Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation Sony noise cancelling headphones are a bit different from the previous model but sound just as great. They're lightweight, comfortable and boast a range of features, including Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention mode, wear detection and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

The ANC is powerful, cutting train noise to a background rumble. The 'pass-through' option allows you to hear external sounds, if necessary.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the top when it comes noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are the same. They provide one of the most impressive noise cancelling experiences we've experienced. Strapping a pair on and enabling noise cancellation is like walking into a veritable cone of silence: The sound of engines and the whirring of HVAC systems, the creaking metal, even conversations with your neighbors are all muted to an uncanny degree.

The XM5s are also awe-inspiring on the audio front with an impressive soundstage capable of giving the various elements of a track room to breathe and shine. For instance, on Billie Eilish's Bad Guy, the drums pound with a satisfying force and heft as singing voices soaring reverberate across the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s stand out include their smart interactions with your smart device. They can detect when they're removed from your head and play music, they can detect that you're on a noisy road and automatically reduce the noise cancelling levels and they can also pair with two devices at once to switch between them based on what you need urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also are green. The WH-1000XM5s are made from recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. Their headband is made from premium fabric. They come with a collapsible carrying case that folds to form a small pouch, and a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable that can be used in passive mode. The earcups are removable to make it easy to clean. The XM5s also come with rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20 hours of playing time. They come with a fast charging system that can charge twice as fast as standard USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 with their comfortable fit with a balanced sound profile and ANC technology that blocks out a significant amount of background noise they are more versatile than the Audio-Technica Wireless Headphones ATH-DSR9BT. The bose Over ear noise cancelling headphones headphones come with 20 hours of battery life, and are much easier to charge and can still be used with a phone even when the battery is empty. This makes them a great choice for those looking for headphones that can be used as commuter or as travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones have a dedicated button that activates Google Assistant, which will play music as well as answer trivia questions and also read notifications from your smartphone. They have outstanding noise cancellation capabilities, and although they're getting long by 2020 standards (and have successors in their sibling line the QC35) however, you can still get great deals on these headphones.

As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do a solid job of cancelling out ambient noise and noise reduction technology has improved over time. They're not the most effective ANC headphone available in particular when compared with the latest models. Audiophiles may want to look elsewhere for a better sound.

The QC35s can also be used to connect to two devices simultaneously and also "audio share" with a person. This is great for those who like listening to music while conversing with another person. They're also a popular choice for frequent travellers, and they've got the classic Bose look that many people appreciate. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers for decals are available for purchase at a reasonable price for those who want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s aren't a lot in terms of design or comfort improvements from the M3s, but its noise cancellation is an entirely new beast. The company has swapped the old system-on-chip (SoC) for a brand new one, which it claims allows it to more accurately listen and react to ambient audio in real-time, and reduce high- and mid-frequency sounds with its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward mics in each earcup absorb ambient sound. This is then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling process to reduce it as quickly as possible without altering the quality of your music. The result is an amount of noise reduction that is comparable to the best headphones at this price point.

There's also a sensitivity knob which lets you alter the noise cancellation to your preferences. You might, for instance wish to hear ambient sounds in public while at home, or you might prefer a more secluded off listening experience. This feature also uses geo-location 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 quick charging capabilities. They also boast a robust Bluetooth 5.0 connection that supports for multipoint and NFC. In my tests the speedy remastering of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and lively and even rough mixes and recordings from home were clear and full.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to get the most from these headphones. You can customize the EQ and enjoy features that make it easy like Bluetooth multipoint. It also unlocks some cool new features, like Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones make a great option if you're looking to purchase a pair that offers outstanding active noise cancellation at affordable prices. They're a step up from their predecessor, the 710N Wireless, with a more efficient ANC performance and superior audio quality. The 710N Wireless also features a slimmer design with battery lifespan of up to 35 hours.

If you're looking for premium features like LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration these headphones aren't made suitable for you. They also do not come with a carrying case or auto-pause functionality and the earcups don't fold which could make them tough to travel with.

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent, bose over ear noise cancelling headphones but not as good as the 1000XM5. The earcups and the headband are made of plastic which is light and comfortable to wear for extended periods but will not stand up to the rigors of use or even some tumbling on hard surfaces. The design is somewhat bulky, and the earcups tend to creak when you move your head. The controls are easy to use and have tactile buttons which provide a satisfying click-like feedback. One press of the power button switches ANC on and off, while pressing and holding it prompts you to turn on Sony's Adaptive Audio Control feature. This feature allows you to select the preset audio profile depending on the way you're using the headphones (e.g., "Staying at Work" or "Running") or the current location (with your phone granted permission to make this determination).

The WH-CH720N wireless noise cancelling headphones are one of the most affordable 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. If you're a frequent commuter, these headphones are worth considering.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's earbuds and headsets are well-known for their value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They are perfect for calls and music, and their ANC technology blocks out a large amount of noise, without making your ears feel like they are being suffocated. They also come with numerous features that are found in headphones that cost nearly twice as more.

The earbuds are emphasized in the bass area which can create a rumble on many tracks. Lead vocals and instruments remain clear and bright. This makes them suitable for a wide range of music, although they might sound a bit too loud for certain. Their frequency response is also very consistent, meaning they sound the same regardless of what you listen to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds took to the track's booming intro with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly agile listen with the treble playing off the various layered vocals and drums.

On the phone, voice quality is very good even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds use the latest Qualcomm chip to ensure the clarity of calls, with background noises and clicks being minimized, even when speaking near the London Underground at rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also very good, with little to no issues during our testing. They connect and pair quickly with a minimal amount of latency for iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, which means you can use them in exercise or rain. However they shouldn't be submerged in water. They also come with a portable case that holds two and a half charge that are great for travelling.