Sony WF-1000XM2 noise-cancelling headphones are the perfect Christmas gift

IF YOU are looking to spend some money on premium tech products this Christmas, it’s hard to look past the Sony WH-1000XM2 noise-cancelling headphones.

WITH Sony’s 2016 noise-cancelling headphones largely considered the best product on the market, the company had to meet high expectations when it released this year’s model.

And having tested the Sony WH-1000XM2 headphones, it’s safe to say the product is looking to remain king of the noise-cancelling kingdom.

Not only does the product offer amazing sound and effective noise cancellation, it also has a string of unique features you won’t find anywhere else.

DESIGN

Similar to Bose QC35II, Sony has operated under the idea that if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

As such, the Sony WH-1000XM2 has only received minor tweaks that would likely go unnoticed to the untrained eye.

Apart from the minimal “Sony” branding above each ear cup and a tiny NFC logo, the design has been kept simple and elegant.

The left ear cup contains the only two buttons on the headset — one for Power/Bluetooth and another used to cycle between the On/Ambient/Off noise-cancellation settings.

Below the buttons on the left cup is a port for a 3.5mm connection, while the right side has the microUSB slot for charging.

The headband and earpad cushioning carry across from the old model, with the headphones more than comfortable for long-haul flights or travel.

Extra attention has also been shown to the clamp force to ensure the product doesn’t feel like it is squeezing your head, and this shows.

Sony has slightly tweaked the synthetic leather on the outside of the ear cups for a rougher, more tactile feel — a change that’s not going to be a deal-breaker either way.

The product can also be folded down to be stored in a protective carry case, but I can attest that the design is durable enough to alleviate any worries about storing them in your gym bag without the case.

Sony’s app makes the headphones even smarter

PERFORMANCE

When it comes to noise-cancelling headphones that offer superior sound quality, you can’t really look too far past the WH-1000XM2.

From sitting on a train with schoolchildren to blocking out the noise of traffic, the product is able to remove all ambient noise down to a manageable whisper.

Impressively, the smartphone app for the product uses the accelerometers — a sensor which measures the tilting motion and orientation of a phone — to determine whether you’re stationary or moving and will alter the noise cancellation accordingly. So for example, if you are in walking mode, the WH-1000XM2 will allow slightly more ambient noise to hear traffic that might be approaching.

As for audio performance, the sound is sensational and offers crystal clear quality at all frequency ranges, topped off with heavy bass.

And if you own an Android device that supports the LDAC codes, you can expect to get even better sound.

Sony’s Quick Attention mode has made a return, with the feature reducing the volume level when you cover the top of the right earpiece — move your hand and the music will go back to normal.

Playback is also controlled by the touchpad built into the surface of the right earpiece.

The setting is very easy to use, with swiping up increasing volume and swiping down decreasing it. Likewise, swiping forward will go to the next track and swiping back will skip to the previous one.

Both Apple’s Siri and Google Assistant are also supported, summoned by simply pressing and holding the middle of the right ear cup.

One of the best features of the WH-1000XM2 is the battery life which offers 30 hours of playback — 10 hours more than the Bose QuietComfort 35II.

And if you do run out of juice, Sony has promised 70 minutes of playback from a 10 minute charge.

VERDICT

There is no denying Sony is at the top of the noise-cancelling headphone game and the WH-1000XM2 is an excellent addition to the company’s already impressive catalogue.

The product is perfect for those with regular commutes or people who just want another alternative to watching content at home.

Sony/Android owners will get the best bang for their buck in terms of audio performance, but the product is suitable for anyone looking for noise-cancelling headphones.

I find the WH-1000XM2 to be every bit as good as the Bose QuietComfort 35II headphones, if not better in some areas.

While the product might have an expensive $499.95 price tag, you can sleep easy knowing you’re paying for premium quality.

What headphones do you think are the best? Continue the conversation in the comments below or with Matthew Dunn on Facebook and Twitter.