The ANC XM5 is an unavoidable name in the industry when it comes to discussions about noise cancelling headphones. This Sony model has changed the dimensions in all aspects. from its awesome design, superb build, and good sound, to its superior call quality and top-notch noise-cancelling capability.
The XM5 has everything that makes it an undoubted king of the ANC segment. However, at a price of $400, it may not be affordable for everyone. For those who want an XM5-like model in the mid or budget segment, Sony has introduced the WH-CH720N over-ear noise-cancelling wireless headphones priced at just $129.
These are often referred to as mini XM5. We already reviewed WH-CH710, and the 720N is an upgraded version of the 710, so it's worth comparing the two. It took three years to release the successor of CH710, so it will be interesting to see what's good and bad about them. Let's jump into the Sony WH-CH720N review.
Pros:
Cons:
Sound
Build
Battery
Value
Whatβs in the box?
- WH-CH720N headphones
- Connection Cable
- USB Cable
Who should get WH-CH720N ?
These headphones are suitable for daily use, whether it be for the office or at home. Students can benefit from their noise-cancellation feature, especially in a library. Additionally, they are affordable and can cater to those with budget constraints.
Bottom Line:
When it comes to choosing headphones, it can be difficult with so many options available. It's important to take care and do some research before investing in a pair.
While the WH-CH720N headphones may not be the best on the market, they are reasonably priced and have some great features. If you're not an audiophile and are looking for comfortable headphones that you can wear for 5-6 hours, with a solid 40-hour battery life and quick charging, decent bass, enjoyable mids, clear vocals, and good instrument separation, then these headphones are worth considering. Plus, if you're not happy with the sound quality, they have DSEE and 360 reality audio to enhance your listening experience.
The noise cancelling isn't the best, but it's more than sufficient for the price range. The headphones may not have LDAC and don't look premium, but at under $130, they're a great choice for everyday use.
They're not foldable, which may be inconvenient for travel, but if you're a fan of Sony's Signature sound, these headphones are worth trying. Overall, I would rate them 8 out of 10. Don't forget to install and use the Sony Headphones Connect app if you want to get the most out of these cans.
Sony WH-CH720N Noise Canceling Wireless Headphones
How is the Design and Build Quality of Sony WH-CH720N?
The WH-CH720N headphones are wireless, over-ear headphones that are lightweight, weighing only 192 grams. They are marketed as being the lightest headbands available, and while they do feel plasticky, they appear to be durable enough to last for a long time.
The headphones are not foldable, but the ear cups are swiveling, which makes them easy to wear around your neck when you're not using them. The headband is made of metal and has enough padding to prevent fatigue.
The clamping force of the headband keeps the headphones in place without being too tight. The ear cups are comfortable, with dense padding that covers your ears completely, and I had no issues wearing them for up to six hours straight.
The ear cups are marked with left and right indicators, and there are microphones on both sides that are used for noise cancelling. The headphones are adjustable, so you won't have any trouble finding the right size.
Most of the buttons are located on the left ear cup, including the power button, which also doubles as the Bluetooth button, the USB C charging port, the input jack to connect an audio cable, the volume button, the play/pause music button, and the noise cancelling/ambient sound mode button.
One thing to note is that these headphones do not come with a carrying case, so you'll need to keep them in your travel bag. They're also not foldable, which makes them a bit bulky for travel. However, they do come with an audio cable and a USB-C charging cable.
Overall, the WH-CH720N headphones have a decent design, with a well-built body and convenient operating buttons. They offer great comfort, sound quality, and decent noise cancelling for a reasonable price of $129.
They are a good option for those who cannot afford the more expensive XM5 headphones, and I would rate them 8 out of 10 for their build and design. I shouldnβt forget to tell you that you have two color options.
How is the Sound Performance of Sony WH-CH720N?
If you've tried Sony's XB headphones before, you might notice that the bass in CH720N is not as strong. However, it's still enjoyable and not overpowering. Sony made sure to balance the mids and prevent the bass from taking over.
The mids are well-balanced, but the highs aren't as bright. Fortunately, you can use the Headphones Connect app to adjust the frequency to your liking. The app has various EQ modes, including a bright mode.
The Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) also improves the listening experience. Although CH720N doesn't have DSEE Extreme like XM5, the regular DSEE still does a good job. Additionally, the 360 Reality Audio feature provides a wide soundstage that feels like you're at a concert. So, don't worry if LDAC isn't available with CH 720N. Overall, I'd rate the sound quality an 8 out of 10.
ANC & call quality: Based on my experience, CH720N does a good job of cancelling out noise, but it's not as effective as the XM5. It's great for cancelling out low frequency noises like those found in crowded streets or cafeterias, but it might not be able to handle more intense noises like those from airplane engines. However, the passive noise isolation feature does help improve overall noise cancellation. While it may not be as good as the XM5 in this area, it can still compete with the XM3 or XM4.
As for call quality. it's decent as long as you're in a quiet place. It's manageable in busy restaurants and cafeterias, but there might be some background noise. Overall, I would rate the calling quality a 7.5-8 out of 10.
How is the Connectivity of Sony WH-CH720N?
When we tested the CH720N, we found that connectivity was not an issue. While it doesn't support the LDAC codec, the AAC and SBC codecs provide excellent audio quality. The Sony CH720N operates on Bluetooth 5.2, which ensures a stable connection for up to 30 feet.
Wired connectivity is also an added advantage that ensures uninterrupted entertainment. I use an Android smartphone and experienced no issues with initial pairing. However, some Apple users have reported facing connectivity issues during initial pairing.
Sony advises such users to keep their iPhone close to the CH720N while pairing for the first time. When pairing the CH720N with your phone for the first time, simply turn on Bluetooth, and the headset will pair automatically.
If the pairing fails on the second attempt, delete the connection and try again. If the problem persists, restart your phone and try again. In most cases, this should resolve the issue. If not, reset your headset and try pairing again.
Similar to the premium XM5 headset, the CH720N offers multipoint connectivity, allowing you to pair your headphones with two devices. To use this feature, download the "Sony headphones connect" app on both devices you wish to connect to the CH720N.
The same Integrated Processor V1 used in the XM5 is also used in the CH720N to improve overall connectivity. Given the Bluetooth 5.2, SBC & AAC audio codecs, wired connectivity, and multipoint connectivity feature, I would rate the Sony WH-CH720N 8.5 out of 10. However, they are not a great choice for gaming, which is why they lose marks in that aspect. Overall, they do a decent job.
How is the Charging and Battery performance of Sony WH-CH720N?
The Sony WH-CH720N headphones boast a solid battery life. It takes 3.5 hours for a full charge, but just a 3-minute charge can provide up to 60 minutes of playtime. Additionally, a 10-minute charge can give you up to 4.5 hours of playtime.
With ANC, the headphones offer 35 hours of playtime, and without ANC, it's an impressive 40 hours. The battery life is enhanced by Sony's Integrated Processor V1, which is also found in the flagship model XM5.
The charging port is conveniently located on the left ear cup, and there's also a voice prompt feature that informs you of the remaining power. Alternatively, you can check the battery percentage through Sony's headphones connect app. Overall, I would rate the battery life and charging of Sony WH-CH720N an impressive 8.5 out of 10.
