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Prices, stock and promotions vary by country and date. Treat the figures below as launch prices or manufacturer-listed reference prices, not guaranteed offers, and check the final price and return policy before ordering.
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At a glance: the important differences
These headphones target the same broad buyer—someone who wants wireless over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation without paying flagship prices—but they emphasize different priorities. Nothing offers a newer Bluetooth version, more connection formats and much longer battery claims on paper. Sony is dramatically lighter in its published specification and provides a mature set of awareness and switching controls.
| Category | Nothing Headphone (a) | Sony WH-CH720N | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listed weight | 310 g (TechRadar specification table) | About 6.8 oz / 192 g (Sony support specification) | Sony has the lower stated weight, but comfort still depends on head shape, clamp and pad fit. |
| Battery claim | Up to 75 hours with ANC on; up to 135 hours with ANC off | Up to 35 hours with noise canceling on; up to 50 hours off | Figures come from different sources and test contexts; they are not a standardized head-to-head result. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4, with LDAC listed | Bluetooth 5.2, with SBC and AAC listed | Nothing offers a higher-bandwidth codec option for compatible devices; Sony covers common codecs. |
| Wired connections | USB-C audio and 3.5 mm jack listed | Stereo mini jack listed | Nothing is the more flexible choice if you want digital USB-C audio as well as analog fallback. |
| Awareness and switching | Feature list is broad, but the cited material does not establish Sony-equivalent multipoint or 20-level ambient adjustment | Multipoint, adjustable ambient sound in 20 levels, Focus on Voice and Adaptive Sound Control listed | Sony has the clearer advantage for managing two devices and tuning how much outside sound you hear. |
| Durability listing | IP52 listed | No equivalent IP rating was established in the cited specifications | IP52 is a limited dust-and-drip rating, not permission to wear either headset in heavy rain. |
| Reference prices | Launch pricing reported as $199 / £149 / AU$329 | US MSRP shown as $179.99 on Sony’s product FAQ, generated July 23, 2026 | Neither is a verified current checkout price; compare your local listings. |
Weight, codec and feature numbers are specification or editorial listing data. They do not prove that one headset will sound better, cancel more noise or feel more comfortable for every wearer.
#1 Best Overall
- Intelligent Noise Cancellation Adapts with You: Our Nothing headphone 1 feature advanced Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, powered by next-gen processors and adaptive mics, to block out distractions. Smart Adaptive Mode automatically adjusts to your environment, while Transparency Mode lets in ambient sound when you need awareness. Personalize your experience with four ANC settings (High/Mid/Low/Adaptive) for truly focused, crystal-clear listening
- Nothing x KEF Headphone (1) : Nothing Headphone (1) experience audio perfected through a unique partnership with British audio legend KEF. Leveraging over 60 years of acoustic expertise, Nothing Noise Cancelling Headphone delivers a naturally balanced sound stage where every note shines as artists intended. Enjoy unparalleled flexibility with Hi-Res Audio support including LDAC technology, USB-C audio, and a 3.5mm jack. Dual Connection capability lets you seamlessly switch between two devices
- Uninterrupted Audio with Immersive Sound: Engineered for all-day use, Nothing Headphones 1 deliver up to 80 hours of playtime (35 hours with ANC on). A quick 5-minute charge provides 5 hours of power. Coupled with this endurance is a lossless audio experience, Nothing Wireless Headphones offer Spatial Audio with head tracking and Hi-Res Wireless certification for exceptional clarity and a deeply immersive sound stage
- Sink In, Take Control: Designed for all-day wear, Nothing Bluetooth Wireless Headphone ergonomic frame and memory foam cushions provide a comfortable, secure fit. The Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphone features intuitive roller and paddle interface puts volume adjustment, playback, and noise mode switching at your fingertips, with full customization available in the Nothing X app. This thoughtful integration of form and function ensures a continuously surround sound Journey
- Explore the Nothing X app: Craft your unique audio profile with the Nothing X app's advanced 8-band equalizer.Tailor your Nothing Headphone 1 with Adaptive ANC settings and enhance depth with the Ultra Bass mode. Customize your Bluetooth active noise canceling headphones' touch buttons to execute your most-used commands instantly
Why the Nothing Headphone (a) may be the better fit
Longer claimed battery life
Nothing’s reviewed specification lists up to 75 hours with ANC enabled and 135 hours with ANC disabled. TechRadar said it could not fully test both claims during its review period. Digital Camera World reported extended use that appeared consistent with the figures, but that observation was not a controlled, standardized battery test. Use the numbers as manufacturer or review-period claims, not a guarantee of identical runtime with your codec, volume, calls and temperature.
Even with that qualification, the claimed endurance is the product’s clearest paper advantage. If you travel frequently, dislike charging or use headphones for long work sessions, the larger headroom could reduce charging frequency. Remember that enabling LDAC, taking calls, raising volume and using noisy environments can change real-world runtime.
More connection options
The Nothing model lists Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC, USB-C audio and a 3.5 mm jack. LDAC can carry higher-bitrate audio when both the source device and the listening app support it; it is not automatically higher quality with every phone or streaming service. USB-C audio can be useful with devices that provide digital audio over USB, while the analog jack is a practical fallback for airplanes, laptops or equipment without Bluetooth.
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TechRadar described the tested unit as energetic and spacious. The review sample had the More Bass profile enabled by default; the reviewer found that it suited some genres better than others and changed the equalizer to Balanced. That is a listening impression from one review, not an objective measurement or a direct comparison with Sony. If you enjoy a lively, bass-forward presentation, Nothing gives you a stronger evidence-based reason to start there, while an equalizer can moderate the emphasis.
IP52 listing
An IP52 listing suggests limited protection against dust and vertically or lightly angled dripping water under the rating’s test conditions. It does not make the headset waterproof. Keep it away from heavy rain, showers, sweat-soaked workouts and submersion, and follow the manufacturer’s care guidance.
Why the Sony WH-CH720N may be the better fit
Much lower listed weight
Sony lists the WH-CH720N at approximately 6.8 ounces, or about 192 grams, compared with 310 grams for the Nothing model in TechRadar’s specification table. That is a substantial difference on paper and may matter during long listening sessions or travel. It is not a comfort guarantee: headband padding, ear-pad shape, clamp pressure and your glasses can matter as much as mass. If returns are available, use them as protection against an unsuitable fit.
Multipoint and practical awareness controls
Sony’s product information lists multipoint connection, allowing the headset to maintain connections with two devices, plus adjustable ambient sound in 20 levels. Focus on Voice is intended to make speech easier to hear, and Adaptive Sound Control can adjust behavior based on activity and surroundings. These controls are meaningful if you move between a phone and computer, need to hear announcements or frequently switch between isolation and awareness.
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The Sony app is part of this control set. The manufacturer lists app functions alongside the ambient and adaptive features, but exact menus and behavior can vary with firmware and phone operating system. Update the app and headset firmware before troubleshooting connection or control issues.
Conventional codec support
Sony’s support specification lists Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC and AAC. Those codecs are broadly supported across phones, tablets and computers and tend to be straightforward to configure. You give up Nothing’s listed LDAC option, but compatibility is less complicated for users who simply want reliable everyday Bluetooth playback.
Battery life: how to interpret the numbers
Battery figures are often the most misleading part of a headphone comparison because brands can use different test modes. Keep the contexts separate:
- Nothing: up to 75 hours with ANC on and 135 hours with ANC off, as listed in a 2026 review specification table. Full verification was not completed during that review period; another reviewer’s extended use appeared consistent with the claim.
- Sony product page: up to 35 hours with noise canceling on and 50 hours off.
- Sony support sheet: up to 35 hours of continuous communication with noise canceling on and 40 hours with it off. Communication time is a separate category from music-playback figures.
Do not average these values or present them as if both companies used the same volume, codec, radio conditions and test playlist. For a fair personal estimate, charge each headset fully, use the same phone, codec, volume and ANC mode, and record the time until the low-battery warning. A single home test still will not represent every use case, but it is more useful for your routine than a headline maximum.
Noise cancellation and sound: what is actually established
Active noise cancellation
Digital Camera World found the Nothing’s ANC adequate for everyday travel and office use but not class-leading. Sony lists dual noise sensors and adjustable ambient-sound functions for the WH-CH720N. Those statements come from different publications and protocols: one is a reviewer’s impression, the other is a manufacturer feature description. They cannot establish which headset blocks more airplane rumble, voices or traffic.
If maximum noise reduction is your priority, seek a controlled direct comparison or test both under your intended conditions. Fit is critical: a poor seal can overwhelm otherwise capable electronics. Try them with your usual glasses, hairstyle and ear position, and check whether the pads fully surround your ears.
Rank #2
- Intelligent Noise Cancellation Adapts with You: Our Nothing headphone 1 feature advanced Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation, powered by next-gen processors and adaptive mics, to block out distractions. Smart Adaptive Mode automatically adjusts to your environment, while Transparency Mode lets in ambient sound when you need awareness. Personalize your experience with four ANC settings (High/Mid/Low/Adaptive) for truly focused, crystal-clear listening
- Nothing x KEF Headphone (1) : Nothing Headphone (1) experience audio perfected through a unique partnership with British audio legend KEF. Leveraging over 60 years of acoustic expertise, Nothing Noise Cancelling Headphone delivers a naturally balanced sound stage where every note shines as artists intended. Enjoy unparalleled flexibility with Hi-Res Audio support including LDAC technology, USB-C audio, and a 3.5mm jack. Dual Connection capability lets you seamlessly switch between two devices
- Uninterrupted Audio with Immersive Sound: Engineered for all-day use, Nothing Headphones 1 deliver up to 80 hours of playtime (35 hours with ANC on). A quick 5-minute charge provides 5 hours of power. Coupled with this endurance is a lossless audio experience, Nothing Wireless Headphones offer Spatial Audio with head tracking and Hi-Res Wireless certification for exceptional clarity and a deeply immersive sound stage
- Sink In, Take Control: Designed for all-day wear, Nothing Bluetooth Wireless Headphone ergonomic frame and memory foam cushions provide a comfortable, secure fit. The Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphone features intuitive roller and paddle interface puts volume adjustment, playback, and noise mode switching at your fingertips, with full customization available in the Nothing X app. This thoughtful integration of form and function ensures a continuously surround sound Journey
- Explore the Nothing X app: Craft your unique audio profile with the Nothing X app's advanced 8-band equalizer.Tailor your Nothing Headphone 1 with Adaptive ANC settings and enhance depth with the Ultra Bass mode. Customize your Bluetooth active noise canceling headphones' touch buttons to execute your most-used commands instantly
Sound signature
The available Nothing review describes an expansive, energetic presentation and a bass-heavy default mode that can be changed with EQ. The cited material does not provide a directly comparable Sony listening assessment, frequency-response measurement or level-matched test. Therefore, this evidence cannot support declaring a sound-quality winner or claiming that either model is neutral.
For a neutral or reference-oriented signature, neither model can be recommended on the supplied evidence alone. Listen with familiar tracks at matched volume, disable loudness enhancements, and compare vocals, bass control, treble harshness and stereo placement rather than relying on the first impression of a louder profile.
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Choose Nothing for format flexibility
Nothing’s combination of Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC, USB-C audio and a 3.5 mm jack covers more potential sources. Check that your phone or computer supports LDAC and that its operating system has not reverted to another codec for stability. USB-C audio also depends on the source implementing audio output over USB; a charging-only port or restrictive device will not provide it.
Choose Sony for two-device workflows
Multipoint is the Sony feature to prioritize if you regularly keep a computer and phone connected. Confirm the exact switching behavior in the app and your firmware, because incoming calls, media sessions and operating-system Bluetooth policies can affect which device takes priority. Sony’s ambient controls are similarly useful when you need to hear a colleague or announcement without removing the headset.
Price and value: compare the checkout total
TechRadar reported Nothing launch pricing of $199 in the United States, £149 in the United Kingdom and AU$329 in Australia, with a release date of March 13, 2026. Sony’s US product FAQ shows a $179.99 MSRP and was generated July 23, 2026. These are reference figures, not verified current offers. Retail prices, taxes, bundles, stock and promotions can change by country and day.
Use this process before deciding:
- Set your country and currency on an authorized retailer’s site.
- Compare the exact model name, included accessories, warranty and seller.
- Check the final checkout total, including tax and delivery.
- Read the return window and any restrictions on opened or worn headphones.
- Recalculate value using your priority: weight and controls, or battery and connection flexibility.
If the Sony is appreciably cheaper locally, its lower weight and multipoint can make it the more sensible purchase even though its battery claims are lower. If prices are close and you want LDAC, USB-C audio, IP52 or the longer claimed runtime, Nothing’s broader specification may justify choosing it.
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Decision guide by listener type
Frequent traveler
Start with Nothing if charging opportunities are scarce and its claimed 75-hour ANC-on figure appeals to you. Start with Sony if carrying comfort and lower weight are more important than maximum endurance. For flights, test the seal and ANC with the headset positioned exactly as you will wear it; published claims do not predict your cabin experience.
Office worker switching between phone and laptop
Sony is the safer evidence-based choice because multipoint is explicitly listed and the ambient controls are well defined. Nothing remains attractive if you primarily use one source or need USB-C audio, but the cited material does not establish equivalent two-device behavior.
Listener who wants bass and a lively presentation
Nothing has the clearer review-based case: TechRadar heard energetic, spacious sound and noted a bass-forward More Bass default that can be changed to Balanced. Treat that as one reviewer’s preference, then use your own familiar tracks and EQ.
Listener seeking maximum ANC
Do not buy either one solely on the expectation that it is the proven winner. The evidence describes Nothing’s ANC as useful but not class-leading and gives Sony feature claims rather than a same-condition measurement. Look for a controlled comparison or a generous return policy.
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Commuter concerned about rain and dust
Nothing’s IP52 listing offers a stated protection level, but it is not waterproofing. Sony’s cited specifications do not establish an equivalent rating. In either case, avoid heavy water exposure and dry the headset before storing it.
How to test your choice during the return period
- Check fit: Wear the headset for at least 30 minutes with glasses, if applicable. Note pressure, heat and whether the pads seal without painful clamp.
- Check controls: Pair with your main phone, then test ANC, ambient mode, voice focus and, for Sony, switching between two devices.
- Check connections: For Nothing, verify LDAC appears on a compatible source and test both USB-C and 3.5 mm playback. For Sony, test SBC/AAC playback from your normal devices.
- Check battery behavior: Record the starting percentage, volume, codec, ANC mode and use pattern instead of comparing a single maximum number.
- Check your environments: Try a quiet room, office chatter, road noise and public transport if available. Listen for seal changes when you move your jaw or walk.
- Check calls: Make a normal phone or video call and confirm microphone performance, sidetone and whether switching devices behaves as expected.
Common buying mistakes
- Turning a specification into a guarantee: Weight does not guarantee comfort, and battery maximums do not predict every user’s runtime.
- Comparing unlike battery categories: Sony’s continuous-communication figures are not the same as its music-playback figures.
- Assuming LDAC always sounds better: Source-device support, app behavior and wireless conditions determine whether it is available and useful.
- Using IP52 as waterproofing: The rating does not cover immersion, showers or heavy rain.
- Buying from an old price headline: Launch prices and MSRP are not live checkout prices.
- Expecting a universal ANC winner: There is no controlled direct test of these exact models in the cited material.
Verdict
For a buyer choosing from the specifications and reviews available here, the Nothing Headphone (a) is the more feature-rich paper proposition: its claimed battery life is far longer, and it adds LDAC, USB-C audio, a 3.5 mm jack and an IP52 listing. The Sony WH-CH720N is the more compelling practical choice when its approximately 192-gram weight, multipoint and adjustable ambient-sound controls match your routine—or when its local price is lower.
Do not let either product’s headline specifications settle questions they cannot answer. Compare the current checkout prices, verify compatibility with your devices, and use the return period to judge fit, sound and noise cancellation in the places you actually listen.
Quick Recap
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.
