Choosing the right pair of headphones today is tougher than ever. Every brand claims “amazing sound” and “long battery life,” but only a few models manage to deliver the right balance of comfort, clarity and price. The Sony WH-CH520 tries to be that practical, everyday headphone you can use for work, travel, study and casual music listening.
A lot of people just want comfortable wireless headphones with long battery life and dependable sound—nothing overly complicated.
This review explains everything about the Sony WH-CH520 in simple conversational language, based on real-world use and not just specs.
We’ll look at sound quality, comfort, build strength, battery performance, connectivity, daily usefulness and whether these headphones are worth your money.
The reason this model is popular is because Sony packed its trusted tuning, lightweight design and excellent battery backup into an affordable package without unnecessary features. For anyone wanting a reliable on-ear headphone under ₹4,000, the Sony WH-CH520 automatically becomes a top option worth exploring.
What also makes the Sony WH-CH520 interesting is how it fits into the lifestyle of regular listeners. Most people don’t need studio-grade sound or complicated features. They just want headphones that feel good on the head, sound clean across genres and last long enough so charging isn’t a daily task.
This is where the WH-CH520 quietly stands out. It focuses on the practical things that matter in day-to-day use, making it appealing for students, office workers, travellers and anyone who wants a no-fuss wireless option that delivers consistent performance.
The Sony WH-CH520 delivers clean Sony sound, all-day comfort and an incredible 50-hour battery life at an affordable price. With lightweight ear cushions, customizable EQ through the Sony Headphones app, multipoint connectivity and fast pairing, these headphones are perfect for work, travel and everyday listening. A great pick if you want reliable wireless performance and comfort without overspending.
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Key Specs of Sony WH-CH520 | |
|---|---|
| Driver Type | DSEE Upscale Technology |
| Battery Life | Up to 50 hours |
| Fast Charging | 3 min charge = 1.5 hrs playback (approx) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth v5.2, Multipoint |
| App Support | Sony Headphones Connect App |
| Weight | Lightweight design |
| Microphone | Built-in mic for calls |
| EQ Customisation | Yes, via app |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant / Siri |
| Design | On-ear with swivel cups |
| Colours | Black, Blue, Taupe, White |
| Price | ₹3,910 |
Seeing these specs in one place helps highlight how Sony has tried to strike a balance between smart features and everyday usability. Nothing here feels unnecessary. Instead, each feature supports core needs like comfort, stability, battery life and tuning flexibility.
Features like DSEE and EQ customization may look technical at first, but they play a huge role in giving you more control over how your headphones sound across different types of content.
Detailed Review
Sound Quality
The Sony WH-CH520 follows Sony’s signature tuning—clean vocals, clear highs and moderately warm bass. This makes it suitable for most genres, whether you like Bollywood, EDM, soft rock, podcasts or lo-fi music.
Bass Performance
The bass is present but not overpowering. These are not bass-boosted headphones like boAt or JBL. Instead, you get a pleasant low-end that adds weight without muddying the sound. Songs like “Senorita” or “Raatan Lambiyan” sound well balanced.
Mid-range (Vocals & Instruments)
Vocals shine here. Sony tunes mids very carefully, so voices sound natural. If you love podcasts, audiobooks or dialogues in movies, you’ll appreciate how clear everything sounds.
Treble (High Notes)
High frequencies are crisp without being sharp. Cymbals, guitar strings and higher notes stay controlled even at high volume.
What stands out during long listening sessions is how fatigue-free the audio feels. Some headphones push the bass too hard or sharpen the treble, which becomes tiring after an hour. With the Sony WH-CH520, the tuning remains relaxed and easy on the ears.
When switching between genres like indie music, acoustic tracks and movie dialogues, the sound doesn’t fluctuate dramatically. You won’t feel the need to keep adjusting the EQ unless you prefer a stronger bass boost. This makes the headphones ideal for people who listen for long stretches, especially while working or studying.
Volume Levels
The Sony WH-CH520 gets loud enough for noisy environments like buses or hostels, but you won’t feel discomfort in your ears. Sony generally avoids artificial loudness distortion.
DSEE Upscale
This feature enhances low-quality audio files to make them sound richer. For example, if you’re streaming music on standard quality mode, DSEE sharpens the sound and adds more depth.
In Real Life
If you’re someone who listens for hours while working or studying, the softer Sony tuning feels relaxing and non-fatiguing. You won’t get the “boom boom” type bass found in budget Indian brands, but you will get a cleaner, more natural sound.
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Design, Comfort and Fit
The Sony WH-CH520 is designed exactly for long use. These are on-ear headphones (meaning they sit on your ears, not around them), so comfort matters even more.
Weight and Overall Feel
The lightweight build is one of the biggest advantages. Because they weigh very little, the headphones don’t press heavily on your head during long sessions.
Ear Cushions
The ear cushions are soft and breathable, preventing heat buildup. During long usage of 2–3 hours, you won’t feel sweaty ears like with cheaper headphones.
Headband Padding
Sony added soft foam padding on the headband, which helps distribute pressure evenly. This avoids that “tight band headache” feeling some users get with on-ear headphones.
Clamping Force (Tightness)
The clamping pressure is moderate. Not loose, not tight. You can wear the Sony WH-CH520 while walking, doing chores or working, and they won’t slip off easily.
Long-Hour Usage
If you attend long meetings, online classes or listen for hours at work, these headphones stay comfortable. They don’t pinch your ear edges, which is a common problem with cheap on-ear options.
Do They Get Warm?
Minimal warming. The cushions stay fairly cool because the foam is breathable.
Portability
The swivel design allows the cups to rotate flat, making the headphones easy to slip into a bag.
Another strength of the WH-CH520 is that it maintains its comfort even when you’re on the move. For example, if you’re walking around a college campus, using them at a café or commuting in public transport, the headphones stay secure without shifting around.
The soft ear cushions mold gently to your ears, reducing pressure points that usually develop with stiff, cheaper earpads. Combined with the lightweight build, this makes the WH-CH520 a dependable companion for long-hour listening.
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The Sony WH-CH520 delivers clean Sony sound, all-day comfort and an incredible 50-hour battery life at an affordable price. With lightweight ear cushions, customizable EQ through the Sony Headphones app, multipoint connectivity and fast pairing, these headphones are perfect for work, travel and everyday listening. A great pick if you want reliable wireless performance and comfort without overspending.
Build Quality and Durability
Sony keeps the design simple, but the durability doesn’t disappoint.
Material Quality
The plastic build is lightweight but strong. It won’t snap easily with normal use.
Hinge Strength
The swivel hinges feel smooth and don’t wobble. With typical everyday handling, these should last years.
Headband Flexibility
The headband bends flexibly without sounding creaky, meaning it won’t break under minor pressure.
Daily Use Scenario
You can toss them in a backpack, wear them during travel or use them daily without worrying about breakage.
While the all-plastic construction may seem basic at first glance, it’s designed in a way that feels durable with everyday use. The material doesn’t creak under light bending, and the hinges maintain their stiffness even after multiple folds.
These details matter because on-ear headphones tend to be used roughly—thrown into bags, worn outdoors or handled with one hand while multitasking. The Sony WH-CH520 holds up well against these routine scenarios, proving that lightweight doesn’t always mean fragile.
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Battery Life and Charging
Battery is one of the biggest selling points of the Sony WH-CH520.
50-Hour Battery Life
This is extremely impressive at this price. You can easily use them for:
- 4–5 days of office
- A full week of study
- A long road trip
All without worrying about charging.
Quick Charging
Even when the battery drains, a short charge gives enough backup for a long session. This is helpful when you forget to charge before leaving home.
In Real Life
Most users charge these only once or twice a week. That itself makes the Sony WH-CH520 stand out from many other budget wireless headphones.
The most refreshing part is how consistent the battery life feels as days go by. Even with mixed usage—frequent calls, music, online videos and occasional EQ changes—the battery drops gradually instead of dipping suddenly at random intervals.
This predictability reduces the anxiety of wondering whether your headphones will last through an online class or a long commute. For many users, this alone makes the WH-CH520 more dependable than similarly priced alternatives.
The Sony WH-CH520 delivers clean Sony sound, all-day comfort and an incredible 50-hour battery life at an affordable price. With lightweight ear cushions, customizable EQ through the Sony Headphones app, multipoint connectivity and fast pairing, these headphones are perfect for work, travel and everyday listening. A great pick if you want reliable wireless performance and comfort without overspending.
Connectivity and Controls
Bluetooth & Multipoint
The Sony WH-CH520 supports multipoint, allowing you to connect:
• Phone + Laptop
• Phone + Tablet
• Laptop + TV
Switching happens smoothly. Example:
You’re watching a YouTube video on your laptop → phone call comes → headphones switch instantly.
The control buttons also have a tactile response that helps you operate the headphones without visually checking them each time. Whether you’re adjusting the volume while walking or skipping tracks during a workout session, the buttons feel intuitive to use.
The connectivity remains stable within household distances, so you can leave your phone on a table and move around freely without audio drops. This convenience is especially helpful for work-from-home environments.
Sony Headphones App
This adds a lot of value:
- EQ tuning
- Sound presets
- DSEE upscale toggle
- Battery status
- Custom settings
Voice Assistant Support
Just say “Hey Siri” or “OK Google” and the headphones respond immediately.
Fast Pair
If you misplace your headphones around the house, Google’s Find My Device helps track them.
Call Quality
The built-in mic is clear for normal calls and online meetings. It cancels basic background noise but won’t handle heavy wind.
Extra Features
No ANC
The Sony WH-CH520 does not have Active Noise Cancellation. This is important to know before buying. These are meant for comfort and battery life, not isolation.
Low Latency for Casual Gaming
Sony doesn’t advertise gaming mode, but the latency is decent for YouTube and casual games. Not recommended for competitive gaming like BGMI tournaments.
Water Resistance
These headphones are not waterproof. Keep them away from rain and sweat-heavy workouts.
Even features like Find My Device turn out to be surprisingly practical in everyday life. If you often misplace gadgets in your room, car or backpack, this small addition saves time and stress. The voice assistant feature also makes hands-free control smoother, especially when you don’t want to unlock your phone.
While the WH-CH520 doesn’t pack advanced extras like ANC, the features it does include play a meaningful role in enhancing usability rather than adding unnecessary complexity.
Pros and Cons
These strengths and limitations help you understand the WH-CH520’s place in the market. It’s not built to compete with flagship ANC models, nor is it meant for heavy-bass enthusiasts. Instead, it serves a very specific audience—users who want reliable comfort, long battery life and clear, balanced sound on a reasonable budget. When viewed from that angle, the WH-CH520 does its job exceptionally well.
Price Disclaimer
The price of the Sony WH-CH520 can vary depending on sales, offers and stock.
Check the latest price here:
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3XMpkwW
Sony products often receive occasional discounts during festival seasons, bank offers and online sales. If you keep an eye out during these times, you may be able to grab the WH-CH520 at an even more attractive price, increasing its overall value for money.
Amazon User Reviews
Rajesh P.
“These headphones are perfect for office use. Super comfortable and the battery easily lasts four days.”
Tanya S.
“Sound quality is clean and pleasant. Love the Sony EQ customisation. Bluetooth switching could be smoother though.”
Manas V.
“Lightweight and great for studying. The headband is very comfortable. No ANC but still good value.”
Sneha A.
“Using them for calls and music. Mic clarity is good. Build feels light but surprisingly durable.”
Harish G.
“For the price, these are worth it. Sony tuning is always reliable and the battery life is amazing.”
Looking at these reviews, it becomes clear that user experience varies depending on personal listening habits. Those who prioritize clarity and comfort generally appreciate the WH-CH520 more, while users expecting strong noise cancellation or intense bass tend to feel underwhelmed. Understanding your own priorities helps you interpret these reviews more accurately.
Watch This Quick Video Overview
Before diving deeper into the full review, take a moment to watch the short Sony official video below. It gives a quick look at the key features and design of the Sony WH-CH520 in a clear and visual way. Once you’re done watching, come back to the article for the complete, in-depth breakdown of real-life performance, comfort and sound quality.
Video Credits: Sony Europe
FAQs
1. Is the Sony WH-CH520 worth buying?
Yes. If you want comfort, long battery life and reliable sound under ₹4,000, it’s a strong choice.
2. Is the Sony CH520 noise cancelling?
No. It does not have ANC. It relies on passive isolation.
3. Which is better, JBL or Sony?
JBL offers stronger bass. Sony offers cleaner, more natural sound. For comfort and balance, Sony usually wins.
4. Do Sony WH-CH520 leak sound?
Minimal leakage at medium volume. Higher volumes may leak due to the on-ear design.
5. Which is the No. 1 headphone brand?
Globally, Sony, Bose and Sennheiser often rank among the top based on quality and sales.
6. Is the Sony WH-CH520 good for phone calls?
Yes. The built-in mic handles everyday calls well.
7. Why are Gen Z ploughing their headphones in?
Many prefer headphones for better comfort, privacy and long listening sessions.
8. Are Sony WH-CH520 waterproof?
No. They have no water resistance rating.
These questions come up often because people want to know how the WH-CH520 fits into Sony’s lineup and whether it competes well with alternatives from JBL, boAt and others. The answers provide clarity on what the headphones can and cannot do, making your purchase decision easier and more confident.
Conclusion: Should You Buy Sony WH-CH520?
The Sony WH-CH520 is an excellent everyday headphone for anyone who wants a lightweight design, long battery life and reliable Sony sound without crossing the ₹4,000 mark. If you’re a student, office worker, traveller or someone who listens for hours, this headphone is a practical fit.
Buy it if you want:
• A comfortable, long-hour headphone
• Balanced and clear sound
• Strong battery life
• App support and multipoint connectivity
Skip it if you need:
• ANC
• Heavy bass
• Water resistance
• Over-ear deep cushioning
The Sony WH-CH520 delivers clean Sony sound, all-day comfort and an incredible 50-hour battery life at an affordable price. With lightweight ear cushions, customizable EQ through the Sony Headphones app, multipoint connectivity and fast pairing, these headphones are perfect for work, travel and everyday listening. A great pick if you want reliable wireless performance and comfort without overspending.
For everyday users who want comfort and clarity, the Sony WH-CH520 is one of the best choices in its segment.
When you look at the WH-CH520 as a long-term investment for everyday use, the value becomes even clearer. Its lightweight design, balanced sound signature and impressive battery life give it a level of reliability that many other headphones in this price range struggle to match. For anyone seeking a comfortable, hassle-free wireless headset for daily listening, the WH-CH520 remains a strong and dependable choice.
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About the Author
Hari Prasad is the editor of AudioPick.in and a lifelong audio enthusiast. He writes detailed, honest reviews and guides to help everyday users pick the right gear without tech jargon. His personal interest in Bluetooth audio, neckbands, and codecs comes from testing dozens of devices over the past few years.
Sony WH-CH520
The Sony WH-CH520 are lightweight wireless on-ear headphones designed for comfort, clear sound and long use. They offer up to 50 hours of battery life, customizable EQ through the Sony Headphones Connect app, DSEE sound enhancement, multipoint connectivity and reliable Bluetooth performance. Ideal for everyday listening, work, travel and calls, they deliver strong value for anyone wanting dependable Sony quality without a high price.
Product Brand: Sony
Product Currency: INR
Product Price: 3990
Price Valid Until: 2027-01-31
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.2
Pros
- Excellent battery life (up to 50 hours)
- Lightweight and very comfortable
- Clear Sony sound with balanced tuning
- DSEE upscale improves audio quality
- App support for EQ and customisation
- Multipoint connectivity
- Good for calls
- Strong brand reliability
Cons
- No ANC
- Plastic build may feel basic to some
- On-ear design may not fit everyone
- Not ideal for bass lovers
- Not sweat-proof or water-resistant
