Sony WH-CH720N Review: Lightweight Noise-Canceling Headphones
Looking for headphones that feel light on your ears all day? The Sony WH-CH720N might be your answer.
These headphones weigh just 192g. They rank among Sony’s lightest noise cancelling models ever made.
Battery life is a huge win here. You get 35 hours of playback on a single charge. Need a quick boost? Just 3 minutes of charging gives you extra listening time.
The Dual Noise Sensor technology blocks out high frequency noise well. This helps you focus on music or calls without distractions.
Sound quality and build materials show some tradeoffs though. The plastic construction feels less premium than pricier options.
This review breaks down every detail. You will learn if these headphones fit your daily routine. Let us explore comfort, sound, battery life, and more.
In a Nutshell
Here’s the quick rundown on the Sony WH-CH720N:
- Quick charging gets you 60 minutes of playback from just 3 minutes on the charger. Perfect for last minute trips.
- Multipoint connection lets you pair two devices at once. Switch between your laptop and phone without any hassle.
- Adjustable ambient sound gives you control over how much outside noise gets through. Great for staying aware during walks or commutes.
- Call quality stays clear and steady. Voices come through without much distortion, even in busier settings.
- The closed-back design adds a snug fit. It also helps with passive noise blocking alongside the active features.
- Build quality feels a bit plasticky in hand. It won’t feel premium, but it holds up fine for daily use.
Bottom line: This pair suits casual listeners, commuters, and anyone who wants long battery life without heavy hardware. Audiophiles or bass lovers might want to look elsewhere.
Design and Build Quality
The Sony WH-CH720N features a lightweight frame that sits comfortably on your head for extended listening sessions. At just 192 grams, these are Sony’s lightest noise cancelling headphones to date. The weight distribution feels balanced, so your ears and head won’t experience fatigue even after hours of wear.
The headphones use a closed-back over-ear design. This approach creates a snug seal around your ears. The ear cups rotate slightly, which helps them adapt to different head shapes and sizes. This flexibility improves comfort during long commutes or work days.
Materials play a significant role in the overall feel. The construction relies heavily on plastic components throughout the frame and headband. While this keeps the weight down, it does create a somewhat hollow sensation when you hold them. The plastic doesn’t feel premium, though it remains durable for daily use. Metal accents appear on certain joints, adding minor reinforcement.
The headband features a padded section that rests on top of your head. This padding softens pressure points and reduces discomfort. The ear cup padding uses soft synthetic materials that feel gentle against your skin. Both elements work together to enhance wearing comfort.
Portability stands out as a real strength here. The compact size and light weight make these headphones easy to pack into bags or carry around your neck. They fold somewhat, though not dramatically, so they fit most standard headphone cases.
The build quality reflects the price point well. You won’t find premium materials or luxury finishes, but the construction holds up under normal daily stress. Joints connect securely, and buttons feel responsive. The overall assembly appears solid despite the plastic exterior.
The closed-back design also contributes to structural rigidity. This approach prevents flex and wobbling that sometimes affects open-back models. Hinges and connection points maintain their stability over time.
In short, the Sony WH-CH720N prioritizes comfort and portability over premium materials. The lightweight construction makes these headphones ideal for people who move around frequently. The design succeeds at balancing durability with everyday practicality.
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Noise Cancellation and Sound Performance
The Dual Noise Sensor technology sits at the heart of this headphone’s noise cancellation system. Two microphones work together to detect ambient sounds and reduce them in real time.
High frequency noise gets blocked effectively. Think of it like this: the system excels at muffling office chatter, keyboard clicks, and air conditioning hum. You’ll notice a real difference in these everyday environments.
Bass frequencies tell a different story. The ANC struggles more with low rumbling sounds like airplane engines or traffic noise. This limitation matters if you spend time in loud vehicles or industrial settings. The system simply cannot match premium noise cancelling headphones in this range.
Ambient sound mode gives you flexibility here. You can adjust how much outside noise passes through when you need it. This feature works well for commuters who want to hear announcements or stay aware of their surroundings. The control feels intuitive once you get used to it.
Sound performance reflects the lightweight design and materials used. The closed-back structure creates decent isolation on its own, which helps the overall listening experience. Mids and highs come through clearly enough for podcasts, audiobooks, and casual music.
Bass response lacks punch and depth. Audiophiles will notice the limited low end immediately. If you listen to bass heavy music or need studio quality sound, these headphones disappoint. They work fine for pop, speech content, and streaming services though.
Call quality stays solid throughout. The microphone picks up your voice clearly, and callers report good clarity on the other end. Wind noise reduction helps during outdoor calls too.
The noise cancellation works best in consistent, predictable environments. Coffee shops, offices, and libraries see the best results. Variable or bass heavy noise environments show the system’s weaknesses more clearly.
Overall, the noise cancellation delivers what these headphones promise at their level. You get effective high frequency reduction and useful ambient sound control. Just manage expectations about bass noise isolation and sound quality depth.
Battery Life and Charging
The Sony WH-CH720N delivers exceptional stamina with a 35-hour battery life on a single charge. This means you can go weeks without reaching for the charger during typical daily use. The headphones handle extended listening sessions without interruption.
Quick charging is a standout feature here. Just 3 minutes on the charger gives you 60 minutes of playback time. This matters when you’re rushing out the door or forgot to charge overnight. You get meaningful listening time from a brief charging window.
The battery management system works efficiently across different usage scenarios. Whether you use noise cancellation or leave it off, the headphones maintain solid runtime. The lightweight design (192g) also helps reduce power drain since less weight means less energy consumption overall.
Charging happens through a standard USB connection. The included cable connects easily to the headphones. You can charge from any USB power source, including laptop ports, wall adapters, or power banks. This flexibility means you’re never stuck without a compatible charger.
Real-world battery performance stays consistent with Sony’s claims. Users report reaching the full 35 hours without major drops in performance near the end of the charge cycle. The battery doesn’t suddenly die. Instead, you get gradual depletion that gives you warning time.
For frequent travelers and commuters, this battery life removes charging anxiety. A single charge covers your entire work week. Weekend trips don’t require packing a charger at all. The headphones fit into a minimalist travel setup perfectly.
The standby time also deserves mention. When powered off, the Sony WH-CH720N holds its charge for extended periods. You can leave them unused for weeks and still find them ready to go when you pick them up again.
This combination of long battery life and quick charging makes the Sony WH-CH720N practical for real-world use. You get reliability without constant charging hassles. The headphones adapt to busy schedules where charging time is limited.
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The JBL Tune 670NC brings solid noise cancellation to your daily listening. These headphones use active noise cancellation to block out background sounds while you work or travel. The sound quality feels balanced across different music genres.
Battery life stretches up to 44 hours, which means fewer charging sessions. You get a foldable design that packs easily into bags. The headphone connects via Bluetooth and includes a 3.5mm jack for wired listening. Comfort matters here—the ear cups feel soft during long wear sessions.
Anker Soundcore Life Q30
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Anker’s Soundcore Life Q30 offers multiple noise cancellation modes for different environments. You can switch between transport mode, indoor mode, and outdoor mode depending on where you are. The LDAC codec support means better audio quality for compatible devices.
These headphones deliver impressive battery performance with up to 40 hours of playtime. The touch controls on the ear cups let you manage music and calls without reaching for your phone. Comfort stays consistent thanks to the memory foam ear cushions. The sound signature leans toward bass-heavy, which works well for hip-hop and electronic music lovers.
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Beats Studio Pro combines Apple’s technology with a premium design. The headphones feature spatial audio support, creating an immersive listening experience for compatible content. Active noise cancellation adapts to your environment automatically.
Sound quality emphasizes clarity across vocals and instruments. The transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings without removing the headphones. Battery life reaches up to 40 hours in standard mode. These headphones integrate seamlessly with Apple devices through the H1 chip. The build quality feels sturdy with a professional appearance suitable for studio use or everyday wear.
Comfort and Wearability
The Sony WH-CH720N excels at delivering comfort during marathon listening sessions. At just 192 grams, these headphones feel light on your head and neck. You won’t experience fatigue even after wearing them for hours.
The ear cup design deserves attention. Soft padding lines the inside of each cup, making contact with your ears feel gentle and pleasant. The padding doesn’t create excessive heat buildup, which matters during longer wear periods.
The headband adjustment system works smoothly. You can find your perfect fit without struggling with stiff mechanisms. The padded headband section distributes weight evenly across the top of your head, preventing pressure points that cause discomfort.
One standout feature is how the headphones sit naturally on your ears. The closed-back over-ear design creates a secure fit without clamping too tightly. This balance means the headphones stay put during movement while remaining comfortable for stationary listening.
The materials feel light but stable. While the plastic construction won’t fool anyone into thinking these are premium headphones, the build quality holds up well during regular use. The frame maintains its shape and doesn’t feel flimsy despite the lightweight design.
Portability enhances the overall experience. These headphones fold for easy packing, and their light weight makes them ideal for travel. You can toss them into a backpack without adding noticeable weight or bulk.
Ear cup rotation adds another comfort layer. The cups rotate to match the angle of your head, which reduces strain on your neck and ears. This thoughtful design detail shows Sony understands how people actually wear headphones.
The ambient sound feature contributes to comfort in a different way. You can adjust how much outside noise enters your ears without removing the headphones. This flexibility lets you stay aware of your surroundings during commutes or work.
For extended listening sessions, these headphones deliver solid comfort without premium pricing concerns. They work best for people who value portability and all-day wearability. If you prioritize comfort over luxury materials, the Sony WH-CH720N performs admirably in this category.
Connectivity and Features
The Sony WH-CH720N shines when it comes to staying connected. These headphones support multipoint connection, which means you can pair them with two devices at once. Switching between your phone and laptop happens instantly without manual reconnection. This feature works great for people who juggle work calls and personal music.
Bluetooth 5.3 powers the wireless connection on these headphones. The range extends reliably up to about 30 feet in open spaces. You won’t experience dropouts during normal indoor use. Connection stability remains consistent even when you move between rooms.
The 3.5mm jack gives you a wired option too. This input works when your battery runs low or when you prefer a direct connection. Some people appreciate having this backup option for gaming or studio monitoring. The headphones automatically detect when you plug in the cable.
Ambient sound mode deserves special attention here. You can adjust how much outside noise you hear through the headphones. This feature helps when you need to stay aware of your surroundings. The Dual Noise Sensor technology enables this flexibility. You get control over the ambient sound level through the companion app or physical controls on the headphone.
The Sony Headphones Connect app unlocks additional features. You can customize noise cancellation strength, adjust EQ settings, and manage ambient sound levels right from your phone. Firmware updates arrive through the app, keeping your headphones current. The app interface stays simple and responsive.
Touch controls sit on the ear cup for quick access. Swiping and tapping let you play music, answer calls, and adjust volume without reaching for your phone. These controls respond accurately most of the time. The learning curve is minimal if you’ve used touch controls before.
Voice assistant integration works with both Google Assistant and Siri. You can activate your phone’s voice assistant by holding the touch control. This feature helps when you need hands free operation while driving or working. The microphone picks up your voice clearly even in moderately noisy environments.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight design at 192g makes these Sony’s lightest noise cancelling headphones
- 35 hour battery life removes charging anxiety for weeks of daily use
- Quick 3 minute charging gives you hours of listening from a short power boost
- Effective high frequency noise isolation handles office chatter and traffic well
- Solid build quality and comfortable ear cups work for extended listening sessions
Cons
- Plastic materials feel cheap despite decent durability at this level
- Noise cancellation struggles with bass frequencies like engine rumble and low hum
- Sound quality lacks the detail and depth audiophiles expect from premium headphones
- Bass response feels thin and punchy rather than full bodied
Who Should Buy It
These headphones work best for people who prioritize comfort and battery life over premium sound quality. If you spend hours wearing headphones each day, the lightweight 192g design becomes your best friend. Your ears won’t feel fatigued, and your neck stays comfortable throughout extended sessions.
Frequent travelers and commuters should seriously consider these. The 35 hour battery life means you can go weeks without hunting for a charger. The quick 3 minute charging also saves you when you’re in a rush. You get hours of listening from just a brief power boost.
People working in open offices benefit from the noise cancellation too. The dual noise sensor technology excels at filtering out high frequency sounds like keyboard clicks, phone conversations, and traffic noise. Your focus improves without feeling isolated from your surroundings.
Business professionals who take calls throughout the day will appreciate the solid call quality. The ambient sound mode lets you stay aware of your environment while listening to music or podcasts. You can hear important announcements or conversations without removing your headphones.
These headphones suit anyone who values practical features over audiophile sound. You won’t get the detailed, rich audio that expensive headphones deliver. Bass heavy music and complex instrumental pieces won’t impress you. But for podcasts, audiobooks, and casual listening, they perform well.
Students and casual listeners find real value here too. You get dependable noise cancellation without paying premium prices. The multipoint connection lets you switch between your phone, tablet, and laptop seamlessly. Touch controls on the ear cup make adjustments simple and quick.
Skip these if you’re an audio enthusiast seeking pristine sound quality. The plastic construction might disappoint you if you expect premium materials. The noise cancellation also struggles with low frequency rumble like airplane engines or bass thumps.
Anyone seeking a reliable, comfortable daily driver that doesn’t demand frequent charging will feel satisfied. These headphones deliver what they promise: all day comfort, practical features, and dependable performance for everyday life.
Final Verdict
The Sony WH-CH720N earns a strong recommendation for everyday listeners. These headphones balance comfort, battery life, and noise reduction well. They fit a wide range of daily needs.
Multipoint connection stands out as a genuine convenience. You can pair with a laptop and phone at once. Switching between calls and music happens without fumbling with settings.
Compared to competitors like the SoundCore Space Q45 or 1More Sonoflow, the WH-CH720N holds its own on comfort. The Edifier WH950NB and Cleer Enduro ANC offer similar feature sets but differ slightly in fit and finish.
The plastic build remains the biggest tradeoff here. Some buyers may want a sturdier feel from a headphone in this class. That said, the lightweight design directly results from these material choices.
Sound quality won’t satisfy critical listeners, but casual use cases benefit from the balanced tuning. Podcasts, calls, and everyday music sound clear enough for most people.
This model fits into Sony’s wider ecosystem nicely. If you already use Sony devices or apps, the WH-CH720N slots in smoothly. It also works fine as a standalone choice.
Compared to the JBL Tune 770NC, the WH-CH720N edges ahead on comfort and app features but trails slightly in bass punch. Each option serves a slightly different listener priority.
In short, the WH-CH720N works best as a comfortable, reliable companion for daily use. It won’t replace premium headphones for critical listening sessions.
But for calls, commutes, and casual listening, it delivers dependable performance day after day. The plastic feel might bother some users at first.
Over time, most people stop noticing the material once they experience the comfort. The battery life alone makes daily charging a non issue.
If comfort and long listening sessions matter more than deep bass or premium materials, this headphone deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’s a smart pick for practical, everyday audio needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these headphones work well for video calls and meetings?
Yes. The Sony WH-CH720N delivers solid call quality, making them reliable for business professionals who spend time on calls. The microphone picks up your voice clearly, and people on the other end hear you well. The noise cancellation helps reduce background chatter, so your colleagues focus on what you’re saying instead of office noise.
Multipoint connection lets you switch between your laptop and phone instantly. You don’t need to manually disconnect and reconnect. This feature saves time during back-to-back meetings.
How effective is the noise cancellation for different environments?
The noise cancellation shines with high-frequency sounds like office chatter, traffic, and keyboard typing. You’ll notice a real difference in open office settings.
However, low-frequency rumble struggles here. Engine noise from planes or cars doesn’t get blocked as well. The dual noise sensors work hard, but bass frequencies slip through more easily than treble sounds.
Will these headphones stay comfortable during long work days?
Absolutely. At just 192 grams, they rank among Sony’s lightest noise-canceling models. Your head and ears won’t feel fatigued after eight hours of wearing them.
The ear cups cushion well without pressing too hard. The adjustable headband fits different head sizes. Many people forget they’re wearing these headphones by midday.
Are these good if I listen to music casually?
Yes, they work fine for casual listening. The sound stays balanced and pleasant for podcasts, audiobooks, and everyday music. You won’t hear the fine details that audiophiles chase, but that’s not what these headphones aim for.
If you stream music while working or commuting, you’ll enjoy them. They simply aren’t designed for critical music production or serious audio analysis.
DK is a tech enthusiast and product reviewer dedicated to helping readers explore the ever-evolving world of technology. With a passion for testing gadgets, apps, and appliances, DK delivers honest, in-depth reviews and practical buying guides to make your tech decisions easier.
