Home Headphones Sony Wh 1000Xm3 Vs. Sony Wh Ch520

Sony Wh 1000Xm3 Vs. Sony Wh Ch520 Review

Last updated on Apr 13, 2023   9 minute read
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Sony WH 1000XM3

Sony WH 1000XM3

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Reasons why you might like the Sony WH 1000XM3

Overall Score 7 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Weight of 255 g
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)
  • Battery Life of 30 hours
  • Can Be Used Wirelessly
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
Sony WH CH520

Sony WH CH520

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Reasons why you might like the Sony WH CH520

Overall Score 4.9 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Weight of 147 g
  • Battery Life of 40 hours
  • Can Be Used Wirelessly

Sony Wh 1000Xm3 Vs. Sony Wh Ch520 Review In Summary

Category Features Sony WH 1000XM3 Sony WH CH520
DESIGN weight 255g 147g
has a detachable cable
can be folded
has a tangle free cable
sweat resistance
cable length 1.2meters
has an over-the-ear foam
has an on-ear foam
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (anc)
has passive noise reduction
lowest frequency 4Hz 20Hz
highest frequency 40,000Hz 20,000Hz
sound pressure level 104.5dB/mW 97dB/mW
driver unit size 40mm 30mm
impedance 16Ohms 35Ohms
has a neodymium magnet
POWER battery life 30hours 40hours
charge time 3hours 3hours
has a battery level indicator
battery power 1,000mAh 400mAh
has a rechargeable battery
CONNECTIVITY can be used wirelessly
bluetooth version v4.2 v5.2
has usb type-c
has ldac
has aptx hd
has bluetooth aptx
has aac
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has a 3.5mm male connector
supports bluetooth pairing using nfc
MICROPHONE number of microphones 5only 1only
has a noise-canceling microphone
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
multipoint count 2only
control panel placed on a device
can be used as a headset
warranty period 1years
travel bag is included
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Sony Wh 1000Xm3 Vs. Sony Wh Ch520 Review In Detail

Design

Weight

Sony WH 1000XM3 255g
Sony WH CH520 147g

The Sony WH 1000XM3 have a weight of 255g, these weigh below 320g, which we consider as the highest average a headphone should weigh for comfort during long use. We consider a lower weight best for the reason that lighter devices are more comfortable to carry.

Sony WH CH520, at 147g weigh less than the Sony WH 1000XM3 with a difference -108g

Has A Detachable Cable

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Detachable cables are cables that have connectors on both ends. One end goes into your headphone earpieces, while the other end is inserted into an audio source. Some new headphones, and not just the expensive ones, are coming with detachable cables, Sony WH 1000XM3 are one of those.

Can Be Folded

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Sony WH 1000XM3 are foldable, which makes them more portable. Foldable headphones are easier to transport and take up less storage space.

Has A Tangle Free Cable

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Twisted headphone cables can be a great source of annoyance and inconvenience, Sony WH CH520's cable is designed to minimize tangling. Constant twisting of the cables can also lead to bends in the copper wires, affecting sound quality, or rendering your headphones defective.

Sweat Resistance

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

By sweat resistance we mean that the wireless earbuds are protected in the presence of low-pressure water jets at any angle, this is determined by the IP Rating of the earbuds. Based on the ingress protection rating of the Sony WH CH520 they do have sweat resistance

Cable Length

Sony WH 1000XM3 1.2meters
Sony WH CH520

A long cable ensures more freedom of movement, but remember that every cable based on the conducting material used has a certain amount of parasitic resistance, inductance, and capacitance. How much depends on the length and construction. Sony WH 1000XM3 comes with a 1.2meters cable.

Has An Over-The-Ear Foam

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Over-ear headphones have larger earpads that fit around your entire ear Sony WH 1000XM3 have a comfortable full-size form with earcups that fully enclose your ears. This design is loved for its increased sound isolation and the fact that it won't leak sound to your neighbors.

Has An On-Ear Foam

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

On-ear headphones have smaller earpads that sit on top of your ears, this Sony WH CH520 comfortably rests on top of your outer ears. As it doesn't block out everything from the outside world, it's preferred in places like office environments and recommended for outdoor activities.

Has Stereo Speakers

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Sony WH 1000XM3 have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience.

The Sony WH CH520 also have stereo speakers

Sony WH 1000XM3
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Sound Quality

Has Active Noise Cancellation (Anc)

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Active noise cancellation uses more advanced technology to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. How it works, it detects and analyzes the sound pattern of incoming noise and then inverts the soundwaves to cancel it out. In simple terms, it's like taking +1 outside (noise from your surrounding) and adding -1 inside (counter sound within the device) to make 0 resulting in a reduced level of noise.

Sony WH 1000XM3 allow you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue as you don't have to crank up the volume to overcome background noise.

Has Passive Noise Reduction

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Passive Noise Cancellation uses well-designed ear cups to seal out unwanted noise. This is used for both in-ear earphones and over-ear headphones where the headphone itself will keep surrounding noise out. The Sony WH 1000XM3 sits tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal that reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out.

Both of these devices have passive noise reduction which means that also the Sony WH CH520 isolates you from ambient noise instead of actively using technology to cancel it out.

Lowest Frequency

Sony WH 1000XM3 4Hz
Sony WH CH520 20Hz

Low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio device reproduces low audible frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal while at it. Sony WH 1000XM3's lowest frequency is at 4Hz, the lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass.

Sony WH CH520's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this implies that Sony WH CH520 got a juicier bass than the Sony WH 1000XM3

Highest Frequency

Sony WH 1000XM3 40,000Hz
Sony WH CH520 20,000Hz

High frequency response measures if and how well an audio device reproduces high audible frequencies and if it changes to the signal while at it. Sony WH 1000XM3's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, the higher the high-frequency response, the clearer and crispier the treble.

Sony WH CH520's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this implies that Sony WH 1000XM3 got a clearer and crispier treble than the Sony WH CH520

Sound Pressure Level

Sony WH 1000XM3 104.5dB/mW
Sony WH CH520 97dB/mW

Sound pressure is the average variation in atmospheric pressure caused by the sound, the sound level .i.e how loud something is can be perceived differently by different people so we need to have the means to get an objective measurement of sound level expressed in numerical terms.

The sound pressure level, SPL, is the pressure level of a sound, measured in decibels, dB, Sony WH 1000XM3's measurement is 104.5dB/mW. Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

Sony WH CH520's sound pressure level measurement is 97dB/mW.

Driver Unit Size

Sony WH 1000XM3 40mm
Sony WH CH520 30mm

The driver unit is the component that produces sound in the device, its size dictates the loudness of the headphone. Sony WH 1000XM3 driver unit is 40mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful and can produce better bass.

Sony WH CH520 driver unit is 30mm in diameter, which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Sony WH 1000XM3 by 10mm , many people have a misconception that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers usually have difficulty reproducing high frequencies so yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better sound.

Impedance

Sony WH 1000XM3 16Ohms
Sony WH CH520 35Ohms

Impedance is the device's resistance to the electromagnetic current, when electricity flows through a wire, it experiences electrical resistance that counters the flow of current. The resistance of a conductor is measured in ohms. Sony WH 1000XM3's impedance is 16Ohms, the lower the impedance, the easier it is to get higher volume and requires less power.

Sony WH CH520's impedance is 35Ohms. The impedance of earbuds is the electrical resistance of the driver unit present on the inside.

Has A Neodymium Magnet

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Neodymium magnets when used in audio devices produce a higher sensitivity and substantial sound output using less power to do so. They can help produce music at quite a high sound pressure level, SPL, with the use of high magnetic flux. The Sony WH 1000XM3 have this type of magnet.

Sony WH CH520 have it too, devices with neodymium magnets are lighter and more powerful than those which use ferrite magnets. It is also known that they have more bass and clear high notes.

Power

Battery Life

Sony WH 1000XM3 30hours
Sony WH CH520 40hours

If your headphones play wirelessly, cancel ambient noise, or enhance your listening experience with active features, their battery life will reduce over time. The device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and have to charge the device less often. Sony WH 1000XM3's battery life is 30 hours

Sony WH CH520's battery life is 40 hours. Each time you recharge your headphones, they get a little less listening time. The effect is barely noticeable at first. But over a few years, you may find that your device, no longer plays for long like it used to.

Charge Time

Sony WH 1000XM3 3hours
Sony WH CH520 3hours

It takes 3 hours to fully charge the Sony WH 1000XM3's battery. It is recommended to fully charge the battery before using the headphones for the first time or when they have been unused for extended periods.

Sony WH CH520 takes 3 hours to fully charge the battery

Has A Battery Level Indicator

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Sony WH 1000XM3 have a battery level indicator, an indicator shows you when the device has a low battery. The battery indicator lights indicate the charging status of your headphones.

Sony WH CH520 too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you to determine the charging state of your headphones, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.

Battery Power

Sony WH 1000XM3 1,000mAh
Sony WH CH520 400mAh

Battery power, or battery capacity, represents the amount of electrical energy that a battery can store. Sony WH 1000XM3's battery power is 1,000mAh, more battery power can be an indication of longer battery life.

Sony WH CH520's battery power is 400mAh.

Has A Rechargeable Battery

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

A rechargeable battery is a type of electrical battery that can be charged, discharged into a load, and recharged many times, as opposed to a disposable or primary battery, which is supplied fully charged and discarded after use. Sony WH 1000XM3's battery can be recharged and used over again.

The Sony WH CH520 too have a rechargeable battery.

Sony WH 1000XM3
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Connectivity

Can Be Used Wirelessly

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Sony WH 1000XM3 can be used wirelessly, wireless devices allow you more freedom of movement not restricted by a cable.

The Sony WH CH520 also can be used wirelessly

Bluetooth Version

Sony WH 1000XM3 v4.2
Sony WH CH520 v5.2

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that allows data transfers between devices placed in close proximity, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Sony WH 1000XM3 has a v4.2

Sony WH CH520 has a Bluetooth version of v5.2. Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

Has Usb Type-C

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Sony WH 1000XM3 support USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power on a single cable. The USB-C plug is now part and parcel of most current laptops, phones, and tablets, it features reversible plug orientation and cable direction.

Sony WH CH520 too have USB TYPE-C

Has Ldac

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Sony WH 1000XM3 support LDAC, a codec developed by Sony which allows streaming high-resolution audio over Bluetooth connections at up to 990 kbps at 32 bit/96 kHz. It is capable of a very high bitrate of 990kbps, which provides high-resolution audio.

Has Aptx Hd

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

The Sony WH 1000XM3 support APTX HD, an audio codec for Bluetooth devices that are developed by Qualcomm. It supports high-quality 24-bit audio (at a bit rate of 576kbps).

Has Bluetooth Aptx

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Sony WH 1000XM3 support APTX, a codec used for transmitting audio wirelessly with Bluetooth. It is developed by Qualcomm and supports 16-bit audio at a bit rate of 384kbps.

Has Aac

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Sony WH 1000XM3 support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

The Sony WH CH520 support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate.

Maximum Bluetooth Range

Sony WH 1000XM3 10meters
Sony WH CH520 10meters

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances. The Sony WH 1000XM3 can connect at a 10meters distance via Bluetooth or infrared to another device.

The Sony WH CH520 can connect at a 10meters distance via Bluetooth

Has A 3.5Mm Male Connector

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Being an industry standard audio plug, a standard 3.5mm male connector is suitable for use with all MP3 players and computer sound cards. This means that it is commonly used in stereo headphones to your phone or connecting your phone to an external amplifier, sound bars, your car radio, etc. Sony WH 1000XM3 has this connector giving it a wider range of connectivity with most of the sound devices out there. All plugs have at least a tip and sleeve with the number of rings that stand as a differentiating factor.

Supports Bluetooth Pairing Using Nfc

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Sony WH 1000XM3 support fast Bluetooth pairing using NFC so it can communicate with other devices over Bluetooth. You can fastly pair devices without entering a code by simply holding one device next to the device with which it is to be paired.

Microphone

Number Of Microphones

Sony WH 1000XM3 5only
Sony WH CH520 1only

Sony WH 1000XM3 have only 5 microphones, more microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background noise.

The Sony WH CH520 microphones are only 1.

Has A Noise-Canceling Microphone

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Sony WH 1000XM3 use a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out background noise from the desired sound. Especially useful in noisy environments.

Sony WH 1000XM3
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Extras

Has Ambient Sound Mode

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Sony WH 1000XM3 support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises so that they can still be heard. It’s useful when you want to listen to music but also be aware of what’s happening around you, for example when you’re having a jog but would still want to be able to hear traffic.

Has In/On-Ear Detection

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Sony WH 1000XM3 support in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears so that the music is paused, saving battery life and improving your listening experience while at it.

Multipoint Count

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520 2only

Sony WH CH520 support multipoint, which allows you to link to more Bluetooth devices and switch between them. For example, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.

Control Panel Placed On A Device

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

There is a control panel on the Sony WH 1000XM3 body, so you can easily access the volume control or remote without having to interact with a cable or another device it's connected to.

The Sony WH CH520 too have a control panel on them.

Can Be Used As A Headset

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Sony WH 1000XM3 can be used as a headset. A headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Headsets can be used for apps that require communication i.e. Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, games with voice chat, mobile phones, etc.

Sony WH CH520 can be used as a headset. since they have a built-in microphone

Warranty Period

Sony WH 1000XM3 1years
Sony WH CH520

The period of time that warrant free repair and adjustment services in case of a malfunction occurring under normal use that has followed instruction manuals. When covered under the manufacturer’s warranty it is possible to get a replacement in the case of a malfunction. Sony WH 1000XM3 have a warranty period of 1 years

Travel Bag Is Included

Sony WH 1000XM3
Sony WH CH520

Carrying headphones without a case, or putting them in bags without a casing can easily put them at risk of getting damaged. The Sony WH 1000XM3 come with their own special case or pouch, which is useful for safe transportation.