Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation Sony noise cancelling headphones are a little different from the previous model however they're just as good. They're comfy, lightweight and come with a variety of features, including Quick Attention mode, Speak-to-Chat wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

The ANC is powerful, reducing train noise to a background rumble. A "pass through" option lets you hear outside sounds if you want.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are always among the best in the industry in terms of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is the same. They provide one of the best noise cancelling experiences we've ever had. The moment you put them on and enabling noise cancellation is like stepping into a vast cone of silence: Engine sounds and the whirring of HVAC systems, the rumbling metal, even neighboring conversations are all muted to an uncanny degree.

The XM5s also stand out on the audio side, with an expansive soundstage that can give all elements of a track space to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones example, the drums pound with a satisfying amount weight and drive and soaring vocals are a perfect fit throughout the mix.

The XM5s also stand out for their intelligent interaction with your smart device. They will detect the moment they're taken off your head and stop music, they can note that you're on a noisy road and automatically dial down the noise cancelling level and they can also connect with two devices simultaneously to switch between them, depending on what you need urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s are constructed from recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene. The headband is constructed from premium fabric. They come with a collapsible carrying case that folds to form a small bag, as well as an 3.5mm-to-3.5mm accessory cable to listen in a quiet mode. The earcups are removable for easy cleaning. The XM5s also have rechargeable batteries that provide up to 20-hours of playing time. They are equipped with a quick charging system that is twice as fast as conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless, with their comfortable fit and balanced sound profile and ANC technology that blocks out a great deal of background noise They are more adaptable than Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless Headphones. The Bose headphones have a battery that lasts for 20 hours, they are more convenient to charge, and can be used with a mobile when the battery is out. This makes them a better option for those who are looking for headphones that can be used as commuter headphones or as travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones come with a button that activates Google Assistant, which will play music and answer trivia questions and read your smartphone notifications. These headphones are incredibly quiet with excellent noise cancellation capabilities. They are a bit old-fashioned by 2020 standards however, you can get amazing deals.

As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do an excellent job of blocking out background noise and their noise reduction technology has improved over the years. However they're not the top ANC headphones on the market in comparison to contemporary counterparts and audiophiles should look elsewhere for a better sound experience.

The QC35s can also be used to connect to two devices at once and also "audio share" with a friend. This is a great option if you'd like to listen to music while talking to another person. These headphones are popular with frequent flyers and have the classic Bose design that many people love. If you're looking for a way to spice up your QC35s by adding a little personalization, cover-ups for decals such as SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available for a reasonable price.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s from Sony aren't much different in terms of aesthetics or comfort, but their noise cancelling technology is a completely new device. Sony has replaced the old system-on chip (SoC) with a brand new one that, according to the company, will enable it to listen and respond more precisely the ambient sound in real time while reducing mid- and high-frequency noises thanks to its Dual Noise sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup capture ambient sounds, which are then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling process to cut it down as quickly as is possible without affecting the quality of your music. The result is an incredibly impressive level of noise neutralization that easily competes with the top headphones in this price range.

There's a sensitivity knob that allows you to alter the noise cancellation to fit your preferences. When you're in public, for example, you might want some ambient Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones to be blocked out in the background, while at home you'll prefer a more closed-off listening experience. This feature utilizes geo-location to automatically apply the appropriate setting based on your destination.

The WH1000XM4s have the capability of making hands-free phone calls. They also come with a 30 hour battery life and 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, while even rough mixes and recordings from home sound clear and Noise cancelling over Ear headphones full.

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 such as Bluetooth multipoint. It also unlocks some amazing new features, such as Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones - Black Color's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are 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, the 710N Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless Headphones - Long Battery Life, offering higher ANC performance and a better sound quality. They also come with a lighter design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

These headphones aren't the best suitable for those who want top-of-the-line features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening which incorporates voice assistants. They also don't come with a carry case or auto-pause function, and the earcups don't fold, which may make them difficult to travel with.

The quality of the construction of the WHCH720N is decent however, it's not as great as the 1000XM5. The earcups and headband are made of plastic, which is light and comfortable to wear for long periods but isn't built to withstand the rigors of use or even the occasional tumble on hard surfaces. The design is also a little bulky and the earcups are likely to creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use with tactile buttons that give satisfying click-like feedback. One press 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 based on the location you are in or how you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N is one the best-value headphones for wireless noise cancelling headphones available on the market. For the price you get top ANC and excellent sound quality comfortable, and a lightweight design. You can also expect up to 35 hours of battery life. These headphones are worth a look if you commute frequently.

5. Earfun Air Pro

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are known for their great value. They are great for music and calls, and their ANC technology blocks out a lot of noise without making your ears feel suffocated. These headphones also have a lot of features that are found in headphones that cost up to twice as more.

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 range of music, even though they might sound a bit loud for some. The frequency response is very consistent, meaning they sound exactly the same no matter the music 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 playing off the various layered vocals and the percussion.

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

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent, with little to any issues during our testing. They connect quickly and with low latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, which means they are suitable for rain or workouts. However they shouldn't be submerged in water. They come with an enclosure that can hold two quarters and two quarters of charges. This is ideal to take on trips.