Sony WH-CH720N vs Soundcore Q20i
Budget over-ear ANC headphones compared - Sony comfort and tuning vs Soundcore battery and value.
Sony’s WH-CH720N ($99–149) and Soundcore’s Q20i ($45–59) are the two over-ear ANC pairs we recommend most under $150. Sony optimizes for comfort and polish; Soundcore stacks hybrid ANC, LDAC, and 40-hour battery into a fold-flat shell.
We compared them on flights (cabin rumble), open offices, and back-to-back 3-hour listening sessions.
Spec comparison
| Sony WH-CH720N | Soundcore Q20i | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | ~$149 (often $99 sale) | ~$59 (often $45 sale) |
| Weight | ~192g | ~261g |
| ANC type | Digital (V1 processor) | Hybrid |
| Battery (ANC on) | ~35h | ~40h |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC (+ LDAC on Android) |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes |
| Wired | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Fold-flat | Swiveling cups | Yes |
Comfort and build
Sony is noticeably lighter - less neck fatigue on long flights. Clamping force is gentler; glasses wearers reported fewer pressure points after 2 hours.
Soundcore’s larger cups seal well for ANC but run warmer and tighter. The fold-flat hinge is better for backpacks.
Winner: Sony for all-day wear; Soundcore for packability.
Noise cancellation
Soundcore’s hybrid ANC cuts airplane low-frequency rumble slightly deeper in our tests. Sony’s V1 chip is smoother on office HVAC - less “pressure” sensation with ANC on.
Neither handles sudden voices as well as $300 flagships. Both are credible for commute and coworking.
Winner: Tie - Soundcore on planes, Sony on steady drone.
Sound signature
Sony ships warm, relaxed tuning - podcasts and acoustic music sound natural without EQ. Soundcore defaults bass-heavier; LDAC on Android adds detail for electronic and orchestral tracks.
Both apps offer EQ. Sony Headphones Connect is more mature.
Winner: Sony for out-of-box balance; Soundcore for bass lovers on Android.
Battery and travel
Q20i adds ~5 hours with ANC on and folds smaller. Sony’s soft pouch is fine; Soundcore includes a semi-rigid case on some SKUs.
Winner: Soundcore.
Value at street price
At $99 vs $45, Soundcore is the rational value pick. At $99 vs $99, Sony’s comfort and tuning justify the premium. Watch sale cycles - CH720N dips to $99 frequently; Q20i often lands under $50.
Which should you buy?
Pick Sony WH-CH720N if comfort is non-negotiable, you prefer balanced tuning, or you already use Sony’s app ecosystem.
Pick Soundcore Q20i if you want hybrid ANC and marathon battery at the lowest price - especially on Android with LDAC.
Our verdict: Sony WH-CH720N wins for most daily listeners. Soundcore Q20i is the better deal when it is half the price.
See also: Best budget headphones under $150