Sony WH-CH720N wireless headphones have earned a rare distinction: five-star praise from What Hi-Fi? at a price most people actually pay. At £68, these over-ear noise-cancelling cans deliver the kind of ANC performance and sound clarity typically reserved for premium models costing two or three times as much [source title].
Key Takeaways
- Dual Noise Sensor technology with Integrated Processor V1 delivers competitive ANC performance
- 35-hour battery life with ANC enabled; 50 hours with noise cancelling off
- Bluetooth 5.2 multipoint connection pairs with two devices simultaneously
- Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) provides natural vocals and balanced tuning
- Lightweight design at a rare sub-£70 price point makes premium features accessible [source title]
Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones: What Makes Them Stand Out
The Sony WH-CH720N wireless headphones pack dual noise sensors and an Integrated Processor V1 that work together to identify and cancel ambient noise in real time. This is the same core ANC architecture found in Sony’s pricier models, adapted for the budget segment. The result is genuinely effective noise cancellation that handles commute chatter, office hum, and travel noise without the distortion some budget models introduce.
Where these headphones excel is in their sound signature. The 30mm dynamic driver combined with the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) produces natural vocals, balanced tuning, and high-quality audio that feels disproportionate to the price. Christopher Sanchez, reviewing the model on YouTube, noted: “Thanks to the Integrated Processor V1 and Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE), you’ll experience natural vocals, balanced tuning, and high-quality sound exactly as the artists intended”. This is not hyperbole dressed up as budget praise—it is a genuine strength.
Battery Life and Connectivity That Actually Lasts
The Sony WH-CH720N wireless headphones deliver 35 hours of playback with noise cancellation enabled, or 50 hours with ANC switched off. Quick charge adds another layer of practicality: three minutes of charging yields roughly 60 minutes of playback, while ten minutes delivers around 4.5 hours. For commuters and frequent travelers, this is a significant shift. A full charge takes approximately 3.5 hours.
Bluetooth 5.2 multipoint connection lets you pair two devices simultaneously, with automatic switching when an incoming call arrives. The headphones also support Adaptive Sound Control, which automatically adjusts ambient sound levels based on your activity—detected via the Sony Headphones Connect app. The app offers 20-level ambient sound adjustment, giving you granular control over how much of the outside world you want to hear.
Where Budget Compromises Become Apparent
The Sony WH-CH720N wireless headphones do have real limitations. The build feels plasticky, which is typical for the price but noticeable compared to premium competitors. The ANC, while effective, does not match the sophistication of higher-end Sony models or flagship noise-cancelling headphones from Bose or Apple. High-quality Bluetooth codecs like LDAC, which preserve hi-res audio detail, are absent—you get SBC and AAC instead.
Independent testing via RTINGS noted the headphones are “passable for commutes and traveling” with a “comfortable, lightweight fit,” but stopped short of calling them class-leading. The plasticky construction and lack of premium codecs mean you are trading some durability and audio fidelity for the price advantage. That trade-off makes sense at £68, but it matters if you are comparing these to headphones at the £150–200 mark.
Specifications That Deliver on Paper and in Use
The Sony WH-CH720N wireless headphones feature a frequency response of 20–20,000 Hz over Bluetooth at 44.1 kHz sampling, which covers the full audible spectrum. The 30mm dynamic driver handles both bass and treble without obvious weakness. Sensitivity registers at 108 dB/mW with the unit powered on and wired, meaning they get loud enough for almost any listening scenario without audible distortion at normal volumes.
The detachable 1.2-meter cable with 3.5mm jack gives you wired listening as a fallback, and the range extends to roughly 10 meters line-of-sight. Controls are split between the earcups: power and noise cancellation buttons on the left, volume and play/pause on the right, with USB-C charging on the right earcup. Available in black and pink, the design is understated rather than flashy—which suits a commuter headphone.
How Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones Compare to Alternatives
At this price, you are not comparing to Bose QuietComfort or Apple AirPods Max. You are comparing to other budget noise-cancelling headphones from Anker, JBL, and Soundcore. What separates the Sony WH-CH720N wireless headphones is the combination of proven ANC architecture (the Dual Noise Sensor system is borrowed from pricier Sony models) and sound tuning that does not sacrifice musicality for bass hype. Most budget competitors either skimp on ANC effectiveness or deliver muddy, bass-heavy sound. Sony has managed neither trap here.
Is the £68 Price Real?
What Hi-Fi? highlighted this deal as exceptional precisely because the Sony WH-CH720N wireless headphones normally sell for more. At £68, you are looking at a steep discount from the typical retail price. This is not a permanent price—it is a promotional window. If you have been eyeing noise-cancelling headphones but balked at the £200+ entry point for premium brands, this deal closes a gap that rarely exists [source title].
FAQ
How long does the battery last on the Sony WH-CH720N wireless headphones?
With noise cancellation enabled, battery life reaches 35 hours of music playback. With ANC switched off, you get 50 hours. Quick charge provides roughly 60 minutes of playback from just three minutes of charging.
Do the Sony WH-CH720N wireless headphones support high-quality Bluetooth codecs?
No. The Sony WH-CH720N wireless headphones support SBC and AAC codecs only. They lack LDAC or aptX, which means you do not get hi-res audio support. For most listeners at this price point, the difference is negligible, but audiophiles seeking maximum audio fidelity should know this limitation.
Can you use the Sony WH-CH720N wireless headphones with two devices at once?
Yes. Bluetooth 5.2 multipoint connection allows the Sony WH-CH720N wireless headphones to pair with two devices simultaneously, with automatic switching when a call arrives on either device.
At £68, the Sony WH-CH720N wireless headphones represent genuine value in the budget noise-cancelling space. They are not flawless—the plasticky build and lack of premium codecs are real compromises—but they deliver ANC performance and sound quality that undercuts their price by a meaningful margin. If you commute regularly, travel frequently, or simply want effective noise cancellation without premium pricing, this deal justifies the purchase. The five-star What Hi-Fi? rating is not marketing speak; it reflects a headphone that punches above its weight class.
Where to Buy
just £68 at Amazon | Sony WH-CH720N: | £67.99 | excellent discount at Amazon
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: What Hi-Fi?
