Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
The fifth-generation model of Sony's noise cancelling headphones appears a bit different to the previous version but they're just as excellent. The headphones are light, comfortable, and feature many features that include Speak-to -Chat and Quick Attention mode. They also feature wear detection, as well as AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.
The ANC is powerful, reducing train noise to a background rumble. A "pass through" option allows you to hear outside sounds if needed.
1. best over ear headphones noise-cancelling -1000XM5
Sony headphones are among the top when it comes noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s are no exception. They offer one of the best audio experiences that we've experienced. When you put on your headphones and turn on noise cancellation, you're walking into a cone of silence. Engine noises, HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with your neighbors all go out of the window.
The XM5s also stand out in the realm of audio with a wide soundstage that can give the various elements of a track room to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy for example, the drums pound with a satisfying amount force and power while the soaring vocals blend throughout the mix.
The XM5s are also notable for their intelligent interaction with your smart device. They will detect the moment they're taken off your head and pause music, they can note that you're traveling on a busy road and automatically reduce the noise cancelling level and pair with two devices simultaneously to switch between them, depending on what you require more urgently.
The WH-1000XM5s also have a very low environmental impact. The WH-1000XM5s are constructed of recycled plastics and acrylonitrile, butadiene, styrene. The headband is constructed of premium fabric. They come with a case that folds into itself, creating a compact pouch. Also included is a 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so you can listen in passive mode. The ear cups are also washable and removable for easy cleaning. Additionally, the XM5s run on a rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 hours of playtime on a full charge. They're also equipped with an adaptive speed 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 flexible than the Audio-Technica's ATH-DSR9BT Wireless headphones due to their incredibly comfortable fit, well-balanced audio profile, and ANC feature that blocks out a lot of background noise. The Bose headphones also have longer battery life of 20 hours and take less time to charge, and can be used connected to a smartphone even when the battery is not fully charged and makes them a good choice for those in need of headphones that can serve as travel headphones or commuting headphones.
These premium Bose headphone have a dedicated Google Assistant button, which allows the assistant to play music, respond to trivia and read notifications from your smartphone. They are a great noise cancelling capabilities, and even though they're becoming a bit long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors to their sibling line, the QC35) however, you can still find fantastic bargains on the headphones.
The QC35s, along with other Bose ANC headsets, do a good job at cancelling ambient noise. Their noise reduction technology has also improved over the years. They're not the best ANC headphone out there in particular when compared with newer competitors. Audiophiles will want to consider other options for better audio quality.
Similar to the Sonys the QC35s also connect to two devices at once and "audio share" one of them with a companion, which is useful when you're looking to listen music with one ear while conversing with someone else. They're also a popular option for frequent travellers, and they've got that classic Bose design that a lot of people enjoy. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker covers for decals are available at a reasonable cost for those who want to personalize your QC35s.
3. Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony's WH-1000XM4s don't offer much in terms of aesthetic or comfort improvements from the M3s, but its noise cancellation is a whole new beast. The company has replaced its old system-on chip (SoC) with a new one, which it claims will allow it to detect and respond more precisely the ambient sound in real time by reducing mid- and high-frequency noises with its Dual Noise Sensor technology.
Two feedforward microphones in each earcup record ambient sound. The sound is processed by QN1 noise cancelling processor to cut it down quickly without affecting the quality of your audio. The result is a level of noise reduction that is comparable to the top headphones available at this price.
There's a sensitivity knob that lets you adjust the noise cancellation to suit your needs. For instance, if you prefer to listen to the sounds of the city while at home, or you might prefer a more secluded off listening experience. This feature makes use of geo-location to determine the right setting based on the location you're at.
The WH1000XM4s have the capability of making hands-free phone calls. They also come with a 30 hour battery life and rapid charging capabilities. The WH-1000XM4s also feature an extremely robust Bluetooth connection that supports multipoint and NFC support. In my tests, a quick remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and dynamic, while even rough mixes and recordings from home were clear 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 cooler new features, such as access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering process that breathes new life into older music.
4. Sony WH-CH720N
If you're looking for headphones that offer excellent active noise cancelling at cost-effective prices the Sony WHCH720N are a great choice. They're a step up from their predecessor that was the 710N Wireless, with a more efficient ANC performance and better audio quality. The 710N Wireless also has a slimmer design with battery life of up to 35 hours.
If you're looking for flagship-level features like LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration, these headphones aren't suitable for you. They don't come with a carry case, auto-pause feature or earcups that fold up which makes them difficult to carry around.
The build quality of the WH-CH720N is decent but not as great as the 1000XM5. The earcups and the headband are made of plastic, which is light and comfortable to wear for extended periods but won't hold up to heavy use or some tumbling on hard surfaces. The design is a bit heavy and the earcups squeak when you move. The controls are simple to use, however they feature tactile buttons that offer good clicky feedback. The ANC is toggled on and off by pressing the power switch. Pressing and holding the button triggers Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you select an audio profile that is preset 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's permission to decide this).
The WH-CH720N is one of the most cost-effective pairs of 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. These headphones are worth a look for if you frequently commute.
5. Earfun Air Pro
Earfun's headsets and earbuds are known for their value and the Air Pro is no exception. They're efficient in calling and thrilling for music, and their ANC block a lot of noise, but doesn't make you feel as if your ears are suffocated. They also come with numerous features that are found in headphones that cost up to twice as more.
The earbuds are emphasized in the bass area which can create a rumble on many tracks. The lead vocals and instruments remain clear and bright. This makes them suitable for a broad variety of content, though they might sound a bit too loud for certain. Their frequency response is very consistent, ensuring they sound the same no matter the music you are listening to.
We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds were enthralled by the song's bassy intro with enthusiasm and enthusiasm. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly quick listen with the treble playing off the many layers of vocals and the 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 being kept at bay, even when speaking near the London Underground at rush hour.
The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is excellent, with a small number of issues during our tests. They connect quickly and with low latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, so they are suitable for exercise or rain. However, they should not be submerged in water. They also come with a portable case that can hold two and a half batteries which is ideal for travel.