The WH-CH720N headphones are an affordable entry point into Sony’s noise-canceling lineup, promising a blend of sound quality, comfort, and useful features at a very attractive price. I’ve been using these cans as my daily driver for the past month, and after spending some time with Sony’s WH-CH720N wireless headphones, I have a good grasp of their strengths and limitations. In short: These mid-range noise-canceling headphones prove that you don’t need to spend premium prices to get a satisfying listening experience. However, at less than 100 bucks, some compromises are inevitable.
The Sony WH-CH720N headphones deliver impressive sound quality and comfort in a lightweight package that won’t break the bank. The battery life is also nothing short of excellent. However, the build quality feels somewhat budget-oriented and the ANC falls short when filtering out low-frequency noises like airplane hums or heavy machinery. Nonetheless, despite their plasticky feel, the WH-CH720N headphones provide great value for casual listeners who prioritize comfort and sound quality over premium build materials and top-tier noise cancellation.
Pros:
- Exceptional battery life (up to 35 hours with ANC)
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
- Detailed, well-balanced sound signature
- Great value for the feature set
Cons:
- Feels a little plasticky
- ANC struggles with low-frequency noise
- Limited touch controls
- Lacks premium features like LDAC or spatial audio
Design and Build Quality
The WH-CH720N adopts a minimalist aesthetic that works in its favor, though the all-plastic construction is immediately noticeable. The flip-side of that coin is that they don’t sit heavy on your ears. Weighing just 192 grams, these are some of the lightest over-ear headphones I’ve ever used. The synthetic leather ear cushions and headband padding provide sufficient comfort during long listening sessions, though I have some durability concerns about the plastic earcup hinges and adjustment mechanism.
The ear cups are well-padded with soft memory foam that provides a snug fit, and the adjustable headband ensures a secure fit for various head sizes. For my average-sized male noggin, I keep the headband extended about two “clicks.” There’s plenty of room to extend them beyond that, if needed.
However, as mentioned above the build quality leaves something to be desired. The headphones are constructed almost entirely of plastic, which, while reducing weight, definitely feels less premium compared to higher-end models. That said, the design is clean and understated, and matches what you’d expect from headphones in this price range.
Sound Quality
Sony headphones definitely deliver in the audio department and the WH-CH720N are no exception. The 30mm drivers produce a well-balanced sound signature that should please most listeners. The bass response is punchy without being overwhelming, while mids remain clear and detailed. High frequencies are crisp but never harsh, making these headphones versatile enough for various music genres. The Sony Headphones Connect app also offers additional EQ customization if desired, though the default tuning is already quite good.
Call quality is adequate for casual use but not outstanding. The built-in microphones handle voice calls reasonably well in quiet environments, but struggle with wind noise and busy backgrounds. While fine for occasional calls, these wouldn’t be my first choice for frequent video conferencing. For what it’s worth, I almost never use my over-ear headphones for calls, so I didn’t spend hours upon hours testing this feature.
One area where the WH-CH720N could improve is in its codec support. They rely on SBC and AAC, which are fine for most users but lack the high-resolution capabilities of Sony’s proprietary LDAC codec. Audiophiles seeking the highest fidelity may want to consider other options. At around $100 or less, however, these clearly aren’t meant to be audiophile-grade cans.
Noise Cancellation Performance
The active noise cancellation (ANC) is serviceable but reveals the Sony WH-CH720N headphones’ mid-range positioning. While effective at reducing constant high- and mid-frequency noise like office chatter and keyboard clicks, it struggles with lower frequencies such as subway rumble, loud air conditioning, or airplane engine noise.
The Ambient Sound mode works well enough for quick conversations and general environmental awareness, though it’s not as natural-sounding as premium offerings. I never found this to be a problem, though. Furthermore, there’s an oversized ANC button on the underside of the right earcup that’s easy to find with your finger when you’re wearing the headphones. This allows you to quickly switch between the Noise-Canceling and Ambient Sound modes.
Controls and Connectivity
The Sony WH-CH720N headphones connect via Bluetooth 5.2, providing stable connectivity up to the standard 30-foot range. Sony includes support for AAC and SBC codecs, though aptX is notably absent. Multipoint pairing is supported, allowing you to connect to and swap between two devices (such as your phone and computer) seamlessly.
The headphones feature physical buttons rather than touch controls for media playback, volume control, and ANC mode-switching. These buttons are reliable if less elegant than touch interfaces. That said, I strongly prefer tactile controls (which may be related to my strong preference for mechanical keyboards) over a fussy touch interface, especially with headphones. Since the controls are out of sight when you’re wearing the headphones, it’s nice to be able to locate the buttons with your finger or thumb.
Along with the aforementioned EQ settings, the Sony Headphones Connect app provides access to additional ANC customization options and firmware updates. I didn’t spend too much time messing around in the app as I found the out-of-the-box settings more than adequate, but it’s intuitive to use and nice to have.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a standout feature of the Sony WH-CH720N headphones. They can deliver up to 35 hours with ANC enabled and up to 50 hours with it off. In my testing, the battery life met and even slightly exceeded these claims with playback at moderate volume levels. If you need a quick juice-up, a 10-minute quick charge provides about an hour of playback. A full charging takes around 3 hours via USB-C.
Verdict
At their price point, the Sony WH-CH720N headphones represent strong value for anyone seeking wireless noise-canceling headphones without breaking the bank. While they don’t match the performance of Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM5 or Bose’s QuietComfort series, they deliver where it matters most: sound quality, comfort, and battery life.
After using them every day for a month for everything from music to streaming and gaming, I can confidently say the Sony WH-CH720N excel as everyday headphones for music lovers, commuters, and remote workers. Their lightweight design, excellent battery life, and balanced sound signature make them an easy recommendation in the mid-range segment.
Overall Rating: 8/10
