Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation model of Sony's noise cancelling headphones look a little different to the previous version but they're just as great. The headphones are light, comfortable, and feature various features that include Speak-to -Chat and Quick Attention mode. They also have wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

The ANC is very powerful and reduces train noise to a quiet rumble. The option to pass through lets you hear outside sounds, if you need.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the best in the field of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s is not an exception, providing one of the most enjoyable experiences we've had using noise cancelling headphones in recent memory. When you put on your headphones and enable noise cancellation, you're entering a world of silence. Engine noises as well as HVAC systems, creaking metal and even neighboring conversations all become muted.

The XM5s are also awe-inspiring on the audio side with a wide soundstage that gives the various elements of a track space to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for example, the drums are pounding with a satisfying amount weight and drive, while soaring vocals harmonise throughout the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s stand out include their smart interactions with your smart device. They can recognise the moment they're taken off your head and stop music, they can detect that you're traveling on a busy road and automatically reduce the noise cancelling levels and connect with two devices at once to switch between them, depending on what you require more urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s are green. They are made from recycled plastic and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) with a headband made of high-end fabric. And they come with a collapsible carry case that folds to create a compact pouch, and an 3.5mm-to-3.5mm aux cable for listening in passive mode. The ear cups can be removed for simple cleaning. The XM5s are powered by a rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 hours of playtime on full charge, and they're equipped with an adaptive speed charging system that charges twice the speed of standard USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 with their comfortable fit with a balanced sound profile and ANC technology that blocks out a significant amount of background noise They are more adaptable than the Audio-Technica Wireless Headphones ATH-DSR9BT. The Bose headphones have a battery that lasts for 20 hours, they are more convenient to charge and can still be used with a smartphone when the battery is out. This makes them a better option for those who are looking for headphones that can be used as commuter or as travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones come with a button that turns on Google Assistant, which will play music, answer trivia questions, and even read your phone notifications. They have great noise cancellation capabilities. They are a bit outdated by the standards of 2020 however, you can get amazing bargains.

The QC35s, like other Bose ANC headsets, do a good job at blocking ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over the years. They're not the most effective ANC headphone on the market in particular when compared with more recent competitors. Audiophiles will want to consider other options for better sound.

Like the Sonys The QC35s are able to connect to two devices simultaneously and "audio share" one of them with a companion, which is great if you want to listen to music with one ear while conversing with someone else. They're also a popular choice for frequent travelers, and they sport the classic Bose design that a lot of people appreciate. If you're looking to spruce up the QC35s with a touch of personalization, decal covers 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. The company has swapped out the system-on-chip (SoC) for a brand new one, which it claims allows it to more accurately listen to and react to ambient audio in real-time, and reduce the mid- and high-frequency sound with its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup record ambient sound. The sound is processed by QN1 noise cancelling processor to reduce it rapidly without impacting the quality of your audio. The result is an incredibly amazing level of noise reduction that easily beats studio3 wireless noise cancelling over ear headphones out the top headphones in this price range.

There's a sensitivity dial that allows you to alter the noise cancellation to suit your preferences. For instance, if you prefer to hear ambient sounds in public while at home, or you may prefer a more closed off listening experience. This feature utilizes geo-location to automatically apply the right setting based on the location you're at.

The WH1000XM4s are capable of making calls using hands-free technology. They also come with 30 hours of battery life and quick charging capabilities. They also boast a robust Bluetooth 5.0 connection, with support for multipoint and NFC. In my tests I noticed that an instant Remastering of Paul McCartney's Flaming pie was dynamic and clear with rough mixes, and home recordings also sound clear.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to get the most from these headphones. You can alter the EQ and enjoy features that make it easy like Bluetooth multipoint. It also unlocks some cool new stuff, like Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are excellent choice if you're seeking a pair that offers excellent active noise cancellation for affordable prices. They improve on their predecessor that was the 710N Wireless, with better ANC performance and superior sound quality. They also come with a lighter design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

However, 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 for you. They don't have a carrying case, auto-pause feature or foldable earcups which makes them difficult to carry around ear noise cancelling headphones.

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent, but not as great as the aforementioned 1000XM5. The earcups and the headband are made of plastic which is light and comfortable to wear for long periods of time but won't hold up to heavy use or a few tumbles on hard surfaces. The design is quite bulky and the earcups are likely to creak when you move your head. The controls are easy to use, with tactile buttons which provide a satisfying click-like feedback. The ANC can be switched off and on with a single press of the power switch. Pressing and holding the button will activate Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you choose the appropriate profile based on your location or the way you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N is among the most affordable pairs of wireless noise cancelling headphones available on the market. For the money you get top ANC and excellent sound quality and comfort, as well as up to 35 hours of 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 effective for calls and exciting for Good Over Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones music, and their ANC block a lot of noise, good over ear noise cancelling headphones but doesn't make you feel as if your ears are suffocated. They also have many features that are available on rival headphones that cost twice or more.

The earbuds are emphasized in the bass range and creates a rumble in most tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain clear and bright. This makes them perfect for a wide range of content. However, they may sound a bit stuttery to some. Their frequency response is also extremely consistent, which means they sound the same no matter the music you are listening to.

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

On the phone, voice quality is very good Over Ear Noise cancelling headphones, even in noisy environments. The earbuds are equipped with the latest Qualcomm chip to maintain the clarity of calls with background noises and clicks being kept to a minimum, even when speaking near the London Underground at rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is also excellent, with only a few issues during our tests. They connect quickly and with minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, meaning you can use them in exercise or rain. However, they should not be submerged in water. They also come with a movable case that can hold two and a half charge that are great for travel.