Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

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

The ANC is powerful, reducing train noises to an ambient rumble. The pass-through option lets you to hear outside sounds in the event of a need.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the best in the field of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are not an exception, providing one of the best experiences we've had with noise cancelling headphones in recent times. When you put on your headphones and turn on noise cancellation, it's like walking into a cone of silence. Engine sounds, HVAC systems, creaking metal and even neighboring conversations are all muted.

The XM5s also shine on the audio aspect. Their large soundstage lets every element of a song to shine and breathe. 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.

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

The WH-1000XM5s have also a low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s consist of recycled plastics, butadiene, acrylonitrile and styrene. The headband is constructed from premium fabric. They also come with a collapsible carry case that folds into itself to form a small bag, as well as a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm aux cable for listening in passive mode. The ear cups are also washable and removable for easy cleaning. The XM5s come with a rechargeable battery which provides up to 20 hours of playing time. They are also equipped with a rapid charging system that charges twice as fast as standard 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 out a significant amount of background noise, are more versatile than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT sennheiser accentum wireless headphones - long battery life Headphones. The Bose headphones also have a longer 20-hour battery life and require less time to charge and can be used in conjunction with a phone when the battery is dead and makes them a good choice for those in need of headphones that can be used as commuting headphones, or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones come with a button that activates Google Assistant, which will play music and answer trivia questions and also read notifications from your smartphone. These headphones are incredibly quiet with excellent noise cancellation abilities. They are a bit outdated by the standards of 2020 however, you can enjoy great deals.

The QC35s, as with other Bose ANC headsets, do well at cancelling ambient noise reduction headphones. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over time. They're not the top ANC headphone out there, especially when compared to the latest models. Audiophiles should consider other options for better audio quality.

Like the Sonys the QC35s also connect to two devices simultaneously and "audio share" one of them with a companion, which is useful if you're looking to listen music with one ear while conversing with another. They're also a popular choice for frequent travellers, and they've got the classic Bose look that many people enjoy. If you're looking to dress up your QC35s by adding some personalization, decal cover-ups like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available for a reasonable price.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s aren't a lot in terms of aesthetic or comfort changes from the M3s, but its noise cancelling is a whole new beast. Sony has replaced the old system-on-chip (SoC) for a new one, which it claims allows it to better listen to and react to ambient sounds in real time, reducing the mid- and high-frequency sound by using its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup record ambient sound. This is then processed by QN1 noise cancelling processor to reduce it quickly without impacting the quality of your audio. The result is an amazing level of noise reduction that is able to compete with the top headphones at this price.

There's even a sensitivity control that lets you adjust the level of noise cancellation according to your preferences. When you're in public, for example you may need to allow a bit of ambient sound to be filtered through and at home, you'll want a more private listening experience. This feature also uses geo-location to automatically select the appropriate setting depending on where you're going.

The WH1000XM4s are capable of making calls using hands-free technology. They also come with a 30 hour battery life and fast charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s come with an extremely robust Bluetooth connection with multipoint and NFC support. In my testing I noticed that the Remastering of Paul McCartney's Flaming pie sounded lively and clear with rough mixes, and home recordings also sound clear.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to make the most of these headphones. This allows you to customize the EQ settings and offers convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint, and also allows you to unlock some of the most exciting new features, such as access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering technique that breathes life into the older music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are ideal choice for those looking to purchase a pair that offers excellent active noise cancellation at an affordable price. The 710N Wireless is an improvement over its predecessor, offering improved ANC performance and superior audio quality. The 710N Wireless is also equipped with an elongated design and battery lifespan of up to 35 hours.

However, if you're expecting top-of-the-line features such as LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration these headphones aren't made for you. They don't have a carrying case, auto-pause feature, or foldable earcups, so they may be difficult to travel with.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent but not as impressive as the 1000XM5. The earcups and headband are made of plastic which is a breeze and comfortable to wear for long periods of time but isn't built to withstand rigorous use or the occasional tumble on hard surfaces. The design is also somewhat bulky, and the earcups can creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use, with tactile buttons that provide excellent clicky feedback. One press of the power button turns ANC on and off, while pressing and holding prompts you to activate Sony's Adaptive Audio Control feature. This feature allows you to select a preset audio profile according to the type of headphones you're using the headphones (e.g., "Staying at Work" or "Running") or your current location (with your phone granted permission to decide this).

The WH-CH720N is among the most affordable headphones for wireless noise cancelling headphones on the market. You get top ANC for the price, Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless Headphones - Long Battery Life a lightweight design and up to 35-hour battery life. If you're a frequent commuter these headphones are worth a look.

5. Earfun Air Pro

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are known for their great value. They're efficient in calling and thrilling for music, while their ANC blocks a good amount of noise without making you feel like your ears are being suffocated. They also come with a lot of features found on rival headphones that cost more or twice as much.

The earbuds have a pronounced bass range that adds rumble and punch to the majority of tracks, while keeping instruments and lead vocals clear and clear. This makes them ideal for a variety of content. However, Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless Headphones - Long Battery Life they may sound a bit boomy to some. They have a very constant frequency response, which means they sound exactly 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 showcasing the song's bass-heavy intro with fervor and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly fluid listen with the treble shining through the layered vocals as well as percussion.

On the phone, voice quality is very good even in noisy environments. The earbuds are equipped with the most recent Qualcomm chip which ensures background noises, clicks and other distractions are kept to low levels. This is true even when you are talking to London Underground during rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent, with little to no issues during our tests. They connect quickly and with minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are also IPX5 water resistant, so they're perfect for rain and workouts - although you shouldn't put them in water. They come with an enclosure that can hold two quarters and a quarter of a charge. This is great for traveling.