Sony offers an extensive range of audio equipment suitable for everyone. Their premium headphones, such as the XM4 and XM5, are at the top of the ANC category. Sony has also developed the MDR-ZX110, which is an affordable wired audio headset that provides excellent value for money.
In this review, we will be discussing the Sony WH-CH520 Bluetooth wireless headphones, which are part of the CH series. These headphones cost less than $60. We already reviewed 2 headphones from the CH series. WH-CH510 and WH-CH710.
Comparing the CH-510 and CH-520, it is apparent that the latter is superior in terms of battery life and comfort. The CH-520 can last up to 50 hours, while the CH-510 can only manage 35 hours.
The CH-520 is also much more comfortable than its predecessor. In this review, we will delve into every detail, including the sound quality and build. We will also explore whether the CH-520 can compete with other headphones in the market. If you are wondering whether the Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are right for you, read on.
Pros:
Cons:
Sound
Build
Battery
Value
Whatβs in the box?
- Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones
- USB C charging cable
Who should get Sony CH-520?
- Casual listeners
- best for those who is searching best option for under $60.
- suitable for long listening sessions
Bottom Line:
The Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones provide great value for their cost. They perform well in all areas, despite being on-ear headphones, they effectively block out noise. The headphones are comfortable to wear for extended listening sessions due to their adjustable headband and cushioned ear cups. They are also lightweight, causing no fatigue when worn for long periods. While the build quality is not premium, it is still decent considering the price.
One potential inconvenience is that the headphones are not foldable and do not come with a carrying case. However, they are still easy to pack in a bag due to their on-ear design, which makes them less bulky than over-ear headphones.
Although the WH-CH520 headphones are not designed for audiophiles, they still provide decent sound quality. The bass is good, but not overly punchy, and the 30mm dynamic drivers produce a well-balanced sound.
Surprisingly, the headphones offer clear vocals and instrument separation, thanks to the DSEE and 360 reality audio features that enhance the listening experience.
While the headphones are not compatible with LDAC, the customized EQ, DSEE, and 360 reality audio features more than compensate for this. Additionally, the headphones include a multipoint connectivity feature, which is often only found in more expensive headphones.
Overall, the Sony WH-CH520 headphones provide excellent value for their price, and they are definitely worth upgrading to if you already own the older version, Sony WH-CH510. I would rate these headphones an 8.5 out of 10. Well done, Sony!
How is the Design and Build Quality of Sony CH-520?
The Sony WH-CH520 headphones are on-ear, meaning they sit on your ears rather than completely covering them. The build is made of lightweight plastic and has an adjustable headband that can be adjusted to fit your head size comfortably.
The ear cups are not as large as over-ear headphones, but they provide better noise isolation than other on-ear headphones. You have three color options to choose from: black, blue, and white. Although the headphones may not look premium, they still deliver what you paid for.
The controls and buttons are located on the right ear cup, allowing you to increase or decrease the volume, play or pause music, and indicate charging status. The button used to increase the volume can also be used to play the next track, and the button used to decrease the volume can be used to play the previous track.
The power button can be used for calling and playing music, as well as turning the headset on and off. Although the buttons may be a bit difficult to operate, they are manageable.
The USB-C charging port and microphone are also located on the right earcup. The headphones have a typical 30mm driver size and do not come with a 3.5mm audio jack or audio cable, which is a drawback when the headphones are out of power. However, the headphones have a long battery life, so this should not be an issue.
The package includes only a USB-C charging cable and headphones, and unfortunately, it does not come with a carrying case. If you decide to purchase a carrying case, make sure you get the right size since the headphones are not foldable.
Overall, the Sony WH-CH520 headphones are lightweight, comfortable, and fit well with no uncomfortable clamping force. The ear pads are comfortable enough for long listening sessions, and I did not find anything disappointing about them except for the average build quality. Therefore, I would rate the Sony WH-CH520 headphones an 8 out of 10.
sony wh ch520 button controls
Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones
How is the Sound Performance of Sony CH-520?
In my opinion, the sound quality of Sony WH-CH520 headphones is well-balanced across all areas, including bass, mids, and treble. Although they are bass-focused like many Sony headphones, they do not overpower other frequencies.
The vocals are clear, and all instruments can be heard in the music. While it does not support high-end codecs like LDAC, Sony's DSEE feature, which stands for Digital Sound Enhancement Engine, does a great job of reproducing clear sound after processing compressed audio.
The DSEE option can be enabled with the Sony Headphones Connect app. Another audio feature is 360-degree reality audio, which immerses the listener in Sony's object-based 360 Spatial Sound technology. These two features compensate for not having high-end codec support like LDAC. The sound quality can also be enhanced with custom EQ enabled through the Sony Headphones Connect app. upgrading from older CH510 headphones to CH520 is worth it.
Additionally, the headphones have a microphone placed on the right ear cup. In our testing, the microphone and call quality worked well in quiet environments but struggled in noisy environments like a cafeteria or windy outdoors. Overall, I would rate the call quality of WH-CH520 headphones a 7.5 out of 10.
How is the Connectivity of Sony CH-520?
The headphones CH520 are compatible with Bluetooth 5.2, which is an improvement over its predecessor, CH510, which could only support up to Bluetooth 5.0. A newer version of Bluetooth typically means better connectivity and stability.
These headphones cost around $60, so it's not surprising that they don't have the LDAC audio codec. Instead, they only support SBC and LDAC audio codecs. The standout feature of CH520 in terms of connectivity is its ability to connect to multiple devices at once.
This feature is especially useful for professionals who frequently switch between their laptops and mobile phones. The only downside is that there's no 3.5mm audio jack, which is somewhat disappointing. Overall, I'd rate the connectivity of CH520 9 out of 10, primarily because of its multipoint connectivity feature, which is typically found in higher-priced devices.
Sony headphones connect app: The Sony headphones connect app was not compatible with CH510, but it works perfectly with CH520. I highly recommend downloading the app for its convenience.
With the app, you can update the headphones software, adjust the sound quality mode, set up multipoint connection, set to DSSE mode, check the battery status, and experience 360-degree reality audio for an enhanced listening experience.
How is the Charging and Battery performance of Sony CH-520?
The Sony WH-CH520 headphones boast an impressive battery life. Compared to its predecessor, the 510, the upgraded version delivers 50 hours of playtime, which is exceptional.
Despite the price, these headphones are a solid investment. Additionally, the headphones support USB C charging, providing faster charging options. With just a 5-minute charge, you can enjoy up to 1.5 hours of music, which is quite impressive. The headphones have a loud volume, so there's no need to turn the volume up too high.
At 70% volume, the headphones can last up to 45 hours, making the 50-hour battery life at 60% volume quite logical. Moreover, a voice prompt informs you of the remaining battery life when you turn on the headphones, and the indicator light blinks orange when there's 20% or less battery left.
I don't mind rating 9 out of 10 for the excellent battery life and charging capabilities of the Sony WH-CH520.
Faq
Do you need the "Sony headphones connect" app for multipoint connection on WH CH520?
Yes, you need Headphones Connect app if you want to use multipoint connectivity feature
How much warranty Do you get with Sony WH CH520 Headphones?
Manufacturer offers 12 months warranty with Sony WH CH520.
Does Sony WH CH520 has 3.5mm jack?
No, Sony WH CH520 doesn't have 3.5mm audio jack
Does Sony WH CH 520 has active noise canceling ability?
No, they don't have active noise canceling ability