Sony WH-CH520 leaves the competition behind, in the department of Bluetooth audio devices in terms of affordable wireless headphones. These on-ear headphones are built around comfort and convenience while providing good quality audio at an affordable price. After a long time spent with the Sony WH-CH520 comes a detailed account of why you should consider these headphones; so, when investing your hard-earned money, it is well-suited for those looking for budget-oriented models with moderately good performance.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The moment I unwrapped the Sonys WH-CH520, I was greeted with a neat, minimalist design, which is substantially unassuming, with a fair trade set at an accessible price point. The headphones are small and compact as a unit and are light-weight with a static matt-black finish that seems fresh yet ageless. The choice of material is predominantly plastic, but it feels robust; the on-ear design isn’t too heavy yet sits comfortably. In the with the product, all essentials came, namely, the headphones, a charging USB-C, and a user’s manual.
Every single detail in the design was taken care of by Sony. The cushioned ear pads, adjustable headband, lightweight, were all indications that the headphones would have long listening hours.
Design and Comfort: Built for Everyday Use
In stark dark color matte engine manufacture, these highly stylish headphones nevertheless carry understated branding on the ears. A minimalist style that is really downplayed is another of just a number of neat advantages. The WH-CH520 can work in both environments whether I’m traveling to work or at home just relaxing.
What struck me first while using the WH-CH520 headphones to listen is how lightweight they are—147 grams. To put it plainly, these lightweight folks are extremely comfortable for longer durations. The padded ear cushions rest comfortably, and there is no pressure or fatigue in the ears even after hours of use. It’s the sort of headphones whose design features on-ear cushions—particularly great for those who find over-ear types too bulky and thus appreciate the portability factor.
The adjustable band fits snugly and securely, not tight enough to be constraining while you’re working or moving. While it may lack the upmarket feel of more expensive models, plastic helps with lightness and these headphones are just perfect for you if you travel a lot.
Audio Quality: Punching Above Its Weight
I was pleasantly surprised by the audio quality of the Sony WH-CH520. For a budget-friendly pair of headphones, the sound performance is solid. Sony has integrated its audio expertise well, providing a balanced sound profile that caters to a wide range of music genres.
Bass and Low Frequencies
Starting with the bass, the WH-CH520 delivers a satisfying punch without overwhelming the mids or highs. The low-end is present and impactful, perfect for genres like hip-hop, electronic, and pop. While it doesn’t have the deep, rumbling bass you might find in premium headphones, it’s certainly more than enough for everyday listeners. Tracks with heavy basslines felt lively and engaging without distortion, even at higher volumes.
Mids and Vocals
The midrange is clear and well-defined, with vocals standing out prominently. Whether I was listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or acoustic tracks, the vocals were crisp and easy to distinguish. This clarity makes the WH-CH520 an excellent choice for those who prioritize spoken word content or enjoy genres like indie and folk, where vocal performance is crucial.
Treble and Highs
The highs are clean and sharp without being overly bright or fatiguing. There’s a good amount of detail, allowing me to catch the subtleties in instrumental tracks and classical pieces. The treble remains controlled, avoiding the harshness that can sometimes plague budget headphones. Overall, the Sony WH-CH520 provides a pleasant listening experience that leans towards a warm and balanced sound profile, making them versatile for all kinds of music.
Battery Life: 50 Hours of Endless Listening
One of the standout features of the Sony WH-CH520 is the incredible battery life. Sony advertises up to 50 hours of playtime, and in my experience, that claim holds true. Even with daily use, the battery seemed to last forever. I could easily go a full week without needing to recharge, even with several hours of playback each day.
What’s even better is the quick charge feature. Just a 10-minute charge can provide up to 1.5 hours of playback—a lifesaver if you’re in a rush. This level of battery efficiency makes the WH-CH520 an ideal companion for long trips, commutes, and extended work sessions. It’s clear that Sony has put a lot of thought into making sure you spend more time enjoying your music and less time tethered to a charger.
Bluetooth Connectivity: Stable and Seamless
The WH-CH520 features Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a stable connection without the annoying dropouts that can ruin a listening experience. Pairing the headphones with my devices was straightforward, with a quick and reliable connection every time I turned them on. There’s also support for multi-device pairing, allowing me to switch between my laptop and smartphone seamlessly—a fantastic feature for multitaskers.
The Bluetooth range is solid, allowing me to move around my apartment without losing connection, even when my phone was in another room. For those who value convenience, these headphones offer a hassle-free wireless experience that delivers on performance.
Control and User Interface: Intuitive and Easy to Use
Sony has kept things simple with the control scheme on the WH-CH520. The buttons are located on the right ear cup and are easy to access even when on the move. There are three main buttons: volume up, volume down, and a multi-function button that handles playback, calls, and voice assistant activation.
The buttons have a tactile feel, making them easy to use without needing to take the headphones off. I found the controls to be responsive and intuitive, allowing me to adjust volume, skip tracks, and take calls effortlessly. There’s no touch-sensitive interface here, which, in my opinion, is a plus—physical buttons are less prone to accidental inputs, making them more reliable during workouts or on-the-go use.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
The Sony WH-CH520 performs admirably for calls, with a built-in microphone that captures voice clearly. I used the headphones for several conference calls and casual chats, and the feedback was consistent—my voice was clear, and background noise was kept to a minimum.
While it doesn’t have active noise cancellation (ANC) like some higher-end models, the passive isolation provided by the snug ear pads does a decent job of reducing ambient noise. For calls in moderately noisy environments, the WH-CH520 handles the job well, making it a reliable choice for everyday communication.
Durability and Portability: Built for the Commute
The lightweight and foldable design make the WH-CH520 incredibly portable. It easily fits into a backpack or tote bag, and the sturdy construction gives me confidence that it can handle the daily grind without any issues. While the plastic build might not be as rugged as metal-framed headphones, it strikes a good balance between durability and weight.
The headphones have survived several trips and rough handling without any noticeable wear or tear, which speaks to the quality of the build. For travelers, students, or anyone who needs a pair of reliable headphones for daily commutes, the WH-CH520 is a dependable choice.
Additional Features and Sony Headphones Connect App
The WH-CH520 is compatible with the Sony Headphones Connect app, which allows for some degree of customization. While the app isn’t as feature-rich for this model as it is for Sony’s premium line, it still offers a basic equalizer to tweak the sound profile according to your preference. I appreciated the ability to adjust the EQ settings, especially for genres that required a bit more bass or treble.
Another nice touch is the integration with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Siri. With a simple button press, I could access my phone’s assistant for voice commands, which was convenient for checking the weather or sending quick messages without pulling out my device.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Overview
Pros:
- Affordable price with great value for money
- Up to 50 hours of battery life with quick charge capability
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
- Balanced audio with clear mids and satisfying bass
- Bluetooth 5.0 provides a stable and reliable connection
- Compatible with Sony Headphones Connect app for customization
Cons:
- Plastic construction may not feel as premium
- Lack of active noise cancellation (ANC)
- No 3.5mm headphone jack for wired use
Final Verdict: An Excellent Budget Choice
After using the Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones for several weeks, it’s clear that they offer exceptional value for their price. These headphones are perfect for those who want a reliable and comfortable pair without splurging on premium features. While they may lack some high-end frills like ANC, they make up for it with outstanding battery life, solid audio performance, and a comfortable fit.
Whether you’re a student, commuter, or just someone looking for an affordable way to enjoy wireless audio, the Sony WH-CH520 is a fantastic choice. It’s a no-nonsense pair of headphones that delivers where it matters most—sound quality,