Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
The fifth generation model of Sony's noise-cancelling headphones look a little different than the previous version but they sound as great. They're comfortable, lightweight and boast a range of features including Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention mode wear detection, AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.
The ANC is powerful, reducing train noises to an ambient rumble. A "pass through" option allows you to hear outside sounds, if you need.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony's headphones are consistently among the top in the industry in terms of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are the same. They provide one of the most enjoyable noise cancelling experiences we've experienced. Strapping a pair on and activating noise cancellation is like walking into a vast cone of silence: engine sounds as well as the whir of HVAC systems, the creaking metal, even neighboring conversations are quiet to an unimaginable degree.
The XM5s also stand out on the audio front with an impressive soundstage that gives the various elements of a track space to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for example, the drums are pounding with a satisfying amount force and power while the soaring vocals blend throughout the mix.
Other features that make the XM5s stand out are their smart interactions with your smartphone. They will detect the moment they are removed from the head and pause the music. They also can detect that you are on a busy highway and automatically lower the noise cancelling level.
The WH-1000XM5s have also a low environmental impact. They are made of recycled plastic and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), with the headband being made of premium fabric. They include a collapsible carrying case that folds into itself to form a compact pouch, plus a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable that can be used in a quiet mode. The ear cups are removable for easy cleaning. Additionally, the XM5s are powered by a rechargeable battery that provides 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 conventional USB headphones.
2. Bose QuietComfort 35
The Bose QuietComfort 35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018, with their comfortable fit with a balanced sound profile and ANC technology that blocks a large amount of background noise they are more versatile than the Audio-Technica Wireless Headphones ATH-DSR9BT. The Bose headphones also come with longer battery life of 20 hours and require less time to charge, and can be connected to a smartphone even when the battery is not fully charged, making them a better option for those looking for a pair of headphones that can serve as commuting headphones, or travel headphones.
These premium Bose headphones come with a Google Assistant button, which will allow the assistant to play music, answer questions and read notifications on your smartphone. They have great noise cancellation capabilities. They are a bit old-fashioned in comparison to the standards of 2020 but you can find great bargains.
As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do a solid job in reducing ambient noise, and their noise reduction technology has improved over the years. They're not the best ANC headphone out there, especially when compared to newer competitors. Audiophiles will want to look elsewhere for a better audio quality.
The QC35s can also be used to connect to two devices at once and also "audio share" with a friend. This is a great option for those who like listening to music while talking to another person. They are popular with frequent flyers and have that classic Bose design that a lot of people adore. If you're looking to spruce up your QC35s by adding a touch of personalization, cover-ups for decals such as SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available at a reasonable price.
3. Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony's WH-1000XM4s don't offer much in the way of aesthetic or comfort improvements from the M3s, however its noise cancellation is an entirely new beast. Sony has replaced the old 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 using its Dual Noise sensor technology.
Two feedforward microphones in each earcup suck up ambient sound. This is then processed by the QN1 noise-cancelling processor to reduce it as quickly as possible, without affecting the quality of your music. The result is an amount of noise reduction that is comparable to the top headphones available at this price.
There's a sensitivity dial that allows you to adjust the noise cancellation to meet your preferences. When you're in public for instance you may need some ambient sound to be filtered through, while at home you'll prefer a more closed-off listening experience. This feature also makes use of geo-location access to apply the correct setting based on where you're headed.
The WH-1000XM4s can be used for hands-free calls and have a whopping 30 hours of battery life along with quick charging capabilities. They also feature a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection with support for multipoint and NFC. In my testing, I found that an instant remastering of Paul McCartney’s Flaming pie was lively and clear with rough mixes, and recordings from the home also sounded crisp.
To get the most out of these headphones, it is necessary to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. You can alter the EQ and enjoy features that make it easy like Bluetooth multipoint. It also unlocks some amazing new features, such as Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.
4. Sony WH-CH720N
The Sony WH-CH720N headphones are great option if you're looking to purchase a pair that offers outstanding active noise cancellation at affordable costs. The 710N Wireless is a step up over its predecessor, offering more efficient ANC performance, and superior sound quality. The 710N Wireless also has a slimmer design with battery life of up to 35 hours.
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 suitable for you. They also don't come with a carrying case or auto-pause function, and the earcups can't fold and can make them difficult to travel with.
The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent but not as great 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 a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is also quite bulky and the earcups tend to creak when you move your head. The controls are simple to use, with tactile buttons which provide a excellent clicky feedback. The ANC is toggled 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 allows you select a preset profile that is based on your location or how you use the headphones.
The WH-CH720N is one of the most affordable headphones for wireless noise cancelling headphones on the market. You get top ANC for the price, plus lightweight comfort, and up to 35-hour battery life. These headphones are worth checking if you commute frequently.
5. Earfun Air Pro
Earfun's earbuds and headsets are well-known for offering great value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They're effective for calls and enthralling for music, while their ANC blocks a significant amount of noise, but doesn't make you feel like your ears are drowned. They also come with a lot of features found on other headphones that cost twice or more.
The earbuds are characterized by an over-emphasized bass range which adds rumble and punch to most tracks and keeps the lead vocals and instruments clear and alive. This makes them ideal for a variety of content. However, they may sound a bit stuttery to some. The frequency response is very consistent, ensuring they sound the same regardless of the music you are listening to.
We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds embraced the song's bassy intro with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly agile listen with the treble playing off the many layers of vocals and percussion.
Voice quality is excellent, even in noisy environments. The earbuds use the latest Qualcomm chip to maintain the clarity of calls with background noises and clicks kept at bay, even when speaking in the vicinity of the London Underground at rush hour.
The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also very good, with little to no issues during our tests. They pair and connect 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 should not be submerged in water. They also come with a portable case that holds two and a half charge which is ideal to take on trips.