Sony Headphones Review - The Best Over Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation version of Sony's noise cancelling headphones appears a bit different than the previous version but they sound as great. They're comfy, lightweight and boast a range of features like Speak-to -Chat mode, Quick Attention mode wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

The ANC is very powerful and reduces train noise to a minimal rumble. The pass-through option lets you to hear external sounds, if necessary.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are regularly among the top of the line in the industry when it comes to noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are the same. They provide one of the most enjoyable noise cancelling experiences we've had. When you put on your headphones and enable noise cancellation, you're walking into a cone of silence. Engine sounds, HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with your neighbors all go out of the window.

The XM5s also impress on the audio front. Their expansive soundstage allows the entire song to breathe and shine. For instance, on Billie Eilish's Bad Guy, the drums beat with a satisfying amount of weight and drive as soaring vocals harmonise across the mix.

The XM5s are also notable because of their smart interaction with your smart device. They can sense the moment they are removed from the head and best over Ear noise cancelling headphones then pause the music. They also can detect that you are on a busy highway and automatically lower the noise cancelling volume.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a very low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s consist of recycled plastics, acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. Their headband is made from premium fabric. They include a collapsible carrying case that folds to create a compact pouch, plus an 3.5mm-to-3.5mm accessory cable to listen in a quiet mode. The ear cups are removable to make it easy to clean. The XM5s also have a rechargeable battery which provides up to 20-hours of playtime. They are equipped with a rapid charging system that can charge twice as fast as traditional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more versatile than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT Wireless headphones thanks to their extremely comfortable fit, a well-balanced sound profile, and ANC feature that blocks out a lot of background noise. The Bose headphones also have longer battery life, lasting for 20 hours and 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 commuting headphones, or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones come with a button that activates Google Assistant, which will play music, answer trivia questions, and read your smartphone notifications. They have outstanding noise cancellation abilities, and while they're becoming a bit long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors to their sibling line, the QC35) however, you can still find great bargains on the headphones.

The QC35s, along with other Bose ANC headsets, do excellent job of blocking ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over the years. However, they're not the best ANC headphones out there particularly when compared to newer competitors, and audiophiles should look elsewhere to get better sound quality.

The QC35s can also be used to connect to two devices simultaneously, and can "audio share" with a friend. This is a great feature if you'd like to listen to music while conversing with another person. They're also a popular option for frequent travelers, and they sport that classic Bose design that a lot of people love. If you're looking for a way to spice up the QC35s with some personalization, cover-ups for decals such as SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available at affordable prices.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s don't offer much in the way of aesthetic or comfort improvements from the M3s, but its noise cancelling is an entirely new beast. The company has replaced its older system-on-chip (SoC) with a new one that it claims will allow it to listen and respond more precisely ambient audio in real-time while reducing mid- and high-frequency noises using its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup capture ambient sound. The sound is processed by the QN1 noise cancelling processor to reduce it rapidly without affecting the quality of your audio. The result is an amount of noise reduction that is comparable to the top headphones available at this price.

There's a sensitivity dial which allows you to alter the noise cancellation to suit your preferences. You may, for instance, want to hear ambient sounds in public when you're at home, but you might prefer a more secluded off listening experience. This feature makes use of geo-location to automatically apply the appropriate setting based on the location you're at.

The WH-1000XM4s are able to be used for hands-free calls. They come with an impressive 30 hours of battery life, along with quick charging capabilities. They also feature a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection, with support for multipoint as well as NFC. In my testing an instant remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and lively as well as rough mixes and recordings from home were clear and full.

To get the most value out of these headphones, it is necessary to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. You can alter the EQ and take advantage of 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

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones make a excellent choice if you're seeking headphones that offer excellent active noise cancellation at affordable costs. They are a step up from their predecessor model, the 710N Wireless, with a better ANC performance and superior audio quality. They also come with a lighter design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

These headphones aren't suitable for those who want premium features such as LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening that incorporates voice assistants. Also, they don't come with a carry case or auto-pause function, and the earcups don't fold and can make them tough to carry around.

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent but not as good as the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic which is light and comfortable to wear for long periods of time but will not stand up to the rigors of use or even the occasional tumble on hard surfaces. The design is a bit heavy, and the earcups squeak when you move them. The controls are easy to use, however, with tactile buttons that give an excellent click-based feedback. A single touch of the power button switches ANC on and off, while pressing and holding prompts you to activate Sony's Adaptive Audio Control functionality. This feature lets you select the appropriate profile based on your location or the way you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N noise cancelling wireless headphones are one of the most affordable models on the market. For the money you'll get excellent ANC, excellent sound, lightweight comfort and up to 35 hours of battery life. These headphones are worth considering when you travel frequently.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's headsets and earbuds are known for offering great value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They're great for music and calls, and their ANC technology blocks a large amount of noise, without making your ears feel uncomfortable. They also come with a lot of features that are available in headphones that cost nearly twice as much.

The earbuds are over-emphasized in the bass section which can create a rumble on many tracks. The lead vocals and instruments remain clear and bright. This makes them suitable for a broad range of music, even though they might sound a bit loud for some. They have a uniform frequency response, meaning that they sound the same regardless of the music you are listening to.

We cued up Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did an amazing job of highlighting the track's bass-heavy opening with fervor and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly quick listen with the treble shining through the many layers of vocals and the percussion.

On the phone, the voice quality is very good, even in noisy environments. The earbuds feature the most recent Qualcomm chip to ensure the clarity of calls with background noises and clicks being kept at bay even when talking in the vicinity of the London Underground at rush hour.

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