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Apple AirPods 5 vs WH-CH720N

Specs, price and the one trade-off that actually decides it — Apple AirPods 5 against WH-CH720N, side by side.

Cheaper to start

Tie

Both start at a similar price.

Best ecosystem

Tie

Neither lists native integrations.

Standout

Apple AirPods 5

Custom high-excursion Apple driver

Apple AirPods 5

Apple's first open-ear earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation, alongside a redesigned Transparency mode and Conversation Awareness.

Where it wins, where it doesn't

Pros

  • Custom high-excursion driver and high dynamic range amplifier for high-quality audio
  • Improved Transparency mode and Conversation Awareness for better situational awareness
  • Up to 22 hours of total battery life with the charging case
  • Dust, sweat, and water-resistant (IP57)

Cons

  • Battery life is relatively short at up to 4 hours with ANC enabled
  • Compatibility is limited to Apple devices only

Specifications

  • AccessibilityLive Listen audio Headphone levels Headphone Accommodations
  • Audio / Adaptive AudioBlends Transparency and ANC dynamically
  • Audio / Adaptive EQNext-generation Adaptive EQ
  • Audio / ArchitectureNew multiport acoustic architecture
  • Audio / Conversation AwarenessAuto-lowers volume when you start speaking
  • Audio / Spatial AudioPersonalized Spatial Audio (requires iPhone with TrueDepth camera)
  • Audio / Transparency ModeImproved Transparency mode
  • Battery / With ANCUp to 4 hours per charge (vs 3 hours on AirPods 4)
  • Battery / With Wireless Charging Case + ANCUp to 22 hours total
  • Battery Life—
  • Case / ChargingWireless charging (Apple Watch chargers, Qi, USB-C)
  • Charging CaseAirPods 5: Works with USB-C connector AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case: Works with USB-C connector, Apple Watch charger, or Qi-certified chargers
  • ChipH2 headphone chip
  • Comfort—
  • ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3 wireless technology
  • ControlsPress once to play or pause media Press once to answer a call or mute or unmute Press once for camera remote Press twice to end a call Press twice to skip forward Press three times to skip back Press and hold to switch between listening modes Swipe up or down to adjust volume (AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case) Say “Hey Siri” or just “Siri” to do things like play a song, make a call, or get directions With Siri Interactions, nod your head yes or gently shake your head no when Siri asks if you want to answer an incoming call, hear a text message, manage notifications, and more
  • DesignOpen-ear form factor; improved dust, sweat, and water resistance (no IP rating published)
  • Dust, Sweat, and Water ResistantDust, sweat, and water resistant (IP57)
  • MaterialsAirPods 5 are made with 40% recycled content, including: 100% recycled aluminum in the hinge of the case 100% recycled cobalt in the battery
  • Multipoint Connection—
  • Noise CancellationActive Noise Cancellation in an open-ear design; removes up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4
  • Noise Cancelling—
  • SensorsDual beamforming microphones Inward-facing microphone Optical in-ear sensor Motion-detecting accelerometer Speech-detecting accelerometer Force sensor
  • Siri / Head GesturesNod or shake your head to respond to Siri
  • Size and Weight (Each)Height: 1.19 inches (30.2 mm) Width: 0.72 inch (18.3 mm) Depth: 0.71 inch (18.1 mm) Weight: 0.15 ounce (4.3 grams)
  • Sound Quality—
  • System RequirementsiPhone models with the latest version of iOS iPad models with the latest version of iPadOS Apple Watch models with the latest version of watchOS Mac models with the latest version of macOS Apple TV models with the latest version of tvOS Apple Vision Pro with the latest version of visionOS
  • Voice Pickup—

WH-CH720N

Wireless Bluetooth headphones with up to 35 hours of battery life.

Where it wins, where it doesn't

Pros

  • Up to 35 hours of battery life
  • Super comfortable lightweight design
  • Multipoint connection for two Bluetooth devices

Cons

  • May not offer the highest sound quality for audiophiles

Specifications

  • Accessibility—
  • Audio / Adaptive Audio—
  • Audio / Adaptive EQ—
  • Audio / Architecture—
  • Audio / Conversation Awareness—
  • Audio / Spatial Audio—
  • Audio / Transparency Mode—
  • Battery / With ANC—
  • Battery / With Wireless Charging Case + ANC—
  • Battery Lifeup to 35 hours
  • Case / Charging—
  • Charging Case—
  • Chip—
  • ComfortSuper comfortable lightweight design
  • Connectivity—
  • Controls—
  • Design—
  • Dust, Sweat, and Water Resistant—
  • Materials—
  • Multipoint ConnectionFor total convenience, these Bluetooth® headphones can be paired with two Bluetooth devices at the same time
  • Noise Cancellation—
  • Noise CancellingDual Noise Sensor technology and an Integrated Processor V1
  • Sensors—
  • Siri / Head Gestures—
  • Size and Weight (Each)—
  • Sound QualityDSEE™ restores high frequency sound and fine fade-out sound lost in compression
  • System Requirements—
  • Voice PickupPrecise Voice Pickup technology, a beamforming mic, and Wind Noise Reduction Structure