Sony WH-CH520C Headphones Review: Budget Win with Caveats
A Trustpilot reviewer summed it up neatly: "Sound quality is excellent and for the price is unbelievable." That sentiment runs deep across hundreds of user accounts for the Sony WH-CH520C Wireless Bluetooth Headphones (Cappuccino/Beige), which consistently pull ratings above 4.5/5. On value-for-money, battery endurance, and comfort, they’re praised as a budget triumph. But the data also shows recurring complaints about long-term fit comfort and detail resolution in sound, making them a strong but not flawless option. Score: 8.6/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – ideal for budget-conscious daily listeners who value long battery life and solid wireless connectivity, but less suited to audiophiles or users needing full over-ear comfort.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional battery life (up to 50 hours) | No Active Noise Cancellation |
| Comfortable lightweight design | Can feel tight or cause ear fatigue after long wear |
| Stable multipoint Bluetooth connectivity | Plastic build feels flimsy to some |
| Easy device pairing and app integration | Bass can be boomy, detail lacking compared to higher-end models |
| Affordable price point | Ear pads may be prone to wear or detachment |
| Customizable EQ via Sony Headphones Connect app | Headband adjustment may not suit larger heads |
| Quick charge delivers 1.5 hrs in 3 mins | Limited color options for some buyers |
Claims vs Reality
Sony markets the WH-CH520C as delivering “stunning sound and longer battery life” with up to 50 hours of playtime from a single charge. Digging deeper into user reports, that battery claim is not just hype. Best Buy reviewer anoionechia wrote: “Using these headphones everyday for about 3-4 weeks, an hour a day, on one single charge it still says 100% battery.” Multiple Trustpilot users echoed similar endurance stories, making this a standout category win.
Another marketing claim centers on “high sound quality all day long” via Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) and EQ customization. While users applaud the custom EQ – Reddit user commented: “Out of the box sounded very muffled to me but after EQing…it started sounding better” – there’s consensus the default tuning can be underwhelming, especially in detail retrieval. Consumer Reports found mids “hazy, congested” and treble “sizzly,” aligning with experienced listeners noting better value in comparable-priced IEMs.
Comfort is pitched as “designed for all-day” wear. While many enjoy the lightweight fit – Best Buy reviewer cindyy said: “Very comfortable to wear for hours…ear pads support your ears and keep them from hurting” – prolonged sessions can cause fatigue. Consumer Reports noted “moderate pressure around the ears” and potential hot/sticky pads after long use.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Battery endurance emerges as the WH-CH520C’s biggest victory. Best Buy buyer delilahb enthused: “I haven’t charged these for 3 days with all day use and they’re still fully charged.” For travelers, gym-goers, and students, this means multi-day freedom without recharging. The quick charge feature – 3 minutes for 1.5 hours – is a lifesaver for commuters or before workouts.
Connectivity stability is another crowd-pleaser. Multiple-device pairing works seamlessly; Best Buy’s nipunij liked that “you can connect it to 2 devices at a time.” Parents and remote workers highlight how easy it is for kids or tech-challenged users to link with phones and tablets; daniela reported her six-year-old daughter “really easy…to connect to her tablet.”
Comfort in short-to-medium bursts is consistently praised. Lightweight build and adjustable headband make them unobtrusive; Best Buy reviewer picky picky even “fell asleep with them on once.” For casual listening, gaming, or online classes, this comfort securement outweighs the absence of ANC.
Common Complaints
Fit limitations loom largest for users with bigger heads. Consumer Reports noted inadequate adjustment range and potential headband pressure, which can reduce ear pad seal and bass response. Extended wear sometimes leads to ear ache; Reddit users admit “my ears do start hurting a bit after a while but it’s not too bad.”
Sound qualms are mostly about refinement. Bass dominance, lack of midrange clarity, and treble splash are recurring critiques; CR described bass as “boomy” and midrange “grainy.” Audiophiles or those used to higher-end models find them serviceable but not immersive for critical listening.
Durability fears crop up in plastic construction comments. A Reddit user joked about “plastic fantastic flimsy” build, surprised it survived daily bag tosses. Ear pad wear or detachment is reported, with Best Buy reviewer johnm cautioning: “ear pads…are easily removed by my puppy.”
Divisive Features
The passive noise isolation from on-ear pads gets mixed reviews. Some, like Best Buy’s free lo 83, insist on “noise cancelling in various environments” (likely confusing passive isolation with ANC), while others lament the absence of true ANC. Style and color choices split buyers too; daniela wished for “more color than just black.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot data reveals no systemic scam concerns – most verified buyers confirm product matches description and delivers on core promises. Longevity reports are encouraging: one Reddit user noted a year of daily sweaty use with “leather still holding well.”
Long-term use paints them as resilient within normal handling. Despite thin plastic, multiple owners keep them intact across months, with occasional pad wear the main physical issue. No widespread electronics or battery failures emerged in reviewed feedback.
Alternatives
In community discussions, value comparisons often involve IEMs like Truthear Zero Red and Simgot EW200, which some Redditors claim offer better performance-to-price ratios if wireless isn’t required. For those seeking over-ear comfort and ANC, Sony’s own WH-XB700 is praised by a Reddit user as “far better on my WH-XB700” in sound, albeit at a higher price.
Price & Value
Current retail hovers at $63–$70 USD for new units, with used sales dropping to ~$42 USD on eBay. At this price, multiple Best Buy reviewers called them “a steal” given sound and battery performance. Resale trends show reasonable retention if kept in good condition, aided by Sony’s brand reliability. Buying tips from community lean toward grabbing them during sales – discounts deepen appeal for budget buyers.
FAQ
Q: Do the WH-CH520C have active noise cancellation?
A: No, they rely on passive isolation from the on-ear pads. Some find this adequate for blocking typical household noise, but it won’t silence busy streets or aircraft cabins.
Q: How long does the battery really last?
A: Many users report getting close to the claimed 50 hours, with moderate to heavy daily use lasting several days without recharging. Quick charge is effective for short top-ups.
Q: Is the sound good enough for audiophiles?
A: Most agree it’s solid for the price, but if you crave precise detail and soundstage, higher-end or wired options will outperform. Custom EQ does help tailor sound.
Q: Will they fit larger heads comfortably?
A: Fit is fine for average sizes, but Consumer Reports warns limited headband adjustment can cause discomfort for larger heads over long sessions.
Q: Can kids use them easily?
A: Yes. Several parents note children can pair them with tablets or phones without assistance. Lightweight design suits smaller heads.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a budget-conscious listener, student, or commuter wanting massive battery life, comfort, and stable wireless in a stylish on-ear form. Avoid if you need ANC, analytical sound quality, or all-day over-ear comfort for large head sizes. Pro tip from Best Buy’s asskicking mom 25: watch for color variants – they can be as satisfying as the sound.
