Sony WH-CH510 Wireless Headphones: Features, Battery Life and Buying Guide

The Sony WH-CH510 Wireless Headphones are lightweight Bluetooth headphones designed for everyday listening, phone calls and portable use. With up to 35 hours of music playback, Bluetooth 5.0, a built-in microphone and a compact on-ear design, they provide a straightforward wireless listening experience without the complexity of more expensive models.

For listeners looking for affordable wireless headphones for music, podcasts, videos and calls, the WH-CH510 offers several useful features. However, they do not include active noise cancellation or a wired 3.5 mm connection, so understanding their strengths and limitations is important before buying.

Sony WH-CH510 Key Features

The Sony WH-CH510 combines a relatively simple design with practical everyday features. The headphones use 30 mm dynamic drivers and support a Bluetooth frequency response of 20 Hz–20,000 Hz. They support both SBC and AAC audio codecs.

The headphones are also designed to be lightweight. Sony lists the weight at approximately 132 grams, making them considerably lighter than many larger over-ear headphones. The on-ear, supra-aural design sits directly on the ears rather than surrounding them.

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Bluetooth 5.0 Connectivity

The WH-CH510 uses Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless audio and has an effective range of approximately 10 metres under line-of-sight conditions. This makes them suitable for connecting to compatible smartphones, tablets, laptops and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

The wireless design also eliminates the need for an audio cable during normal use. One limitation is that the headphones are Bluetooth-only and do not include a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

Sony WH-CH510 Battery Life

Battery life is one of the main attractions of the Sony WH-CH510 wireless headphones. Sony rates them for up to 35 hours of continuous music playback on a full charge. Talk time is rated at up to 30 hours, while standby time can reach up to 200 hours.

Charging takes approximately 4.5 hours for a full charge. The headphones use a USB Type-C charging connection, and Sony states that a 10-minute quick charge can provide approximately 90 minutes of playback.

Actual battery performance can vary depending on volume, connection conditions, device settings and other factors, so the advertised maximum should be viewed as a manufacturer rating rather than a guarantee of everyday usage.

Sound Quality and Everyday Listening

The 30 mm dynamic drivers are intended to provide a balanced listening experience for common content such as music, podcasts and video. Independent testing by RTINGS found the WH-CH510’s bass and mid-range response to be relatively well balanced, although some vocals and instruments could sound less prominent because of limitations in the treble response.

The headphones therefore make more sense for general-purpose listening than for someone specifically seeking advanced audiophile features or extensive sound customisation.

Built-In Microphone and Voice Assistant Support

The WH-CH510 includes a built-in microphone for hands-free phone calls. Users can also access compatible voice assistant functions through a connected smartphone. Sony specifies compatibility with Google Assistant on Android through the Google app and Siri on iPhone.

Call performance is adequate for basic conversations, although independent testing has found microphone performance less impressive in noisy environments.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages?

Advantages

• Up to 35 hours of rated music playback
• Lightweight 132 g design
• Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
• USB Type-C charging
• Built-in microphone for hands-free calls
• Support for AAC and SBC codecs
• Physical controls for playback and volume
• Compact swivel earcups for easier storage

Disadvantages

The WH-CH510 does not provide active noise cancellation (ANC). Its on-ear design also provides limited passive isolation compared with headphones specifically designed for blocking outside noise. Independent testing similarly found limited isolation from surrounding sounds and noted that the headphones can leak some audio.

The headphones also cannot be used with a traditional wired audio connection because there is no 3.5 mm jack.

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Who Should Buy the Sony WH-CH510?

The Sony WH-CH510 can be considered by people who want lightweight wireless headphones for everyday use without needing advanced features. They may suit students, commuters, casual music listeners and people who primarily use headphones with smartphones or laptops.

They are less suitable for someone who specifically needs active noise cancellation, strong isolation in noisy environments, wired connectivity or specialised gaming features.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Sony WH-CH510 battery last?
Sony rates the headphones for up to 35 hours of continuous music playback on a full charge.

Does the Sony WH-CH510 have noise cancellation?
No. The WH-CH510 does not have active noise cancellation.

Can the WH-CH510 be used for phone calls?
Yes. The headphones have a built-in microphone for hands-free calling.

Can you use the Sony WH-CH510 with a cable?
No. The WH-CH510 is Bluetooth-only and does not have a 3.5 mm audio input.

Conclusion

The Sony WH-CH510 Wireless Headphones focus on the essentials: wireless Bluetooth connectivity, lightweight construction, built-in calling functionality and long battery life. Their limitations, particularly the absence of ANC and wired connectivity, should be considered alongside their relatively straightforward feature set. For everyday listening, checking the current price and comparing the WH-CH510 with newer alternatives can help determine whether it fits your needs.

Ready to compare your options? Check the current specifications, price and available colours before purchasing to make sure the WH-CH510 matches your listening requirements.