Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation model of Sony's noise-cancelling headphones looks a bit different to the previous version but they sound as good. They're lightweight, comfortable and feature a variety of features including Quick Attention mode, Speak-to-Chat, wear detection and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

The ANC is powerful, cutting train noises to the background rumble. The option to pass-through allows you to hear outside sounds when needed.

1. sony wh-ch720n wireless headphones - black - noise cancelling WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the top models when it comes noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is not an exception. They offer one of the most impressive noise cancelling experiences we've ever experienced. Strapping a pair on and activating noise cancellation is like walking into a symphony of silence: engine sounds as well as the whir of HVAC systems, the creaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors are muted to an uncanny degree.

The XM5s are also impressive on the audio side, with an expansive soundstage that can give the various elements of a track room to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy for example, the drums pound 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 smart interactions with your smart device. They will detect the moment they are removed from the head and pause the music. They can also note that you are driving on a noisy highway and automatically reduce the noise cancellation level.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s are constructed from recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene. Their headband is made from premium fabric. They come with a collapsible carrying case that folds into itself to form a compact bag, as well as a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm accessory cable to listen in passive mode. The ear cups can be removed for easy cleaning. The XM5s are powered by a rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 hours of playtime when on a full charge. Additionally, they're equipped with an adaptive speed charging system that charges at twice the speed of conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless with their comfortable fit with a 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 also come with longer battery life, lasting for 20 hours and take less time to charge, and can be used connected to a smartphone even when the battery is dead which makes them a great choice for those in need of headphones that can serve as commuting headphones or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones have a dedicated button that activates Google Assistant, which will play music as well as answer trivia questions and also read notifications from your smartphone. These headphones have excellent noise cancellation abilities. They're a bit old-fashioned by 2020 standards, but you can still find excellent deals.

As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do an excellent job of cancelling out ambient noise, and Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones - Black - Noise Cancelling their noise reduction technology has advanced over the years. However they're not the most effective ANC headphones out there particularly when compared to more recent competitors and audiophiles should consider looking elsewhere for better sound quality.

The QC35s also have the ability to connect to two devices at once and "audio share" with a person. This is a great option for those who want to listen to music while talking to another person. They're also a popular option for frequent flyers, and they have that classic Bose look that many people appreciate. 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

Sony's WH-1000XM4s aren't a lot in the way of aesthetic or comfort changes in comparison to the M3s, but its noise cancellation is an entirely new beast. The company has replaced its old system-on chip (SoC) with a new one that it claims will allow it to listen and react more accurately to ambient audio in real-time while reducing mid- and high-frequency noises using its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward mics in each earcup capture ambient sounds, which are then processed by the QN1 noise canceling processor to cut it down as quickly as is possible without affecting the quality of your music. The result is an audio quality that rivals the best headphones in this price range.

There's also a sensitivity knob that lets you adjust the level of noise cancellation according to your preferences. If you're in a public space, for example you may want some ambient noise to be blocked out, while at home you'll want a more private listening experience. This feature also makes use of geo-location access to automatically apply the correct setting based on where you're heading.

The WH-1000XM4s can be used for hands-free calls. They come with an impressive 30 hours of battery life, with quick charging capabilities. They also feature a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection, with support for multipoint and NFC. In my testing I discovered that the Remastering of Paul McCartney's Flaming pie was lively and clear, while rough mixes and recordings from home also sound clear.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to make the most of these headphones. You can alter the EQ and take advantage of convenience features like 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 provide excellent active noise cancelling at a budget-friendly price the Sony WHCH720N are a great choice. The 710N Wireless is an improvement over its predecessor with more efficient ANC performance, and superior sound quality. The 710N Wireless also has a slimmer design with battery lasting 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 made for you. Also, they don't 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 WH-CH720N's construction is decent however, it's not as great as the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic. They're light and comfortable for long periods of time however, they aren't built to withstand heavy use or a few drops on hard surfaces. The design is quite bulky and the earcups tend to creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use, with tactile buttons that provide good clicky feedback. One press of the power button turns ANC on and off, whereas pressing and holding the button prompts you to turn on 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 is one the most cost-effective headphones for wireless noise cancelling headphones on the market. For the price, 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

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are renowned for their high value. They're great in calling and thrilling for music, while their ANC block a lot of noise without making you feel as if your ears are squeezed. These headphones also have many features that you can find in headphones that cost up to twice as much.

The earbuds have an overemphasized bass range which adds rumble and punch to the majority of tracks and keeps lead vocals and instruments bright and clear. This makes them ideal for a range of music, even though they might sound a bit too loud for certain. They have a very uniform frequency response, meaning that they sound the same no matter what you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds were enthralled by the track's bassy opening with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly agile listen, with the treble showcasing the layered vocals as well as the percussion.

on ear noise cancelling headphones the phone, voice quality is very good even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds come with the latest Qualcomm chip that ensures background noises, clicks and other distractions are kept at the bare minimum. This is true even when talking next to London Underground during rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also very good and there were any issues during our testing. They connect and pair quickly and with minimal latency on iOS and sony wh-ch720n wireless headphones - Black - noise cancelling Android devices. They are also IPX5 waterproof, which means they're fine for rain and exercise - though you shouldn't immerse them in water. They also come with a portable case that can hold two and a half charge, which is great for travel.