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 light, comfortable, and feature 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 very powerful and reduces train noise to a quiet rumble. The option to pass-through allows you to hear sounds from outside in the event of a need.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are regularly among the top of the line in the business when it comes to noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is the same. They offer one of the most impressive noise cancelling experiences we've ever experienced. When you put on a pair and enabling noise cancellation is like walking into a vast cone of silence: The sound of engines, the whir of HVAC systems, the creaking metal, even conversations with your neighbors are muted to an incredible degree.

The XM5s are also awe-inspiring on the audio side with a wide soundstage that can give every element of a track the space to breathe and shine. For instance, on Billie's Bad Guy, the drums are pounding with a satisfying power and weight as the high-pitched vocals blend into the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s stand out are their intelligent interactions with your smart device. They can recognise the moment they're taken off your head and stop music, they can detect that you're traveling on a busy road and automatically dial down the noise cancelling volume, and they can connect with two devices at once to switch between them, depending on what you require more urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s are green. The WH-1000XM5s are made of recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene. The headband is made of high-quality fabric. They include a collapsible case that can be folded into itself, creating the compact pouch. Also included is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so that you can listen to music in passive mode. The ear cups are also washable and removable for easy cleaning. The XM5s are powered by rechargeable batteries that provide up to 20 hours of playtime on a full charge. Additionally, they're equipped with an adaptive speed charging system that charges at twice the speed of standard USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless with their comfortable fit with a balanced sound profile and ANC technology that blocks out a significant amount of background noise They are more adaptable than Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless Headphones. The Bose headphones also have longer battery life, lasting for 20 hours and take less time to charge, Noise cancelling headphones and can be used connected to a smartphone even when the battery is dead which makes them a great choice for those in need of a pair of headphones that can serve as commuting headphones or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones come with a Google Assistant button, which allows the assistant to play music, respond to questions, and read notifications from your smartphone. They are a great noise cancelling abilities, and while they are getting a bit long by 2020 standards (and have successors to their sibling line, the QC35) however, you can still find fantastic deals on these headphones.

The QC35s, like other Bose ANC headsets, do a good job at blocking out ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has been improved over time. They're not the best ANC headphone available in particular when compared with newer competitors. Audiophiles should look elsewhere for better sound.

The QC35s also have the ability to connect to two devices at once, and can "audio share" with a friend. This is a great feature if you'd like to listen to music while talking with another person. They're also a popular choice for frequent travelers, and they sport that classic Bose look that many people enjoy. If you're looking to spruce up your QC35s by adding a touch of personalization, decal covers like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available for a reasonable price.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s made by Sony don't change much in terms of aesthetics or comfort however, their noise cancellation technology is a brand new device. The company has swapped out the old system-on-chip (SoC) for a new one that it claims allows it to better listen to and react to ambient sounds in real-time, and reduce mid- and high-frequency sounds through its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

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

There's a sensitivity knob that allows you to adjust the noise cancellation to meet your needs. When you're in public, for example you may want some ambient noise to be blocked out in the background, while at home you'll want a more secluded listening experience. This feature also makes use of geo-location access to automatically apply the right setting based on where you're headed.

The WH1000XM4s are capable of making hands-free phone calls. They also come with a 30 hour battery life and rapid charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also feature an impressive Bluetooth connection that supports multipoint and NFC support. In my tests, a quick remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and vibrant, while even rough mixes and home recordings sounded crisp and full.

To get the most enjoyment of these headphones, it is necessary to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. It lets you alter the EQ settings and offers convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint, and also allows you to unlock some of the cooler 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 for an affordable price, the Sony WH-CH720N are a great option. The 710N Wireless is a step up over ear noise cancelling headphones its predecessor, offering improved ANC performance, and superior audio quality. They also feature a lighter design 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 the best noise cancelling over ear headphones choice suitable for you. They also don't come with a carrying case or auto-pause function, and the earcups aren't foldable, which may make them difficult to carry around.

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent but not as good as the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic. They are light and comfortable for long periods, however, they aren't built to withstand heavy use or a few drops on hard surfaces. The design is heavy and the earcups creak when you move. The controls are simple to use, with tactile buttons that provide satisfying click-like feedback. A single touch of the power button toggles ANC on and off, whereas pressing and holding it prompts you to turn on Sony's Adaptive Audio Control functionality. This feature lets you select a preset profile based on your location or the way you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N is one the best-value pairs of wireless noise cancelling headphones available on the market. It offers excellent ANC for the price, a lightweight design and up to 35-hour battery life. If you're a frequent commuter these headphones are worth checking out.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's headsets and earbuds are known for offering great value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They're efficient for calls and enthralling for music, while their ANC blocks a significant amount of noise without making you feel like your ears are being drowned. They also come with many features that are available on competing headphones that cost twice as much or more.

The earbuds have a lot of emphasis in the bass area, which can create a rumble on many tracks. Lead vocals and instruments remain bright and clear. This makes them suitable for a wide range of music, although they might sound a bit boomy for some. They have a very consistent frequency response, so 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 dynamic sound and the treble was a highlight of the vocals and the percussion.

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

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is excellent, with a small number of issues in our testing. They connect quickly and with minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They're also IPX5 waterproof, which means they're suitable for rainy days and workouts - although you shouldn't put them in water. They come with a case that can hold two and a quarter charges. This is ideal for traveling.