Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation Sony noise cancelling headphones are different from the previous model but sound just as great. The headphones are light and comfortable, and feature a variety of features that include Speak-to-Chat mode and Quick Attention mode. They also come with wear detection, as well as AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

The ANC is powerful, cutting train noises to an ambient rumble. The option to pass-through allows you to hear external sounds 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 most impressive audio experiences that we've had. When you put on the headphones and enable noise cancellation, you're entering a world of silence. Engine noises, HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with your neighbors all go out of the window.

The XM5s are also awe-inspiring on the audio front, with an expansive soundstage that gives every element of a track space to breathe and shine. For instance, on Billie Eilish's Bad Guy, the drums beat with a satisfying amount of force and heft as soaring vocals harmonise across the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s standout are their smart interactions with your smart device. They can detect the moment they're taken off your head and stop music, they'll notice that you're on a noisy road and automatically reduce the noise cancelling volume and pair with two devices simultaneously to switch between them based on what you need more urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a very low environmental impact. They are made of recycled plastic and acrylonitrile styrene (ABS), with a headband made from premium fabric. They come with a collapsible case that folds into itself, creating an incredibly compact pouch. Also included is an 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so that you can listen in passive mode. The over ear headphones bluetooth noise cancelling cups can be removed for simple cleaning. Additionally, the XM5s run on rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20 hours of playtime 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 QuietComfort 35 I/QC35 II Wireless 2018, with their comfortable fit with a balanced sound profile and ANC technology that blocks a large amount of background noise They are more adaptable than Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless Headphones. The Bose headphones also have longer battery life of 20 hours and take less time to charge, and can be wired with a phone even when the battery is not fully charged, making them a better choice for those who need headphones that can serve as commuting headphones or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphone have a dedicated Google Assistant button, which will allow the assistant to play music, respond to trivia and read notifications from your smartphone. They have outstanding noise cancellation capabilities, and even though they are getting a bit long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors in their sibling line the QC35) However, you can still find fantastic deals on them.

Like other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s are capable in reducing ambient noise, and their noise reduction technology has advanced Over Ear Headphones Noise Cancelling Bluetooth time. They're not the best ANC headphone available, especially when compared to newer competitors. Audiophiles will want to consider other options for better audio quality.

The QC35s are also able to connect to two devices at once and also "audio share" with a friend. This is a great option for those who want to listen to music while talking with another person. They're also a popular option for frequent flyers, and they have the classic Bose design that a lot of people appreciate. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers for decals are available for purchase at a reasonable price if you want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH-1000XM4s don't offer much in the way of design or comfort improvements in comparison to the M3s, but its noise cancellation is a whole new beast. The company has replaced its older system-on-chip (SoC) with a brand new one, which it claims will enable it to listen and respond more precisely to ambient sound in real-time by reducing mid- and high-frequency noises with its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup capture ambient sound, which is then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling processor to cut it down as quickly as possible without altering the quality of your music. The result is an impressive level of noise neutralization that is able to compete with the top headphones in this price range.

There's a sensitivity dial which lets you adjust the noise cancellation to fit your preferences. You may, for instance wish to listen to ambient sounds in public while at home, or you might prefer a more closed off listening experience. This feature also uses geo-location to automatically apply the correct setting depending on where you're going.

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

To get the most out of these headphones, it is necessary to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. It lets you alter the EQ settings and also provides convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint, while allowing you to access some of the most exciting new stuff - such as access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering technique that breathes life into older music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are a great option if you're seeking a pair that offers excellent active noise cancellation at an affordable price. They improve on their predecessor model, the 710N Wireless, with a better ANC performance and a better sound quality. They also come with a lighter design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

However, if you're expecting flagship-level features like LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration These headphones aren't the best choice suitable for you. They don't have a carrying case, auto-pause feature, or foldable earcups and are therefore difficult to travel with.

The quality of the WH-CH720N's construction is decent however, it's not as great as a 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic, which is a breeze and comfortable to wear for extended periods but will not stand up to rigorous use or some tumbling on hard surfaces. The design is also a little bulky and the earcups are likely 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 over ear headphones noise Cancelling bluetooth off, whereas pressing and holding prompts you to turn on Sony's Adaptive Audio Control feature. This feature allows you to select the preset audio profile depending on the way you're using the headphones (e.g., "Staying at Work" or "Running") or your current location (with your phone granted permission to make this determination).

The WH-CH720N wireless noise cancellation headphones are among the cheapest on the market. For the price you get top ANC and excellent sound quality 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 checking out.

5. Earfun Air Pro

Earfun's earbuds and headsets are well-known for offering great value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They are perfect for calls and music, and their ANC technology blocks out a large 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 have a pronounced bass range which adds rumble and punch to most tracks, while keeping instruments and lead vocals clear and present. This makes them suitable for a broad range of music, even though they might sound a bit too loud for certain. They have a consistent frequency response, so they sound the same no matter the music you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did a fantastic job of celebrating the song's bass-heavy intro with enthusiasm and zeal. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly quick listen with the treble playing off the layered vocals as well as percussion.

Voice quality is top-notch 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 at bay. This is especially true when talking on the London Underground during rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent, with little to any issues during our testing. They connect quickly and with minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are also IPX5 water-resistant, so they're perfect for rain and exercise - though you shouldn't put them in water. They come with an enclosure that can hold two quarters and two quarters of charges. This is perfect to take on trips.