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. They're lightweight, comfortable and boast a range of features including Speak-to -Chat mode, Quick Attention mode wear detection, AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

The ANC is powerful, cutting train noises to an ambient rumble. The option to pass through allows you to hear outside sounds if needed.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are always among the best over ear noise cancelling headphones in the industry in the field of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s is no exception, offering one of the most enjoyable experiences we've had with noise cancellation headphones in recent years. When you put on your headphones and enable noise cancellation, it's like walking into a cone of silence. Engine noises as well as HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors all go out of the window.

The XM5s are also awe-inspiring on the audio front with an impressive soundstage that can give all elements of a track room to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy for example, the drums are pounding with a satisfying amount power and weight, while soaring vocals harmonise throughout the mix.

The XM5s stand out because of their smart interaction with your smartphone. They can sense when they are removed from the head and pause the music. They can also note that you are driving on a noisy highway and automatically lower the noise cancelling volume.

The WH-1000XM5s also are eco-friendly. The WH-1000XM5s are made of recycled plastics, butadiene, acrylonitrile and styrene. Their headband is made of high-quality fabric. They also include a collapsible carrying case that folds to form a compact bag, as well as a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm aux cable for listening in a passive mode. The ear cups are washable and removable 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 can charge twice as fast as traditional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless, with their comfortable fit and 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 in conjunction with a phone when the battery is not fully charged which makes them a great option for those looking for a pair of headphones that can serve as commuting headphones, or travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones have a dedicated button that activates Google Assistant, which will play music as well as answer trivia questions and even read your phone notifications. They are a great noise cancelling capabilities, and although they're becoming a bit long by 2020 standards (and have successors in their sibling line the QC35) However, you can still find great deals on them.

The QC35s, as with other Bose ANC headsets, do well at cancelling ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has been improved over time. However they're not the most effective ANC headphones available, especially compared to their contemporary counterparts and audiophiles should look elsewhere for better sound quality.

As with the Sonys the QC35s also connect to two devices at once and "audio share" one of them with a person who is a friend. This is useful when you're looking to listen music in one ear while conversing with someone else. These headphones are also popular with frequent flyers, and have the classic Bose design that a lot of people love. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker decal covers are available for purchase at a reasonable price if you want to personalize your QC35s.

3. Sony WH-1000XM4

The WH-1000XM4s made by Sony do not change much in terms of comfort or aesthetics however their noise cancellation technology is a completely new beast. The company has swapped out the system-on-chip (SoC) for a new one that claims to allow it to better detect and respond to ambient sound in real-time, and reduce high- and mid-frequency sounds through its Dual Noise Sensor technology.

Two microphones that feed forward into each earcup record ambient sound. This is then processed by QN1 noise cancelling processor to reduce it quickly without impacting the quality of your audio. The result is a level of noise reduction that is comparable to the best headphones available at this price.

There's a sensitivity dial which allows you to adjust the noise cancellation to meet your preferences. You might, for instance wish to listen to the sounds of the city while at home, or you may prefer a more closed off listening experience. This feature also makes use of geo-location to automatically select the appropriate setting depending on where you're going.

The WH1000XM4s have the capability of making calls using hands-free technology. They also come with a 30 hour battery life and fast charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also have an extremely robust Bluetooth connection that supports multipoint and NFC support. In my tests I discovered that a quick restoration of Paul McCartney's Flaming pie was dynamic and clear, while rough mixes and home recordings also sounded clear and crisp.

To get the most enjoyment of these headphones, you'll need 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 unlock some of the cooler new features, such as access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering process that breathes new life into the older music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're looking for headphones that provide excellent active noise cancellation at an affordable price the Sony WH-CH720N headphones are a great option. They improve on their predecessor, the 710N Wireless, with a better ANC performance and superior sound quality. They also have an elongated design and up to 35 hours of battery life.

These headphones aren't the best suitable for those who want top-of-the-line features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening which incorporates voice assistants. They also don't come with a carrying case or auto-pause feature, and the earcups don't fold and can make them difficult to travel with.

The quality of the construction of the WHCH720N is decent but not as impressive as a 1000XM5. The earcups and the headband are made of plastic which is light and comfortable to wear for extended periods but isn't built to withstand the rigors of use or even a few tumbles on ear noise cancelling headphones hard surfaces. The design is heavy and the earcups squeak when you move. The controls are easy to use and have tactile buttons that provide satisfying click-like feedback. The ANC can be turned off and on by a single push of the power switch. Pressing and holding the button activates Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature allows you select the appropriate profile based on the location you are in or how you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N wireless noise cancellation headphones are among the most affordable models on the market. For the money you get top ANC, excellent sound, lightweight comfort and up to 35 hours of battery life. These headphones are worth checking if you commute frequently.

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 music, and their ANC technology blocks out a significant amount of noise without making your ears feel like they are being suffocated. They also come with many features that are found in headphones that cost more than twice as much.

The earbuds are over ear headphones noise cancelling bluetooth-emphasized in the bass range, which adds a rumble to most tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain bright and clear. This makes them suitable for a wide range of music, although they may sound a little too loud for certain. Their frequency response is also extremely consistent, which means they sound the identical no matter the music you are listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds took to the track's booming intro with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar fluid sound, with the treble highlighting the vocals and percussion.

The quality of voice is superb even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds feature the most recent Qualcomm chip which ensures background noises, clicks and other distractions are kept at the bare minimum. This is especially true when talking next to 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 low latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, meaning you can use them in rain or for workouts. However, they should not be submerged in water. They come with a case that can hold two and a quarter charges. This is ideal for Over Ear Headphones Noise Cancelling Bluetooth travel.