Are Sony Wh-ch520 Wireless Headphones Worth It?
Finding the right pair of wireless headphones can feel overwhelming. There are so many choices, and prices range from very cheap to extremely expensive. The Sony WH-CH520 is a budget-friendly wireless headphone model that has attracted a lot of attention. But are these headphones really worth your money, or are they just another pair that will sit unused in your drawer? Let’s look closer at what the WH-CH520 offers, who it’s best for, and what you need to know before buying.
First Impressions And Design
The Sony WH-CH520 presents a simple, lightweight design. When you first pick them up, you’ll notice they’re made mostly of plastic. This keeps them very light (about 147 grams), which is comfortable for long use. The headband is adjustable and covered with a soft cushion. The earcups are on-ear style, meaning they rest on your ears instead of completely covering them.
You can choose between three colors: black, blue, and white. The look is clean and modern, but not flashy. The buttons for power, volume, and playback are on one earcup, and they’re easy to find by touch.
One thing beginners often miss: these headphones do not fold. If you want a model that fits in a small bag or pocket, this could be inconvenient.
Sound Quality
Sony is well-known for good sound, even at lower price points. The WH-CH520 uses 30mm drivers. The sound profile is balanced, with clear mids and highs. Bass is present but not overpowering. This makes the headphones suitable for many types of music, from pop and rock to podcasts and audiobooks.
With the Sony Headphones Connect app, you can adjust the equalizer settings. This is not common for headphones in this price range. So, if you like more bass or want brighter treble, you can tweak the sound to fit your taste.
A non-obvious detail: These headphones do not support high-end audio codecs like LDAC or aptX. They use SBC and AAC, which are good but not the best for audiophiles. If you mostly stream music from Spotify or YouTube, you probably won’t notice much difference.
Comfort For Long Listening
Comfort is a big reason people choose or avoid certain headphones. The WH-CH520 is very light and does not squeeze the head tightly. The earcups are soft, but because they are on-ear, some people may feel pressure after a few hours.
If you wear glasses, the pressure might be more noticeable. For short to medium listening sessions, most users find them comfortable. But if you want headphones for all-day use, you might want to try them on first.
Battery Life And Charging
Battery life is one area where the Sony WH-CH520 really shines. Sony claims up to 50 hours of playback time on a full charge. This is much higher than many competitors in the same price range.
Charging is done through USB-C, which is now the standard. A quick 3-minute charge gives you about 1.5 hours of playback. This means you don’t have to worry much about running out of battery, even if you forget to charge overnight.
Here’s how the battery compares to some popular models:
| Model | Battery Life (hours) | Charging Port |
|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-CH520 | 50 | USB-C |
| JBL Tune 510BT | 40 | USB-C |
| Skullcandy Hesh Evo | 36 | USB-C |
| Anker Soundcore Life Q20 | 40 | Micro-USB |
Bluetooth Features And Connectivity
The WH-CH520 uses Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless connection. This gives stable pairing and good range (up to about 10 meters). Pairing is easy and fast, even for beginners.
A nice feature is multi-point connection. This means you can connect the headphones to two devices at the same time, such as your phone and laptop. If a call comes in on your phone while you’re watching a video on your laptop, the headphones switch automatically.
There is no support for wired listening, as there is no audio jack. This can be a problem if you want to use them with older devices or on an airplane.
Controls And App Support
Physical buttons make it simple to control the WH-CH520 without looking at your phone. You can play/pause, skip tracks, adjust volume, and answer calls.
Through the Sony Headphones Connect app (available on Android and iOS), you get more options:
- Custom equalizer
- Battery status
- Firmware updates
- Change button functions
This app support is rare for budget headphones and adds extra value, especially if you like to customize your sound.
Call Quality And Microphone
The built-in microphone works well for phone calls or online meetings. In quiet rooms, voices are clear. However, there is no advanced noise reduction, so in busy places, background sounds might come through.
If you make a lot of calls in noisy places, this is something to consider. For home or office use, the call quality is more than enough.
Durability And Build Quality
The Sony WH-CH520 is made mostly of plastic. This keeps the weight down but means they may not survive being dropped or crushed. The headband is flexible, but you should avoid bending it too much.
Another point: these headphones are not sweatproof or waterproof. They are not designed for gym workouts or running in the rain. For everyday use at home, office, or while commuting, they hold up well.
Price And Value For Money
One of the strongest points for the WH-CH520 is the price. Usually, they cost between $40 and $60 in the US. For this price, you get:
- Long battery life
- Good sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- Multi-point connection
- App support
Here’s a quick comparison with some rivals in the same price range:
| Model | Price (approx.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-CH520 | $50 | 50h battery, app, multi-point |
| JBL Tune 510BT | $40 | 40h battery, fast charge |
| Skullcandy Hesh Evo | $60 | 36h battery, foldable |
| Anker Soundcore Life Q20 | $60 | ANC, 40h battery |
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy These Headphones?
The Sony WH-CH520 is ideal for people who want:
- Long battery life
- Lightweight, comfortable design
- Good sound for music, podcasts, and calls
- Simple controls and Bluetooth features
- A low price
They are not the best choice if you need:
- Very strong bass or audiophile-level sound
- Noise cancellation for travel or noisy offices
- A foldable design for small bags
- Wired listening
If your main use is for casual listening, online meetings, or study, these headphones are a great value. For heavy travelers or gym lovers, a different model may be better.
Pros And Cons At A Glance
Here’s a summary to help you decide:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Very long battery life – Lightweight and comfortable – Multi-point Bluetooth – Customizable EQ with app – Low price |
– No noise cancellation – Not foldable – No wired option – All-plastic build – On-ear may not suit everyone |
Two Insights Beginners Might Miss
- Multi-point connection is a big timesaver. Many budget headphones do not let you connect to two devices at once. This feature is often seen only in more expensive models.
- The Sony Headphones Connect app lets you update the headphones’ firmware. This means Sony can fix bugs or add small features without you buying a new device.
Practical Buying Tips
- Try the headphones in a store if you can, especially if you wear glasses or are sensitive to on-ear pressure.
- Check for discounts or bundled deals, as prices can change quickly online.
- Download the app as soon as you buy them to get the latest updates and best sound.
For more details on Sony’s official features, visit the Sony product page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does The Sony Wh-ch520 Battery Really Last?
Sony advertises up to 50 hours of playback. Most users report getting 45-50 hours at normal volume. Using high volume or making many calls may lower the battery life a bit.
Can I Use The Wh-ch520 For Gaming?
They work for casual gaming, but there is a slight delay (latency) with Bluetooth. For serious gaming, especially on consoles or PC, wired headphones are better.
Do These Headphones Have Noise Cancellation?
No, the WH-CH520 does not offer active noise cancellation. They block some outside sound due to the earcup design, but not as much as over-ear or ANC headphones.
Are They Good For Making Phone Calls?
In quiet rooms, call quality is clear. In noisy places, the microphone picks up background noise, which can make calls less clear.
Can I Use These Headphones With An Iphone?
Yes, they connect easily to iPhones and other Apple devices using Bluetooth. The Headphones Connect app is available on the App Store.
Deciding if the Sony WH-CH520 is worth it depends on your needs. If you want reliable, affordable wireless headphones for daily use, they are hard to beat in their price range. But if you need advanced features like noise cancellation or a foldable design, you may want to consider other models. For many, these headphones deliver exactly what’s needed: good sound, comfort, and long battery life—all at a great price.
