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We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-05 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
• Sony WHCH720N – biggest strength: Dual Noise Sensor tech, an Integrated Processor V1, 35-hour battery, multipoint pairing and a very light 192 g build.
• Sony WHCH720N – biggest trade-off: Plastic build and no team/sports styling; sound tuning is balanced rather than bass-heavy.
• SOAR Collegiate Active – biggest strength: Up to 40 hours of playtime, Bluetooth 5.3, 32mm drivers tuned for bold game-day audio, and a wired option for backup listening.
• SOAR Collegiate Active – biggest trade-off: Heavier at 1.2 pounds, fewer smart features like voice assistant or adaptive sound control, and a bulkier fit for all-day wear.
• Sony WHCH720N is for you if: you want the most refined noise cancelling experience for streaming, calls, and commuting in a lightweight package.
• SOAR Collegiate Active is for you if: you want a team-branded headphone with marathon battery life for watching sports and casual listening.
Sony's WH-CH720N is built around its noise cancelling system. The Dual Noise Sensor technology paired with an Integrated Processor V1 is the headline here — Sony designed this to actively cancel ambient sound so you can focus on the audio itself. For someone who streams a lot of content, that matters. Whether you're watching a series on a laptop or listening to a podcast on a phone, the noise cancelling is meant to keep the outside world out of the way.
The feature set is genuinely stacked for the category. You get multipoint connection so the headphone can stay paired to two devices at once and switch between them, an adjustable Ambient Sound mode, Adaptive Sound Control, and voice assistant support with Precise Voice Pickup technology. The three-microphone setup with beamforming and a Wind Noise Reduction Structure is aimed at clear calls, which is a real benefit if you stream, take meetings, or hop between listening and talking.
Battery life is rated at up to 35 hours, and quick charging means you're not tethered to a wall for long. At just 192 g, it's the lightest over-ear noise cancelling model Sony lists in this line, and the ergonomic design is meant for long sessions. There's also a 3.5mm auxiliary jack, so you can go wired when you want. Bluetooth 5.2 with a 10-meter range covers normal home and office use.
Who should buy it: anyone who wants an over-ear noise cancelling headphone for streaming, music, and calls, and who values light weight, smart features, and refined ANC over team branding or maximum battery numbers. Who should skip it: if you specifically want a sports/collegiate look, want the longest possible playtime, or prefer a bass-forward sound signature, this isn't the one for you. Also skip it if you need a rugged, heavy-duty feel — the plastic enclosure keeps it light, not armored.
The SOAR Collegiate Active is a game-day headphone first. It's built around Active Noise Cancelling to block out crowd noise, traffic, or a loud bar, so you can hear commentary or music clearly whether you're watching on your phone or commuting to a stadium. The 32mm dynamic drivers are tuned for deep, powerful sound — the kind that suits the roar of a crowd, broadcast commentary, and bass-heavy tracks.
Connectivity is where SOAR has a small edge: Bluetooth 5.3, the newer version, plus quick charging that tops the headphone up in about 1–2 hours. Playtime is rated up to 40 hours, which is the longest of the two here. There's also a wired listening option, so if the battery runs out mid-game you're not stuck.
Comfort is a stated priority — lightweight, over-ear, with super-soft ear pads designed for long tailgates and all-day sessions. The team-color finish and sports theme make it a natural match if you want your gear to match your fandom. The warranty is 1 year from the manufacturer, and the age range listed is teen, which fits the college-sports angle.
Who should buy it: sports fans, students, and casual listeners who want a team-branded over-ear with long battery life, a wired backup, and bold sound for game days. Who should skip it: if you want advanced smart features like multipoint, adaptive sound control, or voice assistant, this headphone doesn't list them. It's also notably heavier at 1.2 pounds, so if you're sensitive to weight on long wear sessions, keep that in mind. And if you want the most sophisticated noise cancelling processing, Sony's dedicated processor is the more advanced design on paper.
• Best for noise cancelling tech → Sony WHCH720N. Dual Noise Sensor plus the Integrated Processor V1 is a more purpose-built ANC system.
• Best for battery life → SOAR Collegiate Active. Up to 40 hours versus Sony's 35.
• Best for streaming and everyday versatility → Sony WHCH720N. Multipoint, ambient sound, adaptive control, and voice assistant make it the better all-rounder for wireless headphones for streaming.
• Best for game-day and sports fans → SOAR Collegiate Active. Team colors, sports theme, and commentary-friendly tuning are the whole point.
• Best for long-wear comfort on paper → Sony WHCH720N. At 192 g it's dramatically lighter than the 1.2-pound SOAR.
• Best for calls and voice pickup → Sony WHCH720N. Beamforming mic, Precise Voice Pickup, and wind noise reduction are built in.
• Best for newer Bluetooth → SOAR Collegiate Active. Bluetooth 5.3 edges out Sony's 5.2.
• Best for wired backup on both → a tie. Both offer a wired listening option.
For streaming — whether that's shows, music, or a live game on your phone — I'd buy the Sony WHCH720N. The combination of the Integrated Processor V1, multipoint pairing, ambient sound control, and a 192 g frame makes it the more capable, more comfortable headphone for daily use across devices. The SOAR Collegiate Active is a solid pick if you bleed team colors and want the extra battery hours, but in my opinion Sony's feature depth and lighter build win for most people. If you're weighing the cost of either one, check the current price on Amazon before deciding.
how to on noise cancelling headphones
Turn on the headphone, then enable ANC through the on-device control or your paired device. On the Sony WHCH720N you also get an adjustable Ambient Sound mode and Adaptive Sound Control, so you can let some outside noise back in when you need awareness.
what is the best over ear noise cancelling headphones
There's no single answer — it depends on your priorities. In my opinion the Sony WHCH720N is the better pick for streaming and calls thanks to its processor-driven ANC and smart features, while the SOAR Collegiate Active is the better pick for game-day listening and maximum playtime.
which over ear noise cancelling headphones
If you want the lightest option with the most advanced noise cancelling processing, the Sony WHCH720N fits best. If you want team branding, Bluetooth 5.3, and up to 40 hours of battery, the SOAR Collegiate Active is the one to consider.
what are the most comfortable over ear noise cancelling headphones
Comfort is personal, but on paper the Sony WHCH720N has the edge at 192 g with an ergonomic design for long wear. The SOAR Collegiate Active counters with super-soft ear pads and a pressure-free fit, though it's noticeably heavier at 1.2 pounds.
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