Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation Sony noise cancelling headphones are different from the previous model, but sound just as great. The headphones are light and over The ear noise cancelling headphones comfortable, and feature many features such as Speak-to -Chat and Quick Attention mode. They also feature wear detection and AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

The ANC is extremely powerful and reduces train noise to a quiet rumble. A "pass through" option lets you hear outside sounds if you want.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the best in terms of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are the same. They offer one of the best noise cancelling experiences we've ever had. When you put on a pair and enabling noise cancellation is like stepping into a symphony of silence: Engine sounds, the whir of HVAC systems, the creaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors are all muted to an uncanny degree.

The XM5s also shine on the audio aspect. Their large soundstage lets all elements of a song to shine and breathe. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for example, the drums pound with a pleasing amount of weight and drive and soaring vocals are a perfect fit throughout the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s standout are their intelligent interactions with your smart device. They will detect the moment they're taken off your head and stop music, they'll notice that you're driving on a noisy road and automatically lower the noise cancelling volume and connect with two devices simultaneously and switch between them, depending on what you need urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s are also very eco-friendly. The WH-1000XM5s are made of recycled plastics, acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. The headband is constructed of premium fabric. They also come with a collapsible carry case that folds to form a small pouch, plus an 3.5mm-to-3.5mm accessory cable to listen in a passive mode. The earcups can be removed for easy cleaning. In addition, the XM5s are powered by rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20 hours of playtime on full charge. They're also equipped with an adaptive fast charging system that charges twice the speed of traditional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018, with their comfortable fit, balanced sound profile, and ANC technology that blocks out a large amount of background noise, are more versatile than the Audio-Technica Wireless Headphones ATH-DSR9BT. The Bose headphones also come with a longer 20-hour battery life and require less time to charge, and can be in conjunction with a phone when the battery is not fully charged and makes them a good option for those looking for a pair of headphones that can be used as commuting headphones or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones have a dedicated button that activates Google Assistant, which will play music, answer trivia questions, and even read your phone notifications. They have great noise cancellation capabilities. They're old-fashioned in comparison to the standards of 2020, but you can still get great bargains.

The QC35s, like other Bose ANC headsets, do excellent job of cancelling ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over the years. They're not the top ANC headphone available particularly when compared to more recent competitors. Audiophiles should consider other options for better audio quality.

The QC35s can also be used to connect to two devices at once and "audio share" with a person. This is a great feature if you'd like to listen to music while talking with another person. These headphones are also popular with frequent flyers and have that classic Bose design that a lot of people love. If you're looking for a way to spice up your QC35s with some personalization, decal covers like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available at an affordable price.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s don't offer much in the way of aesthetic or comfort improvements from the M3s, however its noise cancelling technology is a whole new beast. Sony has replaced the old system-on-chip (SoC) for a new one, which it claims allows it to more accurately listen and react to ambient sound in real time, reducing high- and mid-frequency sounds with its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward mics in each earcup suck up ambient sounds, which are then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling processor to reduce it as fast as possible, without affecting the quality of your music. The result is an impressive level of noise neutralization that is able to compete with the top headphones at this price.

There's a sensitivity dial that lets you adjust the noise cancellation to fit your preferences. For instance, if you, want to listen to ambient sounds in public while at home, you might prefer a more secluded off listening experience. This feature also uses geo-location access to apply the right setting depending on where you're going.

The WH1000XM4s can be used for making calls using hands-free technology. They also come with a 30 hour battery life and rapid charging capabilities. They also have a powerful Bluetooth 5.0 connection, with support for multipoint as well as NFC. In my testing I discovered that the remastering of Paul McCartney’s Flaming pie sounded lively and clear with rough mixes, and recordings from home also sounded crisp.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to get the most from these headphones. This lets you customize the EQ settings and also provides convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint, and also allows you to access some of the cooler new stuff - such as access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering process that breathes life into older 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 headphones are an excellent option. The 710N Wireless is an improvement over ear noise cancelling headphones wireless its predecessor, offering better ANC performance and superior audio quality. They also have an elongated design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

If you're looking for top-of-the-line features such as LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration these headphones aren't made suitable for you. They don't come with a carry case, auto-pause feature, or earcups that fold up, so they may be difficult to carry around.

The quality of the construction of the WHCH720N is decent but not as impressive as the 1000XM5. The earcups and headband are made of plastic which is light and comfortable to wear for extended periods but won't hold up to rigorous use or a few tumbles on hard surfaces. The design is also somewhat bulky, and the earcups are likely to creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use, though they have tactile buttons that offer excellent feedback via clicks. A single touch of the power button switches ANC on and off, while pressing and holding it prompts you to turn on Sony's Adaptive Audio Control functionality. This feature lets you select a preset profile that is based on your location or how does noise cancelling headphones work you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N is one the most cost-effective headphones for wireless noise cancelling headphones available on the market. You get top ANC for the price, a lightweight design and up to 35 hours of battery life. These headphones are worth checking 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 out a significant amount of noise without making your ears feel uncomfortable. They also come with a lot of features found on other headphones that cost twice or more.

The earbuds are over the ear noise cancelling headphones-emphasized in the bass range and can create a rumble on many tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain bright and clear. This makes them ideal for a variety of content, though they may sound a little loud for some. Their frequency response is also extremely consistent, which means that they sound the identical no matter the music you are listening to.

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

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

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