Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphone Review
The Sony WH-CH520 Wireless are latest version of Sony WH-CH510 Wireless. With slight upgrades such as longer battery life and more enhanced sound quality, the WH-CH520 is a great choice for those looking for an affordable yet high-performing wireless on-ear headphone. And have quickly gained popularity among music lovers and audiophiles alike.
In this review, we will take a closer look at the features and performance of the Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphone to help you decide if it is the right choice for your audio needs.
What Come In the Box
The Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphone comes in a sleek and compact box that includes the following:
- The headphone itself
- Micro USB charging cable
- Instruction manual
- Warranty card
The minimalist design of the packaging reflects the simple yet sophisticated style of the headband. It also makes it easy to carry around and store when not in use.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable price point.
- Bluetooth Multipoint and NFC connectivity.
- Longer battery life (up to 50 hours).
- Excellent app audio customizations.
Cons
- No 3.5mm jack.
- Buttons may feel stiff and hard to press for some users.
Design and Build Quality
The Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphone has a sleek and modern design, I manages to get the Black version of the headphone and it looks quite elegant. The earcups are adjustable, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your head size. The padding on the earcups is soft and comfortable, allowing for long hours of use without any discomfort.
The build quality is also top-notch, as expected from Sony products. The headphone feels durable and sturdy, making it suitable for everyday use. The hinges and swivel mechanism on the earcups also feel solid and well-made.
As these are on ear headphones, they do not provide complete noise isolation. However, they do a good job of blocking out external sound and minimizing any sound leakage. I don’t feel any pressure on my ears while wearing these headphones and they sit comfortably without causing any strain or discomfort.
Sound Quality
The sound quality of the Sony WH-CH520 On-Ear Headphone is impressive for its price range. The headphone features 30mm drivers that deliver rich and clear audio with deep bass and crisp highs. Whether you are listening to music, watching a movie, or taking calls, the sound quality is consistent and satisfying.
With support for both AAC and aptX codecs, these headphones deliver high-quality sound wirelessly. The Sony On-Ear Headset offers well-balanced sound that doesn’t overwhelm any frequency range.
One aspect worth mentioning regarding the sound is that it truly comes alive when you listen at around 40% volume. At lower levels, it may sound somewhat compressed, while higher levels could cause some distortion. We will talk more about the sound settings in the companion app later in this review.
Microphone Quality
The built-in microphone on the Sony Bluetooth Headphones is decent for taking calls. It effectively captures your voice and provides clear sound to the person on the other end of the call. However, it does pick up some background noise, so it may not be suitable for noisy environments.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Sony’s WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphone comes with Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with SBC and AAC, allowing for a stable and efficient connection with your devices. The headphone comes with Bluetooth multipoint function, enabling you to connect to two devices simultaneously. This is especially useful if you want to switch between listening to music on your phone and taking calls on your laptop.
Moreover, the headphone also has NFC pairing, which makes connecting to compatible devices quick and effortless. Overall, the Bluetooth performance of the WH-CH520 is impressive and reliable.
Companion App
The Sony Headphones Connect app is available for both iOS and Android devices and allows you to customize your headphone settings according to your preferences. You can adjust the equalizer, choose from various sound effects like Surround VPT (Virtual Phones Technology) or ClearAudio+, and even set up voice assistant commands.
One feature that I found particularly useful was the Adaptive Sound Control. This feature automatically adjusts the sound settings based on your surroundings, ensuring you get the best audio experience no matter where you are.
There is another option in app called as DSEE HX which claims to upscale compressed music files and bring them closer to high-resolution quality. I personally did not find much difference while listening to 320 Kbps MP3 songs but on lower compressed audio formats like 128 Kbps, the difference was noticeable.
Battery Life
One of the major upgrades in the Sony WH-CH520n compared to its predecessor is the longer battery life. The headphone boasts a whopping 50 hours of playback time on a single charge, which is impressive for a wireless headphone in this price range.
Moreover, the Quick Charge feature allows you to get 90 minutes of playback with just 3 minutes of charging. This comes in handy when you are running low on battery and need to use the headphones urgently. It comes with USB-C cable and takes around 3 hours for a full charge. It doesn’t comes with 3.5mm audio jack as it is meant to be used in wireless mode only.
Do I Recommend To Buy the Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphone?
Yes, I would definitely recommend the Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphone for its great design and build quality, impressive sound performance, long battery life, and useful features on the companion app. It is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality or functionality.
However, if you are looking for complete noise isolation or a headphone with great microphone quality, this may not be the best choice for you. Overall, it is a solid choice for those who want a reliable and stylish wireless headphone without breaking the bank. So, go ahead and treat yourself to these amazing headphones from Sony! Happy listening!
Conclusion
The Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphone offers impressive sound quality, long battery life, and useful features in these affordable headphones. Its sleek design and customizable sound settings through the companion app make it a solid choice for everyday use, though it may not suit those needing complete noise isolation or top-notch microphone quality. Great value for its price!
F.A.Q
Are Sony WH CH510 good for working out?
No, these headphones are not specifically designed for working out and may not be sweat-resistant. It is recommended to use specialized sport headphones for physical activities.
Can I connect Sony WH-CH520 to my smart TV?
Yes, as long as your smart TV has Bluetooth connectivity, you can pair the headphone with it and enjoy wireless audio.
Does Sony WH CH520 support high-resolution audio?
Yes, the headphone supports high-resolution audio through Bluetooth connections with compatible devices. However, the difference may not be very noticeable unless you have a trained ear and are listening to lossless or uncompressed music files.
