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Sony WH-CH520 vs JBL Tune 520BT: The Ultimate Student Headphone Battle (2025)

 

Sony WH-CH520 vs JBL Tune 520BT: The Ultimate Student Headphone Battle (2025)

By The Tech Guru

You've decided against the isolation of TWS earbuds. You want the comfort and sound of a proper pair of headphones. You've set your budget, and after navigating the crowded market, your choice has inevitably come down to two of the most legendary names in audio: Sony and JBL. In the blue corner, we have the Sony WH-CH520, the champion of balanced clarity and marathon battery life. In the orange corner, the JBL Tune 520BT, the peoples' champion of powerful, heart-thumping bass.

These are two of the best, most popular on-ear headphones a student can buy. But which one is the right champion for you? As your referee for this ultimate showdown, I'll break it down round by round. Let's get ready to rumble.


Round 1: Sound Signature (Clarity vs. Bass)

This is the main event and the biggest difference between these two philosophies.

  • Sony WH-CH520: Sony tunes these headphones for clarity and balance. The sound is clean, crisp, and detailed. Vocals in music and lectures are clear and prominent, and instruments have room to breathe. Thanks to Sony's DSEE technology, it even helps restore some of the detail lost in streaming audio. It's a non-fatiguing, versatile sound that excels with a wide variety of music genres, podcasts, and academic content.

  • JBL Tune 520BT: JBL is all about that famous "JBL Pure Bass Sound." These headphones are tuned to be fun, energetic, and powerful. The bass is punchy and forward, making genres like EDM, Hip-Hop, and Pop feel exciting and dynamic. It’s a sound signature designed to make you want to move. While the vocals are still clear, the overall presentation is warmer and more focused on the low-end rhythm.

Verdict for the Round: This is a draw based on preference. If you prioritize hearing every detail and need crystal-clear vocals for study, the Sony WH-CH520 wins. If you want to feel the beat and prioritize a fun, powerful bass for your music, the JBL Tune 520BT wins.

Round 2: Comfort & Build

For a student, comfort during long study sessions is non-negotiable.

  • Sony WH-CH520: These are famously lightweight, coming in at only ~147 grams. The clamping force is gentle, and the earcups are well-padded. You can almost forget you're wearing them during a 2-3 hour session, which is a huge advantage. The build is a simple, no-frills plastic that is durable enough for daily backpack life.

  • JBL Tune 520BT: Also very light at ~157 grams, the JBL feels similarly comfortable. The build quality is solid, and some users might prefer the slightly sturdier feel of the headband. Both headphones are compact and fold flat, making them easy to carry.

Verdict for the Round: This is an incredibly close fight, as both are among the most comfortable on-ear headphones available. However, due to its slightly lighter weight and famously gentle fit, the Sony WH-CH520 takes this round by the narrowest of margins.

Round 3: Battery Life Showdown

Prepare to be amazed. Both of these headphones offer truly next-level battery performance.

  • Sony WH-CH520: Offers a massive 50 hours of playback on a single charge. This is an incredible number that can easily last a full week of heavy student use.

  • JBL Tune 520BT: Manages to push the boundary even further, offering a staggering 57 hours of playback. It also has a slightly better quick-charge feature, giving you 3 hours of music from a 5-minute charge.

Verdict for the Round: While both offer phenomenal, stress-free battery life, numbers don't lie. With an extra 7 hours in the tank and a faster quick-charge, the JBL Tune 520BT is the undisputed battery king and wins this round.

Round 4: Features & Microphone

Beyond sound and battery, it's the extra features that define the user experience.

  • JBL Tune 520BT: This is a straightforward, reliable headphone. It uses the very latest Bluetooth 5.3 for an efficient and stable connection. The built-in microphone is decent for calls in a quiet room but is fairly basic.

  • Sony WH-CH520: This is where Sony lands a killer blow. While it uses Bluetooth 5.2, it includes the incredibly useful Multipoint Connection. This allows you to be connected to your laptop and your phone at the same time. You can be watching a lecture on your laptop, and if a call comes in on your phone, the headphones switch over automatically. For a student juggling multiple devices, this is a game-changing feature. The microphone on the Sony is also generally considered a bit clearer for voice calls.

Verdict for the Round: While the JBL has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, the inclusion of the immensely practical Multipoint Connection is a massive advantage in a student's daily life. The Sony WH-CH520 wins this crucial feature round.




Final Verdict: The Decision

The final bell has rung, and the fight is a near-perfect draw on paper. Sony took the rounds for comfort and features, while JBL won on battery and the bass-heavy sound preference. The decision now comes down to you and your priorities.

Choose the Sony WH-CH520 if:

  • You are a versatile listener who needs clear audio for a mix of music, online classes, and podcasts.

  • You are a master multitasker and the ability to connect to your laptop and phone simultaneously (Multipoint) is a killer feature for you.

  • You prioritize a super-lightweight and gentle fit for long hours of wear.

Choose the JBL Tune 520BT if:

  • You are a music lover who wants a fun, energetic, and bass-forward sound to make your favourite tracks come alive.

  • You want the absolute longest battery life available on the market, period.

  • You prefer a simple, no-fuss headphone that focuses purely on great sound and reliability.


Quick Comparison Table

Feature Sony WH-CH520 JBL Tune 520BT
Sound Signature Winner for Clarity (Balanced & Detailed) Winner for Bass (Fun & Powerful)
Comfort & Build Winner (Slight Edge) - Lighter and gentler fit Excellent, slightly heavier but very comfortable
Battery Life Excellent (50 Hours) Winner - Class-Leading (57 Hours)
Features & Mic Winner - Game-changing Multipoint Connection Basic, but reliable with newer Bluetooth 5.3
Final Verdict Best for Multitasking & Academic Use Best for Music Lovers & Battery Maximizers
Location: India

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