Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation Sony noise cancelling headphones are different from the previous model, however they're just as good. The headphones are lightweight, comfortable, and feature various features that include Quick Attention mode and Speak-to-Chat. They also feature wear detection and AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

The ANC is very powerful and reduces train noise to a minimal rumble. The 'pass-through' option allows you to hear outside sounds in the event of a need.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are regularly among the best in the industry in the field of noise cancelling. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are not an exception. They provide one of the most enjoyable audio experiences that we've experienced. When you put on the headphones and enable noise cancellation, it's like walking into a cone of silence. Engine noises, HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with your neighbors are all muted.

The XM5s also shine on the audio front. Their wide soundstage allows all elements of a song to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for example, the drums are pounding with a satisfying amount force and power, while soaring vocals harmonise throughout the mix.

The XM5s are also notable because of their smart interaction with your smart device. They can sense the moment they are removed from the head and pause the music. They can also note that you are driving on a noisy highway and automatically lower the noise cancelling volume.

The WH-1000XM5s have also a low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s are constructed of recycled plastics, butadiene, acrylonitrile and styrene. The headband is constructed from premium fabric. They also come with a collapsible carry case that folds to form a small pouch, plus an 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable that can be used in a quiet mode. The ear cups can be removed for simple cleaning. The XM5s also have a rechargeable battery which provides up to 20 hours of playing time. They are equipped with a quick charging system that can charge twice as fast as traditional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 I/QC35 II Wireless with their comfortable fit and balanced sound profile and ANC technology that blocks a great deal of background noise, are more versatile than Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless Headphones. The Bose headphones also come with longer battery life, lasting for 20 hours and take less time to charge, and can be in conjunction with a phone when the battery is dead and makes them a good over ear noise cancelling headphones option for those looking for headphones that can function as commuting headphones, or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones have a dedicated button that turns on Google Assistant, which will play music and answer trivia questions and even read your phone notifications. They have great noise cancelling capabilities. They are a bit old-fashioned by 2020 standards but you can find great bargains.

Like other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s are capable of blocking out background noise and noise reduction technology has advanced over time. However they're not the most effective ANC headphones on the market, especially compared to their newer competitors and audiophiles should consider looking elsewhere to get better sound quality.

The QC35s are also able to connect to two devices at the same time and also "audio share" with a person. This is great for those who like listening to music while conversing with another person. These headphones are also popular among frequent flyers and have that classic Bose design that people love. If you're looking to spruce up your QC35s with some personalization, decal covers like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available at affordable prices.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s aren't a lot in the way of design or comfort improvements in comparison to the M3s, but its noise cancelling technology is an entirely new beast. Sony has replaced the old 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, reducing high- and mid-frequency sounds through its Dual noise cancelling headset with mic - This Internet page - Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup suck up ambient sound, which is then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling process to reduce it as quickly as is possible without affecting the quality of your music. The result is a level of noise reduction that is comparable to the best headphones in this price range.

There's a sensitivity dial that allows you to alter the noise cancellation to fit your preferences. For instance, if you wish to listen to ambient sounds in public when you're at home, but you may prefer a more closed off listening experience. This feature also uses geo-location to automatically apply the correct setting based on where you're headed.

The WH1000XM4s are capable of making calls using hands-free technology. They also come with 30 hours of battery life and quick charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also feature an extremely robust Bluetooth connection with multipoint and NFC support. In my testing, a quick remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie was clear and vibrant and even rough mixes and recordings made at home sound clear and full.

To get the most enjoyment of these headphones, it is necessary to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. You can adjust the EQ and enjoy convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint. Additionally, it unlocks cool new features, like Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones make a ideal choice for those seeking headphones that provide excellent active noise cancellation for affordable costs. The 710N Wireless is a step up over its predecessor with better ANC performance and superior sound quality. They also have smaller dimensions and up to 35 hours of battery life.

However, if you're expecting premium features like LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration, these headphones aren't suitable for you. They also don't come with a carry case or auto-pause function, and the earcups can't fold, which may make them tough to carry around.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent, but not as good a 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic which is a breeze 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 bulky, Noise Cancelling headset with mic and the earcups squeak when you move them. The controls are easy to use, with tactile buttons which provide a satisfying click-like feedback. The ANC is toggled off and on by a single push of the power switch. Pressing and holding the button activates Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you select an audio profile that is preset depending on the way 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 available on the market. For the price you'll get excellent ANC and excellent sound quality comfortable, and a lightweight design. You can also expect up to 35 hours of battery life. If you're a frequent commuter, these headphones are worth a look.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's earbuds and headsets are well-known for their value and the Air Pro is no exception. They're efficient for calls and enthralling for music, and their ANC block a lot of noise without making you feel like your ears are squeezed. They also come with a lot of features that are available in headphones that cost nearly twice as more.

The earbuds are emphasized in the bass section which can create a rumble on many tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain bright and clear. This makes them suitable for a wide range of content. However, they could sound a bit stuttery to some. They have a constant frequency response, which means they sound exactly the same no matter the content you are listening.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds were enthralled by the song's bassy intro with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly agile listen with the treble shining through the many layers of vocals and percussion.

Voice quality is top-notch, even in noisy environments. The earbuds are equipped with the most recent Qualcomm chip that ensures background noises, clicks, and other distractions are kept to bay. This is true even when talking next to London Underground during rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent and there were any 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 perfect for rain and exercise - though you shouldn't submerge them in water. They also come with a movable case that can hold two and a half batteries which is ideal for travelling.