Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N scores 84.1 out of 100 overall, with a 98th percentile connectivity score and 97th percentile build quality. The ANC is a standout at the 92nd percentile. But comfort sits at the 3rd percentile, one of the worst we've seen, which makes this a risky buy unless you can test the fit first.

The 30mm dynamic driver pushes sound quality to the 88th percentile, which is well above average. Frequency response runs 30Hz to 20kHz, and the 108dB sensitivity means these get loud without much power. The DSEE engine restores high-frequency detail, and the EQ Custom feature in the Sony Headphones Connect app gives you real control over the sound signature. AAC and SBC codecs are fine for most listeners, though aptX fans will be disappointed.

ANC performance hits the 92nd percentile, which is a standout. The Dual Noise Sensor Technology and Integrated Processor V1 do real work here. You won't get Sony's flagship WH-1000XM5 levels of silence, but for this price range, the noise cancelling is one of the best on the market. The 20-level adjustable ambient sound mode is a nice touch for commuters who need to hear announcements. Battery life lands at the 83rd percentile with 35 hours, and the quick charge gives you 60 minutes of playback from 3 minutes on USB-C. That's genuinely useful.

Against the JBL Tune 670NC, the Sony wins on ANC and build quality but loses on comfort. The Soundcore Life Q20 is cheaper and more comfortable, but its ANC doesn't touch the Sony's 92nd percentile performance. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 is the premium alternative with better sound and comfort, but it costs significantly more. The TOZO HT3 undercuts the Sony on price but can't match the connectivity or build scores. The Beyerdynamic Aventho 1001609 is a different beast entirely, aimed at audiophiles with a higher price tag. For pure ANC performance per dollar, the Sony WH-CH720N is hard to beat when you find it on sale.

Pricing is all over the place. In the US, listings range from USD 60 to USD 210 across 16 listings. That's a USD 150 spread, which is wild. The USD 60 price point, likely refurbished or renewed units, is an absolute steal for this feature set. At USD 210, you're paying too much when the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 exists. In Canada, the spread is CAD 118 to CAD 250 across 3 listings, a CAD 132 gap. The CAD 118 option is the clear value play. If you can find these under USD 80 or CAD 130, the price per performance ratio is excellent. Above that, you should look at competitors.

The Sony WH-CH720N lands in our database with a total score of 84.1 out of 100, which is solid but not spectacular. The headline numbers are a 98th percentile connectivity score and a 97th percentile build score. That's top of the charts stuff. But the comfort score sits at the 3rd percentile, one of the worst we've seen for over-ear headphones. That's a weird combo, and it defines this product.

Sony packed a lot into a lightweight frame. You get 35 hours of battery, ANC with dual noise sensors, multipoint Bluetooth 5.2, and a 30mm dynamic driver. The 431g weight is light for wireless over-ears, but the comfort data suggests the headband design isn't working for a lot of people. We'll dig into that below.

If comfort is your top priority, skip these. The 3rd percentile comfort score is a real letdown, and the commute score of 58.2 out of 100 reflects that. Commuters who wear headphones for hours at a time will likely feel the headband digging in. Also skip if you need aptX or LDAC codec support, since these only offer AAC and SBC. And if you're paying full retail, the value proposition falls apart compared to the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 or even the Soundcore Life Q20.

The Sony WH-CH720N is a frustrating product. The ANC, build, and connectivity are genuinely excellent for the price. But comfort at the 3rd percentile is a dealbreaker for many people. If you can try these on before buying, do it. If they fit your head, you're getting top-tier noise cancelling and solid sound for a budget price. If they don't fit, no amount of ANC will make up for the headache. At USD 60 to USD 80, it's worth the gamble. At full retail, skip it.