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Sony WH-CH720N Review: A New Standard in Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Sony continues to lead the charge in the world of audio technology with its WH-CH720N wireless noise-cancelling headphones. Positioned as an upgrade to previous mid-range models, the WH-CH720N offers a unique blend of performance, comfort, and innovation, especially in the noise-cancelling and audio quality departments. Designed for casual listeners, commuters, travelers, and those who want high-quality sound without breaking the bank, the WH-CH720N packs a variety of features, including Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 for better noise cancellation, Adaptive Sound control, up to 35 hours of battery life, and more.
In this review, we’ll dive into the design, sound quality, performance features, and overall value to help you determine if the Sony WH-CH720N is the right pair of headphones for you.
Design: Lightweight and Comfortable
One of the standout features of the Sony WH-CH720N is its lightweight and comfortable design. Weighing in at just 192 grams, these headphones are Sony’s lightest wireless noise-cancelling headband headphones ever, making them a great option for long listening sessions, whether you’re commuting, traveling, or simply lounging at home. The lightweight construction means you can wear them for hours without feeling the strain on your head or ears, something that is often a concern with heavier, bulkier headphones.
The ear cups are made of soft, cushioned material, which provides a snug fit while ensuring maximum comfort. The headband is adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your head size. Despite being lightweight, the build quality feels sturdy, offering durability while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic. The design is minimalist, with no excessive branding or flashy elements, making these headphones look sophisticated yet understated.
The foldable design makes these headphones convenient for storage and travel. The compact nature means you can easily pack them in your bag when not in use, which is especially handy for those who want portability in addition to performance.
Noise Cancellation: Next-Level Quiet with Integrated Processor V1
When it comes to noise cancellation, Sony has long been a leader in the field, and the WH-CH720N continues this tradition. Equipped with Sony’s Integrated Processor V1, these headphones take noise-cancelling performance to the next level. The V1 processor is the same technology found in higher-end Sony models, such as the WH-1000XM5, but at a more affordable price point. The processor intelligently adapts to your environment to provide a more immersive listening experience by effectively blocking out ambient noise.
Whether you’re on a noisy plane, in a crowded café, or just trying to focus at home, the WH-CH720N offers impressive noise cancellation that lets you enjoy your music or podcasts without distractions. The headphones are especially good at cutting out consistent noises like engine hums or background chatter. While not as powerful as the premium WH-1000XM5 in absolute terms, the WH-CH720N does a commendable job, especially for its price range.
For users who need a bit of awareness about their surroundings, the headphones also come with an Adjustable Ambient Sound mode. This feature allows you to customize the amount of outside noise you let in, making it easier to be aware of your surroundings when necessary (e.g., crossing the street, hearing announcements at the airport).
Adaptive Sound Control: Tailored Listening Experience
Sony’s Adaptive Sound Control feature is another reason the WH-CH720N stands out in its category. This intelligent system detects your activity and adjusts the level of noise cancellation based on what you’re doing. If you’re walking, for instance, it might reduce the noise cancellation slightly to allow more environmental sound in. If you’re sitting at home or in a quieter environment, the noise cancellation will ramp up for a more immersive experience.
This feature enhances the convenience of the headphones, as it allows them to automatically adjust to your surroundings without requiring you to manually change settings. It’s ideal for people who use their headphones in varying environments, from noisy city streets to quiet offices or libraries.
Sound Quality: Balanced and Detailed
When it comes to audio quality, the Sony WH-CH720N impresses with a well-balanced sound profile. The headphones feature 30mm drivers that deliver a clear and crisp sound across the frequency range, with well-defined lows, mids, and highs. Whether you’re listening to bass-heavy tracks or more delicate acoustic music, the WH-CH720N provides rich, detailed sound that’s pleasant to listen to for extended periods.
The bass response is punchy but not overpowering, providing a satisfying low-end without muddying the midrange. The mids are clear and articulate, making these headphones ideal for vocal-heavy tracks or podcasts. The treble is bright and airy, though not too harsh, giving the overall sound a balanced feel. Overall, these headphones provide a more refined sound than other similarly priced models, making them great for casual listeners who appreciate high-quality audio without the premium price tag.
Additionally, the DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) feature enhances the quality of compressed music files. If you’re listening to streaming music or lower-quality MP3s, DSEE can improve the audio by restoring some of the high-frequency elements that are lost during compression, giving your music a richer, fuller sound. This makes the WH-CH720N a great choice for those who want to boost the quality of their digital music library and streaming content.
Battery Life: Long-lasting Power
Battery life is a critical factor when considering wireless headphones, and the Sony WH-CH720N does not disappoint. These headphones offer an impressive 35 hours of playback on a single charge, which is more than enough for a week’s worth of daily commuting or travel. For those times when you’re running low on battery, Sony’s quick charging feature is a lifesaver. A mere 3-minute charge will give you up to 1 hour of playback, ensuring that you’re never left without music when you need it most.
The 35-hour battery life puts the WH-CH720N ahead of many competitors in the same price range, where you may find shorter battery lives. Sony’s optimization of power consumption and the efficiency of the Integrated Processor V1 play a major role in delivering such long-lasting performance.
Hands-Free Calling and Voice Assistant Support
Another excellent feature of the WH-CH720N is its ability to provide crystal-clear hands-free calling. Thanks to Precise Voice Pickup technology, these headphones capture your voice with clarity, making calls easier and more intelligible even in noisy environments. Whether you’re taking a business call, chatting with a friend, or speaking with a customer service representative, the WH-CH720N ensures your voice comes through loud and clear.
In addition to phone calls, the headphones also support voice assistant integration. You can easily access your phone’s voice assistant (Google Assistant or Siri) by simply pressing a button. This hands-free control allows you to change tracks, adjust the volume, set reminders, or ask questions without having to touch your phone or take off your headphones.
Multipoint Connection: Seamless Device Switching
For those who juggle multiple devices, the multipoint connection feature of the WH-CH720N is a huge plus. This allows you to connect the headphones to two devices simultaneously and seamlessly switch between them. For example, you can connect the headphones to both your laptop and your smartphone. If a call comes in while you’re listening to music on your laptop, the headphones will automatically switch to the call, and once it’s finished, they’ll return to playing your music. This feature makes the headphones perfect for anyone who needs to stay connected to multiple devices at once without constantly having to disconnect and reconnect.
Final Thoughts: Value, Performance, and Comfort Combined
The Sony WH-CH720N delivers a fantastic combination of features that make them an excellent choice for people looking for affordable yet high-performing wireless noise-cancelling headphones. With impressive noise cancellation, excellent sound quality, long battery life, and the convenience of multipoint connection, these headphones check off almost every box for casual listeners, commuters, and travelers.
Their lightweight design and comfortable fit ensure that you can wear them for extended periods without discomfort, and the addition of features like Adaptive Sound Control and hands-free calling make them a versatile option for different environments and use cases.
While the WH-CH720N may not offer all the bells and whistles of Sony’s premium models like the WH-1000XM5, it provides incredible value for the price, making it an ideal choice for those who want noise-cancelling performance and great sound quality without spending a fortune.
In summary, the Sony WH-CH720N is a strong contender in the mid-range wireless headphone market. If you’re looking for high-quality, feature-packed headphones that deliver outstanding performance at an affordable price, the WH-CH720N is an excellent option. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a music lover, or someone who just wants great sound on the go, these headphones are sure to meet your needs.
