When shopping for wireless headphones, Sony is a name most people trust. With the market full of options, picking between the Sony WH-CH520 and Sony WH-CH720N can be confusing. Both are popular, but they target different users and price ranges. So, is the extra money for the WH-CH720N worth it, or does the WH-CH520 deliver better value? This guide will walk you through all the key differences, real-life performance, and which one makes sense for you.
Design And Comfort
One of the first things people notice is how headphones look and feel. The Sony WH-CH520 is lightweight, mostly plastic, and has a simple, playful style. It is available in black, blue, white, and beige. The earcups are on-ear, which means they sit directly on your ears. This makes the CH520 easy to wear for short periods, especially if you’re on the move or need something portable.
The Sony WH-CH720N feels more premium, with a sleeker design and a bit more weight. Its earcups are over-ear, covering your ears fully. This helps with both comfort and passive noise isolation. The padding is thicker, and the headband feels more solid. If you plan to wear your headphones for hours—like during work, travel, or long study sessions—the CH720N is the better pick for comfort.
Non-obvious tip: On-ear headphones like the CH520 can cause ear fatigue faster than over-ear models, especially in hot weather.
Sound Quality
Sound is where Sony usually shines. The WH-CH520 offers clear and balanced audio for its price. Bass is present but not overwhelming. Treble and vocals are crisp, making it great for podcasts and pop music. However, the soundstage is limited because of the on-ear design.
The WH-CH720N moves up a level. It uses Sony’s V1 processor, similar to their high-end models. The bass is deeper, mids are warmer, and the overall sound has more space. You’ll notice details in jazz, classical, and electronic tracks that the CH520 misses. It also supports the LDAC codec for higher-quality wireless audio, but only with compatible devices.
Example: If you listen to a song with complex instruments, the CH720N will let you hear each one more clearly.
Active Noise Cancellation
This is the biggest difference. The WH-CH520 does not have active noise cancellation (ANC). You hear your surroundings—traffic, chatter, or office noise—along with your music.
The WH-CH720N comes with ANC, which blocks much of the background noise. It’s not as strong as Sony’s flagship models, but for the price, it’s impressive. This makes it great for flights, trains, or noisy cafes. You also get an ambient mode that lets in outside sounds when needed, which is helpful for announcements or crossing streets.
Insight: ANC can drain battery faster, but it’s a game-changer if you value peace and focus.
Battery Life
Both headphones do well here, but with different strengths. The WH-CH520 offers up to 50 hours of playback on a single charge (without ANC, since it doesn’t have it). This is excellent for students, commuters, or anyone who hates charging often. A quick 3-minute charge gives 1.5 hours of playtime.
The WH-CH720N gives about 35 hours with ANC off, and 25 hours with ANC on. It supports fast charging too—3 minutes for 1 hour of playtime. While not as long as the CH520, it’s still enough for most users, even on long trips.
Controls And Connectivity
Both models use Bluetooth 5.2, which means stable connections and low delay. Multipoint pairing (connect to two devices at once) is supported on the CH720N, but not on the CH520. This is useful if you switch between phone and laptop often.
For controls, both have physical buttons for volume, track skip, and calls. The CH720N also offers a button to switch between ANC and ambient modes. Neither has touch controls, which some may prefer for reliability.
The CH720N comes with a 3.5mm audio jack, so you can use it with a cable when the battery is low or with devices that don’t have Bluetooth. The CH520 is wireless only—no wired option.
Microphone And Call Quality
Call quality can be the deciding factor for remote workers or students. The WH-CH520 has a basic microphone that works fine in quiet places but struggles in noisy environments.
The WH-CH720N has a better mic system with noise reduction, making your voice clearer on calls, even in busy areas. This can make a big difference if you take a lot of online meetings.
Portability And Build Quality
The WH-CH520 is lighter (about 147g) and folds flat, making it easy to throw in a bag. However, the build is less sturdy, and the plastic can feel cheap.
The WH-CH720N is heavier (192g) but still light for over-ear headphones. It feels more solid and durable. The earcups swivel but do not fold inward, so it takes up more space in your bag.
Practical tip: If you want a “throw-in-your-backpack” headphone, the CH520 wins. For daily heavy use, the CH720N is more likely to last.
Features And App Support
Both models work with the Sony Headphones Connect app. The CH720N has more features in the app, including:
- Customizable EQ (equalizer) settings
- ANC and ambient sound adjustment
- Adaptive sound control (changes ANC based on your activity)
- Firmware updates
The CH520 offers basic EQ and firmware updates, but no ANC controls.
Price And Value
Price is a key reason why people compare these two. The WH-CH520 usually sells for around $60 USD. The WH-CH720N costs about $150 USD, more than double the price.
If you just want good wireless sound for music or calls, and don’t need ANC or premium features, the CH520 is hard to beat for the price. But if you want better sound, noise cancellation, and more comfort for long sessions, the CH720N is worth the extra money.
Common mistake: Some buyers pay extra for ANC without really needing it. If you mostly use headphones at home or in quiet spaces, the CH520 might be enough.
Side-by-side Comparison
Here’s a quick look at the main specs and features:
| Feature | Sony WH-CH520 | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Design | On-ear, lightweight | Over-ear, premium feel |
| Noise Cancellation | No | Yes (ANC + Ambient Mode) |
| Battery Life | Up to 50 hrs | Up to 35 hrs (25 with ANC) |
| Wired Option | No | Yes |
| Multipoint Pairing | No | Yes |
| Weight | 147g | 192g |
| App Features | Basic | Advanced (EQ, ANC controls) |
| Price (USD) | ~$60 | ~$150 |
Which Should You Buy? Real-life Scenarios
Choosing between these two depends on your needs, not just specs.
If You Want Budget And Simplicity
The WH-CH520 is best if you:
- Want to spend as little as possible
- Listen in quiet places
- Prefer lightweight, portable headphones
- Don’t need noise cancellation
It’s a good choice for students, kids, or anyone who just needs reliable wireless audio.
If You Need Noise Cancellation And Comfort
The WH-CH720N is the better fit if you:
- Travel or commute often
- Work in noisy environments
- Wear headphones for long periods
- Care about audio quality and extra features
It’s also better for remote work and online meetings because of its microphone and ANC.
Non-obvious insight: Over-ear ANC headphones can also help you focus in busy homes or open offices, not just on planes.
User Reviews And Reliability
Both models have received positive reviews, but with different highlights.
- WH-CH520 users love the battery and value but mention ear discomfort after long use.
- WH-CH720N owners praise the comfort and ANC but wish it came with a case and cost a bit less.
Neither model is known for major reliability issues, but the CH720N’s sturdier build means it may survive daily wear and tear better.
Alternatives To Consider
If you are unsure about these two, Sony’s lineup includes other options, like the WH-XB910N (stronger bass, similar ANC to the CH720N), or the older WH-CH710N (sometimes discounted).
Other brands like JBL, Anker, and Sennheiser offer competitors, but Sony’s Headphones Connect app and reliable support make these models hard to beat for the price.
Sample Use Cases
To help you decide, here’s how each model fits different lifestyles:
| User Type | WH-CH520 | WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Student | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Traveler | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Remote Worker | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Gym/Outdoor | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Budget Buyer | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Audio Enthusiast | ❌ | ✔️ |
Final Verdict
Both the Sony WH-CH520 and Sony WH-CH720N are excellent for their price. If your priority is pure value, the CH520 is hard to beat. It offers great battery life, good sound, and a very low price. But if you want noise cancellation, better comfort, and superior sound, the CH720N is worth the extra investment.
The main question: Do you need ANC and plan to wear your headphones for many hours at a time? If yes, go for the WH-CH720N. If not, save your money with the WH-CH520.
For more details and the latest official specs, visit the Sony Headphones Official Page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Sony Wh-ch720n Worth The Higher Price Over The Wh-ch520?
If you need active noise cancellation, better comfort for long sessions, and higher sound quality, the WH-CH720N justifies its price. Otherwise, the WH-CH520 offers great value.
Can I Use The Wh-ch520 Or Wh-ch720n For Gaming?
Both headphones can be used for casual gaming. However, the WH-CH720N’s wired option and lower latency make it slightly better for gaming, especially on a PC or console.
How Long Do The Batteries Last On Each Model?
The WH-CH520 lasts up to 50 hours on a full charge. The WH-CH720N lasts up to 35 hours with ANC off, or 25 hours with ANC on. Both support quick charging.
Which Model Is Better For Making Phone Calls?
The WH-CH720N has a better microphone system with noise reduction, so your voice is clearer in noisy environments. The WH-CH520 is decent but struggles with background noise.
Do These Headphones Work With The Sony Headphones Connect App?
Yes, both work with the app. The WH-CH720N offers more features, like advanced EQ and ANC controls, while the WH-CH520 supports basic EQ and updates.
