The Sony WH-CH520 is a simple on-ear wireless headphone with a useful set of everyday controls. Long rated battery life, app equalization and two-device connection give it more flexibility than its small frame might suggest. Its main limitation is the environment: there is no active noise cancellation, and the pads sit on the ears rather than around them.
It is best considered for home, light office use or casual listening where a compact headphone is welcome. A low price is less persuasive if the main job is shutting out a train or an open office. Choose the listening situation before choosing a color.
Sound
- 30 mm dynamic drivers
- App equalizer
- No ANC
RTINGS’ original sample had a broadly balanced bass and midrange with a darker treble presentation, while its passive isolation was weak.1 That makes the CH520 easier to recommend for a quieter room than for someone seeking a sealed-off commute. The app equalizer provides a way to adjust the balance without buying a different headphone solely for a preferred preset.
Sony’s DSEE processing is an option, not a reason to expect lost recording detail to be recreated perfectly. Try familiar music with processing on and off and retain the setting you prefer. A comfortable listening level in a reasonably quiet place will matter more than collecting every enabled audio feature.
Design and Comfort
- Approximately 147 g
- On-ear fit
- Swiveling earcups
The low weight is helpful when carrying the headphone, but comfort depends on the pressure where the pads meet the ears. Glasses can make that contact more noticeable. Check a full listening session rather than treating the first few minutes as proof that the fit will remain comfortable.
The cups swivel for a flatter position; there is no supplied hard case. A protected compartment is a better place for them than loose underneath heavy items. The CH520 is not waterproof, so its portability should not be mistaken for an exercise or rain rating. The six documented US finishes change appearance, not the core listening hardware.
Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.2
- SBC and AAC
- Two-device connection
Multipoint lets a phone and computer remain connected, which is useful when moving between music and calls. It does not mix two soundtracks. The built-in microphone handles Bluetooth calls, while physical controls reduce dependence on a touch gesture or reaching for the phone.
The USB-C socket charges the headphone and does not receive digital audio. There is also no 3.5mm input. That means a flat battery or a device without suitable Bluetooth cannot be solved by plugging in an ordinary audio cable. Buyers who need dependable wired backup should choose a different model from the start.
Battery Life
- Up to 50 hours with AAC
- Up to 45 hours with SBC
- Approximately 3-hour charge
The headline 50-hour figure is Sony’s AAC maximum; the listed SBC maximum is 45 hours. Equalization, DSEE and other settings can shorten those figures. Even so, the rated endurance gives the CH520 a useful role for buyers who prefer charging less often over adding noise cancellation.
Three minutes of charging is rated for up to 90 minutes of listening. That is a useful top-up before a short outing, but keeping a routine charge is more important here than on a model with passive analog backup. The supplied USB cable is a charging accessory, not an alternate listening connection.
Alternatives
The earlier WH-CH510 was rated for up to 35 hours. The CH520’s higher rated endurance, app adjustment and two-device workflow make it the more useful new purchase when the prices are close. A functioning older pair remains adequate if those additions do not solve a real problem.
The WH-CH720N changes the decision more substantially: it uses an over-ear frame, adds ANC and includes an analog input. Those features may justify paying more for travel or mixed wired and wireless use. The CH520 is the more focused choice when simple Bluetooth playback and low carrying weight are enough.
Verdict
Buy the WH-CH520 for straightforward wireless listening in a suitable environment. Its battery rating and device switching are useful, while the on-ear fit and lack of wired backup deserve attention before ordering. A bargain is worthwhile only if those limits fit the way it will be used.