Watch Out: What Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Is Taking Over And What We Can Do About It
Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
The fifth-generation version of Sony's noise cancelling headphones appears a bit different from the previous model but they're just as great. The headphones are light and comfortable, and feature many features that include Speak-to -Chat and Quick Attention mode. They also feature wear detection, and AI-powered DSEE Extreme upscaling audio.
The ANC is extremely powerful and reduces train noise to a low rumble. A "pass through" option allows you to hear outside sounds, if you need.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony's headphones are regularly among the best in the market in the field of noise cancellation. And the fifth generation of WH-1000XM5s is the same, providing one of the most satisfying experiences we've had with noise cancellation headphones in recent years. When you put on the headphones and enable noise cancellation, it's like walking into a cone of silence. Engine noises as well as HVAC systems, creaking metal, and even conversations with neighbors are all muted.
The XM5s also impress on the audio aspect. Their large soundstage lets all elements of a song to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish’s Bad Guy for example, the drums pound with a satisfying amount weight and drive and soaring vocals are a perfect fit throughout the mix.
The XM5s are also notable because of their smart interaction with your smart device. They can detect when they are removed from the head and stop the music. They can also note that you are driving on a noisy highway and automatically reduce the noise cancelling level.
The WH-1000XM5s also are environmentally friendly. They are made of recycled plastic and acrylonitrile styrene (ABS) and a headband made of premium fabric. They come with a collapsible carrying case that folds to form a small pouch, and a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm accessory cable to listen in a passive mode. The earcups are removable for easy cleaning. The XM5s run on rechargeable batteries that provide 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 standard USB headphones.
2. Bose QuietComfort 35
The Bose QuietComfort35 II/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more adaptable than the Audio-Technica ATHDR9BT Wireless headphones thanks to their extremely comfortable fit, well-balanced audio profile, and ANC feature that blocks a large amount of background noise. The Bose headphones come with a 20-hour battery, are more convenient to charge, and can be used with a mobile even if the battery is dead. This makes them a better option for those looking for headphones that can be used as commuter or as travel headphones.
These premium Bose headphones come with a button that turns on Google Assistant, which will play music and answer trivia questions and also read notifications from your smartphone. They have outstanding noise cancellation capabilities, and even though they're becoming a bit long by 2020 standards (and have successors to their sibling line, the QC35), you can still get great bargains on them.
As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s are capable of cancelling out ambient noise, and their noise reduction technology has advanced over the years. However, they're not the best ANC headphones available particularly when compared to contemporary counterparts and audiophiles should look elsewhere for a better sound experience.
As with the Sonys the QC35s also connect to two devices simultaneously and "audio share" one of them with a friend, which is useful when you're looking to listen music in one ear while conversing with someone else. They're also a popular option for frequent travellers, and they've got the classic Bose appearance that a lot of people enjoy. SlickWraps or Skin Sticker decal covers are available for purchase at a reasonable price when you wish to personalize your QC35s.
3. Sony WH-1000XM4
The WH-1000XM4s made by Sony don't change much in terms of aesthetics or comfort however their noise cancellation technology is a completely new beast. Sony has replaced the system-on-chip (SoC) for a brand new one that it claims allows it to more accurately listen and react to ambient audio in real-time, and reduce the mid- and high-frequency sound by using its Dual Noise Sensor technology.
Two microphones that feed forward into each earcup record ambient sound. The sound is processed by the QN1 noise cancellation processor to cut it down quickly without impacting the quality of your audio. The result is an amazing level of noise reduction that easily beats out the best headphones in this price range.
There's a sensitivity dial which lets you adjust the noise cancellation to suit your preferences. When you're in public for instance you may want some ambient sound to be filtered through, 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 calls using hands-free technology. They also come with a 30 hour battery life and quick charging capabilities. They also feature a strong Bluetooth 5.0 connection, with support for multipoint and NFC. In my tests, a quick remaster of Paul McCartney's Flaming Pie sounded clear and dynamic as well as rough mixes and recordings from home were clear and full.
To get the most out of these headphones, you'll need to download the companion Sony Headphones Connect app. This allows you to 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 excellent choice if you're looking to buy a pair that offers excellent active noise cancellation for an affordable price. The 710N Wireless is a step up over its predecessor and offers more efficient ANC performance, and superior sound quality. The 710N Wireless also features a lighter design with a battery lifespan of up to 35 hours.
However, if you're expecting 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 carrying 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 an 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are constructed of plastic. They are light and comfortable for long periods of time, but they won't withstand rigorous use or even a few falls on hard surfaces. The design is heavy, and the earcups creak when you move them. The controls are easy to use with tactile buttons which provide a satisfying click-like feedback. A single touch of the power button turns ANC on and off, whereas pressing and holding prompts you to activate Sony's Adaptive Audio Control functionality. This feature allows you select a preset profile that is based on the location you are in or how you use the headphones.
The WH-CH720N is one of the most affordable pairs of wireless noise cancelling headphones on the market. For the money you'll get excellent ANC, excellent sound and comfort, as well as up to 35 hours of battery life. If you're a frequent commuter, these headphones are worth checking out.
5. Earfun Air Pro
The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are known for their great value. They're great in calling and thrilling for music, while their ANC blocks a significant amount of sound without making you feel like your ears are being drowned. They also come with many features that are available on competing headphones that cost more or twice as much.
The earbuds are over-emphasized in the bass range and 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 may sound a little boomy for some. They have a very consistent frequency response, so they sound exactly the same no matter what you are listening to.
We played Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On and the earbuds embraced the track's bassy opening with zeal and energy. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar dynamic sound and the treble was a highlight of the vocals and the percussion.
On the phone, voice quality is very good even in noisy surroundings. The earbuds feature the most recent Qualcomm chip to ensure call clarity with background noises and clicks kept at bay even when talking in the vicinity of the London Underground at rush hour.
The Bluetooth connectivity of the earbuds is excellent, with very few issues in 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 shouldn't be submerged in water. They come with an enclosure that can hold two and a quarter charges. This is great for travel.