Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones

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

The ANC is very powerful and reduces train noise to a quiet rumble. A "pass through" option allows you to hear outside sounds if you want.

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

Sony's headphones are always among the top of the line in the market in terms of noise cancelling. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are not an exception, providing one of the best Active noise cancelling over Ear Headphones experiences we've had with noise cancelling headphones in recent years. The moment you put them on and activating noise cancellation is like walking into a symphony of silence: engine sounds and the whirring of HVAC systems, the rumbling metal, and even conversations with neighbors are muted to an incredible degree.

The XM5s also impress on the audio aspect. Their wide soundstage allows every element of a song to shine and breathe. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for example, the drums pound with a pleasing amount of power and weight, while soaring vocals harmonise throughout the mix.

The XM5s are also notable because of their smart interaction with your smart device. They can recognise the moment they're taken off your head and stop music, they can note that you're on a noisy road and automatically reduce the noise cancelling level and pair with two devices simultaneously and switch between them based on what you need more urgently.

The WH-1000XM5s also are eco-friendly. They are made of recycled plastic and acrylonitrile styrene (ABS) with a headband made from premium fabric. They come with a case that folds into itself, forming a compact pouch. Also included is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so you can listen to music in passive mode. The earcups are removable for easy washing. The XM5s come with rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20 hours of playtime. They come with a quick charging system that is twice as fast as conventional USB headphones.

2. Bose QuietComfort 35

The Bose QuietComfort 35/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more adaptable than the Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless headphones because of their extremely comfortable fit, well-balanced audio profile and ANC feature that blocks out a significant amount of background noise. The Bose headphones have 20 hours of battery life, and are more convenient to charge and can still be used with a phone even when the battery is empty. This makes them an ideal choice for those who are looking for headphones that can be used as commuter or as travel headphones.

These premium Bose headphones come with a Google Assistant button, which activates the assistant to play music, respond to trivia and best active noise cancelling over ear headphones read notifications from your smartphone. They are a great noise cancelling capabilities, and even though they are getting a bit long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors in their line of siblings, the QC35), you can still get great deals on them.

As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s are capable of blocking out background noise and noise reduction technology has advanced over the years. They're not the top ANC headphone available, especially when compared to newer competitors. Audiophiles should look elsewhere for better audio 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 if you'd like to listen to music while talking to another person. They are popular with frequent flyers and feature the classic Bose design that many people adore. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers with decals are available for purchase at a reasonable price for those who 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 replaced the older system-on-chip (SoC) with a brand new one that it claims will allow it to listen and respond more precisely ambient sound in real-time, reducing high and mid-frequency noises with its Dual Noise sensor technology.

Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup absorb ambient sound. This is then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling process to reduce it as fast as is possible without affecting the quality of your music. The result is a level of noise reduction that is comparable to the best noise cancelling headphones under £100 uk headphones available at this price.

There's a sensitivity knob that lets you adjust the noise cancellation to meet your needs. You may, for instance wish to hear ambient sounds in public when you're at home, but you may prefer a more closed off listening experience. This feature utilizes geo-location to apply the correct setting based on the location you're at.

The WH1000XM4s are capable of making hands-free phone calls. They also have 30 hours of battery life and fast charging capabilities. They also feature a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection, with support for multipoint as well as NFC. In my tests an instant remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie was clear and lively, while even rough mixes and recordings from home were clear and full.

To get the most enjoyment of these headphones, you'll need download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. This lets you customize the EQ settings and offers convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint, as well as allowing you to unlock some of the cooler new features, 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 excellent choice if you're seeking a pair that offers outstanding active noise cancellation at affordable prices. They're a step up from their predecessor that was the 710N Wireless, with a more efficient ANC performance and better sound quality. The 710N Wireless also features a slimmer design with battery life of up to 35 hours.

If you're looking for premium features like LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration these headphones aren't made for you. They don't come with a carry case, auto-pause feature or earcups that fold which makes them difficult to carry around.

The quality of the WH-CH720N's construction is decent, but not as good the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are constructed of plastic. They are light and comfortable for long periods of time, however, they aren't built to withstand heavy use or a few drops on hard surfaces. The design is a little bulky and the earcups are likely to creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use, however they have tactile buttons that offer excellent feedback via clicks. The ANC can be switched off and on by a single push of the power switch. Pressing and holding the button triggers Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you select the preset audio profile depending on the way you're using the headphones (e.g., "Staying at Work" or "Running") or the current location (with your phone granted permission to make this determination).

The WH-CH720N wireless noise cancelling headphones are among the most affordable on the market. For the money, you get great 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 considering.

5. Earfun Air Pro

The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are well-known for their excellent value. They are perfect for calls and music and their ANC technology blocks out a significant amount of noise without making your ears feel uncomfortable. They also come with a lot of features that are found in headphones that cost more than twice as much.

The earbuds have a lot of emphasis in the bass section and creates a rumble in most tracks. The lead vocals and instruments remain clear and bright. This makes them suitable for a wide variety of content, though they may sound a little too loud for certain. Their frequency response is also extremely consistent, which means that they sound the same no matter what you're listening to.

We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds took to the track's bassy opening with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly fluid listen with the treble shining through the layered vocals as well as 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 at bay even when talking near the London Underground at rush hour.

The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is also excellent, with only a few issues in our testing. They connect quickly and have minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They're also IPX5 water resistant, so they're suitable for rainy days and exercise - though you shouldn't put them in water. They also come with a movable case that can hold two and a half charges that are great for travelling.