Sony WH-CH720N vs Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Sony WH-CH720N is the mid-range option here, but its Integrated Processor V1 offers a level of sound quality that truly elevates your listening experience. With a weight of just 6.8 oz, it's designed for all-day comfort, making it a fantastic choice for long commutes or office use. If you’re on a budget and need great battery life, the Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones might catch your eye. With up to 60 hours of playback time, you'll have enough juice for multiple long-haul flights without needing to charge. So, which is better for your needs in 2026? Let's break it down.
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Sony WH-CH720N
Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
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 Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
Sony WH-CH720N
Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
| Criterion | Sony WH-CH720N | Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(1,666)Best Buy | ★4.6(49,159)Amazon |
Form Factor | Over-ear (closed-back) | Over-ear (closed-back) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 + 3.5mm Stereo Mini Jack (wired) | Bluetooth 5.0 + 3.5mm AUX (wired) |
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
ANC | Digital Noise Canceling (Integrated Processor V1 + Dual Noise Sensor) | Yes (Hybrid ANC; reduces up to 90% of low-frequency noise) |
Transparency | Yes (Ambient Sound Mode - 20 levels via app) | Yes (Transparency Mode) |
Drivers | 30 mm Dynamic | 40mm Dynamic Drivers (Hi-Res Audio Certified in wired mode) |
Frequency Response | 7 Hz – 20,000 Hz (JEITA) | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (Wireless) / 16 Hz – 40,000 Hz (Wired) |
Microphones | Beamforming microphones with Precise Voice Pickup Technology | Single microphone for calls (AI noise reduction); 4 total mics for ANC processing |
Battery Life | 35 hours (ANC On) / 50 hours (ANC Off) | Up to 60 hours (ANC off) / Up to 40 hours (ANC on) |
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 Fast Charge; 5 min charge = 4 hours playback |
Multipoint | Yes (Connect 2 devices simultaneously) | Yes (Dual-device connection) |
Low Latency Mode | No (Not supported) | No (Standard Bluetooth latency ~200ms) |
Wired Mode | Yes (3.94 ft / 1.2 m stereo cable included) | Yes (3.5mm AUX cable included; ANC functions are disabled in wired mode) |
Water Resistance | None (No IP rating) | No (No IP rating) |
Weight | 6.8 oz (192 g) | 8.6 oz (244 g) |
Controls | Physical buttons + Sony | Headphones Connect App | Physical Buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, NC Button) |
App Eq | Sony | Headphones Connect (5-band EQ + Clear Bass) | soundcore App (Custom EQ + 22 Presets) |
Extras | DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine); 360 Reality Audio; Adaptive Sound Control | BassUp Technology; Foldable design; White noise soundscapes in app |
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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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Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
✓ Pros:
- • Exceptional battery life (60 hours) outperforms many premium competitors
- • Hybrid ANC effectively blocks low-frequency engine noise for the price
- • App support allows for deep EQ customization and firmware updates
- • Bluetooth Multipoint is a rare and valuable feature in the budget tier
- • Comfortable, lightweight fit suitable for long listening sessions
✗ Cons:
- • Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) cannot be used in wired mode
- • Call quality is mediocre with only a single microphone for voice pickup
- • No low-latency mode makes it unsuitable for competitive wireless gaming
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Which one is better?
The Sony WH-CH720N is the better buy for most people - its Integrated Processor V1 crushes the Soundcore Life Q20i's sound quality. That said, grab the Soundcore if you prioritize battery life and want to save money - it lasts 60 hours vs 35 hours with ANC.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Sony WH-CH720N if: you want superior sound quality, you prioritize comfort for long listening sessions, or you value advanced features like app customization. (6.77 oz weight)
Choose the Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones if: you need exceptional battery life, you're looking for a budget-friendly option, or you mostly listen to music in wired mode. (8.61 oz weight)
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). Soundcore Life Q20i Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones is better if you prioritize exceptional battery life (60 hours) outperforms many premium competitors. 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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