Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth generation model of Sony's noise cancelling headphones looks a bit different from the previous model but sound just as excellent. 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 the background rumble. The option to pass-through allows you to hear external sounds, if necessary.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are consistently among the top in the business in terms of noise cancelling. And the fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s is not an exception, providing one of the most enjoyable experiences we've had with noise cancellation headphones in recent years. Strapping a pair on and activating noise cancellation is like stepping into a vast cone of silence: The sound of engines as well as the whir of HVAC systems, the creaking metal, even neighboring conversations are all muted to an uncanny degree.

The XM5s also stand out on the audio front with a wide soundstage capable of giving the various elements of a track room to breathe and shine. For instance, on Billie's Bad Guy, the drums are pounding with a satisfying force and heft as soaring vocals harmonise across the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s standout are their smart interactions with your smartphone. They will detect the moment they're taken off your head and pause music, they'll notice that you're on a noisy road and automatically lower the noise cancelling volume and they can also connect with two devices simultaneously to switch between them, depending on what you need urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a very low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s consist of recycled plastics, butadiene, acrylonitrile and styrene. The headband is constructed of premium fabric. They come with a collapsible carry case that folds to create a compact bag, as well as a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable that can be used in a quiet mode. The earcups can be removed for easy cleaning. The XM5s also come with a rechargeable battery which provides up to 20-hours of playtime. They come with a rapid charging system that charges twice as fast as standard USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless with their comfortable fit and balanced sound profile and ANC technology that blocks out a large amount of background sennheiser noise cancelling headphones, are more versatile than Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless Headphones. The Bose headphones come with a 20-hour battery, are more convenient to charge and can still be used with a smartphone even if the battery is dead. This makes them an ideal choice for those who are looking for headphones that can be used as commuter headphones or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones feature a dedicated Google Assistant button, which will allow the assistant to play music, answer trivia and read notifications from your smartphone. They have great noise cancellation abilities. They're a bit old-fashioned in comparison to the standards of 2020 however, you can enjoy amazing bargains.

As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do an excellent job in reducing ambient noise and noise reduction technology has advanced over the ear noise cancelling headphones the years. They're not the best ANC headphone out there particularly when compared to newer competitors. Audiophiles will want to consider other options for better audio quality.

The QC35s can also be used to connect to two devices at once and also "audio share" with a friend. This is a great option for those who like listening to music while talking to someone else. These headphones are popular with frequent flyers, and have the classic Bose design that people love. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers for decals are readily available at a reasonable price when you wish to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s aren't a lot in terms of design or comfort improvements in comparison to the M3s, but its noise cancelling is an entirely new beast. The company has replaced the older system-on-chip (SoC) with a new one that it claims will allow it to listen and respond more precisely the ambient sound in real time by reducing mid- and high-frequency noises with its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward mics in each earcup capture ambient sounds, which are then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling process to cut it down as quickly as possible, without affecting the quality of your music. The result is an amount of noise reduction that is comparable to the top headphones available at this price.

There's even a sensitivity control that allows you to adjust the level of noise cancellation according to your requirements. You may, for instance prefer to hear ambient sounds in public when you're at home, but you might prefer a more secluded off listening experience. This feature uses geo-location to determine the right setting based on where you are.

The WH1000XM4s have the capability of making calls using hands-free technology. They also come with 30 hours of battery life and quick charging capabilities. They also feature a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection with support for multipoint as well as NFC. In my tests I noticed that the restoration of Paul McCartney's Flaming pie was lively and clear, while rough mixes and recordings from home also sounded clear and crisp.

To get the most value out of these headphones, it is necessary to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. You can alter the EQ and take advantage of convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint. It also unlocks some cool new stuff, like Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're looking for a pair of headphones that offer excellent active noise cancellation for an affordable price, the Sony WH-CH720N are an excellent option. The 710N Wireless is an improvement over its predecessor with improved ANC performance and better sound quality. The 710N Wireless also features a lighter design with a battery lifespan of up to 35 hours.

These headphones are not suitable for those who want flagship features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening that incorporates voice assistants. Also, they do not come with a carrying case or auto-pause functionality and the earcups don't fold, which may make them difficult to carry around.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent but not as impressive as the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups made of plastic. They're light and comfortable for long periods, but they're not built to withstand intense use or even a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is also somewhat bulky, and the earcups can creak when you move your head. The controls are easy to use, however, with tactile buttons that provide excellent feedback via clicks. The ANC can be switched on and off with a single press of the power switch. Pressing and holding the button activates Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you select a preset profile that is based on your location or how you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N noise cancelling wireless headphones are one of the most affordable models on the market. For the price you get top ANC with a great sound and comfort, as well as up to 35 hours of battery life. If you're a frequent commuter these headphones are worth considering.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's headsets and earbuds are known for their value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They're efficient for calls and exciting for music, and their ANC block a lot of noise without making you feel like your ears are suffocated. They also have many features that are available on other headphones that cost twice or more.

The earbuds have a pronounced bass range which adds rumble and punch to most tracks while keeping the instruments and lead vocals clear and alive. This makes them suitable for a wide range of music, although they might sound a bit loud for some. Their frequency response is also very consistent, ensuring that they sound the same no matter what you're listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds took to the track's bassy opening with zeal and energy. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly quick listen with the treble playing off the various layered vocals and drums.

On the phone, the voice quality is very good even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds feature the most recent Qualcomm chip that ensures background noises, clicks, and other distractions are kept at the bare minimum. This is the case even when talking next to London Underground during rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds are also excellent, with a small number of issues during our tests. They pair and connect quickly with a minimal amount of latency for iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, meaning they are suitable for exercise or best noise cancelling headphones rain. However, they should not be submerged in water. They also come with a carry-on case that can hold two and a half charge that are great for travelling.