Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

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

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

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are consistently among the top in the business in terms of noise cancelling. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are not an exception. They provide one of the most impressive noise cancelling experiences we've ever experienced. The moment you put them on and activating noise cancellation is like stepping into a vast cone of silence: engine sounds and the whirring of HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors are muted to an uncanny degree.

The XM5s are also impressive on the audio side with an impressive soundstage capable of giving the various elements of a track the space to breathe and shine. For instance, on Billie's Bad Guy, the drums pound with a satisfying power and weight as the soaring vocals harmonise across the mix.

Other features that make the XM5s stand out are their smart interactions with your smartphone. They can sense the moment they are removed from the head and pause the music. They can also note that you are driving on a noisy highway and automatically reduce the noise cancelling volume.

The WH-1000XM5s also have a low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s consist of recycled plastics, acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. The headband is constructed of high-quality fabric. They include a collapsible case that folds into itself, forming the compact pouch. Also included is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so you can listen to music in passive mode. The ear cups are removable to make it easy to clean. Additionally, the XM5s run on a rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 hours of playtime when on a full charge. They're also equipped with an adaptive speed charging system that charges at twice the speed of conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 I/QC35 II Wireless, with their comfortable fit, balanced sound profile, and ANC technology that blocks out a great deal of background noise they are more versatile than Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless Headphones. The Bose headphones also have longer battery life of 20 hours, take less time to charge, and can be wired with a phone even when the battery is dead and makes them a good choice for those who need a pair of headphones that can be used as commuting headphones or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphone have a dedicated Google Assistant button, which activates the assistant to play music, answer trivia and read notifications from your smartphone. They have outstanding noise cancellation abilities, and while they're getting long by 2020 standards (and have successors to their sibling line, the QC35), you can still get great deals on these headphones.

The QC35s, like other Bose ANC headsets, do excellent job of blocking ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over time. They're not the most effective ANC headphone out there in particular when compared with newer competitors. Audiophiles will want to consider other options for better sound.

The QC35s also have the ability to connect to two devices at once, and can "audio share" with a person. This is great for those who want to listen to music while conversing with someone else. They're also a popular option for frequent travellers, and they've got the classic Bose design that a lot of people enjoy. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker decal covers are readily available at a reasonable price if you want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

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

Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup capture ambient sound. This is then processed by QN1 noise cancelling processor to cut it down quickly without affecting the quality of your audio. The result is an incredibly impressive level of noise cancellation that easily competes with the Best over ear headphones noise cancelling headphones at this price.

There's a sensitivity dial which allows you to alter the noise cancellation to suit your preferences. If you're out in public for instance you may need to allow a bit of ambient noise to be blocked out and at home, you'll prefer a more closed-off listening experience. This feature also makes use of geo-location to automatically apply the right setting depending on where you're going.

The WH1000XM4s can be used for making hands-free phone calls. They also have 30 hours of battery life and quick charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also have an impressive Bluetooth connection with multipoint and NFC support. In my tests, a quick remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie was clear and vibrant, while even rough mixes and home recordings were clear and full.

To get the most out of these headphones, you'll need download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. You can adjust the EQ and take advantage of convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint. It also unlocks cool new features, like Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are a great option if you're seeking headphones that offer excellent active noise cancellation at affordable costs. The 710N Wireless is an improvement over ear headphones noise cancelling bluetooth - More inspiring ideas - its predecessor, offering better ANC performance and better audio quality. They also come with a lighter design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

These headphones are not suitable for those who want top-of-the-line features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening, which integrates voice assistants. Also, they don't come with a carry case or auto-pause functionality and the earcups aren't foldable, which may make them tough to travel with.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent, but not as good a 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic. They're lightweight and comfortable for long periods of time, however, they aren't built to withstand heavy use or a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is a bit bulky, and the earcups creak when you move. The controls are easy to use, though they feature tactile buttons that offer excellent feedback via clicks. A single touch of the power button turns ANC on and off, while pressing and over ear headphones noise cancelling bluetooth holding prompts you to turn on Sony's Adaptive Audio Control feature. This feature lets you select an audio profile that is preset according to the type of headphones you're using the headphones (e.g., "Staying at Work" or "Running") or your current location (with your phone granted permission to decide this).

The WH-CH720N wireless noise cancellation headphones are among the most affordable models on the market. For the price you'll get excellent 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 checking out.

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 enthralling for music, while their ANC blocks a good amount of noise, but doesn't make you feel like your ears are being squeezed. They also come with numerous features you can find on rival headphones that cost twice as much or more.

The earbuds are over-emphasized in the bass section and can create a rumble on many tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain bright and clear. This makes them ideal for a variety of music. However, they may sound a bit stuttery to some. Their frequency response is very consistent, meaning they sound the same no matter what you listen to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds embraced the track's bassy opening with zeal and energy. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar fluid sound, with the treble highlighting the vocals and the percussion.

The quality of voice is superb, even in noisy environments. The earbuds are equipped with the latest Qualcomm chip to ensure the clarity of calls, with background noises and clicks being kept to a minimum, even when speaking next to the London Underground at rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is also excellent, with only a few issues we encountered during our testing. They connect quickly and have minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They're also IPX5 waterproof, which means they're fine for rain and workouts, but you shouldn't immerse them in water. They come with a case that can hold two quarters and a quarter of a charge. This is perfect for travel.