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Best overall upgrade: Sony WH-CH720N wireless noise-cancelling headphones combine the most convincing comfort, effective ANC and multipoint support in this group. Choose Soundcore Life Q30 if value, app-based EQ and NFC matter most; choose JBL Tune 770NC if long battery life and a foldable travel design are your priorities. The Skullcandy Hesh Evo remains a comfortable baseline, but it has no ANC, weak passive isolation and no companion app.
Quick picks
- Best all-round comfort and ANC: Sony WH-CH720N. What Hi-Fi reports effective noise cancellation, reasonable comfort and up to 50 hours of battery life. RTINGS considers it more comfortable and better built than comparable Hesh ANC headphones and notes multipoint support.
- Best value feature upgrade: Soundcore Life Q30. RTINGS finds it more comfortable and better built than Hesh Evo, with effective ANC, multipoint, NFC and an app with graphic EQ and presets.
- Best for battery and travel: JBL Tune 770NC. JBL lists adaptive ANC, multipoint, app EQ, Bluetooth 5.3, a foldable lightweight design and up to 70 hours with ANC off.
- Keep the Hesh Evo when: you already own it, value its simple controls and Tile finding feature, and do most listening in quiet places where ANC and app EQ are not important.
What the Hesh Evo does well—and where it falls short
The Hesh Evo is a wireless over-ear headphone with a comfortable design and unusually long endurance for its class. In RTINGS testing it ran for about 44 hours continuously. Skullcandy’s current support page gives a separate manufacturer figure of “up to 36+ hours of play time in the headphones,” so the two numbers should not be treated as the same test result. Skullcandy also specifies Bluetooth 5.0 and Rapid Charge: a 10-minute charge provides more than three hours of playback.
Its limitations are decisive for many long-listening situations. The Hesh Evo has no active noise cancellation, and RTINGS describes its passive noise reduction as poor. It also does not pair with a Skullcandy companion app, so there is no app-based graphic EQ or preset library. Tile finding is included, which can help locate misplaced headphones, but it does not compensate for the missing ANC and software controls.
That makes the Hesh Evo a useful baseline rather than a universal recommendation. In a quiet office or at home, its comfort and endurance may be sufficient. On a plane, train or busy street, an ANC model can reduce the need to raise volume and gives you more control over the listening environment.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Comparison at a glance
| Model | Comfort and fit evidence | Noise control | Battery figures | Multipoint and controls | Portability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skullcandy Hesh Evo | Comfortable over-ear design according to RTINGS | No ANC; poor passive noise reduction in RTINGS testing | About 44 hours in RTINGS testing; Skullcandy claims up to 36+ hours | No companion-app pairing; Tile finding; Bluetooth 5.0; multipoint not stated by the cited sources | Foldability and case inclusion not stated by the cited sources |
| Sony WH-CH720N | RTINGS says it is more comfortable and better built than comparable Hesh ANC; What Hi-Fi calls comfort reasonable | Effective ANC reported by What Hi-Fi | Up to 50 hours, according to What Hi-Fi | Multipoint supported; app and EQ details are not established in the cited material | What Hi-Fi warns that it is not foldable and includes no case |
| Soundcore Life Q30 | RTINGS finds it more comfortable and better built than Hesh Evo | Effective ANC in RTINGS testing | Battery figure not stated in the cited sources | Multipoint and NFC; companion app with graphic EQ and presets | Foldability and case inclusion not stated by the cited sources |
| JBL Tune 770NC | JBL describes a lightweight, comfortable design | Adaptive ANC, plus Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes | Up to 70 hours with Bluetooth on and ANC off; JBL’s detailed note also lists up to 44 hours of wireless listening in its specified condition; a five-minute charge adds three hours | Multipoint, app EQ and Bluetooth 5.3 | Foldable design |
These comfort descriptions are qualitative. The cited reviews do not provide a shared clamp-force measurement or a controlled hours-to-discomfort test, so a model described as comfortable may still feel wrong on your head. Ear-cup opening, glasses, hair and personal sensitivity can change the result.
Sony WH-CH720N: the best balanced upgrade
Why it is the safest recommendation
The WH-CH720N addresses the Hesh Evo’s biggest omissions without turning comfort into an afterthought. RTINGS says the Sony is more comfortable and better built than comparable Hesh ANC headphones, while What Hi-Fi describes its comfort as reasonable and its ANC as effective. Multipoint support lets you keep two source devices connected, a practical advantage if you move between a computer and phone during the day.
What Hi-Fi rates its battery life at up to 50 hours. That is a manufacturer or product-rating figure rather than a directly comparable RTINGS endurance result, so do not read it as an apples-to-apples replacement for the Hesh Evo’s approximately 44-hour laboratory result. It nevertheless indicates that the Sony is designed for long sessions between charges.
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Rank #2
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Sound and trade-offs
What Hi-Fi reports a spirited presentation and specifically warns that the bass is enthusiastic. That character may suit pop, electronic music and other bass-forward recordings, but listeners who prefer a flatter balance should audition it or use whatever tone controls are available on their playback device. The same guide notes a solid build, but also says the headphones do not fold and do not include a case. Those omissions matter if you routinely carry over-ear headphones in a small bag.
Choose the Sony when you want one dependable answer to comfort, ANC and device switching. Avoid making it your first choice if a folding hinge and supplied case are essential for travel.
Soundcore Life Q30: the value feature upgrade
More control than the Hesh Evo
RTINGS finds the Life Q30 more comfortable and better built than Hesh Evo. It also reports effective ANC, multipoint and NFC pairing. NFC can simplify initial pairing with compatible Android devices, while multipoint is useful when calls and music come from different sources.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The companion app is the Q30’s major advantage over the Hesh Evo. It includes a graphic equalizer and presets, allowing you to adjust tonal balance instead of accepting a fixed tuning. The cited material does not establish a Q30 battery figure, call-microphone rating, foldability specification or case-in-box policy, so those details should be confirmed in the listing for your region before purchase.
Who should buy it
The Q30 is the strongest choice when you want the most features per dollar and expect to tune sound yourself. It is also a good fit for listeners who switch between a phone and laptop and want both ANC and app-based control without moving to a more expensive class of headphone. Its advantage is flexibility, not a documented endurance record.
JBL Tune 770NC: battery and portability specialist
Battery claims need their conditions attached
JBL’s specification sheet lists up to 70 hours of battery life with Bluetooth on and ANC off. The same detailed note lists up to 44 hours of wireless listening in its specified condition, and says a five-minute charge adds three hours. Because the 70-hour figure explicitly assumes ANC is off and the 44-hour figure is tied to JBL’s other listed condition, compare them only with those qualifications attached.
Rank #4
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- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
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Travel features
JBL calls the Tune 770NC lightweight, comfortable and foldable. Adaptive ANC is joined by Ambient Aware and TalkThru modes, which are intended for hearing more of your surroundings or having a conversation without fully removing the headphones. Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint and app-based EQ add the connectivity and adjustment options missing from the Hesh Evo.
The Tune 770NC is the practical pick for commuters and travelers who value a folding frame and maximum quoted runtime. Its comfort claim comes from JBL’s own specification rather than a shared independent wear test, so return terms remain important if you are sensitive to clamp or ear-cup shape.
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1. Start with your listening environment
- Mostly quiet rooms: The Hesh Evo can still make sense if comfort, simple operation and long battery life matter more than isolation.
- Public transport, flights or shared offices: Choose an ANC model. Sony and Soundcore have independent reports of effective ANC; JBL specifies adaptive ANC and additional awareness modes.
- Situations requiring frequent device switching: Prioritize multipoint. Sony, Soundcore and JBL list it; multipoint is not established for Hesh Evo in the cited material.
2. Decide how much sound control you need
- No app required: Sony is the straightforward upgrade, although the cited material does not document a companion-app EQ for it.
- Graphic EQ and presets: Soundcore Life Q30 provides both in its companion app.
- App EQ plus awareness modes: JBL Tune 770NC combines app EQ with Ambient Aware and TalkThru.
3. Match the frame to your bag
If the headphones will live in a backpack or carry-on, the JBL’s documented foldable design has a clear practical advantage. What Hi-Fi says the Sony is not foldable and comes without a case. Foldability and case inclusion are not established for the Hesh Evo or Q30 in the cited material, so check the exact package contents before ordering.
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.
4. Treat comfort as a return-policy decision
There is no common clamp-force or hours-to-discomfort measurement across these models. Before committing, check the retailer’s return window and test the headphones with your usual glasses, hairstyle and listening position. Pay attention to whether your ears fit completely inside the pads, whether the headband creates a pressure point and whether the clamp becomes tiring after a full work session. These checks are more predictive for an individual listener than a generic “comfortable” label.
Battery expectations without misleading comparisons
Battery numbers come from different sources and conditions. RTINGS measured about 44 hours continuously for Hesh Evo, while Skullcandy’s support page says up to 36+ hours. What Hi-Fi lists up to 50 hours for Sony WH-CH720N. JBL’s 70-hour Tune 770NC figure requires Bluetooth on and ANC off; JBL also lists up to 44 hours under its other specified wireless-listening condition. Soundcore Life Q30’s battery duration is not given in the cited material.
ANC generally changes endurance, but the available figures do not provide a uniform ANC-on/ANC-off test for every model. Use the stated conditions when planning trips, and carry a charging cable rather than assuming that the highest headline number applies with every feature enabled.
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Calls, microphones and other missing specifications
The supplied test and specification summaries do not establish a comparable microphone score, call-noise-reduction result, supplied-case policy for every model or current regional price. Those omissions are meaningful: a headphone can be excellent for music and merely adequate for calls, and package contents vary by market. Confirm microphone tests, accessories, stock and price for your country at the time of purchase instead of inferring them from ANC, battery or comfort ratings.
A practical buying decision
- Pick Sony WH-CH720N if you want the most balanced move away from Hesh Evo: better documented comfort, effective ANC, multipoint and up to 50 hours claimed by What Hi-Fi.
- Pick Soundcore Life Q30 if app EQ, NFC and value-oriented features matter more than a known battery figure or a documented folding design.
- Pick JBL Tune 770NC if your priority is a foldable travel headphone with adaptive ANC, multipoint, app EQ and the highest quoted battery number when ANC is off.
- Keep Hesh Evo if you are satisfied in quiet environments and prefer its comfortable fit, Tile finding and simple controls. Upgrade only when ANC, multipoint, EQ or travel portability solves a problem you actually have.
Bottom line
Sony WH-CH720N is the strongest overall alternative for comfortable wireless listening because it combines the clearest comfort upgrade, effective ANC and multipoint without sacrificing long claimed battery life. Soundcore Life Q30 is the better value-oriented feature bundle, and JBL Tune 770NC is the better travel choice when foldability and ANC-off endurance lead your requirements. Hesh Evo remains comfortable and long-lasting, but its lack of ANC, weak passive isolation and absent companion app make these alternatives more versatile for modern commuting and shared spaces.
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.
