Compare Nothing Headphone (1) vs Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones

Smart Pause performance was praised by TechRadar, which said wear detection and multipoint both worked perfectly once enabled.

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

LDAC support was consistently treated as a positive, especially for Android/high-res wireless listening.

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

Wired hi-res and USB-C digital playback were viewed as useful extras, with reviewers noting clearer or lossless wired listening.

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

Wear/on-head detection was praised in early reviews as useful and working well, though related long-term Mac behavior was criticized elsewhere.

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

Water/sweat resistance was praised as rare for premium over-ears, though PCMag cautioned that IP52 is still limited.

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

Sensor evidence was positive but limited, with one reviewer identifying proximity sensing as useful hardware.

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

Auto power/sleep behavior drew criticism in long-term use, especially when connected to a Mac.

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

Premium feel was widely praised, with reviewers saying the headphones feel expensive, solid, and better than expected at the price.

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

Immersive audio was weak in TechRadar’s testing, where spatial effects added little and sometimes harmed movie or podcast playback.

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

Setup and software simplicity were praised through Google Fast Pair, an easy app, and automatic pairing behavior.

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

One review said audio sounded best with ANC off because switching ANC on narrowed and muted the presentation.

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

Codec support was treated positively, with SBC/AAC/LDAC and high-res support helping the value proposition.

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

Case feedback was mixed: some praised protection and compactness, while others found it too large, cheap-feeling, or annoying to zip.

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

Low-latency mode was treated positively as a useful gaming/video feature for reducing delay.

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

Weight comfort was mixed: reviewers often found them wearable, but their 329g weight was repeatedly noticed against lighter Sony/Bose options.

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

One review found ANC changed the sound signature negatively, narrowing and muting more complex tracks.

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

Launch features were viewed positively because the headphones offered several differentiating features beyond visual design.

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

Headband padding was mixed: SoundGuys liked weight distribution, while The Guardian found the padding too thin after hours.

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

Build quality was broadly praised as solid, premium, and better than expected, though one reviewer worried about long-term headband durability.

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

Ecosystem perks were useful for Nothing Phone users, but some exclusive features limited broader appeal.

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

Preset EQ feedback was mixed, with some finding treble/bass presets useful and others saying presets were not enough or should be skipped.

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

Repairability evidence was mixed-to-negative: The Guardian noted replacement cushions, but a long-term reviewer criticized the soldered battery.

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

Replaceable earpad evidence was weak-to-negative, with uncertainty around replacements and a long-term reviewer noting Nothing still did not sell them.

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

Wind handling was mixed: some mic suppression impressed reviewers, while ANC or voice noise gating struggled in wind.

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

Passive isolation was a clear strength, with the ear pads and seal repeatedly helping noise reduction even before ANC.

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

Microphone noise reduction was generally strong, with reviewers praising background suppression, though one noted echo/reverb issues.

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

Treble clarity was a common weakness in negative sound reviews, with several reviewers hearing recessed, dull, or less crisp highs.

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

Long-term durability evidence was limited, but one reviewer worried about cosmetic dings from the rectangular cups.

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

Portability was mixed: the headphones lie flat and can pack neatly in some cases, but they do not fold up and remain large.

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

Smudge resistance was a weakness because the finish visibly picked up oil even if it wiped off easily.

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

Clamping force was generally secure and comfortable, but PCMag found it tighter than preferred.

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

Connectivity was a major strength, with reviewers praising the mix of USB-C, 3.5mm, multipoint, and app/device support.

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

Reviewers consistently praised the broad feature set, especially customization, spatial options, ANC controls, and app-driven extras.

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

Maximum-volume clarity was positive in CNET’s testing, with almost no distortion even at high volumes.

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

Wear detection performance was poor in one long-term Mac test, where it reportedly never worked.

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

USB-C was praised as a useful wired audio and charging option, especially for modern devices and lossless playback.

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

Travel friendliness was mixed-to-negative because battery life is good but the case is bulky and the headphones do not fold up.

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

Comfort was usually positive over hours of use, but weight, heat, piercings, glasses, and headband pressure made it less universal.

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

Charging was praised, especially the fast-charge claims and real-world usefulness before trips or commutes.

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

Background-noise reduction was mixed: lab-style and street testing praised attenuation, while some reviewers noted weaker handling of voices or sudden sounds.

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

Sound quality was the most divisive area: some loved the tuned or EQ-adjusted sound, while many criticized the default tuning as dark, flat, or compressed.

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

One reviewer specifically liked the slim profile because the headphones sit close to the head despite their bold styling.

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

Multi-platform use was praised in long-term testing because the app works across iOS and Android with most features available on both.

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

Overall recommendations were mixed-positive: many reviewers liked the value and debut effort, but sound tuning and comfort kept it from universal praise.

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

Midrange clarity was polarizing, with some praising vocals while others heard too much lower-mid darkness or underemphasized midrange.

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

Soundstage was often criticized as narrow or compressed, though a few reviewers heard decent width after tuning or in positive listening sessions.

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

Fit stability was praised where reviewers described a secure fit without excessive tightness.

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

Battery life was one of the clearest strengths, repeatedly praised for 35+ hours with ANC and exceptional longevity without ANC.

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

The app was one of the product’s strongest points, with reviewers praising its layout, speed, settings, and unusually deep EQ tools.

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

Design was one of the most discussed strengths, repeatedly praised as distinctive, premium, and eye-catching, though also polarizing.

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

Transparency mode was generally usable and often natural enough for conversations, but several reviewers found it less natural than Apple, Bose, or Sony.

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

Value was generally positive because the headphones undercut major rivals while offering strong build, controls, battery, ANC, and EQ, though weak default sound hurt value for some.

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

Volume output was criticized by reviewers who wanted more headroom or found the roller caused accidental loud jumps.

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

Bluetooth 5.3 was described as up to date, giving the headphones a modern wireless baseline.

Bluetooth 5.2 was described as competitive in the reviewed evidence.

Physical controls were a standout strength, widely praised for tactility and usability, although a few reviewers found the layout or paddle/roller behavior finicky.

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

Call mic quality was mixed-to-positive: several reviewers heard clear calls, while others described the mic as merely fine, tinny, or robotic.

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

Spatial audio was mixed: some found it useful for movies and broad device support, while others called it weak, limp, or harmful to music.

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

ANC was generally viewed as strong for the price and effective in everyday noise, though several reviewers said Sony, Bose, or AirPods Max still outperform it.

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

Ear cup padding was mostly praised for soft memory foam and a good seal, though a few reviewers felt pressure or heat.

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

Cable quality was criticized because the included 3.5mm cable was only three-pole and could not carry microphone audio.

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

Streaming-service integration was criticized in long-term use because Channel Hop/favorites behavior felt confusing.

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

EQ customization was a standout feature, repeatedly described as powerful, granular, and sometimes essential for fixing the stock tuning.

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

Bluetooth reliability was supported by positive connectivity evidence, including Bluetooth 5.3 range and dual-device support.

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

Frequency-response evidence was mixed: some heard balanced tuning, while others found the default curve dark, uneven, or treble-recessed.

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

Multipoint reliability was treated positively, with reviewers highlighting quick switching and two-device connection.

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

Headband adjustability drew mixed but mostly positive feedback, with smooth adjustment praised and one top-mounted mechanism criticized.

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

Smart listening features were positively supported by Personal Sound, which was described as a useful way to personalize tuning.

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

Bass impressions were split: some heard controlled punch and texture, while others described muddy bass or weak low-frequency precision before EQ.

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

Instrument separation ranged from crowded and unclear in negative reviews to solid detail and separation in more positive listening impressions.

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

Reviewers liked that wired listening is covered with a 3.5mm jack, often alongside USB-C, making the headphones more flexible for planes and wired sources.

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

Auracast was a weakness only by absence, with TechRadar saying the lack of LE Audio and Auracast keeps them from feeling fully future-proof.

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

LE Audio readiness was marked down because TechRadar noted the lack of Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast.

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

Voice assistant integration was positively supported through the customizable button and Gemini/assistant access.

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

Wear detection auto-pause was criticized in long-term Mac use, where the reviewer said over-ear detection was god-awful.

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

The six-month review praised the app for working on both iOS and Android, supporting strong Android usability.

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

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

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

Find My support was considered useful but basic, with reviewers noting it mainly plays a sound rather than offering smarter tracking.

Firmware support looked promising because a later Nothing X update added Personal Sound support.

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

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

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

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

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

Sustainability materials were a weakness because The Guardian said the headphones were not made with recycled materials.

Voice prompts and feedback split reviewers sharply: one loved the mode sounds, while others found cues uncomfortable, awful, loud, or jarring.