If you want long battery life and an on-ear fit for running, choose Sony WH-CH520; if you need in-ear noise cancellation and sweat- and splashproof earbuds, choose Sudio N3. Sony is my pick for longer listening between charges, while Sudio is the more practical choice when you want a compact fit and noise control. Neither is an open-ear design, so the better choice depends on how you want to wear your audio outdoors.
• Sony WH-CH520’s biggest strength: Up to 50 hours of battery life, plus quick charging. Trade-off: On-ear headphones with no noise control.
• Sudio N3’s biggest strength: In-ear fit, active noise cancellation, and a sweat- and splashproof design. Trade-off: Up to 30 hours of playtime, less than Sony’s stated maximum.
• Sony WH-CH520 is for: Listeners who prioritize long battery life, adjustable sound, and switching between two connected devices.
• Sudio N3 is for: Listeners who prefer earbuds, want noise cancellation, and need a design described as sweat- and splashproof.
The WH-CH520 is an on-ear Bluetooth headphone built around straightforward everyday listening. Its soft ear pads, adjustable headband, lightweight construction, and swivel earcups make it a different proposition from a small in-ear bud: it rests on the ears rather than sitting inside them. The built-in microphone supports hands-free calls, and multipoint connection lets it pair with two devices so you can move between, for example, a laptop and a phone.
Battery life is its standout practical feature. Sony specifies up to 50 hours, with USB-C quick charging that can provide up to 90 minutes of playback from a three-minute charge. The Sony Headphones Connect app also offers EQ customization, and DSEE is intended to improve the sound of compressed music files. Those features make it appealing if you want to tailor your listening rather than rely on a single fixed sound setting.
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
For running, the main question is fit and awareness. These are on-ear headphones, not earbuds, and the listed noise control is “None.” That may suit someone who wants to avoid active noise cancellation and prefers an over-ear-adjacent headband style, but the product information does not describe a sweat- or splashproof rating. If you need in-ear stability or a stated resistance to sweat and splashes, I’d look at Sudio instead. If battery life and app-based EQ matter more, Sony has the clearer case.
The Sudio N3 is an in-ear wireless earbud set with active noise cancellation, silicone eartips in four sizes, and a wireless charging case. Its central appeal is the combination of a compact earbud format and noise control. The eartip options give you a way to choose among different fits, while the in-ear design is a better match than Sony’s on-ear shape for someone who specifically wants earbuds.
Sudio describes the N3 as sweat- and splashproof, which gives it a relevant advantage for workouts and everyday exposure to moisture. It also lists up to 30 hours of playtime and multipoint connection. The earbuds use Bluetooth 5.4, compared with Bluetooth 5 on the Sony, though that version difference alone doesn’t establish which one will sound better or work better in every situation. The case is described as pocket-friendly, and the product is made with 20% recycled plastic.
For running, the N3 has the more workout-oriented combination on paper: an in-ear format, noise cancellation, and sweat- and splashproof construction. But noise cancellation is not automatically what every runner wants. If you run near traffic or other people, you may prefer to stay more aware of your surroundings; the provided product details do not specify a transparency or awareness mode. Choose Sudio if its fit and moisture protection match your needs, but don’t assume that ANC is the right setting for every route.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for longer battery life → Sony WH-CH520. Its stated maximum is up to 50 hours, compared with up to 30 hours for Sudio N3.
• Best for a running-specific moisture feature → Sudio N3. Sudio describes its earbuds as sweat- and splashproof; the Sony details do not give a comparable protection claim.
• Best for an on-ear fit → Sony WH-CH520. Pick it if you prefer cushioned ear pads over silicone eartips.
• Best for an in-ear fit → Sudio N3. It comes with silicone eartips in four sizes, offering a choice of fit.
• Best for adjusting sound in an app → Sony WH-CH520. EQ Custom in Sony’s app lets you use presets or create and save your own.
• Best for pairing with two devices → Either. Both list multipoint connection, so this feature does not settle the choice.
• Best for runners seeking open-ear listening → Neither. Sony is on-ear and Sudio is in-ear; neither is described as an open-ear model.
The phrases “best open ear headphones for running” and “best noise cancelling headphones for running” point to two very different priorities. Neither of these products is open-ear, and only Sudio lists ANC. For runners who want audio while keeping environmental awareness central, the supplied details aren’t enough to call either an ideal open-ear option. Likewise, ANC may help with background noise in some listening settings, but it isn’t automatically an advantage on a route where hearing what’s around you matters.
If you’re searching for the best Bluetooth headset for running, start with the physical design rather than the Bluetooth version number. Sony offers an on-ear headphone with extended stated battery life; Sudio offers an in-ear earbud with stated sweat and splash protection. Those are meaningful differences, but neither product’s specifications provide a running-fit test or a claim that it stays secure during every kind of workout.
I’d choose the Sudio N3 for running if sweat and splash protection and an in-ear fit are my priorities. Its stated ANC is another useful feature, though I’d be deliberate about using noise cancellation outdoors.
If I wanted the longer battery life, an on-ear design, and customizable EQ, I’d choose the Sony WH-CH520 instead. My overall pick for a runner is Sudio, with the important caveat that neither is an open-ear design.
Sudio N3 has the more workout-relevant stated features: an in-ear design and sweat- and splashproof construction. Sony offers longer stated battery life, but the product details don’t list comparable moisture protection.
No. Its listed noise control is none. Sudio N3, by contrast, lists active noise cancellation.
Sony specifies up to 50 hours of battery life, while Sudio specifies up to 30 hours of playtime. Actual listening time can depend on use, and the two stated figures are not the same as a guarantee for every session.
Neither product is described as open-ear, and the supplied details do not specify an awareness or transparency mode for Sudio. Sony lists no noise control, which distinguishes it from Sudio’s ANC, but that alone does not make it an open-ear headphone.
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