Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

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

The ANC is very powerful and reduces train noise to a minimal rumble. A "pass through" option allows you to hear outside sounds if needed.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are regularly among the top of the line in the market in terms of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are no exception. They provide one of the best audio experiences that we've had. When you put on the headphones and enable noise cancellation, you're entering a world of silence. Engine noises as well as HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with your neighbors all become muted.

The XM5s also impress 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 are pounding with a pleasing amount of power and weight and soaring vocals are a perfect fit throughout the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s stand out are their intelligent interactions with your smartphone. They can detect when they're being removed from your head and pause music, they can note that you're on a noisy road and automatically dial down the noise cancelling level, and they can connect to two devices simultaneously to switch between them, depending on what you need urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s are constructed from recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. The headband is made from premium fabric. They come with a collapsible carrying case that folds to form a compact pouch, and a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm accessory cable to listen in a passive mode. The earcups are removable for easy washing. The XM5s come with rechargeable batteries that provide up to 20-hours of playing time. They are equipped with a rapid charging system that is twice as fast as conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless, with their comfortable fit, balanced sound profile, and ANC technology that blocks out a significant amount of background noise, are more versatile than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT Wireless Headphones. The Bose headphones come with a 20-hour battery, are easier to charge, and can be used with a mobile when the battery is out. This makes them a better option for those who are looking for headphones that can be used as commuter headphones or as travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphone have a dedicated Google Assistant button, which allows the assistant to play music, answer questions, and read notifications from your smartphone. They have excellent noise cancelling abilities, and while they are getting a bit long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors in their sibling line the QC35) However, you can still find great bargains on them.

As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s are capable in reducing ambient noise and their noise reduction technology has advanced over time. However, they're not the best ANC headphones out there, especially compared to their newer competitors and audiophiles should look elsewhere for a better sound experience.

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 another person. They are popular with frequent flyers and have that classic Bose design that many people love. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers with decals are available at a reasonable cost for those who want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s of Sony do not change much in terms of aesthetics or comfort however, their noise cancellation technology is a brand new device. Sony has replaced the old system-on chip (SoC) with a brand new one, which it claims will allow it to detect and respond more precisely to the ambient sound in real time while reducing mid- and high-frequency noises using its Dual Noise sensor technology.

Two feedforward mics in each earcup capture ambient sound, which is then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling processor to reduce it as quickly as is possible without affecting the quality of your music. The result is an audio quality that is comparable to the top headphones available at this price.

There's even a sensitivity control that lets you adjust the level of noise cancellation according to your needs. If you're out in public for instance, you might want some ambient noise to be blocked out and at home, you'll prefer a more closed-off listening experience. This feature also makes use of geo-location access to apply the right setting depending on where you're going.

The WH1000XM4s can be used for making calls using hands-free technology. They also have a 30 hour battery life and fast charging capabilities. They also feature a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection, with support for multipoint as well as NFC. In my testing I noticed that the restoration of Paul McCartney's Flaming pie was lively and clear as well as rough mixes and recordings from the home also sound clear.

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

4. sony wh-1000xm4 silver wireless noise cancelling headphones WH-CH720N

If you're looking for headphones that provide excellent active noise cancellation for a budget-friendly price the Sony WH-CH720N headphones are an excellent option. The 710N Wireless is a step up over its predecessor and offers improved ANC performance, and superior sound quality. They also come with a lighter design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

These headphones aren't the best for you if you want top-of-the-line features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening which incorporates voice assistants. They also do not come with a carrying case or auto-pause functionality and the earcups aren't foldable which could make them tough to carry around.

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent but not as great as the aforementioned 1000XM5. The earcups and the headband are made of plastic which is light and comfortable to wear for long periods but isn't built to withstand heavy use or some tumbling on hard surfaces. The design is bulky, and sony wh-1000xm4 Silver wireless noise cancelling headphones the earcups creak when you move. The controls are easy to use, however they feature tactile buttons that offer an excellent click-based feedback. The ANC is toggled on and off by pressing the power switch. Pressing and holding the button activates Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature allows you select a preset profile that is based on your location or the way 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 great ANC and excellent sound quality and comfort, as well as up to 35 hours of battery life. These headphones are worth a look for if you frequently commute.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's headsets and earbuds are known for their value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They're efficient for calls and exciting for music, and their ANC blocks a significant amount of noise, but doesn't make you feel like your ears are being squeezed. These headphones also have many features that are found in headphones that cost more than twice as more.

The earbuds have a lot of emphasis in the bass range, which adds a rumble to most tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain bright and clear. This makes them suitable for a wide range of content. However, they might seem a bit loud to some. They have a very constant frequency response, which means they sound the same no matter the content you are listening.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Immersive Sound with Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones! Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did a great job of celebrating the song's bass-heavy introduction with energy and zeal. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar dynamic sound with the treble accentuating the vocals and the percussion.

On the phone, voice quality is excellent, even in noisy environments. The earbuds come with the most recent Qualcomm chip which ensures background noises, clicks and other distractions are kept at low levels. This is especially true when talking on the London Underground during rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent with no issues during our testing. They connect quickly and have minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, meaning you can use them in exercise or rain. However, they should not be submerged in water. They come with an enclosure that can hold two quarters and a quarter of a charge. This is ideal to take on trips.