When you search for affordable wireless headphones, Sony is a name that stands out. Two of their most popular budget-friendly models are the Sony WH-CH520 and the Sony WH-CH510. At first glance, they look quite similar. Both are lightweight, have a minimalist design, and are designed for everyday use. But if you look closer, you’ll find some important differences that can affect your listening experience. This guide will help you understand how the WH-CH520 and WH-CH510 compare, what has changed, and which one might be the better choice for you.
Design And Comfort
The first thing you notice about a headphone is how it feels on your head. Sony WH-CH520 brings a slightly upgraded design compared to the WH-CH510. The earcups on the CH520 are a bit thicker, giving extra padding for longer listening sessions. The headband is also improved—it’s now more flexible and adjustable, fitting different head sizes more comfortably.
The WH-CH510, on the other hand, is very lightweight (about 132g). However, the earcups have thinner padding, which can be less comfortable if you wear them for hours. The headband is more basic and less adjustable. If you plan to use your headphones all day, the WH-CH520 will likely feel better.
Non-obvious insight: The WH-CH520’s improved clamping force helps prevent the headphones from slipping, a problem some users had with the WH-CH510, especially during movement.
Build Quality And Materials
Both models are made of plastic, which keeps them light and affordable. But the WH-CH520 uses a sturdier plastic blend, making it feel less flimsy in your hands. The headband on the CH520 also has a metal reinforcement inside, which adds durability without extra weight.
With the WH-CH510, the build is more basic. The plastic feels thinner and can be more prone to creaking or bending. This doesn’t mean the CH510 will break easily, but the WH-CH520 is built to withstand daily use better.
Controls And User Interface
Sony kept the button controls simple on both models. You get three physical buttons on the right earcup for volume, playback, and calls. The WH-CH520 improves the button design—they are larger and raised, making them easier to find by touch. The feedback from pressing these buttons is also more satisfying.
The WH-CH510’s buttons are smaller and sit almost flush with the earcup, which can make it harder to use them without looking, especially for new users.
Non-obvious insight: The CH520’s button improvement is a small detail, but it makes a big difference for users with larger fingers or those who want to adjust controls without taking off the headphones.
Sound Quality
Sound is where Sony usually shines, and both headphones deliver good quality for their price. But there are some differences:
- Sony WH-CH520: Uses 30mm drivers and supports the SBC and AAC codecs. The sound profile is balanced with a bit more clarity in the mids and highs compared to the CH510. Bass is punchy but not overpowering, making it suitable for different music genres. The CH520 also offers a custom EQ through Sony’s Headphones Connect app, letting you adjust the sound to your preference.
- Sony WH-CH510: Also uses 30mm drivers but only supports the SBC codec. The sound is a little less clear, especially in the mid and high frequencies. Bass is present but can sound a bit muddy at higher volumes. No custom EQ is available.
If you want more control over your sound or listen to podcasts and vocals, the WH-CH520 is a better choice.
Bluetooth And Connectivity
Both models use Bluetooth for wireless connection. The WH-CH520 features Bluetooth 5.2, while the WH-CH510 comes with Bluetooth 5.0. What does this mean?
- WH-CH520: Bluetooth 5.2 offers better connection stability, lower latency, and improved power efficiency. It also supports multi-point connectivity, which means you can connect to two devices at the same time (like your phone and laptop) and switch between them easily.
- WH-CH510: Bluetooth 5.0 is still reliable, but it does not support multi-point connections. You need to disconnect from one device before connecting to another.
For people who use multiple devices throughout the day, the WH-CH520’s Bluetooth update is a significant advantage.
Battery Life
Battery life is a big selling point for both headphones. Here’s how they compare:
- WH-CH520: Up to 50 hours of playtime on a single charge. A quick 3-minute charge gives you about 1.5 hours of playback.
- WH-CH510: Up to 35 hours of playtime. A 10-minute charge gives about 1.5 hours of playback.
While both headphones will easily last several days on a single charge, the WH-CH520’s longer battery life means you’ll need to charge less often, which is handy if you travel or forget to charge your devices.
Audio Features And App Support
One of the big upgrades in the WH-CH520 is support for the Sony Headphones Connect app. This app lets you:
- Adjust equalizer settings
- Change sound presets
- Update firmware
The WH-CH510 does not support this app. That means you can’t change the sound profile or get firmware updates, which can affect long-term usability.
Practical example: If you prefer more bass or want a custom sound signature, only the WH-CH520 lets you tweak these settings. The CH510 is “what you hear is what you get.”
Microphone And Call Quality
Both headphones have built-in microphones for calls. The WH-CH520 uses newer microphone technology, with better noise reduction for clearer voice calls. It also supports voice assistants like Google Assistant and Siri.
The WH-CH510’s microphone is decent for basic calls, but it picks up more background noise, which can be an issue in noisy environments.
Portability And Foldability
Neither headphone folds flat or has a carrying case. The earcups rotate for easier storage, but if you want something that folds up compactly, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Both are lightweight and easy to carry, but the lack of folding is a minor downside.
Color Options
Sony offers more colors with the WH-CH520. You can choose from black, blue, white, and beige. The WH-CH510 comes in black, blue, and white. While color doesn’t affect performance, it’s nice to have more choices to match your style.
Price And Value
The WH-CH510 is usually cheaper, sometimes by $10–$20 depending on sales. The WH-CH520 costs a bit more, but the added features (custom EQ, longer battery, better Bluetooth) can justify the extra spend for many people.
Common mistake: Some buyers focus only on the price and miss out on useful features that can make the headphones last longer or perform better for their needs.
Side-by-side Feature Comparison
Here’s a quick look at the most important differences:
| Feature | Sony WH-CH520 | Sony WH-CH510 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.0 |
| Battery Life | Up to 50 hours | Up to 35 hours |
| Custom EQ | Yes (via app) | No |
| Supported Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC |
| Multi-Point Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Colors | 4 options | 3 options |
| Weight | 147g | 132g |
Audio Codec Support
One small but useful difference is AAC codec support on the WH-CH520. AAC gives better audio quality on Apple devices, like iPhones and iPads, compared to SBC. The WH-CH510 only supports SBC, which is the basic Bluetooth audio codec.
| Model | SBC | AAC |
|---|---|---|
| WH-CH520 | Yes | Yes |
| WH-CH510 | Yes | No |
Which One Should You Buy?
Both headphones are solid options for budget wireless listening. If you just want basic, lightweight headphones for casual use and need to save money, the WH-CH510 will get the job done. But if you want better comfort, longer battery life, and the ability to customize your sound, the WH-CH520 is worth the extra cost.
Choose the WH-CH520 if:
- You want to use headphones for long periods and need more comfort.
- You switch between devices (like laptop and phone) and want easy connectivity.
- You care about audio quality and want to adjust the sound profile.
- You want the latest Bluetooth and longer battery life.
Choose the WH-CH510 if:
- You are on a strict budget.
- You use headphones only for short sessions.
- You don’t need extra features like custom EQ or multi-point.
Before making a final choice, consider your daily habits. For most users, the CH520’s improvements will stand out over time, especially for those who use headphones every day for work or travel.
If you want to check detailed technical specs, see the official Sony WH-CH520 product page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Sony Wh-ch520 Worth The Extra Money Over The Wh-ch510?
If you value better comfort, longer battery life, and features like custom EQ and multi-point connection, the WH-CH520 is worth the higher price. For basic listening, the WH-CH510 is still a good choice.
Can I Use The Sony Wh-ch520 Or Wh-ch510 With A Wired Connection?
No, both headphones are wireless-only and do not have a 3. 5mm audio jack. They connect via Bluetooth only.
Does The Wh-ch520 Have Noise Cancellation?
Neither model has active noise cancellation (ANC). They offer passive noise isolation due to the on-ear design, but background sounds will still be heard.
Are The Headphones Suitable For Workouts?
Both are lightweight and can be used for light activities, but they are not sweatproof or waterproof. For heavy workouts, consider a sport-specific model.
Can I Pair The Wh-ch520 Or Wh-ch510 With A Tv?
Yes, if your TV supports Bluetooth audio output. However, there may be a small delay (latency) in audio, especially with the WH-CH510, which does not support low-latency codecs.
The choice between the Sony WH-CH520 and WH-CH510 comes down to your priorities. If you want a simple, reliable, and affordable headphone, both models deliver. If you want more features and comfort, the WH-CH520 leads the way. By understanding these differences, you can make a decision that suits your needs and enjoy your music with confidence.
