We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-09-25 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
If you want Sony's lightest noise-cancelling design with Sony's own processing behind it, choose Sony WH-CH720N; if you need a team-branded over-ear with a bigger driver and longer rated battery life, choose SOAR Collegiate Active.
• Sony WH-CH720N biggest strength: Dual Noise Sensor Technology paired with an Integrated Processor V1, plus a slimmed-down headband built to free up room around your ears. Tuned for noise cancelling first.
• Sony WH-CH720N biggest trade-off: It's a renewed (refurbished) unit with a 90-day limited hardware warranty, so the coverage window is shorter than a new-product warranty.
• SOAR Collegiate Active biggest strength: Up to 40 hours of rated playtime, Bluetooth 5.3, 32mm drivers, and a 1-year manufacturer warranty — with a team colorway built around game-day listening.
• SOAR Collegiate Active biggest trade-off: The ANC is the headline feature but there's no processing detail beyond that, and it's the heavier of the two on paper.
• Who each pick is for: Sony WH-CH720N for commuters, remote workers and frequent flyers who care most about noise cancelling and a light fit. SOAR Collegiate Active for sports fans, tailgaters and students who want a team look plus maximum rated battery.
The WH-CH720N is the more technically specific of these two. Sony pairs Dual Noise Sensor Technology with an Integrated Processor V1, which is the part that actually does the heavy lifting on the noise cancelling. What I find more interesting for daily wear is the headband: Sony restructured it to be slimmer and lighter, and the ear cups were re-shaped to open up more space around your ears. On a long flight or a full workday, that's the difference between "fine for an hour" and "I forgot I had them on." Sony calls these its lightest wireless noise-cancelling headphones, and the spec sheet backs the intent — 6.72 ounces on a plastic over-ear frame.
The feature list is where this one pulls ahead for mixed-use buyers. Adjustable Ambient Sound mode gives you 20 levels, so you can dial in how much of the outside world leaks through — traffic, a café, transit announcements — without pulling the headphones off. There's a 3.5mm jack for wired listening when you want it, Bluetooth 5.0 wireless otherwise, and Precise Voice Pickup Technology using beamforming mics for calls. DSEE upscales compressed audio, and the headphones learn your behavior and adjust volume based on where you are. Battery is rated at up to 35 hours, and USB-C quick charging gives you up to 60 minutes of playback from a 3-minute top-up. That last number matters more than the total: it's the one you'll actually use.
Who should buy it: anyone who treats noise cancelling as the main event — commuters, open-office workers, students in loud libraries, people who fly. Who should skip it: if you want a fresh unit with a full-length warranty, or if you specifically want a team logo on your head, this isn't it. The renewed status and 90-day limited warranty are the real trade-offs, and you should weigh them honestly.
The SOAR Collegiate Active is built around a different idea: game day. It's an over-ear, team-colored headphone (this version in Auburn Tigers colors) with Active Noise Cancelling as its headline feature — the pitch is blocking out a loud sports bar or stadium crowd so you can hear commentary or music clearly. That's a narrower, more situational use case than Sony's, and the spec sheet reflects it. The ANC is listed as a feature with no processing detail behind it, while Sony spells out exactly what's doing the work.
Where SOAR clearly wins on paper is battery. It's rated at up to 40 hours, and the charge time is listed at 1–2 hours, which is a sensible pairing — a full top-up over a lunch break or an evening. It also runs Bluetooth 5.3, a newer version than Sony's 5.0, and the 32mm dynamic drivers are sized for punchy, energetic sound rather than analytical listening. "Powerful sound for game-day audio" is the framing here, and for crowd noise, commentary and music, that's exactly the right target. It also supports both wireless and wired listening, so a dead battery doesn't end your session.
Comfort gets real attention too: super-soft ear pads and a lightweight over-ear design aimed at long tailgates and all-day sessions. But I'd be straight with you — the weight listing is 1.2 pounds, which is noticeably heavier than Sony's 6.72 ounces, and that's a real consideration if you wear headphones for hours. Warranty is 1 year from the manufacturer, and the age range is listed as teen, which tells you who this is primarily marketed toward. Buy it if you're a fan, a tailgater, or a student who wants the colors and the battery. Skip it if noise cancelling precision is your top priority.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for noise cancelling → Sony WH-CH720N. Dual Noise Sensor Technology plus an Integrated Processor V1 is a specific, named system. SOAR lists ANC without the same level of detail.
• Best for a light, long-wear fit → Sony WH-CH720N. 6.72 ounces on a slimmed headband with reshaped ear cups, versus 1.2 pounds for SOAR.
• Best for quick top-ups → Sony WH-CH720N. Up to 60 minutes of playback from a 3-minute USB-C charge is a genuinely useful trick SOAR doesn't match.
• Best for fine-tuning your awareness → Sony WH-CH720N. 20 ambient sound levels is a lot of control for commuting and office use.
• Best for newer Bluetooth → SOAR Collegiate Active. Bluetooth 5.3 beats Sony's 5.0 on paper.
• Best for warranty peace of mind → SOAR Collegiate Active. A 1-year manufacturer warranty versus Sony's 90-day limited hardware warranty on a renewed unit.
• Best for team spirit and game-day vibes → SOAR Collegiate Active. It's the only one of the two built around a collegiate colorway.
In my opinion, Sony WH-CH720N is the better buy for most people. The noise cancelling has an actual named architecture behind it, the 6.72-ounce build is far friendlier for all-day wear, and features like 20-level ambient sound and 3-minute quick charging are the kind of details you notice every single day. I'd pick SOAR Collegiate Active only if you're a fan who wants the Auburn colors, you want the newer Bluetooth version, or you want a 1-year warranty and the extra rated battery hours. If you're torn purely on noise cancelling performance, go Sony. If you're torn on game-day identity and battery, go SOAR. Either way, check the current price on Amazon before deciding — the numbers shift, and the specs above are what actually separate them.
how to on noise cancelling headphones
You switch ANC on through the headphones' controls — both of these use on-board active noise cancelling rather than an app-only toggle. On the Sony WH-CH720N you also get an adjustable Ambient Sound mode with 20 levels, which lets you blend outside noise back in. On the SOAR Collegiate Active, ANC is a straight on/off feature aimed at blocking crowd and traffic noise.
what is the best over ear noise cancelling headphones
There's no single answer for everyone, but I'd frame it this way: if noise cancelling quality is your priority, the Sony WH-CH720N is my pick because Sony specifies Dual Noise Sensor Technology and an Integrated Processor V1. If you want longer rated battery and a team colorway, the SOAR Collegiate Active is the better fit. Match the pick to how you'll actually use them.
which over ear noise cancelling headphones
Start with weight and battery. Sony WH-CH720N is 6.72 ounces with up to 35 hours; SOAR Collegiate Active is 1.2 pounds with up to 40 hours. Then decide whether you want Sony's detailed ambient control and quick charging, or SOAR's newer Bluetooth 5.3 and 1-year warranty. Both are over-ear and both do active noise cancelling.
what are the most comfortable over ear noise cancelling headphones
Comfort is personal, but the specs point one direction. Sony WH-CH720N is notably lighter at 6.72 ounces with a slimmed headband and ear cups reshaped for more ear space. SOAR Collegiate Active counters with super-soft ear pads designed for long sessions — but at 1.2 pounds, it's the heavier option to wear for hours.
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