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 Quick Attention mode, Speak-to-Chat wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.
The ANC is powerful, reducing train noise to the background rumble. A "pass through" option allows you to hear outside sounds, if you need.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony's headphones are always among the best in the industry in the field of noise cancelling. And the fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s is no exception, offering one of the best experiences we've had with noise cancellation headphones in recent years. When you put on the headphones and enable noise cancellation, you're entering a world of silence. Engine noises, HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors all become muted.
The XM5s are also impressive on the audio side, with an expansive soundstage capable of giving the various elements of a track the space to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for example, the drums pound with a satisfying amount force and power and soaring vocals are a perfect fit throughout the mix.
Other features that make the XM5s standout are their intelligent interactions with your smart device. They can sense when they are being removed from the head and stop the music. They can also detect that you are driving on a noisy highway and automatically reduce the noise cancelling volume.
The WH-1000XM5s have also a low environmental impact. They are made of recycled plastic and acrylonitrile styrene (ABS) and a headband made of high-end fabric. They include a collapsible case that can be folded into itself, forming the compact pouch. Also included is an 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so that you can listen to music in passive mode. The earcups are removable for easy cleaning. The XM5s also have rechargeable batteries that provide up to 20-hours of playtime. They come with a fast charging system that can charge twice as fast as conventional USB headphones.
2. Bose QuietComfort 35
The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more versatile than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT Wireless headphones due to their extremely comfortable fit, well-balanced audio profile and ANC feature that blocks out a large amount of background noise. The Bose headphones have 20 hours of battery life, and are much easier to charge and can be used with a smartphone when the battery is out. This makes them an ideal choice for those looking for headphones that can be used as commuter headphones or travel headphones.
These premium Bose headphones have a dedicated button that turns on Google Assistant, which will play music as well as answer trivia questions and even read your phone notifications. They are a great noise cancelling capabilities, and although they're becoming a bit long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors in their line of siblings, the QC35) however, you can still find great deals on them.
As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do an excellent job in reducing ambient noise, and their noise reduction technology has improved over time. They're not the most effective ANC headphone on the market particularly when compared to the latest models. Audiophiles should look elsewhere for a better audio quality.
The QC35s also have the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously and also "audio share" with a person. This is great for those who want to listen to music while conversing with someone else. They are also popular with frequent flyers, and have that classic Bose design that a lot of people love. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker decal covers are readily available at a reasonable price for those who want to personalize your QC35s.
3. Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony's WH-1000XM4s aren't a lot in terms of aesthetic or comfort improvements in comparison to the M3s, but its noise cancelling is a whole new beast. The company has swapped out the old system-on-chip (SoC) for a new one that it claims allows it to more accurately detect and respond to ambient audio in real time, reducing mid- and high-frequency sounds through its Dual Noise Sensor technology.
Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup capture ambient sounds. The sound is processed by QN1 noise cancelling processor to reduce it rapidly without impacting the quality of your audio. The result is an audio quality that is comparable to the top headphones available at this price.
There's even a sensitivity knob that lets you adjust the level of noise cancellation according to your requirements. You might, for instance, want to listen to the sounds of the city while at home, or you might prefer a more secluded off listening experience. This feature uses geo-location to determine the appropriate setting based on the location you're at.
The WH-1000XM4s can be utilized for hands-free calls and have a whopping 30 hours of battery life, with fast charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also feature an impressive Bluetooth connection with multipoint and NFC support. In my tests I noticed that the remastering of Paul McCartney’s Flaming pie was lively and clear with rough mixes, and recordings from home also sounded clear and crisp.
To get the most enjoyment of these headphones, you'll need to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. It lets you alter the EQ settings and also provides convenience features like Bluetooth multipoint, as well as allowing you to access 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 the older music.
4. Sony WH-CH720N
The Sony WH-CH720N headphones make a ideal choice for those seeking headphones that provide outstanding active noise cancellation at an affordable price. ear noise cancelling headphones improve on their predecessor that was the 710N Wireless, with a better ANC performance and superior audio quality. They also have an elongated design and up to 35 hours of battery life.
These headphones aren't the best suitable for those who want top-of-the-line features like LDAC Bluetooth and Smart Listening, which integrates voice assistants. Also, they don't come with a carry case or auto-pause functionality and the earcups aren't foldable which could make them difficult to carry around.
The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent however, it's not as great as a 1000XM5. The headband and earcups made of plastic. They're light and comfortable for long periods, but they're not built to withstand intense use or a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is quite 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 provide excellent feedback via clicks. One press of the power button turns ANC on and off, whereas pressing and holding the button prompts you to activate Sony's Adaptive Audio Control functionality. This feature lets you select the appropriate profile based on your location or how you use the headphones.
The WH-CH720N is one the best-value headphones for wireless noise cancelling headphones available on the market. You get great ANC for the price, lightweight comfort, and up to 35-hour battery life. These headphones are worth a look when you travel frequently.
5. Earfun Air Pro
Earfun's earbuds and headsets are well-known for their value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They're effective for calls and exciting for music, and their ANC block a lot of noise without making you feel like your ears are squeezed. These headphones also have many features that you can find in headphones that cost up to twice as more.
The earbuds have a pronounced bass range which adds rumble and punch to the majority of tracks while keeping the lead vocals and instruments bright and alive. This makes them suitable for a wide range of music, even though they may sound a little boomy for some. The frequency response is very consistent, ensuring they sound the same no matter what you're listening to.
We listened to Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did a fantastic job of showcasing the song's bass-heavy introduction with energy and zeal. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly agile listen with the treble shining through the various layered vocals and drums.
Voice quality is top-notch, even in noisy environments. The earbuds feature the most recent Qualcomm chip which ensures background noises, clicks and other distractions are kept at bay. This is true even when you are talking to London Underground during rush hour.
The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also very good and there were no issues during our testing. They connect quickly and with minimal latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, meaning they are suitable for exercise or rain. However, they should not be submerged in water. They come with a case that can hold two and a quarter charges. This is ideal to take on trips.