Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-CH720N
Battery life: Sony WH-CH720N is rated for up to 35 hours with ANC on, compared to 30 hours for the WH-1000XM4. In real-world use, you'll find that the WH-1000XM4 excels in sound quality and comfort, while the WH-CH720N's Integrated Processor V1 brings impressive performance for a mid-range headphone. Key specs: Weight: 8.96 oz vs 6.77 oz and Battery: 30h vs 35h (ANC On).
Why compare these? The Sony WH-1000XM4 (premium flagship) and Sony WH-CH720N (mid-range) represent different approaches to headphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.5★ (623 reviews) | 4.4★ (14,116 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Integrated Processor V1 (same chip as flagship WH-1000XM5) |
| Main Drawback | No official IP water resistance rating | No carrying case included (only cables) |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Mid-range |
Sony WH-1000XM4
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Sony WH-CH720N
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack (wired)
5.2
SBC, AAC
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Sony WH-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-CH720N
Sony WH-1000XM4
Sony WH-CH720N
| Criterion | Sony WH-1000XM4 | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(623)Amazon | ★4.4(14,116)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack (wired) |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.0 | 5.2 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC | SBC, AAC |
ANC | Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling) | Digital Noise Canceling (Integrated Processor V1 + Dual Noise Sensor) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode) | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode - 20 levels via app) |
Drivers | 40 mm, Dome type (CCAW Voice coil) | 30 mm Dynamic |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 40,000 Hz (Wired) | 7 Hz – 20,000 Hz (JEITA) |
Microphones | 5 mics (Precise Voice Pickup + Dual Noise Sensor) | Beamforming microphones with Precise Voice Pickup Technology |
Battery Life | Up to 30 h (ANC On) / 38 h (ANC Off) | 35 hours (ANC On) / 50 hours (ANC Off) |
Battery Life | N/A (Not TWS) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C (Fast charge: 10 min ≈ 5 h playback) | USB-C; 3 min charge = 60 min playback; Full charge ~3.5 hours |
Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Video sync is good, but no dedicated Gaming Mode) | No (Not supported) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.5 mm) | Yes (3.94 ft / 1.2 m stereo cable included) |
Water Resistance | No IP Rating | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 254 g (8.96 oz) | 6.8 oz (192 g) |
Controls | Touch sensor (Right earcup); Physical buttons (Power, Custom) | Physical buttons + Sony | Headphones Connect App |
App Eq | Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Sony | Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) |
Extras | Speak-to-Chat; DSEE Extreme; Wearing Detection (Auto-pause); 360 Reality Audio | DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine); 360 Reality Audio; Adaptive Sound Control |
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Sony WH-1000XM4
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.0; 3.5 mm; USB-C (charging only); NFC
Bluetooth 5.0
SBC, AAC, LDAC
Yes (Industry-leading Digital Noise Cancelling)
Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
Pros
- Top-tier Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Excellent folding design (more portable than XM5)
Cons
- No official IP water resistance rating
- Microphone quality is good, but not best-in-class anymore
Sony WH-CH720N
Over-ear (closed-back)
Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack (wired)
5.2
SBC, AAC
Digital Noise Canceling (Integrated Processor V1 + Dual Noise Sensor)
Yes (Ambient Sound Mode - 20 levels via app)
Pros
- Integrated Processor V1 (same chip as flagship WH-1000XM5)
- Extremely lightweight design (6.8 oz) for all-day comfort
Cons
- No carrying case included (only cables)
- No LDAC codec support (SBC/AAC only)
Which one is better?
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better buy for most people - its top-tier ANC and sound quality crush the WH-CH720N. That said, grab the WH-CH720N if you want something lighter and more affordable - it's lighter.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-1000XM4 if: you want the best noise cancellation, you prioritize sound quality, or you need a headphone for long listening sessions. (8.96 oz weight)
Choose the Sony WH-CH720N if: you want a lightweight design for all-day wear, you need reliable battery life for travel, or you're looking to save money without sacrificing too much performance. (6.77 oz weight)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.5★ vs 4.4★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM4
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 14,116 reviews vs 623
→ Choose Sony WH-CH720N
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Sony WH-1000XM4
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Sony WH-CH720N
Conclusion
Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sony WH-CH720N are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: The Sony WH-1000XM4 edges ahead with a 4.5★ rating compared to 4.4★. However, Sony WH-CH720N remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Sony WH-1000XM4 or Sony WH-CH720N?
Sony WH-1000XM4 is the better choice if you prioritize top-tier active noise cancellation (anc). Sony WH-CH720N wins if you value integrated processor v1 (same chip as flagship wh-1000xm5). Both are rated highly (4.5★ vs 4.4★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Sony WH-1000XM4 and Sony WH-CH720N?
Key differences: Sony WH-1000XM4 offers top-tier active noise cancellation (anc), while Sony WH-CH720N stands out with integrated processor v1 (same chip as flagship wh-1000xm5). Consider that Sony WH-1000XM4 no official ip water resistance rating. Meanwhile, Sony WH-CH720N no carrying case included (only cables). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 26, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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