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 sound just as great. The headphones are lightweight, comfortable, best Noise cancelling headphones and have various features, including 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 allows you to hear outside sounds if needed.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the best when it comes noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s are no exception, offering one of the best experiences we've had with noise cancelling headphones in recent memory. The moment you put them on and activating noise cancellation is like walking into a vast cone of silence: The sound of engines, the whir of HVAC systems, creaking metal, even conversations with your neighbors are muted to an incredible degree.

The XM5s also shine on the audio front. Their expansive soundstage allows every element of a song to shine and breathe. For instance, on Billie's Bad Guy, the drums beat with a satisfying amount of weight and drive as singing voices soaring reverberate across the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s stand out include their smart interactions with your smartphone. They will detect the moment they're taken off your head and stop music, they can detect that you're on a noisy road and automatically lower the noise cancelling level and pair with two devices simultaneously to switch between them, depending on what you need urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a very low environmental impact. They are made of recycled plastic and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and the headband being made of high-end fabric. They also come with a collapsible carrying case that folds into itself to form a small bag, as well as a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable that can be used in a quiet mode. The earcups are removable for easy cleaning. The XM5s come with rechargeable batteries that provide up to 20 hours of playtime. They come with a quick charging system that is twice as fast as conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more adaptable than the Audio-Technica's ATH-DSR9BT Wireless headphones due to their incredibly comfortable fit, well-balanced sound profile and ANC feature that blocks out a significant amount of background noise. The Bose headphones come with 20 hours of battery life, and are much easier to charge and can still be used with a smartphone even if the battery is dead. This makes them a better option to those looking for headphones that can be used as commuter headphones or as travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphone have a dedicated Google Assistant button, which allows the assistant to play music, answer questions, and read notifications from your smartphone. They have great noise cancellation abilities. They are a bit old-fashioned by 2020 standards but you can enjoy great deals.

The QC35s, along with other Bose ANC headsets, do a good over ear noise cancelling headphones job at blocking out ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has been improved over ear noise cancelling headphones wireless time. However they're not the top ANC headphones out there in comparison to newer competitors, and audiophiles should look elsewhere to get better sound quality.

The QC35s are also able to connect to two devices at the same time, and can "audio share" with a person. This is a great option for those who want to listen to music while talking to someone else. They are popular with frequent flyers and have the classic Bose design that people love. If you're looking to spruce up your QC35s by adding a little personalization, cover-ups for decals such as SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available for an affordable price.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s of Sony do not change much in terms of design or comfort however, their noise cancellation technology is a brand new device. The company has replaced the old system-on chip (SoC) with a new one, which it claims will enable it to listen and react more accurately to ambient audio in real-time while reducing mid- and high-frequency noises with its Dual Noise sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in each earcup capture ambient sounds. This is then processed by the QN1 noise cancelling processor to cut it down quickly without affecting the quality of your audio. The result is an impressive level of noise cancellation that is able to compete with the best headphones at this price.

There's even a sensitivity knob which lets you alter the noise cancellation according to your preferences. For instance, if you prefer to hear ambient sounds in public while at home, or you might prefer a more closed off listening experience. This feature also makes use of geo-location access to apply the right setting based on where you're heading.

The WH-1000XM4s are able to be used for hands-free calls and boast a staggering 30 hours of battery life along with fast charging capabilities. They also feature a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection that supports for multipoint as well as NFC. In my testing an instant remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and lively as well as rough mixes and recordings made at home sound clear and full.

To get the most value out of these headphones, you'll need download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. You can adjust the EQ and enjoy convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint. Additionally, it unlocks amazing new features, such as Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're seeking a pair of headphones that offer excellent active noise cancelling at an affordable price the Sony WHCH720N are a great option. The 710N Wireless is an improvement over its predecessor with improved ANC performance, and superior audio quality. The 710N Wireless is also equipped with a lighter design with a battery lifespan of up to 35 hours.

However, if you're expecting top-of-the-line features such as LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration these headphones aren't made for you. They also don't come with a carry case or auto-pause functionality and the earcups aren't foldable which could make them tough to carry around.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent but not as impressive as the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are constructed 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 somewhat bulky, and the earcups can creak when you move your head. The controls are easy to use, with tactile buttons that give satisfying click-like feedback. The ANC can be turned on and off by a single push of the power switch. Pressing and holding the button activates Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you select the appropriate profile based on your location or the way you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N noise cancelling wireless headphones are among the most affordable models on the market. For the price you'll get excellent ANC, excellent sound, lightweight comfort and up to 35 hours of battery life. These headphones are worth considering for if you frequently commute.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's headsets and earbuds are known for offering great value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They are great for calls and music, and their ANC technology blocks out a significant amount of noise without making your ears feel uncomfortable. They also have numerous features you can find on other headphones that cost twice or more.

The earbuds have a lot of emphasis in the bass area and can create a rumble on many tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain bright and clear. This makes them perfect for a wide range of content. However, they might sound a bit stuttery to some. They have a very uniform frequency response, meaning that they sound the same regardless of the content you are listening.

We listened to Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did a fantastic job of showcasing the song's bass-heavy introduction with energy and zeal. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar agile sound with the treble accentuating the vocals and the percussion.

Voice quality is top-notch, even in noisy environments. The earbuds feature the most recent Qualcomm chip to ensure the clarity of calls with background noises and clicks kept at bay, even when speaking next to the London Underground at rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also very good, with little to no issues during our testing. They connect quickly and with minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, meaning they are suitable for exercise or rain. However they shouldn't be submerged in water. They also come with a portable case that holds two and a half batteries which is ideal for travel.