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Short answer: Buy the Nothing Headphone (a) if you value unusually long claimed battery life, Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC, USB-C audio, a wired 3.5 mm option, IP52 protection and an energetic sound profile. Choose the Sony WH-CH720N if low listed weight, multipoint pairing and Sony’s extensive ambient-sound controls matter more. Neither model has a documented, controlled head-to-head test in the available material, so there is no evidence-based universal winner for noise cancellation or sound quality. Check the current price in your country before deciding.
Nothing Headphone (a) vs. Sony WH-CH720N at a glance
These are both over-ear wireless headphones aimed at buyers who want active noise cancellation without moving into premium pricing. Their strengths are different enough that the right choice depends more on priorities than on a single score.
| Category | Nothing Headphone (a) | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Listed weight | 310 g (TechRadar specification table) | Approximately 6.8 oz/192 g (Sony USA support specification) |
| Bluetooth | Version 5.4 | Version 5.2 |
| Bluetooth codecs listed | LDAC | SBC and AAC |
| Wired connections | USB-C audio and 3.5 mm jack | Stereo mini jack |
| Battery claim with ANC | Up to 75 hours (reviewed specification) | Up to 35 hours (Sony product FAQ) |
| Battery claim with ANC off | Up to 135 hours (reviewed specification) | Up to 50 hours (Sony product FAQ) |
| Awareness features | ANC and transparency features are listed; reviewers call ANC useful for everyday travel but not class-leading | Adjustable ambient sound, Focus on Voice and Adaptive Sound Control are listed by Sony |
| Multipoint | Not established in the reviewed material | Listed by Sony |
| Other listed hardware | 40 mm drivers and IP52 rating | Dual noise sensors listed by Sony |
| Documented launch or MSRP figures | $199 / £149 / AU$329 launch pricing reported by TechRadar | $179.99 US MSRP shown in Sony’s FAQ generated July 23, 2026 |
The figures come from different publications and measurement categories. Weight is a specification, not a comfort test; battery numbers use each maker’s stated conditions; and codec support does not guarantee that every phone or music service will use the codec.
What the Nothing Headphone (a) does best
Long battery claims with several connection options
Nothing’s reviewed specification lists up to 75 hours with noise cancellation enabled and 135 hours with it disabled. TechRadar said it could not fully verify both figures during its review period. Digital Camera World’s longer use appeared consistent with the claim, but that is still not a standardized laboratory endurance test. Treat these as manufacturer or review-specification claims rather than a promise that every listener will obtain the same runtime.
#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
The model also lists Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC, USB-C audio and a 3.5 mm jack. That combination is useful if you own an Android device that supports LDAC, want a digital wired connection to a computer or tablet, or need an analog fallback for an airplane entertainment system. LDAC only operates when the source device, operating system and connection settings support it; otherwise playback uses an available lower-bandwidth codec.
USB-C audio can be convenient at a desk because one cable can carry the listening signal from a compatible computer or tablet. It should not be confused with USB-C charging: confirm that your source supports audio over USB and that the cable and operating system recognize the headphones. The 3.5 mm input remains the simpler option for older laptops, handheld game systems and seat-back entertainment, provided you have the appropriate cable.
Energetic presentation and adjustable bass
TechRadar’s reviewer described the headphones as energetic and spacious. The tested unit arrived with a More Bass profile enabled; the reviewer found that some genres benefited from changing the equalizer to Balanced. That is a listening impression from one review, not an objective frequency-response measurement and not a direct comparison with Sony.
In practical terms, the Nothing gives you a clear starting point for listeners who like impact in electronic, pop or hip-hop tracks, while the equalizer offers a way to reduce that emphasis for acoustic, classical or vocal recordings. Your result will depend on the app setting, source device and personal taste, so audition familiar songs before deciding that the default profile is right for you.
Protection for ordinary light exposure
An IP52 rating is listed for the Nothing model. That indicates limited protection against dust and dripping water under the relevant rating system; it is not a license to use the headphones in heavy rain, a shower or while swimming. The rating is one reason the Nothing may appeal to commuters who want some basic environmental protection, but the earcups and controls should still be kept dry.
What the Sony WH-CH720N does best
Much lower listed weight
Sony’s support specification lists the WH-CH720N at approximately 6.8 ounces, or 192 grams. That is substantially below the Nothing specification and can reduce the load on your head and neck during long sessions. It does not guarantee a better fit: clamp pressure, pad shape, head size, glasses and heat all affect comfort. Sony’s number should therefore be read as a portability and weight advantage on paper, not as a universal comfort verdict.
Controls designed for changing environments
Sony lists multipoint connection, adjustable ambient sound in 20 levels, Focus on Voice and Adaptive Sound Control. Multipoint is useful when you alternate between a phone and a laptop because the headphones can maintain connections to both compatible devices. Ambient-sound adjustment lets you decide how much outside sound to admit, while Focus on Voice is intended to make speech easier to hear without removing the headphones. Adaptive Sound Control can change listening behavior based on the situation configured in Sony’s app.
These are manufacturer feature descriptions, not independent measurements of how quickly or accurately the automatic modes react. They are nevertheless meaningful if you routinely move between commuting, office work and conversations. A person who wants to hear announcements or speak briefly with a colleague may get more practical value from adjustable awareness than from a higher Bluetooth version.
Conventional codec support and Sony’s app ecosystem
The Sony specification lists Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC and AAC. That covers the standard codec paths used by many phones, tablets and computers, while omitting the Nothing’s listed LDAC option. Sony also includes a stereo mini jack for wired listening. Choose the Sony if broad everyday compatibility and its established control software matter more to you than high-bitrate Bluetooth support or USB-C audio.
Codec labels should not be treated as a sound-quality ranking. A source may default to AAC or SBC even when another codec is technically supported, and streaming-service compression, signal conditions and the headphone’s tuning remain audible factors. Check your own phone’s Bluetooth settings rather than assuming the specification determines the connection you will use.
Battery life: compare the conditions, not just the numbers
Battery figures are not directly interchangeable because the companies present them differently. Nothing’s 75-hour and 135-hour values appear in a reviewed specification table, and the review did not complete a full verification of both claims. Sony’s product page gives up to 35 hours with noise canceling on and 50 hours with it off. Sony’s separate support sheet lists continuous-communication figures of up to 35 hours with noise canceling on and 40 hours off. Communication time is a different use category from music playback, so do not substitute one for the other.
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In practical terms, the Nothing has the stronger paper case for infrequent charging, while the Sony figures are more modest but clearly labeled by Sony’s product documentation. Actual runtime changes with volume, codec, call use, temperature, automatic features and battery age. If you travel often and cannot charge for days, the Nothing’s claim is attractive; if you charge nightly, battery capacity may be less important than weight or controls.
ANC-on and ANC-off figures also describe different routines. Turning cancellation off can extend runtime, but it may be less useful on a train or aircraft. Conversely, leaving awareness features active, taking calls or using a demanding codec can reduce the time between charges. Compare the mode you expect to use most, and leave headroom rather than planning a trip around the maximum number.
Noise cancellation and transparency: what is actually established
Digital Camera World judged the Nothing’s ANC adequate for everyday travel and office use but not class-leading. Sony lists dual noise sensors and its ambient-sound controls, but the available material does not provide a same-lab attenuation chart or a direct test against the Nothing. Different reviewers, test tracks, ear shapes and seal quality can produce very different impressions.
Do not buy either model solely on the assumption that it will remove the most airplane engine noise or make a quiet office silent. If maximum noise reduction is your primary requirement, look for a controlled comparison of these exact models or use a retailer’s return period to test both with your own commute, office and transport sounds. Fit is especially important: Digital Camera World reported a tight fit with the Nothing, and a poor seal can reduce perceived ANC performance regardless of the electronics.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchTransparency is equally personal. A setting that sounds natural to one listener may sound amplified or thin to another, especially around voices and traffic. Test awareness at a safe volume, verify that you can hear announcements, and remember that neither a feature list nor the number of noise sensors predicts the exact result in your ears.
Sound quality: a preference decision, not a proven ranking
The Nothing review’s positive description of an expansive, lively presentation and its note about the bass-heavy default profile give you a useful expectation: listeners who enjoy punchier electronic, pop or hip-hop playback may prefer the factory tuning, while others may want to select Balanced or another equalizer setting. This does not establish that the Nothing sounds better than the Sony.
The reviewed material does not contain a directly comparable WH-CH720N listening assessment under the same tracks, source, volume and fit. Sony’s codec list also does not predict a particular tonal balance. Decide on sound by auditioning both, using familiar recordings and the same source device, rather than treating driver size, Bluetooth version or a reviewer’s adjectives as a laboratory result.
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
For a fair audition, disable loudness normalization if you normally use it, match volume by ear and listen to several types of material: bass lines, spoken voices, cymbals and quiet passages. Try the Nothing’s More Bass and Balanced options, then compare with Sony’s available app settings. These steps reveal which tuning you prefer without claiming that one model is objectively superior.
Comfort, portability and daily handling
Nothing: more mass and a reported tight fit
The Nothing’s listed 310-gram weight is the main portability drawback in this comparison. TechRadar characterized it as heavier than many alternatives, and Digital Camera World reported a tight fit and a basic pouch. Those observations may matter if you wear headphones for several hours, carry them in a small bag or dislike firm clamp pressure. The reported fit is reviewer-specific; try the headphones with your glasses and usual hairstyle if possible.
Sony: lighter specification, personal fit still decisive
The Sony’s approximately 192-gram specification makes it the safer paper choice for people who are sensitive to head weight. A lighter chassis cannot compensate for pads that do not match your ears or a headband that creates pressure in the wrong place. Check the retailer’s return conditions and test both sides of the comparison for at least the length of a normal work session.
Consider how you carry each pair as well as how it feels on your head. The Nothing review mentions a basic pouch, while the Sony specification establishes its weight but does not establish a particular case or folding arrangement in the cited material. If bag space is important, confirm the included accessories and hinge design on the exact regional package before ordering.
Price and value in 2026
TechRadar reported Nothing launch pricing of $199, £149 and AU$329 for its March 13, 2026 release. Sony’s US product FAQ, generated July 23, 2026, shows a $179.99 manufacturer MSRP. Neither figure is a verified current checkout price. Promotions, regional taxes, stock and seller policies can change the amount you actually pay.
Compare the two models in the same currency, from an authorized seller, after shipping and tax. If the Sony is appreciably cheaper at checkout, its lighter design and ambient controls may make it the better value even though its battery claim is lower. If prices are close and you will use LDAC, USB-C audio, IP52 protection or the Nothing’s long-runtime claim, the Nothing’s broader listed feature set can justify the difference. Do not treat launch pricing or MSRP as a guaranteed sale price.
Check the return window before buying, especially when purchasing online. A short trial can expose pressure points, a poor seal or codec incompatibility that specifications cannot reveal. Keep the invoice and packaging until you have tested wireless, wired, ANC and awareness modes.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you buy?
Choose the Nothing Headphone (a) when:
- You want the strongest stated battery-life case and are comfortable treating the figures as claims with limited review-period verification.
- Your phone or tablet supports LDAC and you care about that codec.
- You need USB-C audio or want both USB-C and a 3.5 mm wired fallback.
- You prefer an energetic presentation and are willing to adjust the equalizer if the More Bass default is too strong.
- An IP52 listing is useful for your normal commuting environment.
- The current local price is close to, or lower than, the Sony after taxes and delivery.
Choose the Sony WH-CH720N when:
- Low listed weight is your highest physical-comfort priority.
- You regularly switch between a phone and computer and want Sony’s listed multipoint function.
- You need fine-grained ambient-sound adjustment, Focus on Voice and Adaptive Sound Control.
- Your devices rely on SBC or AAC and you do not need LDAC or USB-C audio.
- The Sony is meaningfully less expensive at your actual checkout.
Pause before buying either model when:
- Your only goal is the strongest possible ANC; the available evidence does not rank these two in a controlled test.
- You require a neutral sound signature; the Nothing review describes a bass-forward default, while no directly comparable Sony assessment is established.
- You cannot return headphones and are unsure about fit, clamp or ear-pad comfort.
A practical buying checklist
- Confirm your country and final price. Record the currency, tax, shipping fee, seller and return window; historical launch and MSRP figures are reference points, not live offers.
- Check source compatibility. Verify that your phone, tablet or computer supports the codec and wired mode you intend to use. LDAC availability depends on the source device and its settings.
- Prioritize your daily environment. Select Sony’s control set if conversations and rapid ambient adjustment are central to your routine. Select the Nothing’s connection variety and long claimed runtime if charging and source flexibility dominate.
- Test the seal and pressure. Wear the headphones with glasses, hair and your normal posture. Listen for outside leakage and check whether the fit remains comfortable after a full session.
- Evaluate ANC with real sounds. Use a train, bus, office HVAC system or recorded environmental noise at a safe volume. Do not infer performance from Bluetooth version, codec or a feature list.
- Keep documentation distinct. Treat manufacturer battery and feature statements separately from reviewer impressions, and remember that Sony’s communication-time figures are not music-playback figures.
- Test every connection you plan to use. Pair with your main phone, try multipoint on the Sony if relevant, and test USB-C or 3.5 mm playback before a trip. A feature is useful only when your source and cable support it.
- Recheck firmware and app settings. Confirm the intended EQ, ANC or awareness mode after setup; the Nothing review’s More Bass default shows how a factory profile can influence first impressions.
Bottom line
The Nothing Headphone (a) is the more ambitious specification sheet: it lists far longer battery life, newer Bluetooth, LDAC, USB-C audio, an analog jack, IP52 and a lively sound presentation. The Sony WH-CH720N counters with dramatically lower listed weight, multipoint and a richer set of ambient-listening controls. Because no controlled, same-condition comparison establishes a winner for ANC or sound, make the decision from your fit, device compatibility and current checkout price. For maximum flexibility and fewer charging sessions, lean Nothing; for lightness and environment-aware everyday controls, lean Sony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nothing Headphone (a) better than the Sony WH-CH720N for noise cancellation?
There is no controlled, same-condition test establishing a winner. Digital Camera World described the Nothing’s ANC as adequate for everyday travel and office use but not class-leading. Sony lists dual noise sensors and several awareness controls, but those manufacturer features are not an attenuation measurement. Try both with your own commute or use a retailer’s return period.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhich pair has longer battery life?
Nothing has the stronger stated figures: up to 75 hours with ANC on and 135 hours off in a reviewed specification table. TechRadar could not fully verify both claims during its review period, although Digital Camera World found extended use appeared consistent. Sony lists up to 35 hours with noise canceling on and 50 hours off; its support sheet separately lists communication-time figures of 35 and 40 hours.
Is the Sony WH-CH720N more comfortable because it is lighter?
Sony’s listed weight is approximately 192 grams versus 310 grams for the Nothing, so it has a clear paper advantage for people sensitive to head weight. Comfort still depends on clamp, pads, head shape, glasses and heat. The Nothing was reported to have a tight fit, but individual results vary. Test both for a full session if possible.
Does the Nothing support LDAC and USB-C audio?
The listed Nothing specification includes Bluetooth 5.4, LDAC, USB-C audio and a 3.5 mm jack. LDAC requires a compatible source device and suitable settings, and USB-C audio requires a computer or tablet that supports audio over USB. Sony’s listed Bluetooth codecs are SBC and AAC, with a stereo mini jack for wired use.
What does Sony multipoint do?
Sony lists multipoint connection, which is intended to keep the headphones connected to two compatible devices such as a phone and laptop. That can reduce manual disconnecting when you move between music and calls. The feature is a manufacturer listing; verify behavior with your particular devices and app version.
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The Nothing is listed with an IP52 rating, indicating limited dust protection and protection from dripping water under the rating system. It is not intended for heavy rain, showers or swimming. No equivalent water-resistance claim is established here for the Sony, so keep either model dry unless the exact product documentation says otherwise.
Which one is better for a neutral sound?
The evidence does not establish a direct sound-quality ranking. TechRadar heard the Nothing as energetic and spacious and noted that its More Bass default could be changed to Balanced. There is no directly comparable Sony listening assessment under the same tracks and conditions. Audition familiar recordings and adjust the EQ rather than choosing from codec or driver labels.
Should I use the launch price or MSRP to decide value?
No. TechRadar reported Nothing launch prices of $199, £149 and AU$329, while Sony’s US FAQ showed a $179.99 MSRP generated July 23, 2026. Those are reference figures, not guaranteed current offers. Compare final local checkout prices, taxes, shipping, seller authorization and return terms before deciding.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Choose Nothing for its broader listed connectivity and much longer claimed battery life; choose Sony for lower listed weight, multipoint and detailed ambient controls. Since no controlled head-to-head test proves an ANC or sound winner, let fit, device compatibility and today’s local checkout price decide.
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