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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for a more affordable option and don't mind a basic set of features, Apple Earpods could suit you well, especially for phone calls and light music listening. However, if you prefer over-ear comfort and better sound quality, and are willing to pay more, then the Sony WH-CH520 is the better choice. The Sony also offers advantages like noise cancellation and longer battery life, which are important for travel and extended listening sessions. But keep in mind that the Apple Earpods are more compact and easier to carry around than the bulkier Sony headphones. 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 Earpods
- Very good for phone calls
Advantages of the Sony WH-CH520
- Very good for TV and video
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Phone Calls
8.0
6.7
The Apple Earpods is very good for phone calls, while the Sony WH-CH520 is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
8.0
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
TV and Video
7.4
8.2
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for TV and video, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
4.6
The Sony WH-CH520 and Apple Earpods are both poor for noise reduction, though the Sony WH-CH520 is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
52.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Sony WH-CH520 has 52 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$50
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Sony WH-CH520 costs $50.
Build Quality
7.6
7.0
The Apple Earpods and Sony WH-CH520 both have good build quality, though the Apple Earpods has somewhat better build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.8
7.6
The Apple Earpods and Sony WH-CH520 are both good for music.
Gaming
8.3
8.8
The Sony WH-CH520 and Apple Earpods are both very good for gaming.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Sony WH-CH520 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Sony WH-CH520 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $50 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | April 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 6.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 52 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.9 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5.2 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 4.6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 10/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 147.41 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
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Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
Sony WH-CH520
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Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | September 2023
"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 Earpods 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.
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