Compare Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones vs Marshall Milton A.N.C.

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

USB digital audio is driver-free, near-zero latency, and slightly clearer and more resolved than Bluetooth, making it useful for computers and production work.

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

LDAC is a welcome first for Marshall and can reveal more detail with compatible Android devices. One technical test questioned whether the headphones deliver the full high-frequency extension associated with Hi-Res labeling.

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

Brass accents, textured surfaces, and solid construction make the Milton look and feel more expensive than typical on-ears.

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

The self-healing earcup finish resists minor scratches and scuffs, supporting better cosmetic durability over time.

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

The solid-metal folding mechanism feels more substantial and durable than the pronged hinge design used on the Major V.

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

Initial setup and pairing are straightforward, with Fast Pair and a clean single-screen app interface reducing friction.

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

Codec coverage is unusually broad, including AAC, SBC, LC3, and LDAC for flexible use across devices.

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

Native Apple Find My and Google Find Hub support integrates the headphones cleanly with both major mobile ecosystems.

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

The drawstring pouch is useful, compact, and sometimes described as premium. It protects against basic bumps but is not a rigid travel case.

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

The Milton launches with a notably complete feature set, adding adaptive ANC and advanced codecs to Marshall’s compact on-ear format.

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

The foldable, lightweight form is highly portable and can fit in small bags or even large pockets. Two reviewers note that the cups do not fold flat, making slim-bag storage awkward.

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

The Milton gets comfortably loud well below maximum output. Pushing to the limit is unnecessary and can introduce slight harshness.

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

Build quality is consistently praised as sturdy, substantial, and well made. Metal mechanisms, a flexible headband, and durable textured surfaces inspire confidence.

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

Sound leakage becomes noticeable at higher volumes, and the on-ear fit allows outside sound in as well. This is a format tradeoff rather than a minor edge case.

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

The pouch and USB-C-to-3.5mm cable make the package practical for travel and wired sources. The overly short USB-C cable is the main accessory complaint.

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

The integrated microphones keep calls intelligible, but at least one test found voices scratchy and unnatural compared with stronger competitors.

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

Bluetooth 6.0 and LE Audio provide a strong foundation for future features, but parts of the ecosystem remain immature.

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

The ear pads are easy to remove and replace, and cross-generation compatibility adds uncommon long-term convenience.

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

Replaceable pads and other serviceable components reduce waste and make worn parts easier to renew instead of replacing the entire headset.

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

Spotify Tap provides a convenient double-press shortcut when users want instant music without browsing.

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

The USB-C-to-3.5mm cable is rugged and well finished, and one reviewer called it exceptional. The short USB-C charging/audio cable drew strong criticism for being impractical.

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

Compact folding, low weight, strong ANC, and marathon battery life make the Milton especially well suited to commuting and air travel.

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

The lack of an official IP water or sweat rating is a repeated weakness. Light rain may be tolerated, but workouts, heavy sweat, and downpours are risky.

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

The headphones do not detect when they are removed, so music keeps playing until paused manually. Reviewers consider this a noticeable omission at the price.

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

Wired USB-C, USB-C-to-3.5mm, Bluetooth, LDAC, and multipoint provide excellent connection flexibility across travel and desk setups.

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

The highly adjustable headband accommodates different head sizes and helps users position the cups more comfortably.

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

Pairing and playback work smoothly across phones, tablets, laptops, iOS, and Android, making the Milton easy to move between daily devices.

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

The included presets are serviceable rather than exceptional. Reviewers often preferred building a custom EQ to fix the stock tuning.

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

Repairability is exceptional: the battery, ear pads, and several other parts can be replaced by the owner. This is one of the strongest long-term reasons to choose the Milton.

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

Bass is a defining strength: deep, punchy, and visceral without usually burying vocals. Several reviewers still find the stock low end too heavy.

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

Configurable auto-off timers help prevent idle drain. One reviewer also observed brief adaptive-ANC dropouts, suggesting some power or mode behavior still needs refinement.

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

The missing wear sensor is one of the product’s clearest feature gaps, leaving users without automatic pause when the headphones come off.

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

Wear detection does not merely perform inconsistently; it is absent. Reviewers accustomed to automatic pausing found that omission frustrating.

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

Multipoint is a standout success, switching smoothly between two phones or across phone, tablet, and computer setups.

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

Despite a relaxed clamp, the headphones remain secure during normal use and distribute their low weight evenly.

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

Instrument separation is consistently good, especially over wired playback. It is clear enough for complex music, though not at top audiophile level.

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

Marshall’s brass joystick is one of the product’s most universally praised features. It is tactile, responsive, easy to find, and simpler than touch gestures.

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

The software suite is unusually deep for on-ear headphones, with ANC adjustment, Soundstage, adaptive loudness, battery preservation, timers, and customizable controls.

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

Passive isolation is the predictable weak point of the on-ear design. The pads help, but the incomplete seal lets voices and sharper sounds pass through.

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

The tuning is broadly balanced and cohesive, but one reviewer found the dynamic range compressed. It favors an enjoyable presentation over strict analytical neutrality.

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

The native soundstage ranges from intimate to surprisingly spacious for on-ears. Marshall’s Soundstage mode can add width, though the result depends strongly on the setting and content.

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

Adaptive ANC, adaptive loudness, Soundstage, Find My, battery preservation, and programmable controls create an unusually complete smart-feature package.

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

The larger memory-foam ear pads are usually praised as soft, plush, and much improved over the Major V. One reviewer’s ear shape and piercings made the small square cups extremely uncomfortable.

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

Switching ANC on does not audibly alter the core sound signature, an excellent result for tonal consistency.

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

Auracast support is promising but remains beta and receiver-only, with device compatibility still limited.

Bluetooth 5.2 was described as competitive in the reviewed evidence.

Bluetooth 6.0, LE Audio, and Auracast give the Milton unusually strong future readiness, though some capabilities are still developing.

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

The detachable USB-C-to-3.5mm cable makes it easy to switch between wireless and legacy wired sources without carrying a permanently attached lead.

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

The textured faux leather, brass accents, and exposed-wire details create an elegant, instantly recognizable Marshall look. One reviewer strongly criticized the square earcup design for poor ergonomics.

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

Wear detection is absent, so playback does not pause when the headphones are removed. This is the most repeated missing feature and feels outdated at the price.

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

Bluetooth setup is consistently fast and painless, helped by modern pairing features. Reviewers connected phones and computers without notable trouble.

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

Vocals and instruments are generally clear, but the default tuning can recess the mids. EQ helps restore presence for acoustic music and speech.

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

Most reviewers describe the sound as warm, energetic, clean, and enjoyable across genres. A minority dislike the bright, bass-heavy default and say it needs EQ.

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

The five-band EQ is effective at taming excess bass, recessed mids, or bright treble. Fine-tuning is useful, though the missing reset and zero markers make experimentation less convenient.

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

Wind handling is mixed. Calls can suppress wind very well, but transparency and ANC microphones may feed wind noise back to the wearer.

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

Soundstage mode can add convincing room-like depth and immersion, and several reviewers kept it enabled. Others find it subtle, bass-reducing, artificial, or inferior to true spatial audio.

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

The Milton stays composed at high output, with balance and percussion generally intact. One reviewer heard a small amount of harshness only at absolute maximum volume.

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

Clamp is generally secure without excessive pressure, and several reviewers found it gentler than typical on-ears. Glasses and very long sessions can still produce pressure.

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

Most reviewers find these among the most comfortable on-ear headphones, with low weight and soft pads enabling long sessions. Fit remains subjective: a few felt pressure after hours, and one reviewer found the small square cups unusable.

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

ANC is widely considered excellent for on-ear headphones and works well on engines, traffic hum, offices, and flights. It still cannot consistently match the deep isolation of leading over-ear models.

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

Smart Pause is effectively unavailable because there is no wear detection. Playback must be paused manually when the headphones are removed.

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

Battery life is the clearest consensus strength, repeatedly lasting around 50 hours with ANC and up to 80 hours without it. Multiple reviewers went a week or more without charging.

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

Call quality varies substantially: some tests found speech crystal clear, while others heard robotic, scratchy, or unnatural voices. Intelligibility is generally maintained.

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

The cups fold inward but do not rotate fully flat. That is compact enough for most bags but awkward in very slim storage.

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

Treble is usually detailed and controlled, with several reviewers praising the lack of harshness. Two tests found the upper mids and highs overly bright or close to sibilant.

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

Most reviewers consider the price fair or excellent given the comfort, battery, ANC, and repairability. Some still see $230 as expensive for on-ears, especially when discounted over-ear alternatives are available.

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

ANC can improve listening by reducing surrounding noise and revealing musical details without forcing higher volume.

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

USB-C audio is a major strength, providing simple, low-latency wired playback and often clearer, punchier sound than Bluetooth. It can also charge during digital use.

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

At roughly 200 grams, the headphones feel exceptionally light and distribute their weight well. This is one of the most consistent comfort advantages.

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

Background suppression works well in some call tests, even against loud music. Other tests still picked up ambient noise, making performance inconsistent.

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

Movies and TV benefit from clear, spacious, immersive sound, making the Milton more versatile than simpler on-ear models.

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

Transparency mode is useful and mostly natural for conversations and awareness. Some reviewers hear a slightly occluded top end, extra wind, or less-than-crystal-clear passthrough.

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

The overall recommendation is strongly positive for commuters, travelers, Marshall fans, and listeners who want premium on-ear features. Buyers sensitive to on-ear pressure or seeking over-ear isolation should be cautious.

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

The included USB-C-to-3.5mm cable supports legacy wired sources and seatback systems. Analog mode still requires battery power, so it is not a true passive fallback.

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

The Marshall Bluetooth app is widely praised for clear organization and genuinely useful controls. Minor drawbacks include loading hiccups, pairing reports, and cumbersome EQ comparisons.

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

ANC reduces steady noise well, but the on-ear seal prevents a consistent sense of deep silence. A faint hiss and persistent voices are occasional concerns.

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

Quick charging is excellent: a 15-minute USB-C charge provides about 9.5 hours of playback, enough for a commute or workday.

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

The design is recognizable and lifestyle-oriented but still understated enough to avoid feeling gimmicky.

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

There is no aptX support, which is a clear limitation for listeners whose devices or libraries depend on that codec.

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

The cushioned headband spreads pressure effectively and supports comfortable all-day wear.

The Marshall app works on both Android and iOS, giving both platforms access to sound and ANC customization.

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

The Milton received an Editors’ Choice award for its comfort, battery life, sound, ANC, and repairable design.

A report of occasional left-right imbalance adds a minor reliability concern, although cleaning or a forced reset may correct it.

The absence of Dolby Atmos and head tracking disappoints reviewers who expect full spatial-audio support at this price.

Apple Find My and Google Find Hub support make misplaced headphones easier to locate across both major phone ecosystems.

Auracast and LE Audio have room to expand through future updates, but current beta limitations mean buyers are partly relying on Marshall’s roadmap.

Glasses compatibility is split: the pads can avoid pressing directly on frames, but firm clamp may cause pressure after about an hour.

Overall satisfaction is high, with several reviewers adopting the Milton as a daily favorite. The major dissent comes from one reviewer whose ears did not fit the small square cups.

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

A large share of recycled material gives the construction meaningful sustainability credentials rather than a token eco claim.

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

The headphones lack a spoken battery-level announcement and do not clearly identify connected devices by voice, forcing users to check the app.