The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-ear Headphones are a mid-range pair aimed squarely at commuters, home workers and casual music fans who still care about sound quality. They bring some of Sony’s premium audio tech, like 360 Reality Audio and DSEE upscaling, down to a more affordable level.
With wireless Bluetooth 5.2, active noise cancellation and a quoted 35-hour battery life, they tick most of the key boxes for modern headphones. A 4.5 out of 5 rating from well over a thousand owner reviews suggests Sony has largely got the balance right between comfort, features and price.
They’re not trying to compete with the very top-tier flagship models, but on paper they look like a strong all-rounder for day-to-day use.
The WH-CH720N suit anyone who wants reliable, comfortable headphones for commuting, office use or relaxing at home without paying flagship prices. The long 35-hour battery life means they’re ideal if you regularly travel or forget to charge your gadgets every night.
They’re a good match if you mainly listen to music and podcasts on your phone or laptop. Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint connection lets you pair to two devices at once, so switching between a work laptop and phone calls is straightforward. Built-in microphones and Sony’s Precise Voice Pickup tech make them practical for Teams or Zoom calls as well as general chat.
If you’re just stepping up from basic wired or cheap wireless headphones, these are a sensible first ‘proper’ pair. You get active noise cancellation, ambient sound mode and 360 Reality Audio support without spending as much as Sony’s top-end WH-1000X series.
They’re less suited to audiophiles chasing the absolute last word in sound detail, or to gym-goers who want something sweatproof and ultra-secure for intense workouts. But for everyday listening, studying, travelling and working from home, they’re a strong fit.
The standout strength here is the combination of active noise cancellation and a very generous 35-hour maximum battery life. That means you can get through several days of commuting or long-haul travel with plenty of charge left, even with ANC in use.
Sony’s 360 Reality Audio and DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) add useful audio polish. DSEE can make compressed streams sound fuller and more natural, while 360 Reality Audio, when used with compatible services, creates a more immersive, surround-style soundstage than typical stereo.
Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint pairing makes these headphones easy to live with if you juggle devices throughout the day. You can be listening to music on your laptop and seamlessly take a call on your phone without faffing around in settings.
Comfort and practicality are also strong points. The over-ear design, on-ear controls and lightweight build help them stay comfortable for long sessions, and fast charging through USB-C means a short top-up can rescue you if you’re caught low before heading out.
Finally, the high 4.5-star average rating from a large number of reviews suggests that, in real-world use, most owners are very happy with the sound, comfort and reliability.
The 30 mm drivers and 7–20,000 Hz frequency response are solid for this price point but not class-leading. If you’re a serious audio enthusiast, you may find the overall detail and soundstage behind higher-end Sony models or audiophile-focused brands.
The headphones only come with a USB-C cable and box-style storage, with no mention of a dedicated hard case or included audio cable. That means they’re less protected in a bag and not ideal if you want a wired option for in-flight screens or hi-fi gear.
A 1-year manufacturer warranty is fairly standard but not generous, especially given that many competitors now offer two years. Longer coverage would add peace of mind for a product you’ll likely use daily.
Finally, while touch and on-ear controls are convenient once you’re used to them, they can be a bit fiddly at first and are easier to mis-hit than traditional physical buttons, particularly when you’re on the move.
Day to day, the WH-CH720N are built to be uncomplicated. Pairing is straightforward thanks to Bluetooth and an easy plug-and-play setup, so you can be listening within minutes of unboxing. On-ear touch controls handle volume, playback and calls, so you rarely need to reach for your phone.
The over-ear cups, light frame and padded headband help keep them comfortable over long stretches, whether you’re on a train, at your desk or lounging on the sofa. Active noise cancellation cuts down on constant background rumble, while the wind noise reduction structure helps keep things more pleasant outdoors.
Ambient Sound mode, controlled via the on-ear interface and supporting voice assistants like Google Assistant and Siri, makes it simple to stay aware when you need to hear announcements or brief conversations. Flicking between full isolation and a more open sound is quick and intuitive.
Charging over USB-C is hassle-free. With up to 35 hours of playback and fast charging support, most users will find they only need to plug in occasionally. The included quick start guide makes the first setup pretty painless, even if you’re not especially tech-savvy.
For sound performance, the WH-CH720N use 30 mm dynamic drivers with a rated 7–20,000 Hz frequency response and 31-ohm impedance. In practice, that translates into clean, balanced audio that’s well suited to mainstream listening – pop, rock, podcasts and streaming services. DSEE upscaling works in the background to restore some of the lost detail in compressed tracks, making everyday playlists sound a touch richer.
Active noise cancelling is one of the headline features, and it’s backed up by a wind noise reduction structure to keep buffeting noises in check. While not pitched as Sony’s most advanced ANC system, it’s very effective at dulling down consistent background sounds on public transport or in busy open-plan offices, so you can listen at lower volumes.
For more immersive listening, they are 360 Reality Audio certified. With supported streaming apps, this can place instruments and vocals around you in a virtual sphere, giving a more live, room-like feel than standard stereo mixes. It’s a nice bonus for compatible content and helps the WH-CH720N stand out from simpler budget models.
On the smart and convenience side, Bluetooth 5.2 ensures a stable wireless link and a 10 m range that comfortably covers most rooms. Multipoint pairing lets you keep them connected to two devices at once, and the built-in microphones with Precise Voice Pickup Technology help your voice cut through clearly on calls.
Ease of use is rounded out with voice assistant support (Google Assistant and Siri), on-ear touch controls and simple USB-C charging. While the spec doesn’t shout about advanced app tuning or custom EQ, the core feature set is well balanced, especially considering the price bracket.
At around £71, the Sony WH-CH720N sit firmly in the mid-range bracket for over-ear wireless headphones. You’re not paying premium-flagship prices, but you are getting tech like active noise cancellation, 360 Reality Audio, DSEE and Bluetooth multipoint, which isn’t guaranteed at this level.
The generous 35-hour battery life, fast charging and generally comfortable design all add to the long-term value, particularly if you travel or work remotely and rely on headphones for several hours each day.
Crucially, the 4.5/5 owner rating from a very large number of reviews suggests that most buyers feel they’ve had a good return for their money in real-world use. The relatively short 1-year warranty and lack of a more robust carry case are minor value niggles, but overall they deliver a strong feature set and performance for the asking price.
If you’re on a tight budget, there are cheaper wireless options, but few will match this combination of proven reliability, respectable noise cancelling and Sony’s audio enhancements. Looked at as a complete package, they offer very solid value.
The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-ear Headphones strike an appealing balance between features, performance and price. They bring proper active noise cancellation, long battery life and Sony’s audio enhancements into a package that’s accessible to most buyers without feeling bare-bones.
They’re particularly well suited to commuters, students and home workers who want a comfortable pair they can wear for hours, with reliable wireless performance and clear calls. The added support for 360 Reality Audio and multipoint Bluetooth pairing sweetens the deal.
If you demand top-tier sound quality or the very strongest noise cancelling, stepping up to Sony’s flagship range or more specialised audiophile brands will still be tempting. But for the vast majority of users who just want great everyday headphones that don’t cost a fortune, the WH-CH720N are easy to recommend.
