Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation Sony noise cancelling headphones are a little different from the previous model, however, they sound as good. The headphones are lightweight, comfortable, and feature various features, including Speak-to-Chat mode and Quick Attention mode. They also feature wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

The ANC is powerful, cutting train noises to an ambient rumble. The 'pass-through' option allows you to hear outside sounds, if necessary.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are always among the best in the business in terms of noise cancelling. And the fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s is the same, providing one of the most enjoyable 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 veritable cone of silence: engine sounds and the whirring of HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors are muted to an uncanny degree.

The XM5s are also awe-inspiring on the audio front with a wide soundstage that can give every element of a track the space to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for example, the drums are pounding with a satisfying amount force and power and soaring vocals are a perfect fit throughout the mix.

The XM5s also stand out because of their smart interaction with your smart device. They can detect when they're removed from your head and play music, they'll notice that you're traveling on a busy road and automatically lower the noise cancelling volume, and they can pair with two devices at once to switch between them, depending on what you need urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a very low environmental impact. They are made from recycled plastic and acrylonitrile styrene (ABS), with the headband being made of high-end fabric. They include a collapsible case that can be folded into itself, creating an incredibly 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 removable to make it easy to clean. The XM5s come with rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20-hours of playtime. They are also equipped with a fast charging system that is twice as fast as standard USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more adaptable than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT Wireless headphones because of their extremely comfortable fit, a well-balanced sound profile, and ANC feature that blocks out a lot of background noise. The Bose headphones also have longer battery life, lasting for 20 hours and require less time to charge, and can be 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 feature a dedicated Google Assistant button, which activates the assistant to play music, answer trivia and read notifications from your smartphone. They have excellent noise cancelling abilities, and while they are getting a bit long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors to their sibling line, the QC35) However, you can still find fantastic deals on these headphones.

Like other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do a solid job in reducing ambient noise, and their noise reduction technology has advanced over the years. They're not the best ANC headphone available in particular when compared with the latest models. Audiophiles will want to look elsewhere for better sound.

The QC35s also have the ability to connect to two devices at once, and can "audio share" with a person. This is great for those who want to listen to music while conversing with someone else. They're also a popular choice for frequent travellers, and they've got that classic Bose appearance that a lot of people love. If you're looking for a way to spice up the QC35s with a little personalization, decal covers like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available for an affordable price.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

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

Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup record ambient sound. This is then processed by QN1 noise cancelling processor to reduce it quickly without affecting the quality of your audio. The result is an amount of noise reduction that is comparable to the top headphones at this price point.

There's even a sensitivity control which lets you alter the noise cancelling over ear headphones cancellation to your needs. When you're in public, for example, you might want a little bit of ambient sound to filter through and at home, you'll prefer a more closed-off listening experience. This feature also uses geo-location to automatically apply the right setting based on where you're heading.

The WH1000XM4s can be used for 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 and NFC. In my testing an instant remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and lively and even rough mixes and recordings made at home were clear and full.

To get the most out of these headphones, it is necessary to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. This allows you to customize the EQ settings and also provides convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint, as well as allowing you to unlock some of the most exciting new things - like access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering technique that breathes life into old music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones make a ideal choice for those looking to purchase headphones that provide excellent active noise cancelling headphones wireless cancellation at an affordable price. The 710N Wireless is an improvement over its predecessor and offers more efficient ANC performance, and superior sound quality. The 710N Wireless also features a slimmer design with battery life of up to 35 hours.

These headphones aren't the best for you if you want flagship features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening which incorporates voice assistants. They also do not come with a carrying case or auto-pause functionality and the earcups aren't foldable and can make them tough to carry around.

The quality of the construction of the WHCH720N is decent but not as impressive as the 1000XM5. The earcups and the headband are made of plastic, which is a breeze and comfortable to wear for long periods but won't hold up to heavy use or a few tumbles on hard surfaces. The design is heavy, and the earcups squeak when you move them. The controls are easy to use, with tactile buttons that give satisfying click-like feedback. The ANC can be turned off and on by pressing the power switch. Pressing and holding the button triggers Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you select the preset audio profile based on how 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 on the market. For the money, you get great ANC with a great 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 a look.

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 music and calls, and their ANC technology blocks a lot of noise without making your ears feel suffocated. These headphones also have many features that are found in headphones that cost more than twice as more.

The earbuds have a pronounced bass range which adds rumble and punch to most tracks while keeping the lead vocals and instruments bright and present. This makes them suitable for a wide range of music, even though they may sound a little boomy for some. They have a consistent frequency response, so they sound the same no matter the music you are listening to.

We cued up Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did a fantastic job of celebrating the song's bass-heavy introduction with fervor and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly fluid listen with the treble shining through the various layered vocals and drums.

Voice quality is excellent, even in noisy environments. The earbuds are equipped with the most recent Qualcomm chip, which ensures that background noises, clicks, and other distractions are kept to bay. This is true even when you are talking to London Underground during rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is excellent, with only a few issues in our testing. They pair and connect quickly with a minimal amount of latency for headphones iOS and Android devices. They're also IPX5 water-resistant, so they're fine for rain and workouts - although you shouldn't submerge them in water. They come with a case that can hold two and a quarter charges. This is perfect for traveling.