Buy the Sony WH-CH520 if you want the lightest, least expensive option with the longest battery rating and simple Bluetooth listening. Buy the WH-CH720N if you need active noise cancelling (ANC), an over-ear seal, an ambient-sound mode, or a 3.5 mm cable. The central trade-off is straightforward: the WH-CH720N costs more and weighs more, but it is substantially better suited to commuting, flights and noisy offices. The WH-CH520 is the better-value choice for home, study, office and casual listening when ANC is not a priority.
Both models support Bluetooth multipoint, voice control and Sony’s companion-app ecosystem. Their advertised battery ceilings are also similar when ANC is disabled: up to 50 hours. The WH-CH520 reaches that figure without ANC and weighs approximately 5.2 oz; the WH-CH720N weighs approximately 6.8 oz and is rated for up to 35 hours with ANC on or 50 hours with ANC off.
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At a glance: the differences that decide the purchase
| Feature | WH-CH520 | WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | On-ear | Over-ear |
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes |
| Ambient-sound mode | No | Yes |
| Battery rating | Up to 50 hours | Up to 35 hours with ANC on; up to 50 hours with ANC off |
| Weight | Approximately 5.2 oz | Approximately 6.8 oz |
| Wired input | None; Bluetooth-only | Stereo-mini (3.5 mm) input |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Codecs listed by Sony | SBC and AAC | Not stated in the supplied specifications |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Voice control | Yes | Yes |
| US listed price | $69.99 on Sony’s retail page, accessed October 18, 2026 | $179.99 MSRP on Sony’s retail page, accessed October 18, 2026 |
The table explains why neither model is universally “better.” The WH-CH720N adds the features that matter in difficult environments, while the WH-CH520 concentrates on low weight, endurance and price.
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Which model should you buy?
Choose the WH-CH520 when value and lightness come first
- You mainly listen at home, at a desk, in a library or in a reasonably quiet office.
- You prefer an approximately 5.2 oz headset that is easier to carry all day.
- You want Sony’s up-to-50-hour rating without paying for ANC hardware.
- You are comfortable using Bluetooth only and do not need a headphone cable.
- You want to spend around the listed $69.99 price rather than the WH-CH720N’s $179.99 MSRP.
The WH-CH520 is the sensible default for a phone-and-laptop listener who wants uncomplicated wireless audio. Its on-ear pads and lower mass can feel less intrusive during long sessions, although fit is personal and some listeners prefer the seal of an over-ear design.
#1 Best Overall
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Choose the WH-CH720N when noise is the problem
- You commute, fly or work beside conversations, HVAC systems and other steady background noise.
- You want ANC plus an ambient-sound mode rather than passive isolation alone.
- You prefer an over-ear fit that surrounds the ear.
- You need a 3.5 mm wired fallback for an in-flight entertainment system, a computer or a device with Bluetooth disabled.
- You can accept approximately 6.8 oz and a higher purchase price.
Independent testing from RTINGS found the WH-CH720N’s over-ear fit more comfortable for that tester, with better isolation and ANC that made noisy surroundings more tolerable. That is useful evidence for travel, but head shape, ear size and pad pressure can change the result for an individual.
Form factor and comfort: on-ear versus over-ear
What the WH-CH520’s on-ear design means
The WH-CH520 rests its pads on the outer ear instead of enclosing it. That keeps the headset compact and contributes to its approximately 5.2 oz weight. It is convenient when you want a small, light pair for a workday or study session. On-ear construction can also let more surrounding sound through, which may be desirable when you need to hear people nearby.
The trade-off is pressure on the ears themselves. Some people find that pressure comfortable; others notice it after several hours, especially with glasses or larger ears. Sony’s specification establishes the weight and form factor, not a universal comfort outcome, so treat the WH-CH520 as the lighter option rather than assuming it will fit every listener.
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What the WH-CH720N’s over-ear design changes
The WH-CH720N surrounds the ears. The larger contact area can reduce direct pressure on the ear and creates a physical barrier before ANC is even engaged. RTINGS’ comparison favored this fit for comfort and isolation. The cost is a higher approximately 6.8 oz weight and a larger folded package than the on-ear model.
For long flights or a shared office, the extra mass is often easier to justify than repeatedly hearing the same engine or conversation noise. For a listener who dislikes warm earcups, glasses pressure or a larger headset, the WH-CH520 may still be the more comfortable personal choice.
ANC, ambient mode and passive isolation
Why the WH-CH720N is the travel choice
The WH-CH720N uses Sony’s Dual Noise Sensor technology and Integrated Processor V1 for noise cancelling. Its ANC is designed to reduce external sound before it reaches your ears, while the over-ear cups provide passive isolation. Sony also includes ambient-sound controls, so you can deliberately let outside sound through when you need awareness.
Rank #2
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ANC is most useful against persistent, lower-frequency noise such as aircraft or train rumble. It is not a guarantee that every voice or sudden sound disappears. A good seal, correct fit and the particular noise in your environment still determine how much improvement you hear. The combination of ANC and over-ear isolation is the reason to select the WH-CH720N, not a promise of silence.
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Sony lists no ANC and no ambient-sound mode for the WH-CH520. Its isolation comes from the on-ear fit and the music itself. In a quiet room that may be all you need; beside a busy road or on a plane, you will hear more of the environment and may raise the volume to compensate.
If you are unsure whether you need ANC, consider how often you listen in noise rather than how impressive the feature sounds. Occasional home listening favors the WH-CH520. A daily commute, frequent flights or a shared workspace makes the WH-CH720N’s noise-control system much easier to justify.
Battery life and charging
WH-CH520 endurance
Sony rates the WH-CH520 for up to 50 hours of playback. Sony’s retail information also says a three-minute quick charge can provide up to 90 minutes of playback. The 50-hour figure is a maximum rating, so actual runtime varies with volume, call use, temperature and other operating conditions.
WH-CH720N endurance with ANC settings
Sony’s WH-CH720N specifications list up to 35 hours with noise cancelling on and up to 50 hours with noise cancelling off. In other words, enabling ANC reduces the advertised ceiling by as much as 15 hours. That is still enough for many journeys, but it is the key battery distinction between the models: the WH-CH520 reaches its 50-hour rating without a power-hungry ANC system, while the WH-CH720N gives you a choice between maximum endurance and noise reduction.
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Both models use USB-C charging according to Sony’s specifications. If you regularly forget to charge, the WH-CH520’s quick-charge claim is useful for a short top-up. The supplied WH-CH720N specifications do not state an equivalent quick-charge duration, so do not assume the same three-minute figure applies.
Rank #3
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For a week of desk listening, either model can reduce charging frequency. For a long trip, decide whether you will leave ANC enabled continuously; that setting determines whether the WH-CH720N behaves closer to its 35-hour or 50-hour rating.
Weight and portability
At approximately 5.2 oz, the WH-CH520 is about 1.6 oz lighter than the approximately 6.8 oz WH-CH720N. That difference is noticeable when the headphones hang around your neck or sit in a small bag for hours. The WH-CH520 is also the smaller design, according to the independent comparison.
The WH-CH720N’s additional weight buys over-ear cups, ANC electronics and a wired input. If your bag already contains a laptop and charger, the lighter WH-CH520 is easier to justify. If you are packing specifically for a flight, the extra weight may be worthwhile because ANC can make the listening experience less tiring.
Bluetooth, multipoint and wired listening
Bluetooth and multipoint on both models
Both headphones use Bluetooth 5.2 and support multipoint connection. Multipoint lets you keep the headset associated with two devices, such as a phone and laptop, and switch as activity moves between them. Sony’s 2023 launch announcement describes both models as supporting multipoint, easy button operation and voice control.
A typical setup is to pair the headphones with the phone and computer, then use the companion app or the devices’ Bluetooth menus to manage the connections. Exact menu wording can vary by operating-system version. If automatic switching behaves unexpectedly, pause media on the first device before starting playback on the second; multipoint does not mean two audio streams play simultaneously.
The WH-CH720N’s wired fallback
The WH-CH720N adds a stereo-mini input. That gives you a cable option when a device has no Bluetooth, when wireless radio is restricted, or when you want to preserve battery. A wired connection is also useful with some aircraft entertainment systems, although the aircraft may require its own adapter.
Rank #4
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The WH-CH520 is Bluetooth-only
The WH-CH520 has no listed wired input. If its battery is empty or your source cannot transmit Bluetooth, there is no cable fallback. This limitation is easy to overlook when comparing prices; make sure every regular source supports Bluetooth before choosing it.
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Both models belong to Sony’s companion-app ecosystem, support voice control and provide physical button operation. The app is useful for managing supported settings and device connections, while buttons remain practical when you do not want to reach for a phone. Sony’s statement covers the presence of these capabilities, not identical software options or identical control layouts, so expect the models to share the ecosystem without assuming every setting is the same.
Voice control can be convenient for hands-free commands, but it depends on the paired phone’s assistant, permissions and network access. It should be treated as an accessory feature rather than a reason by itself to pay the WH-CH720N premium.
Calls and microphone expectations
Both models support voice control and can be used with a phone for calls over Bluetooth. The supplied specifications do not establish a definitive microphone-quality winner, and the cited comparison focuses on fit, isolation, weight and battery rather than ranking call clarity.
For occasional calls, either model can cover the basic need. If calls are your primary reason for buying, test the microphone in your actual environment during the return period: a quiet room and a noisy street can produce very different results. Do not choose the WH-CH720N solely on the assumption that ANC automatically makes your outgoing voice clearer; ANC primarily affects what you hear, while microphone performance is a separate question.
Price and value
Current US figures
Sony’s retail page listed the WH-CH520 at $69.99 when accessed on October 18, 2026. Sony’s WH-CH720N retail page listed a $179.99 MSRP on the same date. Sony pages also show sale pricing for some WH-CH720N variants, so check the live price and exact color or variant before ordering. These figures are not permanent market prices.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Launch pricing context
Sony Europe announced suggested launch prices of €70 for the WH-CH520 and €150 for the WH-CH720N in 2023. Launch pricing and regional taxes are historical context, not a promise of what you will pay today. Currency, country and retailer inventory can produce a different gap.
What the premium buys
The price difference is paying for a different use case, not simply a more expensive version of the same headset. The WH-CH720N adds ANC, ambient sound, an over-ear enclosure and a stereo-mini input. The WH-CH520 counters with lower mass and a longer maximum runtime than the WH-CH720N when ANC is active. If you will never use ANC or a cable, the premium delivers little practical benefit; if you travel frequently, those additions can be more valuable than the initial savings.
Decision guide by situation
| Your situation | Better starting point | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Home or quiet-room listening | WH-CH520 | Lower cost and lighter on-ear construction are sufficient when external noise is limited. |
| Study or office with occasional conversation | WH-CH520, unless noise is persistent | Choose the lighter model if you mainly need music; choose the WH-CH720N if steady noise makes concentration difficult. |
| Daily train or bus commute | WH-CH720N | ANC and over-ear isolation address the environment the WH-CH520 cannot actively reduce. |
| Frequent flights | WH-CH720N | ANC, ambient mode and the wired input are useful travel-specific advantages. |
| Phone plus laptop use | Either | Both support Bluetooth multipoint. |
| Devices that require a cable | WH-CH720N | It has a stereo-mini input; the WH-CH520 is Bluetooth-only. |
| Maximum battery rating with ANC irrelevant | WH-CH520 | It is rated up to 50 hours and avoids ANC power use. |
| Lightest headset for carrying all day | WH-CH520 | Approximately 5.2 oz versus approximately 6.8 oz. |
How to choose without overpaying
- List your noisy environments. If commuting, flying or working beside steady noise happens weekly, mark ANC as essential. If those situations are rare, mark it optional.
- Confirm your sources. For phones and laptops with Bluetooth, either model works. For aircraft screens, older computers or other wired sources, select the WH-CH720N.
- Set a weight priority. Pick the WH-CH520 when every ounce matters; pick the WH-CH720N when an over-ear seal matters more.
- Calculate battery needs honestly. Compare the WH-CH520’s up-to-50-hour rating with the WH-CH720N’s up-to-35-hour rating when ANC is enabled, not just the 50-hour maximum shown for ANC-off use.
- Check the live regional price. Use the current Sony listing and compare the exact model and variant. A sale can narrow the gap, while regional pricing can widen it.
- Use the return window to test fit. Wear the headset for a realistic session, with your glasses if applicable, and test calls in the places where you normally listen.
Common buying mistakes and fixes
Assuming “wireless” includes a cable
Wireless describes the primary connection, not a guaranteed wired mode. The WH-CH520 has no stereo-mini input. Fix this by checking every source you plan to use; choose the WH-CH720N if any requires a cable.
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Comparing only the 50-hour numbers
The WH-CH720N reaches up to 50 hours with ANC off but is rated up to 35 hours with ANC on. Fix the comparison by using the setting you will actually use during travel.
Expecting ANC from an on-ear headset
The WH-CH520 does not provide ANC or an ambient-sound mode. Fix the mismatch by choosing the WH-CH720N when noise reduction is a core requirement.
Assuming comfort is universal
RTINGS favored the WH-CH720N’s over-ear comfort, but ears and head shapes differ. Fix this by treating the cited result as a useful tendency, then verifying the fit yourself.
Paying the premium for features you will not use
If your listening is mostly quiet-room Bluetooth playback, ANC, ambient mode and a cable may remain unused. Fix this by choosing the WH-CH520 and putting the savings toward another need.
Final verdict
The WH-CH520 is the better buy for most budget-minded, quiet-environment listeners: it is approximately 5.2 oz, rated up to 50 hours, supports multipoint and costs far less at Sony’s listed US price. Its limits are equally clear: on-ear fit, no ANC, no ambient mode and no wired input.
The WH-CH720N is worth the extra money when your surroundings demand more. Its over-ear design, Dual Noise Sensor ANC, ambient-sound controls and stereo-mini input make it the more capable commuting and travel headset. Accept the approximately 6.8 oz weight and the lower up-to-35-hour rating with ANC enabled as the cost of those features. Choose based on where you listen, not on the model number alone.
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.
