Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth generation model of Sony's noise-cancelling headphones appears a bit different than the previous version but they sound as great. The headphones are light, comfortable, and come with a variety of features such as Speak-to -Chat and Quick Attention mode. They also have wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

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

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the best when it comes noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is the same. They offer one of the most impressive audio experiences that we've experienced. When you put on a pair and activating noise cancellation is like stepping into a symphony of silence: The sound of engines as well as the whir of HVAC systems, creaking metal, even neighboring conversations are all quiet to an unimaginable degree.

The XM5s also shine on the audio front. Their wide soundstage allows every element of a song to breathe and shine. For instance, on the track by Billie Eilish called Bad Guy, the drums pound with a satisfying weight and drive as singing voices soaring reverberate across the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s stand out include their smart interactions with your smartphone. They will detect when they are removed from the head and then pause the music. They can also note that you are on a busy highway and automatically lower the noise cancelling level.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a very low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s are constructed from recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, butadiene, 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 you can listen to music in passive mode. The earcups are removable for easy cleaning. The XM5s run on rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20 hours of playtime when on a full charge, and they're equipped with an adaptive fast charging system that charges twice the speed of conventional 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 significant amount of background noise They are more adaptable than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT Wireless Headphones. The Bose headphones also come with longer battery life of 20 hours and require less time to charge, and can be wired with a phone even when the battery is dead, making them a better option for those looking for a pair of headphones that can be used as commuting headphones, or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones feature a dedicated Google Assistant button, which will allow the assistant to play music, answer questions and read notifications on your smartphone. They have excellent noise cancelling capabilities, and although they're becoming a bit long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors in their sibling line the QC35) However, you can still find great deals on them.

Like other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do an excellent job of cancelling out ambient noise, and their noise reduction technology has advanced over the ear noise cancelling headphones the years. However they're not the most effective ANC headphones on the market particularly when compared to newer competitors and audiophiles should consider looking elsewhere for a better sound experience.

As with the Sonys The QC35s are able to connect to two devices at once and "audio share" one of them with a friend, which is useful when you're looking to listen music with one ear while conversing with someone else. They're also a popular choice for frequent flyers, and they have the classic Bose look that many people love. If you're looking for a way to spice up the QC35s with a touch of personalization, decal cover-ups like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available at affordable prices.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

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

Two microphones that feed forward into each earcup capture ambient sounds. The sound is processed by QN1 noise cancelling processor to cut it down quickly without impacting the quality of your audio. The result is a level of noise reduction that is comparable to the top headphones available at this price.

There's a sensitivity dial that allows you to adjust the noise cancellation to fit your preferences. For instance, if you, want to hear ambient sounds in public when you're at home, but you might prefer a more secluded off listening experience. This feature also uses geo-location access to automatically apply the right setting based on where you're heading.

The WH1000XM4s have the capability of making hands-free phone calls. They also have 30 hours of battery life and rapid charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also have a robust Bluetooth connection with multipoint and NFC support. In my testing the speedy remastering of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and lively and even rough mixes and recordings made at home sound clear and full.

To get the most out of these headphones, you'll need download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. This lets you customize the EQ settings and offers convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint, as well as allowing you to unlock some of the latest cool stuff - such as 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 excellent choice if you're looking to purchase headphones that offer outstanding active noise cancellation at affordable costs. They're a step up from their predecessor that was the 710N Wireless, offering more efficient ANC performance and a better sound quality. They also feature smaller dimensions and up to 35 hours of battery life.

These headphones aren't the best noise cancelling over ear headphones suitable for those who want top-of-the-line features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening, which integrates voice assistants. They don't come with a carrying case, auto-pause feature, or earcups that fold and are therefore difficult to travel with.

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent, but not as great as the aforementioned 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic. They are light and comfortable for long periods of time however, they aren't built to withstand heavy use or even a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is also a little bulky and the earcups tend to creak when you move your head. The controls are easy to use and have tactile buttons that provide good clicky feedback. The ANC can be switched on and off by pressing the power switch. Pressing and holding the button triggers Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you choose a preset profile based on your location or how you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N wireless noise cancellation headphones are among the most affordable models on the market. You get great ANC for the price, lightweight comfort and up to 35 hours of battery life. If you're a frequent commuter, these headphones are worth considering.

5. Earfun Air Pro

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are known for their great value. They're great for music and audiophiles calls and their ANC technology blocks a significant amount of noise without making your ears feel suffocated. They also come with numerous features you can find on competing headphones that cost more or twice as much.

The earbuds are emphasized in the bass range and creates a rumble in most tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain clear and bright. This makes them suitable for a broad range of music, even though they may sound a little loud for some. The frequency response is very consistent, meaning 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 booming intro with zeal and energy. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly agile listen, with the treble showcasing the various layered vocals and percussion.

The quality of voice is superb, even in noisy environments. The earbuds come with the latest Qualcomm chip that ensures background noises, clicks, and other distractions are kept to the bare minimum. This is especially true when talking on the London Underground during rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds are also excellent, with a small number of issues we encountered during our testing. They connect quickly and have minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, so you can use them in rain or workouts. However, they should not be submerged in water. They also come with a carry-on case that holds two and a half charges, which is great for travel.