Jabra Elite 4 Active vs Sony WH-CH720N
The Verdict
Jabra Elite 4 Active delivers impressive value as a compact, workout-focused earbud with solid ANC, IP57 dust and water resistance, and 28 hours total battery with case. Sony WH-CH720N offers exceptional endurance with 35 hours ANC-on battery, superior audio codec support including LDAC, multipoint connectivity, and larger 30mm drivers for richer sound. Battery life heavily favors Sony: 35 hours versus 7 hours per charge is significant for everyday users. Jabra excels in portability and exercise durability with ActiveGrip coating, while Sony provides comfort for extended listening sessions and superior audio quality through DSEE upscaling. Sony's wired connectivity option and multipoint Bluetooth add versatility absent in Jabra. For commuters and office workers prioritizing battery longevity and sound quality, Sony WH-CH720N justifies the $30 premium. Jabra Elite 4 Active suits athletes and casual listeners needing compact, durable earbuds.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Jabra Elite 4 Active if…
- →ANC and IP57 at $119 is remarkable value for gym-goers
- →Secure fit with ActiveGrip coating stays put during intense workouts
- →7-hour battery with ANC matches more expensive 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
Jabra Elite 4 Active
Pros
- ANC and IP57 at $119 is remarkable value for gym-goers
- Secure fit with ActiveGrip coating stays put during intense workouts
- 7-hour battery with ANC matches more expensive earbuds
- Compact and lightweight at 5 g per earbud
- Google Fast Pair for instant Android setup
Cons
- No multipoint Bluetooth — connects to one device at a time
- No wireless charging on the case
- ANC is functional but not deep — best for light noise reduction
- Call quality drops in windy conditions
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 | Jabra Elite 4 Active | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 5 g (each) | 192 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7 hrs ANC on (28 hrs total with case) | 35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off), 3 min = 1 hr playback |
| Charging | USB-C (no wireless charging) | USB-C |
| Drivers | 6mm dynamic driver | 30mm |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation, HearThrough mode, Secure ActiveGrip coating for workouts, Jabra Sound+ app, Google Fast Pair and Spotify Tap, IP57 dust and waterproof | 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 | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IP57 | 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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