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Sony WH-CH520 vs soundcore Q20i

Product A: Sony

WH-CH520

75 of 161 known
Change Sony WH-CH520

Compare the soundcore Q20i with

Product B: soundcore

Q20i

58 of 161 known
Change soundcore Q20i

Compare the Sony WH-CH520 with

67 of 152 fields differ

Download CSVDownload JSON
  • 17 different values
  • 50 known for one only
  • 19 the same
  • 66 missing for both

Biggest differences

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

  1. Quick chargeA: 1.5hB: 4hsoundcore is 2.5 h higher.
  2. Driver sizeA: 30mmB: 40mmsoundcore is 10 mm higher.
  3. Battery life (claimed, max)A: 50hB: 60hsoundcore is 10 h higher.

All 161 fields

Every value links to where we found it.

ASony WH-CH520
Bsoundcore Q20i

General

7 of 8 differ
Series
Not available
Q1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026Listed in the maker headphone range as the Q20i. The Life Q20 is a separate older model.
Model numbers
YY29581Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Guide cover explicitly identifies the regulatory model.
A3004, A3004Z11, A3004Z21, A3004Z31, A3004Z52, A3004G11, A3004G21, A3004G31, A3004G521Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026US store SKUs A3004Z11 Black, A3004Z21 White, A3004Z31 Blue and A3004Z52 Pink. The global and UK stores sell the same colours as A3004G11, A3004G21, A3004G31 and A3004G52 with the same EANs. A3004 is the model number in the maker manual and the EU declaration of conformity.
GTIN / EAN
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.
194644127008, 194644187309, 194644135720, 1946442383601Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026Barcodes of the four US store variants, which the UK store repeats for the G-code SKUs.
Announced
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.
Not available
Status
Not available
Available1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026The US store lists Blue and White as available and Pink and Black as sold out on 2026-10-15. The product is on sale at $69.99.
Predecessor
Not available
Not available
Successor
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.
Not available
Launch price (US)
$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.
Not available
Launch price (EU)
€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.
Not available
Markets
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.
Not available
Colours
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.
Black, White, Blue, Pink1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026Colour options Blue, Pink, White and Black. The US store option name is spelled BIue, which is read as Blue.
Segment
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.
Music1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026Sold as noise cancelling headphones for commuting, travel and work. The page has no gaming or studio positioning.

Design

3 of 7 differ
Form factor
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.
Over-ear6Spec databaseifixit.com/Device/Anker_Soundcore_Q20iRead 15 October 2026Background: over-ear Bluetooth headphone.8Reviewrobbsutton.com/soundcore-by-anker-q20i-hybrid-active-reviewRead 15 October 2026Review describes an over-ear design with memory foam ear cups and an adjustable headband.
Ear cup enclosure
Closed3Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-CH520/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Headphone unit type: closed dynamic.
Closed5Spec databasesoundguys.com/product/anker-soundcore-q20i-hybridRead 15 October 2026Acoustic design: closed-back.
Wearing style
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.
Headband5Spec databasesoundguys.com/product/anker-soundcore-q20i-hybridRead 15 October 2026Headband type: adjustable over-head.
Folding
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.
Not available
Swivelling ear cups
Yes6Maker product pagesony.co.uk/headphones/products/wh-ch520Read 5 October 2026Designed for all-day comfort: swivel earcups.
Not available
RGB lighting
Not available
Not available
Lighting zones
Not available
Not available

Drivers and sound

5 of 20 differ
Driver type
Dynamic3Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-CH520/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Headphone unit type: closed dynamic.
Dynamic1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026The page says oversized 40mm dynamic drivers with BassUp technology.
Driver size
30mm3Maker product pagesony.jp/headphone/products/WH-CH520/spec.htmlRead 5 October 2026Driver unit 30 mm.
40mm1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026
Drivers per side
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.
15Spec databasesoundguys.com/product/anker-soundcore-q20i-hybridRead 15 October 2026Driver count: 1.
Diaphragm material
Not available
Not available
Magnet
Not available
Not available
Frequency response (wired or passive)
Not available
Not available
Wireless audio transmission band
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.
Not available
Impedance (passive when specified)
Not available
16Ω2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026SPECS table: Impedance 16 ohm. The manual names no power state.
Sensitivity (passive when specified)
Not available
Not available
Sensitivity reference
Not available
Not available
THD (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Max input power
Not available
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
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.
Not available
Custom EQ bands
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.
Not available
EQ presets
Not available
Not available
Volume limit
Not available
Not available

Spatial audio

1 of 3 differ
Spatial audio support
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.
Not available
Spatial audio licence included
Not available
Not available
Head tracking
Not available
Not available

Noise cancelling

5 of 10 differ
Active noise cancelling
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.
Yes1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling. The page claims it reduces up to 90 percent of noise such as planes and car engines. That is a percentage claim and is not stored as dB.
ANC type
Not available
Hybrid1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling with internal and external microphones.
ANC microphones
Not available
41Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 20262 internal and 2 external mics work in tandem to detect external noise. This counts the ANC microphones only. The page does not say which microphone picks up the voice on calls.
Adaptive ANC
Not available
Not available
ANC levels
Not available
Not available
ANC attenuation (claimed)
Not available
Not available
Transparency mode
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.
Yes1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026Transparency mode is one of the 3 modes ANC, Normal and Transparency.
Adjustable transparency
Not available
Not available
Conversation detection
Not available
Not available
Wind noise reduction
Not available
No5Spec databasesoundguys.com/product/anker-soundcore-q20i-hybridRead 15 October 2026Wind noise reduction: no.

Measured

7 of 21 differ
Frequency response notes
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.
Not available
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
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.
Not available
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 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.
Bsoundcore Q20i
Not available
Bluetooth latency (measured, worst)
224ms
Not available
2.4 GHz latency (measured, worst)
Not available
Not available
Measured battery life
ASony 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.
Bsoundcore Q20i
Not available
Battery life (measured, max)
59h
Not available
Clamping force
Not available
Not available
Weight (measured)
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.
Not available

Microphone

3 of 16 differ
Microphone
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.
Built-in5Spec databasesoundguys.com/product/anker-soundcore-q20i-hybridRead 15 October 2026Microphone: yes, a built-in array. No boom is listed.6Spec databaseifixit.com/Device/Anker_Soundcore_Q20iRead 15 October 2026Built-in microphone on the ear cup.
Microphone element
Not available
Not available
Microphone pickup pattern
Not available
Not available
Voice microphones
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.
Not available
Total microphones
Not available
Not available
Mic frequency response
Not available
Not available
Mic sensitivity
Not available
Not available
Mic signal-to-noise
Not available
Not available
Mic sample rate
Not available
Not available
Mic noise reduction
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.
Not available
Flip to mute
Not available
Not available
Mute button
Not available
Not available
Mute indicator
Not available
Not available
Sidetone
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.
Not available
Adjustable sidetone
Not available
Not available
Foam microphone windscreen
Not available
Not available

Connectivity

10 of 20 differ
Audio connections
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.
Bluetooth, Analog2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026Bluetooth pairing and wired listening with a 3.5mm AUX cable. Wired listening turns Bluetooth off.
Analog source plugs
Not available
3.5 mm TRS3Maker product pageankerjapan.com/blogs/faq/a3004-soundcore-q20iRead 15 October 2026The included AUX cable has no microphone, so it is a 3.5 mm stereo (TRS) plug. The page does not name the plug type.
Cable connector on headset
Not available
3.5 mm2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026Wired listening page: plug a 3.5mm AUX cable into the headphones. Wired listening turns Bluetooth off and disables ANC. The manual does not say whether the cable is detachable at the headset end, so the jack is recorded and not a fixed cable.
Longest included cable
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.
Not available
Headset USB plug or port
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.
USB-C2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026USB-C charging port. It is not used for audio.
Audio over USB-C cable
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.
Not available
Passive wired listening
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.
Not available
Wireless receiver
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.
None2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026The manual describes Bluetooth only and names no dongle or receiver.
Wireless receiver connector
Not available
Not available
Wireless range (claimed)
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.
10m2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026SPECS table: Bluetooth range 10 m / 32.8 ft. No conditions are given. The 2026 guide says 15 m.7Reviewouteraudio.com/soundcore-q20-vs-q20iRead 15 October 2026The page says a range of up to 10 meters.
Bluetooth
5.21Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications chapter, communication system: Bluetooth 5.2.
5.01Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026Connect to two devices simultaneously with Bluetooth 5.0. A newer 2026 maker guide for the Q20i prints Bluetooth 5.3, see the doubts. The store page and the older manual both say 5.0.2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026SPECS table: Bluetooth version 5.0.7Reviewouteraudio.com/soundcore-q20-vs-q20iRead 15 October 2026The page says Bluetooth 5.0.
Bluetooth codecs
SBC, AAC1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Specifications chapter: exact supported A2DP codecs, not Bluetooth version capabilities.
Not available
LE Audio
Not available
Not available
Auracast
Not available
Not available
Bluetooth multipoint
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.
Yes1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026Dual-Connections: connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them.2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026Dual connections: the headphones can connect with two devices at the same time.3Maker product pageankerjapan.com/blogs/faq/a3004-soundcore-q20iRead 15 October 2026Multipoint pairing with two devices. Only one plays at a time.
Multipoint devices
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.
21Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026Two devices at the same time.
Paired devices remembered
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.
Not available
Mixes 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth audio
Not available
Not available
Fast pairing
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.
Not available
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
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.
Not available
Connection per platform
ASony 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.
Bsoundcore Q20i
Not available
Official licence
Not available
Not available

Battery and charging

8 of 13 differ
Battery capacity
Not available
800mAh2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026SPECS table: Battery capacity 800 mAh.
Swappable battery
Not available
Not available
Batteries included
Not available
Not available
Claimed battery life
ASony 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.
Bsoundcore Q20i
ConnectionANCHours (h)
BluetoothNo60
BluetoothYes40
Source1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 202640 hours with ANC on and 60 hours in normal mode. The playback codec is not stated. The Anker Japan FAQ names the test conditions.2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026SPECS table: Playtime with ANC off up to 60 hours, with ANC on up to 40 hours.3Maker product pageankerjapan.com/blogs/faq/a3004-soundcore-q20iRead 15 October 2026About 40 hours with ANC on and about 60 hours with ANC off over Bluetooth. Anker's tests used default settings, standard mode and 50 percent volume.
Battery life (claimed, max)
50h
60h
Battery life with ANC (claimed)
Not available
40h
Battery life without ANC (claimed)
Not available
60h
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.
USB-C2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026Charging page: USB-C charging port and a certified USB-C charging cable.
Full charge time
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.
90min2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026SPECS table: Charging time 90 minutes. The Anker Japan FAQ also says about 90 minutes. The 2026 maker guide for the Q20i and Q11i says 2 hours, see the doubts.3Maker product pageankerjapan.com/blogs/faq/a3004-soundcore-q20iRead 15 October 2026Anker Japan FAQ, in Japanese: full charge takes about 90 minutes.
Quick charge time
3min2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Page 17: 3 minutes charging.
5min1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026Fast charge for 5 mins to get an extra 4 hours of playtime.2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026Charging diagram: 5 min = 4 hr.
Quick charge playback
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.
4h1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026Fast charge for 5 mins to get an extra 4 hours of playtime.2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026Charging diagram: 5 min = 4 hr.
Use while charging
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.
No2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026Charging page: Do not turn on your headphones while charging.
Charging dock or stand
Not available
Not available

Controls

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Controls
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.
Buttons2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026Button controls table: multi-function button, volume buttons and an NC button. No touch controls are listed.
Volume control
Buttons2Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026Pages 9-10 volume +/- buttons.
Buttons2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026Volume up and volume down are single presses of separate buttons.
Game and chat mix
Not available
Not available
Remappable controls
Not available
Not available
Wear detection
Not available
No5Spec databasesoundguys.com/product/anker-soundcore-q20i-hybridRead 15 October 2026Auto pause: no.
Voice assistant
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.
Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri3Maker product pageankerjapan.com/blogs/faq/a3004-soundcore-q20iRead 15 October 2026A long press of the NC button for 2 seconds activates the voice assistant. The assistant names come from the SoundGuys listing.5Spec databasesoundguys.com/product/anker-soundcore-q20i-hybridRead 15 October 2026Voice assistant support: Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri.

Comfort and build

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Headband type
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.
Padded5Spec databasesoundguys.com/product/anker-soundcore-q20i-hybridRead 15 October 2026Headband type: adjustable over-head, material plastic with padding.
Headband material
Not available
Plastic with padding5Spec databasesoundguys.com/product/anker-soundcore-q20i-hybridRead 15 October 2026Headband material: plastic with padding.
Frame material
Not available
Plastic5Spec databasesoundguys.com/product/anker-soundcore-q20i-hybridRead 15 October 2026Chassis primary material: plastic.
Ear cup material
Plastic8Reviewlesnumeriques.com/casque-nomade/sony-wh-ch520-p73092/test.htmlRead 5 October 2026Construction section: plastic shells.
Not available
Ear pad material
Not available
Memory foam5Spec databasesoundguys.com/product/anker-soundcore-q20i-hybridRead 15 October 2026Ear pad type: memory foam. The ear cup material row reads memory foam and PU leather.
Replaceable ear pads
Yes8Reviewlesnumeriques.com/casque-nomade/sony-wh-ch520-p73092/test.htmlRead 5 October 2026Photo caption explicitly says detachable and replaceable cushions. Attachment not inferred.
Yes6Spec databaseifixit.com/Device/Anker_Soundcore_Q20iRead 15 October 2026The device page lists an Ear Pads replacement guide. The Q20i battery and LED diffuser guides begin with removing an ear pad.
Ear pad attachment
Not available
Clip6Spec databaseifixit.com/Device/Anker_Soundcore_Q20iRead 15 October 2026The iFixit guides remove the ear pad by prying it out of the groove where it meets the driver assembly until it releases around the whole perimeter. No screws or glue are mentioned, so it is read as a press-fit pad.
Ear pad opening
Not available
Not available
Ear tips included
Not available
Not available
Dust and water rating
Not available
Not available
User-replaceable parts
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.
Not available

Software

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Companion app
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.
soundcore1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026Download the soundcore app for customizable EQ, 22 presets and the 3 listening modes.
App platforms
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.
Android, iOS2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026The manual shows the Google Play and Apple App Store marks for the soundcore app.
User firmware updates
Yes1Owner's manualhelpguide.sony.net/mdr/2958/v1/en/print.pdfRead 5 October 2026App capabilities page 84: update headset software.
Yes2Owner's manualeasylounge.com/cdn/shop/files/17ac7872e3ce323838aedd78694dbcb5901d6ab1_SOUNDCQ20I_01_notice.pdfRead 15 October 2026Firmware update page: the soundcore app tells you when a new firmware version is found.

Dimensions and weight

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Headset weight
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.
Not available
Headset dimensions
Not available
Not available

Certifications

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Hi-Res Audio
Not available
Hi-Res Audio1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026Compatible with Hi-Res certified audio via the AUX cable. iFixit also lists Hi-Res Audio certification. Stored as the wired Hi-Res Audio mark.6Spec databaseifixit.com/Device/Anker_Soundcore_Q20iRead 15 October 2026Background lists hi-res audio certification.
Communication certifications
Not available
Not available
FCC ID
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.
Not available
Other certifications
Not available
TCO Certified1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026TCO Certified.

In the box

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In the box
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.
Q20i headphones, USB-C cable, AUX cable1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026The page image alt text reads: bluetooth headphones with USB-C cable and AUX cable included. No full box list is printed. Cable lengths and a pouch are not stated.
Cables included
ASony 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.
Bsoundcore Q20i
TypeCount
USB-C charging cable1
AUX cable1
Source1Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/products/q20-hybrid-active-noise-cancelling-headphonesRead 15 October 2026USB-C cable and AUX cable per the page image alt text.
Carrying 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.
Not available

Warranty

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Manufacturer warranty (source market)
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.
1.5years4Maker product pageus.soundcore.com/pages/warrantyRead 15 October 2026US warranty page: quality-related defects on all headphone series are covered by an 18-month warranty from the date of purchase. The same page covers every Q20i colour. Statutory warranties in other markets can be longer.

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