Over-Ear
Sennheiser HD 400
82Great
$77
Full review dataSennheiser HD 400 vs Sony WH-CH520: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Sennheiser HD 400 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Sennheiser HD 400 - Great overall at around $77.
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.
Sennheiser HD 400
Sound8.5
Value8.0
Sony WH-CH520
Sound7.0
Battery9.0
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | Sennheiser HD 400 | Sony WH-CH520 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $77 | $59 |
| HearWiki score | 82 / 100 · Great | 72 / 100 · Good |
| Released | - | 2023 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Sennheiser dynamic drivers | 11.82 in |
| Driver size | 40 mm | 30 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | - |
| Frequency response | 18Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 120 Ω | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | 5.2 |
| Bluetooth version | - | 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 | 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 | - | supported |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 240 g | 147 g |
| Water resistance | none | none |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 1 | - |
What reviewers said
Sennheiser HD 400
These over-ear Sennheiser headphones are built around a neutral, open-back design aimed at studio work, delivering a wide soundstage and detailed, transparent audio for critical listening. They are lightweight and comfortable for long sessions, with a high-impedance driver setup that helps maintain low distortion, though they lack isolation and come without a carry case. Wired connectivity via USB-C and detachable cables adds versatility, but the open-back nature means sound leaks both ways.
- Pro:Accurate, transparent sound with wide soundstage
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
- Pro:Detachable cables and USB-C connectivity
- Con:No included carry case or spare ear pads
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
- Con:High impedance may require a dedicated amplifier for best results
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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