Sony WH-CH720N vs Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
The Verdict
Sony WH-CH720N delivers superior sound quality with 30mm drivers, LDAC codec support, and customizable EQ via the Headphones Connect app, making it ideal for audio enthusiasts. Battery life reaches an impressive 35 hours with ANC enabled, though it lacks water resistance. Soundcore Liberty 4 NC excels as a portable solution with IPX4 water resistance, wireless charging, and 50 hours of total battery with the case, though individual bud runtime is limited to 7 hours with ANC. Sound quality favors Sony's larger drivers, but Soundcore's 98.5% noise reduction and adaptive ANC are competitive. At $149, Sony targets serious listeners; at $79, Soundcore offers exceptional value for commuters and travelers. Choose Sony for extended listening sessions and audio fidelity, or Soundcore for portability, durability, and budget-conscious buyers.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC if…
- →ANC, LDAC, multipoint, AND wireless charging for just $79 — insane value
- →50-hour total battery with case is class-leading
- →98.5% noise reduction is competitive with earbuds at three times the price
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
Pros
- ANC, LDAC, multipoint, AND wireless charging for just $79 — insane value
- 50-hour total battery with case is class-leading
- 98.5% noise reduction is competitive with earbuds at three times the price
- HearID hearing profile customization improves audio quality
- Lightweight at 5 g per bud — barely noticeable in-ear
Cons
- Build quality and case feel budget compared to premium brands
- Call quality is acceptable but not exceptional
- Soundcore app is functional but cluttered with upsells
- Sound quality is good but lacks the refinement of Sony or Apple
Full Specifications
| Spec | Sony WH-CH720N | Soundcore Liberty 4 NC |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 192 g | 5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off), 3 min = 1 hr playback | 7 hrs (ANC on), 10 hrs (ANC off), 50 hrs with case |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C, wireless charging (Qi) |
| Drivers | 30mm | 11 mm composite driver |
| Features | Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat automatic pause, DSEE upscaling for compressed audio, Multipoint Bluetooth, Sony Headphones Connect app with EQ | Adaptive ANC with 98.5% noise reduction, LDAC hi-res audio, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, HearID personalized sound profile, Wireless charging case, 6 microphones per bud for clear calls |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC, LDAC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
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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