What to know first
- Lightweight over-ear design (192 g) is a big deal for long study sessions.
- Active noise canceling and an ambient mode let you choose between “focus” and “stay aware.”
- Strong battery life is a core reason to buy these for school and commuting.
- Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint makes it easier to bounce between phone and computer.
- They do not fold, and there’s no case included, so plan on tossing them in your bag as-is or buying a case.
What the Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (WH-CH720N/B) is
The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (WH-CH720N/B) are wireless, over-ear headphones with active noise canceling (ANC). They’re meant for everyday listening, studying, and commuting, not for studio work or showing off premium materials.
The big promise here is simple: you get the comfort and isolation of cushioned over-ears, plus ANC to reduce steady background noise, at a price that sits well below Sony’s flagship WH-1000X line. For back-to-school shopping, that’s the difference between “I’ll actually wear these for hours” and “these live in my backpack because they’re annoying.”
They also support wired listening in addition to Bluetooth, so you’re not stuck if you need to plug into a device or just want to keep listening when the battery is low.
Why it stands out
Comfort is the main reason the Sony WH-CH720N makes sense for students. At 192 grams, they’re light enough that you can keep them on through a long study block without feeling like you’re wearing a helmet. The earcups rotate and adjust easily, and the clamping force is designed to stay secure without feeling overly tight for most people.
Noise canceling is the other headline feature. ANC is what helps when the room is not actually quiet: HVAC hum, bus rumble, hallway chatter, or the general noise floor of a cafeteria. When you need awareness instead, there’s an ambient mode so you can hear more of what’s going on around you.
You also get real day to day convenience features that matter more than flashy extras. Bluetooth 5.2 helps with stable connections, and multipoint lets you stay connected to two devices at once (for example, a school laptop and your phone). That means fewer “disconnect, reconnect” moments when a call comes in or you switch from a lecture video to music.
If you like to tweak your sound, Sony’s Headphones Connect app includes EQ and other audio features. Just know that some features require creating an account, which may be a downside if you prefer to keep things simple.
What it is like to own
Day to day, the WH-CH720N is straightforward. Controls are physical buttons on the right earcup, including a dedicated button to switch between noise canceling and ambient modes. Buttons are practical for school because you can use them without looking, and you do not have to remember swipe gestures. The downside is that the buttons can feel similar, so there’s a short learning curve.
Charging is over USB-C, which is what most students already carry for phones, tablets, and laptops. That makes it easier to top up between classes or at a desk without hunting for a special cable.
For backpack life, the main thing to understand is the shape. These headphones do not fold down, and they do not come with a case. The earcups rotate, which helps them lie flatter, but they still take up more space than foldable models. If you’re rough on gear or you pack your bag tight, budgeting for a separate case is a smart move.
Comfort is generally strong, but over-ear pads can warm up during longer sessions. If you’re the type who wears headphones for hours in a warm room, that’s worth factoring in.
What to know before you buy
The WH-CH720N is built to hit a price point. The materials can feel plasticky, and the finish is not as refined as Sony’s higher-end models. That does not automatically mean it’s fragile, but it does mean you’re paying for comfort, ANC, and features, not luxury feel.
Portability is the other big catch. Since they do not fold and there’s no included case, these are better for students who have room in their backpack or who mostly use them at home, in the library, or on a commute where they can wear them the whole time.
If you plan to use Sony’s app features, be aware that the app may require an account to access everything. If you want “pair and go” with no app involvement, you can still use the headphones over Bluetooth, but you may not want to rely on app-only features.
The specs that matter
For school days, weight is comfort. Lighter headphones are easier to wear through long study sessions without neck or head fatigue.
ANC helps reduce steady background noise so you can focus. Ambient mode is what you use when you need to hear announcements or talk to someone without taking the headphones off.
Newer Bluetooth versions generally mean smoother connections and better day to day reliability when you’re moving between rooms, devices, and backpacks.
If you’re on a laptop for homework and your phone for calls, multipoint cuts down on reconnecting and makes switching feel automatic.
USB-C is the cable most students already have. It’s one less proprietary charger to keep track of.
Driver size is not everything, but it tells you these are built as compact, lightweight over-ears rather than oversized, heavy headphones.
The app is where you go to tune the sound and manage certain features. If you like customizing, it’s a plus. If you hate accounts and apps, it’s a potential annoyance.
Who this product fits
You study in noisy places (library, cafeteria, shared bedroom)
The Sony WH-CH720N’s active noise canceling helps lower the constant background noise that makes it hard to focus. You can keep volume lower and still hear your music or lecture audio clearly.
You commute to school on a bus or train
ANC is useful for cutting down engine and road noise, and the lightweight build makes it easier to wear the whole ride instead of taking them off halfway through.
You bounce between a school laptop and your phone all day
Multipoint Bluetooth lets the WH-CH720N stay connected to two devices, so switching from a video on your laptop to a call on your phone is less of a hassle.
You want over-ears but hate bulky “travel” headphones
At 192 g, these are built to feel light on your head. Just know they do not fold, so they’re better if you can wear them around your neck or give them a dedicated spot in your bag.
Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (WH-CH720N/B) FAQ
Does the Sony WH-CH720N have active noise canceling?
Yes. The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (WH-CH720N/B) include active noise canceling, plus an ambient mode you can switch to when you need more awareness.
Do the Sony WH-CH720N fold up for travel?
No. They do not fold down. The earcups rotate, but the overall shape is still larger in a backpack than foldable models.
Do the Sony WH-CH720N come with a carrying case?
No case is included. If you want protection in a crowded backpack, plan on buying a separate case.
Can the Sony WH-CH720N connect to two devices at once?
Yes. They support multipoint for two devices, which is handy if you switch between a phone and a laptop during the day.
Do the Sony WH-CH720N charge with USB-C?
Yes. They charge over USB-C, so you can usually share a charger with other modern devices.
Is there an app for the Sony WH-CH720N?
Yes. Sony’s Headphones Connect app (iOS and Android) offers features like EQ and other settings. Some features may require creating an account.
Should you buy the Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (WH-CH720N/B)?
Yes, if your goal is simple: comfortable over-ear headphones you can wear all day, with noise canceling that makes studying and commuting less distracting. The Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (WH-CH720N/B) nails the basics that matter for school, and it does it in a lightweight package.
Skip them if you need a foldable design or you want a case included, because these are meant to be worn more than packed. If that’s not a deal-breaker, the WH-CH720N is a smart back-to-school buy that should get used constantly, not just on the first week of classes.