Sony Headphones Review — The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
The fifth-generation Sony noise cancelling headphones are a bit different from the previous model, but sound just as great. They’re comfy, lightweight and boast a range of features including Quick Attention mode, Speak-to-Chat 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 lets you hear outside sounds if you want.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s headphones are regularly among the top of the line in the business when it comes to noise cancelling. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are the same. They offer one of the best noise cancelling over ear headphones noise cancelling experiences we’ve had. The moment you put them on and enabling noise cancellation is like stepping into a symphony of silence: engine sounds, the whir of HVAC systems, creaking metal, even conversations with your neighbors are all quiet to an unimaginable degree.
The XM5s are also impressive on the audio side with a wide soundstage that can give all elements of a track room to breathe and shine. For instance, on Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy, the drums beat with a satisfying amount of power and weight as the soaring vocals harmonise across the mix.
The XM5s stand out because of their smart interaction with your smartphone. They can detect when they are removed from the head and pause the music. They can also detect that you are on a noisy highway and automatically lower the noise cancellation level.
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 from premium fabric. They include a collapsible case that folds into itself, forming a compact pouch. Also included is an 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so you can listen in passive mode. The ear cups are also removable for easy washing. In addition, the XM5s run on rechargeable batteries that provide up to 20 hours of playtime on full charge, and they’re equipped with an adaptive speed charging system that charges twice the speed of traditional USB headphones.
2. Bose QuietComfort 35
The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 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 over the ear headphones noise cancelling headphones also have longer battery life, lasting for 20 hours, take less time to charge and can be connected to a smartphone even when the battery is not fully charged 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 headphones come with a button that activates Google Assistant, which will play music and answer trivia questions and even read your phone notifications. These headphones are incredibly quiet with excellent noise cancellation capabilities. They are a bit old-fashioned in comparison to the standards of 2020 but you can get amazing bargains.
The QC35s, as with other Bose ANC headsets, do well at blocking out ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over the years. They’re not the top ANC headphone out there in particular when compared with more recent competitors. Audiophiles should look elsewhere for a better sound.
The QC35s are also able to connect to two devices at once, and can «audio share» with a person. This is a great feature for those who like listening to music while talking to someone else. These headphones are also popular with frequent flyers and feature that classic Bose design that people adore. If you’re looking for a way to spice up your QC35s by adding a little personalization, cover-ups for best noise cancelling over ear headphones decals such as SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available for affordable prices.
3. Sony WH-1000XM4
The WH-1000XM4s of Sony don’t change much in terms of comfort or aesthetics however their noise cancellation technology is a totally new beast. The company has replaced its old system-on chip (SoC) with a brand new one, which it claims will allow it to detect and react more accurately to the ambient sound in real time by reducing mid- and high-frequency noises using its Dual Noise Sensor technology.
Two microphones that feed forward into each earcup capture ambient sound. This is then processed by QN1 noise cancelling processor to reduce it quickly without affecting the quality of your audio. The result is an amount of noise reduction that rivals the best headphones at this price point.
There’s even a sensitivity control which lets you alter the level of noise cancellation according to your preferences. You might, for instance prefer to listen to ambient sounds in public while at home, you might prefer a more secluded off listening experience. This feature utilizes geo-location to apply the appropriate setting based on where you are.
The WH-1000XM4s can be utilized for hands-free calls. They come with an impressive 30 hours of battery life, with fast charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also feature an impressive Bluetooth connection that supports multipoint and NFC support. In my tests the speedy remastering of Paul McCartney’s Flaming Pie sounded clear and lively as well as rough mixes and home recordings sound clear and full.
To get the most out of these headphones, you’ll need download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. You can customize the EQ and enjoy features that make it easy such as Bluetooth multipoint. Additionally, it unlocks cool new stuff, like Sony’s 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.
4. Sony WH-CH720N
The Sony WH-CH720N headphones make a great option if you’re looking to purchase a pair that offers outstanding active noise cancellation at an affordable price. They’re a step up from their predecessor that was the 710N Wireless, with higher ANC performance and a better sound quality. They also have a lighter design and up to 35 hours of battery life.
However, if you’re looking for top-of-the-line features such as LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration these headphones aren’t made suitable for you. Also, they don’t come with a carrying case or auto-pause feature, and best noise cancelling over ear headphones the earcups don’t fold, which may make them tough to travel with.
The WH-CH720N’s build quality is decent, but not as impressive as the aforementioned 1000XM5. The headband and earcups made of plastic. They’re light and comfortable for long periods of time but they won’t withstand rigorous use or even a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is a bit heavy, and the earcups squeak when you move them. The controls are easy to use, however, with tactile buttons that give good clicky feedback. One press of the power button toggles ANC on and off, whereas pressing and holding the button prompts you to turn on Sony’s Adaptive Audio Control functionality. This feature allows you to select an audio profile that is preset 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 decide this).
The WH-CH720N beats studio3 wireless noise cancelling over ear headphones noise cancelling headphones are one of the cheapest on the market. You get top ANC for the price, lightweight comfort and 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 great for calling and music, and their ANC technology blocks out a significant amount of noise without making your ears feel uncomfortable. They also have a lot of features found on competing headphones that cost twice or more.
The earbuds are over-emphasized in the bass range, which can create a rumble on many tracks. Lead vocals and instruments remain bright and clear. This makes them ideal for a variety of content. However, they might seem a bit loud to some. They have a constant frequency response, which means they sound exactly the same no matter the content you are listening.
We played Missy Elliott’s Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did a fantastic job of highlighting the song’s bass-heavy intro with enthusiasm and zeal. Stormzy’s Vossi Bop had a similar fluid sound, with the treble highlighting the vocals and percussion.
Voice quality is excellent even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds feature the most recent Qualcomm chip to maintain call clarity with background noises and clicks kept at bay even when talking next to 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 with minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are also IPX5 water resistant, so they’re suitable for rainy days and workouts, but you shouldn’t put them in water. They also come with a movable case that holds two and a half charges that are great for travelling.