The Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are part of Sony's mid-range lineup of Bluetooth audio products, positioned as an affordable and practical option for those who want good sound quality, comfort, and basic features without the premium price tag. These on-ear headphones come with some notable upgrades in terms of battery life, comfort, and usability. But do they live up to the reputation of Sony’s broader audio lineup? Let’s dive in and explore their design, performance, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
Lightweight and Comfortable
The Sony WH-CH520 headphones are lightweight, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. Weighing only around 155 grams (5.5 ounces), they are significantly lighter than many over-ear and even other on-ear competitors. The on-ear design makes them more compact than over-ear models, making them ideal for portability. The ear cups are padded with a soft foam material that provides decent comfort without putting too much pressure on your ears.
The headband is adjustable, and though the materials feel relatively basic, it’s robust enough for everyday use. The build is mostly plastic, which keeps the weight down, though this does give the headphones a slightly "plasticky" feel. The earcups rotate flat, which makes them easier to store when not in use—ideal for those who want something travel-friendly.
Aesthetic
In terms of aesthetics, the Sony WH-CH520 presents a clean, minimalistic look. Available in a variety of colors (Black, White, Blue, and Beige), the design leans towards simplicity with a subtle Sony logo on each earcup. While it’s not going to win awards for avant-garde style, it’s functional and unobtrusive.
Sound Quality
Clear and Balanced Audio
For headphones in this price range, the Sony WH-CH520 delivers surprisingly good sound. The 30mm drivers provide a full-range audio experience that can handle both treble and bass adequately. The sound signature is balanced, which means you get clear mids and highs, and a reasonable amount of low-end presence without the bass overwhelming the other frequencies. While these aren’t going to satisfy audiophiles looking for the deepest bass or the clearest high frequencies, they are well-suited for everyday listening, whether it's podcasts, music, or videos.
- Bass: The bass is present but not overwhelming. It provides enough punch to enjoy genres like pop, hip-hop, and EDM, but it won’t provide the deep, thumping low end that some might desire.
- Mids and Vocals: The mids are clear, making vocals stand out, whether you're listening to spoken word content or vocals in music tracks. There's a good balance here, with no noticeable muddiness.
- Highs: The treble is bright but not harsh, meaning it won’t cause listening fatigue over extended periods.
However, these headphones do lack the clarity and detail of more expensive models. Sound isolation is also a bit limited due to the on-ear design, meaning external noise might still seep in, which could affect the listening experience in loud environments.
Volume and Soundstage
The volume range is satisfactory for casual listening, and the soundstage is fairly wide for on-ear headphones. However, it's not as expansive as over-ear models, which tend to offer a more immersive experience due to their larger drivers and better noise isolation.
Microphone Performance
The integrated microphone on the Sony WH-CH520 is decent for making calls. During testing, the voice quality was clear, although it did pick up some background noise in noisy environments. For regular phone calls or video conferencing in quieter spaces, it should work fine, but in a loud setting, the microphone may struggle with clarity.
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.2
The WH-CH520 utilizes Bluetooth 5.2, which ensures a stable connection with minimal dropouts within the typical range (approximately 10 meters or 30 feet). Pairing is quick and easy, especially with devices that support NFC (Near Field Communication), allowing you to tap and connect seamlessly. While these headphones don’t support higher-end Bluetooth codecs like aptX or LDAC, they still provide solid performance with AAC and SBC for most devices.
Multi-Point Connection
One standout feature is the ability to pair with two devices simultaneously. This makes it easy to switch between a computer and a phone or tablet without the need to disconnect and reconnect. It’s particularly useful if you’re someone who works from home and uses multiple devices throughout the day.
Wired Option
Though these are primarily wireless headphones, they also come with a 3.5mm audio jack, allowing you to use them in wired mode when the battery runs low or if you prefer a more reliable connection for specific tasks.
Battery Life
One of the most impressive features of the WH-CH520 is its battery life. Sony claims up to 50 hours of playback time on a full charge, which is a standout in this category. During testing, the headphones easily delivered this runtime, making them ideal for long commutes, travel, or extended listening sessions. Charging is done via USB-C, and a quick 10-minute charge gives you up to 1 hour of playback—great for when you're in a hurry.
If you're someone who listens to music or podcasts throughout the day, you’ll appreciate not having to worry about recharging these headphones frequently.
Additional Features
Simple Controls
The controls are straightforward, with tactile buttons for power, volume, and playback control. You can also take calls, pause/play, skip tracks, and adjust volume directly from the headphones without needing to pull out your phone. There's no touch-sensitive panel, which keeps the design simple but also avoids some of the accuracy issues that can arise with touch controls on other models.
Voice Assistant Support
The WH-CH520 supports voice assistants like Google Assistant and Siri, which can be activated by pressing the dedicated button. This is a handy feature for checking the weather, setting reminders, or getting directions without needing to interact with your phone.
No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
While the WH-CH520 doesn’t include active noise cancellation, they do provide passive noise isolation due to the snug on-ear fit. However, you can expect some sound leakage, especially at higher volumes, and they won’t do much to block out external noise in noisy environments like buses or cafes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent Battery Life: Up to 50 hours of playback with quick charging.
- Lightweight and Comfortable: Designed for long listening sessions without discomfort.
- Clear, Balanced Sound: Good audio quality for a wide range of genres and casual listening.
- Affordable Price: Offers a solid feature set at a budget-friendly price.
- Multi-Point Pairing: Can connect to two devices at once.
- Voice Assistant Support: Hands-free control for convenience.
Cons
- Basic Sound Quality: Lacks deep bass or ultra-clear treble for audiophiles.
- Plastic Build: Feels less premium compared to higher-end headphones.
Conclusion
The Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones offer an impressive combination of comfort, sound quality, and longevity at a very affordable price point. While they might not satisfy audiophiles or those looking for premium features like active noise cancellation, they provide solid value for the average user. If you’re looking for reliable, budget-friendly Bluetooth headphones with great battery life, these should be on your radar. Their lightweight design and multi-point connectivity also make them a great option for people who need something portable and versatile.
Overall, for those on a budget who want something functional, comfortable, and with long battery life, the Sony WH-CH520 is a solid choice.
