Sennheiser HD 560S vs Sony WH-CH720N
The Verdict
Sennheiser's HD 560S delivers neutral, reference-grade sound with a 38mm driver and exceptional 120-ohm impedance design, making it ideal for critical listening and studio work. Sony's WH-CH720N counters with active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, and impressive 35-hour battery life with ANC enabled, plus adaptive sound control features. Both are over-ear designs, though Sony weighs 48 grams less at 192g. Sound signature differs fundamentally: the Sennheiser prioritizes flat, open-back accuracy for purists, while Sony emphasizes convenience and portability with wireless flexibility. For stationary audiophiles seeking uncolored audio, the Sennheiser edges ahead. For commuters and everyday users wanting versatile features and wireless freedom, Sony's superior battery endurance, ANC, and Bluetooth multipoint connectivity make it the stronger choice despite its smaller drivers.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Sennheiser HD 560S if…
- →Audiophile-grade clarity and neutral sound at an accessible price
- →120-ohm impedance works with most phones and laptops without an amp
- →Incredibly wide soundstage for gaming, mixing, and critical listening
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
Sennheiser HD 560S
Pros
- Audiophile-grade clarity and neutral sound at an accessible price
- 120-ohm impedance works with most phones and laptops without an amp
- Incredibly wide soundstage for gaming, mixing, and critical listening
- Lightweight and comfortable for marathon listening sessions
- Excellent value as an entry into open-back audiophile headphones
Cons
- Open-back design leaks sound heavily — no isolation
- Wired only — no wireless option
- Bass can sound lean for casual listeners who prefer warmth
- Plastic build feels less premium than metal-bodied competitors
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 | Sennheiser HD 560S | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 240 g | 192 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | N/A (wired) | 35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off), 3 min = 1 hr playback |
| Charging | N/A | USB-C |
| Drivers | 38mm dynamic transducer, 120 ohm impedance | 30mm |
| Features | Open-back reference design, 120-ohm impedance — can be driven by most sources, Detachable cable, Velour ear pads for comfort, Wide frequency response (6 Hz – 38,000 Hz) | 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, LDAC | |
| Bluetooth | None (wired only) | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | 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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