Sony WH-CH720N review: Lightweight over-ear headphones with noise canceling, 35-hour battery, crystal-clear sound, and smart features at a great price.
Introduction
Quick verdict: The Sony WH-CH720N delivers lightweight comfort, solid sound quality, and effective noise canceling at a mid-range price — a smart pick for commuters and long listening sessions.
Sony has a long track record for making dependable wireless audio products, and the Sony WH-CH720N continues that trend by combining a compact, 192 g-ish design with strong battery life and active noise canceling. Designed for everyday use, these headphones aim to balance performance and affordability without unnecessary extras.
Whether you’re a commuter, student, or anyone who spends hours listening, this review will cover the WH-CH720N’s design, ANC performance, sound quality, battery life, smart features, and how it stacks up for the price.
Table of Contents
- Design & Comfort
- In the Box
- Noise Cancelation (ANC)
- Sound Quality
- Battery Life — up to 35 / 50 hours
- Smart Features & App
- Pros & Cons (Quick)
- FAQs
- Conclusion & Buy Advice
Design and Comfort
Sony positions the WH-CH720N as an ultra-light option in its lineup — the published spec lists the headphones at around 192 grams, which makes them noticeably lighter than many full-size rivals. The over-ear cups use soft, foam-filled pads that sit comfortably around the ear and help reduce fatigue during long listening sessions.
The headband and earcup shells are built from lightweight materials (a plastic construction that favors low weight over a premium metal finish), which keeps overall bulk down while still feeling durable for everyday use. In practice the clamp is balanced — secure enough for commuting but not overly tight — and the padding firmness is medium, offering a good mix of isolation and comfort.
If you favor lighter over-ear headphones for long hours of listening, the Sony WH-CH720N (also referenced as WH-CH 720N in some listings) is a sensible pick. For a visual sense of fit, look for product shots showing on-head measurements or compare them to a known model (for example, they’re lighter than many older mid-range Sony models). See product images for fit and dimensions when shopping.
Included Components
Inside the box, you’ll find:
- Sony WH-CH720N Headphones (Black, Over-Ear)
- Headphone cable (approx. 1.2 m / 47.25 in.)
- USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C, approx. 20 cm / 7.88 in.)
That packing supports both wired and wireless listening, and the included USB-C cable handles charging. Note: Sony does not always include a hard carrying case with this model — some bundles ship without a case. If a travel pouch or case is important to you, confirm the package contents at checkout or consider buying a protective case separately.
What’s not in the box: no dedicated hard case (in most retail packages) and no airline adapter — small omissions that help keep the price and weight down.
Noise Cancelation Technology
The Sony WH-CH720N uses Dual Noise Sensor Technology together with Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 to handle background sounds in real time. In practical terms, that means the headphones use external and internal microphones to detect ambient noise, then the V1 processor generates inverse signals to reduce it — a standard active noise cancelling (ANC) approach that performs well for steady, low-frequency noises like engines and HVAC hum.
You also get Adjustable Ambient Sound Mode and Adaptive Sound Control, which tailor how much outside noise is let in. Adaptive Sound Control can automatically switch modes based on what you’re doing (walking, commuting, or staying still), and the Ambient mode lets you intentionally hear announcements or brief conversations without removing the headphones. These modes are adjustable in the Sony Headphones Connect app for finer control.
Real-world behavior: ANC on the WH-CH720N noticeably tames persistent background rumble on trains and airplanes, though transient midrange noises like nearby conversations are reduced less aggressively than with Sony’s flagship models. For commuting we recommend ANC set to medium and Ambient Sound at a low level when you need situational awareness; for office work, increase ANC and disable Ambient mode. (Note: performance can vary by fit, device, and firmware — check for app updates if ANC seems weak.)
Sound Quality
Sony equips the WH-CH720N with its Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) and the Integrated Processor V1 to improve compressed audio and deliver a more detailed presentation. In everyday listening the result is a balanced sound signature: clear mids for vocals, controlled highs that avoid harshness, and a punchy but not overbearing low end.
Codec support affects real-world audio: these headphones handle SBC and AAC reliably (check your device for the best pairing), and while they don’t match flagship models that support higher-bitrate codecs like LDAC at optimal settings, the WH-CH720N still produces pleasantly detailed music playback for most streaming tracks and bit-limited files. DSEE helps restore some dynamics to lossy tracks, making streaming playlists and MP3s sound fuller.
Listening notes: bass is tight and controlled — good for pop and electronic tracks but not as deep as Sony’s top-tier models; mids are forward enough for vocals and podcasts; highs are detailed without sibilance. For testing we used a mix of acoustic, jazz, and electronic tracks to judge staging and instrument separation — the WH-CH720N provides a natural, genre-flexible sound that suits everyday listening and long sessions.
Battery Life
The WH-CH720N is built for long listening sessions and strong day-to-day usability:
- Up to 35 hours playback with ANC enabled
- Up to 50 hours playback with ANC off
- Quick charge: just a few minutes of charging delivers meaningful playtime — roughly 3 minutes ≈ 1 hour playback (per Sony’s spec)
Those official battery life figures make these headphones excellent for travel, long commutes, or marathon listening. Real-world battery life will vary by volume, connected device, codec, and app settings (for example, keeping ANC off and lowering volume extends battery life). Charging uses the included USB-A to USB-C cable; check current listings to confirm whether newer bundles include a USB-C to USB-C cable. Also look for the stated time-to-full-charge in the product specs when buying.
Tips to maximize battery life: disable multipoint when not needed, turn off Ambient Sound modes, reduce volume, and keep firmware updated via the Sony Headphones Connect app.
Smart Features
- Multipoint Bluetooth pairing — connect two devices at once (for example, a laptop and a phone). Incoming calls on your phone will interrupt media on the laptop, then resume playback after the call. To save battery, disable multipoint when you don’t need it.
- Voice assistant support — the WH-CH720N works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri for hands-free control. Use the dedicated button (or long-press gesture depending on settings) to summon your assistant; setup and permissions are handled through your device and the Sony Headphones Connect app.
- Precise Voice Pickup Technology with beamforming microphones ensures clearer hands-free calls by focusing on your voice and reducing background noise. In practice this improves call clarity on mobile calls and conferencing apps, though performance will vary with environment and mic placement.
- App support & controls — the Sony Headphones Connect app gives you control over ANC modes, Adaptive Sound Control, EQ presets, firmware updates, and button customization. The app is the easiest way to tweak settings for different devices and listening situations.
Quick how-to: to pair multipoint, enable Bluetooth on both devices, put the WH-CH720N in pairing mode, connect to the first device, then select the headphones from the second device’s Bluetooth menu. For detailed steps or troubleshooting, consult the app or Sony’s support pages.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sony’s lightest wireless ANC headphones (≈192 g) — the WH-CH720N prioritizes low weight, making these headphones comfortable for long sessions and daily commuting.
- Long battery life — official numbers list up to 35 hours with ANC enabled and up to 50 hours with ANC off, plus a quick-charge boost that adds useful playback after just a few minutes of charging.
- Effective noise cancelling for everyday use — the Dual Noise Sensor setup and Integrated Processor V1 do a good job reducing steady, low-frequency noise (trains, engines, HVAC), keeping listening focused in noisy environments.
- Balanced, dependable sound quality — DSEE and the processing chain deliver clear mids and controlled highs suitable for a wide range of music and podcasts.
- Smart features and app control — multipoint pairing, voice-assistant support, Adaptive Sound Control, and Sony Headphones Connect app integration let you tailor ANC, EQ, and controls to your devices and routines.
- Good call clarity — beamforming microphones and Precise Voice Pickup Technology improve hands-free call quality in typical indoor and outdoor conditions.
Cons:
- Plastic construction — the materials keep weight down, but the finish feels less premium than metal-bodied flagship models.
- No auto-pause / wearing detection — unlike some higher-end Sony models, these typically do not auto-pause playback when you remove the headphones (verify with the latest firmware and app settings).
- Bass is present but not flagship deep — bass is controlled and punchy for most genres, but it lacks the deep sub-bass authority of Sony’s top-tier models (e.g., WH-1000XM4), so bass lovers may prefer a higher-end Sony or bass-focused alternatives.
Who should buy the WH-CH720N?
If you want lightweight, comfortable over-ear headphones with reliable ANC, long battery life, and smart app features at a mid-range price, the Sony WH-CH720N is a strong contender. It’s especially well suited for commuters, students, and anyone who prioritizes long listening sessions without the weight of premium-material models.
Alternatives to consider
- Sony WH-1000XM4 — a step up in ANC sophistication, deeper bass, and premium materials if you want flagship performance and are willing to pay more.
- Anker Soundcore models — often offer competitive battery life and good noise cancelling at a lower price point; worth comparing if price sensitivity is high.
Price note: the WH-CH720N targets a mid-range price tier — check current listings for exact pricing and occasional bundle deals that may include a case or accessories. If a more premium feel or stronger bass is a priority, expect to pay more for the higher-end Sony models.
FAQs
Is the Sony WH-CH720N worth it?
For buyers seeking a lightweight, comfortable pair of wireless ANC headphones with solid sound quality and long battery life at a mid-range price, yes — the WH-CH720N offers strong value. Expect effective everyday noise canceling, dependable voice call performance, and app-adjustable settings via the Sony Headphones Connect app. Check current prices and bundles (some include a pouch or case) to confirm final value.
Which is better: Sony WH-1000XM4 or WH-CH720N?
The WH-1000XM4 is Sony’s more fully featured flagship: stronger ANC, deeper bass, premium materials, and additional sensors (like wearing detection). The WH-CH720N is lighter, more affordable, and still delivers very good performance for daily listening and commuting. Choose the WH-1000XM4 if you want top-tier ANC and sound; choose the WH-CH720N if you prefer lighter weight and better value.
Does the Sony WH-CH720N have noise canceling?
Yes — the model includes Dual Noise Sensor Technology paired with the Integrated V1 processor to provide active noise canceling for steady, low-frequency noises (trains, plane engines, HVAC). You can tweak ANC and Ambient Sound settings in the app to suit different situations; if ANC seems weak, ensure firmware is up to date via the Sony Headphones Connect app.
Do Sony WH-CH720N leak sound?
The over-ear design keeps most sound contained, so leakage is minimal at normal listening volumes. At high volumes some sound will escape, as with most open/semi-open designs — reduce volume or use ANC to keep leakage low in public spaces.
Quick links: jump to Design & Comfort, Battery Life, or Noise Cancelation for details referenced above.
Conclusion
The Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones (Black) are a compelling option for buyers who want lightweight over-ear headphones with reliable noise canceling, balanced sound, and long battery life — all at a mid-range price. They don’t include every premium feature found on Sony’s top-tier models, but for everyday commuting, remote work, and extended listening sessions they deliver strong performance and excellent practicality.
Who should buy: commuters, students, and anyone who values comfort and battery life over flagship-level materials and the deepest bass. If you want more premium ANC, deeper low end, and extra sensors, consider stepping up to the WH-1000XM4. If budget is the priority, also compare competitive Anker Soundcore models that sometimes undercut Sony on price while offering similar battery life.
Quick specs (at a glance):
- Weight: ≈192 g
- Battery life: up to 35 hours (ANC on), up to 50 hours (ANC off)
- ANC: Dual Noise Sensor + Integrated Processor V1
- App support: Sony Headphones Connect (ANC modes, EQ, firmware)
For the latest price, current bundles (some include a pouch or case), and retailer deals, check listings before buying. If you need help comparing models or want recommendations based on music taste or use case, see our Pros & Cons and FAQs.
