Sony Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Over-Ear Noise-Canceling Review

The Sony WH-CH720N are affordable, lightweight wireless noise-canceling headphones. They offer solid battery life and decent performance for the price, making them a great value pick for everyday use. Just don't expect flagship-level sound or noise cancellation.

If you're hunting for a pair of wireless noise-canceling headphones that won't break the bank, the Sony WH-CH720N is probably on your radar. These over-ear cans are Sony's play for the budget-conscious, packing their DSEE audio restoration and adaptive noise canceling into a surprisingly light package. They're priced between $95 and $178, which puts them squarely in the 'affordable ANC' category, competing with the likes of older models and value-focused brands. They promise up to 35 hours of battery life, Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint support, and the ability to tweak the sound via Sony's Headphones Connect app, which is a lot of features for the money.

Our data shows the WH-CH720N lands right around the middle of the pack in most categories. Its sound quality, ANC effectiveness, and microphone performance all sit in the 48th to 49th percentile. In plain English, that means they're perfectly fine for the price. The noise canceling will take the edge off a bus or airplane cabin hum, but don't expect the near-silent bubble you get from Sony's own flagship WH-1000XM5. The 30mm drivers deliver a balanced sound that's good for casual listening, podcasts, and calls. The battery life is solid, hitting that 35-hour mark with ANC on, which is a definite win.

The value proposition here is clear: you get Sony's ecosystem and core tech at a much lower price than their flagships. For around $100-$150, you're getting adaptive noise canceling, a long-lasting battery, and app support that cheaper brands often skip. The main trade-off is in materials and peak performance. If your budget is tight and you want a taste of Sony's noise-canceling know-how, this is a compelling option. If you can stretch your budget a bit, you might find better sound or ANC in refurbished or older premium models.

The most direct competitor is probably the Beats Studio Pro, which often goes on sale in a similar price range. The Beats typically have a more bass-forward sound and might feel a bit sturdier, but the Sony offers better app integration and a more neutral sound profile. Compared to the king, the Sony WH-1000XM5, the CH720N is obviously a step down in ANC and sound quality, but it's also less than half the price. For Apple users, the AirPods Max aren't even in the same conversation price-wise, but they offer seamless integration the Sony can't match. It's also worth looking at the Bose QuietComfort line if comfort and ANC are your top priorities, though you'll pay more.

Skip these if you're a serious gamer. Our data shows gaming is their weakest area, likely due to Bluetooth latency. Hardcore audiophiles seeking rich, detailed sound should also look elsewhere, as the audio quality is good but not exceptional. And if you need the absolute best noise cancellation for a loud daily commute or office, investing in a higher-tier model from Sony or Bose would be a better use of your money.

So, should you buy the Sony WH-CH720N? If you want a lightweight, comfy pair of wireless headphones with decent noise canceling and fantastic battery life for under $150, yes. They're a great 'good enough' option for commuting, studying, or work calls. But if you're an audiophile chasing pristine sound, or if you need top-tier noise canceling for frequent flights, you'll want to save up for something higher in Sony's lineup or look at the competition. For most people, though, these hit a very sensible sweet spot.