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Are Sony WH-CH720N Headphones Good? A Seasoned Expert’s Take

Yes, the Sony WH-CH720N headphones are generally good, especially for their price point. They offer a compelling blend of comfortable design, effective noise cancellation, impressive battery life, and a balanced sound profile, making them a solid choice for everyday listening. However, like any product, they have their strengths and weaknesses that potential buyers should be aware of before making a purchase.

Decoding the Sony WH-CH720N: More Than Just Noise Cancellation

These headphones slot neatly into the mid-range noise-canceling headphone market, sitting below Sony’s flagship WH-1000XM series but offering a significant upgrade over entry-level options. The key to understanding their value lies in examining their individual features and how they perform in real-world scenarios.

Comfort and Design: Long-Haul Listening

Sony has clearly prioritized comfort with the WH-CH720N. The headphones are remarkably lightweight, even lighter than the premium WH-1000XM5. This, combined with well-padded earcups and a cushioned headband, allows for extended listening sessions without discomfort. The earcups fully encompass most ears, providing a good seal that aids in both passive and active noise cancellation.

The design is understated and practical, opting for a minimalist aesthetic. While some might find the plastic construction less premium-feeling than higher-end models, it contributes to the overall lightweight feel and durability. The controls are conveniently located on the right earcup, allowing for easy volume adjustment, playback control, and access to the voice assistant.

Noise Cancellation: Effective but Not Class-Leading

The noise cancellation on the WH-CH720N is surprisingly effective for the price. It does a commendable job of attenuating low-frequency sounds like engine rumble and traffic noise, making it ideal for commuting or working in a busy office. While it may not completely eliminate all distractions like a baby crying, it significantly reduces them, creating a more focused listening environment. The level of noise cancellation is adaptive, adjusting to the ambient sound levels around you.

It’s crucial to understand that the WH-CH720N’s noise cancellation isn’t as powerful as Sony’s flagship models. It is more than adequate for most everyday scenarios, but those who regularly fly or work in extremely noisy environments may want to consider investing in headphones with more aggressive noise cancellation capabilities.

Sound Quality: A Balanced and Enjoyable Experience

The sound signature of the WH-CH720N is well-balanced and pleasing to the ear. They offer a decent amount of bass without being overwhelming, clear mids, and crisp highs. This makes them suitable for a wide range of music genres, from pop and rock to classical and jazz. The overall sound is detailed and dynamic, providing an enjoyable listening experience.

Support for Sony’s DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) is a significant advantage. This technology upscales compressed audio files, restoring some of the detail lost during compression. While it’s not a magical fix, it does improve the overall sound quality of streamed music and other digital audio.

Battery Life: A True Marathon Performer

One of the standout features of the WH-CH720N is its exceptional battery life. Sony claims up to 35 hours of playback with noise cancellation enabled and up to 50 hours with it disabled. In real-world testing, these claims hold up remarkably well. Even with regular use, you can easily go several days without needing to recharge.

A quick charge feature is also included, providing several hours of playback with just a few minutes of charging. This is incredibly convenient when you’re in a hurry and need to top up the battery before heading out.

Other Key Features

Multipoint Pairing: Connect to two devices simultaneously and seamlessly switch between them.
Sony Headphones Connect App: Customize sound settings, adjust noise cancellation levels, and update firmware.
Built-in Microphone: Clear voice calls thanks to the integrated microphone.
360 Reality Audio Compatibility: Experience immersive audio with compatible content (requires subscription).

Potential Drawbacks: Areas for Improvement

While the WH-CH720N offers excellent value for money, it’s not without its limitations:

Plastic Build: While contributing to the lightweight design, the plastic construction may feel less premium than more expensive headphones.
Noise Cancellation Limitations: While effective, the noise cancellation isn’t as powerful as Sony’s flagship models.
Limited Codec Support: Lacks support for high-resolution audio codecs like aptX and LDAC.
Less Impressive Voice Assistant Integration: The microphone quality, while sufficient, isn’t the best for voice commands in noisy environments.

The Verdict: An Excellent Choice for Value-Conscious Listeners

The Sony WH-CH720N headphones strike a compelling balance between price and performance. They offer a comfortable design, effective noise cancellation, impressive battery life, and a balanced sound profile, making them an excellent choice for everyday listening. While they may not be the best option for audiophiles or those who require the absolute best noise cancellation, they are a fantastic value for the vast majority of users. If you’re looking for a reliable and versatile pair of noise-canceling headphones without breaking the bank, the WH-CH720N is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does the noise cancellation of the WH-CH720N compare to the WH-1000XM5?

The noise cancellation on the WH-1000XM5 is significantly more powerful and effective, especially in challenging environments like airplanes or crowded public transportation. The WH-CH720N still offers good noise cancellation for everyday use, but it won’t block out as much noise as the XM5.

2. Are the Sony WH-CH720N headphones comfortable to wear for long periods?

Yes, these headphones are designed for long-term comfort. The lightweight design, padded earcups, and cushioned headband make them very comfortable to wear for extended listening sessions.

3. What is the battery life of the Sony WH-CH720N?

The battery life is excellent. You can expect up to 35 hours of playback with noise cancellation enabled and up to 50 hours with it disabled.

4. Do the Sony WH-CH720N headphones support Bluetooth multipoint pairing?

Yes, they support Bluetooth multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously.

5. Can I use the Sony WH-CH720N for phone calls?

Yes, they have a built-in microphone that allows you to make and receive phone calls. Call quality is generally good in quiet environments.

6. Are the Sony WH-CH720N headphones water-resistant?

No, these headphones are not water-resistant. It’s best to avoid using them in wet conditions.

7. Do these headphones support high-resolution audio codecs?

No, they do not support high-resolution audio codecs like aptX or LDAC.

8. Can I customize the sound settings of the Sony WH-CH720N?

Yes, you can customize the sound settings using the Sony Headphones Connect app.

9. How long does it take to fully charge the Sony WH-CH720N?

It takes approximately 3.5 hours to fully charge the headphones. A quick charge of 3 minutes provides up to 1 hour of playback.

10. What accessories are included with the Sony WH-CH720N?

The headphones come with a USB-C charging cable and a 3.5mm audio cable.

11. Are the Sony WH-CH720N headphones worth the price?

Yes, the WH-CH720N headphones offer excellent value for money. They provide a compelling combination of features and performance at a reasonable price point.

12. Where can I buy the Sony WH-CH720N headphones?

They are widely available online at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Sony. You can also find them at many brick-and-mortar electronics stores.