Sony WH-CH720N vs Bose QuietComfort SC
Get the Sony WH-CH720N unless you need the Bose QuietComfort SC's adjustable noise cancellation. The WH-CH720N's 35-hour battery life crushes the 24 hours of the QuietComfort SC, making it a no-brainer for long trips or daily commutes. In real-world use, the WH-CH720N's lightweight design at just 6.8 oz offers all-day comfort. Meanwhile, the Bose's soft case is convenient but provides much less protection than a hard case, which matters if you're traveling frequently. So, consider how you plan to use them before deciding which is right for you.
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Sony WH-CH720N
Bose QuietComfort SC
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-CH720N vs Bose QuietComfort SC
Sony WH-CH720N
Bose QuietComfort SC
| Criterion | Sony WH-CH720N | Bose QuietComfort SC |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(1,666)Best Buy | ★4.6(16,733)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack (wired) | Bluetooth 5.1 + 2.5mm Jack (Analog) + USB-C (Charging only) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.1 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC | AAC, SBC |
ANC | Digital Noise Canceling (Integrated Processor V1 + Dual Noise Sensor) | Yes (Quiet Mode, Aware Mode, Custom Modes with Wind Block) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode - 20 levels via app) | Yes (Aware Mode with ActiveSense) |
Drivers | 30 mm Dynamic | Bose TriPort acoustic architecture (Proprietary) |
Frequency Response | 7 Hz – 20,000 Hz (JEITA) | Not disclosed by manufacturer |
Microphones | Beamforming microphones with Precise Voice Pickup Technology | Built-in microphone array (calls/ANC) + In-line microphone on audio cable |
Battery Life | 35 hours (ANC On) / 50 hours (ANC Off) | Up to 24 hours (Bluetooth + ANC) |
Battery Life | N/A (No charging case) | N/A (No charging case) |
Charging | USB-C; 3 min charge = 60 min playback; Full charge ~3.5 hours | USB-C; 2.5 hours full charge; 15 min rapid charge = up to 4 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) | Yes (2 devices) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Not supported) | No (Standard SBC/AAC latency) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.94 ft / 1.2 m stereo cable included) | Yes (2.5mm to 3.5mm analog cable included; works passively without battery) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | None (No IP rating) |
Weight | 6.8 oz (192 g) | 8.5 oz (240 g) |
Controls | Physical buttons + Sony | Headphones Connect App | Physical buttons (Power/BT, Volume +/-, Multi-function, Action button) |
App Eq | Sony | Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | Bose Music app (3-band EQ, Custom ANC modes, Shortcut settings) |
Extras | DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine); 360 Reality Audio; Adaptive Sound Control | Soft carrying case (SC exclusive); SimpleSync (connect to Bose soundbars); Spotify Tap |
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Sony WH-CH720N
✓ Pros:
- • Integrated Processor V1 (same chip as flagship WH-1000XM5)
- • Extremely lightweight design (6.8 oz) for all-day comfort
- • Solid battery life (35H ANC / 50H Standard)
- • Multipoint connection support
- • Excellent app support with customizable EQ and DSEE
✗ Cons:
- • No carrying case included (only cables)
- • No LDAC codec support (SBC/AAC only)
- • No official IP water-resistance rating
- • Build quality feels plasticky compared to premium tiers
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Bose QuietComfort SC
✓ Pros:
- • World-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and Wind Block
- • Extremely comfortable 'clamp-free' fit suitable for all-day wear
- • Physical buttons provide reliable control compared to touch gestures
- • Soft case makes the headphones easier to pack into tight bags than hard shells
- • Multipoint Bluetooth allows seamless switching between phone and laptop
✗ Cons:
- • Soft case offers significantly less impact protection than the standard hard case
- • Lacks high-bitrate codecs (aptX/LDAC) found in competitors
- • Wired connection requires a 2.5mm cable (less common than 3.5mm)
- • No USB-C audio support (USB port is for charging only)
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Which one is better?
The Sony WH-CH720N is the better buy for most people - its 35-hour battery life crushes the Bose QuietComfort SC's 24 hours. That said, grab the Bose if you need adjustable noise cancellation features - it's worth considering for specific environments.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-CH720N if: you want long battery life for travel, need a lightweight design for all-day comfort, or prefer an affordable option with solid performance. (6.77 oz weight)
Choose the Bose QuietComfort SC if: you want the best noise cancellation for commuting, prefer a more comfortable fit for extended wear, or need a soft case for easy packing. (8.47 oz weight)
Conclusion
Sony WH-CH720N and Bose QuietComfort SC are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Sony WH-CH720N excels if you value integrated processor v1 (same chip as flagship wh-1000xm5). Bose QuietComfort SC is better if you prioritize world-class noise cancellation with adjustable modes and wind block. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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