The Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones offer a tempting proposition: long battery life, comfortable design, and clear audio at a budget-friendly price. But with numerous options in the wireless headphone market, do these Sonys stand out enough to warrant your hard-earned cash? Let’s delve into their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide.
Specs at a Glance:
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
- Battery life: Up to 50 hours
- Drivers: 30mm dome
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 20,000Hz
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Weight: 192g
- Microphone: Yes
- Colors: Black, White, Blue, Beige (Some of these color options are only found at this link)
Pros:
- Marathon Battery Life: The WH-CH520’s claim to fame is its exceptional battery life. With up to 50 hours of playback on a single charge, you can leave the charger at home for days, making them ideal for long commutes, travel, or extended listening sessions. Even if you forget to charge, a quick 3-minute charge provides 1.5 hours of playtime, getting you back to your music quickly.
- Lightweight Comfort: Weighing a mere 192g, the WH-CH520s are featherlight and comfortable for extended wear. The adjustable headband and soft earpads conform well to different head shapes and sizes, minimizing pressure and fatigue. Plus, the swivel earcups conveniently fold flat for portability.
- Balanced Sound: While not audiophile-grade, the WH-CH520s deliver a well-balanced sound profile suitable for most genres. Bass is present but not overpowering, mids are clear, and highs are decent without being harsh. Additionally, Sony’s DSEE technology helps restore detail lost in compressed audio formats.
Cons:
- On-Ear Design Lacks Isolation: Unlike over-ear headphones, the WH-CH520s sit on your ears rather than encompassing them. This design choice compromises passive noise isolation, meaning you’ll hear more ambient noise. While not ideal for noisy environments like airplanes or busy streets, it might be acceptable for quieter settings.
- Lacks High-End Features: The WH-CH520s are a fairly basic offering, omitting some features found in pricier models. They lack active noise cancellation, multi-point pairing, and a dedicated audio jack. If these features are important to you, consider upgrading to a more premium option.
- Snug Fit Might Not Suit Everyone: While the earpads are soft, the on-ear design can feel snug on some users, especially those with larger ears. This can lead to discomfort during extended listening sessions. If you prefer a looser fit, these might not be the best choice.
Verdict:
The Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are a solid choice for budget-conscious listeners who prioritize long battery life, comfortable design, and balanced sound. They’re perfect for everyday use, travel, or extended listening sessions where frequent charging isn’t an option. However, their on-ear design compromises noise isolation, and they lack some features found in pricier models. If you need active noise cancellation, multi-point pairing, or a more spacious fit, look elsewhere. Ultimately, the WH-CH520s offer a good value proposition for casual listeners seeking a comfortable and long-lasting audio companion, but keep their limitations in mind before making a purchase.
Additional Notes:
- If you can slightly stretch your budget, consider the Sony WH-CH720N, which offers similar features with the addition of active noise cancellation and should provide a more secure fit.
- If sound quality is your top priority, you might want to explore options with larger drivers or higher-fidelity codecs like aptX.
I hope this review helps you make an informed decision about the Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones!
