Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones Review Best for Battery Life and Clear Calls

Description

Comfortable Design for Long Listening Sessions
The Sony WH-CH520 headphones have a lightweight and adjustable design that makes them ideal for extended use. I’ve spent hours with these on, and the soft ear pads genuinely make a difference. Whether I was working, gaming, or just zoning out to some tunes, the fit remained snug yet comfortable. The adjustable headband is a thoughtful touch, accommodating a variety of head sizes with ease. One thing I noticed, however, is that the plastic build, while lightweight, doesn’t feel as premium as some other headphones in this price range. Still, the practical design choices make this a pair of headphones you can wear all day without discomfort.

Exceptional Battery Life with Quick Charging
Battery life is where these headphones shine. The promised 50 hours of battery life isn’t an exaggeration. I didn’t find myself worrying about running out of juice, even during heavy use. The quick charge feature is a lifesaver: just 3 minutes of charging provided me with around 1.5 hours of playtime. This came in handy multiple times when I forgot to charge them overnight. It’s worth noting, though, that while the battery life is impressive, the lack of a water resistance rating means you’ll want to avoid using these in rain or during intense workouts.

Sound Quality Tailored to Your Preferences
The Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) really stood out during my testing. It restores compressed audio, making it sound richer and more detailed. I could actually hear the difference when switching between standard playback and DSEE-enhanced audio. The EQ settings in the Sony Headphones Connect app were a pleasant surprise, allowing me to tweak the sound profile to my liking. Whether I was listening to bass-heavy tracks or podcasts, the customizability made a noticeable impact. However, the 12mm drivers, while decent, don’t deliver the same deep bass as some over-ear models I’ve tried. Still, for on-ear headphones, the sound quality is more than satisfactory.

Convenience Features That Simplify Everyday Use
I found the voice control and button operations on the ear cups incredibly convenient. Whether it was Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa, the voice commands worked seamlessly. Pairing was also a breeze with Swift Pair and Fast Pair, which saved me from the usual Bluetooth frustrations. The 10-meter Bluetooth range gave me the freedom to move around my home without carrying my device. One of my favorite features was the built-in microphone with noise-canceling capabilities. Calls were surprisingly clear, even in noisy environments. That said, while the active noise cancellation works well for calls, it’s not on par with more advanced models for fully blocking out background noise.

Perks of Using the Sony WH-CH520

• 50-hour battery life ensures you won’t need to charge often.
• Quick charge function provides fast playtime in emergencies.
• DSEE technology enhances audio clarity and richness.
• Lightweight design and soft ear pads deliver all-day comfort.

Negative Attributes to Consider

• Plastic build feels less durable than premium models.
• Bass performance might not satisfy audiophiles seeking deeper lows.
• No water resistance, limiting use during workouts or in rainy conditions.

Competing Products in the Market
When comparing the Sony WH-CH520 to similar models, a few competitors come to mind. The JBL Tune 510BT offers comparable sound quality and comfort but falls short in battery life, lasting only around 40 hours. On the other hand, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 provides better noise cancellation and a more premium feel but is slightly heavier and less compact. In terms of voice control and app integration, Sony’s offering feels more polished. While the WH-CH520 doesn’t have the most advanced noise cancellation, it holds its own in sound clarity and ease of use compared to these rivals.

Price to Quality Ratio
For its price, the Sony WH-CH520 offers fantastic value. The long battery life, customizable sound settings, and lightweight build make it an attractive option for casual listeners, students, and even remote workers. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, the cost-effectiveness is undeniable. If you’re looking for a reliable pair of wireless headphones without breaking the bank, this is a solid choice. Just be mindful of its limitations in durability and water resistance, especially if you plan to use them in more rugged environments.

Additional information