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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and studio monitoring, the Audio Technica ATH M40X offers superior sound fidelity, suited for critical listening. They are also known for durable construction and professional-grade materials, which could justify a higher price. However, they are wired and might restrict mobility, making them less convenient for commuting. The Sony WH-CH520, on the other hand, are wireless, likely lighter, and more convenient for casual use, such as travel or gym, and they won't tether you to your device. When on a budget but still desiring wireless convenience and portability, the Sony headphones are a compelling choice. 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 M40X
- Very good for music
Advantages of the Sony WH-CH520
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Gaming
7.0
8.8
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for gaming, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is good.
Phone Calls
3.3
6.7
The Sony WH-CH520 is only fair for phone calls, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.1
8.0
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Audio Technica ATH M40X is poor.
TV and Video
8.7
8.2
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Sony WH-CH520 are both very good for TV and video, though the Audio Technica ATH M40X is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
5.3
4.6
The Audio Technica ATH M40X and Sony WH-CH520 are both poor for noise reduction, though the Audio Technica ATH M40X is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
52.0 Hours
The Audio Technica ATH M40X does not have a battery. The Sony WH-CH520 has 52 hours of battery life.
Cost
$99
$50
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has a price of $99 and the Sony WH-CH520 costs $50.
Build Quality
8.2
7.0
The Audio Technica ATH M40X has very good build quality, while the Sony WH-CH520 has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
8.1
7.6
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Audio Technica ATH M40X to be very good for music, while the Sony WH-CH520 is good.
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How the Audio Technica ATH M40X and the Sony WH-CH520 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Audio Technica ATH M40X | Sony WH-CH520 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $50 | ||
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 | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 3.3/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 7.1/10 | 8.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 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 | 5.3/10 | 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 | 8.2/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 10/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 245 Grams | 147.41 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Audio Technica ATH M40X
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Soundguys
Lily Katz | August 2023
"If you were to pick one headset to fill all of your needs, the ATH-M40x is a great buy with its sub-$100 price tag, pleasant sound quality, and accessories. Whether you need to use it for live monitoring, a midnight editing session, or to underscore a campus walk, the Audio-Technica ATH-M40x is a great companion."
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 Audio Technica ATH M40X 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
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.
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Staff Expert & Software Engineer
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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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