Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation model of Sony's noise cancelling headphones appears a bit different from the previous model but they're just as great. They're lightweight, comfortable and come with a variety of features like Speak-to -Chat mode, Quick Attention mode wear detection, AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

The ANC is powerful, cutting train noise to the background rumble. A "pass through" option lets you hear outside sounds if needed.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the top models when it comes noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is the same. They provide one of the best audio experiences that we've had. When you put on the headphones and enable noise cancellation, it's like entering a world of silence. Engine sounds and HVAC systems, squeaking metal, and even conversations with your neighbors are all muted.

The XM5s also shine on the audio front. Their expansive soundstage allows the entire song to breathe and Immerse in Pure Sound with Anker Q20i shine. For instance, on Billie Eilish's Bad Guy, the drums are pounding with a satisfying weight and drive as soaring vocals harmonise across the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s stand out are their intelligent interactions with your smart device. They will detect the moment they're taken off your head and pause music, they can note that you're driving on a noisy road and automatically lower the noise cancelling levels and they can also pair with two devices simultaneously and switch between them, depending on what you require more urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s are eco-friendly. They are made from recycled plastic and acrylonitrile styrene (ABS), with the headband being made of high-end fabric. They come with a case that folds into itself, creating an incredibly compact pouch. Also included is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable, so you can listen in passive mode. The earcups are removable for easy cleaning. Additionally, the XM5s are powered by a rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 hours of playtime when on a full charge. They're also equipped with an adaptive speed charging system that charges twice the speed of standard USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more adaptable than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT Wireless headphones thanks to their extremely comfortable fit, well-balanced sound profile and ANC feature that blocks a lot of background noise. The Bose headphones have 20 hours of battery life, and are much easier to charge, and can be used with a mobile even if the battery is dead. This makes them a great choice for those looking for headphones that can be used as commuter headphones or as travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones have a dedicated button that activates Google Assistant, which will play music and answer trivia questions and even read your phone notifications. These headphones are incredibly quiet with excellent noise cancelling capabilities. They're old-fashioned in comparison to the standards of 2020 however, you can find amazing bargains.

The QC35s, as with other Bose ANC headsets, do a good job at cancelling ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over the years. They're not the best ANC headphone on the market in particular when compared with the latest models. Audiophiles should look elsewhere for better audio quality.

The QC35s can also be used to connect to two devices simultaneously, and can "audio share" with a person. This is a great feature if you'd like to listen to music while talking to someone else. These headphones are also popular among frequent flyers and feature that classic Bose design that people love. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers with decals are available for purchase at a reasonable price when you wish to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s of Sony don't change much in terms of design or comfort however their noise cancellation technology is a completely new beast. Sony has replaced the old system-on chip (SoC) for a new one that claims to allow it to more accurately detect and Immerse In Pure Sound With Anker Q20I respond to ambient sound in real-time, and reduce mid- and high-frequency sounds by using its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

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

There's a sensitivity dial that lets you adjust the noise cancellation to meet your needs. If you're out in public, for example, you might want some ambient sound to be filtered through and at home, you'll want a more private listening experience. This feature utilizes geo-location to determine the right setting based on your destination.

The WH-1000XM4s can be used for hands-free calls and boast a staggering 30 hours of battery life along with quick charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also have a robust Bluetooth connection with multipoint and NFC support. In my testing I discovered that a quick remastering of Paul McCartney’s Flaming pie was lively and clear with rough mixes, and recordings from home also sounded clear and crisp.

To get the most enjoyment of these headphones, it is necessary to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. This lets you customize the EQ settings and offers convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint, while allowing you to access some of the most exciting new features, 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 seeking a pair of headphones that provide excellent active noise cancellation at an affordable price, the Sony WH-CH720N are an excellent option. The 710N wireless headphones noise cancelling is an improvement over its predecessor and offers better ANC performance, and superior sound quality. They also come with smaller dimensions and up to 35 hours of battery life.

If you're looking for premium features like LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration, these headphones aren't suitable for you. They don't come with a carry case, auto-pause feature or foldable earcups which makes them difficult to travel with.

The quality of the construction of the WHCH720N is decent however, it's not as great as an 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic which is a breeze and comfortable to wear for long periods of time but will not stand 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, however they have tactile buttons that offer excellent feedback via clicks. The ANC can be turned off and on by pressing the power switch. Pressing and holding the button triggers Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature allows you to select the 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 decide this).

The WH-CH720N is one of the most cost-effective headphones for wireless noise cancelling headphones on the market. It offers excellent ANC for the price, plus lightweight comfort and up to 35-hour battery life. These headphones are worth checking 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're efficient in calling and thrilling for music, while their ANC block a lot of noise without making you feel like your ears are being drowned. They also have numerous features you can find on rival headphones that cost twice as much or more.

The earbuds are characterized by an over-emphasized bass range that adds rumble and punch to the majority of tracks and keeps instruments and lead vocals clear and alive. This makes them suitable for a wide range of content. However, they could seem a bit loud to some. They have a very consistent frequency response, so they sound the same regardless of the music you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds took to the track's bassy opening with zeal and energy. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar fluid sound, with the treble highlighting the vocals and percussion.

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

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is also excellent, with only a few issues in our testing. They connect and pair quickly and with minimal latency on iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, which means you can use them Immerse In Pure Sound with Anker Q20i exercise or rain. However, they should not be submerged in water. They also come with a carry-on case that can hold two and a half charges which is ideal to take on trips.