Sony WH-CH720N is the better fit if you want over-ear headphones with active noise cancelling (ANC) and ambient-sound controls. Choose Marshall Major V if you prefer a foldable on-ear design and prioritize the longer manufacturer-rated wireless playtime. Both brands list Bluetooth multipoint. Published specifications do not establish which model sounds better or has stronger real-world noise cancellation.
Marshall Major V vs Sony WH-CH720N at a glance
| Feature | Marshall Major V | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Wearing style | On-ear | Over-ear |
| ANC and ambient sound | Marshall lists no active noise cancellation | Sony lists noise cancelling and ambient-sound features |
| Manufacturer-rated wireless playtime | 100+ hours; Marshall does not state the test conditions on its product page | Up to 35 hours with noise cancelling on, or up to 50 hours with it off, according to Sony’s support specifications |
| Foldable design | Yes | Not stated in the cited Sony support specifications |
| Bluetooth multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Wired connection | 3.5 mm input/output | Stereo mini jack |
| Published codecs | SBC, MPEG-2 AAC, and LC3 | SBC and AAC |
Specifications are from the manufacturers: Marshall’s Major V product page, Sony’s WH-CH720N support specifications, and Sony’s product page. These are published features and ratings, not the results of a controlled comparison.
Which one should you choose?
Choose Sony WH-CH720N for noise cancelling and over-ear coverage
Sony specifies an over-ear design and offers noise cancelling plus ambient-sound controls. Its product page describes Dual Noise Sensor technology and an Integrated Processor V1, and says the Sony Sound Connect app can be used to control noise-cancelling and ambient modes. Those details confirm available features; they do not prove that its cancellation outperforms another model in real-world use.
Choose Marshall Major V for foldability and the longer rated playtime
Marshall describes Major V as on-ear and foldable, with 100+ hours of wireless playtime on its product page. That is the larger published maximum compared with Sony’s separate ratings for ANC on and off. The figures come from different manufacturers and do not establish identical test conditions or how long either pair will last in your use.
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#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.
Do not choose on multipoint alone
Both manufacturers list Bluetooth multipoint, so the documented presence of that feature does not distinguish these models. Major V also lists wireless charging and a customizable M-button; Sony’s materials highlight app controls for noise cancelling and ambient sound.
Battery life: what the published figures mean
Marshall rates Major V for 100+ hours of wireless playtime. Its product page also says a 15-minute quick charge provides 15 hours of playtime. Sony rates WH-CH720N for up to 35 hours of continuous music playback with noise cancelling on and up to 50 hours with it off. These are manufacturer-stated ratings, not a head-to-head test; Sony’s figures explicitly distinguish ANC settings, while Marshall’s cited product page does not give comparable conditions.
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.
Marshall Group announced Major V on April 16, 2024, describing the move from Major IV’s 80+ hours to Major V’s 100+ hours; global sales were announced to begin April 23, 2024. Sony announced WH-CH720N on February 21, 2023, citing up to 35 hours with noise cancelling on. See the Marshall announcement and Sony announcement.
Sound quality and noise-cancelling performance
The available official specifications do not establish a sound-quality winner, microphone or call-quality winner, or a measured ANC-performance winner. Codec lists and feature descriptions alone cannot answer those questions. If sound signature, call performance, or the strength of noise reduction is decisive, look for a direct comparative test using the same listening and measurement conditions rather than inferring performance from the feature list.
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- 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.
Price and availability
Prices and availability vary by region and can change. Marshall’s April 16, 2024 announcement listed a US launch price of $149 for Major V; that is a historical launch price, not a current price. Compare current prices from sellers in your market before deciding, since the cited information does not provide a comparable current Sony price.
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.
