I’ll be honest, when I first saw Sony’s WH-CH720N, I didn’t exactly rush to the checkout. Sony already makes some of the best over-ear headphones on the planet with their XM series, so why should I care about a budget-friendly version that looks, well… a bit plain?
But curiosity got the better of me, so I picked up a pair, expecting “cheap Sony” to basically mean “meh.” And I was surprised to find that they’re actually really good. Not XM6 good, but good enough that I’ve been recommending them to friends who want Sony quality without the Sony flagship price tag.
So, the big question: are these the best Sony headphones yet? Not just in terms of value, but in real everyday use? Let’s break it down.
Design & Build: Plastic Fantastic (in a Good Way?)
The first thing you’ll notice when you pick up the CH720N is just how light they are. At 192 grams, they weigh less than most over-ear headphones in their class, even lighter than Sony’s own XM5s. That’s great news if you wear headphones for hours at a time, because the lighter the load on your head, the longer you’ll actually want to keep them on.
Now, about that build: yes, they’re plastic. All plastic. If you’re coming from premium headphones, they’ll feel a bit toy-like at first. But here’s the flip side: that lightweight plastic is also why they’re so ridiculously comfortable. No pinching, no sore spots, just easy all-day wear.
And the design itself is pure Sony minimalism. No flashy logos, no weird angles, just a clean, understated look that doesn’t scream “budget.” They don’t fold up completely like the XM4s, but the earcups swivel flat, which makes them easy to slip into a bag or backpack.
Sound Quality: Sony DNA at Half the Price
Sony’s higher-end headphones (XM4, XM5, XM6) have built a reputation for that warm, full-bodied sound.
The WH-CH720N? They’ve inherited just enough of that Sony DNA to sound far better than they have any right to at this price.
The bass is present, punchy even, but not as refined as the XM line. It can get a little muddy at times, especially if you’re into tracks with layered low-end (think hip hop or EDM). But for casual listening, podcasts, and streaming, they’re more than solid.
I tested them side by side with my XM4s, and yes, the XM4s are clearly richer and more detailed. But if you’ve never owned a premium pair of Sonys, you’d probably think the CH720N sounds amazing out of the box.
Noise Cancelling and Transparency: Not XM Level, But Respectable
Active noise cancelling is where Sony’s flagship models usually wipe the floor with the competition. The WH-CH720N doesn't quite hit those heights, but for the money, the ANC is better than you’d expect.
On a train ride, they knocked out the low rumble of the engine and most of the background clatter. What they can’t do as effectively, though, is filter out voices.
Transparency mode is included, and while it’s nowhere near as natural as what you get on AirPods Max or Sony’s XM6, it does the job. You’ll hear announcements at the station or a colleague asking if you want a coffee, though it still sounds like the outside world is being piped through a microphone rather than just “let in.”
So no, you’re not getting flagship ANC here. But for commuting, working, or just blocking out everyday noise, the WH-CH720N punch well above their price tag.
Battery Life: All Day and Then Some
Sony claims up to 35 hours of playback with ANC switched on, and in real-world use… that’s actually pretty accurate. I ran them through a week of daily commuting, video calls, and music streaming, and only had to charge once.
Turn ANC off, and you can stretch closer to 50 hours, which is frankly ridiculous. That’s the kind of stamina that means you can toss them in your bag, forget about the charger, and they’ll still have juice when you need them days later.
And if you do run them flat, a quick 3-minute charge gets you around an hour of playback. Handy when you’re about to head out the door and realise your headphones are dead, which (if we’re being honest) happens more often than we’d like to admit.
Price and Value: Where They Really Shine
This is where the WH-CH720N earn their place in Sony’s lineup. At around £130 / $150, they come in at less than half the price of the flagship XM6; you’re getting about 70% of the experience.
That makes them an easy recommendation for anyone who wants Sony’s sound signature and solid ANC without dropping premium cash. They’re also lighter and more comfortable than the pricier models, which could be a bigger deal than the sound difference for some people.
Against the competition, they stack up well. Anker’s Space One and JBL’s Live 660NC live in the same price bracket, and while both are strong, Sony’s app support, multipoint connectivity, and reliable tuning give the CH720N an edge. Sennheiser’s HD 450BT are another contender, but they’re older now and don’t quite keep up in ANC performance.
The bottom line: these are the best value headphones Sony makes right now. Not the best overall (that crown still belongs to the XM series), but if you want a dependable, everyday pair that won’t break the bank, the CH720N are tough to beat.
Comparisons: Where the CH720N Fits in the Sony Lineup
Sony’s headphone lineup can get confusing fast, so let’s clear things up. How do the WH-CH720N stack against their more expensive siblings?
Sony WH-CH720N vs Sony WH-1000XM4
The XM4s have been the legendary “default” premium pick for years. Their ANC is stronger, the sound is richer, and the build feels far more premium. They also fold up for easier travel.
But… the XM4s are noticeably heavier. And after hours of wear, you feel it. The CH720N headphones are lighter, newer, and have fresher app support. If you find the XM4 on sale for a similar price, grab them. If not, the CH720N win on comfort and day-to-day practicality.
Sony WH-CH720N vs Sony WH-1000XM5
The XM5s look sleeker, sound better, and cancel noise like a boss. Their microphone system is also better for calls. But they’re more than twice the price of the CH720N.
Unless you travel constantly or really value the best possible ANC, the CH720N cover most people’s needs at a fraction of the cost. Think of them as 70% of the XM5 experience for 40% of the money.
Sony WH-CH720N vs Sony WH-1000XM6
The XM6s are Sony’s current flagship, with everything maxed out: best ANC, best battery, audiophile-friendly sound, and a much more refined build. They’re incredible.
But again, they’re £350–£400. The CH720N aren’t competing with them directly. They’re for people who want “good Sony headphones” without emptying their wallet. If you want the best of the best, go XM6. If you want Sony magic at a budget, CH720N all the way.
Sony WH-CH720N Review: The Final Verdict
So, are the WH-CH720N the best Sony headphones ever?
No, that crown still belongs to the flagship XM series. The XM6 has better ANC, richer sound, and a build that feels like it’ll last longer than my caffeine habit.
But! The CH720N might just be the best value Sony headphones right now. They’re light, comfortable, and deliver the kind of sound and noise cancelling that used to cost twice as much. For students, commuters, or anyone who doesn’t want to fork out for flagship gear, they’re a brilliant everyday choice.
Would I replace my XM6 with these? Not a chance. But would I keep them as a reliable second pair, something I can throw in a bag, lend out, or use for long work sessions without feeling like I’m wearing bricks on my head? Absolutely.
If you’ve been eyeing up Sony headphones but couldn’t justify flagship prices, the WH-CH720N are the no-brainer entry point. Not the best Sony headphones ever made, but definitely one of the smartest buys in their lineup right now.
