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 excellent. The headphones are lightweight, comfortable, and have a variety of features, including Speak-to -Chat and Quick Attention mode. They also come with 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 lets you to hear outside sounds in the event of a need.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are always among the top of the line in the market in the field of noise cancelling. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is not an exception. They provide one of the most enjoyable noise cancelling experiences we've ever experienced. When you put on the headphones and turn on noise cancellation, you're entering a world of silence. Engine noises as well as HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors all go out of the window.

The XM5s also shine on the audio front. Their expansive soundstage allows the entire song to breathe and shine. For instance, on the track by Billie Eilish called Bad Guy, the drums beat with a satisfying amount of power and weight as the singing voices soaring reverberate across the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s standout are their smart interactions with your smartphone. They can sense the moment they are removed from the head and pause the music. They can also detect that you are on a noisy highway and automatically reduce the noise cancelling volume.

The WH-1000XM5s also are environmentally friendly. They are made from recycled plastic and acrylonitrile styrene (ABS) and a headband made from high-end fabric. They come with a collapsible case that can be folded into itself, wired forming an incredibly compact pouch. Also included is an 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so that you can listen in a passive mode. The earcups are washable and removable for easy cleaning. The XM5s also have rechargeable batteries that provide up to 20 hours of playtime. They come with a fast charging system that is twice as fast as standard 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 significant amount of background noise they are more versatile than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT Wireless Headphones. The Bose headphones also have longer battery life, lasting for 20 hours and require less time to charge, and can be wired with a phone even when the battery is not fully charged, making them a better option for those looking for headphones that can be used as commuting headphones or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphone have a dedicated Google Assistant button, which will allow the assistant to play music, respond to trivia and read notifications from your smartphone. They have excellent noise cancelling abilities, and while they're getting long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors in their sibling line the QC35) however, you can still find great bargains on these headphones.

The QC35s, as with other Bose ANC headsets, do well at blocking out ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has been improved over time. However, they're not the best budget noise cancelling headphones ANC headphones available, especially compared to their more recent competitors, and audiophiles should look elsewhere to get better sound quality.

Similar to the Sonys the QC35s also connect to two devices at once and "audio share" one of them with a friend, which is great if you're looking to listen music in one ear while talking to another. They're also a popular option for frequent travellers, and they've got that classic Bose look that many people enjoy. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers with decals are available for purchase at a reasonable price for those who want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s from Sony don't change much in terms of aesthetics or comfort however their noise cancellation technology is a totally new device. Sony has replaced the old system-on chip (SoC) with a brand new one that, according to the company, will allow it to detect and react more accurately to ambient sound in real-time by reducing mid- and high-frequency noises thanks to its Dual Noise sensor technology.

Two microphones that feed forward into each earcup record ambient sound. The sound is processed by the QN1 noise cancelling processor to reduce it quickly without affecting the quality of your audio. The result is a level of noise reduction that is comparable to the top headphones at this price point.

There's also a sensitivity knob which lets you alter the level of noise cancellation according to your requirements. When you're in public for instance, you might want some ambient noise to be blocked out, while at home you'll want a more private listening experience. This feature utilizes geo-location to apply the appropriate setting based on where you are.

The WH-1000XM4s are able to be used for hands-free calls and have a whopping 30 hours of battery life, along with quick charging capabilities. They also feature a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection that supports for multipoint and NFC. In my tests I noticed that a quick restoration of Paul McCartney's Flaming pie was dynamic and clear as well as rough mixes and recordings from the home also sound clear.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to maximize the performance of these headphones. This lets you customize the EQ settings and also provides convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint, while allowing 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 new life into older music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones make a excellent choice if you're looking to buy headphones that offer excellent active noise cancellation at affordable prices. The 710N Wireless is a step up over its predecessor, offering improved ANC performance and better audio quality. The 710N Wireless also has an elongated design and battery life of up to 35 hours.

These headphones are not for you if you expect top-of-the-line features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening which incorporates voice assistants. They don't come with a carrying case, auto-pause feature or earcups that fold, so they may be difficult to travel with.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent but not as impressive as the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups made of plastic. They're lightweight and comfortable for long periods, but they won't withstand rigorous use or a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is a little bulky and the earcups can creak when you move your head. The controls are easy to use, however, with tactile buttons that offer excellent feedback via clicks. The ANC is toggled off and on with a single press of 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 the current location (with your phone's permission to decide this).

The WH-CH720N wireless noise cancelling headphones are among the most affordable on the market. You get top ANC for the price, plus 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 headsets and earbuds are known for their value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They're great for calls and enthralling for music, while their ANC blocks a good amount of sound without making you feel as if your ears are squeezed. They also have numerous features you can find on rival headphones that cost more or twice as much.

The earbuds have a lot of emphasis in the bass section, which can create a rumble on many tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain clear and bright. This makes them ideal for a variety of content. However, they may seem a bit loud to some. They have a constant frequency response, which means they sound 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 track's booming intro with zeal and energy. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar fluid sound and the treble was a highlight of the vocals and percussion.

The quality of voice is superb even in noisy environments. The earbuds come with the latest Qualcomm chip which ensures background noises, clicks, and other distractions are kept at low levels. This is especially true when talking on the London Underground during rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent, with little to no issues during our tests. They connect quickly and with minimal 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 come with an enclosure that can hold two and a quarter charges. This is ideal for travel.