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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSony WH-CH720N is the better fit if you want over-ear headphones with active noise cancelling and ambient sound modes. Marshall Major V is the better fit if you prefer a foldable on-ear design and the longer manufacturer-rated wireless playtime. Both support Bluetooth multipoint. Published specifications do not establish which sounds better or which has stronger real-world noise cancellation, so the right choice depends mainly on how you plan to wear and use them.
How the two headphones differ
| Feature | Marshall Major V | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Wearing style | On-ear; foldable design, according to Marshall’s specifications. | Over-ear, according to Sony’s specifications. |
| Noise features | Marshall lists active noise cancellation as absent. | Noise cancelling and ambient sound features; Sony describes controls through the Sound Connect app. Sony product page |
| Rated wireless music playback | 100+ hours, as stated by Marshall; test conditions are not established here. | Up to 35 hours with noise cancelling on and 50 hours with it off, as stated by Sony. These are manufacturer ratings, not controlled comparisons with Marshall. |
| Bluetooth multipoint | Listed by Marshall. | Listed by Sony. |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3, according to Marshall. | 5.2, according to Sony. |
| Wired connection | 3.5 mm input/output, according to Marshall. | Stereo mini jack, according to Sony. |
| Published audio codecs | SBC, MPEG-2 AAC and LC3, according to Marshall. | SBC and AAC, according to Sony. |
| Weight | 186 g, according to Marshall. | Not stated in the cited Sony support specifications. |
These are manufacturer-published features and ratings. They do not show how either model performs in a direct sound-quality or noise-cancellation test.
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Choose Sony WH-CH720N for noise cancelling and over-ear coverage
The WH-CH720N is the clear choice of these two if active noise cancelling is a requirement: Sony lists noise cancelling and ambient sound, while Marshall lists no active noise cancellation for the Major V. Sony describes Dual Noise Sensor technology and an Integrated Processor V1, but those product descriptions are not evidence that it cancels noise better than another headphone in measured use.
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Its over-ear fit may also suit someone who wants earcups that surround the ears rather than rest on them. Fit and comfort are individual, however, and the published style alone cannot predict how the headphones will feel on your head.
#1 Best Overall
- MARSHALL SIGNATURE SOUND: Experience powerful bass, smooth mids and crisp treble that are expertly balanced.
- 100+ HOURS OF WIRELESS PLAYTIME: Listen to your favourite music for days without needing to charge.
- RUGGED AND FOLDABLE DESIGN: Major V is built to last and to be easily packed away with you wherever you go.
- CUSTOMIZABLE M-BUTTON: Instantly access Spotify Tap or your EQ settings or voice assistant at the press of a finger.
- WIRELESS CHARGING: Experience quick charging without the hassle of wires.
Choose Marshall Major V for foldability and rated playtime
Major V is the stronger match if portability through a folding design and long stretches between charges matter most. Marshall describes it as foldable and rates it for 100+ hours of wireless playtime. That headline figure is not directly comparable to Sony’s separate ratings of up to 35 hours with ANC on and 50 hours with it off: the manufacturers’ figures are not a shared head-to-head test, and actual battery life can vary with use.
Marshall also lists a 15-minute quick charge for 15 hours of playtime. Treat that as a manufacturer-stated charging rating, not a guarantee for every listening setup. The Major V has a customisable M-button and supports wireless charging, according to Marshall’s product specifications.
Rank #2
- MARSHALL SIGNATURE SOUND: Experience powerful bass, smooth mids and crisp treble that are expertly balanced.
- 100+ HOURS OF WIRELESS PLAYTIME: Listen to your favourite music for days without needing to charge.
- RUGGED AND FOLDABLE DESIGN: Major V is built to last and to be easily packed away with you wherever you go.
- CUSTOMIZABLE M-BUTTON: Instantly access Spotify Tap or your EQ settings or voice assistant at the press of a finger.
- WIRELESS CHARGING: Experience quick charging without the hassle of wires.
Multipoint does not decide this comparison
Both brands list Bluetooth multipoint, so the feature is not a differentiator on the available specifications. It is relevant if you want to connect the headphones to more than one device, such as a phone and laptop; the cited material does not establish that one implementation works better than the other.
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Do not choose on sound quality without a direct comparison
The official product and support pages describe features and specifications, not independent comparative listening results. They do not establish a sound-quality winner, a microphone or call-quality winner, or which model has stronger real-world noise cancellation. If any of those is your deciding factor, look for a direct test of both models under comparable conditions rather than inferring performance from codec lists or marketing language.
Rank #3
- MARSHALL SIGNATURE SOUND: Experience powerful bass, smooth mids and crisp treble that are expertly balanced.
- 100+ HOURS OF WIRELESS PLAYTIME: Listen to your favourite music for days without needing to charge.
- RUGGED AND FOLDABLE DESIGN: Major V is built to last and to be easily packed away with you wherever you go.
- CUSTOMIZABLE M-BUTTON: Instantly access Spotify Tap or your EQ settings or voice assistant at the press of a finger.
- WIRELESS CHARGING: Experience quick charging without the hassle of wires.
What the launch dates and prices tell you
Marshall announced Major V on April 16, 2024, and said global sales would begin April 23, 2024. Its announcement gave a US launch price of $149; that is historical launch pricing, not a current quote. Marshall Group’s announcement
Sony announced the WH-CH720N on February 21, 2023. Sony’s announcement described up to 35 hours with noise cancelling on and multipoint connection. No current, same-market prices for both models are established here, so check local listings before using price as a deciding factor.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 70 HOURS OF WIRELESS PLAYTIME WITH ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION: 70 hours of wireless playtime with active noise cancellation. 100 hours without. Countless hours of explosive listening
- ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLING & TRANSPARENCY MODE: Monitor III A.N.C.’s active noise cancellation has been significantly upgraded from the previous model. We’ve also introduced new advanced technology that continuously measures ambient noise to block out unwanted sounds. With three levels of noise cancellation you can adjust it to your preference or let some of the outside world in using Transparency mode.
- MARSHALL SIGNATURE SOUND: Sensational sound guarantee. Featuring Dynamic Loudness, these headphones adjust the treble, mids and bass in the most optimal way at every volume.
- RUGGED AND FOLDABLE DESIGN: Its rugged build means you can take on everyday wear and tear. You can pack it away with ease in its premium hard case thanks to its foldable design. And its soft ear cushions deliver a comfortable all-day listening experience. These over-ear headphones don’t disappoint.
- SOUNDSTAGE SPATIAL AUDIO: Introducing our new Soundstage spatial audio feature. It releases your music by moving it out of your head and giving it a wider presence, so that you feel more immersed.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
