Beats Solo 4 vs Sony WH-CH720N
The Verdict
Both headphones deliver solid value in the mid-range, but serve different listening preferences. Beats Solo 4 prioritizes battery longevity with an impressive 50-hour runtime and emphasizes Apple ecosystem integration through seamless pairing and spatial audio with head tracking, though it lacks active noise cancellation. Sony WH-CH720N counters with genuine ANC capability, over-ear comfort for extended wear, and superior audio codec support including LDAC for lossless wireless streaming. Sound-wise, Sony's approach to audio enhancement through DSEE upscaling and customizable EQ via the companion app offers more flexibility for diverse music genres. Battery life tilts toward Sony at 35 hours with ANC enabled, matching Beats at 50 hours only when ANC is disabled. For frequent travelers prioritizing noise isolation and codec versatility, Sony edges ahead. For Apple users valuing ecosystem connectivity and maximum unplugged listening time, Beats presents the stronger proposition. Sony WH-CH720N emerges as the more feature-complete choice for serious listeners.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Solo 4 if…
- →50-hour battery life is the longest in any Beats product
- →Works equally well with both iOS and Android — no ecosystem lock-in
- →Lossless audio via USB-C is a first for Beats on-ear headphones
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 Solo 4
Pros
- 50-hour battery life is the longest in any Beats product
- Works equally well with both iOS and Android — no ecosystem lock-in
- Lossless audio via USB-C is a first for Beats on-ear headphones
- Lighter and more comfortable than Solo 3 at 217 g
- Spatial Audio with head tracking for immersive music
Cons
- No active noise cancellation — odd for $199 in 2024
- On-ear design causes pressure fatigue after extended wear
- AAC/SBC only via Bluetooth — no LDAC or aptX
- Sound leans bass-heavy, which won't suit all genres
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 Solo 4 | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | on-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 217 g | 192 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 50 hrs | 35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off), 3 min = 1 hr playback |
| Charging | USB-C, 10-min Fast Fuel for 5 hrs | USB-C |
| Drivers | 40 mm transducer with custom acoustic platform | 30mm |
| Features | Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, Lossless audio via USB-C or 3.5mm cable, Apple and Android Find My support, One-touch pairing with both iOS and Android, Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range, Up to 50 hours of battery life | 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 | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
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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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