The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 offer better noise isolation and are more portable, making them ideal for commuters and travelers. They're designed specifically for Apple devices with features like Low Latency Mode and Ear/Head Detection, but they also work with other brands. For workouts, their sweatproof design is advantageous. In contrast, the Sony WH-CH520 headphones excel in comfort and offer longer battery life, as well as a microphone with higher quality for calls. They are better suited for long listening sessions and gaming, given their design and virtual surround sound feature, but are less portable and offer less noise isolation, making them less optimal for noisy environments and travel. If cost is a concern, the Sony headphones are significantly less expensive while still providing a quality experience for most use cases. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods Pro 2
Good for phone calls
Advantages of the Sony WH-CH520
Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.0/10
7.6/10
The Sony WH-CH520 and Apple Airpods Pro 2 are both good for music, though the Sony WH-CH520 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
7.8/10
6.7/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is good for phone calls, while the Sony WH-CH520 is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8/10
8.0/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 and Sony WH-CH520 are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Apple Airpods Pro 2 is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
9.1/10
4.6/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 is excellent for noise reduction, while the Sony WH-CH520 is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
52.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has 6 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-CH520 has 52 hours of battery life.
Cost
$199
$50
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has a price of $199 and the Sony WH-CH520 costs $50.
Build Quality
9.0/10
7.0/10
The Apple Airpods Pro 2 has excellent build quality, while the Sony WH-CH520 has good build quality.
"Apple's upgraded H2 chip begets better active noise canceling (ANC) and battery life, while the case's U1 chip and integrated speaker lets you precisely locate it from the Find My app. If you own an iPhone, the new AirPods Pro is an obvious choice."
"If you’re looking for headphones that simply do what you ask them to: the Sony WH-CH520 is a decent option, even if it isn’t very exciting. Sony’s WH-CHXXX line fits this role quite well, and the WH-CH520 offers a decent raft of quality-of-life updates over its predecessor that should keep listeners happy. If the Sony WH-CH520 were a car, it’d be the boring-but-safe commuter compact."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods Pro 2 or the Sony WH-CH520
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.