Are you tired of searching for reliable wireless headphones that won’t break the bank? The Sony WH-CH520 might just be the answer you’ve been looking for. These budget-friendly on-ear headphones promise exceptional battery life, decent sound quality, and the trusted Sony brand reliability.
But do they really deliver on these promises, or are you better off spending your money elsewhere?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into every aspect of the Sony WH-CH520 to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- Exceptional Battery Life: Get up to 50 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, making these headphones perfect for long trips and extended listening sessions
- Lightweight Comfort Design: Weighing only 5.2 ounces, these headphones feature soft ear pads and an adjustable headband for all-day comfortable wear
- Modern Connectivity Features: Supports Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint connection, Fast Pair technology, and voice assistant compatibility for seamless device switching
- Affordable Sound Quality: Delivers balanced audio performance with customizable EQ settings through the Sony Headphones Connect app, though lacks premium codec support
- Simple Yet Effective Controls: Features intuitive physical buttons for volume, playback, and call management, plus built-in microphone for hands-free calling
Design and Build Quality: Simple Yet Effective
The Sony WH-CH520 embraces a minimalist design philosophy that prioritizes functionality over flashy aesthetics. These headphones feature a matte plastic construction that feels surprisingly solid despite the lightweight build. The design is refreshingly clean, with subtle Sony branding on the headband and flush-mounted ear cups that give them a sleek profile.
Available in four attractive colorways including Black, White, Beige, and Blue, the WH-CH520 offers enough variety to match different personal styles. The swivel ear cups can rotate to lay flat, making them easier to store in bags, though they don’t fold completely for maximum portability.
Build quality represents a significant improvement over the previous WH-CH510 model. The padded headband addresses one of the biggest complaints from the earlier version, while the overall construction feels more robust. The yokes sit flush with the ear cups, reducing the risk of damage from accidental tugs or drops.
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However, the all-plastic construction does have limitations. While adequate for the price point, these headphones don’t feel as premium as more expensive alternatives. The lack of any IP rating for water or dust resistance means you’ll need to be careful around moisture.
Comfort and Fit: Lightweight Champion
One of the standout features of the Sony WH-CH520 is their remarkable comfort level. At just 5.2 ounces, these are among the lightest wireless headphones in their category. The low clamping force combined with the lightweight design means you can wear them for hours without experiencing fatigue.
The soft ear pads and cushioned headband provide adequate padding for extended listening sessions. The faux leather covering feels pleasant against the skin, though it can build up some heat during longer use periods. The adjustable headband accommodates different head sizes effectively.
As on-ear headphones, the WH-CH520 sits directly on your ears rather than around them. This design choice contributes to the lightweight feel but means you’ll need to find the right positioning for optimal comfort and sound quality. Glasses wearers might find them less comfortable due to the pressure against the frames.
The relatively small ear cups require proper positioning to achieve the best seal and sound quality. This can be a minor inconvenience as you may need to readjust them occasionally, but most users find a comfortable position without too much difficulty.
Sound Quality: Balanced Performance for the Price
The Sony WH-CH520 delivers surprisingly good sound quality for budget-oriented headphones. The frequency response shows a slightly warm and fairly neutral sound signature that works well across different music genres. The bass response is well-controlled without overwhelming the midrange frequencies.
Bass performance is excellent with good extension and controlled delivery. The low-bass rolls off slightly, which mainly affects sub-bass rumbles in electronic music, but most listeners won’t find this problematic. Mid-bass delivers good punch for kick drums and bass guitars without becoming boomy.
The midrange presentation is particularly impressive, with vocals and instruments coming through clearly and naturally. Lead instruments like keyboards and guitars sound full-bodied, while vocals maintain good presence in the mix. This makes them suitable for podcast listening and voice content.
Treble performance shows some limitations with a noticeable dip in the low-treble to mid-treble range. This de-emphasis makes cymbals and vocal harmonics sound slightly dark, but it also helps avoid harsh or piercing highs that can cause listening fatigue.
The Sony Headphones Connect app provides EQ customization options including a 5-band graphic equalizer and several presets. This allows users to adjust the sound signature to their preferences, though the adjustments are somewhat broad rather than precise.
Battery Life: Industry-Leading Endurance
The Sony WH-CH520 excels in battery performance, delivering an impressive 50+ hours of continuous playback on a single charge. Our testing confirmed this claim, with actual results reaching approximately 53 hours of use. This exceptional battery life means you can go weeks between charges with normal daily use.
Fast charging capability adds to the convenience, with just 3 minutes of charging providing up to 90 minutes of playback according to Sony’s specifications. The full charging time takes approximately 2 hours using the included USB-A to USB-C cable.
The headphones feature an automatic standby mode that can last up to 200 hours, ensuring they won’t drain completely if you forget to turn them off. This power management system helps maintain the excellent battery performance over time.
Unfortunately, these are Bluetooth-only headphones with no wired listening option. If the battery completely dies, you cannot use them until they’re recharged. The USB-C port is exclusively for charging and doesn’t support audio passthrough.
Connectivity and Features: Modern Conveniences
The Sony WH-CH520 supports Bluetooth 5.2 technology, providing stable connections with compatible devices. The headphones support SBC and AAC codecs, covering the basic requirements for most devices, though they lack higher-bitrate options like LDAC or aptX.
Multipoint connectivity allows connection to two devices simultaneously, letting you seamlessly switch between your phone and computer without manual reconnection. This feature works well for users who need to monitor multiple devices throughout the day.
Fast Pair support makes initial setup incredibly simple on compatible Android, Mac, and Windows devices. Simply enable Bluetooth and turn on the headphones to see a pairing prompt appear automatically.
The integrated microphone provides adequate call quality for phone conversations and video conferences. Voice clarity is good in quiet environments, though background noise can interfere with call quality in noisy situations.
Voice assistant compatibility works with Siri, Google Assistant, and other popular voice services, activated through a double-press of the multifunction button.
Controls and User Interface: Physical Button Design
The Sony WH-CH520 uses traditional physical buttons rather than touch controls, which can be either an advantage or drawback depending on your preferences. All controls are located on the right ear cup and include separate buttons for volume up/down and a multifunction button.
Button functions are straightforward: single press for volume adjustment, long press for track skipping, and various combinations for playback control and voice assistant activation. The buttons provide good tactile feedback with voice prompts for volume limits and battery status.
The main limitation of physical buttons is that pressing them can disturb the fit of these lightweight headphones. Many users prefer using their device’s controls rather than the on-headphone buttons to avoid this issue.
Button layout is logical and easy to learn, with raised and indented indicators to help identify each control by touch. However, the similar feel of the buttons can make it challenging to differentiate them without looking.
App Integration: Sony Headphones Connect
The Sony Headphones Connect app offers several useful customization options, though it’s not essential for basic operation. Key features include EQ customization, firmware updates, and access to Sony’s 360 Reality Audio technology.
Equalizer options include both preset modes and a 5-band graphic EQ, plus a “Clear Bass” slider for additional low-frequency adjustment. While not as precise as parametric EQ, these controls provide adequate customization for most users.
360 Reality Audio creates a virtual soundstage based on your ear shape analysis, working with compatible streaming services like Tidal. The feature requires supported content and may not provide significant benefits for all users.
The app also manages multipoint connections, allows switching between sound quality and connection stability priorities, and provides firmware update notifications. Voice guide customization and call sidetone adjustment are additional useful features.
Privacy considerations should be noted as the app requests several permissions. Users concerned about data collection might prefer to use the headphones without the app, missing only the advanced features.
Noise Isolation: Passive Performance Only
The Sony WH-CH520 relies entirely on passive noise isolation without active noise cancellation technology. As on-ear headphones, they provide moderate isolation that’s better than nothing but not comparable to ANC-equipped models.
Isolation performance is frequency-dependent, with better results in higher frequencies. Low-frequency sounds like airplane engines or bus rumble pass through easily, while mid and high-frequency noise receives better attenuation.
The on-ear design inherently limits isolation potential since the ear cups sit on your ears rather than completely surrounding them. Achieving a good seal is crucial for optimal isolation, and any gaps will significantly reduce performance.
This limited isolation can actually be beneficial in certain situations where you need to remain aware of your surroundings, such as walking in traffic or working in an office environment.
Microphone Performance: Adequate for Calls
The built-in microphone provides reasonable performance for phone calls and video conferences. Voice quality is clear and understandable in quiet environments, though it can sound slightly thin compared to dedicated headsets.
Background noise handling is moderate, with the microphone struggling to isolate your voice in very noisy environments. Sudden loud noises can overwhelm the mic, making your voice less audible to callers.
Call quality is suitable for casual phone conversations and most business calls, though professional users might prefer dedicated communication headsets for important meetings.
The microphone supports voice assistant activation and performs adequately for voice commands, though recognition accuracy depends on ambient noise levels.
Value and Competition: Budget Champion Analysis
At its typical price point around $60-80, the Sony WH-CH520 offers solid value for budget-conscious buyers. The combination of exceptional battery life, decent sound quality, and reliable build quality makes them competitive in the entry-level wireless headphone market.
Main competitors include the JBL Tune 520BT, Audio-Technica ATH-M20xBT, and Anker Soundcore Life Q20. Each offers different advantages, with some providing ANC or over-ear designs at similar price points.
The Sony brand reputation adds value for buyers seeking reliable products with good customer support and widespread availability. The extensive battery life gives the WH-CH520 a significant advantage over many competitors.
Price fluctuations can affect the value proposition, so shopping around for sales or discounts can make these headphones an even better deal.
Who Should Buy the Sony WH-CH520?
The Sony WH-CH520 is ideal for several types of users. Commuters and travelers will appreciate the exceptional battery life and lightweight design. Casual listeners who want reliable wireless headphones without premium pricing will find them suitable.
Students and office workers can benefit from the long battery life and comfortable fit for extended use. The multipoint connectivity makes them convenient for users who switch between devices frequently.
These headphones work well for podcast listeners and audiobook fans due to their clear midrange presentation and comfortable long-term wear. The lightweight design makes them suitable for exercise and gym use, though the lack of water resistance requires caution.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
Several user types should consider alternatives. Audiophiles and critical listeners will want headphones with better frequency response and premium codec support. Frequent flyers need active noise cancellation for airplane use.
Gamers should look for headphones with lower latency and possibly wired options. Professional audio work requires more accurate monitoring capabilities than these consumer-oriented headphones provide.
Users who primarily need maximum noise isolation should consider over-ear designs or ANC-equipped models. Heavy smartphone users might prefer headphones with more robust mobile codec support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Sony WH-CH520 have noise cancellation?
No, they only provide passive noise isolation through their physical design.
Can you use Sony WH-CH520 while charging?
No, the headphones cannot play audio while connected to the charging cable.
How long does it take to fully charge the Sony WH-CH520?
Approximately 2 hours for a complete charge using the included USB cable.
Are Sony WH-CH520 good for phone calls?
Yes, they have a built-in microphone that provides adequate call quality in quiet environments.
Do Sony WH-CH520 work with iPhone?
Yes, they support AAC codec and work well with all iOS devices via Bluetooth.
Can you connect Sony WH-CH520 to multiple devices?
Yes, they support multipoint connectivity for simultaneous connection to two devices.
Are Sony WH-CH520 waterproof?
No, they have no IP rating and should be kept away from water and moisture.
