As avid music enthusiasts, we are always looking for the best audio products in the market. While searching for budget ANC headphones, we have come across a true gem: the Sony WH-CH710N wireless headphones. Sony WH-CH710N is a sub $150 ANC-powered headphone, trying to mimic its premium sibling Sony WH-1000XM5 but on a budget.
If you’re looking for an affordable pair of headphones that offer active noise cancellation and want to know if the Sony WH-CH710N has what it takes to be your next pair of headphones. This article will look closely at its features, performance, and whether it has what it takes to deserve the title of the Best Noise Cancelling Headphones under $150. So, let’s dive in and find out!
Design and Comfort
The Sony WH-CH710N headphones sport a minimalist, sleek, appealing, and practical design. They are available in two neutral colors: Black and White, which allows them to fit seamlessly into any personal or professional setting without being too flashy. The headphones are primarily constructed of high-quality plastic, contributing to their lightweight nature, weighing approximately 223g. Despite their lightness, they feel robust and can withstand the rigors of daily use.
Comfort is critical to any headphones, and the WH-CH710N does not disappoint. The over-ear design encompasses your ears completely, creating a comfortable and secure fit. The ear cups are generously padded with plush memory foam and wrapped in a soft, faux-leather material that minimizes pressure during prolonged listening sessions.
Moreover, the headphones feature an adjustable headband that allows you to customize the fit according to your head’s shape and size. The ear cups also swivel, making them adaptable to various head shapes and offering extra comfort. For those who travel frequently, the WH-CH710N is foldable, making it compact and easy to carry around. This combination of comfort and portability makes these headphones an excellent companion for travelers, commuters, or anyone who appreciates good music on the go.
Active Noise Cancelling
A standout feature of the Sony WH-CH710N headphones is their Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) capability. In an era where environmental noises continually bombard us, ANC technology has become essential for many headphone users. The WH-CH710N employs dual noise sensor technology, which uses two microphones on each ear cup to capture ambient noise and counter it with opposing sound waves.
While it’s worth noting that the ANC feature on the WH-CH710N might not match the absolute silence provided by more expensive headphones such as the Sony WH-1000XM4 or Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700, it still does an excellent job at dampening most everyday noises. It’s particularly effective at reducing low-frequency sounds like the hum of an air conditioner or the drone of an airplane engine, enabling you to enjoy your music without distractions.
Additionally, the headphones offer an Ambient Sound mode, a nifty feature for those who still need to be aware of their surroundings. This mode allows external noises to pass through the headphones so you won’t miss important announcements or conversations.
Sound Quality
Regarding sound quality, the Sony WH-CH710N does a commendable job, especially considering its price point. These headphones have 30mm drivers that deliver a balanced sound profile. They slightly emphasize the low end, providing a warm and pleasant bass that doesn’t drown out the mids or highs.
While not as forward as on some other headphones, the midrange provides sufficient detail and clarity. It can occasionally feel slightly recessed, impacting vocal clarity in some music genres. Nevertheless, the headphones do a respectable job of reproducing the intricacies of various instruments and vocals.
While not sparkling, the high frequencies are decent and do not exhibit any harshness or sibilance. They lack detail and airiness, which might disappoint audiophiles who crave an ultra-detailed sound. However, the overall sound signature will be more than satisfactory for most users.
One thing worth noting is that the Sony WH-CH710N headphones support personal equalization. You can fine-tune the sound using the Sony Headphones Connect app to your preference. Whether you prefer a bass-heavy, neutral, or treble-forward sound, these headphones can accommodate your preferences.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life is another crucial aspect of wireless headphones, and the Sony WH-CH710N stands out with a remarkable battery life. With ANC on, these headphones offer up to 35 hours of playback time, which is impressive. If you are running low on battery, a quick ten-minute charge can provide up to an hour of listening time, thanks to the quick-charge feature.
Connectivity-wise, the WH-CH710N utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 technology, providing a stable and efficient connection. You can easily connect your headphones to various devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, or any device that supports Bluetooth. Even though it lacks the support of high-quality codecs like LDAC, it supports AAC and SBC, ensuring you still get a decent wireless audio experience.
If you’re a purist or your device doesn’t support Bluetooth, the WH-CH710N also covers you. It has a 3.5mm audio cable allows you to use the headphones in a wired mode without reducing sound quality. This feature also comes in handy when you’ve exhausted your battery and still want to continue listening to your music.
Controls and Convenience
The controls on the Sony WH-CH710N are intuitively designed and easy to use. On the right ear cup, you’ll find power, volume adjustment buttons, and a multi-function button for play/pause, call answering, and voice assistant activation. Additionally, a dedicated button allows you to switch between ANC, Ambient Sound, and OFF modes, giving you full control over your listening environment.
Furthermore, the headphones are compatible with Google Assistant and Siri, allowing for hands-free operation and convenient access to various smartphone functions.
As for the range, the headphones offer a decent wireless range of about 10 meters (33 feet) without obstacles, which should be sufficient for most uses. Whether roaming your room or working in the office, the WH-CH710N provides enough leeway to move around freely.
The Sony WH-CH710N also supports multipoint connection, which means it can be connected to two devices simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful if you frequently switch between devices like your phone and your laptop.
Verdict and Alternatives
In conclusion, the Sony WH-CH710N headphones offer an impressive package at an affordable price point. They provide effective active noise canceling, comfortable wear, decent sound quality, and outstanding battery life. While they may not match premium models in some aspects, such as absolute noise canceling and audio fidelity, they stand out as a worthy choice for anyone looking for affordable ANC headphones.
For those willing to shell out more for superior noise canceling and sound quality, we recommend the Sony WH-1000XM4 or the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700. These top-tier models come with advanced features like touch-sensitive controls, premium build quality, and support for high-quality Bluetooth codecs.
If you’re on a tighter budget, consider alternatives like the Sennheiser PXC 550-II, which delivers better sound quality and ANC performance than the WH-CH710N. Another economical choice is the Anker Soundcore Life Q20, offering decent noise-canceling performance at a significantly lower price point.
Ultimately, the Sony WH-CH710N finds a sweet spot between affordability and functionality. It’s a compelling choice for anyone seeking a reliable pair of ANC headphones without breaking the bank.
