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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize exceptional sound quality and active noise cancellation for focused listening or air travel, the Sony WF1000XM3 earbuds are the superior choice, but they come at a higher cost. However, for prolonged use where comfort is paramount or for watching TV and gaming where lower latency is beneficial, the Sony WH-CH520 headphones are more suitable and more affordable. The WH-CH520 also boasts a longer battery life, making them ideal for extended periods without charging. The WF1000X3 offers a more portable earbud form factor with higher scores in calls and meetings, while the WH-CH520 provides better durability and virtual surround sound for an immersive experience. 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 Sony WF1000XM3
- Very good for phone calls
Advantages of the Sony WH-CH520
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Gaming
5.6
8.8
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Phone Calls
8.2
6.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for phone calls, while the Sony WH-CH520 is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.7
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Sony WH-CH520 are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Sony WF1000XM3 is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.7
8.2
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
8.3
4.6
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Sony WH-CH520 is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
52.0 Hours
The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-CH520 has 52 hours of battery life.
Cost
$180
$40
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Sony WF1000XM3 has a price of $180 and the Sony WH-CH520 costs $40.
Build Quality
9.0
7.0
The Sony WF1000XM3 has excellent build quality, while the Sony WH-CH520 has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
7.5
7.6
The Sony WH-CH520 and Sony WF1000XM3 are both good for music.
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How the Sony WF1000XM3 and the Sony WH-CH520 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony WF1000XM3 | Sony WH-CH520 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$180 | $40 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2019 | April 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.6/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6/10 | 6.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 52 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 3.5 Hours | 1.9 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 8.4/10 | 4.6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.9/10 | 10/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 9 Grams | 147.41 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony WF1000XM3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
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."
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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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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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