Over-Ear
Philips Fidelio X2
78Great
$120
Full review dataPhilips Fidelio X2 vs Sony WH-CH520: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Philips Fidelio X2 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Philips Fidelio X2 - Great overall at around $115.
Over-Ear
Sony WH-CH520
72Good
$59
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Philips Fidelio X2
Sound8.0
Value8.0
Sony WH-CH520
Sound7.0
Battery9.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Philips Fidelio X2 | Sony WH-CH520 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $120 | $59 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2014 | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | - |
| Driver size | 50 mm | 30 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | - |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz - 40 kHz | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
| Impedance | 30 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 100 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.2 |
| Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Wireless range | - | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | - | 50 h |
| Full charge time | - | 180 min |
| Quick charge | - | 3 min = ? |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | buttons | buttons |
| Voice assistant | - | Yes |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 380 g | 147 g |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | - | Yes |
What reviewers said
Philips Fidelio X2
The Philips Fidelio X2 are open-back over-ear headphones that deliver a smooth, balanced sound with a warm tilt and satisfying low-end punch, all wrapped in a highly comfortable and well-built design. They're easy to drive thanks to their low impedance and high sensitivity, making them a versatile pick for both home listening and portable use, though they face stiff competition in their price range. While not the last word in audiophile refinement, they offer strong performance and value for most listeners.
- Pro:Comfortable and well-padded design
- Pro:Punchy bass with a warm, spacious sound
- Pro:Easy to drive from most devices
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers little isolation
- Con:Faces stiff competition from other high-end models
- Con:Not fully resolving for critical audiophiles
Sony WH-CH520
The Sony WH-CH520 is a budget-friendly wireless headphone that prioritizes long battery life and reliable Bluetooth performance. While it lacks active noise cancellation and premium features, it delivers a decent, neutral sound that suits everyday listening. Its lightweight design and multipoint pairing make it a practical choice for those seeking a simple, affordable headset.
- Pro:Exceptional 40-hour battery life
- Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
- Pro:Multipoint Bluetooth pairing for easy switching
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Limited to SBC and AAC codecs
- Con:No wired connection option
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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