Sony WF-1000XM4 vs Sony WH-CH720N
The Verdict
Sony's WF-1000XM4 and WH-CH720N serve different needs and use cases. The WF-1000XM4 are premium earbuds packed with flagship features: LDAC Hi-Res Audio support, the Integrated Processor V1 for superior ANC, 360 Reality Audio, and ultraportable 7.3g per-bud design. They deliver 8 hours of ANC playback plus 24 total with case, and the 5-minute quick charge yields 1 hour of use. The WH-CH720N are over-ear headphones emphasizing exceptional battery life at half the price. You're getting 35 hours with ANC enabled, 50 hours with it off, and faster charging (3 minutes equals 1 hour playback). The larger 30mm drivers suit stationary listening over the WF-1000XM4's 6mm drivers. However, the WH-CH720N lacks LDAC and Hi-Res Audio, misses IPX4 water resistance, and weighs significantly more at 192g. For commuters, travelers, and gym enthusiasts seeking portability with leading ANC quality, the WF-1000XM4 justify their $279 premium. Those wanting all-day comfort at a desk or needing weeks between charges should grab the WH-CH720N. Both offer ANC and Speak-to-Chat, but sound quality and feature set strongly favor the earbuds despite the price gap.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Sony WF-1000XM4 if…
- →Industry-leading ANC in a true wireless form factor at launch
- →LDAC support enables Hi-Res wireless audio streaming
- →8-hour battery with ANC is strong for true wireless 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
Sony WF-1000XM4
Pros
- Industry-leading ANC in a true wireless form factor at launch
- LDAC support enables Hi-Res wireless audio streaming
- 8-hour battery with ANC is strong for true wireless earbuds
- Speak-to-Chat pauses audio when you start talking
- Foam ear tips provide excellent passive noise isolation
Cons
- Foam ear tips degrade over time and need replacement
- IPX4 is basic splash resistance — not suitable for heavy sweat
- At 7.3 g per earbud they are slightly heavier than competitors
- Charging case is bulky compared to AirPods Pro
- Touch controls can be oversensitive on the small surface area
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 | Sony WF-1000XM4 | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 7.3 g (each) | 192 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 8 hrs (ANC on), 12 hrs (ANC off), 24 hrs total with case | 35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off), 3 min = 1 hr playback |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback | USB-C |
| Drivers | 6mm dynamic driver | 30mm |
| Features | Integrated Processor V1 for ANC and audio, LDAC for Hi-Res Audio wireless, Speak-to-Chat automatic pause, Adaptive Sound Control, 360 Reality Audio, Sony Headphones Connect app | 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 | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | None |
Want to compare a third product?
Add another product for a 3-way comparison.
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 Sony products or all Sony products. View full details for the Sony WF-1000XM4 or the Sony WH-CH720N.