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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If budget is a primary concern, Audio-Technica ATH-M20X may be a more cost-effective choice. However, for convenience during travel and active use, you may prefer Sony WH-CH520 due to its wireless design, whereas the ATH-M20X is wired. Wireless headphones like the WH-CH520 offer portability and freedom from cables but may need charging, while wired headphones like the ATH-M20X don't require charging and often provide a more consistent audio connection. If phone calls or virtual meetings are frequent in your routine, a built-in microphone, which the WH-CH520 may have, would be highly beneficial over ATH-M20X which generally focuses on sound for music and studio work. 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 Audio Technica ATH M20X
- The Audio Technica ATH M20X has no clear advantages over the Sony WH-CH520.
Advantages of the Sony WH-CH520
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
6.2
8.8
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.3
6.7
The Sony WH-CH520 is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.7
8.0
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair.
TV and Video
7.6
8.2
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for TV and video, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X is good.
Noise Reduction
6.0
4.6
The Audio Technica ATH M20X is only fair for noise reduction, while the Sony WH-CH520 is poor.
Battery
N/A
52.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M20X does not have a battery. The Sony WH-CH520 has 52 hours of battery life.
Cost
$49
$40
$0
$10
$20
$30
$40
$50
The Audio Technica ATH M20X has a price of $49 and the Sony WH-CH520 costs $40.
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Key similarities
Music
7.6
7.6
The Sony WH-CH520 and Audio Technica ATH M20X are both good for music.
Build Quality
6.9
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WH-CH520 to have good build quality, while the Audio Technica ATH M20X has only fair build quality.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M20X and the Sony WH-CH520 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M20X | Sony WH-CH520 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$49 | $40 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Audio Technica | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | January 1, 2014 | April 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.4/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.2/10 | 8.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.7/10 | 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 | 6/10 | 4.6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 6.9/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.8/10 | 10/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 190 Grams | 147.41 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M20X
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Dig into reviews and images
Soundguys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"Audio-Technica positively defies what you can expect for around $50. Ultimately, Audio-Technica did not design the ATH-M20x to go on the subway with you. It’s for the budget-conscious, do-it-yourself producer, podcaster, or studio that needs to buy tracking cans in bulk. If you don’t need the most deluxe, comfortable headphones, maybe you’ll like the ATH-M20x for its spartan functionality. The headphones are aimed at giving you the minimum requirements without it feeling like a sacrifice."
Sony WH-CH520
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Audio Technica ATH M20X or the Sony WH-CH520
About Audio Technica
Audio Technica is a 60-year-old, Japan-based, professional audio equipment manufacturer. They started off making phonograph cartridges and have expanded their scope of products ever since to include extremely popular models of microphones and headphones. They have been the official audio equipment supplier of several editions of the Summer and Winter Olympics and every edition of the Grammy Awards since 1998.
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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Why trust us
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
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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