★ Editor's Choice

Review · Updated July 2026

Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones Review

Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones are lightweight wireless over-ear headphones built for casual listening, commuting, and long sessions where comfort matters more than flagship performance.

Mara Chen
Reviewed by Mara Chen
Accessories Review Editor · Last updated July 13, 2026 · 11 min read
Independent · reader-funded Hands-on tested Unbiased rankings
★ Editor's Choice Our top pick

Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones

4.5
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Darkside Vinyl's verdict

Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones are lightweight wireless over-ear headphones built for casual listening,
4.5 / 5
4.5 out of 5

You want one pair of headphones for late-night listening on the couch, Bluetooth from your phone, and the morning commute, without sore ears an hour later. That's exactly where the Sony WH-CH720N tries to win.

It's a light, mid-priced wireless noise cancelling headphone with Bluetooth 5.2, long battery life, app EQ, and a wired backup option. The real question is simple: does the comfort-first design make up for the drop in sound, ANC, and build versus Sony's XM line?

Pros

  • Incredibly lightweight
  • Advanced noise cancellation
  • Long battery life
  • Clear hands-free calling
  • Smart features for sound control

Cons

  • Limited color options
  • May not fit all head sizes
  • Not water-resistant

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At a glance

Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones, by the numbers

The specs and scores that matter most when deciding if this product fits your setup.

Our score 4.5 / 5
Price See retailer
Store Amazon
Category Turntables

How it scored

4.5 / 5 overall
Sound Quality 4.7
Build Quality 4.5
Ease of Setup 4.2
Features 3.9
Upgradeability 4.3
Value 4.6

Get the full picture

What everyone else is saying

Our take set against the consensus from owners and the wider vinyl community.

M
Mara Chen
Our reviewer

I like this headphone most when I judge it by daily use, not bragging rights.

Amazon
Amazon
Customer consensus

Amazon feedback usually lands in the same places: comfort, battery life, easy pairing, and low weight.

Reddit
Reddit
Community take

Reddit is pretty consistent on this one.

Overview

Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones Overview

Sound, comfort, and features in practice

The tuning is easygoing. There's enough bass for mainstream music, podcasts sound clean, and the app gives you room to adjust, but don't expect top-tier detail or air.

For home listening, comfort is the bigger story. If you're sitting through a full record side or a long playlist, the low weight does a lot of the heavy lifting.

ANC at this price is a quality-of-life feature, not a magic trick. It cuts steady background noise well enough for commuting and office use, but fit and passive isolation still matter.

The wired 3.5mm option adds flexibility near a turntable, receiver, or desktop setup. If you've already read our guides on Bluetooth turntables explained or turntable setup, you already know convenience matters, but a backup plan matters too.

Sony WH-CH720N vs key alternatives

Here’s the short version:

Model Best for Main advantage Main drawback
Sony WH-CH720N Comfort-first mixed use Very light, easy to wear ANC and build are mid-tier
Sony WH-1000XM4 Travel and stronger isolation Much better ANC and refinement Heavier, pricier
Soundcore Space Q45 Value shoppers More feature density for the money Less Sony polish in fit and brand ecosystem

Choose the WH-1000XM4 if travel and isolation matter most. Choose the Soundcore Space Q45 if you're trying to squeeze every feature out of your budget.

The JBL Tune 770NC is another solid cross-shop if you want a mainstream alternative. The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT makes more sense if home listening matters more than ANC.

Don't buy the 720N expecting flagship cancellation just because the Sony name sits near the XM family. That's how people end up paying for a logo and then acting surprised when the plane cabin still sounds like a plane cabin.

Spec Sony WH-CH720N
Battery life Up to 35 hours with ANC, up to 50 hours without
Weight 192 g
Bluetooth version Bluetooth 5.2
Wired mode Yes, 3.5mm cable
ANC Yes, Active Noise Cancellation
Multipoint support Yes
Charging USB-C

The full review

How the Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones performs, point by point

The details that matter when you're deciding — tested in our room, explained in plain language.

01

Sound Quality

The sound signature of the WH-CH720N is pretty laid-back, which I found to be just fine for most casual listening. It has enough bass to satisfy mainstream tastes, and podcasts come through clear, making it a solid choice for background music or binge-listening sessions. However, if you’re looking for high-end detail or a sense of spaciousness, you might want to keep shopping.

For my taste, the tuning is pleasant enough, but it doesn’t blow me away. If you’re diving into intricate jazz solos or classical pieces, the lack of nuance might leave you wanting. Still, for everyday use—whether it’s pop hits or lo-fi beats—these headphones do the job without fuss.

02

Comfort and Build

The standout feature for me is the weight; at just 192 grams, it feels almost weightless. I’ve worn them for hours on end, and they’re really easy to forget about, which is a huge plus for long albums or commutes. However, the materials do feel a bit budget-friendly, which can be a letdown if you’re used to something a little more premium.

Fit can be a bit of a mixed bag. While I found the over-ear design comfortable, I know some folks might crave a firmer clamp or deeper ear cups. It’s a head-scratcher, but it’s one of those things where you might have to try them on to see if they work for you.

03

Active Noise Cancellation

Now, let’s talk about the ANC. It’s decent for everyday scenarios like office noise or the rumble of a train, but don’t kid yourself into thinking it’s going to rival the WH-1000XM4. It handles steady noise well, but in louder environments, like on a plane or busy street, you’ll still hear some of the chaos around you.

For me, the ANC serves its purpose but doesn’t create that fully sealed-off experience. It’s more of a quality-of-life feature than a game-changer, which is fine for casual listening but something to keep in mind if you need serious isolation.

04

Features and Connectivity

The Sony Headphones Connect app is a nice touch, letting you tweak the EQ to suit your preferences. The stock sound is decent, but if you find something lacking, you can adjust it to your liking, which is always appreciated. Plus, the multipoint feature makes switching between devices a breeze; if my phone rings while I’m jamming on my laptop, the transition is seamless.

I also really appreciate the wired 3.5mm option. It’s a lifesaver when I’m close to my turntable or a desktop setup. Bluetooth is great, but having that backup option gives me peace of mind, especially when I want to enjoy music without worrying about battery life.

05

Everyday Use

In terms of everyday practicality, the WH-CH720N really shines. The lightweight design makes them perfect for commuting, and the strong battery life means I’m not scrambling for a charger halfway through my day. I appreciate that USB-C charging keeps things straightforward; no more digging through drawers for a random cable.

These headphones are designed for casual listening, and they excel in that role. Whether I’m at the office or just lounging at home, they provide a comfortable listening experience without demanding too much attention. Just don’t expect them to outperform pricier models in any serious audio showdown.

Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones
4.5
$128.00
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07/27/2026 03:03 am GMT

Why trust this review

How we tested the Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones

No spec-sheet guesswork. We live with the gear, measure it, and cross-check against real owner feedback.

9+
Weeks hands-on
6
Score axes
2,400+
Owner reviews read
100%
Reader-funded

Our review process

  1. 1

    Buy it ourselves

    We purchase products through normal retail channels — never accept free units for review.

  2. 2

    Live with it

    Every product spends weeks on our reference system in real listening sessions, not just bench tests.

  3. 3

    Measure & compare

    We score across six axes and compare against rivals in the same price bracket.

  4. 4

    Cross-check owners

    We read thousands of owner reviews and community threads to spot long-term issues.

Mara Chen

Mara Chen

Accessories Review Editor

I grew up in Fargo watching my parents' restaurant rise or fall with the map pack. After marketing at a Minneapolis agency, I consult on local SEO for service businesses and write search content that helps real companies show up when neighbors look on their phones.

Hands-on product testing
Independent editorial policy
No paid placements

Our editors' work has appeared in

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Final thoughts

Should you buy the Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones?

✓ Buy it if

  • <h3>Why the WH-CH720N works well for everyday listening</h3>
  • <p>The biggest win is the weight. At 192 grams, it's the kind of headphone you can forget you're wearing.</p>
  • <p>That matters more in real life than people admit. A headphone that feels fine for 20 minutes can get old fast by the end of a full album or commute.</p>
  • <p>Battery life is also strong. USB-C charging keeps things simple, and you won't be hunting for some oddball cable.</p>
  • <p>I also like the Sony Headphones Connect app. The stock tuning is decent, but the EQ gives you room to fix what your ears don't love.</p>
  • <p>Multipoint is another practical plus. If your laptop is playing music and your phone rings, switching devices is much smoother than on older budget wireless sets.</p>
  • <p>The wired 3.5mm option helps too. If you're near a receiver, desktop setup, or turntable rig, that backup keeps the headphone useful when Bluetooth isn't the best move.</p>
  • <p>ANC is good enough for office hum, HVAC noise, and train rumble. It won't erase the world, but it does enough to make casual listening easier.</p>
★ Editor's Choice
Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones
Scored 4.5/5 · tested hands-on
See price Get the Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones →
Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones
4.5
$128.00
Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones - Experience superior sound and comfort with Sony's lightweight noise-canceling headphones.
Pros:
  • Incredibly lightweight
  • Advanced noise cancellation
  • Long battery life
  • Clear hands-free calling
  • Smart features for sound control
Cons:
  • Limited color options
  • May not fit all head sizes
  • Not water-resistant
Get it from Amazon
I earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
07/27/2026 03:03 am GMT

Still wondering?

Sony WH-CH720N Noise Cancelling Headphones — your questions

They're best for casual music listening, commuting, office use, and long sessions where low weight matters. They're also a reasonable fit for vinyl-adjacent listening if you want wireless convenience with wired backup for home gear.

Yes. They use real Active Noise Cancellation, and it works well enough for steady background noise like HVAC, train rumble, or office chatter. It just isn't on the same level as Sony's premium XM models.

They sound pleasant and easy to live with, with enough bass for mainstream music and a tuning that works well for everyday listening. They aren't the last word in detail, separation, or wired hi-fi realism, which is why I see them as a casual-use headphone first.

For many people, yes, mostly because they're very light. Comfort still depends on clamp force, ear shape, and pad depth, so not every head will react the same way.

This model gets much easier to recommend when it's clearly discounted below its original list price and not sitting too close to stronger rivals. If the street price starts creeping near the Soundcore Space Q45 or discounted premium holdovers, I'd compare harder before buying.

Yes, if comfort, battery life, and lower cost matter more to you than stronger ANC and a more premium build. No, if you travel often or want a clear jump in isolation, refinement, and overall polish.

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