Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation version of Sony's noise-cancelling headphones look a little different than the previous version but they sound as excellent. The headphones are lightweight, comfortable, and have many features that include Speak-to -Chat and Quick Attention mode. They also have wear detection, as well as AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

The ANC is very powerful and reduces train noise to a low rumble. The option to pass-through allows you to hear sounds from outside when needed.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are consistently among the top of the line in the business when it comes to noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is not an exception. They provide one of the best audio experiences that we've had. Strapping a pair on and activating noise cancellation is like stepping into a symphony of silence: engine sounds and the whirring of HVAC systems, the creaking metal, even neighboring conversations are all muted to an uncanny degree.

The XM5s are also impressive on the audio front with an impressive soundstage that can give every element of a track the space to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for example, the drums pound with a satisfying amount force and power and soaring vocals are a perfect fit throughout the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s standout are their smart interactions with your smartphone. They can sense the moment they are removed from the head and pause the music. They can also note that you are on a noisy highway and automatically lower the noise cancellation level.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s are constructed from recycled plastics and butadiene, acrylonitrile and styrene. Their headband is made of high-quality fabric. They come with a case that folds into itself, forming an incredibly compact pouch. Also included is an 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so that you can listen to music in passive mode. The ear cups are washable and removable for easy cleaning. The XM5s also have rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20 hours of playtime. They come with a fast charging system that charges twice as fast as traditional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 with their comfortable fit, balanced sound profile, and ANC technology that blocks a significant amount of background noise they are more versatile than the Audio-Technica Wireless Headphones ATH-DSR9BT. The Bose headphones also come with a longer 20-hour battery life and take less time to charge and can be in conjunction with a phone when the battery is not fully charged and makes them a good choice for those who need headphones that can function as commuting headphones, or travel headphones.

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

As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s are capable in reducing ambient noise and their noise reduction technology has improved over the years. However they're not the top ANC headphones out there particularly when compared to contemporary counterparts and audiophiles should consider looking elsewhere to get better sound quality.

The QC35s are also able to connect to two devices at the same time and "audio share" with a friend. This is a great feature if you'd like to listen to music while talking with another person. They are also popular among frequent flyers and feature the classic Bose design that a lot of people love. If you're looking to dress up your QC35s by adding a little personalization, decal cover-ups like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available at affordable prices.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH1000XM4s offer nothing in terms of aesthetic or comfort improvements from the M3s, but its noise cancellation is an entirely new beast. The company has swapped the old system-on chip (SoC) for a brand new one that it claims allows it to better detect and respond to ambient sounds in real-time, reducing mid- and high-frequency sounds by using its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two microphones that feed forward into each earcup capture ambient sounds. This is then processed by the QN1 noise cancelling processor to cut it down quickly without affecting the quality of your audio. The result is an impressive level of noise neutralization that is able to compete with the top headphones at this price.

There's also a sensitivity knob that allows you to adjust the level of noise cancellation according to your requirements. You might, for instance wish to listen to the sounds of the city while at home, or you might prefer a more secluded off listening experience. This feature uses geo-location to apply the right setting based on the location you're at.

The WH-1000XM4s can be used to make calls hands-free and have a whopping 30 hours of battery life, along with quick charging capabilities. They also have a powerful Bluetooth 5.0 connection, with support for multipoint as well as NFC. In my testing, I found that the remastering of Paul McCartney’s Flaming pie was lively and clear with rough mixes, and recordings from home also sound clear.

To get the most out of these headphones, you'll need to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. This lets you customize the EQ settings and offers convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint, as well as allowing you to access some of the latest cool things - like access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering technique that breathes life into old music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're looking for headphones that provide excellent active noise cancelling at cost-effective prices, the Sony WH-CH720N are a great option. They're a step up from their predecessor model, the 710N Wireless, offering better ANC performance and a better audio quality. The 710N Wireless is also equipped with a lighter design with a battery lifespan of up to 35 hours.

However, if you're expecting premium features like LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration, these headphones aren't suitable for you. Also, they do not come with a carrying case or auto-pause functionality and the earcups can't fold which could make them difficult to carry around Ear noise cancelling headphones.

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent but not as good as the 1000XM5. The earcups and the headband are made of plastic, which is a breeze and comfortable to wear for long periods but will not stand up to rigorous use or the occasional tumble on hard surfaces. The design is heavy, and the earcups rattle when you move them. The controls are easy to use, with tactile buttons which provide a excellent clicky feedback. A single press of the power button switches ANC on and off, whereas pressing and holding it prompts you to activate Sony's Adaptive Audio Control feature. This feature allows you select a preset profile that is based on your location or how you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N wireless noise cancellation headphones are one of the most affordable models on the market. For the price, you get great ANC and excellent sound quality, lightweight comfort and around ear Noise cancelling headphones up to 35 hours of battery life. If you're a frequent commuter these headphones are worth considering.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's earbuds and headsets are well-known for offering great value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They're effective for calls and exciting for music, and their ANC blocks a good amount of noise without making you feel like your ears are being suffocated. They also have a lot of features found on rival headphones that cost more or twice as much.

The earbuds are over ear headphones with noise cancelling-emphasized in the bass area which can create a rumble on many tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain bright and clear. This makes them ideal for a range of music, although they may sound a little boomy for some. The frequency response is extremely consistent, which means that they sound the same regardless of the music you are listening to.

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

Voice quality is excellent, even in noisy environments. The earbuds are equipped with the latest Qualcomm chip to maintain call clarity, with background noises and clicks being kept at bay even when talking next to the London Underground at rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent with any issues during our testing. They connect quickly and with minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are also IPX5 water-resistant, so they're suitable for rainy days and workouts - although you shouldn't put them in water. They come with a case that can hold two and a quarter charges. This is great for travel.