Sony WH-CH700N Noise Cancelling Headphones Review Wireless Comfort with 35-Hour Battery Life

Description

Immersive Listening with the Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH700N

Testing the Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH700N has been a surprisingly enjoyable experience. As someone who spends a lot of time listening to music, podcasts, and even taking calls while on the go, I demand a lot from my headphones. This pair brought a mix of solid performance, comfort, and convenience that made it stand out in its category. However, it’s not perfect, and there are a few quirks worth noting.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the sleek black design caught my attention. The headphones have an angular yet rounded over-ear shape that feels both modern and minimalistic. I found the adjustable headband and cushioned earpads to be a major plus, providing a snug fit without causing discomfort during extended use. At just 8.5 ounces, they’re impressively lightweight, making them ideal for long listening sessions.

One small gripe I had was with the materials used. While the build feels solid, the plastic components don’t scream premium. For the price, I would have appreciated a more robust feel, but the lightweight design might be the trade-off here.

Audio Performance

The audio quality is where these headphones shine. Equipped with dynamic drivers, the sound is rich and well-balanced. The bass is punchy without being overbearing, and the mids and highs are clear, making these headphones suitable for a variety of genres. Whether I was listening to electronic beats or acoustic tracks, the sound remained crisp and immersive.

What really stood out was the digital noise cancellation. By pressing the NC (Noise Cancelling) button, I could block out most background distractions, whether it was the hum of an air conditioner or chatter in a café. The AI-powered noise cancellation adjusts dynamically, which felt particularly effective on public transportation. However, it’s worth noting that higher frequencies, like human voices, still seep through a bit, so it’s not a total soundproof experience.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is simply outstanding. With up to 35 hours of wireless playback, I rarely felt the need to charge them. The quick charge feature is a lifesaver—just 10 minutes of charging gave me several hours of use. For longer trips, the detachable cable allowed me to switch to wired mode, extending the playback time to a whopping 50 hours.

One downside, though, is the micro-USB charging port. In 2023, it feels outdated compared to the faster and more versatile USB-C standard.

Convenience and Features

I found the built-in microphone and hands-free calling feature incredibly useful for work calls. The audio clarity during calls is solid, and I didn’t experience any major connectivity issues. Pairing via Bluetooth was seamless, and the NFC feature made it even faster for compatible devices.

The Alexa integration is another noteworthy feature. By holding the voice control button, I could access music, check the weather, or control smart devices without touching my phone. While I didn’t use this feature extensively, it’s a handy addition for anyone deep in the smart home ecosystem.

Highlights

• Long battery life with both wireless and wired modes.
• AI-powered noise cancellation effectively blocks out low-frequency distractions.
• Comfortable over-ear design with lightweight construction.
• Quick charge feature ensures minimal downtime.

Downsides

• Micro-USB charging port feels outdated.
• Noise cancellation struggles with higher frequencies like human voices.
• Build materials could feel more premium.

Competing Products

In terms of competition, the Sony WHCH700N goes head-to-head with models like the Bose QuietComfort series and the JBL Live 650BTNC. Bose headphones are often considered more premium, especially in noise cancellation. The QuietComfort series does a better job at blocking out higher frequencies, but it comes at a significantly higher price point.

JBL headphones, on the other hand, offer a similar sound signature and comfort, but they often fall short in battery life compared to Sony’s impressive 35-hour playback time. Where the WHCH700N stands out is its AI-powered noise cancellation and value for money, giving users a well-rounded experience without breaking the bank.

Affordable Quality

When it comes to price-performance, these headphones hit a sweet spot. You’re getting a solid mix of comfort, features, and sound quality without venturing into the premium pricing territory of competitors like Bose or Sennheiser. While there are minor drawbacks, they feel like reasonable compromises for an otherwise feature-packed and reliable pair of headphones.

To sum it up, the Sony WHCH700N headphones are perfect for those who want a high-quality listening experience without shelling out for ultra-premium features. Whether you’re working from home, commuting, or simply relaxing, they provide a great balance of performance and practicality.

Additional information