Compare Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones vs Marshall Major V

Durability over time was a concern because reviewers worried about cheap materials, drops, worn pads, and potential breakage.

Durability-over-time comments were positive where reviewers expected the headphones to survive years of use or abuse.

Portability was held back by the non-folding design, despite the lightweight build and swiveling earcups.

Portability and foldability were consistently praised because the headphones collapse very small and fit easily in bags.

Streaming-service integration was constrained because 360 Reality Audio required supported paid apps in one review.

Spotify integration was praised by Spotify users as genuinely useful for starting or cycling music quickly.

Audio-video sync was a limitation: one reviewer saw only minor issues, while another called out no low-latency mode for video and games.

Reviewers who discussed sync reported no noticeable delay or expected LE Audio benefits for video use.

Swivel range was limited because the cups only swivel flat and the headphones do not fold.

One review praised the ear cups' 90-degree tilt as part of the flexible fit system.

Volume output drew limitations in flight or lower-volume listening, where reviewers needed higher volume or found detail lacking.

One reviewer found normal listening volume more than sufficient, with extra output available if needed.

Sound leakage evidence was limited but positive, with one review saying leakage was minimal.

Sound leakage was mixed-to-negative, with some office-safe results but several warnings about leakage at higher volumes.

ANC was consistently useful for the price, reducing everyday noise and rumble, but reviewers rarely considered it flagship-class.

Reviewers repeatedly flagged the absence of ANC as the Major V's biggest feature gap, especially for commuting, flights, and loud environments.

Auracast support was only discussed as a possible future capability, not a confirmed or praised current feature.

Auracast support was praised as rare and forward-looking, though some comments depended on future firmware or ecosystem adoption.

Headband padding received limited but very positive evidence, with one reviewer calling the padding excellent.

Headband padding feedback was mixed, with one review praising full soft coverage and another calling it thin.

LE Audio readiness was speculative in the review evidence, framed as something Bluetooth 5.2 could support in the future.

LE Audio readiness was treated as a forward-looking advantage for streaming, sync, and Auracast-related future use.

Frequency-response evidence was mixed: reviewers noted a warm, mostly pleasant balance but also bass emphasis, average timbre, and constrained openness.

Measured frequency-response commentary was negative, with one review saying the tuning deviated drastically from the preferred curve.

Build quality was the most repeated compromise, with reviewers split between acceptable construction and cheap, plasticky, brittle feel.

Build quality was generally praised as rugged, tough, and durable, though not always premium-looking.

LDAC evidence was mostly negative in the scored reviews, where multiple reviewers called out no LDAC or no hi-res LDAC streaming.

LDAC was criticized as a missing advantage versus a competing Android-focused headphone.

Premium feel was weak: reviewers said the headphones feel toy-like or below their price in material impression.

Premium feel was mixed: the design could look special, but some reviewers said the materials did not feel expensive.

Setup simplicity was mixed to weak because two reviewers reported initial pairing issues.

Setup was easy out of the box in one review, but app responsiveness and connection reliability were criticized elsewhere.

Multi-platform compatibility was positive in limited evidence, especially for users connecting a phone and PC through multipoint.

Multi-platform use was positive where one reviewer reported seamless switching between phone and laptop.

Replaceable earpads received limited mixed evidence because the pads may wear but aftermarket replacements were mentioned.

Replaceable earpads were a plus in reviews that noted removable pads or replacement cups.

USB-C was praised as a modern and useful charging standard, with fast charging mentioned in one video review.

USB-C charging was viewed positively, especially as a more reliable option than fiddly wireless charging.

Microphone noise reduction was inconsistent: some reviews praised background and wind handling, while others found noisy environments a weak point.

Microphone noise reduction received positive comments for cleaning up office, cafe, and ambient noise around speech.

Clamping force was broadly well judged: secure enough to stay put but usually gentle enough for comfort.

Clamp force feedback was mixed, ranging from gentle or moderate to too tight or uncomfortable depending on head shape and use.

Instrument separation was praised in some reviews, but other reviewers found the headphones lacking resolution, definition, and complex-track clarity.

Reviewers who focused on separation generally praised stereo placement, detail visibility, and the ability to follow individual sound elements.

EQ customization was one of the strongest feature wins, repeatedly described as effective, useful, and capable of improving the sound.

EQ customization was useful and often praised, though some reviewers said its effect was subtle or insufficient.

The included audio cable was criticized as potentially too short for some PC setups.

Cable impressions were mixed: one reviewer liked the retro detail, while another disliked the tangling coiled cable.

Headband adjustability received limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer calling the extension sturdy.

Headband adjustment was praised for smooth sliding rails and flexible adjustability.

Earcup padding was generally comfortable but not universally premium, with some sticky, thin, or fit-related complaints.

Ear cup padding was consistently praised as thick, soft, plush, or squishy enough to help the on-ear fit.

Value was one of the strongest consensus positives, especially when the headphones were discounted below full retail.

Value was split: reviewers liked the battery, design, and sound for the price, but many felt ANC competitors offered more.

Comfort was one of the strongest areas, with reviewers repeatedly praising the light fit for long sessions, commuting, and desk use.

Long-wear comfort was highly divided, with many praising light padding and hours-long comfort while others reported pressure, heat, or glasses discomfort.

Midrange comments were mixed, with praise for vocals and clarity in some reviews but complaints about recessed, muffled, or muddy mids in others.

Midrange clarity was often praised for vocals and detail, but some reviewers heard recessed or deficient mids.

Travel friendliness was mixed: ANC and battery help, but lack of a case and non-folding design reduce bag durability.

Travel friendliness was mixed-to-positive: small size and battery helped, while no ANC and no case limited flights and loud travel.

Call microphone performance ranged from very good and clear to merely acceptable, especially once noisy conditions entered the test.

Call quality was usually praised, with reviewers hearing loud, clear, understandable voice capture; one found it noisy but usable.

Bass was a clear personality trait: many found it warm, punchy, or fun, while others called it boomy, shallow, or overemphasized.

Bass impressions skewed positive for punch and warmth, though a few reviewers found the low end light or uneven depending on tuning.

The Sony app was a major positive, offering EQ, modes, setup controls, and added features, though some setup friction appeared.

App opinions were mixed: support and customization were major upgrades, but some reviewers found the app buggy, basic, or limited.

Design was generally seen as clean, minimalist, and better than expected for the price, though not premium.

The retro Marshall design was widely praised as distinctive, classic, stylish, and aligned with the brand's rock identity.

Physical buttons were usually praised for reliability and ease, though some reviewers found the similar button shapes confusing.

Physical button controls were one of the strongest points, with reviewers repeatedly praising the joystick-style knob as intuitive and reliable.

Advanced software features were a selling point overall, though one review emphasized that these are not loaded like Sony flagships.

Advanced software and feature impressions were mixed: battery preservation impressed, but feature depth lagged some competitors.

Preset EQ profiles were praised in the two scored reviews for improving bass energy while keeping clarity under control.

Preset EQ feedback was limited but positive when reviewers singled out balanced or useful presets.

Water and sweat resistance was a weakness, with reviewers noting no waterproof rating and limited exercise suitability.

Reviewers treated the lack of IP or water resistance as a real limitation for rain, sweat, hikes, and outdoor use.

Connectivity options were positively viewed where reviewers emphasized both wired and Bluetooth listening.

Connectivity options were praised for wired listening, sharing audio, and useful device switching.

Wired listening was useful in a pinch, and one reviewer heard no major sound-quality penalty when using it powered on.

The detachable analog cable was praised for enabling the music-sharing trick with another pair of headphones.

Feature depth was limited compared with higher-end Sony models, according to one scored review.

Launch feature set was criticized as limited, especially compared with competitors that include ANC, transparency, cases, or richer apps.

Hinge durability was a concern in one review that warned pressure near the swivel could cause breakage.

One reviewer disliked the way the metal hinges stick out when folded, making hinge design a minor caveat.

Included accessories were limited, with reviewers noting only basic cables and no carry case.

Included accessories were criticized as skimpy because reviewers expected more protection or extras for the price.

Integrated microphone evidence was positive in the limited scored review, with speech remaining clear enough in office use.

The integrated mic array was praised in one review as working well for clear recordings.

One review praised clarity at high volumes, saying the sound stayed clear rather than muddy.

Reviewers noted that the headphones could play loudly without obvious strain and still had headroom.

Spatial audio evidence was mixed: reviewers liked the immersive effect, but noted limited app or subscription requirements.

One review said Dolby Atmos playback still had kick despite the lack of noise cancelling.

Fit stability received limited positive evidence, with clamping force keeping the headphones in place.

Fit stability was mixed: some reviews praised secure fit, while others found head movement could shift or dislodge the headphones.

Charging was strongly praised, especially the quick-charge behavior that several reviews highlighted as fast and useful.

Charging was mostly praised for fast, USB-C, and wireless charging, though several reviewers found wireless placement fiddly or unreliable.

The headphones were described as discreet, slim, and subtle enough for public wear.

Reviewers praised the distinctive vintage style and compact visual identity, though one found the look inconspicuous or barebones.

Smart listening features were received positively where tested, especially adaptive sound behavior and location/activity-based adjustments.

Smart listening features were useful for quick Spotify, EQ, or assistant access, though one reviewer found the M button nonessential.

Treble was often described as clear or detailed, but some reviewers found it peaky, fatiguing, or slightly rolled off depending on tuning.

Treble was described as crisp and detailed by some reviewers, while others found the top end harsh, exaggerated, or clustered.

Passive isolation was adequate rather than exceptional, helped by padding but weaker than better-padded premium alternatives.

Passive isolation was mixed: the pads muffled some office chatter and ambient sound, but on-ear fit still let plenty through.

Bluetooth stability was a strength in the reviewed evidence, with stable connections and no signal interruptions reported after setup.

Bluetooth was described positively where reviewers referenced modern or useful wireless capabilities rather than just listing the version.

aptX-related evidence was negative, with one reviewer citing no low-latency codec support such as aptX-LL.

aptX support was criticized because reviewers specifically noted that aptX or aptX Adaptive was missing.

Sustainability and repairability received limited positive evidence tied to long battery life reducing replacement frequency.

Repairability was viewed as a plus because reviewers noted battery replacement through Marshall's repair program.

Wind-noise handling received limited positive evidence through Sony’s wind-reduction feature seeming to work.

Wind handling was only discussed in microphone-test contexts and was generally positive alongside noisy-condition call performance.

Low weight was a standout comfort advantage, with several reviewers emphasizing how light the headphones feel on the head.

Low weight was a consistent strength, with reviewers calling the headphones light, barely noticeable, and easy to wear.

Battery life was a major consensus strength, with reviewers praising the 35-hour-plus ANC endurance and long real-world playback.

Battery life was the clearest consensus strength, with reviewers repeatedly praising the 100-hour class endurance and real-world longevity.

Soundstage impressions split between wide or expansive in some listening tests and narrow, compact, or shallow in others.

Soundstage ranged from surprisingly wide and dynamic to compact, intimate, or under-imaged depending on the reviewer.

Overall recommendations were mostly positive, especially for budget buyers who accept build and ANC compromises.

Overall recommendations were mixed-to-positive: many reviewers recommended the headphones for battery, design, and casual use, but with clear caveats.

Codec support was viewed as limited because reviewers noted the lack of fancier hi-res options.

Codec support was mixed-to-weak: LC3/LE Audio helped, but reviewers criticized the lack of higher-quality codecs.

Reviewers generally found the sound enjoyable and better than expected for the price, though not as resolving or dynamic as premium headphones.

Most reviewers liked the lively Marshall-leaning sound, but several found it average, treble-heavy, distant, or not competitive for audiophiles.

Multipoint was repeatedly treated as a useful quality-of-life feature, with several reviewers praising device switching or dual-device use.

Multipoint generally worked well, though one reviewer noted playback must be paused on one device before switching.

Carry-case quality scored poorly because multiple reviewers noted that no case or pouch is included.

Carry protection was a consistent weakness because reviewers repeatedly complained that no case, pouch, or tote was included.

The 3.5mm input was viewed positively as a useful fallback for wired listening.

The 3.5mm input was valued for wired listening and audio sharing, with several reviewers calling the sharing trick useful or cool.

Voice-assistant integration received limited positive evidence as a hands-free control option through the physical button.

Voice assistant use was positive in the review that tested Google Assistant and Siri.

ANC background-noise handling was mixed: low rumble and everyday noise improved, but traffic, high-pitched sound, and hiss remained.

The available evidence on ANC sound-signature impact was positive, with one reviewer saying ANC did not radically alter the sound.

Reviewers generally found ANC did not damage the listening experience, with no major fatigue or radical sound shift reported.

Android compatibility was weakened by missing higher-quality Android-friendly codecs such as aptX or LDAC.

Auto-play and wear detection were clear missing features in several reviews.

Auto-off was praised as helpful for preserving battery life.

Bluetooth 5.2 was described as competitive in the reviewed evidence.

Hi-res playback support was a repeated weakness in the scored evidence, with reviewers saying there is no hi-res or LDAC support.

Ecosystem integration was limited by app/platform restrictions for certain 360 Reality Audio features.

Immersive audio was one of the stronger technical positives, with reviewers praising 360-style spaciousness or high immersiveness.

Replaceable pads/headband evidence was limited and mixed, with worn pads mentioned alongside aftermarket replacement possibility.

Sensor coverage was weak because reviewers noted missing ear-detection or wear-detection sensors.

Smart Pause performance was poor because one review explicitly noted no auto-pause when the headphones are removed.

Smudge resistance was mixed, with matte finish resisting fingerprints but the white colorway collecting dirt.

Transparency mode was one of the better-received features, with reviewers calling it transparent or effective despite some hiss or limits.

Marshall's guitar-riff feedback tones were described as a nice brand touch by reviewers who mentioned them.

Wear-detection auto-pause was missing, creating a risk of accidental battery drain.

Wear detection performance was absent in the scored evidence, since the reviewer noted no wear-detection feature.