Get ready for an epic headphone showdown between two affordable Sony heavyweights. In one corner we have the scrappy budget battler, the on-ear WH-CH520, hoping its affordable price tag can pack a punch. And in the other corner, the more powerful over-ear WH-CH720N steps into the ring with fancy active noise-canceling features, but at a higher cost.
These two wireless headphones from Sony’s extensive audio lineup are ready to battle for your ears and wallet. We’ll compare their designs, sound quality, battery life, connectivity, and other key factors to help you determine which model delivers the most value. Can the cheaper WH-CH520 pull off an upset, or will the pricier WH-CH720N flex its noise-canceling muscles for the win? Let’s take a closer look at what each brings to this headphone prize fight!
- Battery Life: 50 Hours (35 w/ ANC)
- ANC: Decent Performance
- Sound: Warm & Bassy
- Cost: $$
- Battery Life: 50 Hours
- ANC: N/A
- Sound: Neutral and Full
- Cost: $
Table of Contents
Key Feature Comparison Table
| Features | Sony WH-CH720N | Sony WH-CH520 |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Price | $150 | $60 |
| Type of Headphones | Over-Ear | On-Ear |
| Total Battery Life | 50 hours (35 w/ ANC) | 50 hours |
| Weight | 6.77 oz | 5.19 oz |
| ANC Support | Yes | No |
| Fast Charging | 10-min = 4.5 hours | 3-min = 1.5 hours |
| Wired Connection | Yes | No |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Codec Support | SBC & AAC | SBC & AAC |
| App Support | Yes | Yes |
| Customizable EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Included Case | No | No |
Battery Life and Charging
When comparing fast-charging capabilities, the WH-CH720N is the winner, providing 4.5 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge compared to 1.5 hours (after a 3-minute charge) for the WH-CH520. Both support charging via USB-C. Both the Sony WH-CH520 and WH-CH720N offer an impressive 50 hours of total listening time. When ANC is enabled on the WH-CH720N, battery life drops to 35 hours. The WH-CH520 doesn’t support ANC.
Overall, these headphones perform similarly for total battery life, while the more premium Sony WH-CH720N have superior fast charging capabilities. As for charging, both can be charged via a universal, more convenient USB-C cable.
App Support & Connectivity
In terms of audio codecs, neither support LDAC or other advanced codecs, but both support SBC and AAC. For music quality, LDAC would have been ideal but these codecs can still provide a high-quality audio experience. Note that some source devices, like iPhones don’t support LDAC. For proper use, your headphones and source device must support LDAC. One area where the Sony WH-CH720N and WH-CH520 differ is wired playback support. While the WH-CH720N are designed to function as wireless Bluetooth headphones, they have the added benefit of a 3.5mm jack, which the WH-CH520N lacks.
One big advantage these headphones do share is app support, made possible through Sony Headphones Connect, a handy tool for configuring EQ levels and tweaking user sound profiles. This means users won’t have to rely on 3rd party solutions to modify the sound or adjust bass levels to their liking. The app also adds other features like button mapping, playback control, and future updates. The Sony WH-CH520 and WH-CH720N utilize Bluetooth 5.2 and support multipoint connections. This allows seamless switching between devices.
Comparing Design: Sony WH-CH720N & Sony WH-CH520
The WH-CH720N and WH-CH520 aren’t the most portable headphone models; they can’t fold down or collapse for easier storage. In terms of weight, the Sony WH-CH520 on-ear headphones are lighter at 5.19 oz versus 6.77 oz for the Sony WH-CH720N. The Sony WH-CH720N has slightly better build quality and look compared to the WH-CH520. Both still have fairly understated and minimal looks. Both models are available in black, blue, and white. The WH-CH520 additionally adds a beige option.
The WH-CH520 and the WH-CH720N have physical buttons to control playback, volume, and voice assistant access. The WH-CH720N has more buttons making controls a little more intuitive. Unfortunately, neither model includes a carrying case or pouch.
Which Headphones Have Better Sound Quality?
The Sony CH720N carry a slightly bass-heavy sound that some may find more enjoyable for bass-heavy genres like hip-hop. Those who like bassy headphones will appreciate the WH-CH720N’s more robust low-end. On the other hand, the WH-CH520 comes with a more balanced sound profile with neutral bass, accurate mids, and slightly subdued treble. You can customize the EQ on either of these headphones using the Sony Headphones app. This is perfect for tweaking the sound settings based on the content you’re listening to.
The app also opens up a few other features for these headphones. Both the WH-CH520 and WH-CH720N offer 360 Reality Audio, also known as Spatial Audio or 3D sound. This neat technology gives users an immersive experience. It tracks the listener’s head movement while the audio adjusts accordingly. Additionally, Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE), a feature that reconstructs compressed low-quality sound into higher-quality audio, comes as standard for both models.
Additionally, the WH-CH720N has two microphones in each earcup, while the WH-CH520 only has one built-in microphone. Both headphones work well for phone and video calls.
Active Noise Cancellation Performance
A key difference between these two Sony headphones is that only the WH-CH720N has active noise cancelation, made possible thanks to Sony’s Integrated Processor V1 chip working in tandem with their ANC technology. The WH-CH720N also supports an ambient sound mode that enables the headset to amplify background noise. This is also known as “transparency mode”. 20 different levels can be selected depending on how much ambient noise the listener wants to eliminate. Keep in mind that battery life with noise canceling enabled drains significantly faster.
Users who want noise-canceling features should obviously pick the WH-CH720N. Actual ANC performance is decent, but not as good as high-end models such as the flagship WH-1000XM5. Their ability to reduce low frequencies is particularly lacking. This means travelers or those with brutal commutes won’t fare as well in blocking the sound of bus and plane engines. They are more effective for midrange and high-frequency sounds (think nearby voices at work or the fan in your home office.
In Conclusion: Better Budget Sony Headphones?
- Battery Life: 50 Hours (35 w/ ANC)
- ANC: Decent Performance
- Sound: Warm & Bassy
- Cost: $$
- Battery Life: 50 Hours
- ANC: N/A
- Sound: Neutral and Full
- Cost: $
In summary, the Sony WH-CH520 and WH-CH720N are both more affordable headphone models. The WH-CH720N is the better option for users wanting active noise canceling features with the added benefits of a 3.5mm jack and more intuitive controls. On the other hand, the WH-CH520 is a great option for casual users looking for value. With its more advanced features, the WH-CH720N might be the wiser investment in the long run although the $90 difference compared to the WH-CH520 is something to consider.
Alternatives Headphones and Similar Options
You can find several comparisons below for headphones that are similar in price and feature set:
- Sony WH-CH520 vs JBL Tune 510BT
- Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-CH720N
- JBL Tune 760NC vs Sony WH-CH520
- Anker Soundcore Space Q45 vs Soundcore Life Q30
- Sony WH-XB910N vs Anker Soundcore Life Q30
Comparison List: Sony WH-CH720N vs Sony WH-CH520
Supported Codecs:
Both headphones support SBC and AAC codecs for decent wireless audio but lack LDAC support found in premium models. LDAC would allow for high-res streaming.
Bluetooth Connectivity:
The headphones have similar specs here – both have Bluetooth 5.2 and support multipoint pairing to two devices. This allows seamless switching, between say, an iPhone or Android device on-the-go without the need for complex setups.
Companion App Support:
The Sony Headphones Connect app allows you to customize EQ and Clear Bass settings on both the WH-CH520 and WH-CH720N. It is available as a free download for iOS and Android smartphones.
Fast Charging:
The WH-CH720N’s fast charging provides 4.5 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge, versus just 1.5 hours after a 3-minute charge with the WH-CH520.
Weight:
At just 5.19 oz, the Sony WH-CH520 are lighter and less bulky for long-term wear. The Sony WH-CH720N noise-canceling headphones weigh 6.77 oz, which is still reasonable for over-ear headsets.
Charging Connection:
Just like the WH-CH720N, the WH-CH510 over-ear wireless headset uses a convenient USB-C port for charging instead of the older micro USB.
Included Case:
Unfortunately, neither pair of headphones includes a protective case or pouch. You’ll need to supply your own case. Consider the dimensions of each set of headphones when planning to purchase a case as there is no “one-size-fits-all” option.
Headphone Type:
The Sony WH-CH520 are lightweight on-ear headphones ideal for portable use while the WH-CH720N are bulkier over-ear headphones that help isolate exterior noise. Both wearing styles have pros and cons (see above).
Active Noise Cancellation:
Only the WH-CH720N headphones have this feature. This model borrows components from high-end headphones like the WH-1000XM5.
Wired Playback:
Support for wired audio for when the battery dies makes the Sony WH-CH720N a great option for professional or casual use anywhere. Likewise, wired playback has higher fidelity. The WH-CH520 doesn’t support listening through a wired connection.
Battery Life:
Both headphones offer around 50 hours of playback on a single charge. The WH-CH720N drops to 35 hours of battery life when ANC is enabled.
Keith Collins has been writing for over 15 years for various publications. He’s a lover of music, home theater, and excellent sound quality. His fondness for technology in addition to his non-stop curiosity fuels his writing ventures.