How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
If you want the more polished, app-tunable listening experience with Sony's processing know-how and a voice-forward feature set, choose Sony WH-CH720N; if you need marathon battery life, adaptive noise cancelling with awareness modes, and a foldable travel-friendly build, choose JBL Tune 780NC.
• Sony WH-CH720N — biggest strength: Integrated Processor V1 with DSEE, 360 Reality Audio certification, and EQ customization through the Sony | Headphones Connect app, all in a lightweight over-ear design rated for up to 35 hours of battery with noise cancelling on.
• Sony WH-CH720N — biggest trade-off: Shorter battery endurance than its rival, and the 35-hour figure is quoted with noise cancelling engaged rather than stretched out with ANC off.
• JBL Tune 780NC — biggest strength: Up to 76 hours of battery with ANC off (about 50 hours with it on), a 5-minute speed charge that adds roughly 5 hours, and Adaptive Noise Cancelling paired with Smart Ambient modes.
• JBL Tune 780NC — biggest trade-off: The charging cable isn't included, and the full recharge takes around two hours versus Sony's quick-charge approach.
• Pick Sony WH-CH720N if you want granular sound tuning, immersive-audio support, and voice-assistant control in a single lightweight package.
• Pick JBL Tune 780NC if you want the longest possible time between charges, awareness modes for commuting, and headphones that fold flat into a bag.
The WH-CH720N is the tinkerer's pick in this matchup. Sony builds it around an Integrated Processor V1 and DSEE, which together aim to restore detail to compressed audio so tracks sound closer to how they were mastered. If you like to shape your own sound rather than accept a house curve, the EQ settings in the Sony | Headphones Connect app give you that control. The headphone is also 360 Reality Audio certified, meaning the app can analyze your individual ear shape to optimize an immersive, directional presentation.
Comfort is where the design story holds up on paper. The construction is described as lightweight and ergonomic, with plastic and thermoplastic elastomer materials, and it's explicitly built to make the most of that 35-hour battery with noise cancelling on. Around-ear cups plus a light frame is the classic recipe for long listening sessions at a desk, on a flight, or through a workday of calls and playlists.
On the communication side, Sony leans into voice clarity: Precise Voice Pickup Technology, a Wind Noise Reduction Structure, and beamforming mics all work to keep your speech intelligible. Multipoint connection lets you stay paired to two devices, and there's voice control plus Swift Pair and Fast Pair for quick setup.
Who should buy it: listeners who want app-level EQ, immersive audio support, and hands-free voice control, and who value a light, comfortable over-ear fit for daily use. Who should skip it: anyone whose top priority is the absolute longest runtime or who wants awareness modes that let outside sound in on demand — that's not what this feature list emphasizes.
The Tune 780NC is built around endurance and flexibility. JBL quotes up to 76 hours of battery with ANC off and Bluetooth on, dropping to about 50 hours with adaptive noise cancelling engaged. A 5-minute speed charge buys you another 5 hours, and a full top-up takes roughly two hours. One practical catch worth knowing before you buy: the charging cable isn't included, so plan accordingly.
Sound design here is JBL's Pure Bass approach. Custom 40mm dynamic drivers push depth and punch, and JBL Spatial Sound spreads audio around you regardless of the device you're using. If you want higher-fidelity playback, the included USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable lets you go wired for Hi-Res audio — a genuinely useful bonus for anyone with a compatible source.
The noise control is the adaptive kind, and it's paired with Smart Ambient. That means Ambient Aware lets surrounding sound in when you need situational awareness, and TalkThru lets you hold a conversation without pulling the headphones off. For calls, two beamforming mics with noise reduction technology are tuned to keep your voice clear in noisy places like a busy café or a train platform. Multipoint pairing covers two Bluetooth devices with easy switching between them.
Day-to-day ergonomics are travel-minded: soft over-ear cups, a lightweight padded headband, and a fold-flat design that slips into a bag. The whole thing weighs about 225 grams.
Who should buy it: commuters, frequent travelers, and people who hate charging — especially anyone who wants awareness modes and a foldable frame. Who should skip it: listeners who want deep in-app sound customization or built-in voice-assistant control, since the control method here is app-based and the emphasis sits on adaptive ANC and ambient modes rather than EQ tinkering.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for battery life → JBL Tune 780NC. Up to 76 hours with ANC off and about 50 hours with it on is a different class of endurance than 35 hours.
• Best for sound personalization → Sony WH-CH720N. App EQ plus 360 Reality Audio certification and ear-shape analysis give you more control over how music is presented.
• Best for bass-forward, spatial listening → JBL Tune 780NC. 40mm Pure Bass drivers and JBL Spatial Sound target punch and a wraparound feel.
• Best for commuting and awareness → JBL Tune 780NC. Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Ambient Aware and TalkThru is designed exactly for staying present while wearing headphones.
• Best for wired, higher-resolution listening → JBL Tune 780NC. The bundled USB-C to 3.5mm cable enables Hi-Res audio; Sony's package includes a connection cable and USB cable but doesn't advertise Hi-Res playback.
• Best for hands-free control and pairing → Sony WH-CH720N. Multipoint, voice control, Swift Pair, and Fast Pair cover the connected-device essentials neatly.
• Best for packing and travel → JBL Tune 780NC. The fold-flat design and roughly 225-gram weight make it the easier one to toss in a bag.
In my opinion, the JBL Tune 780NC is the safer buy for most people. The battery gap is enormous — up to 76 hours versus 35 — and the adaptive noise cancelling with Ambient Aware and TalkThru genuinely changes how usable headphones are on a commute or in an office. The fold-flat design and lighter build reinforce that. I'd only steer you to the Sony WH-CH720N if app-based EQ and immersive audio matter more to you than runtime, because that's where Sony's processor and 360 Reality Audio support earn their keep. Check the current price on Amazon for both before deciding, since value will swing your call more than any spec here.
what is the best selling headphones
There's no single definitive answer, because sales leadership shifts constantly across brands, models, and regions. Both the Sony WH-CH720N and JBL Tune 780NC sit in the popular over-ear noise-cancelling segment that drives a large share of headphone sales, and both brands have long track records in it. If you want the specific model that's currently outselling others, check the live best-seller listings rather than relying on any static claim.
what is the best selling headphones of all time
No verified all-time ranking exists that any reviewer can honestly cite. What can be said is that over-ear Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancelling — the category both of these belong to — have become the dominant form factor for personal listening. Within that space, Sony and JBL are two of the most consistently prominent names.
what are the best selling headphones in the world
It depends on how you measure — units shipped, revenue, or regional popularity — and those answers differ. In the wireless over-ear ANC segment, Sony's WH-CH series and JBL's Tune series are both widely distributed and widely bought. For a current snapshot, look at live retail best-seller rankings.
what is the most popular brand of headphones
There's no single brand that wins everywhere. Sony is strongly associated with processing and noise-cancelling refinement, while JBL is known for bass-forward tuning, long battery life, and broad accessibility across price points. Which one feels "most popular" to you will depend on where you shop and what you prioritize.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.
See also: FIFINE AmpliGame AM8P vs summina UHF, Yoidesu Open Ear vs YUEHISY Motorcycle Helmet Headset, Pioneer DJ HDJ-X10 vs PHONON SMB-01L, CCA Phoenix in-Ear Monitor vs xzqioue Open Ear