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Sony WH-CH720N
Over-Ear Wireless ANC

Sony

WH-CH720N

Class-leading battery life and comfort meet a polarizing, plastic-heavy build.

2023Updated Jul 2026

At a Glance

The Sony WH-CH720N is a calculated compromise for commuters who prioritize a lightweight frame and week-long battery endurance over premium acoustics. While the ANC effectively dampens low-frequency engine hums, it lacks the isolation required for high-pitched office environments or air travel.

Audiophiles should expect to spend significant time in the Sony Headphones Connect app to correct a muddy out-of-the-box sound signature. The physical construction remains the primary deterrent, as the thin plastic chassis and shallow earcups may not survive the rigors of daily bag-tossing without a third-party case.

Pros
  • Exceptional 35-50 hour battery life
  • Ultra-lightweight 192g chassis
  • Effective low-frequency noise cancellation
  • Highly customizable EQ via companion app
  • Stable multipoint connectivity for most users
Cons
  • Cheap, toy-like plastic construction
  • Muffled and bass-heavy stock sound tuning
  • Shallow earcups prone to heat buildup
  • Lack of included carrying case
  • Significant battery degradation reported after two years

Source Breakdown

Compare scores and insights across source types

Reddit Sentiment

Analyzed 20 threads & 27 comments

ANC PerformanceWeight: 25%
65
Best Quote

"For a pair of budget noise cancelling headphones, I must say that the ANC is not bad at all. It does a decent job of blocking out external noise such as traffic, people talking and other ambient noises..."

Users generally find the ANC to be decent for the price, effectively blocking out some ambient noise, but it struggles with high-frequency sounds and is not as powerful as more expensive models.

Sound QualityWeight: 20%
45
Best Quote

"The default sound signature I'd describe as weak, hollow, dry, and suppressed. It feels like a driver being pushed past its comfortable limits, like it's straining to produce audio rather than doing it naturally."

The out-of-the-box sound is widely described as weak, hollow, and bass-heavy with exaggerated mids, though many users find it acceptable or even good after significant EQ adjustments.

Comfort/FitWeight: 15%
70
Best Quote

"I use this headphone for at least 5+ hours daily and i dont feel like there is any kind of rock above my head"

Many users find the headphones lightweight and comfortable for extended wear, but some report issues with ear warmth, sweating, and ear discomfort due to the earcups.

Battery LifeWeight: 10%
95
Best Quote

"Battery life has been decent so far. I usually only need to charge them about once a week."

The battery life is consistently praised as amazing and fantastic, with users reporting it lasting a full week even with heavy daily use.

Build QualityWeight: 10%
40
Best Quote

"The build quality feels quite cheap, everything is plastic but then again, its expected for a pair of budget noise cancelling headphones."

The build quality is frequently described as cheap, plasticky, and flimsy, with concerns about long-term durability and potential for peeling or creaking.

Call Quality / MicWeight: 10%
--
Disregarded

Call quality and microphone performance are not significantly discussed in the provided reviews, leaving a neutral assessment.

Features & ConnectivityWeight: 10%
45
Best Quote

"The biggest downside is the Bluetooth connectivity that has this really annoying Bug (v1.0.8 Software)."

Bluetooth connectivity is a major pain point, with frequent reports of connection drops and issues with multipoint, although some users find the app's EQ useful.

Editorial News

Analyzed 9 major publications

ANC PerformanceWeight: 25%
65
Best Quote

"While more premium models... will block out external noises more effectively, we find these affordable Sonys do an effective job of dampening, if not silencing completely, the rumble and swoosh of each passing car..."

Reviewers found the ANC to be decent and effective for the price point, capable of dampening common noises, but acknowledged it doesn't match higher-end models.

Sound QualityWeight: 20%
75
Best Quote

"No shrinking violets, they imbue their musical cargo with heft and conviction, operating on the front foot in delivering an immediate, assertive sound with an emphasis on forceful, burly bass."

The sound is generally praised as punchy, energetic, and surprisingly good for the price, though some find the bass overpowering and suggest EQ adjustments for better balance.

Comfort/FitWeight: 15%
90
Best Quote

"At under 200g, they are some of the lightest over-ear noise cancelling headphones we’ve tested, and that makes a huge difference for all-day comfort."

The headphones are consistently praised for being exceptionally lightweight and comfortable, even for extended listening sessions, though some note the earcups can be shallow or cause heat.

Battery LifeWeight: 10%
95
Best Quote

"The WH-CH720N comfortably gave us a full working week of listening without reaching for a charger."

Battery life is a standout feature, with users reporting exceptionally long playback times, far exceeding expectations for this price range, and a useful quick-charge function.

Build QualityWeight: 10%
45
Best Quote

"Let me be clear here, these feel like a toy and feel more like $40 headphones."

The build quality is frequently cited as a significant drawback, with reviewers describing the materials as cheap, plasticky, and feeling toy-like, raising concerns about long-term durability.

Call Quality / MicWeight: 10%
60
Best Quote

"In terms of call quality, in quiet conditions my sound sounds pretty okay. It was a little muffled, and maybe a tad too bloaty, but it’s still quite intelligible."

Call quality is considered decent and acceptable for quiet environments, with some noise suppression, but struggles in very noisy conditions and is not as clear as premium models.

Features & ConnectivityWeight: 10%
75
Best Quote

"The WH-CH720N also support the Sony Headphones Connect app on iOS and Android. This app has been a staple of Sony wireless products for several years now..."

The headphones offer a good set of features for the price, including multipoint Bluetooth and app support with EQ, though they lack some premium features like wear detection or high-res codecs.

YouTube Creators

Analyzed 17 detailed reviews & 217 comments

ANC PerformanceWeight: 25%
65
Best Quote

"I found them to be medium level at noiSe cancelling. SQ: 7.7/10 comfort: 8.3/10 NC: 6.8/10"

While many users find the ANC to be good for the price, a significant number note that it's not as strong as higher-end models and can be weak on flights or in noisy environments.

Sound QualityWeight: 20%
78
Best Quote

"The softer, more 'muffled' sound of the CH720 headphones I actually prefer, even if that is a lower sound quality."

The sound quality is generally praised, with many users finding it pleasing, full, and thumpier, especially when adjusted with the app's EQ, though some find it muffled or prefer other models.

Comfort/FitWeight: 15%
75
Best Quote

"They’re super lightweight, the app truly helps with the eq and ANC, making this my prized steal for Christmas."

The headphones are frequently described as lightweight and comfortable for extended periods, though some users with larger ears or those wearing glasses find the earcups too shallow or small.

Battery LifeWeight: 10%
70
Best Quote

"I've had mine for a couple of years and I think I'm getting probably about half the battery life I did when they were new."

Users report excellent initial battery life, often lasting days or weeks with moderate use, but several mention a significant degradation over time, with battery life halving after a couple of years.

Build QualityWeight: 10%
45
Best Quote

"I feel like if I bend it to a certain Point it might snap"

A recurring complaint is that the build quality feels cheap and the plastic is fragile, with some users expressing concern about the headphones snapping.

Call Quality / MicWeight: 10%
50
Best Quote

"Understand these are incredible for calls. I was mowing the lawn, and the caller could hear me perfectly."

While a few users mention call quality positively, noting they could be heard perfectly even while mowing the lawn, this aspect is not extensively discussed or tested by reviewers.

Features & ConnectivityWeight: 10%
55
Best Quote

"The only issue is the pairing issues and no multi-pair options."

The app's EQ and ANC adjustments are appreciated, but some users report Bluetooth connectivity issues and pairing problems, while others note the lack of a carrying case as a drawback.

The Lightweight Champion of Endurance

Sony’s WH-CH720N targets a specific niche: the marathon listener. Weighing in at just under 200g, these headphones disappear on the head during extended sessions. Professional reviewers and casual users agree that the ergonomics are a triumph for the price point. As one tech blog noted:

At under 200g, they are some of the lightest over-ear noise cancelling headphones we’ve tested, and that makes a huge difference for all-day comfort.

This physical lightness is matched by a massive battery reservoir. While many competitors struggle to hit 30 hours, the CH720N routinely powers through a full work week on a single charge. However, YouTube long-term testers have begun to flag concerns regarding the longevity of these lithium-ion cells, noting that capacity can drop by half after 24 months of heavy cycling.

Initial Impressions vs. Long-Term Reality

Tech blogs initially praised the CH720N for its "punchy and energetic" sound, but long-term owners on Reddit paint a far more critical picture. Professional reviewers often test headphones in vacuum-like conditions, whereas daily users find the out-of-the-box tuning to be congested and unnatural. One Reddit user described the factory sound signature as a failure of engineering:

The default sound signature I'd describe as weak, hollow, dry, and suppressed. It feels like a driver being pushed past its comfortable limits, like it's straining to produce audio rather than doing it naturally.

While the Sony app's EQ can rescue the audio, the physical build quality remains an unfixable issue. Reviewers and owners are unified in their disdain for the materials used. The consensus is that the headphones feel fragile, lacking the density of even slightly more expensive mid-range options. A YouTube reviewer summarized the tactile experience bluntly:

Let me be clear here, these feel like a toy and feel more like $40 headphones.

ANC and Connectivity Friction

The Active Noise Cancellation performs admirably against low-end rumbles, such as bus engines or air conditioners, but it fails to create a true 'cone of silence.' High-frequency sounds like keyboard clicks or nearby conversations bleed through the thin earcups easily. Furthermore, while the inclusion of multipoint Bluetooth is a win on paper, Reddit users report persistent firmware bugs (v1.0.8) that cause unexpected drops when switching between a laptop and a smartphone.