We recently had the Sennheiser Accentum Wireless headphones for review. So far, Sony WH-CH720N, discreet in design, has also been tested. In addition to the same excellent autonomy, these headphones are distinguished by a lower price and rich bass. Have been using the audio gadget for several weeks and are now ready to share the impressions below.
Sony WH-CH720N
From UAH 3,599.
Pros:
good quality of materials and assembly; ascetic design; ease of use; good universal sound quality with powerful bass; there is an ANC function; can switch between two devices; powerful application; good battery life
Buy at Comfy
Cons:
someone will definitely not like such a simple design; the bass hits the middle frequencies; the microphone collects all ambient noise; mediocre supply kit
Buy at Comfy
8.2/10
Estimated by ITC.ua
Technical characteristics of Sony WH-CH720N
| Emitter type | Dynamic |
| Emitter diameter | 30 mm |
| Sensitivity | 108 dB |
| Resistance | (Ω) 325 Ω (1kHz) – when using a headphone cable and the device is turned on, 31 Ω (1kHz) – when using a headphone cable and the device is turned off |
| Frequency range | 7-20000 Hz (JEITA) |
| Noise reduction function | There is, plus “transparent” mode |
| One hour of charging | 3.5 hours |
| Charging method | USB-C |
| Battery life (Music) | Up to 35 hours with ANC, up to 50 hours without ANC |
| Battery life (Talks) | Up to 35 hours with ANC, up to 40 hours without ANC |
| Wireless connection | Bluetooth 5.2, range 10 m |
| Protocols | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| weight | 192 grams |
Packaging and assembly
The Sony WH-CH720N comes in a relatively small white eco-cardboard box.
Inside are the headphones themselves, which are tightly wrapped in soft recycled paper. There is also documentation and instructions, a cable with a pair of mini-jacks and a short USB-A to USB-C cable for charging.
Design and ergonomics Sony WH-CH720N
Sony WH-CH720N – classic neat on-ear, closed full-size headphones. We had them in black during our review, and there is also blue and white. The weight of the audio gadget is 192 grams.
The body of the headphones is made of matte plastic. The oval cups are rotatable, but the design is not complicated.
The headband is covered with eco-leather on both sides. There is padding below, where the head rests, but less than is usually the case here. However, in fact, it does not affect the comfort of wearing.
Microphones were placed on the cups. Both have controls. On the right we see the 3.5 mm audio port, the USB-C port and the on/off button, as well as the activation of the wireless connection. On the left are the volume buttons, the ANC button, and the music on/off button.
The ear cushions are also made of eco-leather, and inside there is a soft filler. Cover the speakers with a soft cloth.
Features Sony WH-CH720N
Sony WH-CH720N are equipped with 30 mm dynamic drivers. Sensitivity is 108dB, impedance 325 ohms (1kHz) with headphone cable on and 31ohms (1kHz) with headphone cable off. The declared frequency range is 7-20000 Hz.
The model has good passive noise reduction, because the headphones are quite tightly pressed to the head and ears. Help block out noises and ANC active noise cancellation function, which is provided by the dual noise sensor and the integrated processor V1.
There is also a “transparent” mode, when you can hear music and ambient sounds at the same time. This is handy when you’re outside, near the road, or in any other usage scenario where you need to know what’s going on around you, but still be able to listen or watch something.
The ANC function itself isn’t the most powerful I’ve tested, but it’s pretty good. In general, it cuts off all the loud sounds of the environment, which helps to focus on work or other matters. At the same time, some sharp or too loud sounds “break through” to the user.
Sound and microphone
Sony WH-CH720N supports only two main codecs SBC, AAC, so there will be no crystal clarity and detail. Along with this, the headphones have a universal sound with rich bass and a good attack. At the same time, the sound cannot be called soft or warm. Although the low frequencies climb a little to the middle, it is good that the highs are also not bad.
That is, when listening to music, all instruments and vocals will be heard separately, but this applies only to “heavy” genres of music. In something more mainstream, for example, in dance genres or pop style, it’s all a bit mixed up. However, in general, the sound is pleasant and high-quality, of course, for this money.
However, Sony WH-CH720N definitely cannot be called a model for audiophiles. This is rather the best solution for music lovers who choose headphones for everything and at once. And this model is suitable for music, for audio or video calls, for games, but only in wired mode, or in those where the delay is not important. You can also do fitness, warm-up, yoga, etc. at them.
The sound of the microphone is very good. However, along with your voice, microphones also pick up ambient sounds, so it’s best to talk where there’s less ambient noise.
Connection, software and management
Sony WH-CH720N connect to devices via Bluetooth 5.2 or via a mini-jack cable. In the case of a wireless connection, the headphones support work with two devices at once, and also automatically determine which call is coming and switch. This is the case when, for example, they are connected to a smartphone and a laptop.
The wireless headphones work with the proprietary Sony Headphones Connect software (Android and iOS). It is a stylish and powerful application with many different settings, audio presets and an equalizer. Therefore, if you understand this, you can correct the above-mentioned shortcomings of the sound. For example, make vocals more detailed.
Also here you can reassign buttons, see the remaining charge, test and adjust 360-degree sound, control music, etc.
As for management, the following is allowed:
- One press of the power button on the left side turns the headphones on and off.
- Press and hold to enter Bluetooth pairing mode.
- One press of the ANC/AMB button on the right cup toggles between ANC and transparency mode. Through the program, you can add a complete turn off of noise cancellation.
- One press of the “+” button on the right cup increases the volume.
- One press of the “—” button on the right cup decreases the volume.
- One press of the multifunction button on the right cup plays or pauses music or video. You can also use it to answer or end calls.
- Double tap skips to the next track.
- A triple tap skips to the previous track.
- Press and hold to launch the voice assistant or reject calls.
Autonomous work Sony WH-CH720N
The manufacturer claims that Sony WH-CH720N work on a single charge for up to 50 hours without active ANC and up to 35 hours with active noise suppression in music listening mode. In talk mode, the maximum battery life without ANC is reduced to 40 hours, and with noise suppression it remains up to 35 hours.
The headphones have a fast charging function – 10 minutes gives an hour of operation. A full charge takes 3.5 hours.
In fact, the above figures are true, and in my case it is even more. Usually, battery life information is given with the volume at 50%. I listen to it most of the time while working at 20-30% background, so in total I got almost 60 hours without ANC and almost 40 hours with active noise cancellation. If you usually play louder, you can count on the stated time or a little less if the volume often exceeds 50%.
User experience
I liked the Sony WH-CH720N. But there are certain nuances. They have a high-quality assembly and an ascetic design, which will definitely be very desirable for someone, and someone will say that they are boring. However, this is pure taste, and there are a lot of such headphones with a minimal design, which means they are in demand.
The sound got to me because I tend to listen to “heavy” music more often, which I think suits them better. Although this model is also more than enough for other styles. For example, lofi. It will especially appeal to music lovers who need simple universal wireless headphones. And the difference in sound, detailing, attack power, etc. only audiophiles will distinguish, but this model is not designed for them. And they themselves probably won’t pay attention to her either.
I would like to note good natural noise reduction and high-quality ANC mode. Of course, there are headphones where it is stronger, but here it is enough to block out most of the noise and audio stimuli. This allows you not to be distracted from business, work, games, etc.
Sony WH-CH720N sit comfortably on the head. They are light, comfortable and almost invisible. But in the first days, after 4-5 hours of use, the edges of my ears started to hurt. And although the size of the cups in the model is large, my ears probably rested somehow on them. But later the unpleasant feelings passed. If you, like me, have large locators, try this model on before buying if you have the opportunity.
The model also has good autonomy. And although the indicator at 50 hours has already become a certain standard for this segment of headphones, there are still models that work much less. However, you can buy those that last much longer on one charge.
The Sony WH-CH720N is suitable for almost all usage scenarios (office, work, home, hobby, sports, movies and series, fitness, walking, etc.), including gaming (on PC or mobile). But here you have to connect via a wire to the gamepad, or play something where the sound delay does not matter. Because, although it is small, it is still more than the same connection via 2.4 GHz.
Price and competitors
Sony WH-CH720N are sold at a price of UAH 3,600. Considering the segment, manufacturer, build quality and sound, in my opinion, this is a more than adequate price. However, this relatively affordable segment for good on-ear, closed-back, full-size headphones has serious and sometimes iconic competitors.
It is worth paying attention to the Marshall Major IV (price from UAH 3,999). There is also 1More SonoFlow with a price tag of 1,999 hryvnias. JBL Tune 720BT (price from 2120 hryvnias) and JBL Tune 770NC (price from 3378 hryvnias) are worthy of attention.
8.2/10
Estimated by ITC.ua
Autonomy
9
Software
8
Design, ergonomics, materials, assembly quality
9
Sound quality
7
Conclusion:
Sony WH-CH720N – ascetic wireless headphones with universal sound and an adequate price/quality/ability ratio. The model will not be suitable for audiophiles, but will appeal to all music lovers, especially fans of “heavy” styles of music. There is a powerful, but soft bass, although it climbs into the middle frequencies, but there are also noticeable peaks. If you still have complaints about the sound, the headphones have a serious proprietary application with various presets and a great equalizer.
The wireless model has a good quality of materials and assembly. It also received excellent battery life, but its ascetic design is a matter of taste. It is worth mentioning the useful function of active noise reduction and “transparent” mode. And there is a good microphone here, but together with the voice, it collects too much noise from the environment.
Buy at Comfy
