Sony WH-CH720N

The Sony WH-CH720N are lightweight noise canceling headphones that deliver impressive ANC and balanced sound for around $120. They're supremely comfortable for all-day wear, but the plastic build feels cheap and battery life is disappointing. If you want affordable ANC and don't mind treating them gently, these are a great pick.

The sound is where the WH-CH720N earns its keep. The V1 processor and 30mm drivers deliver a balanced, clean profile that handles most genres well. Bass is present but not bloated, and the DSEE engine does a decent job restoring detail to compressed tracks. In our database, the sound quality lands at the 61st percentile, which is solid for this price bracket. You can tweak the EQ in the Sony Headphones Connect app if you want more thump or sparkle. The noise canceling is a standout for the money, hitting the 69th percentile. It won't silence a roaring subway like a Bose QuietComfort Ultra, but it knocks down office chatter and street hum effectively. Call quality is above average too, with beamforming mics and a wind noise reduction structure that actually works. The mic performance sits at the 75th percentile, so your voice comes through clearly on Zoom calls. The real weak spot is battery life. Despite Sony's 35-hour claim, our testing and user reports put it at the 8th percentile compared to other over-ear ANC headphones. That's rough. You'll get through a work week, but competitors in this range often push past 50 hours.

Stacked against the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4, the Sony feels like a budget-conscious alternative. The Sennheiser has a richer, more detailed sound and a premium build with real metal and leather, but it costs significantly more. The Apple AirPods Max are in a different league on build and spatial audio, but they're also heavy and absurdly expensive. If you're cross-shopping the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, know that Bose offers best-in-class ANC and a more comfortable fit, but again, you're paying a premium. The Technics EAH-A800 is a closer competitor on price and features, with better battery life but a bulkier design. The WH-CH720N holds its own by being the lightest and most affordable of the bunch while still delivering ANC that punches above its weight.

At around $120, the WH-CH720N is a strong value play if noise canceling and comfort are your priorities. You're getting Sony's processing tech and a very capable ANC system for less than half the price of the flagship 1000XM5. The JBL Tune 670NC is a bit cheaper and offers longer battery life, but its ANC and sound quality don't match up. If you can stretch your budget, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 delivers better build and sound, but it's often double the price. For the money, these are hard to beat as everyday wireless headphones for work and casual listening.

The Sony WH-CH720N sits in that sweet spot where you want solid noise canceling without spending $300 or more. It's a lightweight over-ear headphone that borrows some tech from Sony's pricier 1000X series, like the Integrated Processor V1 and DSEE audio upscaling, but keeps the price around $120. If you've been searching for budget noise canceling headphones that don't feel like a compromise, these are probably on your radar. They weigh just 192 grams, which is immediately noticeable when you pick them up. The matte finish and slim headband give them a low-key look that won't scream "gamer headset" on your commute. And with 35 hours of battery life with ANC on, you're not charging these every other day. But the low price means Sony had to cut corners somewhere, and the all-plastic build is where you'll feel it most.

Skip the WH-CH720N if you need headphones that can survive a daily commute in a stuffed backpack. The flimsy build and lack of a case make them a risky choice for travel. If battery life is a dealbreaker, the JBL Tune 670NC or Technics EAH-A800 will last significantly longer. And if you're sensitive to fit issues, the reports of an internal plastic piece poking the ear are worth considering. For gym use or heavy sweating, look for something with at least IPX4 water resistance, which these lack.

The Sony WH-CH720N is a smart buy if you want effective noise canceling and all-day comfort without spending a fortune. It's perfect for students, remote workers, or anyone who wants to zone out in a coffee shop. The sound is pleasant and customizable, and the mic is surprisingly good for calls. But if you're rough on your gear or need marathon battery life, look elsewhere. The flimsy build and lack of a case mean these aren't travel warriors. For the price, though, they're one of the best lightweight ANC headphones you can grab right now.