Latest news with #WH-1000XM5
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Tom's Guide
5 things we want to see from the Sony WF-1000XM6
Sony's wireless audio run has been nothing short of exceptional. It began with the widely acclaimed WH-1000XM3, then the consumer-beloved WH-1000XM4, and shifted to the WH-1000XM5, a model viewed by critics as the best headphones overall these past two years. That same momentum carried over to Sony's true wireless series, which gave us two of the best wireless earbuds entries to date: the WF-1000XM4 and WF-1000XM5. Remarkable craftsmanship combined with stellar active noise cancellation and proprietary sound technologies (e.g., DSEE Extreme, LDAC) resulted in fantastic listening experiences that crushed all rivals, including the top-selling AirPods Pro 2. Now that Sony has unleashed its latest flagship headphones, the WH-1000xM6, sights are set on its unannounced next-gen wireless earbuds. We're referring to the WF-1000xM6. Sony's release history suggests the WF-1000xM6 will drop in Summer 2026 – a year after the WH-1000xM6. We saw this pattern with the Mark 4 and Mark 5 SKUs. It's also possible that these buds hit store shelves before the end of this year. Rest assured that the WF-1000xM6 will be a fitting representation of their over-ear counterpart. Is that enough to warrant their purchase? Not in our expert opinion. The $449 WH-1000XM6 are $50 more expensive than their predecessor when they were initially released, and the WF-1000XM6 are bound to follow suit. Several upgrades need to happen before we splurge on Sony's highly anticipated luxury buds. Here's what we recommend for the Sony WF-1000xM6 before they come off the assembly line. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Smart cases are the new 'It' accessory for wireless earbuds and headphones. Bowers & Wilkins jump-started this trend with the Pi7 charging case that works as a Bluetooth transmitter to stream music over hi-res aptX connectivity when plugged into an analog output. Jabra created its own versions for the Elite 8 Active (Gen 2) and Elite 10 (Gen 2). However, it was JBL that evolved the concept, developing a charging case with a touchscreen that doubles as an alternative control source and transmitter for hi-res streaming via USB-C cable (check out the outstanding Tour Pro 3 and Tour One M3). Sony has always been more innovator than imitator, but most of us wouldn't judge the brand for following in JBL's footsteps. Just picture what a Mark Series smart case could do for the WF-1000xM6. We envision a device that allows for Auracast transmission, lossless audio through passive mode, and seamless remote-control management. Wide compatibility with Sony's latest headphones and speakers would be the cherry on top. The WF-1000XM5 stand out as some of the best noise-canceling earbuds right now. Some critics even say they're equally as superb as the category-leading Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. That's quite the compliment considering the buds lack Sony's Auto Optimizer feature from the WH-1000XM5 headphones. This automatically selects the best ANC setting for your current environment. Hardware and software limitations contributed to its absence on the WF-1000XM5. A newer version called Adaptive NC Optimizer debuted on the WH-1000XM6, and it does a solid job of tweaking performance on the fly by thoroughly examining the ambient noise around you. Sony needs to perform some circuit wizardry and get this working on its next-gen buds. The WH-1000XM5 headphones run on the QN2 chip, while the WF-1000XM5 utilize the mobile-friendly QN2e chip. Obviously, the former is more powerful, though the latter works exceptionally well with Sony's Integrated Processor V2 to enhance call clarity and noise cancellation. We're not calling for Sony to phase out the QN2e; it is arguably superior to Apple's H2 chip used on the AirPods Pro 2. At the same time, we would welcome a brand-new processor that can accelerate performance across all key verticals on the WF-1000XM6. Sony says its QN3 chip on the WH-1000XM6 is seven times faster than the original version and more efficient for noise reduction. Give us the QN3e if it means better ANC and call quality. Sony's spatial audio format delivers convincing 3D sound that enlivens a variety of content, from live events to music to movies. Sony's headtracking technology has also improved greatly. Unfortunately, 360 Reality Audio is restricted to select music streaming services, many of which are unpopular compared to the big three: Apple Music, Spotify, and Tidal. The feature was optimized for Tidal through limited catalog availability, but it was removed last year after the platform released a huge FLAC update. More listeners must experience 360 Reality Audio for it to become a legitimate alternative to Apple's Personalized Spatial Audio and Bose's Immersive Audio modes; the latter works with all stereo content. No one expects Sony to follow Bose's path since there is money to be made licensing out 360 Reality Audio. Therefore, the next best option is to make 360 Reality Audio available on most streaming services, and the WF-1000XM6 could be the perfect launch pad. No one has fought harder for the return of near-field communication technology on Sony's earbuds than I have. It's a very convenient feature that was ditched after the WF-1000XM3 came out. Bringing back NFC for the WF-1000XM6 would make pairing to Android devices a breeze. All that's required is tapping the charging case on the back of a compatible smartphone. Since the NFC market is expanding into different products and sectors, this leaves the door open for many other creative uses, such as using the case for contactless payments or keyless entry into your car or house. Is it a pipe dream? Sure, but it's not beyond the realm of possibility.
Time Business News
12-06-2025
- Time Business News
Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Air Travel: Block Out the Cabin Noise
Being by a screaming infant or jet engine for hours without proper headphones is enough to teach you how vital they can be. Since you're at such a high altitude, you really need the best noise cancelling headphones to enjoy some peace. Buying the proper noise-canceling headphones can be very useful if you're a frequent traveler, a remote worker looking for peace fan who wants a great listening experience. We'll discuss the reasons why you would need noise cancelling headphones on a flight, look at their key features and list the best models out there in 2025. Now, hook up your headphones, switch off from the world and pick out the best set. Today's aircraft are usually quite loud. The noise of airplane engines, passengers' chatting and PA messages is often felt by those on board. This unwanted noise can make your favorite tunes or films unenjoyable, put more stress on you, disrupt your sleep and cause you to feel tired at your destination. This issue can be fixed using active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones. With these devices, active noise cancellation happens thanks to microphones and technology that reverses incoming noise. The result? An area where you can take it easy, rest or concentrate. The key aspect is the ability of headphones to get rid of low-frequency noises such as engine and airflow sounds. Adaptive ANC in headphones makes them effective in changing conditions by adjusting the noise cancellation on its own. Good-quality headphones are not much help when they lead to ear pain or headaches on long flights. Select a model that is light, has memory foam and is ergonomic to provide adequate support while preserving your comfort. Look for noise cancelling headphones that last for at least 20–30 hours while you use ANC during an airplane flight. There are models that offer battery life of up to 40 hours, so you won't need to turn off your sound halfway into a journey. Foldable cases that fit in your hand luggage and being compact are really helpful when you already have a lot to carry. Airplane adapters and charging cables in the accessories count as an extra bonus. A good set of speakers with well-balanced tones will make all your sound, movies and podcasts more pleasing. The finest headphones will deliver great sound, as well as control noise. If your Bluetooth has a version of 5.0 or more, you can rely on a stable link. Multiple device pairing which lets you connect your laptop and phone at once, is especially beneficial for travelers. The top-ranked noise cancelling headphones still keep impressing users. The HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 and eight microphones in the WH-1000XM5 allow the headset to offer excellent ANC. It does an excellent job at muting cabin noise as well as adjusts to changes in pressure and outside sounds. Its soft ear pads and light frame are especially suited for anyone making long journeys. You don't have to worry about your Beats headphones running out of battery because they provide up to 30 hours of use. Many travelers prefer Bose products and the latest QuietComfort Ultra proves to be one of the best. It gives you dominant noise cancellation, amazing audio quality and extra comfort. Using Immersive Audio technology come together for an amazing sound experience. Also, the light headband and protein leather cushions make the headphones barely noticeable while wearing them. When you own multiple Apple products, the AirPods Max fit in well and give top-quality results. Although the headphones are on the heavy side due to their stainless steel build, their memory foam ear cups are excellent at blocking background and noise from the surroundings. For those who want luxury, fashionable design and amazing sound, iPhone and Mac devices are good choices. The Momentum 4 from Sennheiser impresses with its outstanding sound, top ANC and a remarkable battery life of 60 hours. A long-lasting battery and superior, high-quality sound are found together. Many may not realize it, but the PX8 has solid construction, uses only the best materials and provides very precise ANC through the Bowers & Wilkins app. They are made with sophistication and give you the high-quality sound of an audiophile. Discerning people who want impressive audio and noise cancellation will really appreciate this model. Because I regularly visit different countries for my work, my first pair of noise cancelling headphones was quite affordable. I could still tell the person behind me was asleep with their snoring and the cart moved again at 3 in the morning. Peace in the air finally became real to me only after spending time on the Sony WH-1000XM4. I was able to sleep for the whole flight to Tokyo which had never happened to me before. The trip was well worth all the money spent. For the best time: Before you get on the plane, remember to charge your headphones. If you have Bluetooth headsets, put your phone into airplane mode while listening. Many hearing aids let you benefit from noise cancelling, regardless of whether any sound is playing. Benefit from the ambient mode by listening to your crew and announcements. The Anker Soundcore Space NC or JBL Tour One M2 are good brands to consider. They give good active noise cancellation, have a comfortable fit and run for a long time on a single charge for less money. Most travelers prefer to go here. Simply put, Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Sennheiser Momentum 4 define this sector. AirPods Max and Bowers & Wilkins PX8 are luxury earphones that assure great design, sound and reputation. In 2025, the market sees many noise cancelling headphones being promoted as the best. Still, very few airlines are outstanding when it comes to flying. If you travel for work, for fun or just to watch movies in the air, reliable ANC headphones can bring you a better level of comfort on the plane. You can experience the flawless sound quality of Sony's WH-1000XM5 or the stylish touch of AirPods Max and enjoy your journey in the air. Avoid giving up comfort, focus or enough rest when traveling and let the background noise of the aircraft dissipate while you start enjoying a peaceful journey. You don't need music to notice that ambient noise is cancelled out by ANC headphones. Therefore, those earphones work well for people who need to sleep or relax during air travel. Most flights today let you use Bluetooth devices after they reach their cruising altitude. But a wired option is useful if the airplane entertainment system is connected through a jack. It cuts out sound by using items such as foam. To reduce incoming noise, active noise cancellation uses small microphones combined with internal circuitry that detect and counter those waves in real-time. You can generally use your ANC headphones with no concerns regarding safety. They might also decrease the amount of volume you have to use, helping you avoid hearing damage in the future. Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones stand out, since they offer excellent ANC, a long-lasting battery and premium comfort at a fair price. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Qatar Tribune
03-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Sony Middle East and Africa, Modern Home introduce next evolution of noise cancelling with WH-1000XM6 in Qatar
Tribune News Network Doha Sony Middle East and Africa, the leading consumer electronics brand, alongside Modern Home, its strategic and exclusive partner in Qatar, announced the release of the WH-1000XM6 wireless noise cancelling headphones—the latest edition of its award-winning 1000X series that set a new standard for premium audio and personal listening experiences. Building on the legacy of the 1000X series, this latest model combines premium sound with the best noise cancelling in a seamless design to create an unparalleled audio solution for music lovers, fashionistas, travellers and professionals alike. The new WH-1000XM6 wireless noise cancelling headphones will be available soon at Modern Home in Al Maha Centre on Salwa Road and Fnac stores in Lagoona Mall, Doha Festival City, and Place Vendôme, in addition to other major retailers in town. The next evolution in noise cancellation Powered by an advanced processor and an adaptive microphone system, noise cancelling is optimised in real-time on the WH-1000XM6 so your world stays undisturbed and your sound stays pure. With processor speeds seven times faster than its predecessor, the HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 fine-tunes 12 microphones, which is 1.5 times more than its precursor the WH-1000XM5, in real-time, delivering a dramatic leap in noise cancelling and sound quality. The precise detection of the twelve optimally placed microphones allows the noise cancellation to adapt more precisely to fit you and your environment. Whether you are looking to block out noise on a busy commute or stay focused in the office, your sound experience will be seamless and powerful. Sony's new Adaptive NC Optimiser delivers unmatched noise cancelling precision – adjusting to any form of external noise and air pressure. Plus, the specially designed driver unit is optimally tuned for enhanced noise cancellation. Auto Ambient Sound mode is even better at adapting to your surroundings in real-time, balancing music and external sound. Multiple microphones filter noise or let in what matters: announcements, conversations, or the world around you. Adjust settings automatically or fine-tune them manually in the Sony | Sound Connect app. Premium sound, co-created with the masters The WH-1000X6 headphones allow you to hear your music as it was meant to be. Developed in collaboration with world-renowned mastering engineers at three of the industry's top recording studios, Sterling Sound, Battery Studios and Coast Mastering the WH-1000XM6 refines every note for studio-level accuracy, delivering a superior music experience. The collaboration of these talented individuals led to the WH-1000XM6 delivering the artist's intended emotion, energy, and detail with remarkable precision. The WH-1000XM6 headphones are engineered to perfection with the specially designed driver unit delivering clarity that feels almost tangible, and every detail comes through with precision. The high rigidity carbon fibre composite material dome and uniquely developed voice coil structure bring out the subtleties in every frequency – so vocals sound richer, instruments feel more defined, and every track carries more emotion. The HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3 features an advanced look-ahead noise shaper for improved D/A conversion, allowing the WH-1000XM6 to predict and optimise quantisation noise while responding quickly to sudden sound changes. This gives you clearer details, richer bass and a more natural listening experience. The WH-1000XM6 supports High-Resolution Audio and High-Resolution Audio Wireless, thanks to LDAC, Sony's industry-adopted audio coding technology. In addition, using Edge-AI, DSEE Extreme upscales compressed digital music files in real time to restore high-range sound lost in compression. The Sony | Sound Connect app makes it even easier to fine-tune your entertainment experience on the WH-1000XM6. Always be heard with the ultra clear call quality The WH-1000XM6 allows you to enjoy clarity in every call. Intelligent beamforming isolates your voice from background noise, so you are always heard even when others are talking. If you need to mute you can do it instantly, via the button right on your headphones. With the advanced six-microphone AI-based beamforming system, the WH-1000XM6 homes in on your voice while filtering out background noise, so every word comes through crystal clear even in chaotic environments. The AI-optimised noise reduction algorithm suppresses background sound while isolating your voice. Beamforming microphones and precise voice pickup technology ensure every word is heard clearly. Masterfully crafted for all-day comfort The familiar iconic design of the WH-1000X series has been taken to the next level with an elegant, soft-fit wider headband infused with vegan leather ensuring a pressure-free fit. The asymmetrical headband design makes it easy to identify the left and right sides with just a glance. The earpads are designed for all-day wear thanks to stretchable material that provides a secure yet gentle fit to reduce pressure whilst blocking external noise. Plus, the intuitive controls allow you to easily switch between noise cancelling, ambient sound and mic mute with tactile buttons and a responsive touch panel. Inspired by products with handcrafted precision workmanship, the folding mechanism on the WH-1000XM6 is crafted using advanced metal injection for a seamless durable fold, while designed to slip seamlessly into bags and airplane pockets. The compact case now features a magnetic closure for easy access. With three premium colours to suit your style, the WH-1000XM6 headphones are available in Black, Platinum Silver and Midnight Blue. For more information visit:
Tom's Guide
03-06-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Epic Sony headphone sale on Amazon from $38 — here's 9 deals I'd shop right now
Hoping to upgrade your headphone game for summer? Look no further than Sony, the brand that makes some of the best headphones we've ever tested. Even better? Amazon is currently hosting a huge sale on top-rated Sony audio devices. The sale includes deals on wireless earbuds and Editor's Choice headphones. For instance, you can snag the Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones for $100 off their usual price. Plus, the Sony WF-C500 are just $79 and ranked among our best wireless earbuds. Below, I've rounded up the best deals from the Sony sale on Amazon. For more ways to save, take a look this week's best Amazon promo codes. Our Sony WH-CH520 headphones review said these headphones "deliver on battery life and performance." They're 360 Reality Audio compatible for more 3D sound and you can customize EQ in the Sony Headphones app. Although there's no active noise cancelling function, they have built-in mics for hands-free voice and video calls and noise suppression processing to keep your voice sounding clear in noisy environments. They're also rated for up to 50 hours of battery life. The Sony WF-C700N are one of the best wireless earbuds we've tested. In our Sony WF-C700N review, we praised their excellent sound, strong noise cancellation and great call quality. They're also lightweight and last for 7.5 hours of listening time with ANC on. These rank top in our best wireless earbuds under $100, and this deal means they're too good to miss. There's no ANC, but our Sony WF-C500 review said that music sounds punchy, and there's full EQ control via the awesome Sony Connect Headphones app. Battery life runs to 10 hours, with 20 hours from the charging case. One of the greatest strengths of these low-cost headphones is the amount of playback time they offer between recharges. Battery life runs to 35 hours with noise canceling on, which is 5 hours longer than the flagship WH-1000XM5. They're among the best cheap headphones for travel. The Sony LinkBuds S have a lot to offer: active noise cancelation and ambient awareness (or transparency) modes that switch automatically based on your activity backed by Sony's awesome Headphones Connect app. Auto-play and auto-pause features are on board, plus you get top sound quality and reliability. The Sony Inzone H9 are styled similarly to their namesake's home console, so they're a perfect choice if you're also a PS5 gamer. In our Sony Inzone H9 review, we found the Editor's Choice headphones were comfortable to wear, but disliked the their finicky companion desktop PC app. Although superseded by the WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are still a solid buy. They offer effective ANC, superior comfort, excellent sound quality, and an epic battery life that runs up to 38 hours. In our Sony WH-1000XM4 review, we said they're one of the best noise-cancelling headphones on the market. These are some of the best buds that you can buy right now. They sound excellent, with some wickedly detailed sound with plenty of low-end grunt, and feature a very comfortable fit. We gave them 4.5 stars in our review because of their great ANC, which manages to block out almost any noise you could throw at them. This isn't quite their lowest price ever, but it's very close. The XM5s are Sony's premium noise-canceling headphones and our pick for the best headphones on the market. The large, over-ear cushions are incredibly comfortable and the active noise cancelation is excellent. Plus, despite ANC being a drain on battery life, these amazing headphones still give you up to 30 hours with ANC enabled. You can push that up to 40 hours of battery life with ANC turned off.
Business Insider
30-05-2025
- Business Insider
The best Sony headphones of 2025
Music fans, frequent travelers, and anyone looking for their next pair of headphones should consider Sony's offerings. I've spent more than a decade reviewing audio gear, testing hundreds of products from a range of brands, and Sony is always among the top performers. The best Sony headphones deliver great audio quality, comfy designs, and solid active noise cancellation (ANC). For those with no spending limit, Sony's new WH-1000XM6 headphones offer the brand's most powerful ANC performance, rivaling high-end competitors from brands like Bose. But if you want to save some cash, the previous-gen WH-1000XM5 headphones are no slouch. They're not quite as good at blocking out unwanted distractions, but they offer similar sound quality for less money. All of the Sony headphones I recommend were tested in various environments while listening to music and watching movies. I put each model through the paces to help determine what kind of user each is best for. They're all worthy picks at full retail price, but they're often on sale, so you can usually snag them at a nice discount. Our top picks for the best Sony headphones Best overall value: WH-1000XM5 - See at Amazon Best overall value The WH-1000XM5 might not be Sony's newest wireless headphones, but they're still my top recommendation for most people. These are the brand's flagship headphones from 2022, and though they've been succeeded by the XM6, they're still in stock and frequently discounted. The XM5 provide good noise canceling, great audio quality, and a comfortable design, all at a more affordable price than the brand-new XM6. Of course, there are some areas where the pricier XM6 come out on top, but the cheaper XM5 deliver better value overall. The XM5's 30 hours of battery life, lightweight design, Bluetooth Multipoint connection, and speak-to-chat features make them versatile headphones for use at home, at work, on the go, and for long stretches at a time. Though I prefer the wider headband used on the XM6, the XM5 remain comfortable to wear for hours on end. Audio performance is great, as you should expect from flagship cans like this, with crisp mids and expansive bass. They work well for listening to music or spoken word and watching movies. They also support high-resolution audio for those interested in capturing every musical detail. Sony's newer XM6 headphones do offer slight improvements in sound quality, but I found it hard to notice many meaningful differences when comparing them. However, the XM6's upgraded noise cancellation is more noticeable. Don't get me wrong, the XM5 are still good noise-canceling headphones, but the XM6 are better at blocking out more distractions. It's also worth mentioning that the XM5's ear cups can't fold up to make them more compact for traveling. This is something that the XM6 can do. But given the current cost difference, I think most people will be more than satisfied with the WH-1000XM5, even if they can't quite match the XM6 in a few areas. Best for noise-cancelling Sony's new WH-1000XM6 are its most advanced wireless headphones so far, and they deliver the brand's best noise-canceling performance. In fact, they deliver some of the most impressive ANC I've encountered on any headphones. The XM6 feature adaptive technology, which keeps the headphones actively adjusting the frequencies they block as your environment changes. The headphones include a new chip with more power than the XM5, so there are now additional built-in microphones (12 total) filtering out the noise around you. On the audio front, you can expect the same excellent sound as the XM5, but with a touch more clarity. The XM6 also have a few welcomed design tweaks, like a thicker headband and a revised power button shape that helps differentiate it from other functions. The carrying case has also been altered and includes a magnetic latch instead of a zipper. Overall, the XM6 headphones are more refined, with small yet impactful improvements. Unfortunately, the price has also evolved, as the XM6 retail for $450. That's $50 more than the XM5 cost at launch and around $150 more than they typically go for now. Given their comparatively high cost, the XM6 headphones are best for those who travel a lot or work in especially distracting environments and are willing to pay top dollar to get premium ANC performance. Best on a budget If you're looking for a decent pair of wireless headphones but don't want to spend serious cash, the WH-CH720N are a compelling choice. These midrange headphones cost around $150 (and have dropped to as low as $88) but still offer most of the features that Sony's more expensive models are known for, like active noise cancellation, long battery life, and a comfortable, lightweight design. Although the WH-CH720N can't match the ANC performance of the other headphones in this guide, they still provide a decent reduction in distracting noise. I wouldn't recommend these if powerful ANC is a priority, but they're effective enough for casual use. However, you should be aware that this model is missing a carrying case. Though pricier than some budget headphones from other brands, the WH-CH720N stand out from less expensive offerings with a big jump in sound quality. Going from cheaper earbuds or basic, entry-level on-ear headphones to these will feel like a night-and-day difference. I found the mids to be clear, and there's a decent amount of bass to give songs a vibrant feel. Of course, people craving a deeper and richer sound with improved clarity should consider spending more for one of my other picks in this guide. But, for the money, the CH720N headphones are strong performers. I also like that they use physical buttons for play, pause, and volume adjustment. If you don't care for touch controls, that may be another reason to consider these over other Sony headphones. For affordable headphone recommendations from other brands, visit our guide to all the best budget headphones. Best for bass Sony has long employed a bass button on its wireless speakers to give them an extra oomph. The ULT Wear headphones follow that same strategy to give listeners a head-shaking experience. Pressing the ULT button on the left ear cup activates "deep, low-frequency bass," while hitting it a second time will switch to a second "powerful bass" mode. I can attest that these specially tuned EQ modes add a significant low-end boost to music. If you love your bass with a side of other instruments, then these are the headphones for you. Beyond the headphones' focus on low frequencies, the ULT Wear still provide a rich and detailed sound overall. Though they're best for bass-heavy songs and action flicks, they're still solid cans for all kinds of music. Plus, they have handy features like Bluetooth Multipoint, so they can be connected to more than one device at a time. But as good as the ULT headphones are, just be aware that they aren't quite as capable as Sony's 1000 series. The audio quality doesn't have the same level of delicate detail or exceptional clarity. Similarly, ANC performance is good, but it isn't as strong or as encompassing as the XM5 and XM6 in every environment. The headphones' fast charging takes a little longer, too. Three minutes of charging will give you 1.5 hours of listening time — the XM5 and XM6 can get three hours of listening time with three minutes of charging. Best earbuds If you prefer a pair of earbuds to keep the bulk down, then the WF-1000XM5 are the best Sony headphones for you. They sound exceptional with hard-hitting, punchy bass and clear vocals. Unlike past WF-1000 earbuds, the XM5 model is slimmed down and should fit better in more people's ears. I had a hard time wearing the older XM4, but these aren't an issue to wear for hours. Even the wireless charging case is petite. ANC performance is also great for a pair of earbuds. These are excellent at blocking out distractions on an airplane or in a busy office. In addition to multiple microphones and advanced ANC processing, the WF-1000XM5 also come with foam ear tips which tend to help block even more unwanted sound from creeping in. That said, their noise-canceling performance isn't quite at the same level as Sony's WH-1000XM6 over-ear headphones. Other notable benefits include really good voice quality during calls, which makes you sound natural and not robotic or choppy. There's also a healthy eight hours of battery life available (solid for earbuds), and in a pinch, three minutes of charging will get you an hour of listening time. Visit our guide to all the best wireless earbuds. How we tested Sony headphones I tested the best Sony headphones using several key metrics designed to evaluate audio quality, ANC, comfort, and extra features. Each pair of headphones was worn in various environments, including at home, on a plane, and in cafés. I wanted to see how they would handle noise in real-world places and if they travel well in my bag. I listened to all kinds of sources, including music, videos, and audiobooks. To evaluate ANC performance, I also played simulated sounds of everyday annoyances like a vacuum cleaner and revving car engines through speakers while wearing the headphones to hear how well each blocked different noises. I also connected the headphones to several devices to gauge how they handled playing music from different sources, like a smartphone and a desktop computer. In addition to comparing Sony's headphones against each other, I also pitted them against popular headphones from Bose, Sonos, Soundcore, and others to get a sense of where Sony's offerings fall in overall value and performance across the headphones market. Sony headphones FAQs What's the difference in ANC between Sony's various headphones? Sony's pricier headphones use more advanced ANC technology than its cheaper options. For example, the ULT Wear headphones use dual noise sensor tech, while the more expensive XM5 and XM6 use more advanced multi-noise sensors. The XM5 has eight microphones, while the XM6 features 12 microphones to listen for and filter out surrounding noise. While all of the best Sony headphones with ANC will dampen the drone of crowds and distant distractions, the pricer options can block out a wider range of noises. The 1000 series is also better at blocking stronger and closer bursts of noise than the options with less advanced technology. For more recommendations outside the Sony brand, check out our guide to all of the best noise-canceling headphones. Can Sony headphones be used for gaming? All of the Sony headphones recommended in this guide can technically be used for gaming, so long as your console or PC supports a Bluetooth connection. However, Bluetooth technology can cause a delay, which isn't ideal for multiplayer gaming. For that reason, the best wireless gaming headsets all support 2.4GHz wireless technology to reduce latency. So, in general, the Sony headphones recommended here are not optimized for gaming. That said, Sony does have a line of headsets called INZONE that are built specifically for gaming, and those models do support 2.4GHz connections. How does Sony compare to other headphone brands? Sony's consumer line of wireless headphones ranks well in performance and comfort, but it's not the only choice for headphones. I've spent significant time with competing headphones from Bose, Sonos, Apple, Master & Dynamic, and others, and am confident in saying that Sony's options stack up well. At the top end, the differences between competing headphones tend to be minor, with distinctions around design, specific features, and small details. However, if your primary focus is ANC strength, then Sony is among the top brands we recommend, second only to the best Bose headphones.
