Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

The fifth-generation version of Sony's noise-cancelling headphones look a little different than the previous version but they're just as excellent. The headphones are lightweight, comfortable, and feature various features, including Quick Attention mode and Speak-to-Chat. They also have wear detection and AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.

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

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony headphones are among the top models in the field of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is not an exception. They offer one of the best audio experiences that we've experienced. When you put on a pair and activating noise cancellation is like walking into a symphony of silence: The sound of engines as well as the whir of HVAC systems, the creaking metal, even conversations with your neighbors are muted to an uncanny degree.

The XM5s also impress on the audio aspect. Their large soundstage lets the entire song to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy for example, the drums are pounding with a pleasing amount of force and power and soaring vocals are a perfect fit throughout the mix.

The XM5s also stand out for their intelligent interaction with your smart device. They can recognise when they're being removed from your head and play music, they can note that you're driving on a noisy road and automatically dial down the noise cancelling volume and they can also pair with two devices simultaneously to switch between them based on what you need urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s have also a low environmental impact. They are made from recycled plastic and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), with a headband made from high-end fabric. They also come with a collapsible carrying case that folds into itself to form a compact bag, wireless noise cancelling headphones as well as an 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable that can be used in a passive mode. The earcups are washable and removable for easy cleaning. The XM5s come with rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20-hours of playtime. They are equipped with a quick charging system that charges twice as fast as traditional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 I/QC35 II Wireless with their comfortable fit with a balanced sound profile and ANC technology that blocks a great deal of background noise They are more adaptable than Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless Headphones. The Bose headphones come with a battery that lasts for 20 hours, they are much easier to charge and can be used with a mobile even if the battery is dead. This makes them a great choice for those who are looking for headphones that can be used as commuter headphones or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones have a dedicated button that turns on Google Assistant, which will play music, answer trivia questions, and even read your phone notifications. These headphones are incredibly quiet with excellent noise cancellation capabilities. They're a bit old-fashioned in comparison to the standards of 2020, but you can still enjoy excellent bargains.

The QC35s, as with other Bose ANC headsets, do well at blocking ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over the years. However they're not the most effective ANC headphones out there, especially compared to their newer competitors, and audiophiles should look elsewhere for better sound quality.

The QC35s also have the ability to connect to two devices at the same time and also "audio share" with a friend. This is great for those who want to listen to music while talking with another person. They are also popular with frequent flyers and have that classic Bose design that many people love. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers for decals are readily available at a reasonable price if you want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

Sony's WH1000XM4s offer nothing in the way of design or comfort improvements from the M3s, but its noise cancellation is an entirely new beast. Sony has replaced the old system-on chip (SoC) with a brand new one, which it claims will allow it to detect and respond more precisely to ambient sound in real-time while reducing mid- and high-frequency noises thanks to its Dual Noise sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup suck up ambient sounds, which are then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling processor to reduce it as fast as possible without altering the quality of your music. The result is a level of noise reduction that is comparable to the top headphones in this price range.

There's a sensitivity dial which allows you to alter the noise cancellation to meet your preferences. When you're in public for instance, you might want a little bit of ambient sound to be filtered through and at home, you'll want a more private listening experience. This feature utilizes geo-location to determine the right setting based on your destination.

The WH-1000XM4s can be used for hands-free calls and boast a staggering 30 hours of battery life, with fast charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also feature a robust Bluetooth connection with multipoint and NFC support. In my testing an instant remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and vibrant, while even rough mixes and recordings made at home sound clear and full.

To get the most value out of these headphones, it is necessary to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. You can customize the EQ and enjoy features that make it easy like Bluetooth multipoint. It also unlocks cool new stuff, like Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're seeking a pair of headphones that can provide top-quality active noise cancellation at an affordable price the Sony WH-CH720N headphones are a great choice. The 710N Wireless is a step up over ear wireless headphones noise cancelling its predecessor and offers more efficient ANC performance, and superior audio quality. The 710N Wireless is also equipped with an elongated design and battery lifespan of up to 35 hours.

These headphones are not for you if you expect flagship features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening which incorporates voice assistants. They also don't come with a carrying case or auto-pause function, and the earcups don't fold and can make them difficult to travel with.

The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent, but not as great as the aforementioned 1000XM5. The earcups and headband are made of plastic, which is a breeze and comfortable to wear for long periods but will not stand up to rigorous use or some tumbling on hard surfaces. The design is heavy, and the earcups squeak when you move them. The controls are easy to use, though, with tactile buttons that offer excellent feedback via clicks. The ANC can be switched off and on with a single press of the power switch. Pressing and holding the button will activate Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature allows you to select a preset audio profile 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 determine this).

The WH-CH720N is among the most cost-effective pairs of wireless noise cancelling headphones available on the market. For the price you get top ANC with a great sound 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 considering.

5. Earfun Air Pro

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are well-known for their excellent value. They're great for calling and music and their ANC technology blocks a significant amount of noise without making your ears feel like they are being suffocated. They also come with a lot of features found on rival headphones that cost twice or more.

The earbuds have a lot of emphasis in the bass area which can create a rumble on many tracks. Lead vocals and instruments remain bright and clear. This makes them perfect for a variety of music. However, they could sound a bit boomy to some. Their frequency response is also very consistent, meaning they sound exactly the same regardless of the music you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds embraced the track's booming intro with zeal and energy. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly fluid listen with the treble playing off the many layers of vocals and percussion.

On the phone, voice quality is excellent, even in noisy environments. The earbuds feature the most recent Qualcomm chip, which ensures that background noises, clicks, and other distractions are kept to bay. This is especially true when you are talking to London Underground during rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds are also excellent, with very few issues in 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 immerse them in water. They come with a case that can accommodate two and a quarter charges. This is ideal for traveling.