If you‘re in the market for a great pair of wireless noise-cancelling headphones, the Sony WH-XB910N is a popular and well-reviewed option. These sleek over-ear headphones offer powerful bass, highly effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit for all-day use. However, with an MSRP of $249 and many compelling alternatives on the market, the WH-XB910N may not be the right choice for everyone.
Whether you‘re looking to save some money, prefer a different brand, or prioritize different features, there are plenty of excellent alternatives worth considering. To help you find the perfect pair of wireless cans for your needs, we‘ve rounded up the best Sony WH-XB910N alternatives in a range of categories.
At the top of our list is the Bose QuietComfort 45, our pick for the best overall alternative to Sony‘s offering. Bose has long been an industry leader in noise cancellation technology, and the QC45 showcases the company‘s expertise with phenomenal ANC performance.
The QC45 features 6 external microphones and an updated ANC chip that continuously monitors your environment and adapts the noise cancellation accordingly. The result is best-in-class noise blocking that can handle everything from airplane engines to coffee shop chatter. Whether you want to fully immerse yourself in your music or just enjoy some peace and quiet, the QC45 has you covered.
Noise cancellation isn‘t the only area where the QC45 excels. These headphones also deliver outstanding sound quality suitable for the most discerning listeners. The default sound signature is well-balanced and neutral, with crisp, detailed highs, rich mids, and punchy bass that doesn‘t overpower. If you prefer, you can also use the Bose Music app to customize the EQ to your liking. Audiophiles will appreciate support for high-quality Bluetooth codecs like AAC and aptX Adaptive.
From a design standpoint, the QC45 maintains the classic look of its predecessors while introducing some welcome upgrades. The headband and earcups now feature soft, plush cushioning covered in synthetic leather for a pillowy, pressure-free fit. Controls are intuitively laid out on the right earcup, with physical buttons for power, pairing, and your voice assistant of choice. The folding design and included carrying case make the QC45 easy to pack and stow during your travels.
Battery life is another strength of the QC45, with up to 24 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. That‘s more than enough to cover the longest flights or road trips. USB-C charging means you can use the same cable as your phone or laptop to top up. The QC45 also offers a quick charge feature, providing 3 hours of use from just 15 minutes of charging – perfect for those times you forgot to plug in overnight.
As for extra features, the QC45 offers the convenience of multi-device pairing, so you can seamlessly switch between your phone and computer. The Bose Music app for iOS and Android provides access to firmware updates, product tips, and the aforementioned EQ adjustment. There‘s also a "Self Voice" mode that lets you adjust how much of your own voice you hear on calls.
Compared to the Sony WH-XB910N, the Bose QC45 slightly edges it out in terms of noise cancellation and microphone quality for voice calls. Both headphones offer similarly excellent sound and build quality. The Sony has more powerful bass by default and slightly longer battery life at 30 hours. But for most users, the Bose QuietComfort 45 will likely be the better overall pick.
If the Bose QC45‘s $329 price tag exceeds your budget, consider the Anker Soundcore Life Q35 instead. At just $129, these headphones deliver shockingly good active noise cancellation and sound quality for the price. The Q35 offers 5 ANC modes, 40mm drivers, Hi-Res Audio and LDAC support, and up to 40 hours of playtime on a single charge. While not quite on par with the Bose or Sony flagships, the Anker Q35 is hands-down the best value for noise-cancelling wireless headphones.
For audiophiles seeking the ultimate sound quality above all else, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless is hard to beat. These sleek headphones deliver sublime, spacious sound with impeccable detail retrieval and accuracy. The companion app offers an excellent EQ for fine-tuning. Other technical highlights include Bluetooth 5.2, aptX Adaptive support, and a whopping 60 hours of battery life.
If you prioritize portability for travel, the Sony WH-1000XM5 stands out with its collapsible design, ultra light 250g weight, and compact carrying case. Despite the small size, these flagship noise-cancellers still manage to pack in 8 microphones for stellar ANC, 30mm drivers, and 30 hours of battery. The touch controls and adaptive sound features are also nice usability touches.
For the absolute best noise cancellation on the market, it‘s a close call but the Apple AirPods Max take the crown in our testing. The 6 outward-facing mics and 2 inward-facing mics powered by Apple‘s H1 chip do an unrivaled job of hushing your surroundings across a wide range of frequencies. Transparency mode is equally impressive for piping in outside sound as needed. The innovative mesh knit canopy headband and memory foam earcups also provide incredible comfort. Just be prepared to pay a premium for this uncompromising performance.
Battery life is important to consider for wireless headphones, especially if you travel frequently or hate recharging your devices. While most flagship models offer 20-30 hours of uptime these days, some go above and beyond like the aforementioned Sennheiser Momentum 4 with its class-leading 60 hours. Other battery life champs include the Jabra Elite 45h (50 hours), Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 (50 hours), and Philips PH805 (40 hours). All of these headphones let you relax and enjoy your music or podcasts for days on end without worrying about running out of juice.
Choosing the right wireless headphones ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider which factors matter most to you, such as sound quality, noise cancellation, battery endurance, comfort, portability, special features, or price. Read professional and user reviews and try to demo a few models in-store if possible to get a sense for how they sound, feel, and function. Figure out how much you‘re willing to spend and look for the top-rated models in your price range.
No matter your priorities, rest assured that any of the alternatives covered here will serve as an excellent substitute or upgrade over the Sony WH-XB910N. From the luxurious Bose QC45 to the budget-friendly Anker Q35 to the plush and powerful AirPods Max, there is a pair of noise-cancelling wireless headphones out there that will satisfy your ears and wallet.
