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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
For immersive music listening with higher sound quality, the Sony WF1000XM4 would be a better choice. However, they are less suitable for gaming due to latency issues. The Sony WH-CH520, on the other hand, offers longer battery life and is ranked higher for gaming and TV. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that also scores high on comfort and has a respectable microphone quality, the WH-CH520 would be more suitable. They trade off some sound quality and noise isolation compared to the WF1000XM4 but are also lighter and may be more comfortable for long sessions. Both models support app equalization and customization, and offer features like virtual surround sound and app audio controls. Opt for the WF1000XM4 if active noise canceling and portability are top priorities; choose the WH-CH520 if you're seeking value for money, particularly for extended usage or gaming. 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 WF1000XM4
- Excellent for music
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Sony WH-CH520
- Very good for gaming
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
9.0
7.6
The Sony WF1000XM4 is excellent for music, while the Sony WH-CH520 is good.
Gaming
5.6
8.8
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
10.0
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Sony WH-CH520 is very good.
TV and Video
6.0
8.2
The Sony WH-CH520 is very good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair.
Noise Reduction
8.3
4.6
The Sony WF1000XM4 is very good for noise reduction, while the Sony WH-CH520 is poor.
Battery
9.0 Hours
52.0 Hours
The Sony WF1000XM4 has 9 hours of battery life. The Sony WH-CH520 has 52 hours of battery life.
Cost
$220
$40
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Sony WF1000XM4 has a price of $220 and the Sony WH-CH520 costs $40.
Build Quality
8.9
7.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 has very good build quality, while the Sony WH-CH520 has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
6.7
6.7
The Sony WH-CH520 and Sony WF1000XM4 are both only fair for phone calls.
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How the Sony WF1000XM4 and the Sony WH-CH520 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Sony WF1000XM4 | Sony WH-CH520 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$220 | $40 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | July 1, 2021 | April 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.1/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 6.7/10 | 6.8/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.6/10 | 8.8/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 6/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.7/10 | 6.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 9 Hours | 52 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.9 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 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 | 5.4/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 7/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.9/10 | 10/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 147.41 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Sony WF1000XM4
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | March 2023
"The headphones deliver a satisfying user experience, class-leading battery life, some of the best noise-cancelling we’ve heard in this category, and absolutely stunning sound quality."
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 Sony WF1000XM4 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
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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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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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