We compared two budget over-ear noise-cancelling headphones: the Sony WH-CH720N and the soundcore (Anker) Q30.
What we looked at
Noise-cancelling features, sound and app controls, stated battery life, connectivity, weight, and price. The Sony listing gives two battery figures (up to 35 hours in the title and up to 50 hours with noise cancelling off in its bullets).
The verdict
If you want a stated 192g design, Dual Noise Sensor cancelling with an Ambient Sound Mode, and quick charging that gives up to 60 minutes of playback from 3 minutes, the Sony WH-CH720N is the lightweight pick, at £64.99. If you would rather pay £10 less for three noise-cancelling modes, 40mm drivers, Hi-Res audio over the AUX cable and a stated 50 hours of playtime with noise cancelling on, the soundcore Q30 is the value option.
A stated 192g Sony with Dual Noise Sensor cancelling, Ambient Sound Mode and quick charging, at £10 more.
Three noise-cancelling modes, 40mm drivers and a stated 50 hours of playtime for £10 less.
Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones (Black) — Lightest Pick
Intended for: Marketed as lightweight wireless noise-cancelling over-ear headphones with an Integrated Processor V1, Dual Noise Sensor technology, an Ambient Sound Mode and quick charging, for iOS and Android.
What we liked
- At a stated 192g, described as Sony's lightest noise-cancelling over-ear headphones
- Dual Noise Sensor technology, plus an Ambient Sound Mode to stay aware of your surroundings
- Integrated Processor V1 from the WH-1000XM5, DSEE upscaling and a 5-band EQ in the Sony Sound Connect app
- Up to 50 hours of battery life with noise cancelling off, per the listing bullets
- Quick charging gives up to 60 minutes of playback from a 3-minute charge
Worth knowing
- Costs £10 more than the soundcore Q30 on these listings
- The listing gives 35 hours in its title and 50 hours (NC off) in its bullets
Best for
- Commuters who want a light pair of headphones
- Anyone who wants an Ambient Sound Mode and the Sony app EQ
- Buyers who want quick charging
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Anyone who wants a single clear battery figure with noise cancelling on
soundcore Anker Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones — Best Value
Intended for: Marketed as hybrid active noise-cancelling over-ear headphones with three noise-cancellation modes, 40mm drivers, Hi-Res audio, custom EQ through an app, Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connection and 50 hours of playtime.
What we liked
- £10 cheaper than the Sony WH-CH720N on these listings
- Hybrid noise cancelling with two noise-detecting mics on each side
- Three noise-cancelling modes: Transport, Outdoor and Indoor
- 40mm drivers, and Hi-Res certified audio when using the AUX cable
- Up to 50 hours of playtime with noise cancelling on, and 80 hours in standard mode
- Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connection and custom EQ via the app
Worth knowing
- The listing gives no weight figure
- The Hi-Res audio claim applies when the AUX cable is plugged in
Best for
- Long flights and commutes that need a long battery
- Anyone who wants selectable noise-cancelling modes
- Buyers who want the lower price
Not ideal for
- Anyone who wants a stated weight
- Buyers who want Sony's Ambient Sound Mode and app
