Lightweight Performance: Is the Sony WH-CH720N the New Mid-Range King?

Overview

For years, Sony has dominated the high-end noise-canceling market with its 1000X series, but the mid-range has often been a battlefield of compromises. The Sony WH-CH720N aims to change that narrative. Positioned as the successor to the popular CH710N, these headphones aren't just a minor refresh. By incorporating the Integrated Processor V1—the same silicon found in the flagship WH-1000XM5—Sony has effectively trickled down its industry-leading noise-canceling tech into a package that costs less than half the price of the flagships.

In this review, we dive deep into how these headphones perform in the real world, from the noisy chaos of a morning commute to the focused silence needed for a home office. We'll explore whether the lightweight plastic design is a benefit or a liability and if the sound quality can truly satisfy demanding listeners.

Design & Build Quality

The first thing you notice when picking up the WH-CH720N is the weight. At just 192 grams, these are Sony’s lightest overhead noise-canceling headphones to date. This is achieved through a construction that is almost entirely plastic. While some might find the lack of metal or high-end composites a bit 'cheap' to the touch, the functional benefit is undeniable: you can wear these for an entire eight-hour workday without feeling the typical 'headband fatigue' or neck strain.

The earcups are padded with soft, synthetic leather that provides a decent seal, though they can get a bit warm during long sessions in non-air-conditioned environments. One significant design choice to note is that the WH-CH720N does not fold inward. The earcups swivel flat for storage in a backpack or on a desk, but they don't collapse into a compact ball. Furthermore, Sony does not include a carrying case in the box—only a USB-C charging cable and a 3.5mm audio cable. For travelers, this means you'll likely want to invest in a third-party hard case to protect the plastic hinges.

The physical buttons are located on the underside of the earcups. Unlike the touch-capacitive sensors on the XM5, these are tactile, clicky buttons. For many users, this is actually a 'pro,' as it eliminates accidental pauses or track skips when adjusting the headphones. The layout is intuitive, with power and pairing on the left, and volume/playback controls on the right.

Performance

Noise Cancellation

Thanks to the Dual Noise Sensor technology and the V1 processor, the ANC performance is surprisingly robust. It excels at neutralizing low-frequency hums, such as airplane engines or the rumble of a bus. While it doesn't quite reach the 'silent vacuum' effect of the WH-1000XM5—specifically when it comes to high-pitched sounds like human voices or keyboard clicks—it is significantly better than almost anything else in the sub-$150 price bracket. The 'Ambient Sound Mode' is also a highlight, offering 20 levels of adjustment through the Sony Headphones Connect app, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings without removing the headset.

Sound Quality

Out of the box, the WH-CH720N follows Sony's signature sound profile: a warm, consumer-friendly V-shape with a slight emphasis on the bass. The 30mm drivers produce punchy lows that don't overly muddy the mids. However, the real magic happens in the app. Sony’s DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) does a respectable job of upscaling compressed audio files, and the 5-band EQ allows you to fine-tune the signature to your liking. Whether you want more 'Clear Bass' for hip-hop or a brighter treble for podcasts, the headphones respond well to equalization.

Battery & Connectivity

Battery life is a standout feature. Sony claims 35 hours with ANC on, and in our testing, we consistently hit that mark at 60% volume. If you turn ANC off, that number jumps toward 50 hours. The quick-charge feature is a lifesaver; a mere 3-minute charge provides about an hour of playback. Connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 5.2, and the Multipoint Connection worked flawlessly in our tests, allowing us to remain connected to a laptop for Zoom calls while being ready to take a phone call on a smartphone.

Value for Money

At a retail price of approximately $148 (and often found on sale for less), the value proposition is high. You are essentially paying for the processor and the software ecosystem. While you lose out on the premium materials, LDAC support (these only support SBC and AAC), and the 'Speak-to-Chat' features of the flagships, the core experience—silence and sound—is 80% as good for 40% of the price. For students or office workers, this is a much more logical purchase than the $400 alternatives.

Who Should Buy This?

• Commuters: The lightweight build and solid low-frequency ANC make these a dream for bus and train rides.
• Office Workers: The multipoint connection and excellent microphone (with Precise Voice Pickup) make them a top-tier choice for professional calls.
• Budget-Conscious Audiophiles: If you want the Sony sound and app support without the flagship price tag.

Avoid these if you are rough on your gear (the plastic might not survive a major drop) or if you require the highest fidelity codecs like LDAC for lossless streaming.