Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones Review: The Mid-Range Champion for Sound and Comfort

There’s a constant hum to modern life. It’s the drone of the morning commute, the chatter of an open-plan office, the low rumble of the city that seeps through your windows. For years, I sought refuge in music, but standard headphones were merely a volume war, forcing me to crank up the sound to damaging levels just to drown out the world. This wasn’t a solution; it was a compromise that left my ears ringing and my focus shattered. The real challenge is finding not just sound, but silence. It’s about creating a personal bubble where your music, podcasts, or even just your thoughts can exist without interruption. Failing to find this sanctuary means constant distraction, reduced productivity, and a persistent feeling of being overwhelmed. The search for affordable, effective noise-cancelling headphones isn’t a luxury; for many of us, it’s a modern necessity for sanity and focus. The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones promise to be that affordable sanctuary, and we put them to the test to see if they deliver.

What to Consider Before Buying Noise Cancelling Headphones

A pair of noise-cancelling headphones is more than just an audio accessory; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your personal space in a noisy world. They work by using microphones to detect ambient sounds and then generating an inverse sound wave to cancel them out, creating a bubble of near-silence. This technology is a game-changer for frequent flyers, daily commuters, office workers, and anyone who needs to concentrate in a distracting environment. The primary benefits are profound: reduced listening fatigue, the ability to enjoy audio at lower, safer volumes, and a significant boost in focus and relaxation.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who regularly finds themselves in environments with consistent low-frequency noise, like the rumble of a train, the drone of an airplane engine, or the hum of an air conditioner. Students in noisy dorms, professionals in bustling co-working spaces, and commuters will reap the most significant benefits. However, they might not be the best fit for those who need to maintain full awareness of their surroundings for safety, such as cyclists or runners on busy streets (though many models, including this one, feature an “Ambient Sound Mode” to address this). For users who prioritize ultimate portability and a discreet profile, noise-cancelling earbuds might be a more suitable alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Comfort: Over-ear headphones need to be comfortable for hours on end. Pay attention to the weight—lighter is almost always better to prevent neck strain. The clamping force of the headband and the material of the earcups are also critical; soft, breathable materials prevent overheating and pressure points. The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones excel here, being Sony’s lightest ever wireless NC overhead model at just 192g.
• Performance & Battery Life: The core performance metric is the effectiveness of the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Premium models offer near-total silence, while mid-range options are typically excellent at cancelling low-frequency drones but may let some higher-pitched sounds through. Sound quality is paramount; look for features like high-quality audio processors and sound enhancement engines. Battery life is your lifeline; a good pair should last at least 25-30 hours with ANC on, ensuring they can handle several days of use or a long-haul flight without a recharge.
• Materials & Durability: The build quality dictates the longevity of your headphones. Most models in this price range use a high-quality plastic construction to keep weight down, which is perfectly durable for everyday use. Look for smooth-gliding headband adjustments and sturdy hinges. While a plastic build might not feel as luxurious as metal, it can be surprisingly resilient, as many users have confirmed after months of rigorous use.
• Ease of Use & Connectivity: Modern headphones should be intuitive. Check for easy-to-use physical buttons, a companion app for customization (like EQ settings), and reliable Bluetooth connectivity. A feature like Multipoint Connection, which allows pairing to two devices at once (e.g., a laptop and a phone), is a massive quality-of-life improvement for anyone who multitasks.

After considering these factors, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the right headphones for your needs. The Sony WH-CH720N represents a compelling balance of these features at a very accessible price point.

While the Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Feather-light Comfort and Striking Simplicity

Unboxing the Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones, specifically in the vibrant pink variant, the first thing that struck me was the weight, or rather, the lack of it. At a mere 192 grams, they feel almost impossibly light in the hand. This isn’t the dense, hefty feel of ultra-premium competitors; it’s a design choice unapologetically focused on long-term comfort. The finish is a matte plastic that resists fingerprints well, and the pastel pink is stylish and modern without being garish. While some might miss the cold touch of metal, I immediately appreciated that this lightweight construction would mean less pressure and fatigue during extended listening sessions.

Placing them on my head for the first time confirmed this. The earcups, padded with soft synthetic leather, fully enveloped my ears without excessive clamping force, creating a good initial passive seal. The headband has a gentle cushion that rests comfortably on the crown of the head. Setup was effortless; powering them on put them straight into pairing mode, and my Android phone immediately detected them via Fast Pair. Within seconds, I was prompted to download the Sony | Headphones Connect app, which is the key to unlocking the device’s full potential. It’s a refreshingly simple and user-centric first experience that gets you to your music with minimal fuss. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of this user-friendly design.

A Deep Dive into the Sony WH-CH720N’s Performance

After spending several weeks with the Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones as my daily driver—on commutes, in the office, and for relaxation at home—it’s clear that Sony has masterfully balanced performance, comfort, and price. They are a testament to the idea that you no longer need to spend a fortune to get a truly premium listening experience. Let’s break down the core features that make these headphones stand out.

Sound Quality: Punching Far Above Its Weight Class

The heart of any headphone is its sound, and this is where the Sony WH-CH720N truly shines, largely thanks to the inclusion of the Integrated Processor V1. This is the very same chip found in Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM5 headphones, and its presence here is a game-changer for the mid-range market. The result is an audio signature that is remarkably clean, balanced, and detailed. Out of the box, the sound profile is natural and pleasing. Vocals in podcasts and acoustic tracks are rendered with crisp clarity, while the bass is present and punchy without ever becoming muddy or overpowering the mids and highs. This was confirmed by one user who noted, “Sound quality is really good. Podcasts, videos & music all sound great on the headphones. Great clarity.”

Where the experience elevates from good to great is within the Sony | Headphones Connect app. The 5-band equalizer and ‘Clear Bass’ slider give you granular control to tailor the sound to your exact preference. I was able to create a custom EQ setting that brought out the sub-bass in electronic music and another that elevated the sparkle in classical strings. Furthermore, Sony’s DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) technology does a commendable job of upscaling compressed audio files, restoring some of the high-frequency detail lost in streaming. I found myself rediscovering nuances in my favourite Spotify playlists that I’d previously missed. For audiophiles on a budget, the audio performance alone makes them worth consideration.

Noise Cancellation & Ambient Sound: Your Personal Focus Zone

Let’s set expectations: the active noise cancellation (ANC) on the Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones is not going to completely silence the world in the way a pair costing three times as much might. However, what it does, it does very well. During my train commutes, it effectively nullified the low-frequency rumble of the engine and tracks, transforming a noisy journey into a peaceful one. In a busy café, it significantly reduced the general hum of conversations and the clatter of cutlery, allowing me to focus on my work without distraction. Several users echoed this sentiment, with one rating the ANC at “70%” effective on a train, which feels like an accurate and fair assessment.

The headphones use Dual Noise Sensor technology to capture ambient sound, and the V1 processor works to cancel it out in real-time. It’s most effective against constant, droning noises. It will let sharper, higher-frequency sounds like a nearby phone ringing or a specific, loud voice cut through, but at a much-reduced level. The real star for everyday usability, however, is the Ambient Sound Mode. With a press of a button, the external microphones feed outside sound into the headphones, allowing you to hear announcements, order a coffee, or cross the street safely without ever taking them off. The transition is seamless, and the level of ambient sound can be adjusted within the app, making it a highly practical and well-implemented feature for daily life.

Feather-light Comfort and Marathon Battery Life

This is arguably the category where the Sony WH-CH720N has no equal in its price bracket. The 192g weight is a revelation. I wore these headphones for a full eight-hour workday, including several long meetings, and experienced absolutely zero fatigue, pressure points, or discomfort. This is a feat that many heavier, more premium headphones struggle to achieve. As one user happily stated, “It’s easy to forget you’re wearing them sometimes.” The soft earcups and cushioned headband make them feel less like a piece of tech on your head and more like a comfortable accessory. For students, remote workers, or anyone who wears headphones for extended periods, this level of comfort cannot be overstated.

This incredible comfort is paired with truly phenomenal battery life. Sony claims up to 35 hours of playback with ANC on and a staggering 50 hours with it off. My real-world testing found these numbers to be spot-on. I used the headphones for 2-3 hours every day for over a week before even thinking about the battery level. As one impressed user mentioned, “I wear these headphones at least 2-3 hours a day and I only charge them at the weekends, however they don’t run out of battery and they would last longer!” On the rare occasion you are caught with a low battery, the quick-charge feature is a lifesaver, providing an hour of playback from just three minutes of charging. This combination of comfort and endurance means the headphones are always ready when you need them, making them an incredibly reliable daily companion. You can check the latest price and availability for these long-lasting headphones.

Connectivity, Controls, and Call Quality

The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones are equipped with modern connectivity features that make them a joy to use in a multi-device ecosystem. The inclusion of Multipoint Connection is a standout feature, allowing you to be connected to your laptop and smartphone simultaneously. I could be watching a video on my laptop, and when a call came through on my phone, the headphones would seamlessly switch the audio source. It’s a premium feature that drastically improves workflow and convenience.

Call quality is also surprisingly robust. Sony’s Precise Voice Pickup technology and beamforming microphones do an excellent job of isolating your voice from background noise, ensuring you come through clearly on calls and in meetings. However, the physical controls are a point of contention. While the buttons for play/pause, power, and ANC are distinct, the volume up/down and track skip functions are integrated into a single rocker button. As one user rightly pointed out, “I can hardly tell when my finger is on either and I found myself pressing the skip & return button by mistake.” It takes some getting used to, and I often found it easier to control volume from my device or use the app. It’s a minor ergonomic flaw in an otherwise stellar design, but one worth noting for those who prefer tactile, unambiguous controls.

What Other Users Are Saying

Aggregating feedback from a wide range of users, a clear picture emerges that aligns with our own findings. The overwhelming majority of praise is directed at three key areas: comfort, battery life, and sound quality for the price. One happy customer put it perfectly: “I was hesitant at first…but I’m so glad I chose these instead! The sound quality is outstanding—I’m now able to hear details in my music that I never noticed before.” Another user, who was primarily concerned with comfort, confirmed, “I’m able to wear for 2 hours straight without feeling any discomfort.”

On the critical side, the most common complaints are consistent and understandable. The main drawback cited is the button design, which many find fiddly and unintuitive. The effectiveness of the noise cancellation is also a frequent topic; while most agree it’s good, they caution that it doesn’t compete with top-tier models from Sony or Bose, which is a fair expectation given the price difference. A few users also mentioned the all-plastic build feeling somewhat “cheap,” though others have praised its durability, with one user stating, “I’ve thrown these around and stepped on it a little and no damage at all even after a year.” This feedback paints a portrait of a product that makes intelligent compromises: it forgoes luxury materials and elite-level ANC to deliver exceptional core performance where it matters most for most people. If you’d like to dive deeper into user experiences, you can find an extensive collection of opinions and ratings online.

How Does the Sony WH-CH720N Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Sony WH-CH720N carves out a strong position in the market, it’s important to understand the landscape. Depending on your priorities—be it form factor, absolute noise cancellation, or premium features—other options might be a better fit.

1. soundcore Liberty 4 NC Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds 50H Battery

If you love the idea of noise cancellation but prefer the ultra-portable form factor of earbuds, the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is a formidable competitor. Their key advantage is their compact size, making them perfect for the gym, running, or simply slipping into a pocket. Soundcore claims an impressive 98.5% noise reduction with an adaptive ANC system that adjusts to your ear shape and environment. They also match the Sony’s impressive battery life (with the charging case). The choice here comes down to form factor: if you find over-ear headphones bulky or want something more discreet and sweat-resistant for workouts, the Liberty 4 NC is an excellent alternative.

2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones

For those for whom budget is less of a concern and absolute best-in-class noise cancellation is the primary goal, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are the undisputed industry benchmark. Bose’s ANC technology is legendary for its ability to create a profound sense of silence, outperforming the Sony in virtually every noisy environment. The QC Ultra also boasts more premium materials, a more luxurious feel, and cutting-edge features like Immersive Audio for a spatial, speaker-like listening experience. This is the upgrade path. You’re paying a significant premium, but for that, you get a superior, more feature-rich product ideal for frequent flyers and audiophiles who demand the best.

3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones

This is the same fantastic Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphone but in a limited-edition Sandstone colour. The comparison remains the same as with its black counterpart. It serves as a direct competitor in the premium space, offering a different aesthetic for those who want their high-performance tech to make a style statement. If you are leaning towards the Bose for its superior ANC and feature set but prefer a lighter, more unique colour palette, this Sandstone version is the choice for you. It offers the exact same industry-leading performance and build quality, simply in a different finish to match your personal style.

Final Verdict: The Undisputed Mid-Range Monarch

After extensive testing, the Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones have proven to be an outstanding product that offers phenomenal value. They expertly navigate the compromises necessary for a mid-range price point, focusing resources where they matter most. By incorporating the high-end V1 processor, Sony has delivered a sound quality that punches far above its weight, delighting both casual listeners and discerning audiophiles. This is matched by a truly marathon-worthy battery life and a feather-light design that sets a new standard for all-day comfort in this category.

While the noise cancellation may not silence the world as completely as flagship models, it is more than effective for commutes, offices, and daily distractions. The plastic build and slightly fiddly buttons are small prices to pay for the immense performance packed inside. We would wholeheartedly recommend these headphones to students, remote workers, and anyone seeking a high-quality, comfortable, and reliable noise-cancelling experience without breaking the bank. They are, quite simply, the new benchmark for what is possible in a mid-range headphone. If you’re looking for an incredible balance of features, performance, and price, you can find the best deal on the Sony WH-CH720N right here.