Sony WH-CH720N Review

Sony loves making headphones. They make so many headphones that their model names have to have at 7 computer generated letters and digits. So we’ll try to simplify: today, we’ll be testing out the Sony WH-CH720N noise-cancelling wireless headphone, which is a significantly more affordable alternative to their best-selling and rather pricey flagship, the WH-1000XM4 and newer, WH-1000XM5. What features does it offer, and more importantly, does it sound any good?

What’s In the Box?

• Sony WH-CH720N headphones
• 3.5mm cable adapter
• USB-C charging cable
• Warranty
• Reference Guide

Look and Feel

When holding the WH-CH720N, one immediately notices its incredibly light weight. At just 6 ounces, I quickly forgot that the headphones were on my head, especially given the gentle clamping force of the ear cups and soft ear pads. In general, I’ve found that Sony delivers some of the most comfortable headphones on the market, and the WH-VH7020N is no exception. So, I have no complaints in this department.

As for durability, while the WH-CH720N is not nearly as sturdy looking as the WH-1000XM5, it does appear to have a no-nonsense, solid design, even if the parts are made of lightweight plastic and vegan leather. One thing to note is that the headphones don’t fold. Rather, they only swivel flat, and given that this model comes without a carrying case, you might have to show these headphones some TLC. Just try not to sit on them and it should be fine.

Unlike Sony’s flagship model, the WH-1000XM5, the headphone controls are in the form of buttons rather than touch controls. And for the technologically challenged, as well as for those with clumsy fingers, the buttons might be a welcome and more straight forward alternative.

Finally, for  those who find the color black boring, the WH-CH720N is also available in blue and white.

Design and Functionality

Battery

You can expect 35 hours of juice from the cans with the ANC on. This is 5 hours more than you’ll get form Sony’s pricier flagship model, the WH-1000XM5. Another impressive feature is that you can get about 60 minutes of playtime after just 3 minutes of charge. So, it seems that Sony is marketing these headphones particularly to those who hate plugging things in.

ANC (Active Noise Cancellation)

The ANC doesn’t isn’t as powerful as it is on Sony’s more expensive WH-1000XM5. It will mainly kill the hum of a heater or computer. But you’ll still hear cars honking, as well as softer sounds, like typing and farting. So, don’t expect a completely silent commute to work.

Bluetooth

The WH-CH720N employs the one of the latest Bluetooth codecs, 5.2. In theory, this should mean fewer dropped signals, and a smoother transmission overall. Personally, I didn’t run into any signal interruptions, even in the middle of Manhattan.

Supported Codecs

You won’t get all the fancy hi-res options, like LDAC or aptX on these cans. SBC and AAC are the only supported codecs. 

Extra Features

The accompanying Sony Connect app will allow you to control a vast array of features, such connecting to 2 devices simultaneously, setting up an Alexa Voice Assistant and switching between various levels of ambient sound, in addition to ANC mode. There’s also a feature called, “Adaptive Sound Control,” which detects your actions and automatically switches how ambient sound is filtered. (So, the amount of ambient sound you hear at the office will differ to how much you’ll hear on a train.) To be honest, these headphones come with so many customizable features, that it almost seems like overkill. But if you’re a control freak, you might love it. 

Perhaps the best and most useful feature of the app is the equalizer. Just like the WH-1000XM5, you can customize your equalizer settings or use the suggested presets. And this is handy particularly for this model, given that the default balance leans on the bassy side (more about that below). 

Sony also has a Reality Audio feature that allows you to have a more immersive, “3D” soundstage. It should be noted, however, that the Reality Audio function only works with certain apps, such as Tidal and Peer Tracks. So, if you’re a Spotify user, you’re out of luck. But, the feature itself is quite impressive and worth trying out.

Call Clarity

Call clarity is very good, as you should expect from a wireless headphone over $100. Sony employs a voice pickup technology to enhance speech when communicating over the phone in a noisy setting. And for sure, I was still able to carry out a conversation in a crowded cafe. I also didn’t experience any dropouts, and the sound was clean from both ends. Finally, the “Wind Noise Reduction” feature seemed to be working. That being said, there was no wind when I tested it. So, all you folks in Chicago, let us know.

Sound Impressions

Soundstage

I was pretty impressed here. For the price, the WH-CH720N delivers an expansive and somewhat multidimensional soundstage. The headphones present plenty of height, and you can feel instruments soaring at the top of the head. The sense of depth is perhaps less remarkable, with instruments (that are meant to sit forward or behind) tending to fall on the stereo axis. But the soundscape still feels big, and the space between instruments is roomy, allowing for a colorful and engaging listening experience.

Low-End

After playing a few pop, hip-hop or EDM tracks, you can’t help but notice the bass taking center stage. Certainly, these cans are primarily designed to be enjoyed by people who like bass-forward music. The sub bass frequencies deliver a noticeable thump, while the overall low-end profile is warm. Sometimes, this frequency range may be a little overwhelming for purists or those who prefer acoustic genres. On certain folk tracks, for example, the bass bleeds slightly into the higher frequencies, veiling the clarity of acoustic guitars in the low-mids. That being said, the lows sounds smooth and luxurious when listening to classical strings, like cellos and double basses, suggesting that the headphones are still capable of delivering decent quality sound for many non-modern tracks.

Midrange

The midrange of the Sony WH-CH720N is well balanced and pleasing to the ear. There is no harshness here, and vocals are well-placed in the mix without sounding too forward. The lower mids have good presence, providing a lot of body to the mix. There’s no question that this is a very meaty sound. But again, the lower-midrange can feel a touch muddy on some tracks. Butas we move up to the treble, the sound is cleaner and more transparent. And the most enjoyable element is perhaps that the WH-CH720N handles acoustic instruments with soft and gentle resolve, lending emotion and tenderness to the music.

Highs

The high-end is smooth and slightly rolled-off, which may not be ideal for those who prioritize a lot of sparkle or brightness in their mix. However, the lack of piercing sound in the peak treble frequencies means that the listening experience is entirely free of fatigue. In fact, many people should enjoy the rich and weighty high-end profile, as vocals here have a velvety feel, while strings reveal a sumptuous and fluid quality that is hard not to delight in.

Summary

Overall, it’s clear that the Sony WH-CH720N is best suited for bass lovers who enjoy a lush sound signature. Are these headphones perfect for every single musical genre? Not entirely. Still, like most Sony models, the WH-CH7020N is an easy listening, solid all-rounder for those who just need a decent set of headphones to get through their commute. And given the long battery life, accompanying equalizer and super lightweight and comfy fit, you really can’t ask for more at 150 bucks.

You can buy the Sony WH-CH720N at Audio 46.