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 comfy, lightweight and come with a variety of features including Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention mode wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.

The ANC is powerful, reducing train noise into a background rumble. The option to pass-through allows you to hear sounds from outside in the event of a need.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are always among the top of the line in the business in the field of noise cancelling. And the fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s is not an exception, providing one of the most satisfying experiences we've had using noise cancelling headphones in recent years. The moment you put them on and activating noise cancellation is like stepping into a vast cone of silence: The sound of engines, the whir of HVAC systems, the rumbling metal, and even conversations with neighbors are all muted to an uncanny degree.

The XM5s also impress on the audio front. Their large soundstage lets every element of a song to shine and breathe. For instance, on Billie Eilish's Bad Guy, the drums are pounding with a satisfying weight and drive as singing voices soaring reverberate across the mix.

The XM5s also stand out for their intelligent interaction with your smartphone. They can detect when they are being removed from the head and pause the music. They also can detect that you are 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 and acrylonitrile, butadiene and styrene. The headband is constructed of premium fabric. They come with a case that folds into itself, forming an incredibly 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 also removable for easy washing. The XM5s are powered by rechargeable batteries that provide up to 20 hours of playtime on a full charge. Additionally, they're equipped with an adaptive fast charging system that charges twice the speed of 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 out a large amount of background noise They are more adaptable than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT Wireless Headphones. The Bose headphones have 20 hours of battery life, and are much easier to charge and can be used with a mobile when the battery is out. This makes them a great choice for those looking for headphones that can be used as commuter or as travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones feature a dedicated Google Assistant button, which activates the assistant to play music, answer trivia and read notifications from your smartphone. They have excellent noise cancelling capabilities, and even though they're getting long by 2020 standards (and have successors in their line of siblings, the QC35) However, you can still find fantastic bargains on the headphones.

The QC35s, along with other Bose ANC headsets, do excellent job of blocking ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over time. However they're not the most effective ANC headphones on the market particularly when compared to contemporary counterparts and audiophiles should look elsewhere for a better sound experience.

Similar to the Sonys The QC35s are able to connect to two devices at once and "audio share" one of them with a person who is a friend. This is useful when you want to listen to music with one ear while conversing with someone else. They're also a popular option for frequent travelers, and they sport that classic Bose look that many people appreciate. 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

Sony's WH-1000XM4s aren't a lot in the way of aesthetic or comfort improvements in comparison to the M3s, but its noise cancelling technology is an entirely new beast. Sony has replaced the older system-on-chip (SoC) with a new one, which it claims will allow it to detect and Noise cancelling headphones react more accurately to ambient sound in real-time while reducing mid- and high-frequency noises thanks to its Dual Noise sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones in 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 audio quality that rivals the Best over ear headphones noise cancelling headphones at this price point.

There's a sensitivity dial which allows you to adjust the noise cancellation to meet your preferences. If you're out in public for instance, you might want to allow a bit of ambient sound to filter through and at home, you'll want a more private listening experience. This feature also uses geo-location to automatically apply the right setting based on where you're heading.

The WH1000XM4s can be used for making hands-free phone calls. They also come with 30 hours of battery life and quick charging capabilities. They also boast a robust Bluetooth 5.0 connection, with support for multipoint and NFC. In my testing the speedy remastering of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and dynamic and even rough mixes and home recordings sounded crisp and full.

To get the most out of these headphones, you'll need download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. It lets you alter the EQ settings and offers convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint, and also allows you to unlock some of the latest cool things - like access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering technique that breathes life into the older music.

4. Sony WH-CH720N

If you're seeking a pair of headphones that provide excellent active noise cancelling at a budget-friendly price, the Sony WH-CH720N are an excellent option. The 710N Wireless is a step up over its predecessor and offers more efficient ANC performance, and superior sound quality. The 710N Wireless also has a lighter design with a battery life of up to 35 hours.

These headphones are not for you if you expect premium features such as LDAC bluetooth over ear headphones noise cancelling and Smart Listening which incorporates voice assistants. They also do not come with a carrying case or auto-pause function, and the earcups can't fold which could make them tough to carry around.

The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent, but not as good as the aforementioned 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are constructed of plastic. They are light and comfortable for long periods of time, but they're not built to withstand intense use or even a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is a bit heavy, and the earcups rattle when you move them. The controls are easy to use with tactile buttons that provide excellent clicky feedback. The ANC can be switched off and on by a single push of the power switch. Pressing and holding the button will activate Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you choose a preset profile that is based on your location or how you use the headphones.

The WH-CH720N is among the most affordable pairs of wireless noise cancelling headphones available on the market. For the money you get top ANC, excellent sound and comfort, as well as up to 35 hours of battery life. These headphones are worth a look when you travel frequently.

5. Earfun Air Pro

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are well-known for their excellent value. They are great for music and calls and their ANC technology blocks a lot of noise without making your ears feel suffocated. They also come with a lot of features found on competing headphones that cost more or twice as much.

The earbuds have an overemphasized bass range which adds rumble and punch to most tracks while keeping the lead vocals and instruments bright and clear. This makes them suitable for a variety of music. However, they may sound a bit boomy to some. They have a uniform frequency response, meaning that they sound the same regardless of the content you are listening.

We cued up Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did an amazing job of celebrating the song's bass-heavy intro with energy and noise cancelling headphones zeal. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar agile sound, with the treble highlighting the vocals and percussion.

Voice quality is top-notch even in noisy environments. The earbuds use the latest Qualcomm chip to maintain the clarity of calls, with background noises and clicks being kept to a minimum even when talking near the London Underground at rush hour.

The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent with no issues during our tests. They connect quickly and with minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, which means they are suitable for rain or workouts. However they shouldn't be submerged in water. They come with a case that can hold two quarters and two quarters of charges. This is ideal for travel.