Why I chose Sony WH CH520

Sony has been a pioneer in the headphone industry since 1979 when they introduced the MDR3. Over the decades, they have continued to refine and innovate, producing quality products that are relied on commercially and domestically. When you think of Branded bluetooth headphones, you think they are probably in the higher price bracket, well not in this case. One of their latest budget offerings, the Sony WH-CH520, is an upgrade to the WH-CH510, providing improved comfort, better sound quality, and enhanced features. I picked a set up for under £40 in the UK, these headphones are great value for money in what is a highly competitive market. Let me tell you how I got on with them.

One of the standout features of the WH-CH520 is its lightweight build. Weighing only 147g, these headphones are designed for prolonged use without causing discomfort. Yes they are made of plastic, but they don’t feel cheap at all and are so light and comfortable to wear, even on my large head!  Sony has improved the headband design, making it more ergonomic and comfortable for extended listening sessions. The closed-type structure ensures a snug fit which I think helps to isolate the ambient noise to some extent.

The button controls on the headphones are clicky and responsive, which I like, they provide easy access to volume control, playback, and calls. While some brands opt for touch-sensitive controls, Sony sticks to traditional physical buttons, which I like and find easier.

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Sound Quality & Audio Features

For a pair of  Branded bluetooth headphones at this price, the WH CH520 delivers surprisingly good sound quality. Sony has integrated its Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) to improve clarity, making even older tracks that I like listening to, sound richer and more refined with a good base and mid-tones.

Additionally, users can customize the sound through the Sony Headphones app, which offers various EQ presets and a feature called 360 Reality Audio support. This feature, usually found in more premium models, enhances the depth and realism of audio playback, making the WH CH520 a solid choice for those who enjoy decent audio.

Battery Life & Connectivity

The battery life of these Sony Headphones is great too, they advertise an impressive 40 hours of battery life, which is a lot more than much more expensive branded bluetooth headphones can match. I timed mine over the week and got around 34hrs making them a reliable option for all-day use without having to charge. Like anything else the battery life will depend on how you use them, full volume will no doubt reduce the battery, I had them on about 50% volume. The headphones charge via USB Type-C, taking only three hours for a full charge. This extended battery life is a significant advantage over many competitors in the same price range, branded or unbranded.

When it comes to connectivity, the headphones use Bluetooth 5.2, which gives a good wireless connection. Multipoint pairing is another feature, that allows users to connect the WH CH520 bluetooth headphones to multiple devices simultaneously. This means you can switch between your phone and laptop without manually disconnecting and reconnecting, it works well and is handy if you need your work phone connected.

Call Quality & Controls

Sony has integrated a beam-forming microphone into the WH-CH520, ensuring clear voice capture during phone calls that are in noisy areas or even the wind blowing, the mic does a good job of filtering out background noise, making conversations crisp and clear.

The click of the control buttons makes it easy to manage calls, adjust volume, and navigate playback without needing to reach for your connected device. These physical controls enhance the user experience in my opinion by offering a reliable way to control the headphones.

Verdict: Are They Worth It?

The Sony WH CH520 headphones bring premium features and are very affordable branded bluetooth headphones.  I believe they are one of the best budget Bluetooth headphones available today. They have a comfortable lightweight design, long battery life, customizable sound settings, and solid call quality that sets them apart from competitors in this price range.

Pros:

• Lightweight and comfortable for long-term use
• Impressive  battery life
• Enhanced sound quality with DSEE and customizable EQ settings
• Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint pairing for seamless connectivity
• Clear call quality with beam-forming mic

Cons:

• Lacks active noise cancellation (ANC)
• No wired listening option

For anyone looking for an affordable pair of good pair of randed bluetooth headphones, the Sony WH CH520 won’t disappoint.