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Sony MDR-EX15AP vs Sony WH-CH520

Product A: Sony

MDR-EX15AP

47 of 161 known
Change Sony MDR-EX15AP

Compare the Sony WH-CH520 with

Product B: Sony

WH-CH520

75 of 161 known
Change Sony WH-CH520

Compare the Sony MDR-EX15AP with

77 of 152 fields differ

Download CSVDownload JSON
  • 17 different values
  • 60 known for one only
  • 8 the same
  • 67 missing for both

Biggest differences

Each bar uses the scale of all 149 headsets and headphones.

  1. Driver sizeA: 9mmB: 30mmWH-CH520 is 3.3 times higher.

All 161 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

ASony MDR-EX15AP
BSony WH-CH520

General

7 of 8 differ
Series
EX1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15APRead 16 October 2026Sony lists it with the EX in-ear line, next to MDR-EX15LP, MDR-EX155AP and MDR-EX255AP.
Not available
Model numbers
MDR-EX15AP, MDREX15AP/B, MDR-EX15APB, MDR-EX15APW3Spec databaseik.imagekit.io/pimberly/65707b38e31f5a94719d7ba0/ac2c7722/676b437e4411651d82224243/product-pdfRead 16 October 2026Distributor datasheet for Sony MDR-EX15AP in black, product code MDR-EX15APB.4Spec databaseik.imagekit.io/pimberly/65707b38e31f5a94719d7ba0/27d77da9/676b437f4411651d82224246/product-pdfRead 16 October 2026Same datasheet for the white unit, product code MDR-EX15APW.5Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B00JG2WRUORead 16 October 2026Item details: Model Number MDREX15AP/B, ASIN B00JG2WRUO, sold in the US as the black unit.
YY29581Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Guide cover explicitly identifies the regulatory model.
GTIN / EAN
027242867284, 4905524931235, 4056572581801, 49055249373053Spec databaseik.imagekit.io/pimberly/65707b38e31f5a94719d7ba0/ac2c7722/676b437e4411651d82224243/product-pdfRead 16 October 2026Black datasheet prints EAN 4905524931235 and 4056572581801.4Spec databaseik.imagekit.io/pimberly/65707b38e31f5a94719d7ba0/27d77da9/676b437f4411651d82224246/product-pdfRead 16 October 2026White datasheet prints EAN 4905524937305.5Retailer pageamazon.com/dp/B00JG2WRUORead 16 October 2026Item details: UPC 027242867284 and GTIN 00027242867284.
02724292520511Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1754496-REG/sony_whch520_b_wireless_on_ear_headphones_with.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact Black WHCH520/B product UPC 027242925205. Other colours do not inherit this identifier.
Announced
Not available
21 February 20235Press releasesony.co.uk/presscentre/sony-announces-two-new-headphone-models-the-wh-ch720n-over-ear-and-wh-ch520-on-ear-wireless-headphonesRead 5 October 2026Dated manufacturer release.
Status
Available1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15APRead 16 October 2026Sony Japan page is live with a Sony Store price of 2,200 JPY incl. tax. The list price is open.
Not available
Predecessor
Not available
Not available
Successor
Not available
Sony WH-CH53021Reviewtomsguide.com/audio/headphones/sony-wh-1000xm4c-wh-ch730n-wh-ch530-announcedRead 23 October 2026Tom's Guide says the Sony WH-CH530 succeeds the WH-CH520.22Measurementsoundguys.com/sony-wh-ch530-review-162786Read 23 October 2026SoundGuys calls the WH-CH520 the previous model of the WH-CH530.
Launch price (US)
$19.9911Reviewtechradar.com/audio/earbuds-airpods/sony-mdr-ex15ap-reviewRead 21 October 2026Review text: list price of $19.99 for the MDR-EX15AP. The review was first published in January 2025 and says the model launched in 2014. No launch-dated price source was found.
$59.999Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2023-02-21-Sony-Electronics-announces-two-new-headphone-models-the-WH-CH720N-over-ear-and-WH-CH520-on-ear-wireless-headphones-featuring-Sonys-Digital-Sound-Equipment-EngineRead 7 October 2026Original Sony Electronics release dated February 21, 2023. Pricing and availability explicitly gives WH-CH520 MSRP $59.99. US consumer price excludes sales tax. WH-CH720N price $149.99 is separate.
Launch price (EU)
Not available
€7010Maker product pagecommunity.sony.co.uk/t5/discover-sony/not-one-but-two-new-headphones-launched-this-month/ba-p/3904427Read 7 October 2026February 2023 Sony Community Team launch article. Pricing and availability gives WH-CH520 March 2023 suggested retail price 70 EUR and 60 GBP. Published European consumer price includes VAT. Direct HTTP returned 403. Full public indexed article read through web. Later discounts excluded.
Markets
Not available
US9Press releasesony.mediaroom.com/2023-02-21-Sony-Electronics-announces-two-new-headphone-models-the-WH-CH720N-over-ear-and-WH-CH520-on-ear-wireless-headphones-featuring-Sonys-Digital-Sound-Equipment-EngineRead 7 October 2026Original US release names Sony Electronics, Amazon and Best Buy sales. Other regions and colours do not inherit US part numbers.
Colours
Black, White, Pink, Blue, Aqua Violet1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15APRead 16 October 2026Japanese page lists five colors: black, white, pink, blue and aqua violet. The names are translated from Japanese. EU datasheets say four colors, so not every color is sold in every market.
Pink, Yellow, Blue, Beige, White, Black, One Piece Black, One Piece White4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/headphones/products/wh-ch520/specRead 5 October 2026Public indexed maker specification cells. Direct fetch intermittently unavailable. Current UK spec color table including limited One Piece variants. No color-to-SKU mapping inferred.
Segment
Music3Spec databaseik.imagekit.io/pimberly/65707b38e31f5a94719d7ba0/ac2c7722/676b437e4411651d82224243/product-pdfRead 16 October 2026Datasheet: recommended usage calls and music.
Music5Press releasesony.co.uk/presscentre/sony-announces-two-new-headphone-models-the-wh-ch720n-over-ear-and-wh-ch520-on-ear-wireless-headphonesRead 5 October 2026Introduction music listening on-ear headphones.

Design

4 of 7 differ
Form factor
In-ear1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15APRead 16 October 2026Page title: closed inner-ear receiver.
On-ear5Press releasesony.co.uk/presscentre/sony-announces-two-new-headphone-models-the-wh-ch720n-over-ear-and-wh-ch520-on-ear-wireless-headphonesRead 5 October 2026Introduction explicitly on-ear.
Ear cup enclosure
Closed1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15APRead 16 October 2026Page title and spec table: closed, dynamic type.
Closed3Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-CH520/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Headphone unit type: closed dynamic.
Wearing style
Cable3Spec databaseik.imagekit.io/pimberly/65707b38e31f5a94719d7ba0/ac2c7722/676b437e4411651d82224243/product-pdfRead 16 October 2026Datasheet: wearing style in-ear and cable length 1.2 m.
Headband1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Parts and controls, pages 9-10, labels headband and left/right units.
Folding
Not available
Flat8Reviewlesnumeriques.com/casque-nomade/sony-wh-ch520-p73092/test.htmlRead 5 October 2026Construction section: earcups pivot 90 degrees. Flat swivel does not mean inward hinge.
Swivelling ear cups
Not available
Yes6Maker product pagesony.co.uk/headphones/products/wh-ch520Read 5 October 2026Designed for all-day comfort: swivel earcups.
RGB lighting
Not available
Not available
Lighting zones
Not available
Not available

Drivers and sound

11 of 20 differ
Driver type
Dynamic1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15APRead 16 October 2026Spec table: closed dynamic type.
Dynamic3Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-CH520/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Headphone unit type: closed dynamic.
Driver size
9mm1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15APRead 16 October 2026Spec table: driver unit 9 mm.
30mm3Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-CH520/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Driver unit 30 mm.
Drivers per side
19Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/wired-headphones-in-ear/mdr-ex15ap/specificationsRead 21 October 2026Sony USA and Japan spec tables list one driver unit (9 mm dynamic). No second driver is listed.
111Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1754496-REG/sony_whch520_b_wireless_on_ear_headphones_with.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact Headphone specification table states Number of Drivers 1 per Earpiece. Direct physical count, not inferred from 30 mm diameter.
Diaphragm material
PET9Maker product pagesony.com/electronics/support/wired-headphones-in-ear/mdr-ex15ap/specificationsRead 21 October 2026Sony USA support specifications page: Diaphragm PET.
Not available
Magnet
Neodymium1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15APRead 16 October 2026Spec table: neodymium magnet. Page text: 400 kJ per cubic meter high power neodymium magnet.
Not available
Frequency response (wired or passive)
Min8 HzMax22 kHz2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026Spec table: playback band 8-22,000 Hz. Test method is not stated.
Not available
Wireless audio transmission band
Not available
Min20 HzMax20 kHz1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications: A2DP transmission range at 44.1 kHz sampling. This is not acoustic driver response.
Impedance (passive when specified)
16Ω2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026Spec table: 16 ohm at 1 kHz.
Not available
Sensitivity (passive when specified)
100dB2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026Spec table: 100 dB/mW.
Not available
Sensitivity reference
Per 1 mW2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026Spec table prints dB per mW.
Not available
THD (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Max input power
100mW2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026Spec table: maximum input 100 mW, measured to the IEC standard.
Not available
Max digital audio sample rate
Not available
Not available
Max digital audio bit depth
Not available
Not available
DAC
Not available
Not available
Personalised sound
Not available
Not available
Onboard EQ
Not available
Yes14Press articlesoundguys.com/sony-bluetooth-headphone-control-mac-os-160060Read 7 October 2026July 2026 report lists WH-CH520 among v2 supported devices. It says manual EQ and presets are saved to the headset and need not be reapplied on another device. Applies to Bluetooth playback. CH520 compatibility is developer-reported. Reporter personally tested WH-1000XM5 only. No app platform or ANC features inherited.
Custom EQ bands
Not available
513Reviewwhathifi.com/reviews/sony-wh-ch520Read 7 October 2026Design and features paragraph explicitly states a five-band custom playback equalizer in Headphones Connect. CLEAR BASS control is separate. EQ preset names not stated.
EQ presets
Not available
Not available
Volume limit
Not available
Not available

Spatial audio

1 of 3 differ
Spatial audio support
Not available
360 Reality Audio2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 84 app 360 Reality Audio setup for supported services. Not a bundled paid licence.
Spatial audio licence included
Not available
Not available
Head tracking
Not available
Not available

Noise cancelling

1 of 10 differ
Active noise cancelling
No6Retailer pagejbhifi.co.nz/products/sony-mdr-ex15ap-ex-monitor-in-ear-headphones-blackRead 16 October 2026Retailer specification table: Noise-cancelling False. Sony lists no noise cancelling feature.
No8Reviewlesnumeriques.com/casque-nomade/sony-wh-ch520-p73092/test.htmlRead 5 October 2026Presentation and connectivity sections explicitly say no active noise cancelling. Review firmware 1.0.1 and Headphones Connect 9.3.0.
ANC type
Not available
Not available
ANC microphones
Not available
Not available
Adaptive ANC
Not available
Not available
ANC levels
Not available
Not available
ANC attenuation (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Transparency mode
Not available
No4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/headphones/products/wh-ch520/specRead 5 October 2026Public indexed maker specification cells. Direct fetch intermittently unavailable. General Features: Ambient Sound Mode No.
Adjustable transparency
Not available
Not available
Conversation detection
Not available
Not available
Wind noise reduction
Not available
Not available

Measured

7 of 21 differ
Frequency response notes
Not available
With an ideal fit, bass and lower mids are emphasized. Other midrange harmonics are quieter. A broken seal reduces bass and makes mids and highs more prominent.17Measurementsoundguys.com/sony-wh-ch520-review-98695Read 7 October 2026Public lab frequency-response interpretation under ideal-fit conditions. Tested firmware 1.01, Headphones Connect 8.5, purchased WH-CH520/BZ over four days. Rig, EQ mode and codec not stated in article. Qualitative assessment only. No numeric deviation invented.
Bass amount
Not available
Not available
Treble amount
Not available
Not available
Deviation from target
Not available
Not available
Consistency between fittings
Not available
Not available
Harmonic distortion
Not available
Not available
Sound leakage
Not available
Not available
Measured noise isolation
Not available
Not available
Noise isolation (measured, best)
Not available
Not available
Passive isolation (measured)
Not available
Not available
Mic quality notes
Not available
Voices are clear but can sound thin. The microphone separates speech from moderate background noise. Loud environments can overpower the voice.18Measurementrtings.com/headphones/reviews/sony/wh-ch520-wirelessRead 7 October 2026Public Phone Calls verdict from tested Black WH-CH520, RTINGS methodology v1.5. Review updated April 9, 2024. Bluetooth connection. Codec, firmware, host and speech level not stated in public verdict. Membership-locked numeric results not used.
Mic low-frequency extension
Not available
Not available
Mic high-frequency extension
Not available
Not available
Mic speech-to-noise ratio
Not available
Not available
Measured latency
ASony MDR-EX15AP
Not available
BSony WH-CH520
ConnectionLatency (ms)
Bluetooth224
Source7Reviewlesnumeriques.com/casque-nomade/sony-wh-ch520-p73092/test.htmlRead 5 October 2026Connectivity section: 224 ms measured Bluetooth delay. Codec, host OS and equipment not stated, so platform/codec cells omitted. Firmware 1.0.1, app 9.3.0. Automatic video compensation does not apply to gaming.
Bluetooth latency (measured, worst)
Not available
224ms
2.4 GHz latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Not available
Measured battery life
ASony MDR-EX15AP
Not available
BSony WH-CH520
ConnectionHours (h)
Bluetooth59
Bluetooth55.42
Source7Reviewlesnumeriques.com/casque-nomade/sony-wh-ch520-p73092/test.htmlRead 5 October 2026Runtime section: approximately 59 h at 60% maximum volume using AAC. Tested firmware 1.0.1 and app 9.3.0. ANC absent. Lighting and other app settings not stated. Higher than maker AAC 50 h under this measured volume condition. Published approximation retained, not an invented estimate.19Measurementsoundguys.com/sony-wh-ch520-review-98695Read 7 October 2026Second row is SoundGuys standardized continuous playback result 55 h 25 min, converted exactly to hours. Firmware 1.01, Headphones Connect 8.5, purchased WH-CH520/BZ. Codec, volume and EQ/DSEE settings not stated in article. First row 59 h belongs to existing Les Numeriques AAC test at 60% volume. Distinct methods and conditions. Results are not averaged.
Battery life (measured, max)
Not available
59h
Clamping force
Not available
Not available
Weight (measured)
Not available
147g(5.2 oz)7Reviewlesnumeriques.com/casque-nomade/sony-wh-ch520-p73092/test.htmlRead 5 October 2026Comfort section explicitly 147 g on the scale. Tested firmware 1.0.1, Headphones Connect 9.3.0. Bluetooth-only model with built-in mic and no detachable audio cable.

Microphone

8 of 16 differ
Microphone
In-line1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15APRead 16 October 2026Page text: hands-free calls and music remote control on a smartphone. The microphone sits in the cord remote. Sony Japan and the EU datasheet say inline.3Spec databaseik.imagekit.io/pimberly/65707b38e31f5a94719d7ba0/ac2c7722/676b437e4411651d82224243/product-pdfRead 16 October 2026Datasheet: microphone type in-line.
Built-in1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Parts and controls, pages 9-10, identifies integrated voice/call microphone.
Microphone element
Electret condenser2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026Spec table: electret condenser type.
Not available
Microphone pickup pattern
Omnidirectional8Owner's manualsony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/4466/44662569M.pdfRead 21 October 2026Specifications, Microphone: Directivity omni directional.
Not available
Voice microphones
18Owner's manualsony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/4466/44662569M.pdfRead 21 October 2026The How to use diagram labels one microphone, in the cord remote. The specifications list one microphone.
17Reviewlesnumeriques.com/casque-nomade/sony-wh-ch520-p73092/test.htmlRead 5 October 2026Microphone section explicitly one unique microphone, voice pickup, not inferred from a diagram.
Total microphones
Not available
Not available
Mic frequency response
Min20 HzMax20 kHz2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026Spec table: effective frequency band 20-20,000 Hz.
Not available
Mic sensitivity
-40dB2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026Spec table: open circuit voltage level -40 dB with 0 dB = 1 V per Pa.
Not available
Mic signal-to-noise
Not available
Not available
Mic sample rate
Not available
Not available
Mic noise reduction
Not available
DSP5Press releasesony.co.uk/presscentre/sony-announces-two-new-headphone-models-the-wh-ch720n-over-ear-and-wh-ch520-on-ear-wireless-headphonesRead 5 October 2026Call section explicitly noise suppression processing. AI not claimed.
Flip to mute
Not available
Not available
Mute button
No8Owner's manualsony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/4466/44662569M.pdfRead 21 October 2026The only button is the multi-function button for answer, end, play and pause. No mute button is listed.11Reviewtechradar.com/audio/earbuds-airpods/sony-mdr-ex15ap-reviewRead 21 October 2026Review: the controller only has a play/pause button.
Not available
Mute indicator
Not available
Not available
Sidetone
Not available
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Guide pages 72 and 74 explicitly own voice heard through headset microphone during Bluetooth phone calls. Page 82 also states sidetone during Siri. Adjustment not published.
Adjustable sidetone
Not available
Not available
Foam microphone windscreen
Not available
Not available

Connectivity

14 of 20 differ
Audio connections
Analog2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026Playback goes through the 4-pole 3.5 mm plug. The spec page lists no wireless or USB connection.
Bluetooth1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Bluetooth setup chapters for Android, iPhone, Windows and Mac. Analog playback added separately only where the guide proves it.
Analog source plugs
3.5 mm TRRS2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026Spec table: 4-pole gold-plated L-shaped stereo mini plug. A stereo mini plug is 3.5 mm.
Not available
Cable connector on headset
Fixed cable2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026The 1.2 m litz cord is part of the unit and no headset-side jack is listed.
Not available
Longest included cable
1.2m2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026Spec table: cord length 1.2 m, litz wire, Y type.
0.2m2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 8: sole included cable is approximately 20 cm USB cable.
Headset USB plug or port
Not available
USB-C1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Parts and controls, pages 9-10, USB Type-C charging port.
Audio over USB-C cable
Not available
No1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Charging, pages 15-16: music playback and Bluetooth operations cannot be performed while connected to USB power. The USB port is for charging.
Passive wired listening
Yes2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026The spec page lists no battery, charging or power source. The earphones play from the analog plug alone.
No4Maker product pagesony.co.uk/headphones/products/wh-ch520/specRead 5 October 2026Public indexed maker specification cells. Direct fetch intermittently unavailable. General Features: Passive Operation No, Inputs No.
Wireless receiver
None2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026The spec and accessory lists have no receiver. The model is wired only.
None15Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 7 October 2026Complete package inventory gives headset and USB charging cable. All documented playback routes use Bluetooth. No dedicated proprietary wireless audio dongle. Generic host Bluetooth adapters do not count as dedicated receivers.
Wireless receiver connector
Not available
Not available
Wireless range (claimed)
Not available
10m1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications: approximate 10 m line-of-sight. Obstacles and host conditions affect range.
Bluetooth
Not available
5.21Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications chapter, communication system: Bluetooth 5.2.
Bluetooth codecs
Not available
SBC, AAC1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications chapter: exact supported A2DP codecs, not Bluetooth version capabilities.
LE Audio
Not available
Not available
Auracast
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth multipoint
Not available
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Connecting the headset to 2 devices simultaneously chapter. Streams switch, rather than mix.
Multipoint devices
Not available
21Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Connecting the headset to 2 devices simultaneously chapter, two Bluetooth source devices.
Paired devices remembered
Not available
81Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Android pairing, page 25: up to eight paired devices. The oldest registration is replaced when another is paired.
Mixes 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio
Not available
Not available
Fast pairing
Not available
Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair5Press releasesony.co.uk/presscentre/sony-announces-two-new-headphone-models-the-wh-ch720n-over-ear-and-wh-ch520-on-ear-wireless-headphonesRead 5 October 2026Both models Swift Pair and Fast Pair.
Base station
Not available
Not available

Latency

None of 2 known
Low latency mode
Not available
Not available
Claimed latency
Not available
Not available

Compatibility

2 of 3 differ
Compatible platforms
iOS, Android8Owner's manualsony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/4466/44662569M.pdfRead 21 October 2026Compatible products: use with smartphones. The manual describes operations on iPhone and, with the Smart Key app, on Android OS 4.0 and above. No other platform is named.
Android, iOS, Windows, macOS1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Individual Bluetooth setup chapters explicitly name Android, iPhone, Windows and Mac. No console path inferred.
Connection per platform
ASony MDR-EX15AP
PlatformConnection
iOSAnalog
AndroidAnalog
Source8Owner's manualsony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/4466/44662569M.pdfRead 21 October 2026Analog 4-pole mini plug. Microphone support per platform is not stated for specific models, so it is left out.
BSony WH-CH520
PlatformConnectionMicrophone works
AndroidBluetoothYes
iOSBluetoothYes
WindowsBluetoothYes
macOSBluetoothYes
Source15Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 7 October 2026Exact manual Android and iPhone pairing chapters, call chapters pages 71-76, and computer video-call page 77 naming Windows 10, Windows 11 and Mac. Music uses A2DP. Calls use HFP or HSP with supported host and app selection. Some video apps may not expose the correct microphone profile. USB audio excluded.
Official licence
Not available
Not available

Battery and charging

7 of 13 differ
Battery capacity
Not available
Not available
Swappable battery
Not available
Not available
Batteries included
Not available
Not available
Claimed battery life
ASony MDR-EX15AP
Not available
BSony WH-CH520
ConnectionHours (h)
Bluetooth50
Source2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 17: AAC continuous music 50 h. SBC 45 h is left in notes because table has no codec column. EQ and DSEE shorten runtime. Call 40 h is not playback. ANC not applicable and omitted.
Battery life (claimed, max)
Not available
50h
Battery life with ANC (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Battery life without ANC (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Charging port
None2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026The spec page lists no battery and no charging port.
USB-C1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Charging, pages 15-16: supplied USB-A to USB-C cable.
Full charge time
Not available
180min1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Charging, pages 15-16: approximate time explicitly defined as empty battery to full capacity. Hours converted to minutes.
Quick charge time
Not available
3min2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 17: 3 minutes charging.
Quick charge playback
Not available
1.5h2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 17: about 1.5 h music playback after 3 minutes. Codec unspecified.
Use while charging
Not available
No1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Charging, pages 15-16: connecting USB power turns the headset off and prevents music playback. Passive cable use is not claimed here.
Charging dock or stand
Not available
Not available

Controls

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Controls
In-line remote1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15APRead 16 October 2026Page text: remote control for music. The remote has one multi-function button.3Spec databaseik.imagekit.io/pimberly/65707b38e31f5a94719d7ba0/ac2c7722/676b437e4411651d82224243/product-pdfRead 16 October 2026Datasheet: control type buttons.
Buttons2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 9-10 parts list and playback chapter: three multifunction volume/playback/power buttons.
Volume control
None8Owner's manualsony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/4466/44662569M.pdfRead 21 October 2026The remote has one multi-function button. The manual lists answer and end call, play and pause, and next and previous track on iPhone. It lists no volume keys unless the Smart Key app is installed on an Android phone.11Reviewtechradar.com/audio/earbuds-airpods/sony-mdr-ex15ap-reviewRead 21 October 2026Review: the controller only has a play/pause button, no volume controls.
Buttons2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 9-10 volume +/- buttons.
Game and chat mix
Not available
Not available
Remappable controls
Not available
Not available
Wear detection
Not available
Not available
Voice assistant
Not available
Google app, Siri5Press releasesony.co.uk/presscentre/sony-announces-two-new-headphone-models-the-wh-ch720n-over-ear-and-wh-ch520-on-ear-wireless-headphonesRead 5 October 2026Footnote 2: press play/call button to activate Google or Siri, not wake-word activation.

Comfort and build

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Headband type
Not available
Padded5Press releasesony.co.uk/presscentre/sony-announces-two-new-headphone-models-the-wh-ch720n-over-ear-and-wh-ch520-on-ear-wireless-headphonesRead 5 October 2026Comfort: adjustable headband with padding.
Headband material
Not available
Not available
Frame material
Not available
Not available
Ear cup material
Not available
Plastic8Reviewlesnumeriques.com/casque-nomade/sony-wh-ch520-p73092/test.htmlRead 5 October 2026Construction section: plastic shells.
Ear pad material
Not available
Not available
Replaceable ear pads
Not available
Yes8Reviewlesnumeriques.com/casque-nomade/sony-wh-ch520-p73092/test.htmlRead 5 October 2026Photo caption explicitly says detachable and replaceable cushions. Attachment not inferred.
Ear pad attachment
Not available
Not available
Ear pad opening
Not available
Not available
Ear tips included
S, M, L1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15APRead 16 October 2026Page text: hybrid earpieces S, M and L, two of each.
Not available
Dust and water rating
Not available
Not available
User-replaceable parts
Not available
Ear pads20Reviewlesnumeriques.com/casque-nomade/sony-wh-ch520-p73092/test.htmlRead 7 October 2026Construction photo caption explicitly states the ear cushions are detachable and replaceable. Existing earpad_replaceable true has the same evidence. Attachment mechanism and manufacturer spare-part availability not inferred.

Software

3 of 3 differ
Companion app
Not available
Sony | Sound Connect1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026App chapter page 84. Headphones Connect was renamed Sound Connect in October 2024, as shown on the current guide landing page or maker product page.6Maker product pagesony.co.uk/headphones/products/wh-ch520Read 5 October 2026Current product EQ features name Sony Sound Connect.
App platforms
Not available
Android, iOS1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Installing the app chapter: Google Play and Apple App Store smartphone apps.
User firmware updates
Not available
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026App capabilities page 84: update headset software.

Dimensions and weight

1 of 2 differ
Headset weight
Not available
147g(5.2 oz)1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications: approximate published mass. Detachable cable inclusion is not stated in this guide.
Headset dimensions
Not available
Not available

Certifications

0 of 3 differ
Hi-Res Audio
Not available
Not available
Communication certifications
Not available
Not available
FCC ID
Not available
AK8YY295816Regulatory filingfccid.io/AK8YY2958/Letter/Charge-Mode-Letter-6126147.pdfRead 7 October 2026Original Sony Charge Mode Letter, independently downloaded from public FCCID archive. Subject explicitly names FCC ID AK8YY2958. Maker manual and photographed retail-unit label identify model YY2958 as WH-CH520. Original fcc.report mirror returned 403 during verification. No battery capacity inferred.
Other certifications
Not available
Not available

In the box

2 of 3 differ
In the box
In-ear headphones with inline microphone and remote, Hybrid earpieces in sizes S, M and L, Cord adjuster, Warranty card1Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15APRead 16 October 2026Page text lists hybrid earpieces S, M and L and a cord length adjuster. The spec page adds a warranty card.2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026Accessories table: hybrid earpieces, warranty card and cord adjuster.
Wireless Stereo Headset, USB Type-C cable (USB-A to USB-C)2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 8 package list, no headphone audio cable.
Cables included
ASony MDR-EX15AP
TypeLength (m)Count
Fixed Y-type litz cord with 4-pole 3.5 mm plug1.21
Source2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026The cord is fixed to the earpieces. Y-type cord with a 4-pole L-shaped plug.
BSony WH-CH520
TypeLength (m)Count
USB-A to USB-C charging cable0.21
Source2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 8: one USB-A to USB-C cable, approximate 20 cm.
Carrying case
None2Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/MDR-EX15AP/spec.htmlRead 16 October 2026The accessory list shows earpieces, warranty card and cord adjuster. No case.
None7Reviewlesnumeriques.com/casque-nomade/sony-wh-ch520-p73092/test.htmlRead 5 October 2026Technical characteristics/Construction: Housse de protection fournie=Non, explicitly no supplied protective bag.

Warranty

1 of 1 differ
Manufacturer warranty (source market)
0.25years10Maker spec sheet (PDF)sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/W001/W0012352M.pdfRead 21 October 2026Sony Limited Warranty (U.S. only), Portable Audio, listed on the Sony USA manuals page for this model: a term of ninety (90) days from the original date of purchase. Other markets may differ.
1year11Retailer pagebhphotovideo.com/c/product/1754496-REG/sony_whch520_b_wireless_on_ear_headphones_with.htmlRead 7 October 2026Exact US WHCH520/B Items Included states Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty. Scope is the original US manufacturer term stated by this dealer. Statutory rights and paid plans are separate. Current official Sony warranty PDF was inaccessible. No contrary exact term proved.

Both are also in the API. Back to all headsets and headphones.