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. They're comfortable, lightweight and come with a variety of features including Speak-to -Chat mode, Quick Attention mode, wear detection and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

The ANC is powerful, reducing train noises to an ambient rumble. The 'pass-through' option allows you to hear sounds from outside when needed.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the top in the field of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are not an exception. They offer one of the best audio experiences that we've had. When you put on the headphones and turn on noise cancellation, you're entering a world of silence. Engine noises and HVAC systems, squeaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors all become muted.

The XM5s also excel on the audio aspect. Their large soundstage lets the entire song to shine and breathe. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for example, the drums pound with a satisfying amount power and weight while the soaring vocals blend throughout the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s standout are their smart interactions with your smartphone. They will detect when they're removed from your head and pause music, they'll notice that you're driving on a noisy road and automatically dial down the noise cancelling levels, and they can connect to two devices at once to switch between them, depending on what you require more urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s are made from recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene. The headband is made from premium fabric. They also include a collapsible carrying case that folds into itself to form a compact bag, as well as an 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable that can be used in a passive mode. The ear cups are also removable for easy washing. Additionally, 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 fast charging system that charges at twice the speed of traditional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 with their comfortable fit with a balanced sound profile and ANC technology that blocks out a large amount of background noise they are more versatile than the Audio-Technica Wireless Headphones ATH-DSR9BT. The Bose headphones come with 20 hours of battery life, and are easier to charge and can still be used with a mobile when the battery is out. This makes them an ideal 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 turns on Google Assistant, which will play music as well as answer trivia questions and read your smartphone notifications. These headphones are incredibly quiet with excellent noise cancellation capabilities. They're old-fashioned in comparison to the standards of 2020 but you can enjoy excellent bargains.

As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do a solid job in reducing ambient noise and their noise reduction technology has advanced over time. However they're not the most effective ANC headphones available particularly when compared to more recent competitors and audiophiles should consider looking elsewhere for better sound quality.

Similar to the Sonys the QC35s also connect to two devices simultaneously and "audio share" one of them with a person who is a friend. This is great if you're looking to listen music with one ear while talking to someone else. These headphones are also popular with frequent flyers, and have that classic Bose design that many people love. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers for decals are available at a reasonable cost if you want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s made by 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 the older system-on-chip (SoC) with a new one that, according to the company, will allow it to detect and react more accurately to the ambient sound in real time by reducing mid- and high-frequency noises using its Dual Noise sensor technology.

Two feedforward mics in each earcup absorb ambient sounds, which are then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling processor to reduce it as quickly as possible without altering the quality of your music. The result is an incredibly amazing level of noise reduction that easily competes with the best budget noise cancelling headphones headphones at this price.

There's even a sensitivity control that allows you to adjust the level of noise cancellation according to your needs. If you're in a public space, for example you may need some ambient noise to be blocked out in the background, while at home you'll prefer a more closed-off listening experience. This feature makes use of geo-location to apply the right setting based on your destination.

The WH-1000XM4s can be utilized for hands-free calls. They have a whopping 30 hours of battery life, with quick charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also feature an impressive Bluetooth connection that supports multipoint and NFC support. In my testing I noticed that an instant Remastering of Paul McCartney's Flaming pie was dynamic and clear, while rough mixes and recordings from the home also sounded clear and crisp.

To get the most value out of these headphones, you'll need to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. This lets you customize the EQ settings and provides convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint, as well as allowing you to unlock some of the most exciting new 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 are great option if you're seeking a pair that offers excellent active noise cancellation at an affordable price. The 710N Wireless is a step up over its predecessor with more efficient ANC performance and superior audio quality. The 710N Wireless also features a lighter design with a battery life of up to 35 hours.

These headphones are not for you if you want premium features such as 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 can't fold, which may make them tough to travel with.

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent, but not as great as the 1000XM5. The headband Best Over Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones and earcups are constructed of plastic. They are light and comfortable for long periods of time however, they aren't built to withstand heavy use or a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is quite bulky and the earcups can creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use, with tactile buttons which provide a good clicky feedback. The ANC is toggled off and on by pressing the power switch. Pressing and holding the button activates Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature allows you to select an audio profile that is preset 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 make this determination).

The WH-CH720N is one the best Over ear Noise Cancelling headphones-value pairs of wireless noise cancelling headphones on the market. You get great ANC for the price, plus lightweight comfort and up to 35-hour battery life. If you're a frequent commuter these headphones are worth a look.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's earbuds and headsets are well-known for their 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 as if your ears are squeezed. These headphones also have a lot of features that are available in headphones that cost nearly twice as much.

The earbuds have a pronounced bass range that adds rumble and punch to most tracks and keeps lead vocals and instruments bright and clear. This makes them suitable for a wide range of content. However, they may sound a bit stuttery to some. They have a constant frequency response, which means 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 showcasing the track's bass-heavy opening with enthusiasm and zeal. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar agile sound with the treble accentuating the vocals and the percussion.

Voice quality is top-notch, even in noisy environments. The earbuds are equipped with the latest Qualcomm chip that ensures background noises, clicks and other distractions are kept to low levels. This is the case even when talking on the London Underground during rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds are also excellent, with only a few issues we encountered during our testing. They connect quickly and with low latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, which means they are suitable for rain or for workouts. However, they should not be submerged in water. They come with a case that can hold two quarters and two quarters of charges. This is perfect to take on trips.