How many fit
Only 11 of the 60 models checked meet every need here: “I want a pair that weighs 250 g or less” and “I go back and forth between laptop and phone”.
11 models fit, out of 60 checkedPicked for one job
The best lightweight headphones for your commute
Top pick
Sony WH-CH720N
If low weight and ANC matter most, begin with Sony WH-CH720N, whose listed 192 g is 40 g below JBL Tune 770NC. WH-CH730N is the choice for inward folding and a longer ANC battery claim. Marshall Major V is the choice if you like a compact 186 g on-ear pair and can do without noise cancellation.
Why it suits this job
- The headphones’ own weight and not shipping weight
- If the headband folds inward
- The catch
- The hinge cannot fold inward to suit a small travel case.
- Go with Sony WH-CH730N if
- You can live with 15 g extra in return for inward folding and a claimed 50 hours of ANC instead of 35.
More reasons we picked it
- ANC for a noisy train or bus
- Fit as on-ear or over-ear
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Lightweight commuting headphones, compared on verified weight, ANC and folding shape. Sony, JBL or Marshall: pick whichever trade-off you can live with.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the headphones we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “I want a pair that weighs 250 g or less” and “I go back and forth between laptop and phone”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-CH720N |
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| Sony WH-CH730N |
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| JBL Tune 770NC |
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| Marshall Major V |
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Decision guide
How to choose for this job
Settle on how light you want to go, then decide if folding and ANC are essential. A few grams shouldn’t outweigh an uncomfortable fit or the wrong wearing style.
Within the Sony pair, a fold comes at a small weight cost
Listed weights are 192 g for WH-CH720N and 207 g for WH-CH730N. That gap is 15 g, or 7.8% of 192 g. What you get for it is that CH730N folds inward and has a 50-hour ANC claim instead of 35 hours. For a commuter, that trade-off is clearer than calling one model a blanket upgrade in every respect.
The lightest pick here gives up a feature
At 186 g, Major V is six grams below CH720N, but it has no active noise cancellation and its pads rest on the ears. It makes sense if that wearing style suits you and packing small counts for more than ANC. Its very long wireless battery claim shouldn’t be set directly against an ANC-on rating from another model.
Listed weight is just part of comfort
Tune 770NC weighs 232 g, which is 40 g or 20.8% more than CH720N. Because it folds inward, the heavier headphone may still pack more easily. Weight can’t show you headband pressure, heat or whether the cushions fit around your ears. When you check fit, keep your glasses on and move your head the way you would on the commute.
What this page can’t tell you
- We make no claim of comfort testing or a measured ANC ranking.
- Around roads, platforms or moving vehicles, neither transparency modes nor ANC guarantee your safety.
4 options
The top pick and the alternatives
Sony, WH-CH720N
WH-CH720N
A sensible place to start if you want noise cancellation without a heavy headset. At 192 g it is lighter than the CH730N, but it cannot fold inward to pack down.
Top pick ifNoise-canceling listening in a light pair
Key facts
- The headphones weigh approximately 192 g.
- With noise cancellation on, the rating is up to 35 hours, and with it off it is 50 hours.
The catch
The hinge cannot fold inward to suit a small travel case.
Sony, WH-CH730N
WH-CH730N
What you gain over the CH720N is simple: a frame that folds, plus a 50-hour ANC claim. The cost is 15 g of extra weight, so the older model remains the better pick when low weight is the priority.
Pick this instead ifYou can live with 15 g extra in return for inward folding and a claimed 50 hours of ANC instead of 35.
Key facts
- With noise cancellation on, the rating is up to 50 hours, and with it off it is 75 hours.
- The headphones weigh approximately 207 g.
The catch
It weighs 15 g more than the CH720N.
JBL, Tune 770NC
Tune 770NC
This folding ANC pair weighs 232 g and comes with multipoint and a 1.2 m analog lead. Look at the 44-hour ANC rating rather than only the 70-hour headline.
Pick this instead ifYou are looking for a folding ANC pair at 232 g that comes with a 1.2 m analog cable.
Key facts
- With ANC off the manufacturer lists 70 hours, and with ANC on it lists 44 hours.
- The supplied audio lead is 1.2 m, and the weight is 232 g.
The catch
Live 770NC's 50-hour ANC rating is longer.
Marshall, Major V
Major V
At 186 g, this compact on-ear pair has a 100-plus-hour wireless claim and a 3.5 mm cable option. Buy it for portability. Noise cancellation is not its strength.
Pick this instead ifYou like on-ear cushions and a folding 186 g design, and you can go without ANC.
Key facts
- Listed at 186 g with an on-ear construction, per the manufacturer.
- The wireless playback rating is more than 100 hours.
The catch
Its cushions rest on top of your ears and do not surround them.
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Top pick for this job
Sony WH-CH720N
The headphones’ own weight and not shipping weight
See price & reviews on AmazonPick this instead if
Sony WH-CH730N
You can live with 15 g extra in return for inward folding and a claimed 50 hours of ANC instead of 35.
See price & reviews on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money