Editor’s Affiliate Disclosure
Introduction: JBL Live 670NC vs Sony WH-CH720N
The choice between the JBL and Sony comes down to a single functional preference: form factor. Do you want the compact portability of an on-ear headset or the long-term comfort of an over-ear design? Both sit firmly in the mid-range price bracket, but they serve different use cases. I tested both to see if JBL’s superior battery life is enough to outweigh Sony’s use of flagship noise-cancelling silicon.
Editor’s Choice
- For most users, the Sony WH-CH720N is the superior choice. Its over-ear design is significantly more comfortable for long sessions than the JBL’s on-ear style. Sony’s inclusion of Sony’s flagship V1 Processor provides class-leading noise cancellation at this price point. The JBL Live 670NC is a solid runner-up, specifically for users who prioritise maximum battery life (50 hours vs 35 hours) and a compact form factor.
Quick Navigation
Technical Specs
| Feature | JBL Live 670NC | Sony WH-CH720N |
| Type | On-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Weight | 219g | 192g |
| Comfort | Moderate | High (All-Day) |
| Battery (ANC) | 50 Hours | 35 Hours |
| Processor | Adaptive | V1 Chip |
| App | JBL Headphones | Sony Connect |
| Multipoint | Yes (Bluetooth 5.3) | Yes (Bluetooth 5.2) |
Design & Comfort
The physical difference here is drastic. The JBL Live 670NC is an “on-ear” model, meaning the cushioned pads rest directly against your ear cartilage. While this reduces the overall footprint for commuting, I found it introduces ear fatigue after about 90 minutes of continuous wear.
In contrast, the Sony WH-CH720N is an “over-ear” design that fully encloses the ear. At just 192g, the Sony units are exceptionally lightweight. They distribute pressure around the ear rather than on it, making them the superior choice for long-haul flights or full workdays.
Audio & ANC Performance
Sony holds the technical advantage here by utilizing the Integrated Processor V1, the same chip found in their high-end XM5 series. This silicon manages mid-frequency noise (like office chatter) significantly better than JBL’s standard adaptive ANC.
Sound-wise, the JBL Live 670NC leans heavily into the “Pure Bass” signature, which is punchy but can muddy the mids on complex tracks. The Sony profile is cleaner and more balanced out of the box. However, both brands offer robust companion apps that allow you to EQ the sound to your specific preference.
Battery Life
JBL dominates this category. The Live 670NC delivers a massive 50 hours of playback with ANC active, extending to 65 hours without it. This is a class-leading figure that minimizes charge cycles. The Sony CH720N offers a respectable 35 hours (ANC on), which is sufficient for most weeks but falls short of the JBL’s marathon endurance. Both units support multipoint connection, allowing you to pair with a laptop and phone simultaneously.
TRUK Final Verdict
| Category | JBL Live 670NC | Sony WH-CH720N |
| Comfort & Fit | (3/5) ★★★☆☆ | (5/5) ★★★★★ |
| Noise Cancellation | (3.5/5) ★★★☆☆ | (4.5/5) ★★★★★ |
| Sound Quality | (4/5) ★★★★☆ | (4/5) ★★★★☆ |
| Battery Life | (5/5) ★★★★★ | (4/5) ★★★★☆ |
| Build Quality | (4/5) ★★★★☆ | (3.5/5) ★★★☆☆ |
| Value for Money | (4/5) ★★★★☆ | (5/5) ★★★★★ |
| TRUK Total Score | 3.9 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
For the majority of users, the Sony WH-CH720N is the winner. The inclusion of the V1 Processor provides ANC performance that punches well above its price tag, and the lightweight over-ear fit solves the comfort issues inherent to on-ear designs. It is the best “bang for buck” noise-cancelling headphone currently on the market.
The JBL Live 670NC remains a strong runner-up, but strictly for specific users: those who prioritize maximum battery life over comfort, or those who specifically need the smaller on-ear form factor for portability.
💰 Price Disclaimer: Prices are accurate at time of publishing but are subject to change, check links for live pricing & stock.
FAQs
Which is better for the gym, JBL Live 670NC or Sony WH-CH720N?
The Sony WH-CH720N is generally better due to its lightweight design and stable over-ear fit. The JBL Live 670NC’s on-ear design is more prone to slipping off during vigorous movement like running or bench pressing.
Can I use the Sony WH-CH720N with a wire?
Yes. Both the Sony and the JBL come with a detachable 3.5mm audio cable, allowing you to listen in passive mode if the battery dies or if you want to connect to an older device without Bluetooth.
Do these headphones have good microphones for calls?
Both perform well in quiet environments. However, the Sony WH-CH720N uses “Precise Voice Pickup Technology” with a beamforming mic structure that isolates your voice slightly better in windy or noisy outdoor conditions compared to the JBL.
Sony WH-CH720N
Lightweight over-ear noise cancelling headphones featuring Sony’s Integrated Processor V1, 35-hour battery life, and multipoint connection.
Product Brand: SONY
Product In Stock: InStock
4.4
