Compare Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen) vs Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Headphones

Reviews are broadly positive on sound quality, especially after EQ or over USB-C, but several reviewers still found the tuning less refined than top sonic rivals.

Reviewers generally found the sound enjoyable and better than expected for the price, though not as resolving or dynamic as premium headphones.

Wear detection performance is praised as excellent in daily use.

Wear detection performance was absent in the scored evidence, since the reviewer noted no wear-detection feature.

Wired USB-C listening is credited with reducing Bluetooth latency, giving it a practical audio-video sync benefit.

Audio-video sync was a limitation: one reviewer saw only minor issues, while another called out no low-latency mode for video and games.

Immersive audio quality is highly split, with some reviewers loving cinema/spatial effects and others preferring normal stereo.

Immersive audio was one of the stronger technical positives, with reviewers praising 360-style spaciousness or high immersiveness.

ANC background noise is generally improved or very low, with reviewers praising quiet operation and reduced hiss, though not every review is flawless.

ANC background-noise handling was mixed: low rumble and everyday noise improved, but traffic, high-pitched sound, and hiss remained.

ANC-off mode is a sonic caveat because one reviewer says tonality worsens with ANC disabled.

The available evidence on ANC sound-signature impact was positive, with one reviewer saying ANC did not radically alter the sound.

Reviewers often describe the soundstage as wide, spacious, or open, especially for closed-back ANC headphones.

Soundstage impressions split between wide or expansive in some listening tests and narrow, compact, or shallow in others.

Active noise cancellation is the product’s strongest consensus win, repeatedly described as elite, best-in-class, or among the best available.

ANC was consistently useful for the price, reducing everyday noise and rumble, but reviewers rarely considered it flagship-class.

Microphone noise handling is generally positive, with reviewers saying voices stay clear and background noise is reduced well in common noisy settings.

Microphone noise reduction was inconsistent: some reviews praised background and wind handling, while others found noisy environments a weak point.

LE Audio readiness is weak because one reviewer specifically complains that low-energy goodies are still missing.

LE Audio readiness was speculative in the review evidence, framed as something Bluetooth 5.2 could support in the future.

Bass is frequently praised as strong, deep, and enjoyable, though a few reviewers call the default balance bass-heavy or V-shaped.

Bass was a clear personality trait: many found it warm, punchy, or fun, while others called it boomy, shallow, or overemphasized.

Spatial and cinema modes are divisive: movie use receives praise, while music-focused immersive modes are less consistently liked.

Spatial audio evidence was mixed: reviewers liked the immersive effect, but noted limited app or subscription requirements.

Passive isolation is considered useful and fairly good, but one reviewer notes the foam is not the thickest.

Passive isolation was adequate rather than exceptional, helped by padding but weaker than better-padded premium alternatives.

Frequency balance is debated: some reviewers hear an impressively balanced profile after EQ, while others find the default tuning bassy, safe, or not neutral.

Frequency-response evidence was mixed: reviewers noted a warm, mostly pleasant balance but also bass emphasis, average timbre, and constrained openness.

ANC is praised for not changing the headphone’s sonic character in one review’s listening.

Reviewers generally found ANC did not damage the listening experience, with no major fatigue or radical sound shift reported.

Wear detection for wake/play behavior is praised for quickly waking and connecting when the headphones are put on.

Auto-play and wear detection were clear missing features in several reviews.

The built-in DAC/USB-C hi-res path is repeatedly praised for clearer, more detailed, or higher-quality wired playback.

Hi-res playback support was a repeated weakness in the scored evidence, with reviewers saying there is no hi-res or LDAC support.

aptX support is treated as a meaningful upside for compatible newer Android devices, even though the transcript renders it as AEX.

aptX-related evidence was negative, with one reviewer citing no low-latency codec support such as aptX-LL.

Auto-pause is generally positive, with reviewers noting automatic pause and power-up behavior when the headphones are removed or worn.

Wear-detection auto-pause was missing, creating a risk of accidental battery drain.

Preset EQ quality is weak in the evidence, with reviewers calling presets ineffective or lackluster.

Preset EQ profiles were praised in the two scored reviews for improving bass energy while keeping clarity under control.

The carry case is usually praised as compact, protective, or sturdy, though a few reviewers find the fit awkward or the zip case less convenient.

Carry-case quality scored poorly because multiple reviewers noted that no case or pouch is included.

Portability is a strength because reviewers like the foldable frame and compact travel form.

Portability was held back by the non-folding design, despite the lightweight build and swiveling earcups.

Included accessories are appreciated, especially the case plus charging and audio cables.

Included accessories were limited, with reviewers noting only basic cables and no carry case.

USB-C playback is praised for giving more output headroom for listeners who want louder playback.

Volume output drew limitations in flight or lower-volume listening, where reviewers needed higher volume or found detail lacking.

Premium feel is mixed: the Gen 2 can feel nicer than before, but multiple reviewers still call out plastic, rattling, or non-premium materials.

Premium feel was weak: reviewers said the headphones feel toy-like or below their price in material impression.

Travel friendliness is a major strength because reviewers highlight comfort, ANC, foldability, and long-flight usefulness.

Travel friendliness was mixed: ANC and battery help, but lack of a case and non-folding design reduce bag durability.

Replaceable earpads are a practical upside for cleaning, wear, and possible third-party pad swaps.

Replaceable earpads received limited mixed evidence because the pads may wear but aftermarket replacements were mentioned.

Earcup padding is strongly praised as plush, cushy, soft, and supportive.

Earcup padding was generally comfortable but not universally premium, with some sticky, thin, or fit-related complaints.

Connectivity options are a strength because reviewers say USB-C, analog, and Bluetooth make it hard to be stuck without a usable connection.

Connectivity options were positively viewed where reviewers emphasized both wired and Bluetooth listening.

Multi-platform compatibility is a strength, especially for users switching across phones, laptops, Android, iOS, and other operating systems.

Multi-platform compatibility was positive in limited evidence, especially for users connecting a phone and PC through multipoint.

Water and sweat resistance is a weakness because reviewers call out the lack of an ingress protection rating.

Water and sweat resistance was a weakness, with reviewers noting no waterproof rating and limited exercise suitability.

Instrument separation is usually seen as good to excellent, though one reviewer notes it can struggle when mixes get busy.

Instrument separation was praised in some reviews, but other reviewers found the headphones lacking resolution, definition, and complex-track clarity.

Smudge resistance is a downside because glossy accents pick up fingerprints and dust.

Smudge resistance was mixed, with matte finish resisting fingerprints but the white colorway collecting dirt.

Midrange feedback is mixed: several reviewers like vocal clarity and texture, while others hear recessed or dull low mids.

Midrange comments were mixed, with praise for vocals and clarity in some reviews but complaints about recessed, muffled, or muddy mids in others.

The profile is seen as discreet and attractive, with reviewers saying the headphones look good without standing out too much.

The headphones were described as discreet, slim, and subtle enough for public wear.

Reviewers note that fine detail and micro-detail are not class-leading, even when the overall sound is enjoyable.

One review praised clarity at high volumes, saying the sound stayed clear rather than muddy.

Streaming integration is a limitation because the app lacks built-in music service or internet radio integration.

Streaming-service integration was constrained because 360 Reality Audio required supported paid apps in one review.

USB-C audio is one of the clearest feature upgrades, praised for lossless listening and practical wired use.

USB-C was praised as a modern and useful charging standard, with fast charging mentioned in one video review.

Treble is generally smooth or crisp enough, but reviewers do not treat it as the strongest part of the tuning.

Treble was often described as clear or detailed, but some reviewers found it peaky, fatiguing, or slightly rolled off depending on tuning.

The integrated microphone is serviceable to good, with clear call presence, though not always exceptional.

Integrated microphone evidence was positive in the limited scored review, with speech remaining clear enough in office use.

Headband padding is praised as soft and supportive, helping the headphones stay comfortable for long sessions.

Headband padding received limited but very positive evidence, with one reviewer calling the padding excellent.

Stability is adequate for light movement, but not ideal for dynamic workouts or smaller heads.

Fit stability received limited positive evidence, with clamping force keeping the headphones in place.

Transparency mode is generally praised as natural and useful, though several reviewers note hiss, reduced level, or weaker performance than AirPods Max or Sony.

Transparency mode was one of the better-received features, with reviewers calling it transparent or effective despite some hiss or limits.

Analog input is useful and dedicated, though one reviewer notes the headphone-side cable connection is less common.

The 3.5mm input was viewed positively as a useful fallback for wired listening.

Overall recommendations are positive for new buyers and travel users, but several reviewers temper that with Gen 1 upgrade and price caveats.

Overall recommendations were mostly positive, especially for budget buyers who accept build and ANC compromises.

Durability evidence is positive but limited, mostly based on case wear and confidence in long-term construction.

Durability over time was a concern because reviewers worried about cheap materials, drops, worn pads, and potential breakage.

The hinge and moving hardware are described positively because the moving parts use high-quality metal.

Hinge durability was a concern in one review that warned pressure near the swivel could cause breakage.

Build quality is acceptable to good, but reviewers split between reassuring solidity and complaints about plasticky or less premium feel.

Build quality was the most repeated compromise, with reviewers split between acceptable construction and cheap, plasticky, brittle feel.

Design feedback is generally positive, with reviewers liking the modern look, finish options, and refined styling.

Design was generally seen as clean, minimalist, and better than expected for the price, though not premium.

Reviewers repeatedly connect the low weight to comfort, calling the headphones light and easy to wear.

Low weight was a standout comfort advantage, with several reviewers emphasizing how light the headphones feel on the head.

Comfort during long use is one of the most consistent strengths, with reviewers repeatedly saying the headphones can be worn for hours.

Comfort was one of the strongest areas, with reviewers repeatedly praising the light fit for long sessions, commuting, and desk use.

Clamping force is usually praised as gentle or well judged, though one reviewer found the fit snug.

Clamping force was broadly well judged: secure enough to stay put but usually gentle enough for comfort.

Codec support is viewed positively where aptX Adaptive/Snapdragon Sound support is relevant, especially for compatible Android devices.

Codec support was viewed as limited because reviewers noted the lack of fancier hi-res options.

Value is mixed: reviewers like the feature set and experience, but price and weak upgrade logic for Gen 1 owners are repeated caveats.

Value was one of the strongest consensus positives, especially when the headphones were discounted below full retail.

Multipoint is a clear strength in the reviews, with seamless switching and reliable two-device behavior praised repeatedly.

Multipoint was repeatedly treated as a useful quality-of-life feature, with several reviewers praising device switching or dual-device use.

Auto on/off behavior is praised for quick wake, sleep, and battery-saving reliability.

Auto-off was praised as helpful for preserving battery life.

EQ customization is one of the most repeated complaints because Bose still relies on a simple three-band EQ.

EQ customization was one of the strongest feature wins, repeatedly described as effective, useful, and capable of improving the sound.

Setup and navigation are generally easy, with reviewers praising stability, intuitive menus, and simple access to features.

Setup simplicity was mixed to weak because two reviewers reported initial pairing issues.

Smart Pause works but has a caveat: folding the headphones can defeat the lay-flat pause behavior and waste battery.

Smart Pause performance was poor because one review explicitly noted no auto-pause when the headphones are removed.

Button usability is mixed, with some reviewers liking the balance of buttons and touch and others criticizing overloaded controls.

Physical buttons were usually praised for reliability and ease, though some reviewers found the similar button shapes confusing.

The app is generally easy to use, but reviewers often describe it as limited, basic, or not as feature-rich as rivals.

The Sony app was a major positive, offering EQ, modes, setup controls, and added features, though some setup friction appeared.

Call microphone quality is usually good enough to excellent, but not every reviewer finds it full-bodied or exceptional.

Call microphone performance ranged from very good and clear to merely acceptable, especially once noisy conditions entered the test.

Advanced software features are mixed: CustomTune and acoustic compensation impress some reviewers, while others complain that Bose offers little new.

Advanced software features were a selling point overall, though one review emphasized that these are not loaded like Sony flagships.

Smart listening features such as ActiveSense and immersive audio are appreciated when they solve practical problems, but the enthusiasm is not universal.

Smart listening features were received positively where tested, especially adaptive sound behavior and location/activity-based adjustments.

Bluetooth pairing is described as straightforward, supporting an easy day-to-day connection experience.

Bluetooth stability was a strength in the reviewed evidence, with stable connections and no signal interruptions reported after setup.

Bluetooth 5.4 is viewed mildly positively as a useful modern update rather than a major advantage.

Bluetooth 5.2 was described as competitive in the reviewed evidence.

Charging gets positive evidence from the quick-charge result and ability to recover several hours quickly.

Charging was strongly praised, especially the quick-charge behavior that several reviews highlighted as fast and useful.

Battery life is improved and usually adequate, but reviewers commonly frame it as average, mid-pack, or not class-leading.

Battery life was a major consensus strength, with reviewers praising the 35-hour-plus ANC endurance and long real-world playback.

Android compatibility is positive where reviewers mention Google Fast Pair and Snapdragon/aptX Adaptive support.

Award recognition is strong in the RecordingNow review, which gives the headphones an Editor’s Choice-style recognition.

The included audio cable was criticized as potentially too short for some PC setups.

Wired listening was useful in a pinch, and one reviewer heard no major sound-quality penalty when using it powered on.

The lack of a low-latency dongle is a drawback when compared with more flexible rivals.

Swivel range was limited because the cups only swivel flat and the headphones do not fold.

Ecosystem integration was limited by app/platform restrictions for certain 360 Reality Audio features.

Feature depth was limited compared with higher-end Sony models, according to one scored review.

Headband adjustability received limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer calling the extension sturdy.

LDAC evidence was mostly negative in the scored reviews, where multiple reviewers called out no LDAC or no hi-res LDAC streaming.

Replaceable pads/headband evidence was limited and mixed, with worn pads mentioned alongside aftermarket replacement possibility.

Sensor coverage was weak because reviewers noted missing ear-detection or wear-detection sensors.

Sustainability and repairability received limited positive evidence tied to long battery life reducing replacement frequency.

Touch control feedback is mixed: some reviewers find the slider responsive, while others call it imprecise or annoying.

Auracast support was only discussed as a possible future capability, not a confirmed or praised current feature.

Sound leakage evidence was limited but positive, with one review saying leakage was minimal.

Wind-noise handling received limited positive evidence through Sony’s wind-reduction feature seeming to work.

Voice-assistant integration received limited positive evidence as a hands-free control option through the physical button.