This Most Common Best Noise Cancelling Headphones Debate Doesn't Have To Be As Black And White As You Think
Sony Headphones Review - The Best Noise Cancelling Headphones
The fifth-generation version of Sony's noise-cancelling headphones look a little different from the previous model but they sound as great. They're lightweight, comfortable and come with a variety of features like Speak-to-Chat, Quick Attention mode wear detection, AI-powered DSEE Extreme audio upscaling.
The ANC is extremely powerful and reduces train noise to a low rumble. A "pass through" option lets you hear outside sounds if you want.
1. Sony WH-1000XM5
Sony headphones are among the best in the field of noise cancellation. The fifth generation of WH1000XM5s is the same. They provide one of the most impressive audio experiences that we've had. When over the ear headphones with noise cancelling put on the headphones and enable noise cancellation, it's like walking into a cone of silence. Engine sounds and HVAC systems, squeaking metal and even neighboring conversations are all muted.
The XM5s also excel on the audio front. Their expansive soundstage allows the entire song to breathe and shine. On Billie Eilish's Bad Guy for example, the drums pound with a satisfying amount of weight and drive, while soaring vocals harmonise 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 on a noisy road and automatically lower the noise cancelling volume, and they can pair with two devices simultaneously and switch between them based on what you require more urgently.
The WH-1000XM5s are environmentally friendly. They are made from recycled plastic and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) with a headband made from high-end fabric. They also come with a collapsible carry case that folds to form a small pouch, plus a 3.5mm-to-3.5mm audio cable that can be used in a passive mode. The ear cups are washable and removable for easy cleaning. Additionally, 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 speed charging system that charges twice the speed of traditional USB headphones.
2. Bose QuietComfort 35
The Bose QuietComfort 35/QC35 II Wireless 2018 are more versatile than the Audio-Technica ATH-DSR9BT Wireless headphones due to their incredibly comfortable fit, well-balanced audio profile and ANC feature that blocks out a significant amount of background noise. The Bose headphones come with a 20-hour battery, are much easier to charge and can still be used with a phone even when the battery is empty. This makes them an ideal choice to those looking for headphones that can be used as commuter headphones or travel headphones.
These premium Bose headphone have a dedicated Google Assistant button, which will allow the assistant to play music, answer trivia and read notifications from your smartphone. These headphones are incredibly quiet with excellent noise cancelling capabilities. They are a bit old-fashioned by 2020 standards however, you can enjoy great deals.
As with other Bose ANC headphones, the QC35s are capable in reducing ambient noise, and their noise reduction technology has improved over time. They're not the top ANC headphone out there particularly when compared to more recent competitors. Audiophiles may want to look elsewhere for better sound.
Similar to the Sonys, the QC35s can connect to two devices at once and "audio share" one of them with a companion, which is great if you want to listen to music in one ear while conversing with another. These headphones are also popular among frequent flyers and feature that classic Bose design that many people love. 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 WH1000XM4s offer nothing in the way of aesthetic or comfort changes in comparison to the M3s, but its noise cancelling technology is an entirely new beast. The company has replaced the old system-on chip (SoC) with a new one, which it claims will enable it to listen and respond more precisely the ambient sound in real time by reducing mid- and high-frequency noises using its Dual Noise Sensor technology.
Two feedforward microphones inside each earcup record ambient sound. This is then processed by QN1 noise cancelling processor to reduce it quickly without impacting the quality of your audio. The result is an audio quality that is comparable to the best headphones at this price point.
There's a sensitivity dial that allows you to adjust the noise cancellation to suit your needs. If you're in a public space for instance you may need some ambient sound to be filtered through in the background, while at home you'll prefer a more closed-off listening experience. This feature also makes use of geo-location access to automatically apply the correct setting based on where you're heading.
The WH-1000XM4s are able to be used for hands-free calls. They boast a staggering 30 hours of battery life, along with quick charging capabilities. They also have a powerful Bluetooth 5.0 connection, with support for multipoint and NFC. In my tests, I found that a quick remastering of Paul McCartney’s Flaming pie was lively and clear, while rough mixes and recordings from home also sound clear.
Download the Sony Headphones Connect companion app to make the most of these headphones. You can adjust the EQ and enjoy convenience features such as Bluetooth multipoint. Additionally, it unlocks cool new stuff, like Sony's 360 Reality Audio immersive sound mastering process.
4. Sony WH-CH720N
If you're seeking a pair of headphones that can provide top-quality active noise cancelling at a budget-friendly price, the Sony WH-CH720N are an excellent option. The 710N Wireless is an improvement over its predecessor with better ANC performance and better sound quality. The 710N Wireless also has an elongated design and 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 carrying case, auto-pause feature or earcups that fold up which makes them difficult to take on a trip with.
The WH-CH720N's build quality is decent, but not as impressive as the 1000XM5. The headband and earcups are made of plastic. They're light and comfortable for long periods of time, however, they aren't built to withstand heavy use or even 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 easy to use, though, with tactile buttons that offer an excellent click-based feedback. The ANC is toggled on and off by pressing the power switch. Pressing and holding the button activates Sony's Adaptive audio Control. This feature lets you select a preset profile based on your location or how you use the headphones.
The WH-CH720N noise cancelling wireless headphones are among the most affordable on the market. For the money you get top ANC, excellent sound comfortable, and a lightweight design. You can also expect up to 35 hours of battery life. These headphones are worth considering when you travel frequently.
5. Earfun Air Pro
The Air Pro is no different. Earfun headsets and earbuds are well-known for their excellent value. They're effective for calls and exciting for music, and their ANC blocks a significant amount of noise without making you feel like your ears are suffocated. They also come with a lot of features that are found in headphones that cost more than twice as much.
The earbuds have a lot of emphasis in the bass area and creates a rumble in most tracks. Instruments and lead vocals remain bright and clear. This makes them suitable for a wide range of music, although they may sound a little loud for some. The frequency response is extremely consistent, which means they sound exactly the identical no matter what you listen to.
We listened to Missy Elliott's Get Ur Freak On, and the earbuds did an amazing job of showcasing the song's bass-heavy introduction with energy and zeal. Stormzy's Vossi Bop had a similar dynamic sound and the treble was a highlight of the vocals and percussion.
On the phone, voice quality is very good, even in noisy environments. The earbuds use the latest Qualcomm chip to ensure the clarity of calls, with background noises and clicks being kept to a minimum even when talking near the London Underground at rush hour.
The earbuds' Bluetooth connectivity is also very good, with little to any issues during our testing. They connect quickly and with low latency to iOS and Android devices. They are IPX5 waterproof, meaning they are suitable for rain or for workouts. However, they should not be submerged in water. They come with an enclosure that can hold two quarters and a quarter of a charge. This is perfect for traveling.