Sony’s WH-CH720N Are Budget Noise‑Cancelers Done Right—and This Week, They’re Cheaper Than Ever

Background

Sony’s headphone lineup is famously sprawling. At the top are the 1000X flagships (the WH‑1000XM4/XM5), perennial favorites for frequent flyers and home-office dwellers who want best‑in‑class active noise canceling (ANC). Beneath that sits the “CH” family—the place where Sony tries to make the brand’s signature comfort, app polish, and tuning accessible to more people. The WH‑CH720N, launched as a major refresh of the older CH710N, is the sweet‑spot model in that midrange.

Two things make the CH720N notable in a crowded market of budget ANC headphones:

• They’re dramatically lighter than most rivals, a difference you feel after an hour of wear.
• They bring much of Sony’s software experience—like a solid EQ and multipoint Bluetooth—without the flagship price.

In the last two years, competition in this “under‑$150” bracket has exploded. Anker/Soundcore has cranked out feature‑rich cans, Sennheiser pushed down its pricing with the Accentum line, and Bose frequently discounts its older QC45s. That means the CH720N are often in the crosshairs during big sales, where the right discount can transform them from “good value” to “no‑brainer.”

What happened

WIRED flagged a limited‑time deal that drops Sony’s WH‑CH720N well below their already reasonable list price. Street prices for these headphones typically bounce between their MSRP and frequent sale levels, but this new discount pushes them into sub‑$100 territory at major retailers. That’s a meaningful psychological and practical threshold: at under a hundred bucks, you’re no longer choosing between a name‑brand ANC set and a no‑name gamble—you’re getting both the brand and the bundle of features people care about most.

If you’ve been eyeing a pair for commutes, campus, or a hybrid work setup, this is the kind of price that historically doesn’t last long outside of major shopping holidays. The suppliers move fast, stock fluctuates, and colors can sell out unevenly. In short: it’s a timely buy.

How the WH‑CH720N actually perform

Comfort and fit

The CH720N’s biggest hidden superpower is comfort. They’re among the lightest over‑ears in their class (roughly the high‑100‑gram range), with a clamp that’s firm enough to stay put yet gentle enough for long sessions. If you’ve tried heavier models that create hot spots at the crown or jaw hinges, this design is a relief. The earcups swivel flat for a backpack or desk, though they don’t collapse inward like some pricier models. Sony doesn’t include a hard case in the box.

Noise canceling

Sony’s ANC pedigree shows up here, though not at flagship levels. The CH720N take a strong bite out of constant, low‑frequency rumbles—train cars, HVAC drones, city buses. They’re less effective with sharp, irregular sounds (keyboard clacks, nearby conversations), which is normal in the price tier. If you need a library‑quiet experience on airplanes, the 1000X series still wins, but for daily life these do a lot of muffling for the money.

Wind handling and passthrough are solid for casual use. In Sony’s app you can adjust ambient levels so you hear your surroundings more naturally—useful for office awareness or walking on busy streets.

Sound quality

Out of the box, Sony leans toward a friendly, energetic curve: a bit of bass lift for warmth and punch, present (but not piercing) treble, and a relaxed upper midrange. It flatters pop, hip‑hop, EDM, YouTube, and podcasts. Acoustic and vocal‑centric tracks can benefit from a quick EQ tweak in Sony’s app if you prefer a more neutral profile; a mild bass shelf reduction and small mid/treble bumps can bring vocals forward.

There’s also Sony’s DSEE upscaling toggle, which attempts to restore high‑frequency detail lost in compression. Some listeners enjoy the added sparkle; others prefer it off for a more natural tone. Toggle and trust your ears.

Microphone and calls

Call quality is adequate: voices come through clearly enough for Zoom or quick phone calls in moderately noisy spaces. In gusty wind or heavy traffic, background suppression won’t match pricier Bose or Sony flagships, but for the price tier, it’s competitive.

Connectivity and codecs

The CH720N support multipoint Bluetooth so you can stay connected to two devices—say, your laptop and phone—without manual re‑pairing. Pairing is straightforward, and many users will see fast‑pair prompts on Android/Windows devices.

Codec support is basic: SBC and AAC. There’s no LDAC or aptX family codecs. For Apple users, AAC is the native choice and works well. On Android, AAC quality varies by device; if your phone’s AAC implementation is shaky, SBC might actually sound more consistent. Either way, this is a streaming‑first headphone, not an audiophile transport.

A 3.5 mm analog input is onboard for wired listening when the battery’s low or when you need zero latency. It’s a helpful fallback for flights, game controllers, or older audio gear.

Battery life and charging

Battery life is a strong suit. Expect many days of typical use between charges. Sony rates the CH720N for up to roughly mid‑30s hours with ANC on and even longer with ANC off, and a short top‑up can net you additional hours if you’re racing out the door. Charging is via USB‑C.

Build and materials

This is a plastic‑forward design meant to keep weight down and cost reasonable. It doesn’t feel flimsy, but it won’t pass for luxury, either. The headband padding is modest; the ear pads are soft and replaceable with third‑party options down the line. There’s no official water‑resistance rating—these aren’t gym headphones.

How they compare

• Versus Sony WH‑1000XM4/XM5: Sony’s flagships deliver stronger ANC, richer feature sets (speak‑to‑chat, wear detection, more granular ambient controls), and higher‑end codecs on select models. They also cost 2–3× as much even on sale. If you fly often or want the quietest cocoon you can buy, save for the 1000X line. If you need painless day‑to‑day value, the CH720N are the pragmatic pick.

• Versus Anker Soundcore Space Q45/Q30: Soundcore often wins raw spec lists (LDAC on the Q45, extensive EQ profiles, long battery claims) and commonly goes on deep discount. The Q45’s ANC punches high for the price, but they’re heavier and the app experience feels busier. If you want LDAC and don’t mind extra weight, the Q45 is compelling. If comfort and simplicity matter more, the Sony edges it.

• Versus Bose QuietComfort 45: The QC45 are extremely comfortable, with very strong ANC and a clean sound. But even on sale, they usually cost well over what the CH720N fetch during big discounts. If you can afford Bose, you’re buying another tier of noise reduction; if you can’t, the Sony gets you close enough for daily life at a fraction of the price.

• Versus Sennheiser Accentum: Sennheiser’s midrange noise‑cancelers bring a balanced sound and long battery life. Street prices typically sit above Sony’s sale levels. If music fidelity comes first and you catch the Accentum on a good promo, it’s a worthy alternative. Otherwise, Sony’s comfort and pricing win.

• Versus Sony WH‑CH710N (older model): The CH720N upgrade comfort, controls, app features, and overall ANC consistency. If you see the older CH710N at a similar price, choose the CH720N.

Who should buy these—and who shouldn’t

Buy the WH‑CH720N if you:

• Want brand‑name ANC on a student or commuter budget
• Prioritize all‑day comfort and light weight
• Need dependable multipoint for laptop/phone juggling
• Prefer a friendly, punchy sound that you can lightly tweak in‑app

Skip the WH‑CH720N if you:

• Need top‑tier ANC for long‑haul flights or extremely noisy offices
• Want high‑resolution Bluetooth codecs (LDAC/aptX) or audiophile tuning
• Require water resistance for workouts
• Demand premium materials and a hard case in the box

Key takeaways

• The new discount pushes a strong value into “steal” territory, especially for students and hybrid workers.
• Comfort is the surprise star—far lighter than most rivals at this price.
• ANC is good for daily droning noises but not flagship‑level; expectations should match the price.
• Feature set hits the right notes: multipoint, app EQ, ambient controls, analog input, long battery life.
• Trade‑offs include basic Bluetooth codecs, a plastic build, and no water resistance or case.

What to watch next

• Successor timing: Sony tends to refresh this series every couple of years. If a CH730N appears later in 2026, expect iterative gains (LE Audio, refined mics), but early pricing will likely sit higher than today’s CH720N sale.
• Bluetooth LE Audio/LC3: We’re seeing broader support across phones and laptops. The CH720N don’t lean heavily into next‑gen codecs; future models might. If ultra‑low latency and robust multi‑stream audio matter to you, keep an eye on 2026–2027 releases.
• Sales cadence: Sub‑$100 pricing has historically popped up around holiday periods, back‑to‑school, and occasional brand‑wide promos. If you miss this window, set alerts; it’ll likely return.
• Counterfeits: Popular Sony models attract knockoffs. Buy from authorized retailers and be cautious with marketplace sellers offering prices that seem impossibly low.
• Sustainability and repairs: Ear pads are easy to replace; batteries are not user‑serviceable. If longevity is paramount, factor in pad replacements and gentle handling.

Quick setup and tuning tips

• Update firmware in Sony’s Headphones Connect app before judging ANC or sound.
• Try EQ: reduce the lowest bass slider slightly, add a small 2–4 kHz lift for clearer vocals, and a restrained treble bump if you want more air.
• Test DSEE on/off with your usual playlists; keep whichever sounds more natural to you.
• Calibrate ambient mode so voices are audible for office chats; disable it in wind.
• Enable multipoint if you’re switching between laptop and phone; prioritize call device in your OS Bluetooth settings to avoid surprises.
• For Windows, ensure the “Stereo” profile is selected after pairing to avoid the low‑quality “Hands‑Free” mode when you’re not on calls.
• Use the analog cable for gaming or in‑flight screens to eliminate latency and pairing headaches.

FAQ

• Do the WH‑CH720N support LDAC or aptX?

  • No. They use SBC and AAC. If you want LDAC in a budget set, consider options like the Soundcore Space Q45.

• Can I connect to two devices at once?

  • Yes. Multipoint lets you maintain two connections (for example, laptop and phone) and switch audio streams automatically.

• Are they good for flying?

  • They’re fine for casual travel and do well against steady airplane drone. If you want the quietest possible cabin experience, Sony’s WH‑1000XM4/XM5 or Bose’s premium models will cancel more noise.

• Is there a wired option?

  • Yes. There’s a 3.5 mm input for passive listening. It’s handy when the battery is low or for devices that don’t support Bluetooth well.

• Do they come with a case?

  • No hard case is included. The earcups swivel flat for packing, but you’ll need a third‑party pouch if you want protection.

• Are they water‑resistant?

  • There’s no official IP rating. Sweat and rain aren’t recommended; look to sport‑focused models for workouts.

• How long does the battery last?

  • Expect many hours per charge—enough for a workweek of commuting. Sony rates them in the mid‑30s of hours with ANC on, longer with it off. A short quick‑charge adds meaningful playback if you’re in a rush.

• Will they work well with a Mac or iPhone?

  • Yes. Apple devices use AAC, which the CH720N support. On Android, AAC performance varies by phone; if needed, SBC is a stable fallback.

Source & original reading

WIRED’s deal alert and context: https://www.wired.com/story/sony-wh-ch720n-deal-february-2026/