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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize long battery life and wireless charging, the Marshall Major IV is superior, with an exceptional battery life that surpasses the Sony WH-CH520, and it offers the convenience of wireless charging which Sony lacks. However, the Sony WH-CH520 shines in gaming and TV/video performance with its lower latency, providing a more synchronized audio-visual experience. For comfort during long listening sessions, the Sony is also better with its over-ear design, whereas the Marshall's on-ear form might not be as comfortable for everyone. Bear in mind, the Marshall is typically pricier, so if budget is a concern, the Sony offers a good balance of features at a lower cost. 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 Marshall Major IV
- The Marshall Major IV has no clear advantages over the Sony WH-CH520.
Advantages of the Sony WH-CH520
- Good for music
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.6
7.6
The Sony WH-CH520 is good for music, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
Gaming
5.4
8.8
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for gaming, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Phone Calls
5.8
6.7
The Sony WH-CH520 is only fair for phone calls, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.1
8.0
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Marshall Major IV is only fair.
TV and Video
5.7
8.2
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for TV and video, while the Marshall Major IV is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.6
4.6
The Marshall Major IV and Sony WH-CH520 are both poor for noise reduction, though the Marshall Major IV is somewhat better.
Battery
80.0 Hours
52.0 Hours
The Marshall Major IV has 80 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-CH520 has 52 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$40
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Marshall Major IV has a price of $100 and the Sony WH-CH520 costs $40.
Build Quality
8.5
7.0
The Marshall Major IV has very good build quality, while the Sony WH-CH520 has good build quality.
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How the Marshall Major IV and the Sony WH-CH520 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Marshall Major IV | Sony WH-CH520 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $40 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Marshall | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | April 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.6/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 5.8/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 8.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.3/10 | 6.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 80 Hours | 52 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 3 Hours | 1.9 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.7/10 | 4.6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.8/10 | 10/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 165 Grams | 147.41 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Marshall Major IV
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | September 2023
"The Marshall Major IV shares quite a bit in common with its predecessor, but a key upgrade appears to be softer ear cushions. They make upgrading worth it. As a set of basic wired or wireless headphones the Major IV ticks most boxes by remaining easy to use, and fairly comfortable (at least, as on-ear headphones go)."
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 Marshall Major IV or the Sony WH-CH520
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
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.
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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.
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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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