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're just as great. The headphones are light, comfortable, and have various features, including Speak-to -Chat and Quick Attention mode. They also have wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

The ANC is extremely powerful and reduces train noise to a quiet rumble. The pass-through option lets you to hear sounds from outside in the event of a need.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are regularly among the best in the business in terms of noise cancelling. And the fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are no exception, offering one of the most satisfying experiences we've had with noise cancelling headphones in recent times. When you put on your 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 are all muted.

The XM5s also impress on the audio front. Their wide soundstage allows the entire song to shine and breathe. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for example, the drums are pounding with a satisfying amount of power and weight while the soaring vocals blend throughout the mix.

The XM5s also stand out for their intelligent interaction with your smart device. They can recognise when they're being removed from your head and stop music, they can note that you're on a noisy road and automatically reduce the noise cancelling levels and connect to two devices at once to switch between them, depending on what you need urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s are also very environmentally friendly. The WH-1000XM5s are constructed of recycled plastics and butadiene, acrylonitrile and styrene. The headband is constructed of high-quality fabric. They include a collapsible carrying case that folds to form a compact pouch, and a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable that can be used in passive mode. The earcups are washable and removable for easy cleaning. The XM5s are powered by a rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 hours of playtime on full charge. They're also equipped with an adaptive speed charging system that charges at twice the speed of traditional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more versatile than the Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless headphones because of their incredibly comfortable fit, well-balanced audio profile, and ANC feature that blocks out a lot of background noise. The Bose headphones also come with longer battery life, lasting for 20 hours, take less time to charge and can be used in conjunction with a phone when the battery is dead and makes them a good option for those looking for headphones that can serve as travel headphones or commuting headphones.

These premium Bose headphones come with a Google Assistant button, which activates the assistant to play music, answer questions and read notifications on your smartphone. These headphones have excellent noise cancellation abilities. They're a bit outdated by the standards of 2020 however, you can enjoy excellent deals.

Like other Bose ANC headphones, over The ear headphones Wireless noise cancelling the QC35s do a solid job of blocking out background noise and their noise reduction technology has advanced Over the ear headphones wireless noise cancelling time. However they're not the most effective ANC headphones out there particularly when compared to contemporary counterparts and audiophiles should look elsewhere for a better sound experience.

The QC35s also have the ability to connect to two devices at the same time and also "audio share" with a friend. This is a great option for those who like listening to music while talking with someone else. They are also popular among frequent flyers and have that classic Bose design that many people adore. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker decal covers are readily available at a reasonable price when you wish to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s don't offer much in terms of design or comfort improvements from the M3s, but its noise cancellation 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 listen to and react to ambient audio in real-time, reducing high- and mid-frequency sounds by using its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup absorb ambient sound, which is then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling processor to reduce it as quickly as possible without altering the quality of your music. The result is an amount of noise reduction that rivals the best headphones at this price point.

There's even a sensitivity knob which lets you alter the noise cancellation to your preferences. You may, for instance prefer to hear ambient sounds in public while at home, you might prefer a more closed off listening experience. This feature makes use of geo-location to automatically apply the appropriate setting based on your destination.

The WH-1000XM4s can be utilized for hands-free calls. They boast a staggering 30 hours of battery life along with fast charging capabilities. They also feature a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection that supports for multipoint and NFC. In my tests an instant remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie was clear and dynamic as well as rough mixes and recordings from home sounded crisp and full.

To get the most out of these headphones, it is necessary to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. This allows you to customize the EQ settings and provides convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint, and also allows you to access some of the cooler 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 headphones that offer excellent active noise cancellation at cost-effective prices, the Sony WH-CH720N are a great option. They improve on their predecessor that was the 710N Wireless, with a more efficient ANC performance and better audio quality. The 710N Wireless also has an elongated design and battery life of up to 35 hours.

These over ear headphones noise cancelling bluetooth aren't the best for you if you expect top-of-the-line features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening which incorporates voice assistants. They also don't come with a carrying case or auto-pause functionality and the earcups can't fold which could make them tough to carry around.

The quality of the WH-CH720N's construction is decent however, it's not as great as an 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic. They are light and comfortable for long periods, but they're not built to withstand intense use or a few drops on hard surfaces. The design is also quite bulky and the earcups are likely to creak when you move your head. The controls are easy to use and have tactile buttons that provide good clicky feedback. The ANC can be switched off and on with a single press of the power switch. Pressing and holding the button will activate 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 wireless noise cancelling headphones are among the most affordable on the market. You get great ANC for the price, lightweight comfort, and up to 35-hour battery life. These headphones are worth considering if you commute frequently.

5. Earfun Air Pro

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are renowned for their high value. They're great for calls and exciting for music, and their ANC blocks a significant amount of noise without making you feel as if your ears are drowned. They also have numerous features you can find on competing headphones that cost more or twice as much.

The earbuds have a pronounced bass range which adds rumble and punch to the majority of tracks, while keeping lead vocals and instruments bright and present. This makes them ideal for a variety of content. However, they might sound a bit boomy to some. They have a very consistent frequency response, so they sound the same regardless of the content you are listening.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds were enthralled by the track's bassy opening with zeal and energy. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar fluid sound with the treble accentuating the vocals and percussion.

On the phone, voice quality is very good even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds use the latest Qualcomm chip to ensure the clarity of calls with background noises and clicks kept at bay, even when speaking next to the London Underground at rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent with no issues during our tests. They connect and pair quickly and with minimal latency on iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, meaning you can use them for rain or for workouts. However, they should not be submerged in water. They come with a case that can accommodate two quarters and two quarters of charges. This is perfect for travel.