With the release of the new Sony WH-CH710N in the spring of 2020, the popular WH-CH700N noise-canceling headphones have seen even steeper discounts than usual. Are the upgrades found on the newer WH-CH710N worth paying more for or are you better off saving with the older WH-CH700N? Our review of their similarities and differences below will help you decide.
Enjoy uninterrupted listening with the Sony WH-CH710N Noise Cancelling Headphones' Automatic Artificial Intelligence ANC and up to 35 hours of battery life.
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Sony WH-CH710N vs WH-CH700N Noise-Canceling Headphones Comparison Chart
| Model | ||
 |
| |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Weight | 220g | 235g |
| Special Features | Automatic Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancelation | Artificial Intelligence Noise Cancelation |
| ANC Levels | 3 | 2 |
| Customizable EQ | No | Yes |
| Runtime | Up to 35 hours | Up to 35 hours |
| Quick Charging | 10 minutes for up to 1 hour more | 10 minutes for up to 1 hour more |
| Charging Port | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Bluetooth | Version 5.0 | Version 4.1 |
| Ambient Mode | Yes | No |
| Audio Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Touch Controls | No | No |
| Voice Controls | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | No | Yes |
| NFC Pairing | Yes | Yes |
| Color Options | Black, Blue, White | Black, Blue, Gray |
| Release | 2020 | 2018 |
Major Differences
The new
Throughout the article, we’ll cover the similarities and differences between the
- The WH-CH710s have a different leatherette material and shallower earcups
- Unlike the WH-CH700Ns which use micro USB and Bluetooth 4.1, the new WH-CH710Ns are equipped with USB-C and Bluetooth 5.0
- aptX and the Sony Headphones Connect app are not supported in the WH-CH710Ns
- Active noise-cancellation is slightly better in the new WH-CH710Ns and now feature Ambient Mode
Design and Build Quality
The new
You won’t notice a significant difference in design between the
Where the older WH-CH700Ns edge out the WH-CH710N is the leatherette material of the headband and earcups. For some reason, Sony decided to use a coarser pleater material on the new noise-canceling headphones. The headband material on the older CH700N feels noticeably smoother than the CH710N’s. You will further notice that the earcups on the WH-CH710Ns are also slightly shallower than the WH-CH700N’s.
Free yourself from distractions and listen to music for hours on end with the Sony WH-CH700N Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones.
Noise Cancellation and Audio Quality
The Sony WH-CH710Ns deliver slightly better active noise cancellation and heavier bass than the WH-CH700Ns
While these wireless noise-canceling headphones are not as good as their top-of-the-line sibling, the WH-1000XM3, they offer great active noise-cancellation for their price. Both the WH-CH710N and the WH-CH700N can block out most external noise such as vehicle sound.
However, it is worth noting that the WH-CH710N can better cancel high-frequency sounds such as chatter. In terms of the quality of their microphones, the WH-CH700N’s sound quieter and slightly clearer, but the WH-CH710N’s don’t have the random clicking noise that you can hear from the WH-CH700Ns from time to time. The newer Sony headphones also have an Ambient Mode that lets external noise through, a handy feature during instances when you need to be aware of your surroundings.
Their sound profiles are also significantly different. The WH-CH710N wireless headphones deliver heavier bass and slightly shallower highs and mids. Despite the boost in bass, their audio is clean and doesn’t fatigue the eardrums. While the CH710Ns are great for listening to pop, hip-hop, or EDM, they’re not the best for watching movies as the bass may be too heavy for some. Meanwhile, the WH-CH700Ns have a more balanced sound signature with crisp vocals and mids. Should you want heavier bass, you can adjust the CH700N’s equalizer settings through the Sony Headphones Connect app.
Free yourself from distractions and listen to music for hours on end with the Sony WH-CH700N Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones.
Set up and Controls
The WH-CH700Ns offer more controls as the new Sony WH-CH710Ns cannot be controlled through a companion app
The new Sony WH-CH710Ns are not designed to be connected with the Sony Headphones Connect app, a move that has baffled many. This means they can only be controlled through your smart voice assistant and their remote system. The latest WH-CH710Ns don’t have built-in Amazon Alexa, unlike the WH-CH700Ns. The older model is compatible with the Sony app and lets you manage tracks and adjust volume through the app in addition to their physical buttons.
One of the upgrades in the Sony WH-CH710Ns is its Bluetooth 5.0. Their predecessor, the WH-CH700Ns, still has Bluetooth 4.1. Despite the different versions, both Sony wireless noise-canceling headphones have a reliable Bluetooth connection. They make for great viewing companions as there are no lags or delays in the audio when streaming videos on Netflix, HBO Now, or similar platforms.
Battery Life and Additional Features
Both boast an impressive battery life of up to 35 hours
Both the Sony WH-CH710Ns and the WH-CH700Ns can be used for up to 35 hours, although it still varies depending on your settings and frequency of usage. A quick 10-minute charge of either headphone can yield an extra hour of playtime. The new WH-CH710Ns come with a more updated USB-C port whereas the older CH700Ns still use micro USB for charging. They also sport an audio jack for users who like the option of a wired connection.
Verdict
The new features on the Sony WH-CH710Ns don’t merit an upgrade if you currently own a pair of WH-CH700Ns
Both the Sony WH-CH710N and the WH-CH700N are solid entry-level noise-canceling headphones that deliver decent features for their price. If you can catch the WH-CH700Ns on sale, they will offer better value for your money than getting the newer headphones at a regular price.
With the new Sony WH-CH710Ns, you’ll get improved active noise-cancellation, better Bluetooth, and an updated USB-C port. However, if you currently own a pair of the WH-CH700Ns and are looking to upgrade, their successor doesn’t provide compelling reasons to do so. We recommend taking a look at the Sony WH-XB900N wireless noise-canceling headphones instead. They also often go on sale and pack more features than the new WH-CH710Ns.
FAQs
Yes, the
Yes, there’s a built-in microphone on the
No, the
Simply turn on the Sony WH headphones by pressing and holding its power button and find it in the list of devices after navigating to your phone’s Settings > Bluetooth. Select the device and you should hear “Bluetooth connected.”