Noise-cancelling headphones are one of the most popular types of cans, and for good reason. They block out ambient noise that can distract from you enjoying your favourite tunes. While they’re particularly useful for air travel and daily commutes – especially via public transport – they’re also great at isolating you from at-home noise pollution, whether that be the whoosh of your air-con system, the whir of your computer’s cooling fans, or your neighbour’s lawn mower.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) identify sound waves associated with noise and electronically generate an inverse sound wave that cancels it out. Here’s what we mean: a sound wave is similar to the ripples in a pond. Toss a pebble in the pond, then introduce ripples of the opposite pattern, and you’ll smooth the pond’s surface. Active noise cancellation (ANC) works in a similar manner. Microphones mounted on the headphone analyze ambient sound waves and then produce inverse sound waves that will cancel them out. Most As you might expect, the ANC technologies from some manufacturers are incredibly effective; others, less so. We’ve tested models from AKG, Bose, Bowers & Wilkins, JBL, Libratone, and Sony and found them to be very good.
Adaptive noise cancellation is the most sophisticated type of ANC. It operates on the same principles, but adapts to your surroundings to apply more or less of the effect and to even bring in sounds from the outside world. Some adaptive noise-cancelling solutions even take into account how fast you’re moving, the air pressure around you, and whether you’re likely in a plane, taking a walk, or holding a conversation. Many operate in conjunction with a mobile app on your smartphone.
Some individuals find that ANC headphones exert pressure on their ears, creating a similar sensation to being under water. If you find ANC headphones to be uncomfortable, you’ll prefer a model with good passive noise cancellation. That type of headphone deliver other benefits, too: They’re the least likely to colour the music you’re listening to, and they don’t need batteries. On the other hand, not all headphones with passive noise cancellation are wireless.
1. SONY WHF-1000XM5
Price: £379 from fave.co/3NtO1r6 Sony’s over-ear noise-cancelling headphone, the WH-1000XM4 has ruled the roost as our top pick in noise-cancelling headphones. Well, I have news: The king is dead. Sony has an all-new noise-cancelling headphone – the £379 WH-1000XM5 – and it’s nothing short of spectacular.
Sony’s WH-1000XM5 isn’t a minor revision of the WH-1000XM4, it represents a clear rethinking of the product from top to bottom. And the results are overwhelmingly positive.
Everything starts with Sony’s plastic-free packaging. This new model comes in your choice of black (the colour or my review sample) or silver. The latter is more accurately described as a light cream colour, and it’s a stunning improvement over the previous generation’s palette.
When I first lifted the WH-1000XM5 at a private Sony event, I was immediately struck by how light they are. ‘Featherweight’ came to mind. Even though there’s only about four grams difference between the 150g WH-1000XM5 and their 154g predecessor, the XM4, when I held both models in my hand, the difference was noticeable. And that carries over to wearing them, too. It’s almost like not having anything on your head at all.
The light weight is due in large part to the continued use of plastic as opposed to aluminium armbands. I understand why Sony pursued this design decision; nevertheless, every time I see all-plastic armbands, it makes me wonder about long-term durability compared to an armband fabricated from aluminium. All that said, there’s nothing cheap about the WH-1000XM5’s build.
As with previous generations, the ear cups fold flat. But this time, they fold into a completely redesigned bell-shape – one that deserves special attention. It looks fabulous and feels like a significant upgrade. A new magnetic lid holds the included 3.5mm analogue and USB-C charging cables securely. When the headphones aren’t present, the hardtop case can collapse almost flat, becoming very easy to shove into a backpack or suitcase. This degree of attention to detail characterized my entire experience with the WH-1000XM5.
The WH-1000XM5 itself looks similar to its predecessor, but with significant refinement and detailed attention to aesthetics. Sony has minimized the new model’s lines and cleaned up its curves to hide the points of assembly. A new synthetic leather material envelops nearly the entire headband. As a result, the armband’s extension point is much closer to the ear cups, which slightly changes the angle of how the headphones fit to your head. The headphones have a stark ‘U’ shape to them, compared to the rainbow-like arc of the WH-1000XM4. After long listening sessions, the WH-1000XM5 did apply slight pressure to the top of my head; this became less of an issue after the headphones were broken in.
Sony redesigned the ear cups significantly and are now oval-shaped instead of round. They’re noticeably roomier too, finally addressing a longstanding issue of Sony’s ear cups feeling a bit snug.
The acoustically transparent cloth inside the ear cups has been repositioned, too. This minor attention to detail gives the headphones a much cleaner, more modern look.
Listening tests
The best noise-cancelling headphone in the world isn’t worthy of your money if it doesn’t first deliver a great audio performance. Among the most significant internal upgrades to the WH-1000XM5 Sony’s decision to switch to a 30mm carbon fibre driver. Carbon fibre is prized for its rigidity and low mass, which makes it an excellent choice for a headphone driver. And it delivers exceptional audio performance here.
I tested the Sony WH-1000XM5 with an iPhone 12 Pro and a Fiio M9 high-res digital audio player, which supports Sony’s LDAC wireless codec. Source material included streams from Tidal, Apple Music, and the Roon app connected to my Roon Nucleus music server. I optimized the Tidal app with the Headphones Companion app for Sony’s 360 audio.
The WH-1000XM5’s sonic signature is outstanding for the price point, and is for all practical purposes unaffected by noise cancelling or ambient-sound mode. I found the WH-1000XM5 to be delicate, detailed, and dynamic. If you’re an audiophile like me, you’ll be well-pleased with its overall performance.
I loved the Sony’s bass response and I think you will too. Bass is dynamic and refined. The WH-1000XM5’s bass lines on Imagine Dragon’s and Billie Eilish’s pulsated with control and dug deep when called. There wasn’t a hint of bass bloat
