Sony WH-CH700N

Sony’s WH-CH700NS offer wireless playback via Bluetooth with NFC pairing, active noise cancelling and up to 35 hours of battery life. The built-in microphone allows for hands-free calling, plus Siri and Google Assistant compatibility. Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) is accessible via the Sony Headphones Connect App, alongside various soundfield modes and EQ settings – few companies can offer such an appealing set of features for this kind of money.

Available in black, blue or grey finishes, the WH-CH700NS are typical of Sony’s smooth, understated aesthetic and sturdy build. They weigh only 240g and those padded ear cups make for a comfortable fit.

Inside the WH-CH700NS is a pair of 40mm neodymium drivers, and while there is an emphasis on the bass frequencies, Sony has managed to keep the low end relatively taut, while also providing plenty of punch.

Timing and organisation are good enough to make for a pleasurable listen; rhythmically, they’re adept at conveying the intensity of a track and energetic enough to have us moving our feet. Their overall character isn’t exceedingly rich, but it isn’t brittle either. However, vocal lines don’t possess the body or warmth you might expect and even once free of its harshness, the treble doesn’t quite soar.

These WH-CH700NS stop just short of being exceptional, but they are an easy listen with just enough weight and detail across the frequency band to offer better than passable sonic insight.

For a more sophisticated performance, you need to spend a little more, particularly if noise-cancelling is one of your priorities. Here, it definitely isn’t as effective as some – more a case of noise quietening than cancelling. But as a pair of headphones for everyday use, such as playing Spotify playlists on the daily commute, the Sony WH-CH700NS are certainly capable.