Sony Headphones Review — The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
The fifth-generation Sony noise cancelling headphones are a bit different from the previous model however, they sound as good. The headphones are light, comfortable, and feature various features such as Speak-to -Chat and Quick Attention mode. They also have wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.
The ANC is very powerful and reduces train noise to a low rumble. The option to pass through allows you to hear outside sounds if needed.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony’s headphones are consistently among the top of the line in the business in the field of noise cancellation. And the fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s are the same, providing one of the most enjoyable experiences we’ve had using noise cancelling headphones in recent memory. Strapping a pair on and enabling noise cancellation is like stepping into a veritable cone of silence: The sound of engines and the whirring of HVAC systems, the creaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors are muted to an incredible degree.
The XM5s also excel on the audio front. Their large soundstage lets all elements of a song to breathe and shine. For instance, on the track by Billie Eilish called Bad Guy, the drums are pounding with a satisfying force and heft as soaring vocals harmonise across the mix.
The XM5s also stand out because of their smart interaction with your smart device. They can detect when they’re being removed from your head and pause music, they’ll notice that you’re traveling on a busy road and automatically reduce the noise cancelling level and they can also connect to two devices simultaneously to switch between them based on what you need more urgently.
The WH-1000XM5s also are environmentally friendly. They are made from recycled plastic and acrylonitrile styrene (ABS) with a headband made of high-end fabric. They come with a collapsible case that can be folded into itself, creating the compact pouch. Also included is an 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so that you can listen in passive mode. The earcups can be removed for simple cleaning. In addition, the XM5s are powered by rechargeable batteries that can provide up to 20 hours of playtime on a full charge, and they’re equipped with an adaptive fast charging system that charges at twice the speed of standard USB headphones.
2. Bose QuietComfort 35
The Bose QuietComfort 35/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more versatile than the Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless headphones thanks to their incredibly comfortable fit, well-balanced audio profile and ANC feature that blocks a significant amount of background noise. The Bose headphones also come with longer battery life of 20 hours, take less time to charge and can be used in conjunction with a phone when the battery is not fully charged, making them a better option for those looking for headphones that can be used as commuting headphones or travel headphones.
These premium Bose headphones come with a Google Assistant button, which allows the assistant to play music, respond to questions, and read notifications from your smartphone. These headphones are incredibly quiet with excellent noise cancellation abilities. They’re a bit outdated by the standards of 2020 but you can get great bargains.
Like other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s are capable in reducing ambient noise, and their noise reduction technology has advanced over time. However, they’re not the best ANC headphones on the market, especially compared to their contemporary counterparts and audiophiles should look elsewhere for a better sound experience.
Similar to the Sonys, the QC35s can connect to two devices at once and «audio share» one of them with a friend, which is great if you’re looking to listen to music with one ear while conversing with another. They are popular with frequent flyers, and have that classic Bose design that a lot of people love. If you’re looking to spruce up your QC35s with some personalization, cover-ups for decals such as SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available for a reasonable price.
3. Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony’s WH-1000XM4s don’t offer much in the way of aesthetic or comfort changes from the M3s, but its noise cancelling is a whole new beast. The company has swapped the old system-on-chip (SoC) for a brand new one that claims to allow it to more precisely listen and react to ambient sound in real-time, reducing the mid- and high-frequency sound with its Dual beats noise cancelling over ear headphones Sensor technology.
Two feedforward microphones in each earcup record ambient sound. The sound is processed by the QN1 noise cancellation processor to reduce it rapidly without impacting the quality of your audio. The result is an incredibly amazing level of noise reduction that easily competes with the best headphones at this price.
There’s also a sensitivity knob which lets you alter the level of noise cancellation according to your preferences. When you’re in public, for example, you might want a little bit of ambient noise to be blocked out in the background, while at home you’ll want a more private listening experience. This feature also uses geo-location access to apply the correct setting depending on where you’re going.
The WH1000XM4s have the capability of making hands-free phone calls. They also come with 30 hours of battery life and fast charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also have a robust Bluetooth connection with multipoint and NFC support. In my tests an instant remaster of Paul McCartney’s Flaming Pie was clear and vibrant and even rough mixes and home recordings sounded crisp and full.
Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to get the most from these headphones. This lets you customize the EQ settings and offers convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint, while allowing you to unlock some of the most exciting 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
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that offer excellent active noise cancellation at an affordable price, the Sony WH-CH720N are an excellent option. The 710N Wireless is an improvement over ear headphones with noise cancelling its predecessor and offers improved ANC performance and better sound quality. They also have an elongated design and up to 35 hours of battery life.
However, if you’re expecting top-of-the-line features such as 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 foldable earcups which makes them difficult to travel with.
The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent, but not as good the 1000XM5. The earcups and headband are made of plastic, which is light and comfortable to wear for long periods of time but isn’t built to withstand rigorous use or the occasional tumble on hard surfaces. The design is a bit heavy, and the earcups creak when you move them. The controls are simple to use and have tactile buttons that give good clicky feedback. A single press of the power button switches ANC on and off, whereas pressing and holding the button prompts you to turn on Sony’s Adaptive Audio Control functionality. This feature lets you select a preset audio profile according to the type of headphones you’re using the headphones (e.g., «Staying at Work» or «Running») or the current location (with your phone granted permission to determine this).
The WH-CH720N is one the most cost-effective headphones for noise cancelling headphones wireless noise cancelling headphones available on the market. It offers excellent ANC for the price, a lightweight design, and up to 35-hour 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’re effective for calls and exciting for music, while their ANC block a lot of sound without making you feel as if your ears are drowned. 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 and can create a rumble on many tracks. Lead vocals and instruments remain clear and bright. This makes them suitable for a broad range of music, even though they may sound a little boomy for some. They have a consistent frequency response, so they sound the same no matter what you are listening to.
We played Missy Elliott’s Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds took to the track’s bassy opening with zeal and energy. Stormzy’s Vossi Bop had a similar fluid sound and the treble was a highlight of the vocals and percussion.
On the phone, the voice quality is excellent even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds come with the latest Qualcomm chip which ensures background noises, clicks, and other distractions are kept to the bare minimum. This is especially true when talking on the London Underground during rush hour.
The earbuds’ Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent, with little to no issues during our testing. They connect and pair quickly, with minimal latency with iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, which means you can use them for rain or workouts. However they shouldn’t be submerged in water. They come with a case that can accommodate two and a quarter charges. This is great to take on trips.