OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Sony WH CH520 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£25Form factor:on-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:50 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sony WH CH520 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony WH CH520
6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 63% of models
Score components

80%

5.8

Technical score

20%

9.4

User score

▲Better than 63% of headphones
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 66% of models
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▲Better than 66%
5.8

Technical score

Technical score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components

52%

4.9

Sound

20%

6.3

Features

10%

7.5

Design

8%

5.7

Connectivity

6%

6.9

Battery

4%

8.4

Calls & Controls

▼Worse than 56%
9.4

User score

User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 99% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 99%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sony WH CH520

Technical score
Technical score
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 56% of models
Score components:

52%

4.9

Sound

20%

6.3

Features

10%

7.5

Design

8%

5.7

Connectivity

6%

6.9

Battery

4%

8.4

Calls & Controls

5.8
User score
User score
9.4/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 99% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

10

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.4
Popularity
Popularity
10/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 92% of models
Popularity:
Sony WH CH520 has a popularity score of 10 points, which is higher than that of 91.9% of products in this category.
10
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 66% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.6
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
30 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 30 mm, smaller driver size than 77.4% of headphones and equal to 4.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
20 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 20 Hz, higher lowest frequency than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 47.3% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
yes
This pair of headphones supports a noise-canceling microphone. 61.1% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
yes
This pair of headphones is headset-ready, 84.8% is not. 15.2% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
1
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 1 microphones, more microphones than 26.9% of headphones and equal to 50.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
?
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
5.2
This pair of headphones uses Bluetooth version 5.2, newer Bluetooth version than 85.7% of headphones and equal to 3% of headphones.
Maximum Bluetooth range
10 m
Market range: <10 m – >15 m
This pair of headphones offers a Bluetooth range of 10 m, higher Bluetooth range than 2.7% of headphones and equal to 80.6% of headphones.
Audio latency
312 ms
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 312 ms, higher audio latency than 99.7% of headphones and equal to 0.2% of headphones.
Multipoint support
yes
This pair of headphones supports multipoint. 69.4% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
yes
This pair of headphones supports EQ customization. 76.8% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
yes
This pair of headphones works with a companion app. 78.4% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
yes
This pair of headphones supports voice assistants. 39.2% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
50 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 50 hours, higher battery life than 71.7% of headphones and equal to 5.7% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
3 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 3 hours to charge, higher charging time than 66.7% of headphones and equal to 20.8% of headphones.
Quick charge
yes
This pair of headphones supports quick charge. 67% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
300 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 300 mAh, lower battery capacity than 83.5% of headphones and equal to 6.4% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Sony
Form factor
on-ear
Weight
147 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 147 g, lighter than 71.1% of headphones and equal to 0.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
2.7
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 2.7, lower clamp force than 85.5% of headphones and equal to 2.3% of headphones.
Show more

Sony WH CH520 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • LE Audio support
    This pair of headphones supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
  • 32.6% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (147 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    147 g vs 218 g
  • 17.8% higher user score
    User score
    9.4/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sony WH CH520
    the average pair of headphones
    Sony WH CH520 has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (9.42 vs 8).
    9.42 vs 8
  • 3.6x cheaper
    Sony WH CH520 is cheaper than the average pair of headphones (£25 vs £90).
    £25 vs £90
  • 70.4% more popular
    Sony WH CH520 is more popular than the average pair of headphones (10 vs 5.9).
    10 vs 5.87
  • 32.6% lower weight
    This pair of headphones is lighter than the average pair of headphones (147 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    147 g vs 218 g
  • 1.6 lower clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a lower clamp force than the average pair of headphones (2.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    2.7 vs 4.3
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • Quick charge support
    This pair of headphones supports quick charge, the average pair of headphones does not. 33% of headphones support quick charge.
  • 20 hours longer battery life
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery life than the average pair of headphones (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    50 hours vs 30 hours
  • USB-C charging
    This pair of headphones uses USB-C charging, the average pair of headphones does not. 29.5% of headphones use USB Type-C.
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • Multipoint support
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint, the average pair of headphones does not. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • LE Audio support
    This pair of headphones supports LE Audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 11.6% of headphones support Bluetooth LE Audio.
  • AAC codec support
    This pair of headphones supports AAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 32.2% of headphones support AAC.
  • Fast pairing support
    This pair of headphones supports fast pairing, the average pair of headphones does not. 14% of headphones support fast pairing.
  • Multipoint connections
    This pair of headphones supports multipoint connections, while the average pair of headphones does not. 30.2% of headphones support multipoint connections.
    supports multipoint for up to 2 devices.
  • Clear call microphone
    This pair of headphones offers a clear call microphone, while the average pair of headphones does not. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • Wind noise reduction
    This pair of headphones reduces wind noise, the average pair of headphones does not. 34.3% of headphones support wind noise reduction.
  • Sidetone support
    This pair of headphones supports sidetone, the average pair of headphones does not. 25.3% of headphones support sidetone.
  • EQ customization
    This pair of headphones supports EQ customization, the average pair of headphones does not. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
  • Companion app support
    This pair of headphones works with a companion app, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
  • 7 newer release date
    This pair of headphones was released more recently than the average pair of headphones (2023 vs 2016). The average headphones were released in 2016.
    February 2023
    2023 vs 2016
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    30 mm vs 40 mm
  • 162 ms higher audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (312 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    312 ms vs 150 ms
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 48.3% lower battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (300 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    300 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • No passive noise reduction
    This pair of headphones does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average pair of headphones does. 82.6% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
  • 10 mm smaller driver size
    This pair of headphones has smaller driver size than the average pair of headphones (30 mm vs 40 mm). The average headphones use a driver size of 40 mm.
    30 mm vs 40 mm
  • 2 Hz weaker bass extension
    This pair of headphones has a higher lowest frequency than the average pair of headphones (20 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 2 dB/mW lower sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a lower sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    100 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 1 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (3 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    3 hours vs 2 hours
  • 48.3% lower battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (300 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    300 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • 162 ms higher audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a higher audio latency than the average pair of headphones (312 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    312 ms vs 150 ms

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Kushal Raut
≈ estimated
01/11/2026
Long-term test · one month of daily use
Verdict
Sony WH-CH520 is decent for everyday and work use as a second pair, but not as your only headphones outdoors.
8.0
BING ZLEE
≈ estimated
06/07/2025
Unboxing and review · app, sound and mic tests
Verdict
Sony WH-CH520 has good sound quality for studying, though outside noise still gets through.
9.0
Jay Maprift
✓ explicit
11/09/2024
Durability test · drops, bends, water and scratch tests
Verdict
Sony WH-CH520 is very durable and sturdy, though not waterproof, and its scratch resistance could be better.
7.0
Eric Drummond
≈ estimated
11/11/2023
Full review · extended use, build, sound and price
Verdict
Sony WH-CH520 is good value at the right price, though comfort and bass fall short of the best.
9.0
eSavants
≈ estimated
13/06/2023
First review · listening, battery and microphone tests
Verdict
Sony WH-CH520 is a well-rounded on-ear pair and highly recommended for its price range.
8.0
Babbling Boolean
≈ estimated
18/04/2023
Full review · audio, app and noise tests
Verdict
Sony WH-CH520 offers great sound for a budget headphone, aimed at everyday users rather than travel or noise cancelling.
9.0
Sean Simz Tech
≈ estimated
24/02/2026
Six-month review · wear, controls and call tests
Verdict
Sony WH-CH520 is solid for everyday use, especially for calls and music, though it has no noise cancelling.
9.0
Treborray
≈ estimated
17/09/2025
Short review · sound, fit and app tests
Verdict
Sony WH-CH520 is a light budget pair that sounds good with EQ, though its retail price is hard to justify.
9.0
iBaxter
≈ estimated
30/07/2025
Unboxing and sound test · heavy metal listening and phone call test
Verdict
Sony WH-CH520 is recommended for phone calls and heavy metal listening, with light comfort but some ear pressure.
9.0
Gadget Getters
≈ estimated
05/09/2024
Hands-on review · sound and microphone tests
Verdict
Sony WH-CH520 offers great sound and long battery life, with no complaints from the creator.
8.0
Oku Okoko
≈ estimated
11/01/2024
Short review · unboxing, comfort and sound tests
Verdict
Sony WH-CH520 is well built and comfortable for the price, and suited to kids and teenagers.
8.0
Mystic Tech
≈ estimated
20/11/2023
Short review · comfort, build and drop tests
Verdict
Sony WH-CH520 is comfortable and well built, but its bass, fit during movement and wireless range fall short.
More graded video reviews (1)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Sony WH CH520

  • Exceptional battery life of up to 50 hours with a fast-charging feature
  • Lightweight and portable design weighing approximately 147 grams
  • Balanced sound quality that can be customized via the Sony Headphones Connect app
  • Supports multipoint connection for pairing with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously
  • Reliable microphone performance for clear hands-free calling
  • High value for money, often cited as one of the best budget options

What customers don't like about Sony WH CH520

  • Lacks Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), relying solely on passive isolation
  • On-ear design can cause ear fatigue or physical discomfort during long listening sessions
  • No 3.5mm audio jack for wired listening when the battery is depleted
  • Plastic build quality may feel basic or less premium to some users
  • Poor passive noise isolation due to the on-ear fit
  • Noticeable sound leakage at higher volumes

Verdict

The Sony WH-CH520 are lightweight on-ear wireless headphones weighing approximately 147g and featuring 30mm drivers with a frequency response of 20Hz–20,000Hz. Key characteristics include an exceptional battery life of up to 50 hours, Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint connection for dual-device pairing, and DSEE upscaling to enhance compressed audio quality. Main pros include a comfortable adjustable headband, clear hands-free call performance via a beamforming microphone, and a fast-charge feature that provides 1.5 hours of playback from just 3 minutes of charging. However, notable cons include the lack of active noise cancellation (ANC), the absence of a 3.5mm jack for wired listening, and an on-ear design that offers poor passive noise isolation.

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