Sony Headphones Review - The best over ear headphones noise-cancelling 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 excellent. They're lightweight, comfortable and feature a variety of features like Quick Attention mode, Speak-to-Chat wear detection, AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

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

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are always among the best budget noise cancelling headphones in the industry in the field of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are the same. They provide one of the most impressive noise cancelling experiences we've ever had. When you put on the headphones and turn on noise cancellation, it's like entering a world of silence. Engine noises and HVAC systems, squeaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors all go out of the window.

The XM5s are also impressive on the audio side, with an expansive soundstage that can give all elements of a track space to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy for example, the drums pound with a pleasing amount of weight and drive while the soaring vocals blend throughout the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s standout are their smart interactions with your smartphone. They will detect when they are being removed from the head and pause the music. They can also detect that you are on a noisy highway and automatically reduce the noise cancelling level.

The WH-1000XM5s are also very environmentally friendly. The WH-1000XM5s are constructed of recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. The headband is constructed of premium fabric. And they come with a collapsible carrying case that folds into itself to create a compact pouch, and a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm aux cable for listening in a quiet mode. The ear cups can be removed for easy cleaning. The XM5s also come with rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20-hours of playtime. They are also equipped with a rapid charging system that can charge twice as fast as conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 I/QC35 II Wireless with their comfortable fit, balanced sound profile, and ANC technology that blocks a significant amount of background noise They are more adaptable than Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless Headphones. The Bose headphones also come with longer battery life, lasting for 20 hours and require less time to charge and can be used wired with a phone even when the battery is dead, making them a better choice for those who need headphones that can be used as commuting headphones, or travel headphones.

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

The QC35s, like other Bose ANC headsets, do excellent job of blocking out ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has been improved over time. However they're not the most effective ANC headphones on the market, especially compared to their contemporary counterparts and audiophiles should look elsewhere for a better sound experience.

The QC35s are also able to connect to two devices at the same time, and can "audio share" with a person. This is a great option if you'd like to listen to music while conversing with someone else. They are also popular with frequent flyers, and have that classic Bose design that people love. 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

The WH-1000XM4s made by Sony do not change much in terms of design or comfort however, their noise cancellation technology is a totally new beast. Sony has replaced the old system-on chip (SoC) for a brand new one, which it claims allows it to better listen and react to ambient sound in real-time, and reduce mid- and high-frequency sounds through its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup capture ambient sounds. This is then processed by the QN1 noise cancelling processor to reduce it rapidly without impacting the quality of your audio. The result is an amount of noise reduction that is comparable to the top headphones in this price range.

There's even a sensitivity knob that lets you adjust the level of noise cancellation according to your preferences. If you're out in public, for example you may need some ambient sound to be filtered through and at home, you'll want a more secluded listening experience. This feature utilizes geo-location to automatically apply the appropriate setting based on where you are.

The WH1000XM4s are capable of making calls using hands-free technology. They also come with 30 hours of battery life and quick charging capabilities. They also have a powerful Bluetooth 5.0 connection that supports for multipoint as well as NFC. In my tests the speedy remastering of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie was clear and dynamic as well as rough mixes and recordings made at home were clear and full.

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

4. Sony WH-CH720N

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

If you're looking for flagship-level features like LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration, these headphones aren't for you. They also do not come with a carrying case or auto-pause function, and the earcups can't fold, which may make them difficult to carry around.

The quality of the construction of the WHCH720N is decent however, it's not as great as the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are constructed of plastic. They're light and comfortable for long periods, however, best budget noise cancelling headphones they aren't built to withstand heavy use or a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is bulky, and the earcups creak when you move them. The controls are simple to use, however they have tactile buttons that give excellent feedback via clicks. A single touch of the power button toggles ANC on and off, while pressing and holding it prompts you to activate Sony's Adaptive Audio Control functionality. This feature allows you to select the preset audio profile based on how you're using the headphones (e.g., "Staying at Work" or "Running") or the current location (with your phone granted permission to determine this).

The WH-CH720N is one of the best noise cancelling over ear headphones-value pairs of wireless noise cancelling headphones on the market. For the money you get top ANC with a great sound and comfort, as well as up to 35 hours of battery life. These headphones are worth a look if you commute frequently.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's headsets and earbuds are known for their value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They're great in calling and thrilling for music, and their ANC blocks a significant amount of noise, but doesn't make you feel like your ears are drowned. They also come with a lot of features that are found in headphones that cost up to twice as much.

The earbuds have a pronounced bass range that adds rumble and punch to most tracks and keeps the lead vocals and instruments clear and clear. This makes them perfect for a variety of music. However, they could sound a bit stuttery to some. They have a very consistent frequency response, so they sound the same no matter what you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds took to the track's booming 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, voice quality is excellent, even in noisy environments. The earbuds are equipped with the latest Qualcomm chip which ensures background noises, clicks, and other distractions are kept at the bare minimum. This is true even when talking on the London Underground during rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is also excellent, with only a few issues during our tests. They pair and connect quickly, with minimal latency with iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, meaning you can use them in rain or for workouts. However, they should not be submerged in water. They come with an enclosure that can hold two quarters and two quarters of charges. This is perfect for traveling.