Choosing the right pair of headphones can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options on the market. Two models that often come up in discussions are the Beats Solo 4 and the Sony WH-CH720N. At first glance, they might seem similar—both are wireless, stylish, and popular among music lovers. But when you look closer, you’ll notice clear differences, especially in price, features, and audio performance.
This article explores these two headphones in detail. We’ll compare design, comfort, sound quality, battery life, noise cancellation, special features, and price. You’ll also get practical advice for buyers, real-world insights, and answers to common questions. Whether you’re searching for budget-friendly value or a premium listening experience, this guide will help you make a confident decision.
Beats Solo 4: Modern Style And Signature Sound
The Beats Solo 4 is the latest version in the famous Solo line. Known for its striking design and bass-heavy sound, it appeals to those who want both fashion and function. Beats is owned by Apple, so integration with Apple devices is smooth and fast.
Design And Build Quality
The Solo 4 carries the iconic Beats look—clean lines, bold colors, and a lightweight frame. The headphones use a mix of plastic and metal, making them sturdy yet comfortable for daily wear. The earcups are slightly smaller than some rivals, which gives them a compact feel, but may not fully enclose larger ears.
The foldable design makes the Solo 4 easy to store in a bag or carry case. The adjustable headband and cushioned earpads help with comfort, though some people with bigger heads or ears might feel a slight squeeze after a few hours.
Sound Quality
Beats headphones have a reputation for a bass-forward sound profile. The Solo 4 stays true to this tradition but has improved balance compared to older models. The lows are punchy, making hip-hop, pop, and electronic music energetic and engaging. The mids are clear, so vocals and instruments don’t get lost, while the highs are crisp but not piercing.
However, if you love classical music or want a neutral sound for studio work, the Solo 4 might feel a bit colored. There’s minimal distortion even at high volumes, and the overall soundstage is decent for an on-ear headphone.
Comfort And Fit
The Solo 4 uses on-ear pads—these rest on your ears instead of going around them. This makes the headphones lighter and more portable, but some users find on-ear designs less comfortable for long listening sessions compared to over-ear models.
The soft memory foam cushions help, and the clamping force is moderate. If you wear glasses, you might notice a little pressure, but it’s less than older Solo models. For short commutes or workouts, the comfort is more than enough.
Battery Life
Beats promises up to 50 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is impressive for this size. There’s also a “Fast Fuel” feature—charging for just 10 minutes gives you 5 hours of playtime. This is perfect for busy days when you forget to charge overnight.
Actual battery life can vary with volume and usage. Heavy use with higher volumes might bring it down closer to 40 hours, but that’s still plenty for a week of daily use.
Features And Connectivity
Apple’s influence is clear. The Solo 4 uses a custom chip for fast pairing with iPhones, iPads, and Macs. You can switch between Apple devices instantly. Android users get standard Bluetooth pairing, which is reliable, but the extra Apple features aren’t available.
There’s a built-in microphone for calls, and controls are on the earcup for play/pause, volume, and calls. The Solo 4 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation (ANC), but the snug fit blocks some outside noise passively.
Price And Value
The Beats Solo 4 sits in the mid-to-premium price range, usually around $200. For the design, battery life, and brand reputation, many feel it’s good value. But you’re paying partly for style and the Beats name. If you want ANC or a more neutral sound, you’ll need to look elsewhere or spend more.
Sony Wh-ch720n: Affordable Noise Cancelling Power
Sony is famous for its top-rated headphones, especially for noise cancellation. The WH-CH720N is designed as a budget-friendly way to get Sony’s legendary ANC without paying for the flagship models like the WH-1000XM5.
Design And Build Quality
The WH-CH720N looks simple and modern. It’s made mostly of plastic, which keeps the weight down. The headphones are over-ear, meaning the pads go around your ears for a more comfortable fit and better noise isolation.
The build is solid for the price, but not as premium-feeling as Sony’s high-end models. The headband is adjustable, and the earcups swivel to fold flat—handy for travel. You can choose between classic black, blue, or white finishes.
Sound Quality
Sony tunes the WH-CH720N for a balanced sound that works well with all types of music. The bass is present but not overpowering, mids are natural, and highs have good detail. It doesn’t sound as “fun” as the Beats Solo 4, but it’s more accurate.
You can adjust the sound using Sony’s Headphones Connect app. There’s an equalizer for tweaking bass, treble, or presets for different genres. The soundstage is wider than the Solo 4, giving more space for instruments and vocals.
Comfort And Fit
This is where the WH-CH720N shines. The over-ear design and soft, thick padding mean you can wear these for hours with little discomfort. Even people with larger heads or glasses will find the fit gentle. The light weight (just 192g) makes them almost unnoticeable during long flights or work sessions.
Battery Life
You get about 35 hours of playback with ANC on, and up to 50 hours with it off. There’s a quick charge feature too—3 minutes of charging gives you 1 hour of use. For most users, charging once a week is enough.
Features And Connectivity
The biggest selling point is active noise cancellation. The WH-CH720N uses dual microphones and Sony’s processor to block out background noise, making travel, work, or studying much easier. It’s not as strong as Sony’s flagship models, but it’s impressive for the price.
Bluetooth 5. 0 ensures a stable connection, and you can pair with two devices at once—perfect for switching between phone and laptop. The headphones support voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa, and you can customize controls in the app.
Price And Value
The WH-CH720N is a budget king, usually selling for around $120. It offers real ANC, good sound, and comfort at a price that’s hard to beat. You’re not paying for luxury materials or a famous fashion brand, but you get everything most users need.
Comparing The Essentials
To help you see the main differences, here’s a side-by-side summary of key features.
| Feature | Beats Solo 4 | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Design | On-ear, foldable, stylish | Over-ear, fold-flat, simple |
| Weight | ~180g | ~192g |
| Sound Profile | Bass-forward, energetic | Balanced, customizable |
| Noise Cancellation | Passive only | Active + passive |
| Battery Life | Up to 50 hrs | 35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) |
| Fast Charging | 5 hrs in 10 mins | 1 hr in 3 mins |
| App Support | Apple devices only | Android & iOS (Sony app) |
| Price Range | $200 | $120 |
Four Key Items: Deep Dive
Let’s break down the four most important factors one by one.
1. Audio Performance
The Solo 4 and WH-CH720N have different sound philosophies. Beats aims for excitement and energy, with strong bass that suits pop, hip-hop, and electronic music. The Sony, in contrast, aims for accuracy and balance, making it better for rock, jazz, classical, or podcasts.
The Solo 4 is great if you want every beat to hit hard. The WH-CH720N wins if you want to hear subtle details, like the breath of a singer or the pluck of a guitar string. Sony’s app also lets you tweak the EQ—something Beats doesn’t offer outside Apple’s ecosystem.
Non-obvious insight: Many beginners don’t realize that a bass-heavy headphone can make some genres sound muddy, while a balanced headphone like the Sony can sound “boring” if you want club-like energy. Think about what music you love most before choosing.
2. Noise Cancellation
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is one of the biggest features separating these two. The WH-CH720N uses microphones and a special chip to analyze and cancel outside noise. This is a huge help on airplanes, trains, or in open offices. The Beats Solo 4 does not have ANC—it only blocks noise passively by pressing against your ears.
Sony’s ANC isn’t as strong as on their more expensive models, but it’s still much better than nothing. If you travel, work in noisy places, or just want peace, the Sony is the clear choice.
Non-obvious insight: ANC is not just for music. It can make audiobooks, podcasts, or even silence more relaxing. Some users buy ANC headphones just to block out noise, not for music at all.
3. Comfort For Long Use
The difference between on-ear and over-ear is easy to miss until you wear headphones for hours. On-ear headphones like the Solo 4 are lighter and smaller, but can press on your ears and cause soreness over time. Over-ear models like the WH-CH720N surround your ears, which spreads the pressure and creates a soft “seal.”
If you plan to wear headphones all day, at work or on long trips, the Sony is usually more comfortable. For short bursts, workouts, or fashion, the Beats are fine.
4. Device Compatibility And Smart Features
Solo 4 is designed with Apple users in mind. If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you get instant pairing, fast switching, and hands-free Siri. On Android, you only get basic Bluetooth features.
The Sony WH-CH720N works equally well on Android and iOS. The Sony app gives EQ, firmware updates, and control customization. You can also connect to two devices at once, which is handy if you switch between phone and laptop.
If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, the Beats make life easy. For everyone else, Sony offers more flexibility.
Real-world Use Cases
For Commuters And Travelers
Noise cancellation is a game-changer in planes, trains, and buses. The WH-CH720N can reduce engine rumble and chatter, making travel less stressful. The Solo 4 blocks some noise, but you’ll still hear loud sounds.
For Students And Office Workers
Long study or work sessions need comfort. The Sony’s over-ear design is better for wearing all day. If you want style or only wear headphones for short breaks, the Beats are a fun choice.
For Fitness And Outdoor Use
The Solo 4’s secure fit and sweat resistance make it popular for the gym. The WH-CH720N is comfortable but may feel warmer during workouts due to the over-ear pads.
For Audiophiles And Music Lovers
If you want to “feel” the music, Beats deliver a powerful, energetic sound. If you want to “hear” every detail, Sony’s balanced profile is better. The Sony app also lets you customize your sound for different genres.
Practical Buying Tips
- Try before you buy: If possible, wear both models for at least 10 minutes. Your ears and head shape may prefer one over the other.
- Check device compatibility: Apple users get more from the Solo 4. Android and PC users will be happier with Sony.
- Consider noise: If you need peace and quiet, don’t buy headphones without ANC.
- Think about style vs. comfort: The Beats are a style icon, but the Sony is built for comfort.
Common Buyer Mistakes
- Choosing by brand only: Beats are stylish, but don’t assume they’re better for your needs.
- Ignoring comfort: Cool looks don’t help if your ears hurt after 30 minutes.
- Forgetting about ANC: If you work or travel in noisy places, active noise cancellation is worth the extra cost.
- Not checking compatibility: Some features are exclusive to Apple or Android.
Value For Money
When comparing price to features, the WH-CH720N gives more technology for less money. It’s a great pick for students, travelers, or anyone on a budget. The Solo 4 is about fashion, brand, and a signature sound. If those matter to you, the extra cost might be worth it.
Durability And Warranty
Both headphones are built to survive daily use. The Solo 4 feels slightly more premium, but the Sony is sturdy despite its lightweight design. Each comes with a one-year warranty, and replacement parts are easy to find.
Final Comparison Table
To highlight the most important points, here’s a focused comparison.
| Beats Solo 4 | Sony WH-CH720N | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Strength | Style, bass, Apple integration | Noise cancellation, comfort, value |
| Best For | Casual listeners, gym, Apple fans | Travel, study, all-day wear |
| Weakness | No ANC, average comfort | Basic materials, less “fun” sound |
| Accessories | Case, charging cable | Case, cable, adapter |
Expert Recommendation
If you need active noise cancellation and comfort for long sessions, the Sony WH-CH720N is the clear winner. It’s not the flashiest, but it’s unbeatable for the price. If you love bass, want a bold look, or are deep in the Apple world, the Beats Solo 4 will make you happy.
Remember, sound is personal. What works for one person may not work for another. Always consider your favorite music, how long you’ll wear the headphones, and where you’ll use them most.
For more technical details and user reviews, check the official Sony WH-CH720N page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do The Beats Solo 4 And Sony Wh-ch720n Compare In Battery Life?
The Solo 4 offers up to 50 hours of playback, while the WH-CH720N provides 35 hours with ANC on and up to 50 hours with it off. Both support quick charging, but Beats gives more playtime after a short charge.
Can I Use The Sony Wh-ch720n With An Iphone?
Yes, the WH-CH720N works well with iPhones and iPads through Bluetooth. However, you’ll get extra features on Android, like built-in support for Google Assistant. The Sony app is available for both iOS and Android.
Which Is More Comfortable For Long Sessions?
The Sony WH-CH720N is more comfortable for most users, thanks to its over-ear design and soft padding. The Solo 4 is lighter and smaller, but may press on your ears after a while.
Do The Beats Solo 4 Or Sony Wh-ch720n Support Wired Connections?
Both headphones can be used with a wired cable for times when Bluetooth isn’t allowed or the battery is low. Check the box for included cables—sometimes they are sold separately, depending on the region.
Which Is Better For Working Out?
The Beats Solo 4 has a more secure fit for exercise and is less likely to slip. It’s also sweat-resistant. The Sony WH-CH720N is more comfortable for sitting or walking, but may feel warmer and less secure during intense workouts.
Choosing between the Beats Solo 4 and Sony WH-CH720N depends on your priorities. Take your time, think about your needs, and enjoy your music—whichever headphone you pick.
