Bottom Line
Choose the WH-CH720N for featherweight comfort, long battery life, and solid budget ANC. Skip if you need flagship-level noise blocking or premium durability/hi-res codec support.
Best for
Budget-minded commuters, students, and remote workers who want all-day comfort, long runtime, and easy sound tuning via the Sony app.
Not for
Frequent flyers who need maximum engine-drone suppression, gamers who want low-latency/hi-res codec support, or anyone hard on gear who wants folding portability and premium materials.
Verdict
Across the reviews, the WH-CH720N lands as a comfort-first, value-focused Sony over-ear that gets the fundamentals right: very light on the head, strong battery life with fast top-ups, a feature-rich Sony app with EQ, and ANC that meaningfully reduces everyday noise. Sound is generally fun and bass-forward, and multiple reviewers say EQ tuning helps balance treble and bring vocals forward, though it still trails pricier models in dynamics, resolution, and refinement. The clear tradeoff is build and travel practicality: lightweight plastics, no folding design, and typically no case in the box. Call quality is usually good for the class, but can struggle in very noisy environments.
Pros
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USB-C charging is repeatedly noted and treated as the expected modern standard for this model.
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A consistent standout: reviewers repeatedly call these exceptionally light for over-ears (around the ~190g range) and easy to wear for long sessions.
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Fast top-ups are a highlight across several sources, commonly described as roughly an hour of playback from a very short charge. Full recharge times are described as reasonable for the class.
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Battery life is a consistent strength. Multiple reviews cite around 35 hours with ANC on, and at least one measured test lands near 40 hours.
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Voice assistant support is mentioned across reviews (e.g., triggering assistants via button hold), and is treated as a standard convenience feature rather than a headline differentiator.
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Compatibility is framed as mainstream-friendly across phones and computers via Bluetooth and a 3.5mm jack; Android-specific advantages are primarily discussed in the context of codec support in one source.
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Comfort is widely praised, especially for all-day desk use and commuting. A few note heat/stickiness over time or fit sensitivity (glasses pressure, ear contact for some).
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EQ control is frequently praised as effective, with several reviewers recommending EQ tweaks to reduce treble fatigue or rebalance bass/mids.
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Most describe a secure but not crushing clamp that stays put; a minority warn glasses wearers may feel pressure.
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Some reviews highlight granular ambient/ANC controls in the app and adaptive behaviors, while others focus on simple mode toggling. Overall adjustability is viewed as good for the price.
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Physical buttons are broadly seen as reliable and easy to use. Multiple reviewers note the buttons can feel similar, causing occasional mis-presses until you learn them.
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The Sony companion app is repeatedly cited as a major value add, offering EQ, feature toggles, and adaptive behaviors; one review notes account requirements for full access.
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Once paired, Bluetooth stability is generally reported as solid, with stable connections across typical use; a few note initial pairing quirks on some devices.
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Preset EQ profiles are described as useful but can be taste-dependent; at least one review notes a preset can make bass or treble feel overcooked until adjusted.
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Design is generally described as minimalist and attractive enough for everyday wear, with common color options and a clean look that reads more understated than flashy.
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Multipoint is repeatedly mentioned as a key convenience feature and usually works well, though some report occasional switching wobbles that resolve on a second try or after enabling it in-app.
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ANC is generally rated as strong for the price and especially helpful against low-frequency hum/rumble, but it is not consistently described as flagship-grade and can let in some noise (notably on flights or distant traffic).
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Call mic quality is generally reported as good for a built-in headphone mic, with clear speech in typical environments.
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Overall sound is described as enjoyable and competitive for the price, often bass-forward and lively. Many recommend using EQ to refine balance; multiple reviews still note limits in dynamics, resolution, or naturalism versus premium models.
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Bass is frequently emphasized: some praise punch and warmth, while others describe it as boomy/loose or overwhelming without EQ, and not as controlled as higher-end options.
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Wired listening via 3.5mm is supported and generally works well when powered. Some notes suggest passive/off listening changes the sound and is less impressive.
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Transparency/ambient mode is often described as effective and natural for the price, though a few mention mild hiss or a slightly processed effect.
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Padding is generally described as decent for the price, though several reviews call it thinner/less plush than premium models and some mention it can feel sticky with longer wear.
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Instrument separation is generally framed as good for casual listening but not class-leading; several reviews explicitly say separation/resolution trails more expensive models.
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Treble is often described as clear but can be boosted/peaky and fatiguing for some listeners until EQ adjustments tame it; others find it smooth enough for longer sessions.
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Noise reduction for calls is described as above average for the class (including some wind handling), but multiple sources say it can struggle in very noisy settings like loud cafes or heavy traffic.
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Midrange is a mixed bag: several say vocals can be strong or pleasant (especially after EQ), while others report recessed or slightly muffled mids in the default tuning.
Cons
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Soundstage impressions vary: some call it wider than expected for the price, while others describe it as narrower/compact compared to Sony flagships, with depth often the weaker dimension.
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Several sources imply this is not a gaming/low-latency-focused headset, noting missing low-latency modes/codecs. At least one review says video sync issues are minimal for most people, but latency could be better.
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Cables are generally considered usable, though at least one review calls out the included cables as short for some desk/PC setups.
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Finish-related notes vary: some mention a matte texture that helps with fingerprints, while at least one review warns lighter colorways can pick up dirt and need cleaning.
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Passive isolation is typically described as decent but limited by lighter padding versus premium models, making ANC do more of the heavy lifting.
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Build is the most common compromise: many describe a plasticky, budget feel (sometimes even 'toy-like'), while others find it sturdy enough with minimal creaks. Durability concerns come up often.
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In-box accessories are usually described as basic: commonly a USB-C charging cable and a 3.5mm audio cable, with no case included.
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Hinge/long-term durability is frequently treated as a watch-out due to light plastics and the non-folding design; at least one review warns pressure on the swivel/hinge could risk breakage.
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Codec support is commonly described as limited at this price tier (often AAC/SBC), with repeated mentions that premium/low-latency options are missing.
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Most sources emphasize the headphones do not fold, typically only swiveling flat, which hurts packability even though the low weight makes them easy to carry.
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Most reviews state there is no LDAC/hi-res support, but one review explicitly lists LDAC among available codecs. Treat LDAC support as inconsistent across sources and confirm if it matters to you.
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A recurring complaint is the lack of an included carrying case/pouch, pushing buyers toward aftermarket protection if traveling.
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Wear-detection sensors are repeatedly called out as missing, and auto-pause features are often described as reserved for higher-end Sony models.
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Multiple reviews explicitly call out that aptX (including low-latency variants) is not supported, positioning these as more mainstream than enthusiast-focused for codecs.
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Water/sweat resistance is described as absent (no waterproof rating), and at least one review cautions against heavy sweat, making them a fair-weather choice.
FAQ
How long does the WH-CH720N battery last in real use?
Multiple reviews cite roughly 35 hours with ANC on, and at least one test reports around 40 hours. Most agree it lasts long enough for several workdays between charges.
Is the noise canceling as strong as Sony's flagship models?
Reviews generally say it is impressive for the price and best at reducing low droning sounds, but it is not the near-silence you get from higher-end Sony models, especially on flights or with distant traffic.
Does it support hi-res codecs like LDAC or aptX?
Most reviews state there is no LDAC or aptX support and that codec options are limited, though one review lists LDAC alongside AAC and SBC. If hi-res codec support is critical, confirm your specific unit/region before buying.
Can I use them wired if the battery dies?
Several reviews mention a 3.5mm cable and wired listening support. Some note the sound changes in passive/off mode, but wired use can work in a pinch.
Are they waterproof or good for sweaty workouts?
Reviews that address it say there is no water resistance rating and they are not waterproof, so they are better for commuting and indoor use than heavy-sweat training.
Reviews we analyzed
Video Reviews
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