I swapped my AirPods for these bargain Sony headphones - and I'm never going back

North Wales Live

3 days ago

A top-quality pair of headphones is a must-have travel accessory, turning every journey into a personalised audio experience. Whether it's soaking up the sun on a golden beach or making a lengthy flight more enjoyable, high-end headphones are essential for me, allowing me to immerse myself in my favourite music, podcasts or audiobooks without disturbance.
I'm rather partial to my Airpods - their sleek design, immersive sound and futuristic charging case are all attractive features - however, I do have a habit of misplacing them. After saying farewell to yet another solitary Airpod, lost somewhere between my house and the gym, I decided that perhaps they're just not the right choice for me.
In search of an alternative, I stumbled upon the Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones on Amazon.
Currently reduced to £33.99 from their original price of £45, these wireless headphones are durable, stylish and frankly, a real bargain.
On-ear headphones may not have the trendy appeal of Airpods, but that doesn't bother me at all. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
These affordable Sony headphones deliver a rich, resonant sound complete with deep bass, providing a truly enveloping auditory experience.
While they may not offer high-end features such as noise-cancelling technology like some more expensive models, the sound quality is so outstanding you wouldn't even notice the difference, reports Birmingham Live.
According to Amazon, these headphones feature Sony's Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) which enhances compressed music files for a clearer, more detailed sound.
Additionally, there's the Sony Connect app that allows me to fine-tune the sound quality using the 5-band EQ, which is straightforward even for someone not tech-savvy like myself.
The sound quality is impressive - it feels immersive while also being clear and sharp.
The bass really comes into its own when I'm hitting the treadmill with some classic house tunes, and the enhanced audio is dynamic enough for enjoying podcasts and audiobooks on the move.
Unlike older models, these headphones are incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear.
The padding on each earpiece is soft and, thankfully, doesn't cause any discomfort or sweating, and they're available in a variety of stylish colours, including the blue pair that I opted for.
Perhaps the standout feature of these headphones for me is the exceptional battery life, offering up to 50 hours of use on a single charge. Incredibly practical, I can go an entire week without needing to recharge them, which is a significant improvement from the daily charging my previous Airpods required.
I would highly recommend these, but other affordable yet high-quality alternatives include the JBL Tune 770NC Over-Ear Wireless Headphones, currently priced at £59 on Argos.
With adaptive noise cancelling and clear audio, customers have praised them as 'great for daily use'.
Alternatively, the Sennheiser ACCENTUM Wireless Bluetooth Headphones deliver premium quality audio for £99.
Audio enthusiasts adore the integrated 5 Band EQ and customisable sound modes, describing them as 'the finest headphones for the money'.
Bargain seekers who have secured the £32 Sony Wireless Headphones have given them an outstanding 4.5 out of five stars from an remarkable total of over 31,000 reviews.
One delighted buyer commented "These headphones are a dream - lightweight, comfy on the ears, and surprisingly powerful for the price.
"I bought them for everyday use (think housework, focus time, and a bit of escapism while hiding from the chaos), and they absolutely deliver."
Another purchaser lauded them as "Shockingly good for the price," adding: "I didn't expect much if I'm honest but these headphones blew me away - sound is clear, bass is nice without being all muddy and the battery lasts well - comfortable too - even after hours, ears don't feel wrecked.
"Bluetooth connects straight away. For the price, amazing value - would buy again in a heartbeat."
Yet another simply declared: "A hit! The sound quality is excellent - clear highs, deep bass - and they're super comfortable for long listening sessions."
However, not all feedback was positive concerning the affordable Sony headphones, with one customer noting: " Uncomfortable for long duration use, fine for shorter uses."
They added: "Sound quality is average for Sony, this head set feels and looks cheap unfortunately."
Overall, an impressive 74% of Amazon shoppers have given the Sony Wireless Headphones a five-star rating.
One delighted purchaser commented: "I absolutely love these headphones - they are the best wireless headphones I've owned.
"I have charged them twice and used them to watch films, listen to music and for phone calls. They are brilliant, the battery is just incredible.
"The quality of the sound is also brilliant - plus you can change sound settings in the app. Also you can connect to two devices! They are very comfortable too."