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Buy the WH-CH520 if you want the lower-cost, lighter headset for home, office, study, or casual Bluetooth listening. Buy the WH-CH720N if you commute, fly, work around noise, prefer an over-ear fit, need active noise cancelling (ANC), or want a 3.5 mm wired fallback. Both support Bluetooth multipoint and Sony’s companion-app ecosystem, so the decision mainly comes down to fit, noise control, weight, battery behavior, and price.
At a glance: CH520 or CH720N?
The two models share Sony’s basic wireless features, but they target different listening situations. The WH-CH520 is an on-ear, Bluetooth-only headphone designed around low weight and endurance. The WH-CH720N is an over-ear model with ANC, an ambient-sound mode, and a stereo-mini wired input.
| Feature | Sony WH-CH520 | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | On-ear | Over-ear |
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes; Sony cites Dual Noise Sensor technology and an Integrated Processor V1 |
| 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 listening | Bluetooth only | Stereo-mini input included |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2; SBC and AAC | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Voice control | Supported | Supported |
| USB charging | USB-C | Not specified in the cited specifications |
Sony’s U.S. retail page listed the WH-CH520 at $69.99 on October 18, 2026. The WH-CH720N carried a $179.99 U.S. MSRP on Sony’s retail page at that date, although Sony also displayed sale prices for some variants. Check the live listing for the exact color and seller before ordering. Sony Europe announced launch suggested prices of €70 for the WH-CH520 and €150 for the WH-CH720N in 2023; those launch figures are not current prices in every country.
Form factor and long-session comfort
WH-CH520: lighter on-ear design
The WH-CH520 rests its earcups on your ears instead of surrounding them. At approximately 5.2 oz, it is the lighter option and is easy to carry for long stretches. The trade-off is contact pressure on the outer ear. Some listeners barely notice an on-ear fit; others develop tenderness or need frequent repositioning after several hours. Glasses, larger ears, and a tight headband can make that difference more noticeable.
#1 Best Overall
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Because the earcups do not form a full enclosure, outside sound remains easy to hear. That can be useful at home or in an office where you need awareness, but it also means more sound leakage in quiet rooms and less passive isolation on a train or airplane.
WH-CH720N: over-ear isolation and more room
The WH-CH720N surrounds the ears. The larger cushions can distribute pressure around the ear rather than directly on it, and the cited independent comparison found its over-ear fit more comfortable overall. Comfort is still head- and ear-shape dependent: a person with small ears may find the pads roomy, while a person who dislikes a closed-in feeling may prefer the CH520’s openness.
The over-ear seal also contributes passive isolation before ANC is enabled. It is the better physical fit for listeners who want to reduce surrounding sound without raising volume. The additional structure explains much of the weight increase to approximately 6.8 oz.
How to choose by fit
- Choose the CH520 when minimum weight, a less enclosed sensation, and easy awareness of nearby speech matter most.
- Choose the CH720N when your ears fit comfortably inside over-ear pads or when passive isolation is valuable even with electronics turned off.
- If you are unsure, buy from a seller with a clear return policy. Comfort cannot be determined reliably from weight alone.
ANC, ambient sound, and noisy environments
What the CH720N adds
The WH-CH720N is the only model here with active noise cancelling. Sony describes a Dual Noise Sensor design and an Integrated Processor V1 for its noise-control system. ANC uses microphones and signal processing to reduce portions of incoming environmental sound, especially steady low-frequency noise such as engines or HVAC systems. It does not make every voice or sudden sound disappear.
An ambient-sound mode lets outside sound through when you need awareness. That is useful for announcements, brief conversations, or walking where hearing surroundings is important. You can switch between noise cancelling and ambient control rather than removing the headphones every time.
Rank #2
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What the CH520 does instead
The WH-CH520 has no ANC and no ambient-sound mode. Its isolation comes only from the on-ear fit, so it is most predictable in quiet or moderately busy spaces. In a shared office, café, or aircraft cabin, you may need to increase playback volume to compete with background noise, which is a reason to prefer the CH720N if those environments are routine.
Is ANC worth paying for?
ANC is worth the premium when you spend meaningful time around continuous noise and want lower listening volume or fewer distractions. It is harder to justify if you mainly listen in a quiet bedroom, home office, or study room and would rather minimize weight and cost. The independent comparison found the CH720N’s ANC made noisy environments more tolerable and its isolation better; that is a practical advantage, not a guarantee that every listener will perceive the same level of silence.
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Rated endurance
The published ratings differ according to the CH720N’s noise-control setting:
| Model and mode | Manufacturer rating | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| WH-CH520 | Up to 50 hours | Single maximum figure for the Bluetooth headset |
| WH-CH720N with ANC on | Up to 35 hours | Noise cancelling reduces the rated runtime |
| WH-CH720N with ANC off | Up to 50 hours | Matches the CH520’s headline rating when ANC is disabled |
“Up to” is a laboratory-style maximum, not a promise for every listening pattern. Volume, codec activity, call time, temperature, battery age, and use of noise-control processing can change actual runtime. For a long trip, the CH520 offers the simpler endurance calculation because it has no ANC setting to manage. The CH720N can deliver the same published maximum only with ANC off; enabling ANC lowers its rating to the separate figure shown above.
Quick charging on the CH520
Sony’s WH-CH520 retail information says a three-minute quick charge provides up to 90 minutes of playback. The headphone charges through USB-C. That short top-up is useful when you discover an empty battery shortly before leaving, but it does not replace carrying a cable for a multi-day trip.
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.
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Which is better for flights?
The CH720N is the stronger travel choice when engine noise, airport crowds, and the ability to hear announcements through ambient mode matter. The CH520 is easier to justify for occasional travel when you prioritize low weight and the longest uncomplicated Bluetooth runtime. Neither model’s published figures should be treated as a guaranteed number of flight hours.
Bluetooth, multipoint, codecs, and wired use
Bluetooth basics
Sony lists Bluetooth 5.2 for the WH-CH520, along with SBC and AAC codec support. The WH-CH720N specification also lists Bluetooth 5.2. Codec support affects how audio is encoded over Bluetooth; these models are not positioned as high-resolution, wired-audiophile headphones.
Multipoint for two devices
Both headphones support Bluetooth multipoint. Sony’s 2023 launch announcement says both models support multipoint connection, easy button operation, and voice control. Multipoint is useful when you move between a phone and a laptop: music can come from one device while the other remains available for a call or notification. The exact switching behavior can depend on the operating systems and applications connected, so pair both devices and test the hand-off before relying on it for work.
Wired fallback
The WH-CH720N includes a stereo-mini input. You can use a cable with an airplane seat system, game controller, laptop headphone jack, or another source that does not provide Bluetooth. A wired connection is also a practical backup if the battery is depleted, subject to the source and the headphone’s operating requirements.
The WH-CH520 is Bluetooth-only. It has no stereo-mini input, so a cable cannot rescue it from an empty battery or a source without Bluetooth. If you regularly use in-flight entertainment, older computers, musical instruments, or other wired equipment, that limitation alone can justify choosing the CH720N.
Rank #4
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Using Sony’s companion app
Both models belong to Sony’s companion-app ecosystem. The app is useful for managing supported settings and checking the options available to your specific model. The CH720N’s app controls are especially relevant because it has ANC and ambient sound; the CH520 cannot gain those modes through software because the hardware does not include them.
Calls, voice control, and work use
Both models support voice control, according to Sony’s launch announcement, and both support multipoint. That combination suits a basic phone-and-laptop workflow. You can keep the headset paired to a computer for audio while remaining connected to a phone.
The cited specifications and comparison do not provide a controlled microphone-quality score, pickup pattern, wind test, or call-noise measurement for either model. Treat them as general-purpose wireless headphones rather than buying solely on an assumption that one has a dramatically better microphone. For frequent meetings, check the seller’s return period and test your voice in the exact room, laptop, and conferencing app you use. If calls are occasional, fit, ANC needs, and the wired option are more decisive differentiators than the published information about microphones.
Portability and daily handling
The approximately 1.6 oz difference favors the CH520 when you carry headphones in a small bag or wear them for many hours. The CH720N’s extra mass buys an over-ear seal, ANC hardware, ambient mode, and a wired input. Neither weight figure tells you how much room the headphones occupy in a case or whether they fit a particular pocket; check the physical dimensions and included accessories on the live product listing if bag space is critical.
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For an office drawer, study desk, or home listening station, the difference is less important than whether you need ANC. For daily commuting, the CH720N’s isolation may prevent you from turning up the volume to overcome traffic. For walking in areas where awareness is essential, the CH520’s naturally open on-ear presentation or the CH720N’s ambient mode can be preferable, depending on which fit you find more comfortable.
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.
Price and value in 2026
Published U.S. figures
On October 18, 2026, Sony’s retail page listed $69.99 for the WH-CH520. Sony listed a $179.99 MSRP for the WH-CH720N on its retail page, while also showing sale pricing for some variants. Those are time-sensitive figures, and color, seller, and promotion can change the amount you actually pay.
How to evaluate a sale
- Open the live Sony or authorized-retailer listing for the exact model and color.
- Confirm that the listing is for WH-CH520 or WH-CH720N, not a similarly named model or bundle.
- Compare the delivered price, return window, warranty terms, and whether a charging cable is included.
- Calculate the premium for the CH720N against features you will use: ANC, over-ear isolation, ambient mode, and wired input.
The CH520 is the value choice when those CH720N features would sit unused. The CH720N becomes better value when replacing it later because of noise, fit, or lack of a wired connection would cost more than paying the premium now.
Which model fits each situation?
Choose the WH-CH520 for these priorities
- The lowest upfront cost among the two.
- Minimal weight for long casual listening.
- Up to 50 hours of rated playback without managing ANC.
- Home, office, study, podcasts, and other mostly quiet environments.
- Bluetooth-only use is acceptable.
- You want a simple headset that stays paired to a phone and laptop through multipoint.
Choose the WH-CH720N for these priorities
- Active noise cancelling for commuting, flights, shared offices, or other noisy locations.
- An over-ear fit and stronger passive isolation.
- Ambient sound mode for announcements and conversations.
- A 3.5 mm stereo-mini wired fallback.
- You are willing to carry approximately 6.8 oz instead of approximately 5.2 oz.
- You want the option of up to 50 hours with ANC disabled but accept a lower rating when ANC is active.
When neither is an obvious winner
If you dislike both on-ear pressure and the enclosed feeling of over-ear headphones, neither design can be declared universally comfortable. Likewise, if professional call quality, a specific gaming-console connection, or advanced wireless codecs is your main requirement, the available evidence here does not establish that either model is the right specialist tool. Define that requirement first and verify the relevant specification before buying.
Setup checklist after purchase
- Charge the headphones with the supplied or compatible USB cable before the first long session.
- Open the Bluetooth settings on your phone or computer and select the exact model name shown by the headphones.
- After the first device is paired, add the second device if you want multipoint between a phone and laptop.
- Install Sony’s companion app if you want to review supported settings; the CH720N’s noise-control modes are the main reason to use it.
- On the CH720N, test ANC and ambient sound in the places where you will actually listen. On the CH520, evaluate how much outside sound reaches you at a safe volume.
- If you bought the CH720N for wired use, connect a stereo-mini cable to your source and confirm that the source recognizes the connection before traveling.
- Make a short test call on each device you plan to use. Check your own voice recording and the other person’s feedback rather than assuming phone and laptop behavior will match.
Common buying mistakes
- Expecting ANC from the CH520: It has no active or ambient sound mode; software cannot add that hardware feature.
- Comparing only the headline battery number: The CH720N’s maximum depends on ANC being off, while ANC-on use has a separate lower rating.
- Assuming on-ear means comfortable for everyone: The CH520 is lighter, but ear pressure is personal.
- Forgetting the wired requirement: The CH520 cannot connect through a stereo-mini cable.
- Treating MSRP as today’s street price: Sony’s pages can show variant-specific promotions, so verify the live total.
- Buying for calls without testing: The cited material does not establish a decisive microphone winner; test your own devices and apps during the return period.
Final recommendation
For most quiet-room listeners, the WH-CH520 is the sensible purchase: it costs less, weighs less, and offers the simplest long-runtime Bluetooth experience. Spend more on the WH-CH720N when you will regularly use ANC, over-ear isolation, ambient sound, or a wired connection. Those are meaningful functional differences, not merely cosmetic upgrades. If your routine includes both quiet desk listening and noisy travel, the CH720N’s flexibility is likely worth its extra weight and higher price; if travel and noise are occasional, keep the money and choose the CH520.
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.
