Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones Review In 2025
The Sony WH-CH520 has become one of the most talked about entry level wireless headphones on Amazon right now.
This lightweight on ear headset promises up to 50 hours of battery life and comfortable all day wear for under $70. But does it really deliver on these promises?
After extensive testing and research, I am here to share everything you need to know about these popular wireless headphones.
Key Takeaways:
- Battery Life Champion: The headphones deliver an impressive 50 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This means you can use them for weeks without worrying about recharging. The quick charge feature gives you 1.5 hours of playback with just 3 minutes of charging time.
- Lightweight Comfort Design: Weighing only 147 grams, these are some of the lightest wireless headphones available. The soft ear pads and adjustable headband make them comfortable for extended listening sessions without causing fatigue or pressure points.
- Smart Connectivity Features: Despite the budget price, you get Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint connection. This allows you to connect two devices simultaneously. Fast Pair support makes connecting to Android, Mac, or Windows devices incredibly simple with just one tap.
- Customizable Sound Experience: The free Sony Headphones Connect app lets you adjust the equalizer settings to match your music preferences. You can choose from preset sound profiles or create your own custom audio signature for different music genres.
- Affordable Premium Features: At around $60 to $70, the WH-CH520 includes features usually reserved for expensive models. The combination of long battery life, app support, and decent sound quality makes these headphones excellent value for money.
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones: First Impressions and Build Quality
When you first unbox the Sony WH-CH520, you immediately notice how simple and practical the packaging is. Inside, you find the headphones, a USB-A to USB-C charging cable, and basic documentation. There are no fancy carrying cases or extra accessories. Sony keeps things minimal here, which helps keep the price low.
The build quality feels solid despite the lightweight plastic construction. The matte finish on the ear cups looks clean and resists fingerprints well. The headband has adequate padding and the adjustment mechanism feels smooth.
These headphones fold flat, making them easy to slip into a backpack or bag. The plastic construction might not feel premium, but it keeps the weight down significantly. This makes a huge difference during long listening sessions.
Battery Life Performance: Does 50 Hours Really Work?
Battery life stands as one of the biggest selling points for the Sony WH-CH520. Sony claims up to 50 hours of playback time. Independent testing confirmed this claim, with some tests showing even more than 55 hours of continuous use. This performance puts the WH-CH520 among the longest lasting wireless headphones in any price range.
What does 50 hours actually mean for daily use? If you listen to music for two hours every day during your commute, these headphones will last nearly four weeks before needing a charge. Even heavy users who listen for five hours daily can go almost two weeks between charges. This exceptional battery life eliminates the frustration of constantly reaching for the charging cable.
The quick charge feature adds even more convenience. Just 3 minutes of charging provides approximately 1.5 hours of playback. This means if you forget to charge overnight, a quick charge while you get ready in the morning gives you enough juice for your commute. Full charging takes about 3 hours from empty to 100 percent.
Top 3 Alternatives for Sony WH-CH520
Sound Quality Analysis: How Do These Budget Headphones Actually Sound?
Sound quality represents the most important aspect of any headphones. The Sony WH-CH520 delivers decent audio performance for the price point. The frequency response shows some bass emphasis with slightly elevated mids. This tuning makes modern pop, hip hop, and electronic music sound engaging and energetic.
The bass response provides adequate punch without becoming overwhelming. Songs with deep bass lines sound full and satisfying. However, audiophiles and music professionals will notice the bass emphasis affects the overall balance. Classical music and acoustic recordings might sound slightly colored compared to more neutral headphones.
The midrange handles vocals reasonably well. Singers and spoken word content come through clearly. However, the tuning does push some mid frequencies forward while pulling others back. This creates an interesting but not entirely natural sound signature. String instruments like acoustic guitars and harps might sound slightly off due to the inconsistent midrange emphasis.
Bluetooth Connectivity and Wireless Features Explained
The Sony WH-CH520 uses Bluetooth 5.2 technology for wireless connectivity. This relatively recent Bluetooth version provides stable connections with good range. You can move about 10 meters away from your source device before the connection starts breaking up. In real world use, this range works perfectly for walking around your home or office.
These headphones support SBC and AAC codecs. SBC is the basic Bluetooth codec that works with all devices. AAC provides better quality for iPhone users and some Android devices. While there are higher quality codecs like aptX or LDAC, most people will not notice the difference in everyday listening. The available codecs handle streaming music from Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube without issues.
One standout feature is multipoint connectivity. This lets you connect the headphones to two devices simultaneously. For example, you can connect to your laptop and smartphone at the same time. When a call comes in on your phone, the headphones automatically switch from laptop audio to phone audio. This seamless switching makes multipoint incredibly useful for people who juggle multiple devices throughout the day.
Sony Headphones Connect App: Worth Using or Skip It?
The Sony Headphones Connect app adds functionality to the WH-CH520. Available free for iOS and Android, the app provides several useful features. The most important is the equalizer that lets you adjust the sound signature. You can choose from preset EQ profiles or create custom settings by adjusting different frequency bands.
The app interface is clean and easy to navigate. You can see the current battery level more precisely than the headphone indicator lights show. The app also checks for firmware updates that can improve performance or add new features. Keeping your headphones updated ensures optimal performance.
One interesting feature is 360 Reality Audio support. This spatial audio format creates a more immersive listening experience with compatible content. However, this feature depends heavily on getting a perfect fit. The on ear design makes achieving that ideal fit challenging. Many users find the benefit minimal compared to stereo playback.
Comfort and Fit: Can You Wear These All Day?
Comfort stands as a major strength of the Sony WH-CH520. The extremely light weight of just 147 grams means you barely feel them on your head. Many users report forgetting they are wearing headphones during long listening sessions. This featherweight design significantly reduces fatigue compared to heavier models.
The ear pads use soft synthetic leather material. The padding compresses enough to feel comfortable without being too soft. The headband padding is adequate for the light weight these headphones carry. Even after several hours of use, most people do not experience discomfort from the headband pressure.
However, the on ear design presents some challenges. The ear pads sit directly on your ears rather than surrounding them like over ear headphones do. This creates more pressure on your ears. People with sensitive ears or those who wear glasses might find this pressure uncomfortable during extended use. The pads can also trap heat, making your ears warm after an hour or two.
Control Layout and Button Functionality
The Sony WH-CH520 uses physical buttons for controls instead of touch sensitive surfaces. All controls are located on the right ear cup. Some people prefer buttons because they provide tactile feedback. You always know when you have pressed a button. Touch controls can sometimes register accidental inputs or fail to register intentional ones.
The button layout is straightforward. You get volume up, volume down, and a multifunction button. Volume up doubles as skip forward when you double press it. Volume down becomes skip backward with a double press. The multifunction button handles play, pause, and call functions with a single press. Long pressing the multifunction button activates Bluetooth pairing mode.
Noise Isolation: What Can You Expect Without Active Noise Cancellation?
The Sony WH-CH520 does not include active noise cancellation. This is a significant limitation compared to some competitors. However, Sony keeps the price low by omitting this feature. The headphones rely entirely on passive noise isolation from the physical seal the ear pads create.
The on ear design limits how much noise these headphones can block. They do a reasonable job with high frequency sounds like voices and keyboard typing. You will notice some reduction in office chatter and household noises. However, low frequency rumbles like engine noise, airplane cabin sound, and traffic hum pass through easily.
If you get a good fit, the headphones can reduce outside noise by 10 to 30 decibels above 1000 Hz. This helps but does not compare to dedicated noise canceling headphones. You will still need to increase volume in noisy environments like buses, trains, or busy streets.
Who Should Buy the Sony WH-CH520?
The Sony WH-CH520 works best for specific types of users. Budget conscious buyers who want reliable wireless headphones without spending over $70 will appreciate what these offer. The combination of long battery life, lightweight comfort, and decent sound quality makes them practical for daily use.
Commuters and travelers benefit from the exceptional battery life. You can go weeks without charging. The lightweight design and foldable build make them easy to carry. However, frequent flyers might want noise canceling headphones for better performance on airplanes.
Casual listeners who enjoy music, podcasts, and audiobooks during daily activities will find these headphones perfectly adequate. The sound quality suits most popular music genres. You do not need to be an audiophile to enjoy what these headphones provide.
Who Should Skip the Sony WH-CH520?
These headphones are not ideal for everyone. Audiophiles and music producers need more accurate sound reproduction. The emphasized bass and inconsistent midrange make these unsuitable for critical listening or music production work. You should look at studio monitor headphones instead.
Gym enthusiasts and runners should avoid these. The on ear design and minimal sweat resistance make them poor choices for intense workouts. The ear pads trap moisture and the headphones can slip during vigorous movement. Sports focused earbuds or headphones would serve you better.
Noise sensitive people who need maximum isolation should choose headphones with active noise cancellation. The Sony WH-CH520 cannot compete with ANC headphones in noisy environments. If you fly frequently or work in loud spaces, spending more on noise canceling models makes sense.
Value Proposition: Is The Price Right?
At approximately $60 to $70, the Sony WH-CH520 offers strong value. You get features like multipoint connectivity, Fast Pair, 50 hour battery life, and app customization that often appear in headphones costing twice as much. The build quality feels solid enough for daily use. The lightweight construction actually benefits comfort.
Compared to other budget wireless headphones, the WH-CH520 stands out for battery life. Few competitors can match 50 hours of playback. The Sony brand name also provides reassurance about reliability and customer support. These factors justify the price for many buyers.
Comparison With Key Competitors in The Same Price Range
The JBL Tune 520BT represents the most direct competition. Priced similarly at around $40 to $60, the JBL offers 57 hours of battery life and a comfortable fit. The sound signature leans toward bass heavy, which some listeners prefer. The JBL lacks the Sony Headphones Connect app but includes similar basic features. Choosing between these two often comes down to brand preference and which fits your head better.
The Anker Soundcore H30i comes in cheaper at about $20 to $30. These lightweight on ear headphones provide 70 hours of battery life and support the Soundcore app. The build quality feels less substantial than the Sony, but the exceptional battery life and lower price appeal to extreme budget shoppers. Sound quality is adequate but not as refined as the Sony.
Long Term Durability and Reliability Considerations
The plastic construction of the Sony WH-CH520 raises questions about long term durability. The lightweight materials that make these comfortable also make them more vulnerable to damage from drops or rough handling. The headband and hinges seem like potential weak points that could break with careless treatment.
However, Sony has a good reputation for making products that last. Many users report that previous models in the WH-CH series have held up well over years of daily use. The simple design with minimal moving parts actually works in favor of reliability. There are fewer components that can fail compared to more complex headphones.
The ear pad material will eventually wear out with heavy use. The synthetic leather can crack and peel over time, especially if exposed to sweat and oils from your skin. Replacement ear pads are available from third party sellers if needed. This extends the useful life of the headphones significantly.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy The Sony WH-CH520?
The Sony WH-CH520 delivers impressive value for budget conscious buyers. The 50 hour battery life truly stands out as the killer feature. Combined with lightweight comfort, decent sound quality, and smart connectivity features, these headphones punch above their price class. They work well for commuting, studying, working from home, and casual music listening.
The on ear design and lack of active noise cancellation represent the main limitations. These factors make the WH-CH520 less suitable for frequent travelers or noise sensitive users. The sound quality, while good for the price, does not satisfy critical listeners or audiophiles.
If your budget caps at $70 and you prioritize battery life and comfort over noise isolation, the Sony WH-CH520 makes an excellent choice. They deliver Sony reliability and features at an accessible price. The headphones simply work without fuss, which is exactly what many people want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Sony WH-CH520 connect to two devices at the same time?
Yes, the Sony WH-CH520 supports multipoint connectivity. You can connect these headphones to two devices simultaneously. For example, you can stay connected to your laptop for video calls while also connected to your smartphone for music and phone calls. The headphones automatically switch between devices based on which one is playing audio or receiving a call.
Does the Sony WH-CH520 have a headphone jack for wired listening?
No, the Sony WH-CH520 does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack or any wired audio option. The USB-C port on the right ear cup only works for charging, not for audio passthrough. These headphones function exclusively in wireless Bluetooth mode. If the battery dies completely, you must charge them before using them again.
How do I know when the Sony WH-CH520 needs charging?
The indicator light on the right ear cup provides battery status information. When the battery runs low, the light blinks red to warn you. You can also check the battery level more precisely using the Sony Headphones Connect app on your smartphone. Most phones also display Bluetooth device battery levels in their settings or notification area.
Are the Sony WH-CH520 good for working out and exercise?
The Sony WH-CH520 works for light exercise like walking or casual gym sessions. However, they lack any water resistance or sweat protection rating. The on ear design and synthetic leather ear pads trap heat and moisture. For intense workouts, running, or outdoor activities in rain, you should choose sports specific earbuds or headphones with proper IPX ratings.
Can I use voice assistants with the Sony WH-CH520?
Yes, the Sony WH-CH520 supports voice assistant activation. You can access Siri on iOS devices or Google Assistant on Android devices through the headphones. The built in microphone captures your voice commands. However, there is no dedicated button for voice assistant access. You need to configure voice activation through your phone settings.
What is the difference between Sony WH-CH520 and WH-CH510?
The WH-CH520 is the newer model with several improvements over the WH-CH510. The newer version adds multipoint connectivity, Fast Pair support, and Bluetooth 5.2 instead of 5.0. The battery life increases from 35 hours to 50 hours. The WH-CH520 also has better sound tuning and fixes the sidetone issue that affected some WH-CH510 users. The overall design remains similar but the WH-CH520 offers significantly more features and better performance.
