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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
To make an informed decision, consider the features you prioritize. If portability and convenience are key, the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick, being true wireless earbuds, may be more suitable for you as they offer a cable-free experience. However, if you're concerned about sound isolation and long-term comfort, the Sony WH-CH520 headphones, which typically have cushy ear pads, might be a better fit. The earmuff style of the headphones can also provide a more immersive experience for home use, but can be cumbersome for on-the-go activities. In contrast, true wireless earbuds like the "Nothing" are more discreet and better for active use. Also, consider battery life; earbuds often have shorter battery life than headphones, which might impact your decision if you plan to use them for extended periods without charging. Sound quality is also a factor, but without specific details on these models, it's best to try them out or look up reviews for a direct comparison. Keep in mind that the "Nothing" might have additional features like touch controls or a more modern design, which could justify the higher price for some users. 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 "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
- Very good for phone calls
Advantages of the Sony WH-CH520
- Good for music
- Very good for TV and video
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
6.1
7.6
The Sony WH-CH520 is good for music, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is only fair.
Gaming
8.1
8.8
The Sony WH-CH520 and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both very good for gaming, though the Sony WH-CH520 is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
8.6
6.7
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is very good for phone calls, while the Sony WH-CH520 is only fair.
TV and Video
7.5
8.2
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for TV and video, while the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
4.6
The Sony WH-CH520 and "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick are both poor for noise reduction, though the Sony WH-CH520 is somewhat better.
Battery
5.0 Hours
52.0 Hours
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has 5 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-CH520 has 52 hours of battery life.
Cost
$99
$40
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has a price of $99 and the Sony WH-CH520 costs $40.
Build Quality
9.0
7.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick has excellent build quality, while the Sony WH-CH520 has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
8.0
The "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick and Sony WH-CH520 are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick and the Sony WH-CH520 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick | Sony WH-CH520 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$99 | $40 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | "Nothing" Brand | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2022 | April 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.2/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.7/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7/10 | 6.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 52 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.2 Hours | 1.9 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 22 | N/A | |
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 | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 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) | 4.4 Grams | 147.41 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
"Nothing" Brand Ear Stick
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | December 2022
"If the Ear (stick) fits your ears, its light weight means you can easily wear it until the unimpressive battery life totally drains. The IP54 rating of the buds lends some confidence that it’ll survive some light abuse too. Finally, for the person who only wears earbuds at their desk, the Nothing Ear (stick) with its decent microphone could offer a reasonable Zoom meeting solution."
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 "Nothing" Brand Ear Stick 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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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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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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