Sony WH-CH720N Review — Quality Sound and ANC at an Affordable Price

Affordable wireless headphones with quality sound and active noise cancelling make Sony WH-CH720N a standout choice.

Sony’s Wireless Headphone Reign Rolls On

If you’re anything like me, you’ve noticed how Sony seems to be the undisputed champion in wireless headphones these days — think of them as the Manchester City of this tech arena, relentlessly dominating with one hit after another. From budget-friendly earbuds like the Sony WF-C500 headphones to the premium powerhouse Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones, Sony has been stacking up awards and glowing reviews with enviable consistency.

But what about those of us who want that signature Sony quality without shelling out hundreds of dollars? That’s where the Sony WH-CH720N headphones steps in, snagging the title "Best Budget Wireless Headphones" and filling a sweet spot in the market. These cans offer solid active noise cancellation (ANC), dependable build quality, and noticeably improved sound — all without breaking the bank.

For music lovers hesitant to splurge big but unwilling to sacrifice ANC or sound quality, the WH-CH720N hits the mark perfectly. Let’s dive into what makes these headphones a worthy contender in the affordable ANC club.

Price and Market Positioning

• Launched at $129 but now often available for less
• Few rivals at this price point; unmatched value for money

Originally priced at $129, the WH-CH720N can now be found at even more attractive discounts. This places them comfortably above ultra-budget options like the Sony WH-CH520 headphones — which retails around $59 and lacks ANC — and discontinued models like the Sennheiser HD 250BT headphones.

Over the past year, I’ve also tested competitors such as the Earfun Wave Pro headphones ($80) and Sennheiser Accentum Wireless headphones ($160), but none have quite toppled Sony from its pedestal. The WH-CH720N remains the king when it comes to pure bang for the buck.

Build Quality and Comfort

• Solid, no-frills build suitable for the price
• Comfortable to wear and easy to use
• No folding mechanism

At this price level, it’s essential to set expectations properly. The WH-CH720N won’t wow you with flashy aesthetics or a premium feel, but they’re built well enough to inspire confidence and offer respectable comfort for headphones under $150.

Think practical, businesslike design—no extra embellishments. They’re larger and more substantial than the tiny Sennheiser HD250BT headphones, with soft headbands and cushy ear pads that sit nicely around your ears.

One small gripe: they don’t fold down for compact storage, and no carrying case comes in the box. Still, these headphones feel robust in your hands and won’t make you worry about them falling apart from daily use. That’s classic Sony reliability for you.

Physical buttons on the right ear cup control playback, volume, ANC modes, and ambient sound. They work well but can be fiddly to find when you’re on the move or in low light — a minor inconvenience for such affordable gear.

Key Specifications

• Bluetooth 5.2
• Codec support: SBC, AAC
• Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Battery life: up to 50 hours (ANC off), 35 hours (ANC on)
• Available colors: Black, Dark Blue, White
• Weight: 192 grams

Features That Impress

• Effective ANC for its price range
• Long battery life: 50 hours without ANC, 35 hours with ANC
• Bluetooth Multipoint and customizable equalizer

At the heart of the WH-CH720N’s appeal is affordable active noise cancelling. While it doesn’t rival premium models like the WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 45 in eliminating every background hum, it noticeably dials down the roar of traffic and ambient noise in everyday situations.

You get two ANC modes: full noise cancelling and Ambient Sound mode that lets you tune into your surroundings. These are managed via Sony’s Headphones app, which also lets you tweak the equalizer and keep an eye on battery status.

Speaking of battery life, I was blown away by how long these deliver. Up to 50 hours of playback with ANC off and 35 hours with it on is exceptional for this price segment. Plus, a quick 3-minute charge can give you an hour of listening — a handy feature when you’re on the go.

What really sets these headphones apart is the inclusion of extras normally reserved for pricier models: Bluetooth Multipoint lets you connect to two devices at once, DSEE technology boosts compressed audio files, and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio support adds immersive soundstage options.

Sound Quality That Packs a Punch

• Punchy, cohesive, and energetic presentation
• Excellent sense of rhythm and drive
• Plenty of detail and texture for the price
• Bass can be overwhelming by default but is adjustable

Given the ANC and rich feature set, these headphones justify their higher price compared to ultra-budget alternatives like the WF-CH520 with a fuller, more convincing sound.

When I popped on some test tracks, the WH-CH720N didn’t shy away from making a statement. They deliver music with boldness and heft, emphasizing thick, powerful bass that drives the songs with energy and confidence.

At times, this bass-forward character can feel a bit much. Listening to Ava Max, The La’s, or Hans Zimmer, I noticed the prominent low end was unmistakable. But if you find it too pronounced, a quick visit to the equalizer in the app lets you dial down the lows, keeping the energy but removing excess heaviness.

And once you fine-tune the sound, these headphones really shine. It’s rare to find such a lively and engaging pair at this price. Muse’s Hysteria reveals pulsing, crunchy textures, Tina Turner’s The Best rides a perfect rhythmic groove, and Wu-Tang Clan’s Gravel Pit feels vibrant and exhilarating.

These playful, energetic headphones are like a spirited puppy rather than a calm cat — perfectly suited to rock, hip-hop, grand orchestral pieces, and lively pop. Give Nirvana’s You Know You’re Right a spin and you’ll feel the raw power these cans can deliver.

But don’t think quieter or more delicate music sounds bad. Elliott Smith’s Between The Bars keeps its guitar texture intact, and alt-J’s subtle nuances remain clear. Yet, the WH-CH720N’s bold style works best with punchy, dynamic genres.

Final Verdict

The WH-CH720N delivers exactly what Sony intended: a dependable, no-nonsense headphone with vibrant sound at an affordable price. While their bass-heavy nature might not be for everyone, they offer solid noise cancelling and a generous feature set unmatched in this budget tier. A well-earned thumbs-up.

Tester’s Notes

Our testing journey for the WH-CH720N covered several key areas and included direct comparisons with similar competitors. Having reviewed dozens of wireless headphones every year gives us a clear view of the market landscape. Side-by-side with other award winners, this Sony model holds its ground firmly.

Ratings Breakdown

Alternatives to Consider

Sony WH-CH520

If you don’t need noise cancelling but want something even cheaper, the Sony WH-CH520 headphones is a solid pick. For just $59, these over-ear headphones deliver balanced, controlled, and detailed sound that’s rare at this price. They have fewer features and a budget-feeling build, but when on sale, they’re a great option for tight budgets.

The WH-CH720N remains the king when it comes to pure bang for the buck.

• What is the battery life of the Sony WH-CH720N?
  The headphones last up to 50 hours without ANC and about 35 hours with ANC turned on. A quick 3-minute charge gives you an extra hour of playback.
• Does the WH-CH720N support active noise cancellation?
  Yes, they offer effective ANC for their price range, with two modes: full ANC and Ambient Sound.
• Can I connect the WH-CH720N to multiple devices at once?
  Absolutely, thanks to Bluetooth Multipoint support, you can pair with two devices simultaneously.
• Are these headphones comfortable for long listening sessions?
  Yes, they feature soft padding on both the headband and earcups, making them quite comfortable despite their sturdy build.
• Is it possible to customize the sound on the WH-CH720N?
  Yes, you can adjust the equalizer settings through the Sony Headphones app to tailor the sound to your preference.

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