If you want a more immersive on-ear listening experience with Personalized Spatial Audio, choose Beats Solo 4; if you need adjustable sound and practical device switching, choose Sony WH-CH520. For side sleepers, though, neither on-ear design is an obvious fit: both place earcups against the outer ear, so I would look at low-profile in-ear earbuds instead if you sleep on your side every night.
If you want a more immersive on-ear listening experience with Personalized Spatial Audio, choose Beats Solo 4; if you need adjustable sound and practical device switching, choose Sony WH-CH520. For side sleepers, neither on-ear design is an obvious fit: both place earcups against the outer ear, so I would look at low-profile in-ear earbuds instead if you sleep on your side every night.
That distinction matters more than the brand name in this Sony vs Beats headphones comparison. The Beats emphasizes spatial listening and a stable on-ear fit, while the Sony puts more weight on EQ customization, quick charging, calls, and multipoint pairing. Both list up to 50 hours of battery life, so battery endurance alone does not settle the choice.
Beats Solo 4 vs Sony WH-CH520 at a Glance
• Beats Solo 4 strength: Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; trade-off: its on-ear fit may press against the outer ear, a concern for side sleepers.
• Sony WH-CH520 strength: EQ customization, quick charging, and multipoint pairing; trade-off: it does not list the Beats’ Personalized Spatial Audio feature.
• Both: on-ear Bluetooth headphones with up to 50 hours of listed battery life, so neither is designed to avoid earcup contact during sleep.
• Choose Beats Solo 4 if immersive spatial listening and a stable, adjustable fit matter most.
• Choose Sony WH-CH520 if you want to tailor the sound and switch between two connected devices.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-17 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
The Beats Solo 4 is for someone who wants an on-ear Bluetooth headphone focused on an immersive listening feature set. Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking can suit supported content and compatible hardware. Its custom acoustic architecture and updated drivers are designed for powerful sound, while the flex-grip headband and adjustable, angled earcups aim to keep the fit stable.
The listed comfort details include an ultralight ergonomic design and UltraPlush ear cushions intended for comfort and durability. Those features may appeal to someone wearing headphones during a commute, a walk, or a long stretch of music at home. They do not change the basic on-ear design: the cushions sit against the ears rather than around them.
That fit is why I would not choose the Beats specifically for sleeping on my side. Pressure against the outer ear is a practical concern when a pillow pushes the headphone inward. If you are searching for in ear earbuds for side sleepers, this model is a different category, not a substitute. Buy it for its spatial-audio feature and adjustable on-ear fit, not because it is built for sleeping.
The Sony WH-CH520 makes more sense for someone who wants everyday wireless headphones with a few convenience features. Its EQ Custom option in the Sony Headphones Connect app lets you adjust sound to your preference, and DSEE is designed to improve the quality of compressed music files. The built-in microphone supports hands-free calls, and multipoint lets you connect two Bluetooth devices and switch between them.
Battery life is listed as up to 50 hours, with quick charging offering up to 90 minutes of playback from a three-minute charge. That can be useful when you have a short window to top up before leaving. The swivel earcups are intended to make the headphones easier to carry, and the adjustable headband and soft ear pads are meant to support comfortable wear.
Like the Beats, the Sony is on-ear, so its cushion contacts the outer ear. That makes it a questionable choice for side sleeping even though comfort is part of its design. If you need headphones for work calls, moving between a laptop and phone, or listening with a customized EQ, the Sony’s features are more directly relevant. If your main goal is a pillow-friendly fit, I would look beyond both of these models.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for adjusting your sound → Sony WH-CH520. Its app-based EQ lets you select presets or create and save your own.
• Best for switching between two devices → Sony WH-CH520. Multipoint pairing is designed to keep two Bluetooth devices connected for convenient switching.
• Best for quick charging → Sony WH-CH520. The stated quick-charge feature provides up to 90 minutes of playback from three minutes of charging.
• Best for a stable, adjustable on-ear fit → Beats Solo 4. Its flex-grip headband and angled, adjustable earcups are designed to help it stay in place.
• Best for hands-free calls → Sony WH-CH520. It has a built-in microphone for taking calls without holding the phone.
• Best for side sleeping → Neither. Both are on-ear headphones, so the earcup sits against the ear that may be pressed into a pillow.
• Best fit for sound customization and everyday convenience → Sony WH-CH520; best fit for spatial listening → Beats Solo 4.
In my opinion, I’d choose the Sony WH-CH520 for everyday use because EQ customization, multipoint pairing, hands-free calling, and quick charging address several practical situations. The Beats Solo 4 is the more compelling pick if Personalized Spatial Audio is the feature you specifically want.
For side sleepers, I would buy neither as a sleep-focused option. If sleeping comfortably is the priority, I’d search for low-profile in-ear earbuds for side sleepers rather than trying to make an on-ear headphone work against a pillow.
FAQ
Neither has a clear advantage for sleeping on your side. Both are on-ear headphones, meaning the earcups sit against the outer ears and may be pressed by a pillow.
Both list up to 50 hours of battery life. Sony also specifies quick charging: three minutes of charging is stated to provide up to 90 minutes of playback.
It is also an on-ear design, so consider the fit and your intended use when comparing it with the Beats.
I would not recommend either specifically for side sleeping because both use an on-ear fit. Shoppers looking for the best extra bass wireless earbuds for side sleepers should compare in-ear options instead; these two models are headphones, not earbuds.
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