When it comes to noise-canceling headphones, Sony and Bose are two of the biggest names in the game. If you’re in the market for a solid pair but don’t want to spend a fortune, you’re probably looking at the Sony WH-CH720N and the Bose QC45. Both offer great noise cancellation and impressive sound, but which one is actually worth your money? Let’s break it down.
Design & Comfort
- Sony WH-CH720N: Lightweight (192g), comfortable ear cups, mostly plastic build. Simple but effective design.
- Bose QC45: Slightly heavier (240g), premium materials, ultra-comfortable ear pads, and a foldable design for better portability.
If you’re after something light for all-day use, the WH-CH720N is a great pick. However, the QC45 wins in terms of overall comfort and premium feel, especially for long listening sessions.
Noise Cancellation
- Sony WH-CH720N: Good noise cancellation with Sony’s V1 chip. Handles low-frequency noise well but struggles with higher frequencies.
- Bose QC45: Industry-leading ANC, effectively blocks out a wider range of noise, including voices and higher-frequency sounds.
Sony’s noise cancellation is solid for the price, but Bose takes the win here. If you need total isolation, QC45 is the way to go.
Sound Quality
- Sony WH-CH720N: Balanced sound with slightly boosted bass. Works well for most genres.
- Bose QC45: Clean, crisp sound with slightly better clarity in mids and highs. Not as bass-heavy as Sony.
Sony offers a more fun, bass-forward tuning, while Bose leans towards a more neutral and detailed sound. If you love deep bass, go with Sony; if you prefer clarity and balance, Bose is the winner.
Battery Life
- Sony WH-CH720N: 35 hours with ANC on, 50 hours without.
- Bose QC45: 24 hours with ANC on.
Sony’s battery life is way better. If you hate charging your headphones often, WH-CH720N is the smarter choice.
Features & Connectivity
- Sony WH-CH720N: Bluetooth 5.2, multipoint connectivity, customizable EQ via the Sony Headphones Connect app.
- Bose QC45: Bluetooth 5.1, multipoint connectivity, limited EQ options.
Sony gives you more customization for sound, while Bose keeps things simple. If you love tweaking your sound profile, Sony wins here.
Price & Value
- Sony WH-CH720N: Around $150
- Bose QC45: Around $300
For half the price, the WH-CH720N offers impressive noise cancellation, great sound, and insane battery life. But if you want the absolute best ANC and premium feel, QC45 is worth the extra cash.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
- Get the Sony WH-CH720N if you want an affordable noise-canceling headphone with great battery life, decent ANC, and solid sound.
- Get the Bose QC45 if you want the best noise cancellation, premium comfort, and a more refined sound quality.
If budget is a concern, the WH-CH720N is an easy choice. But if you want top-tier ANC and premium comfort, the QC45 is worth the investment.
Which one are you choosing? Let me know in the comments!
