JBL Live 670NC vs Sony WH-CH720N: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing between the JBL Live 670NC and the Sony WH-CH720N can feel like a coin toss. Both headphones sit in the budget active noise cancelling (ANC) segment. Both promise solid sound, long battery life, and wireless freedom.

But the details matter. One uses an on-ear design. The other wraps around your ears. One packs a massive 65-hour battery. The other carries Sony’s acclaimed V1 processor.

If you are looking for a clear winner, this comparison will break down every feature, spec, and real-world performance factor. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which pair deserves your money.

Key Takeaways

• The JBL Live 670NC offers 65 hours of battery life, which is 15 hours more than the Sony WH-CH720N’s 50 hours. With ANC on, the JBL still lasts 50 hours compared to Sony’s 35 hours.
• The Sony WH-CH720N weighs only 192 grams, making it 27 grams lighter than the JBL Live 670NC at 219 grams. This makes the Sony a better pick for all-day wear.
• JBL uses a larger 40mm driver while Sony uses a smaller 30mm driver. The bigger driver gives the JBL more bass power and a wider soundstage.
• Sony includes a 3.5mm audio cable in the box for wired listening. The JBL has a much shorter cable option at just 0.2 meters compared to Sony’s 1.2-meter cable.
• Both headphones support Bluetooth 5.2 or newer and offer active noise cancellation. The JBL supports Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio, while the Sony uses Bluetooth 5.2 with AAC codec support.
• The Sony WH-CH720N uses Sony’s integrated V1 processor, the same chip found in the flagship WH-1000XM5. This gives it impressive ANC performance for a budget headphone.

JBL Live 670NC Overview

The JBL Live 670NC launched in January 2024 as a mid-range on-ear wireless headphone. It carries the JBL Signature Sound profile that the brand is famous for. The headphone features True Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient mode.

JBL built these headphones with a foldable design and a fabric-covered headband. The 40mm dynamic drivers deliver deep bass and clear mids. You also get Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio support, which is a nice future-proof bonus.

The JBL app lets you customize the EQ, adjust ANC levels, and tweak the Smart Ambient feature. Touch controls on the ear cups let you manage calls, music, and volume without pulling out your phone.

Pros:

• Massive 65-hour battery life (50 hours with ANC)
• Large 40mm drivers for strong bass
• Foldable and portable design
• Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio
• Speed charge feature (5 minutes gives hours of playback)

Cons:

• On-ear design can cause discomfort during long sessions
• ANC performance is weaker than over-ear alternatives
• Heavier than the Sony at 219 grams
• Short included audio cable (0.2 meters)

Sony WH-CH720N Overview

The Sony WH-CH720N arrived in February 2023 and quickly became one of the best-selling budget ANC headphones. Sony packed this headphone with its integrated V1 processor, the same chip used in the premium WH-1000XM5 series.

This is an over-ear design that covers your ears completely. At just 192 grams, it is Sony’s lightest wireless noise cancelling headband ever. The ear cups rotate flat for easy storage, though they do not fold.

Sony’s Headphones Connect app gives you access to DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), adaptive sound control, and a full EQ customizer. The headphone also supports multipoint connection, so you can pair it with two devices at once.

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight at 192 grams
• Sony V1 processor for strong ANC
• Over-ear design provides better noise isolation
• AAC codec support for Apple devices
• Multipoint Bluetooth connection
• 3.5mm wired option with 1.2-meter cable

Cons:

• 50-hour battery life is shorter than the JBL
• Smaller 30mm drivers
• Does not fold for compact storage
• Plastic build feels less premium

Sound Quality Comparison

Sound quality is where both headphones show their character. The JBL Live 670NC uses a 40mm dynamic driver that produces powerful, bass-heavy audio. JBL’s signature tuning emphasizes low-end frequencies. This makes it a great choice for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop.

The Sony WH-CH720N uses a smaller 30mm driver but compensates with Sony’s DSEE technology. This feature upscales compressed audio in real time. The result is a warmer, more balanced sound profile. Vocals and midrange frequencies sound richer on the Sony.

If you love thumping bass, the JBL has the edge. If you prefer a balanced and detailed sound signature, the Sony performs better. Both headphones allow EQ adjustments through their companion apps.

Active Noise Cancellation

The JBL Live 670NC features True Adaptive Noise Cancelling. This system adjusts the ANC level based on your environment. It works well for reducing low-frequency sounds like airplane engines and train rumble. However, the on-ear design lets in more ambient noise than over-ear headphones.

The Sony WH-CH720N uses its V1 processor to power its noise cancellation. This is the same chip that drives Sony’s top-tier models. The over-ear design creates a physical seal around your ears. This combination of hardware ANC and passive isolation gives the Sony a clear advantage in noise cancelling performance.

For commuters and travelers, the Sony is the stronger pick. The JBL still does a decent job, but it cannot match the Sony’s ANC depth.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is one area where the JBL Live 670NC dominates. It offers up to 65 hours of playback without ANC. With ANC turned on, you still get an impressive 50 hours. The 850mAh battery charges fully in under 3 hours.

The Sony WH-CH720N delivers 50 hours without ANC and 35 hours with ANC on. Its 520mAh battery takes about 3.5 hours to charge fully. Sony does offer a quick charge feature where 3 minutes of charging gives you 1 hour of playback.

JBL also offers a speed charge option. A short 5-minute charge adds several hours of listening time. Both headphones use USB-C for charging, which is convenient and modern.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort is a critical factor for daily use. The JBL Live 670NC sits on top of your ears rather than around them. The cushioned ear pads and fabric headband feel soft initially. But after an hour or two, the clamping pressure on your ears can become noticeable.

The Sony WH-CH720N uses an over-ear design that surrounds your ears completely. At 192 grams, it is exceptionally light. User reviews consistently praise its comfort, with ratings around 9.1 out of 10 for comfort on major review sites.

If you plan to wear your headphones for long periods, the Sony is the better choice. The JBL works well for shorter listening sessions but may cause fatigue over time.

Design and Build Quality

The JBL Live 670NC features a sleek, modern look with a fabric-covered headband. The ear cups fold flat and inward. This makes the JBL easier to pack into a bag. The headphones come in multiple color options including black, blue, and white.

The Sony WH-CH720N has a clean, minimalist design. The ear cups rotate flat but do not fold. The build uses lightweight plastic throughout. It also comes in black, white, and blue options.

Both headphones feel solid enough for daily use. The JBL’s foldable design gives it a portability advantage. The Sony’s lighter weight makes it feel less bulky on your head. Neither headphone feels premium, but both deliver good value at their price points.

Bluetooth and Connectivity

The JBL Live 670NC supports Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio. This is the newer Bluetooth standard that offers better power efficiency and audio quality. However, the JBL does not support the AAC codec.

The Sony WH-CH720N runs on Bluetooth 5.2 with AAC codec support. AAC is the preferred codec for Apple devices. The Sony also supports multipoint connection, which lets you connect to two devices at the same time.

For iPhone users, the Sony has a clear edge because of AAC support. For Android users who want the latest Bluetooth standard, the JBL’s Bluetooth 5.3 with LE Audio is more future-proof.

App Features and Customization

Both headphones come with full-featured companion apps. The JBL Headphones app lets you adjust the EQ with presets or custom settings. You can toggle between ANC and Smart Ambient modes. The app also provides firmware updates.

The Sony Headphones Connect app offers more advanced features. You get access to DSEE for audio upscaling. The adaptive sound control adjusts ANC levels based on your activity. Sony’s app also supports 360 Reality Audio for compatible content.

Sony’s app experience is more polished and feature-rich. The JBL app covers all the basics well but feels simpler in comparison. If app customization matters to you, Sony has the upper hand.

Microphone and Call Quality

Both headphones include built-in microphones for phone calls. The JBL Live 670NC uses multiple microphones for voice pickup. Call quality is decent in quiet environments. Background noise can bleed through during calls in louder settings.

The Sony WH-CH720N features noise-suppressing microphones and a mute function. The Sony handles voice calls slightly better thanks to its processing algorithms. The mute button is a useful addition that the JBL lacks.

For people who take frequent calls, the Sony offers a more reliable experience. The JBL works fine for occasional calls but may struggle in noisy environments.

Price and Value

Both headphones compete in the sub-$150 price range. The JBL Live 670NC typically retails around $129 to $149. The Sony WH-CH720N often sells for $98 to $128, making it the more affordable option in most markets.

The Sony offers exceptional value for money. User reviews on major sites give it a 9.7 out of 10 score for value. The JBL provides strong value too, especially if battery life is your top priority.

Both headphones punch above their price. The Sony’s lower street price and Sony V1 chip make it a tough package to beat. The JBL justifies its price with longer battery life and larger drivers.

Which One Should You Buy?

The answer depends on your priorities. Choose the JBL Live 670NC if you want the longest battery life, bigger bass response, and a foldable design. It works best for users who listen in shorter sessions and want a headphone that rarely needs charging.

Choose the Sony WH-CH720N if you want better noise cancellation, superior comfort, lighter weight, and a more refined sound profile. It is the smarter pick for commuters, all-day listeners, and Apple device users.

Both headphones deliver solid performance at a budget price. You will not be disappointed with either choice. But for most people, the Sony WH-CH720N edges ahead thanks to its lighter build, stronger ANC, and lower price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the JBL Live 670NC better than the Sony WH-CH720N for bass?

Yes. The JBL Live 670NC uses a larger 40mm driver that produces deeper and more powerful bass. JBL’s signature sound tuning emphasizes low-end frequencies. If you listen to bass-heavy music genres, the JBL is the stronger pick.

Does the Sony WH-CH720N have better noise cancellation?

The Sony WH-CH720N has better overall noise cancellation. Its over-ear design creates a physical seal around your ears. The integrated V1 processor powers effective ANC. The JBL’s on-ear design limits its noise cancellation performance.

Can I use both headphones with a wired connection?

Both headphones support wired connections. The Sony WH-CH720N includes a 1.2-meter 3.5mm audio cable in the box. The JBL Live 670NC also supports a wired connection but includes a much shorter 0.2-meter cable.

Which headphone is more comfortable for long listening sessions?

The Sony WH-CH720N is more comfortable for extended use. It weighs only 192 grams and uses an over-ear design. The JBL Live 670NC sits on top of your ears and can cause pressure discomfort after an hour or two.

How long does the battery last on each headphone?

The JBL Live 670NC lasts up to 65 hours without ANC and 50 hours with ANC. The Sony WH-CH720N lasts up to 50 hours without ANC and 35 hours with ANC. The JBL offers significantly longer battery life in both modes.

Do these headphones support multipoint Bluetooth connection?

The Sony WH-CH720N supports multipoint connection, so you can pair it with two devices at the same time. The JBL Live 670NC also supports multipoint connection through the JBL app. Both headphones handle switching between devices smoothly.

Last update on 2026-05-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API