Sony's new noise canceling wireless headphones "WH-CH700N" naked

We will be reviewing the WH-CH700N, a wireless headphone with noise canceling function that is newly added to Sony's lineup. Speaking of Sony's noise-cancelling wireless headphones, the flagship "WH-1000XM2", which supports high resolution and is equipped with a gesture remote control, is very popular now, but the WH-CH700N is a relatively affordable standard model that costs less than 20,000 yen. Let's see if the WH-CH700N is a "buy" headphone while comparing the differences with the WH-1000XM2.

Since the iPhone 7 no longer has an earphone jack, interest in wireless headphones and earphones has skyrocketed. There is a lot of interest in premium models that are convenient, have good sound, and have a "noise-cancelling function" that allows you to immerse yourself in music in a quiet environment.

Sony's WH-1000XM2, Bose's "QuietComfort 35 wireless headphones II", Sennheiser's "MOMENTUM Wireless", and other audio brand models with cutting-edge technology are representative of these products. I think there are many people who long for "I want one someday!"

Don't worry. In fact, the number of standard-class noise-canceling wireless headphones equipped with premium-class technology is increasing. The new product, WH-CH700N, which I would like to introduce this time, is one of the models that I would especially like to recommend.

Points for choosing a good product

Let's go a little off topic, but let's summarize the points you should pay attention to in addition to the sound and design when purchasing wireless headphones with noise canceling.

First of all, "feeling of wearing". Noise-cancelling wireless headphones are often worn for long periods of time, not only for listening to music, but also as an alternative to earplugs when working at a cafe or traveling on an airplane. If it's an overseas flight, it's not uncommon to spend nearly 10 hours in the sky. In the meantime, you want to reduce the burden on your ears and head as much as possible. No matter how much you like the sound and appearance of the headphones, if they are uncomfortable to wear, you will not be able to love them for a long time.

Battery life is also important. If you want to use it for a long trip on an airplane, you want continuous music playback without charge for about 15 hours after full charge. Most recent noise canceling wireless headphones meet this requirement. In addition, it would be even safer if it had a quick charge function like the WH-CH700N that allows you to enjoy music playback for "about 1 hour in 10 minutes".

On a side note, more and more airlines are now providing power outlets to charge electronic devices on board, even in economy class seats. However, the other day, when I boarded an international flight of Aeroflot Russian Airlines for overseas coverage, the USB power supply in the seat was broken. I was really happy to go out with the WH-CH700N, which has 35 hours of continuous stamina performance from a full charge.

Finally, it's also important to have the option of wired listening. Taking airplanes as an example again, some airlines prohibit the use of Bluetooth audio devices, including headphones and earphones, during flights. Aeroflot mentioned above is also prohibited when I inquired before departure. Air Canada, which I boarded in January 2018, was also prohibited from international flights.

At such times, headphones like the WH-CH700N, which has a wired listening function and can be connected to an audio player with the included cable, come in handy. Many wireless headphones support wired connections, but there are quite a few wireless earphones that are wireless only, so be careful.