Some people were upset when Sony chose this type of design for the WH-1000XM5 when the XM4 had a dual-hinge and folded up and flat. They fold flat like their predecessor and only have a single hinge, so they don't fold up. One of the tip-offs that this may be more entry-level than midrange is that fact that no carrying case or pouch is included with the headphones. Read more: Best noise-canceling headphones for 2023 In short, it ranks among the most comfortable headphones, which include Bose's QuietComfort 45 and Sony's own WH-1000XM5, which weighs in at 250 grams. At 192 grams, Sony says it's the company's lightest over-ear noise-canceling headphone to date and it has nicely padded ear cups. It's more comfortable, has better sound, better noise canceling and better voice-calling performance. In contrast, the CH-720N is a significantly better headphone. I thought it was just OK and overpriced, unless it was on sale for less than $75. But the good news is that like the CH-710N and WH-XB910 before them, these should see some nice discounts in the not-so-distant future, which is what you may want to wait for. Are they worth $150? Maybe - or maybe not. But they sound more premium than they look (and feel) and their overall performance is a nice step up from their predecessor, the CH-710N. No, they don't sound as good as the XM5s. Part of me was expecting them to sound pretty mediocre, but I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe that's because they're so lightweight and have a bit of a plastic-y budget vibe even though there's some metal in their headband and their earcups have a clean, attractive design.

That's all well and good, but here's the problem: At first glance - and first touch - they don't quite look or feel like $150 headphones.

They're Sony's new and improved entry-level wireless noise-canceling headphones, joining a line that includes the $400 flagship WH-1000XM5, the earlier XM4 and the $250 WH-XB910N, an Xtra Bass model. Products like Sony's CH-720N headphones can be challenging to review.

Rival 3 wireless review