Bose QuietComfort 45 vs Sony WH-CH720N
The Verdict
Bose QuietComfort 45 and Sony WH-CH720N target different priorities despite similar over-ear designs. The Bose delivers superior ANC performance with its industry-leading noise cancellation and Aware mode transparency feature, though battery life maxes out at 24 hours. Sony's WH-CH720N counters with exceptional stamina: 35 hours with ANC enabled and 50 hours with it off, plus faster charging that delivers 1 hour playback from just 3 minutes. Sound signature differs notably. Bose's proprietary drivers emphasize balanced, warm vocals ideal for casual listening, while Sony's 30mm drivers with LDAC codec support and DSEE upscaling cater to audiophiles wanting high-resolution audio quality. Sony weighs 192 grams versus Bose's 240 grams, offering slightly better portability. At $329, the Bose justifies premium pricing through market-leading ANC and the trusted Bose audio heritage. Sony's $149 price point represents exceptional value, delivering 90 percent of the ANC effectiveness with substantially longer battery life and superior codec support. Choose Bose if ANC quality is your primary driver and battery anxiety doesn't concern you. Choose Sony if you prioritize all-day endurance, audio fidelity, and budget consciousness. Sony edges ahead for real-world usability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Bose QuietComfort 45 if…
- →Legendary Bose ANC is among the best in the industry
- →Incredibly comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- →Lightweight at 240 g — easy to forget you're wearing them
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
Bose QuietComfort 45
Pros
- Legendary Bose ANC is among the best in the industry
- Incredibly comfortable for all-day wear with plush ear cushions
- Lightweight at 240 g — easy to forget you're wearing them
- 24-hour battery handles long trips without charging
- Reliable Bose sound signature with warm, balanced audio
Cons
- No LDAC or aptX — limited to SBC/AAC codecs
- No water resistance for outdoor or gym use
- Cannot adjust ANC levels — only full ANC or Aware mode
- Aware mode sounds less natural than Sony's ambient mode
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 | Bose QuietComfort 45 | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 240 g | 192 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 24 hrs | 35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off), 3 min = 1 hr playback |
| Charging | USB-C, 15 min = 3 hrs playback | USB-C |
| Drivers | Bose proprietary driver | 30mm |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation, Aware mode (transparency), Bose SimpleSync, Adjustable EQ via Bose Music app, Multipoint connection | 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 | 5.1 | 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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