Pay Attention: Watch Out For How Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It
Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
The fifth-generation version of Sony's noise cancelling headphones look a little different than the previous version but they're just as good. They're comfy, lightweight and feature a variety of features including Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention mode, wear detection and AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.
The ANC is very powerful and reduces train noise to a minimal rumble. The option to pass through allows you to hear outside sounds, if you need.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony headphones are among the top models in terms of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s is the same, providing one of the most satisfying experiences we've had with noise cancelling headphones in recent memory. Strapping a pair on and activating noise cancellation is like stepping into a vast cone of silence: Engine sounds, the whir of HVAC systems, the creaking metal, even conversations with your neighbors are all muted to an uncanny degree.
The XM5s also impress on the audio aspect. Their large soundstage lets the entire song to shine and breathe. For instance, on the track by Billie Eilish called Bad Guy, the drums beat with a satisfying amount of weight and drive as high-pitched vocals blend into the mix.
Other features that make the XM5s stand out include their intelligent interactions with your smart device. They can recognise when they're removed from your head and pause music, they'll notice that you're driving on a noisy road and automatically lower the noise cancelling volume, and they can pair with two devices simultaneously to switch between them, depending on what you require more urgently.
The WH-1000XM5s are eco-friendly. They are made from recycled plastic and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and the headband being made of premium fabric. They come with a case that folds into itself, forming an incredibly compact pouch. Also included is an 3.5mm to 3.5mm aux cable so that you can listen in passive mode. The earcups are removable to make it easy to clean. In addition, the XM5s are powered by a rechargeable battery that provides up to 20 hours of playtime when on a full charge. They're also equipped with an adaptive fast charging system that charges at twice the speed of conventional USB headphones.
2. Bose QuietComfort 35
The Bose QuietComfort 35 I/QC35 II Wireless, with their comfortable fit and balanced sound profile and ANC technology that blocks out a significant amount of background noise They are more adaptable than the Audio-Technica Wireless Headphones ATH-DSR9BT. The Bose headphones also have longer battery life of 20 hours and take less time to charge and can be in conjunction with a phone when the battery is dead which makes them a great choice for those who need headphones that can serve as travel headphones or commuting headphones.
These premium Bose headphones feature a dedicated Google Assistant button, which allows the assistant to play music, answer trivia and read notifications from your smartphone. They have excellent noise cancelling abilities, and while they are getting a bit long in the tooth by 2020 standards (and have successors to their sibling line, the QC35) however, you can still get great bargains on them.
Like other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s do a solid job in reducing ambient noise and noise reduction technology has improved over the years. However, they're not the best ANC headphones available particularly when compared to contemporary counterparts and audiophiles should look elsewhere for better sound quality.
Like the Sonys, the QC35s can connect to two devices simultaneously and "audio share" one of them with a person who is a friend. This is useful when you want to listen to music in one ear while conversing with another. They're also a popular option for frequent flyers, and they have the classic Bose design that a lot of people appreciate. If you're looking to spruce up your QC35s by adding a touch of personalization, decal cover-ups like SlickWraps and Skin Sticker are available for a reasonable price.
3. Sony WH-1000XM4
The WH-1000XM4s made by Sony aren't much different in terms of aesthetics or comfort however, their noise cancellation technology is a totally new device. The company has replaced its old system-on chip (SoC) with a brand new one, which it claims will allow it to listen and respond more precisely to ambient sound in real-time by reducing mid- and high-frequency noises with its Dual Noise sensor technology.
Two microphones that feed forward into each earcup capture ambient sounds. This is then processed by QN1 noise cancelling processor to reduce it quickly without affecting the quality of your audio. The result is a level of noise reduction that rivals the best headphones at this price point.
There's even a sensitivity knob that lets you adjust the noise cancellation to your needs. If you're in a public space, for example, you might want to allow a bit of ambient noise to be blocked out in the background, while at home you'll prefer a more closed-off listening experience. This feature also uses geo-location access to apply the correct setting based on where you're headed.
The WH1000XM4s have the capability of making hands-free phone calls. They also have 30 hours of battery life and rapid charging capabilities. They also feature a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection, with support for multipoint as well as NFC. In my tests an instant remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and lively, while even rough mixes and home recordings were clear and full.
To get the most value out of these headphones, it is necessary to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. This lets you customize the EQ settings and also provides convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint, while allowing you to access some of the latest cool stuff - such as access to Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive surround-sound mastering process that breathes life into older music.
4. Sony WH-CH720N
The Sony WH-CH720N headphones make a great option if you're looking to purchase headphones that provide excellent active noise cancellation at an affordable price. They improve on their predecessor, the 710N Wireless, with more efficient ANC performance and superior sound quality. The 710N Wireless also has a slimmer design with battery lifespan of up to 35 hours.
However, if you're expecting premium features like LDAC Bluetooth support and Smart Listening with voice assistant integration, these headphones aren't for you. They don't have a carrying case, auto-pause feature or foldable earcups and are therefore 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 made of plastic which is lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods of time but will not stand up to rigorous use or a few tumbles on hard surfaces. The design is also somewhat bulky, and the earcups tend to creak when you move your head. The controls are easy to use with tactile buttons which provide a satisfying click-like feedback. A single 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 lets you select the appropriate profile based on the location you are in or how you use the headphones.
The WH-CH720N noise cancelling wireless headphones are among the most affordable models on the market. It offers excellent ANC for the price, plus lightweight comfort and up to 35 hours of battery life. These headphones are worth considering if you commute frequently.
5. Earfun Air Pro
Earfun's headsets and earbuds are renowned for their value, and the Air Pro is no exception. They're effective in calling and thrilling for music, and their ANC block a lot of sound without making you feel like your ears are being drowned. They also come with a lot of features that are available in headphones that cost more than twice as much.
The earbuds have an overemphasized bass range that adds rumble and punch to most tracks, while keeping the lead vocals and instruments clear and clear. This makes them ideal for a variety of content, though they might sound a bit loud for some. They have a uniform frequency response, meaning that they sound the same no matter the music you are listening to.
We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds took to the song's bassy intro with zeal and energy. Stormzy's Vossi Bop was a similarly quick listen with the treble shining through the various layered vocals and the percussion.
Voice quality is excellent even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds use the latest Qualcomm chip to ensure the clarity of calls with background noises and clicks kept at bay even when talking near the London Underground at rush hour.
The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also excellent and there were no issues during our testing. They pair and connect quickly, with minimal latency with iOS and Android devices. They are also IPX5 waterproof, which means they're perfect for rain and workouts, but you shouldn't immerse them in water. They also come with a carry-on case that holds two and a half batteries which is ideal for travel.