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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

Sony WH-CH720N vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

If you are torn between Sony WH-CH720N and Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones, this breakdown is for you. We compare specs, pros, and cons so you can decide confidently.

Ratings: 4.6★ vs 4.2★

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Sony WH-CH720N

Sony WH-CH720N

4.6
(1,666)Best Buy
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack (wired)
Bluetooth Version:5.2
Codecs:SBC, AAC
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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed, dynamic)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack)
Bluetooth Version:5.2
Codecs:SBC, AAC, LDAC
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Comparison: Sony WH-CH720N vs Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

Sony WH-CH720N

Sony WH-CH720N

4.6(1,666)Best Buy
Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

4.2(18,670)Amazon
Sony WH-CH720N

Sony WH-CH720N

Rating:4.6(1,666)Best Buy
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed-back)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack (wired)
Bluetooth Version:5.2
Codecs:SBC, AAC
ANC:Digital Noise Canceling (Integrated Processor V1 + Dual Noise Sensor)
Transparency:Yes (Ambient Sound Mode - 20 levels via app)
Drivers:30 mm Dynamic
Frequency Response:7 Hz – 20,000 Hz (JEITA)
Microphones:Beamforming microphones with Precise Voice Pickup Technology
Battery Life:35 hours (ANC On) / 50 hours (ANC Off)
Battery Life:N/A (No charging case)
Charging:USB-C; 3 min charge = 60 min playback; Full charge ~3.5 hours
Multipoint:Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously)
Low Latency Mode:No (Not supported)
Wired Mode:Yes (3.94 ft / 1.2 m stereo cable included)
Water Resistance:None (No IP rating)
Weight:6.8 oz (192 g)
Controls:Physical buttons + Sony | Headphones Connect App
App Eq:Sony | Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass)
Extras:DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine); 360 Reality Audio; Adaptive Sound Control

✓ 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

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones

Rating:4.2(18,670)Amazon
Form Factor:Over-ear (closed, dynamic)
Connectivity:Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm (stereo mini jack)
Bluetooth Version:5.2
Codecs:SBC, AAC, LDAC
ANC:Yes (Industry-leading Active Noise Cancellation)
Transparency:Yes (Ambient Sound Mode)
Drivers:30 mm (1.18") precision-engineered driver unit
Frequency Response:4 Hz–40,000 Hz (Wired) / 20 Hz–40,000 Hz (LDAC)
Microphones:8 total (4 per earcup for NC and calls)
Battery Life:Up to 30 hrs (NC on) / Up to 40 hrs (NC off)
Battery Life:N/A (Headphones only)
Charging:USB-C; ~3.5 hrs full charge; 3 min = 3 hrs playback (PD)
Multipoint:Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously)
Low Latency Mode:No dedicated mode (Connection priority via app)
Wired Mode:Yes (3.5mm cable included)
Water Resistance:None (No IP rating)
Weight:250 g (approx.)
Controls:Touch sensor (right cup) + Physical buttons (power/NC)
App Eq:Sony Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass)
Extras:Speak-to-Chat, DSEE Extreme, 360 Reality Audio, Auto NC Optimizer

✓ Pros:

  • Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC)
  • Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system
  • Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions
  • Fast charging (3 min for 3 hours playback)
  • Multipoint connection works seamlessly

✗ Cons:

  • Non-foldable design reduces portability
  • Price increase compared to previous generation
  • No IP water resistance rating
  • Auto NC Optimizer cannot be manually forced to max

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Which one is better?

Based on ratings and feature balance, Sony WH-CH720N has a slight edge for quality and performance. Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones remains a strong alternative if its strengths match your needs.

Who should buy each?

Expert take:
- Sony WH-CH720N suits buyers who need Integrated Processor V1 (same chip as flagship WH-1000XM5), Extremely lightweight design (6.8 oz) for all-day comfort
- Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones suits buyers who want Market-leading active noise cancellation (ANC), Excellent call quality with 8-microphone system

Conclusion

We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

+Which has better value?

Sony WH-CH720N excels if you value integrated processor v1 (same chip as flagship wh-1000xm5). Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Headphones is better if you prioritize market-leading active noise cancellation (anc). 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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