Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation Sony noise cancelling headphones are a bit different from the previous model however they're just as good. They're comfy, lightweight and come with a variety of features like Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention mode wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

The ANC is extremely powerful and reduces train noise to a quiet rumble. The option to pass-through allows you to hear sounds from outside, if necessary.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the top in terms of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s is no exception, offering one of the most satisfying experiences we've had using noise reducing headphones cancelling headphones in recent memory. Strapping a pair on and activating noise cancellation is like stepping into a symphony of silence: Engine sounds, the whir of HVAC systems, creaking metal, even conversations with your neighbors are all muted to an incredible degree.

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

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

The WH-1000XM5s are also very environmentally friendly. The WH-1000XM5s are made from recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene. The headband is made of high-quality fabric. And they include a collapsible carrying case that folds to form a small pouch, plus a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable that can be used in a quiet mode. The ear cups are washable and removable for easy cleaning. The XM5s also come with a rechargeable battery which provides up to 20 hours of playing time. They are also equipped with a rapid charging system that is twice as fast as traditional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 I/QC35 II Wireless with their comfortable fit and balanced sound profile and ANC technology that blocks a large amount of background noise, are more versatile than the Audio-Technica Wireless Headphones ATH-DSR9BT. The Bose headphones come with a 20-hour battery, are much easier to charge and can be used with a smartphone even if the battery is dead. This makes them an ideal choice for those looking for headphones that can be used as commuter or as travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones come with a Google Assistant button, which allows the assistant to play music, respond to trivia and read notifications from your smartphone. They have excellent noise cancelling capabilities, and even though they're becoming a bit long by 2020 standards (and have successors in their sibling line the QC35) however, you can still get great deals on the headphones.

The QC35s, as with other Bose ANC headsets, do well at blocking ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over time. However they're not the most effective ANC headphones out there in comparison to more recent competitors and audiophiles should look elsewhere to get better sound quality.

The QC35s are also able to connect to two devices simultaneously and also "audio share" with a friend. This is a great option for those who want to listen to music while talking to someone else. These headphones are also popular among frequent flyers and have that classic Bose design that a lot of people adore. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers for decals are readily available at a reasonable price if you want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s of Sony don't change much in terms of comfort or aesthetics however their noise cancellation technology is a completely new beast. The company has replaced the old system-on chip (SoC) with a new one that, according to the company, will enable it to listen and react more accurately to ambient audio in real-time, reducing high and mid-frequency noises with its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup absorb ambient sound, which is then processed by the QN1 noise canceling processor to reduce it as quickly as possible, without affecting the quality of your music. The result is an impressive level of noise neutralization that easily beats out the top headphones in this price range.

There's even a sensitivity control that lets you adjust the level of noise cancellation according to your requirements. For instance, if you, want to hear ambient sounds in public while at home, immerse yourself: Sony wh-1000xm4 noise cancelling headphones you might prefer a more secluded off listening experience. This feature also uses geo-location access to automatically apply the correct setting depending on where you're going.

The WH-1000XM4s are able to be used for hands-free calls. They have a whopping 30 hours of battery life, with fast charging capabilities. They also have a powerful Bluetooth 5.0 connection that supports for multipoint as well as NFC. In my testing I noticed that the restoration of Paul McCartney's Flaming pie was lively and clear, while rough mixes and recordings from the home also sounded clear and crisp.

To get the most enjoyment of these headphones, you'll need to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. You can customize the EQ and enjoy convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint. It also unlocks some cool new stuff, like Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are ideal choice for those looking to buy a pair that offers outstanding active noise cancellation at affordable prices. They're a step up from their predecessor that was the 710N Wireless, offering better ANC performance and better sound quality. They also feature smaller dimensions and up to 35 hours of battery life.

However, if you're looking for premium features like LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration These headphones aren't the best choice suitable for you. They also don't come with a carry case or auto-pause function, and the earcups aren't foldable and can make them tough to carry around.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent, but not as good a 1000XM5. The earcups and the headband are made of plastic which is light and comfortable to wear for long periods of time but won't hold up to rigorous use or some tumbling on hard surfaces. The design is somewhat bulky, and the earcups are likely to creak when you move your head. The controls are easy to use, however they feature tactile buttons that offer an excellent click-based feedback. One press of the power button toggles ANC on and off, whereas pressing and holding it prompts you to turn on Sony's Adaptive Audio Control functionality. This feature lets you select the preset audio profile based on how you're using the headphones (e.g., "Staying at Work" or "Running") or your current location (with your phone's permission to make this determination).

The WH-CH720N is one of the most affordable headphones for wireless noise cancelling headphones 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 earbuds and headsets are well-known for their value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They are great for music and calls and their ANC technology blocks a significant amount of noise without making your ears feel suffocated. They also come with numerous features that you can find in headphones that cost up to twice as much.

The earbuds have an overemphasized bass range that adds rumble and a punch to the majority of tracks, while keeping instruments and lead vocals clear and clear. This makes them perfect for a variety of music. However, they may seem a bit loud to some. They have a constant frequency response, which means they sound the same no matter the music you are listening to.

We cued up Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did a fantastic job of highlighting the song's bass-heavy intro with energy and zeal. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar agile sound, with the treble highlighting the vocals and percussion.

The quality of voice is superb, even in noisy environments. The earbuds feature the most recent Qualcomm chip to maintain 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 little to any issues during our testing. They pair and connect quickly with a minimal amount of latency for iOS and Android devices. They are also IPX5 water resistant, so they're suitable for rainy days and workouts, but you shouldn't Immerse Yourself: Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Cancelling Headphones them in water. They come with an enclosure that can hold two quarters and two quarters of charges. This is great to take on trips.