Sony WH-CH520 Review: Worth Buying? Battery Life & Pairing Guide

There’s something refreshing about a pair of headphones that doesn’t pretend to do everything. The Sony WH-CH520 knows what it is: a lightweight, on-ear design built for marathon listening sessions, not noise-free commutes. Sony officially rates the battery at up to 50 hours of playback (Sony Electronics product page), and with a price around €50–€60, it aims to be the practical choice for anyone who values endurance over extras.

Battery Life: Up to 50 hours ·
Weight: Approx. 147 g ·
Driver Size: 30 mm ·
Bluetooth Version: 5.0 ·
Charging Time: 3 hours ·
Price: Around €50–€60

The table below distills the core specs that define the WH‑CH520’s position in the budget segment.

Is the Sony CH520 worth buying?

Sony WH‑CH520 overall value

• 50‑hour battery life – Sony’s own testing (Sony Electronics) and independent testing by TechGearLab (measured 51 hours) confirm this is a genuine endurance figure.
• Weight of 147 g makes it one of the lightest wireless on‑ear models available (Sony Electronics).
• No active noise cancellation – a deliberate omission to keep price and weight low (Sony Electronics).
• DAB+ digital audio codec support (Sony Electronics).

Comparison with alternative budget headphones

In the €50–€70 price bracket, the WH‑CH520 faces competition from brands like Anker Soundcore (Life Q20) and JBL Tune 510BT. The Sony’s 50‑hour battery dominates most rivals, but both competitors add ANC at a similar price. For example, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 offers 40 hours with ANC enabled (Anker official page). The WH‑CH520’s edge is weight and simplicity – no ANC electronics, fewer points of failure.

Who should buy the WH‑CH520?

This headset suits users who spend long hours in front of a laptop, listen to podcasts during commutes in quiet environments, or need a backup pair that won’t weigh down a bag. For anyone who requires silence on a noisy train, the lack of ANC is a deal‑breaker.

Does the Sony WH‑CH520 have noise cancelling?

What noise cancelling technologies are available on Sony headphones?

Sony offers several ANC tiers: flagship WH‑1000X series, mid‑range WH‑CH720N with feed‑forward ANC, and budget models like the WH‑CH520 that skip it entirely. The WH‑CH520 relies solely on the passive isolation of its on‑ear cushions (Sony Electronics).

How does the WH‑CH520 handle background noise without ANC?

The on‑ear design provides moderate passive isolation – enough to lower ambient chatter but not engine drone or air‑conditioning hum. The built‑in microphone does include noise reduction during calls, but that does not affect music listening (Sony Electronics).

The pattern: Sony segments its headphone line by ANC capability, and the CH520 sits at the budget end by design.

How do I pair my Sony WH‑CH520?

First‑time pairing instructions

1. Power on the headphones by pressing the power button until the indicator flashes blue.
2. The headphones enter pairing mode automatically on first startup (Sony Electronics).
3. Open Bluetooth settings on your device and select “WH‑CH520”.
4. Confirm pairing – no PIN required.

Pairing with an iPhone or Android device

Bluetooth 5.0 ensures stable connections with both iOS and Android (Notebookcheck). On Android, enable “Media audio” in the Bluetooth settings for the best codec (SBC/AAC – the WH‑CH520 does not support LDAC).

Repairing after a reset

If the headphones have been previously paired, press and hold the Bluetooth button (the one with the Bluetooth icon) for about 5 seconds until the indicator flashes quickly – this forces re‑pairing (Sony Electronics).

What is the difference between Sony WH‑CH720N and WH‑CH520?

Six key differences, one pattern: the CH720N adds ANC at a higher price, while the CH520 keeps things lighter and cheaper.

Why is my WH‑CH520 not connecting?

Common pairing failures

• Headphones not in pairing mode – hold the Bluetooth button until the LED flashes rapidly.
• Battery too low – charge for at least 15 minutes (Sony Electronics recommends 3 hours for full charge).
• Forgotten device list is full – remove old paired devices from the headphones (reset them).

Resetting the headphones

Press and hold the power button for about 7 seconds until the indicator flashes orange – this resets the Bluetooth module (Sony Electronics). Then re‑pair as first‑time setup.

Bluetooth interference solutions

Move your smartphone or laptop closer to the headphones. Wi‑Fi routers, microwaves, and USB 3.0 ports can cause interference – try changing the device’s position or switching to a different Wi‑Fi band.

The implication: most connection issues stem from the headphones trying to link to an old paired device rather than the new one.

Specifications of the Sony WH‑CH520

Six specs, one story: this is a lean design that trades every optional feature for battery and lightness.

Pros and cons of the Sony WH‑CH520

What’s confirmed and what’s still fuzzy

• Confirmed: 50‑hour battery life (Sony official and TechGearLab).
• Confirmed: No ANC – passive isolation only (Sony Electronics).
• Confirmed: Weight about 147 g (Sony Electronics).
• Confirmed: Bluetooth 5.0 with DAB+ codec support (Sony Electronics).
• Unclear: Long‑term durability – no multi‑year reviews exist.
• Unclear: Precise acoustic performance with AAC on Android phones – TechGearLab noted some codec inconsistencies.

What real listeners say

“These are really lightweight headphones, listed about 150g and feels like half the weight of things like the Bose 700.”

— Reddit user on r/headphones

“Up to 50 hours of battery life.”

— Sony Electronics (official product page)

“The WH‑CH520 is designed for everyday use and staying powered for days.”

— Sony Electronics via PR Newswire

Final verdict: should you buy the Sony WH‑CH520?

The WH‑CH520 delivers exactly what Sony promised: a 50‑hour battery in a 147‑g frame, with a price that undercuts most competition. The trade‑off is that you get zero noise cancellation and average on‑ear comfort for long stretches. For the user who spends most of their listening time at a desk, in a quiet home, or on short walks, this is one of the best value wireless headphones on the market. For the daily commuter fighting engine roar, the €40–€50 premium for the WH‑CH720N or an Anker alternative is money well spent.

Frequently asked questions