Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Review (2024)

• 6.7 Neutral Sound
• 7.1 Commute/Travel
• 7.1 Sports/Fitness
• 7.1 Office
• 5.6 Wireless Gaming
• 6.6 Wired Gaming
• 7.0 Phone Calls

The Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless are better over-ears than the Sony WH-CH720N Wireless. The WH-1000XM4 are more comfortable andbetter built, and their ANC can block out significantly more ambient noise across the range. They also support LDAC, which is good if you want to stream high-res audio. However, the WH-CH720N have a better overall mic performance.

When comparing the Beats Solo3 2019 Wirelessto the Sony WH-CH720N Wireless, you see some differences, mainly in features and style. While both are bass-heavy, you can't adjust that with the Beats. The Beatsfit on-ears and come with the W1 chip to optimize Apple compatibility. Both are fairly plasticky feeling, although the Beats have metal hinges. Of the two, only the Sony have active noise cancelling, which isn't class-leading but still reduces more noise across the spectrum. You can also use the companion app to alter the EQ for the Sony, making them more flexible for different kinds of music. While you can listen on either pair using Bluetooth or an analog connection, the Sony use a newer Bluetooth version and come with aTRS cable.

The Anker Soundcore Space Q45 Wireless are better headphones than the Sony WH-CH720N Wireless. Both headphones are comfortable, andthe Anker come with a carrying case to protect the headphones when not in use. They also have a significantly better noise isolation performance and support LDAC for higher resolution audio. However, the Sony headphones have a more neutral overall sound profile, which some users may prefer.

Between the Sony WH-CH720N Wireless and the Anker Soundcore Space One Wireless the Anker are slightly better for most people. That said, the Sony have virtual surround sound, weigh slightly less, and have a much better microphone, so if you take a lot of calls, the Sonys are better. On the other hand, the Anker have a longer continuous battery life, an excited sound profile with more EQ options, andcomparablenoise isolation. They aren't miles ahead, but they're slightly better in these regards.

Both the JBL Live 770NC Wireless and Sony WH-CH720N Wireless occupy the midway point between budgetand flagship headphones, sharing many of the same features. The JBL are slightly better built and slightly more comfortable. Their controls are more expansive and isolatemore noise. Their battery lasts longer, too. The Sony headphones have a somewhat better mic system. Their sound profile is more neutral than the excited sound profile of the JBL. You can EQ both pairs in either option'svery capable companion app.

The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless and Sony WH-CH520 Wireless use the same companion app withaccess to the brand's virtual surround sound and EQ. Their construction is alike, but the over-ears fit of the WH-CH720N Wireless is a bit more comfortable. Thesehave ANCtomakenoisy environments more tolerable. In addition, they have optional wired connectivity alongsidetheirBluetooth connectivity. Their sound is much more hyped by default, with more rumble, muddiness,and brightness. Lacking the battery hog of ANC, the WH-CH520 Wireless' battery lasts longer, and they connect via Bluetooth only. They fit on-ears andaresmaller overall. Theyhave a warmer and more neutral sound profile out of the box. It depends on how much you want to cut out your environment because the WH-CH520 Wireless have poor isolation compared to the WH-CH720N Wireless.

The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless' sound is more versatileover-earheadphones than the Sony WH-XB910N Wireless. While both headphones support multi-device pairing, are customizable, thanks to companion app support, and have long continuous battery lives, the WH-XB910N are designed to deliver intense bass.However, some users will find it very muddy compared to the WH-CH720N. The WH-XB910N arebetter built andmore comfortable, but their noise isolation is less consistent than the WH-CH720N.

The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless and JBL Live 660NC Wireless rely on different strengths. Both sets of over-ears have similar noise isolationperformance. The Sony headphones have a longer continuous battery life, and their app includes virtual surround sound. While both headphones include apps with EQ, the JBL sound much more neutral by default. If you play mobile games or often watch videos, the JBL headphones have a much lower latency between the two when using the different modes in the app.

Choosing between the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless and the Sony WH-CH720N Wireless, there are some key differences. The Sennheiser's battery life is a bit longer. Their build quality is slightly better, and they support the higher-quality aptX HD codec. Their sound profile is warm, with bass emphasis, and you can EQ them. The noise isolation is a bit better too. If you plan on using a wired connection, of the two, only the Sennheiser can playback audio via their USB-C port, but they lack a standard headphone jack. Unlike the Sennheiser cans, the Sony headphones have an analog headphone jack connection and can be used passively, if you want, but they aren't compatible with USB-C audio. They're slightly lighter with a slightly better microphone. Their default sound is more boomy and cluttered by default, but you can EQ that.

The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless are the next generation of the Sony WH-CH710N Wireless and have a few positive updates to their design. While both headphones are comfortable and decently well-built, the WH-CH720N have a more neutral sound profile. Their ANC does a better job of blocking out background noise, and they have companion app support so you can adjust their sound to your liking using the graphic EQ and presets. They also support multi-device pairing.

The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 Wireless and Sony WH-CH720N Wireless share many similarities and are fairly comparable. The Anker headphones have the edge in their significantly better noise cancellation and greater continuous battery life, but their headband isprone to breakage. On the other hand, the Sonys are plasticky, but they're not known to break over time, and they're lighter. They feature thecompany's360 Reality Audio, which offers virtual surround sound and adaptive listening modes.

The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless offer similar performance to the JBL Tune 760NC Wireless, and you might prefer one over the other depending on personal preference. Both headphones offer similar battery life performance, but theJBL are better headphones for neutral sound. However, the Sony's companion app allows you to customize the sound further via a graphic EQ, presets, and spatial audio controls.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless are the brand's flagship wireless headphones, while the Sony WH-CH720N Wireless are mid-tier. Overall, the WH-1000XM5 Wireless are better built, use a mix of touch controls andbuttons, include the higher quality LDAC codec,and offer superior noise cancelling. The WH-CH720N Wireless weigh less, and they share a lot of the same app features like surround sound and graphic EQ. However, their build quality is more plasticky,their ANC isn't nearly as effective, and their sound delivery is less consistent between wears.

The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless are better headphones overall than the Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless. While they both have ANC systems that can help block out external noise, the Sony are more comfortable, arebetter built, and have a more balanced sound profile. They also support multi-device pairing, so you can connect up to two different devices, and their continuous battery life is longer. However, the Skullcandy have a more immersive passive soundstage andconsistent audio delivery.

The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless came out after the Sennheiser HD 450BT Wireless with some benefits of time like better battery performance, more app features,and more refined controls. The Sony also have virtual surround sound and a comprehensive app with EQ. Their ANC is a bit more effective. TheSennheiser have small ear cups that limit some people's ability to get a good seal, and that also impacts their sound. Nevertheless, the Sennheiser can yield higher quality aptX audio and low latency audio with aptX-LL. Their app includes EQ, but it's simpler.

The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless and the Sony ULT WEAR Wireless are ANC-equipped over-ears that cater to different needs and price points. The ULT WEAR are mid-range headphones thatcan amp up the bass with a press of their 'ULT' button. Their higher price point comes with an improved build quality and better stability. While neither pair is an ideal pick for neutral sound, the ULT WEAR have a boomy, bass-forward sound, while the WH-CH720N lean more towards sounding warm and punchy. The ULT WEAR also feature LDAC support for high-resolution audio streaming.Both sound profiles can be tailored to your preferences via the companion app though. The main point of departure is with the ANC performance, though, as the ULT WEAR perform much better across the entire frequency range when it comes to attenuating against external noise.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Wireless are better than the Sony WH-CH720N Wireless due to significantly better noise cancellation. They also have better build quality and a greater Bluetooth codec selection. On the flip side, the Sony are lighter andhave a longer battery life, and the app supplies two extra EQ sliders.

LEARN ABOUT COMFORT

TheSony WH-CH720N have good controls. There are five buttons, with playback and listening mode controls on the right ear cup and power and pairing on the left. Their physical buttons are intuitive to operate and provide clicky feedback. The multi-function button has a raised bump to differentiate it from the volume controls by touch, but it can be too subtle for some people. A voice prompt alerts you when you've connected to a device, and chimes will indicate you've reached the min and max volume. You can even press the power button to hear battery life.

On the left ear cup:

• Power button
  • Single press: Turns on and off the headphones.
  • Press and hold: Enters Bluetooth pairing mode.

On the right ear cup:

• ANC/AMB button
  • Single press: Cycles between ANC on and transparency mode. You can add ANC off or adjust this mode to your preference via the app.
• Volume controls
  • Single press the '+' button: Raises the volume.
  • Single press the '-' button: Lowers the volume.
• Multi-function button
  • Single press: Plays and pauses audio. Also answers and ends calls.
  • Double press: Skips to the next track.
  • Triple press: Skips to the previous track.
  • Press and hold: Launches voice assistant. Also rejects calls.

LEARN ABOUT CONTROLS

LEARN ABOUT PORTABILITY

LEARN ABOUT CASE

LEARN ABOUT BUILD QUALITY

LEARN ABOUT STABILITY

• Sony WH-CH720N headphones
• USB-A to USB-C charging cable
• 1/8" TRS audio cable
• Manuals

Out of the box, these headphones have a warm and bass-heavy sound profile. They deliver extra thump, punch, and boom, which is great for genres like EDM and hip-hop but can get muddy with busy mixes. Vocals and lead instruments sound a bit veiled and lacking in detail, while sibilants like cymbals are piercing at the top end. Luckily, if you want to adjust their sound, their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets. You can also see a comparison of all the EQ presets here.

Although we tested the headphones with the ANC on, you can see a comparison with the ANC on, off, and wired here. The largest difference is in the bass to mid-range, as the ANC off has more thump and rumble but also sounds a bit muddier than when the ANC is on. There isn't a difference between ANC on and wired analog, though.

LEARN ABOUT SOUND PROFILE

LEARN ABOUT FREQUENCY RESPONSE CONSISTENCY

LEARN ABOUT RAW FREQUENCY RESPONSE

LEARN ABOUT BASS ACCURACY

LEARN ABOUT MID ACCURACY

LEARN ABOUT TREBLE ACCURACY

LEARN ABOUT PEAKS/DIPS

The imaging performance is sub-par. Sony usually has good quality control and ergonomics, but imaging varies between units. Our unit's L/R drivers are well-matched in group delay, which ensures tight bass. Although there's a peak in the upper register threshold of human hearing, most people won't notice issues with treble transparency. Our unit's L/R drivers are also well-matched in amplitude and frequency response, which helps to balance the stereo image.

However, there's a high phase mismatch response present that's above the audibility threshold where the high-mid meets the low-treble, but with real-world content, it's not noticeable. In the uppermost frequencies, there are peaks of significant phase response mismatch, too, but that frequency range doesn't have much musical content, and not everyone can hear those frequencies well anyhow.

LEARN ABOUT IMAGING

LEARN ABOUT PASSIVE SOUNDSTAGE

LEARN ABOUT VIRTUAL SOUNDSTAGE

LEARN ABOUT WEIGHTED HARMONIC DISTORTION

LEARN ABOUT TEST SETTINGS

The Sony WH-CH720N's full-range noise isolation performance is decent. Like their predecessor, the Sony WH-CH710N Wireless, these have an active noise cancelling (ANC) system. The ANC is better across the range at blocking out background noise on the Sony WH-CH720 than the previous gen, even if it falls short compared to flagships like the Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless. The passive isolation is effective with high-pitched clatter, while ANC helps to reduce the bass and midrange noises like rumbling and chatter somewhat.

Note: The slight peaks visible in the bass region appear to be due to the interaction of our testing rig with the headphones, and importantly, aren't noticeable when the headphones are worn by people.

LEARN ABOUT NOISE ISOLATION - FULL RANGE

Airplane Noise Isolation Audio

Office Noise Isolation Audio

Street Noise Isolation Audio

Female Voice 1

Male Voice 1

Female Voice 2

Male Voice 2

ANC Wind Noise

Leakage Audio

LEARN ABOUT LEAKAGE

LEARN ABOUT MICROPHONE STYLE

Recorded Speech

LEARN ABOUT RECORDING QUALITY

Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample

Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample

LEARN ABOUT NOISE HANDLING

LEARN ABOUT BATTERY

The Sony | Headphones Connect app is great. You can check out a video of how it works here. The robust app gives you access to features like Adaptive Sound Control, which automatically adjusts ambient modes based on your environment and activities and bears some functional resemblance to the Sound Zones feature found on the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless. Essentially, it detects what you're doing and where you're doing it, and you can choose to automate the mode based on the algorithm's determination, or you can set specific modes using maps. Of course, this requires you to give permission for location tracking.

Ambient Sound Control handles the manual selection of listening modes between noise cancelling, transparency, and normal mode. Plus, there are virtual soundstage features. You get a 5-band graphic EQ and presets available if you want to customize their sound. The manufacturer's digital signal processor (DSP), called DSEE, upscales lossy audio as well. You can adjust your Bluetooth connection quality, enable or disable multi-device pairing, perform updates, and adjust the power-off timer.

LEARN ABOUT APP SUPPORT

Recorded Latency

LEARN ABOUT WIRED CONNECTION

Recorded Latency

LEARN ABOUT BLUETOOTH CONNECTION

LEARN ABOUT WIRELESS CONNECTION (DONGLE)

LEARN ABOUT PLAYSTATION COMPATIBILITY

LEARN ABOUT XBOX COMPATIBILITY

LEARN ABOUT BASE/DOCK