Sony WH-CH720N vs WH-1000XM5

What published reviews say about each, where the two differ, and who each one suits.

Summed up from 16 published reviews

Sony

WH-CH720N

A comfortable, budget-focused pair with capable ANC and long battery life, balanced by a plastic build, bass-heavy tuning, and limited codecs.

Best for: Budget commuters wanting comfort, battery life, and capable ANC.
Skip it if: You prioritize flagship ANC, neutral tuning, premium materials, and advanced codecs.

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Sony WH-CH720N

Sony

WH-1000XM5

The XM5 excels at noise cancellation, refined sound, and call quality, but its price, bulk, and fit trade-offs may limit its value.

Best for: Travelers and commuters prioritizing top-tier noise cancellation and call quality.
Skip it if: Skip if you need foldability, lower cost, or neutral tuning.

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Sony WH-1000XM5

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Specs side by side

Spec	Sony WH-CH720N	Sony WH-1000XM5
Fit	Over-ear	Over-ear
Connection	Wireless	Wireless
Noise cancelling	Yes	Yes
Best for	Music, Travel, Work & calls	Music, Travel, Work & calls
Microphone	Built-in mic	Built-in mic
Ear cups	Closed-back	Closed-back

Rows where the two differ come first.

What reviewers like, and what they don't

Sony WH-CH720N

Lightweight comfort supports long listening sessions. 1 2 3 4
ANC performs strongly for the budget price class. 2 3 4 5
Battery lasts around 33–40 hours with ANC enabled. 1 4 5 7
Physical controls and app-based EQ are easy to use. 1 4 7
Reliable wireless connectivity supports everyday listening. 2 3 5
Plastic, non-folding construction feels less premium. 1 2 3 4
Bass-forward tuning can sound boomy or congested. 1 2 3 4
ANC trails flagship models, especially at higher frequencies. 1 2 3 4
Only SBC and AAC codecs are supported. 4 5

Sony WH-1000XM5

Class-leading active noise cancellation excels across travel and commuting. 1 2 3 5
Balanced, detailed sound is repeatedly praised by reviewers. 1 2 3 7
Call quality improved substantially, including in noisy settings. 1 3 4 7
Comfort suits many listeners over extended sessions. 1 3 4 5
Long battery life supports commuting and extended listening. 2 3 4 5
The high price and modest upgrade weaken value. 1 2 3 6
Nonfolding design and bulky case reduce travel portability. 1 2 4 6
Some listeners find tuning bass-heavy with recessed midrange. 5 6
Fit can cause pressure or discomfort during long sessions. 6 7

Ranked in our guides

Guide	WH-CH720N	WH-1000XM5
Best noise cancelling headphones	#4	#9
Best soundproof headphones	#6	#5

Sources

We don't test products ourselves. This page sums up 16 published reviews, read on October 21, 2026; each point above links to the reviews that make it.