones the Sony WH-CH720N are an excellent option. They are a step up from their predecessor model, the 710N Wireless, with a higher ANC performance and superior sound quality. The 710N Wireless also features an elongated design and battery life of up to 35 hours.

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 made for you. Also, they don't come with a carrying case or auto-pause feature, and the earcups aren't foldable which could make them tough to travel with.

The quality of the construction of the WHCH720N is decent, but not as good a 1000XM5. The earcups and headband are made of plastic, which is light and comfortable to wear for extended periods but will not stand up to heavy use or some tumbling on hard surfaces. The design is quite bulky and the earcups can creak when you move your head. The controls are easy to use, though, with tactile buttons that give excellent feedback via clicks. The ANC is toggled off and on by a single push of the power switch. Pressing and holding the button triggers Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you select a preset profile based on your location or how you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N noise cancelling wireless headphones are among the most affordable models on the market. For the money you get top ANC, excellent sound, lightweight comfort and up to 35 hours of battery life. If you're a frequent commuter these headphones are worth considering.

5. Earfun Air Pro

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are renowned for their high value. They are great for calling and music, and their ANC technology blocks out a large amount of noise, without making your ears feel like they are being suffocated. They also have a lot of features found on other headphones that cost twice or more.

The earbuds have a lot of emphasis in the bass range which creates a rumble in most tracks. The lead vocals and instruments remain bright and clear. This makes them ideal for a wide range of content. However, they may sound a bit stuttery to some. Their frequency response is very consistent, ensuring they sound exactly the same no matter the music you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds embraced the song's bassy intro with zeal and energy. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar fluid sound and the treble was a highlight of the vocals and the percussion.

Voice quality is top-notch even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds come with the most recent Qualcomm chip that ensures background noises, clicks and other distractions are kept at the bare minimum. This is especially true when talking on the London Underground during rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also very good with any issues during our testing. They connect and pair quickly, with minimal latency with iOS and Android devices. They're also IPX5 water resistant, so they're suitable for rainy days and exercise - though you shouldn't immerse them in water. They come with an enclosure that can hold two and a quarter charges. This is great for traveling.