Product highlights

closed-back, over-ear Bluetooh headphones 

relaxed headband and soft oval earpads for comfort 

Sony's lightest over-ear noise canceling headphones 

Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless music listening and phone calls with compatible smartphones 

NFC-compatible for one-touch pairing with compatible Android™ devices 

multipoint connection for pairing to two devices at once 

DSEE™ (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) processing restores high-frequency signals to compressed digital formats 

30mm dynamic drivers tuned for deep, tightly controlled bass 

active noise-canceling circuitry to minimize external noise 

dual-microphone system helps cancel human voices and other higher-frequency sounds 

includes Sony's new Integrated Processor V1 chip 

helps strengthen noise cancellation, audio quality, wireless connection, and battery life 

ambient mode allows in external sounds to keep you better aware of your surroundings 

dedicated button for toggling noise cancelling and ambient modes 

earcup controls let you answer calls, play/pause music, skip tracks, and control volume 

built-in microphone for making calls with a smartphone 

free Sony Headphones Connect app for Apple® and Android allows you to adjust sound levels 

select from sound presets like Outdoor Stage, Club, Hall, or Arena 

dedicated earcup button summons Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa on your smartphone or tablet 

say "OK Google" or "Alexa" to access voice assistant (optional, requires one-time setup) 

available for Apple® and Android™ 

must repurpose the earcup Noise Cancellation button using the Headphone Connect app  

built-in rechargeable battery offers up to 35 hours of wireless use with noise cancellation 

10 minutes of recharging provides enough power for 60 minutes of listening 

detachable cable with 3.5mm miniplug connector for wired use 

includes USB-C cable for charging 

frequency response: 7-20,000 Hz (wired), 20-20,000 (Bluetooth) 

sensitivity: 108 dB 

impedance: 325 ohms (when connected via headphone cable with noise-cancellation "on") 

weight: 6.8 oz. 

warranty: 1 year 

What's in the box

• Wireless over-ear headphones (black) 
• 49" Audio cable (Straight 3.5mm plug on one end and right-angled 3.5mm plug on other end) 
• 8" USB charging cable (USB-A on one end and USB-C on other end) 
• Reference Guide 
• Limited Warranty 

About this item

Written by Crutchfield's Jeff Miller

Sony's lightest over-ear noise-canceling headphones yet

Sony has earned quite the reputation for their noise-canceling headphones, and they've loaded the wireless WH-CH720N 'phones with a lot of value and premium features. Not that they weighed them down — at a mere 6.8 ounces, these are among the lightest over-ear noise cancelers I've ever seen. So while you won't get quite the level of performance as what many customers consider the best-in-class  Sony WH-1000XM5s, there is a lot to love here.

 You get a well-padded, relaxed fit and music plays wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.2 — the strongest, most reliable Bluetooth yet. Sony's sophisticated V1 chip works in concert with a new dual mic system to monitor external sounds and cancel noise in real time. The chip also adds a bit of refinement to the sound and helps strengthen the battery life.

Long-lasting battery

You get up to 35 hours of wireless noise-canceling use on fully charged battery. Great for those of us who constantly forget to recharge our headphones. Good news if you do run out of juice: 10 minutes of recharging provides enough power for over an hour of listening. (You can even go "old school" and plug them into a headphone jack with the included 3.5mm audio cable.)

Sound tuned for strong bass

These headphones feature 30mm drivers tuned for clear vocals and hard-hitting bass. They also feature Sony's DSEE feature that promises to restore clarity and substance to compressed digital tracks. 

Download the free Sony Headphones Connect app to your phone, and you can customize the sound to suit your listening preferences. Tweak the equalization, sound presets, and more. You can even choose MORE bass. 

Sony's signature pleasant fit 

I always like the way Sony over-ears fit. I haven't had a chance to try the WH-CH720N headphones yet, but I have worn the model they are replacing. Those stayed in place well, but never clamp too tightly — crucial if you wear glasses like I do. Sony slightly tweaked the headband and oval ear cup designs this time around, so I expect they should feel even more comfortable. 

Earth-conscious packaging 

Like most Sony headphones these days, these headphones arrive inside a low-key, yet substantial carton made of a recyclable blended material. Sony has told me that this sustainable packaging is made "from bamboo, sugarcane fibers, and post-consumer recycled paper, all of which are available around the world's largest manufacturing hubs in Asia." It's refreshing to see big companies like Sony becoming mindful of their packing materials — and trusting their products to do the talking.