The Sony WH-CH520 is an affordable wireless headphone built for long battery life, lightweight comfort, and customizable sound. With up to 50 hours of battery life, it’s ideal for people who need a reliable pair of headphones for long trips, daily commutes, or extended work sessions. The USB Type-C quick charge feature provides a short burst of power when needed, making it convenient for those who often forget to charge their headphones. One of the standout features is Sony’s EQ Custom, which allows those to fine-tune the audio profile via the Sony | Headphones Connect App, giving more control over how music sounds.
In addition, the headphones also include DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), which helps restore details in compressed audio files, improving clarity for streaming music or older MP3s. The built-in microphone enables hands-free calls, and the multipoint connection makes it easy to switch between two devices, which is useful when balancing work and personal listening.
Specs Table
Here is a detailed specs table for the Sony WH-CH520 headphones:
| Specification | Details |
| Audio Technology | DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) |
| Driver Size | 30mm Dynamic Drivers |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Impedance | 32 Ohms |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB SPL @ 1kHz/1mW |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Multipoint Connection | Yes (Switch between two devices) |
| Wireless Range | Up to 10 meters (33 feet) |
| Battery Life | Up to 50 hours |
| Charging Time | ~3 hours (Full charge) |
| Quick Charge | 3 minutes = 1.5 hours playback |
| Charging Port | USB Type-C |
| Microphone | Yes (Built-in for calls and voice assistant) |
| Voice Assistant Support | Yes (Siri, Google Assistant) |
| Controls | On-ear buttons (Volume, Play/Pause, Calls, Voice Assistant) |
| Noise Cancellation | No (Passive noise isolation only) |
| Ear Cup Type | On-ear |
| Headband Adjustment | Yes (Adjustable headband) |
| Foldable Design | No |
| Weight | Approx. 147g |
| Connectivity Options | Bluetooth (Wireless only, No wired option) |
| EQ Customization | Yes |
Sound Performance
When I tested the WH-CH520, I wanted to see how well it handled different genres of music especially with vocals and bass-heavy genres. I started with “Levitating” by Dua Lipa, which has a bright, energetic mix, and the headphones delivered clear vocals with decent bass punch. With “Lose Yourself to Dance” by Daft Punk, the midrange felt balanced, but I noticed the bass wasn’t as deep as I expected, though it remained tight and controlled. In John Coltrane’s “Blue Train”, the DSEE enhancement gave a bit more clarity to the saxophone and stand-up bass, making it enjoyable for jazz and acoustic music. However, when listening to Hans Zimmer’s “Time”, the lack of a deep sub-bass response made the cinematic elements feel slightly less impactful.
I would say that the bass is present but not overpowering, so it adds some depth without muddying the mix. The mids come through nicely, which makes vocals and instruments sound natural and clear. The highs are crisp enough to bring out details without being too sharp or fatiguing. It’s not a bass-heavy or bloated sound, but it’s well-rounded and easy to listen to for long periods which makes them really relaxing to listen to.
Design & Comfort
In terms of design and comfort, the WH-CH520 is built for all-day wear. The lightweight construction and soft ear pads make it comfortable to wear for hours without discomfort, and the adjustable headband helps with fit. The swivel ear cups make them easy to slip on and off, which is useful when moving between different tasks throughout the day. The build quality feels decent for the price, though it’s mostly plastic, which doesn’t give a premium feel but keeps the weight low. The buttons on the ear cup are simple and easy to use, allowing for quick control over volume, playback, and calls. The multipoint connection worked smoothly, allowing me to switch between a laptop and phone effortlessly, making them a great option for people who move between work and personal use often.
Is it worth getting?
Personally, I would go with the Sony WH-CH520 if I wanted a lightweight, long-battery wireless headphone with a customizable sound profile. Compared to something like the JBL Tune 510BT, which has a stronger bass response but a shorter battery life, I think the Sony offers better flexibility with the EQ adjustments and multipoint connection. The Skullcandy Riff Wireless 2 is another competitor, providing a more bass-heavy sound, but the WH-CH520 delivers a cleaner, more balanced profile, which works better for a wider range of genres. If you prefer a budget-friendly pair of headphones with great battery life, clear audio, and lightweight comfort, this is a solid choice for everyday use. Some higher-end models may offer better bass and noise cancellation, but for an affordable, well-rounded option that lasts for days without charging, the WH-CH520 is definitely worth considering in 2025.