Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

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

The ANC is powerful, reducing train noises to an ambient rumble. The 'pass-through' option allows you to hear external sounds in the event of a need.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the top models when it comes noise cancellation. And the fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s is not an exception, providing one of the best experiences we've had with noise cancellation headphones in recent years. When you put on your headphones and turn on 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 large soundstage lets every element of a song to shine and breathe. For instance, on the track by Billie Eilish called Bad Guy, the drums are pounding with a satisfying power and weight as the singing voices soaring reverberate across the mix.

The XM5s also stand out for their intelligent interaction with your smartphone. They can sense the moment they are removed from the head and then pause the music. They can also note that you are on a busy highway and automatically lower the noise cancelling level.

The WH-1000XM5s have also a low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s are constructed of recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene. The headband is constructed from premium fabric. They also come with a collapsible carrying case that folds to create a compact bag, as well as a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable that can be used in passive mode. The ear cups can be removed for easy cleaning. The XM5s also have a rechargeable battery which provides up to 20-hours of playing time. They are also equipped with a rapid charging system that charges twice as fast as conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more flexible than the Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless headphones thanks 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 have a battery that lasts for 20 hours, they are more convenient to charge, and can be used with a mobile even if the battery is dead. This makes them a better option for noise Cancelling those looking for headphones that can be used as commuter headphones or as travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones have a dedicated button that turns on Google Assistant, which will play music as well as answer trivia questions and also read notifications from your smartphone. They have excellent noise cancelling capabilities, and although they're becoming a bit long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors in their line of siblings, the QC35) however, you can still find great deals on them.

The QC35s, like other Bose ANC headsets, do excellent job of cancelling ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over the ear headphones noise cancelling the years. However they're not the top ANC headphones out there, especially compared to their contemporary counterparts and audiophiles should consider looking elsewhere to get better sound quality.

The QC35s are also able to connect to two devices at once and also "audio share" with a person. This is a great option for those who want to listen to music while conversing with someone else. These headphones are popular with frequent flyers, and have the classic Bose design that many people adore. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers for decals are available at a reasonable cost for those who want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH1000XM4s offer nothing in the way of aesthetic or comfort changes in comparison to the M3s, but its noise cancelling is a whole new beast. Sony has replaced the old system-on-chip (SoC) for a new one that it claims allows it to more precisely listen to and react to ambient sounds in real-time, and reduce the mid- and high-frequency sound with its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup record ambient sound. The sound is processed by the QN1 noise cancellation processor to reduce it quickly without impacting the quality of your audio. The result is an incredibly impressive level of noise neutralization that easily beats out the top headphones in this price range.

There's a sensitivity knob that allows you to adjust the noise cancellation to fit your preferences. You may, for instance wish to listen to ambient sounds in public when you're at home, but you might prefer a more closed off listening experience. This feature uses geo-location to determine the right setting based on your destination.

The WH1000XM4s have the capability of making hands-free phone calls. They also have a 30 hour battery life and fast charging capabilities. They also have a powerful Bluetooth 5.0 connection with support for multipoint as well as NFC. In my tests an instant remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and dynamic and even rough mixes and recordings made at home were clear and full.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to get the most from these headphones. This allows you to customize the EQ settings and provides convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint, and also allows you to unlock some of the latest cool stuff - such as access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering process that breathes life into old music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are excellent choice if you're looking to buy headphones that provide excellent active noise cancellation at an affordable price. The 710N Wireless is a step up over its predecessor, offering improved ANC performance and better sound quality. The 710N Wireless is also equipped with a lighter design with a battery lifespan of up to 35 hours.

These headphones are not suitable for those who want top-of-the-line features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening, which integrates voice assistants. Also, they don't come with a carrying case or auto-pause feature, and the earcups don't fold, which may make them difficult to carry around.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent, noise cancelling but not as good the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic, which is lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods of time but will not stand up to rigorous use or some tumbling on hard surfaces. The design is also a little bulky and the earcups are likely to creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use, with tactile buttons that give excellent clicky feedback. A single press of the power button switches ANC on and off, while pressing and holding prompts you to turn on Sony's Adaptive Audio Control functionality. This feature lets you select the preset audio profile 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 decide this).

The WH-CH720N wireless noise cancellation headphones are one of the most affordable models on the market. For the money you'll get excellent ANC, excellent sound comfortable, and a lightweight design. You can also expect up to 35 hours of 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 well-known for their excellent value. They're efficient for calls and exciting for music, and their ANC blocks a significant amount of noise without making you feel as if your ears are squeezed. They also have numerous features you can find on competing headphones that cost twice as much or more.

The earbuds have an overemphasized bass range which adds rumble and punch to the majority of tracks and keeps lead vocals and instruments bright and clear. This makes them ideal for a range of music, although they may sound a little too loud for certain. They have a very consistent frequency response, so they sound exactly the same no matter the music you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds took to the song's bassy intro with zeal and energy. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly agile listen, with the treble showcasing the many layers of vocals and drums.

The quality of voice is superb even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds are equipped with the latest Qualcomm chip to ensure the clarity of calls with background noises and clicks being kept at bay even when talking next to the London Underground at rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also very good, with little to no issues during our tests. They pair and connect quickly with a minimal amount of latency for iOS and Android devices. They are also IPX5 waterproof, which means they're suitable for rainy days and workouts, but you shouldn't submerge them in water. They also come with a portable case that can hold two and a half batteries which is ideal for travelling.