Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

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

The ANC is powerful, reducing train noise into an ambient rumble. A "pass through" option allows you to hear outside sounds if needed.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are regularly among the top of the line in the industry in terms of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are not an exception. They provide one of the most enjoyable noise cancelling experiences we've ever had. When you put on the headphones and enable noise cancellation, you're walking into a cone of silence. Engine sounds, HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors are all muted.

The XM5s also impress on the audio front. Their wide soundstage allows the entire song to shine and breathe. For instance, on the track by Billie Eilish called Bad Guy, the drums are pounding with a satisfying power and weight as the high-pitched vocals blend into the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s stand out are their intelligent interactions with your smart device. They can detect the moment they are removed from the head and then pause the music. They can also note that you are driving on a noisy highway and automatically lower the noise cancelling volume.

The WH-1000XM5s also are eco-friendly. They are made from recycled plastic and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) with the headband being made of high-end fabric. They include a collapsible case that folds into itself, creating a compact pouch. Also included is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so you can listen in passive mode. The ear cups are also washable and removable for easy cleaning. The XM5s also have a rechargeable battery which provides up to 20 hours of playtime. They are also equipped with a quick charging system that charges twice as fast as standard USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more flexible than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT Wireless headphones thanks to their extremely comfortable fit, over Ear noise cancelling headphones a well-balanced sound profile and ANC feature that blocks out a significant amount of background noise. The Bose headphones also come with longer battery life of 20 hours and require less time to charge and can be connected to a smartphone even when the battery is not fully charged which makes them a great choice for those in need of headphones that can function as commuting headphones, or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones come with a button that turns on Google Assistant, which will play music, answer trivia questions, and also read notifications from your smartphone. These headphones have excellent noise cancelling capabilities. They're old-fashioned in comparison to the standards of 2020 but you can find excellent deals.

The QC35s, like other Bose ANC headsets, do well at cancelling ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over ear noise cancelling headphones time. They're not the best ANC headphone available in particular when compared with the latest models. Audiophiles will want to look elsewhere for better sound.

The QC35s also have the ability to connect to two devices at the same time, and can "audio share" with a friend. This is a great option for those who want to listen to music while conversing with another person. These headphones are also popular with frequent flyers and feature the classic Bose design that many people adore. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker decal covers are available for purchase at a reasonable price if you want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s of Sony aren't much different in terms of aesthetics or comfort, but their noise cancelling technology is a totally new beast. Sony has replaced the older 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 by reducing mid- and high-frequency noises with its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two microphones that feed forward into each earcup record ambient sound. This is then processed by the QN1 noise cancellation processor to reduce it rapidly without affecting the quality of your audio. The result is an impressive level of noise cancellation that easily competes with the top headphones at this price.

There's also a sensitivity knob that allows you to adjust the noise cancellation according to your needs. For instance, if you, want to hear ambient sounds in public while at home, you might prefer a more secluded off listening experience. This feature also makes use of geo-location to automatically apply the right setting depending on where you're going.

The WH1000XM4s have the capability of making calls using hands-free technology. They also have a 30 hour battery life and quick charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s come with a robust Bluetooth connection that supports multipoint and NFC support. In my tests I noticed that an instant remastering of Paul McCartney’s Flaming pie was lively and clear, while rough mixes and recordings from home also sounded crisp.

To get the most enjoyment of these headphones, you'll need download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. It lets you alter the EQ settings and also provides 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 process that breathes new life into old music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're looking for a pair of headphones that offer excellent active noise cancellation at cost-effective prices, the Sony WH-CH720N are an excellent option. They improve on their predecessor that was the 710N Wireless, with a more efficient ANC performance and superior audio quality. They also have smaller dimensions and up to 35 hours of battery life.

These headphones are not suitable for those who want premium features such as LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening, which integrates voice assistants. They don't have a carrying case, auto-pause feature, or foldable earcups which makes them difficult to carry around.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent, but not as good as the aforementioned 1000XM5. The earcups and headband are made of plastic which is light and comfortable to wear for long periods of time but isn't built to withstand the rigors of use or even a few tumbles on hard surfaces. The design is also quite bulky and the earcups tend to creak when you move your head. The controls are easy to use, though, with tactile buttons that give excellent feedback via clicks. A single press 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 lets you select an audio profile that is preset 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 decide this).

The WH-CH720N noise cancelling wireless headphones are one of the most affordable models on the market. You get great ANC for the price, plus lightweight comfort and up to 35 hours of battery life. These headphones are worth considering if you commute frequently.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's headsets and earbuds are renowned for their value and the Air Pro is no exception. They're efficient in calling and thrilling for music, while their ANC blocks a good amount of sound without making you feel like your ears are being squeezed. They also come with numerous features you can find on rival headphones that cost twice as much or more.

The earbuds are emphasized in the bass section and can create a rumble on many tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain bright and clear. This makes them suitable for a broad variety of content, though they might sound a bit too loud for certain. Their frequency response is also extremely consistent, which means they sound the same regardless of what you're listening to.

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

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

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also very good, with little to no issues during our testing. They pair and connect quickly, with minimal latency with iOS and Android devices. They are also IPX5 waterproof, which means they're suitable for rainy days and exercise - though you shouldn't submerge them in water. They come with a case that can hold two quarters and a quarter of a charge. This is perfect for travel.