Beats Powerbeats Pro vs Sony WH-CH720N
The Verdict
Powerbeats Pro excels as a workout-focused option with secure ear hooks, excellent fast charging via Lightning, and seamless Apple integration through the H1 chip. Sony WH-CH720N offers superior value with active noise cancellation, dramatically longer battery life (35 hours with ANC versus 9 hours), over-ear comfort for extended listening, and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity. Sound quality favors Sony's larger 30mm drivers and LDAC codec support, while Beats delivers portable convenience at $249 versus Sony's $149 price point. Powerbeats Pro suits iPhone users prioritizing workouts and quick charging, but Sony WH-CH720N provides objectively better features, significantly longer battery endurance, and ANC technology at a lower price, making it the stronger choice for most users seeking an all-purpose headphone.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Powerbeats Pro if…
- →Ear hooks provide the most secure fit for intense workouts
- →H1 chip enables Hey Siri and fast Apple pairing
- →9-hour battery per charge is class-leading for sport earbuds
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 Powerbeats Pro
Pros
- Ear hooks provide the most secure fit for intense workouts
- H1 chip enables Hey Siri and fast Apple pairing
- 9-hour battery per charge is class-leading for sport earbuds
- IPX4 handles sweat and rain during outdoor training
- Physical buttons are reliable — no accidental touch inputs
Cons
- Charging case is enormous compared to competitors
- Lightning charging port instead of USB-C
- No ANC at $249 is a tough sell against AirPods Pro
- Ear hooks make them impossible to use while lying on your side
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 Powerbeats Pro | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 20.3 g (pair) | 192 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 9 hrs (24 hrs total with case) | 35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off), 3 min = 1 hr playback |
| Charging | Lightning, 5 min = 1.5 hrs (Fast Fuel) | USB-C |
| Drivers | Custom 12mm driver | 30mm |
| Features | Apple H1 chip with Hey Siri, Adjustable, secure-fit ear hooks, Volume and track controls on each earbud, Automatic play/pause with ear detection, 9-hour battery per charge | 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 | 5.0 (Apple H1 chip) | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | 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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