Beats Studio Buds+ vs Sony WH-CH720N
The Verdict
Beats Studio Buds+ excel as premium true wireless earbuds with seamless Apple ecosystem integration, featuring custom dual-element drivers, solid 6-hour ANC battery life, and rapid USB-C charging (5 minutes equals 1 hour playback). Sony WH-CH720N offers exceptional value as over-ear headphones with superior 35-hour ANC battery life, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, and LDAC codec support for higher-quality streaming. Sound quality differs by design: Beats prioritize compact versatility with spatial audio on Apple devices, while Sony delivers room-filling audio with robust bass and EQ customization via their app. The Beats suit mobile professionals and gym users needing true wireless convenience, whereas Sony targets daily commuters and home listeners seeking all-day battery and wired fallback options. Both include ANC and offer different strength profiles. Choose Beats for portability and Apple loyalty; choose Sony for battery longevity and multipoint flexibility at a lower price point.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Studio Buds+ if…
- →Works equally well with iOS and Android — rare for Beats
- →Transparent case is a unique, eye-catching design
- →36 hours total battery with case is exceptional
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 Studio Buds+
Pros
- Works equally well with iOS and Android — rare for Beats
- Transparent case is a unique, eye-catching design
- 36 hours total battery with case is exceptional
- Improved ANC over original Studio Buds — blocks significantly more noise
- Lightweight at 5 g per bud with comfortable fit
Cons
- No Apple H2 or W1 chip — misses some Apple ecosystem features
- SBC/AAC only — no aptX or LDAC for audiophile Android users
- No multipoint Bluetooth connection
- Transparency mode still not as natural as AirPods Pro 2
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 Studio Buds+ | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 5 g (each) | 192 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs ANC on (9 hrs off), 36 hrs total with case | 35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off), 3 min = 1 hr playback |
| Charging | USB-C, 5 min = 1 hr playback | USB-C |
| Drivers | Custom 9.5mm dual-element driver | 30mm |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Enhanced Apple and Android compatibility, One-touch pairing on both iOS and Android, Custom acoustic platform with dual-element driver, Find My (iOS) and Find My Device (Android), Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking (Apple) | 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 | 5.3 | 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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Beats products or all Sony products. View full details for the Beats Studio Buds+ or the Sony WH-CH720N.