Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth generation model of Sony's noise-cancelling headphones appears a bit different from the previous model but they sound as good. They're comfy, lightweight and feature a variety of features including Quick Attention mode, Speak-to-Chat wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

The ANC is very powerful and reduces train noise to a low rumble. A 'pass through' option lets you hear outside sounds if needed.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are consistently among the top of the line in the business when it comes to noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is not an exception. They offer one of the Best Over Ear Headphones Noise-Cancelling noise cancelling experiences we've had. When you put on the headphones and turn on noise cancellation, you're entering a world of silence. Engine sounds and HVAC systems, squeaking metal, and even conversations with your neighbors all go out of the window.

The XM5s also shine on the audio aspect. Their wide soundstage allows every element of a song to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for example, the drums are pounding with a satisfying amount of force and power, while soaring vocals harmonise throughout the mix.

The XM5s are also notable because of their smart interaction with your smart device. They will detect when they are being removed from the head and then pause the music. They can also note that you are on a busy highway and automatically reduce the noise cancelling volume.

The WH-1000XM5s have also a low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s are constructed of recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. The headband is made of premium fabric. They come with a case that folds into itself, forming the 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 removable to make it easy to clean. The XM5s also have rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20 hours of playtime. They are equipped with a fast charging system that can charge twice as fast as conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The bose quietcomfort 35 ii over ear noise cancelling bluetooth headphones QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 with their comfortable fit with a balanced sound profile and ANC technology that blocks out a great deal of background noise they are more versatile than the Audio-Technica Wireless Headphones ATH-DSR9BT. The Bose headphones also come with longer battery life of 20 hours and take less time to charge, and can be used in conjunction with a phone when the battery is dead which makes them a great option for those looking for headphones that can serve as commuting headphones, or travel headphones.

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

As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do a solid job in reducing ambient noise, and their noise reduction technology has improved over the years. They're not the most effective ANC headphone available particularly when compared to more recent competitors. Audiophiles should look elsewhere for better audio quality.

Like the Sonys The QC35s are able to connect to two devices at once and "audio share" one of them with a person who is a friend. This is great if you're looking to listen music in one ear while conversing with someone else. They are also popular among frequent flyers and feature the classic Bose design that people adore. If you're looking to spruce up the QC35s with some personalization, decal covers like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available for a reasonable price.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s made by Sony aren't much different in terms of aesthetics or comfort however, their noise cancellation technology is a completely new beast. Sony has replaced the older system-on-chip (SoC) with a brand new one, which it claims will allow it to listen and respond more precisely to ambient audio in real-time by reducing mid- and high-frequency noises thanks to its Dual Noise sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup capture ambient sounds. The sound is processed by QN1 noise cancelling processor to reduce it rapidly without impacting the quality of your audio. The result is an impressive level of noise neutralization that is able to compete with the best headphones at this price.

There's even a sensitivity control that allows you to adjust the noise cancellation according to your preferences. If you're in a public space, for example you may need to allow a bit of ambient noise to be blocked out and at home, you'll want a more secluded listening experience. This feature makes use of geo-location to apply the appropriate setting based on where you are.

The WH-1000XM4s can be utilized to make calls hands-free and come with an impressive 30 hours of battery life, with quick charging capabilities. They also feature a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection with support for multipoint and NFC. In my testing the speedy remastering of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie was clear and vibrant, while even rough mixes and recordings from home sounded crisp and full.

Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to maximize the performance of these headphones. This allows you to customize the EQ settings and also provides convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint, while allowing you to access some of the latest cool features, such as access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering process that breathes life into the older music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are excellent choice if you're looking to purchase a pair that offers excellent active noise cancellation at an affordable price. They're a step up from their predecessor, the 710N Wireless, with higher ANC performance and superior audio quality. The 710N Wireless also features a lighter design with a battery life of up to 35 hours.

However, if you're looking for premium features like LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration These headphones aren't the best choice suitable for you. Also, they don't come with a carrying case or auto-pause function, and the earcups aren't foldable, which may make them tough to travel with.

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent, but not as impressive as the aforementioned 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 quite bulky and the earcups tend to creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use and have tactile buttons that provide excellent clicky feedback. A single press of the power button toggles ANC on and off, whereas pressing and holding prompts you to turn on Sony's Adaptive Audio Control feature. This feature allows you select a preset profile that is based on your location or the way you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N is one the most affordable pairs of wireless noise cancelling headphones available on the market. It offers excellent ANC for the price, plus lightweight comfort and 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 earbuds and headsets are well-known for their value and the Air Pro is no exception. They're great for calls and music and their ANC technology blocks out a significant amount of noise without making your ears feel uncomfortable. They also have a lot of features found on ear noise cancelling headphones rival headphones that cost twice as much or more.

The earbuds have an overemphasized bass range that adds rumble and a punch to the majority of tracks while keeping the instruments and lead vocals clear and alive. This makes them suitable for a wide variety of content, though they may sound a little too loud for certain. They have a very consistent frequency response, so they sound the same no matter the content you are listening.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds embraced the track's booming intro with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly quick listen, with the treble showcasing the layered vocals as well as the percussion.

The quality of voice is superb even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds come with the most recent Qualcomm chip, which ensures that background noises, clicks and other distractions are kept at the bare minimum. This is the case even when talking on the London Underground during rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is excellent, with only a few issues we encountered during our testing. They connect quickly and have minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are also IPX5 water-resistant, Best Over Ear Headphones Noise-Cancelling so they're fine for rain and exercise - though you shouldn't put them in water. They come with a case that can hold two and a quarter charges. This is perfect for traveling.