Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation Sony noise cancelling headphones are a little different from the previous model, however, they sound as good. The headphones are light, comfortable, and come with a variety of features that include Speak-to -Chat and Quick Attention mode. They also feature wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

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

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the top in the field of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are not an exception, providing one of the most satisfying experiences we've had with noise cancelling headphones in recent memory. Strapping a pair on and enabling noise cancellation is like stepping into a veritable cone of silence: engine sounds, the whir of HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors are all muted to an incredible degree.

The XM5s also stand out on the audio side with a wide soundstage capable of giving all elements of a track room to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for example, the drums pound with a pleasing amount of force and power, while soaring vocals harmonise throughout the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s stand out include their smart interactions with your smart device. They will detect when they are removed from the head and then pause the music. They can also note that you are driving on a noisy highway and automatically lower the noise cancelling volume.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a very low environmental impact. They are made of recycled plastic and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), with a headband made from premium fabric. They come with a collapsible carry case that folds into itself to form a compact bag, as well as an 3.5mm-to-3.5mm accessory cable to listen in a passive mode. The earcups are removable for easy washing. The XM5s run on a rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 hours of playtime on a full charge. Additionally, they're equipped with an adaptive speed charging system that charges at twice the speed of conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more flexible than the Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless headphones because of their incredibly comfortable fit, a well-balanced sound profile and ANC feature that blocks out a significant amount of background noise. The Bose headphones also come with a longer 20-hour battery life, take less time to charge, and can be used in conjunction with a phone when the battery is dead which makes them a great option for those looking for headphones that can serve as commuting headphones, or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones feature a dedicated Google Assistant button, which allows the assistant to play music, respond to trivia and read notifications from your smartphone. They have great noise cancellation abilities. They are a bit outdated by the standards of 2020 however, you can find great bargains.

The QC35s, as with other Bose ANC headsets, do a good job at blocking ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over the years. However, they're not the best ANC headphones out there, especially compared to their contemporary counterparts and audiophiles should consider looking elsewhere for a better sound experience.

The QC35s can also be used to connect to two devices at once and "audio share" with a friend. This is a great feature for those who want to listen to music while talking with someone else. They're also a favorite choice for frequent flyers, and they have that classic Bose design that a lot of people love. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker decal covers are readily available at a reasonable price if you want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s don't offer much in terms of aesthetic or comfort improvements from the M3s, however its noise cancellation is an entirely new beast. The company has replaced its older system-on-chip (SoC) with a new one that, according to the company, will enable it to listen and respond more precisely the ambient sound in real time while reducing mid- and high-frequency noises using its Dual noise Cancelling Headset with mic sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup suck up ambient sound. This is then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling processor Noise Cancelling Headset With Mic 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 top headphones in this price range.

There's a sensitivity knob that lets you adjust the noise cancellation to fit your preferences. If you're out in public, for example, you might want to allow a bit of ambient noise to be blocked out, while at home you'll prefer a more closed-off listening experience. This feature also makes use of geo-location access to apply the correct setting based on where you're headed.

The WH1000XM4s are capable of making hands-free phone calls. They also come with 30 hours of battery life and rapid charging capabilities. They also boast a robust Bluetooth 5.0 connection, with support for multipoint as well as NFC. In my testing, I found that a quick remastering of Paul McCartney’s Flaming pie was lively and clear, while rough mixes and recordings from the home also sounded clear and crisp.

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

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're looking for headphones that offer excellent active noise cancellation for an affordable price the Sony WH-CH720N headphones are a great option. They're a step up from their predecessor model, the 710N Wireless, with a higher ANC performance and superior sound quality. They also feature an elongated design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

These headphones aren't the best suitable for those who want top-of-the-line features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening, which integrates voice assistants. They also do not come with a carrying case or auto-pause feature, and the earcups don't fold and can make them difficult to travel with.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent but not as impressive as a 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic which is light and comfortable to wear for long periods of time but won't hold up to heavy use or some tumbling on hard surfaces. The design is also somewhat bulky, and the earcups tend to creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use, however, 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 activates Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you select a preset profile based on your location or the way you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N wireless noise cancelling headphones are one of the most affordable models 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 well-known for their excellent value. They're effective in calling and thrilling for music, while their ANC blocks a good amount of noise without making you feel like your ears are suffocated. These headphones also have many features that are found in headphones that cost more than twice as much.

The earbuds are characterized by an over the ear noise cancelling headphones-emphasized bass range which adds rumble and punch to most tracks while keeping the instruments and lead vocals clear and clear. This makes them ideal for a range of music, although they may sound a little boomy for some. Their frequency response is also very consistent, meaning 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 song's bassy intro with zeal and energy. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar agile sound and the treble was a highlight of the vocals and the percussion.

On the phone, the voice quality is excellent even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds are equipped with the most recent Qualcomm chip which ensures background noises, clicks and other distractions are kept at the bare minimum. This is the case even when you are talking to London Underground during rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is excellent, with a small number of issues during our tests. They connect quickly and with minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, so you can use them for rain or for workouts. However they shouldn't be submerged in water. They also come with a portable case that can hold two and a half charge that are great to take on trips.