Beats Flex vs Sony WH-CH720N
The Verdict
Beats Flex offers a lightweight, portable neckband design ideal for casual listeners and Apple ecosystem users, with decent 12-hour battery life and the convenient W1 chip for seamless connectivity. Sony WH-CH720N delivers a more comprehensive audio experience as a full over-ear model with active noise cancellation, superior 35-hour battery life with ANC enabled, multipoint Bluetooth, and LDAC codec support for higher-quality streaming. Sony's 30mm drivers provide richer sound reproduction compared to Beats' 12mm drivers, plus the Speak-to-Chat feature and EQ customization via the Connect app offer greater control. While Beats Flex excels in portability and ecosystem integration at a lower price, Sony WH-CH720N's ANC, battery endurance, audio quality, and feature set justify the $80 premium. For most users seeking versatile all-day listening with superior noise isolation, Sony emerges as the stronger choice.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Flex if…
- →Outstanding value at $69 with Apple W1 chip
- →Magnetic earbuds auto-pause music when joined together
- →12-hour battery life is generous for the price
Buy the Sony WH-CH720N if…
- →Exceptional 35-hour battery life with ANC is class-leading
- →Ultra-lightweight at 192 g for comfortable all-day wear
- →LDAC codec support for high-resolution wireless audio
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Beats Flex
Pros
- Outstanding value at $69 with Apple W1 chip
- Magnetic earbuds auto-pause music when joined together
- 12-hour battery life is generous for the price
- USB-C charging — no Lightning cable needed
- Works well with both iOS and Android devices
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Neckband design isn't for everyone — less discreet than true wireless
- No water resistance rating
- Sound quality is adequate but not detailed
- Bluetooth 4.2 is dated
Sony WH-CH720N
Pros
- Exceptional 35-hour battery life with ANC is class-leading
- Ultra-lightweight at 192 g for comfortable all-day wear
- LDAC codec support for high-resolution wireless audio
- Multipoint Bluetooth for seamless dual-device switching
- Solid noise cancellation at a very competitive $149 price
Cons
- ANC is noticeably weaker than premium XM5 headphones
- 30mm drivers produce smaller, less dynamic soundstage
- Plastic build feels cheap compared to premium Sony models
- No water resistance for gym or outdoor use
- Ear cushions are thinner and less comfortable than XM5
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Flex | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 18.6 g | 192 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 12 hrs | 35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off), 3 min = 1 hr playback |
| Charging | USB-C, 10 min = 1.5 hrs (Fast Fuel) | USB-C |
| Drivers | 12mm dual-chamber driver | 30mm |
| Features | Apple W1 chip, Magnetic earbuds auto-pause when connected, USB-C charging, Neckband design with Flex-Form cable, Shared audio with other Beats or AirPods | Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat automatic pause, DSEE upscaling for compressed audio, Multipoint Bluetooth, Sony Headphones Connect app with EQ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 (Apple W1 chip) | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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