Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation model of Sony's noise cancelling headphones appears a bit different to the previous version but they're just as excellent. The headphones are light, comfortable, and have many features such as Quick Attention mode and Speak-to-Chat. They also come with wear detection, as well as AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

The ANC is powerful, cutting train noise to an ambient rumble. The option to pass-through allows you to hear outside sounds, if necessary.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are regularly among the top in the business when it comes to noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are the same, providing one of the most satisfying experiences we've had with noise cancellation headphones in recent years. The moment you put them on and enabling noise cancellation is like stepping into a symphony of silence: engine sounds, the whir of HVAC systems, the rumbling metal, even conversations with your neighbors are all muted to an uncanny degree.

The XM5s also impress on the audio front. Their large soundstage lets all elements of a song to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy for example, the drums pound with a satisfying amount force and power and soaring vocals are a perfect fit throughout the mix.

The XM5s also stand out because of their smart interaction with your smartphone. They can detect the moment they are removed from the head and stop the music. They also can detect that you are on a noisy highway and automatically lower the noise cancelling volume.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s consist of recycled plastics, acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene. The headband is made of premium fabric. They come with a case that folds into itself, forming the compact pouch. Also included is an 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so that you can listen in passive mode. The earcups can be removed for easy cleaning. Additionally, the XM5s run on a rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 hours of playtime on a full charge. They're also equipped with an adaptive speed charging system that charges at twice the speed of standard USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more flexible than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT Wireless headphones due to their extremely comfortable fit, a well-balanced sound profile, and ANC feature that blocks out a large amount of background noise. The Bose headphones come with a 20-hour battery, are easier to charge, and can be used with a smartphone when the battery is out. This makes them a great choice for those who are looking for headphones that can be used as commuter or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones come with a button that activates Google Assistant, which will play music as well as answer trivia questions and read your smartphone notifications. They have excellent noise cancelling abilities, and while they are getting a bit long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors to their sibling line, the QC35), you can still find great deals on them.

As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do a solid job of cancelling out ambient noise and noise reduction technology has improved over time. They're not the best ANC headphone out there particularly when compared to the latest models. Audiophiles should look elsewhere for a better audio quality.

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 talking to someone else. They're also a favorite choice for frequent travelers, and they sport the classic Bose appearance that a lot of people love. If you're looking for a way to spice up your QC35s by adding a touch of personalization, decal cover-ups like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available for an affordable price.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s from Sony aren't much different in terms of design or comfort however, their noise cancellation technology is a completely new device. The company has swapped the old system-on-chip (SoC) for a brand new one, which it claims allows it to more precisely listen to and react to ambient audio in real-time, reducing the mid- and high-frequency sound with its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup absorb ambient sound. This is then processed by the QN1 noise canceling processor to cut it down as quickly as possible, without affecting the quality of your music. The result is an audio quality that rivals the best headphones at this price point.

There's even a sensitivity control that allows you to adjust the noise cancellation to your needs. You might, for instance prefer to listen to ambient sounds in public when you're at home, but you might prefer a more secluded off listening experience. This feature utilizes geo-location to apply the appropriate setting based on your destination.

The WH1000XM4s have the capability of making calls using hands-free technology. They also have a 30 hour battery life and fast charging capabilities. They also boast a robust Bluetooth 5.0 connection that supports for multipoint and NFC. In my testing an instant remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie was clear and dynamic, while even rough mixes and recordings from home sound clear and full.

To get the most enjoyment of these headphones, you'll need to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. This lets you customize the EQ settings and provides convenience features such as Sumvision PSYC Wave RX Headphones: Bluetooth for all Devices multipoint, while allowing you to access some of the latest cool things - like access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering technique that breathes life into the older music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're looking for a pair of headphones that offer excellent active noise cancellation for cost-effective prices, the Sony WH-CH720N are a great choice. The 710N Wireless is a step up over its predecessor with improved ANC performance and superior sound quality. The 710N Wireless also features a lighter design with a battery lifespan of up to 35 hours.

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

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent, but not as good over ear noise cancelling headphones as the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups made of plastic. They are light and comfortable for long periods of time but they're not built to withstand intense use or a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is also somewhat bulky, and the earcups are likely to creak when you move your head. The controls are easy to use, however, with tactile buttons that provide good clicky feedback. The ANC can be switched off and on with a single press of the power switch. Pressing and Good Over Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones holding the button will activate Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you select a preset audio profile according to the type of headphones you're using the headphones (e.g., "Staying at Work" or "Running") or your current location (with your phone's permission to make this determination).

The WH-CH720N is among the most affordable pairs of wireless noise cancelling headphones on the market. You get top ANC for the price, lightweight comfort, and up to 35-hour battery life. These headphones are worth a look if you commute frequently.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's earbuds and headsets are well-known for their value and the Air Pro is no exception. They're effective in calling and thrilling for music, while their ANC block a lot of noise without making you feel as if your ears are suffocated. These noise-cancelling headphones also have numerous features that are found in headphones that cost nearly twice as much.

The earbuds have a pronounced bass range that adds rumble and a punch to most tracks while keeping the instruments and lead vocals clear and clear. This makes them suitable for a broad variety of content, though they may sound a little loud for some. Their frequency response is also very consistent, ensuring that they sound 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 shining through the many layers of vocals and the percussion.

On the phone, voice quality is excellent, even in noisy environments. The earbuds are equipped with the latest Qualcomm chip to ensure call clarity with background noises and clicks being minimized even when talking next to the London Underground at rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent and there were any issues during our testing. They connect quickly and with low latency to iOS and Android devices. They're also IPX5 water-resistant, so they're perfect 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 charges that are great to take on trips.