If you want wireless freedom and long battery life for running, choose SONY WH-CH520; if you need a wired, splash-resistant fit, choose Sudio V3.
The main difference is not just Sony versus Sudio: these are different kinds of headphones. Sony is wireless, on-ear, and built for listening across long stretches; Sudio is wired, in-ear, and made for a direct connection and a more secure-feeling fit.
• SONY WH-CH520’s biggest strength: up to 50 hours of battery life, plus Bluetooth multipoint for two paired devices; its trade-off is that it has no noise-control feature.
• Sudio V3’s biggest strength: a wired USB-C connection, in-ear design, and IPX4 splash resistance; its trade-off is that the cable limits movement and it has no battery-free wireless option.
• Sony’s on-ear fit has soft ear pads, a cushioned headband, and swivel earcups; Sudio’s in-ear fit is designed to sit securely and isolate sound.
• Sony suits listeners who want wireless music, calls, and device switching.
• Sudio suits listeners who prefer wired simplicity, physical buttons, and splash resistance.
The WH-CH520 is the more flexible pick if you want Bluetooth headphones for music, podcasts, and calls without plugging into a phone. Its stated battery life is up to 50 hours, and quick charging can provide up to 90 minutes of playback from a three-minute charge. That combination can reduce how often you need to think about charging, especially if you use headphones on commutes, during work, and at home.
Its on-ear design uses soft ear pads, a head cushion, and an adjustable headband. The earcups swivel, too, which gives them a more compact position for carrying. Sony lists the headphones at 147 g. In everyday terms, the design is aimed at comfortable extended listening, but it still rests on the ears rather than sitting inside them. Fit preference matters: some listeners will like that, while others specifically want an in-ear style.
Bluetooth multipoint is useful if you move between a laptop and phone. The headphones can connect to two devices at once, making it easier to switch from something playing on one device to a call on the other. A built-in microphone supports hands-free calls. Sony also offers app-based EQ customization, saved sound presets, and DSEE processing for compressed music files. Those features give you some control over playback, though the listed noise control is none.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-18 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
Who should skip it: Skip the WH-CH520 if you need a wired USB-C connection, an in-ear fit, or stated splash resistance for your routine.
The Sudio V3 takes a simpler route: it is a wired, in-ear pair with a USB-C connector, so there is no headphone battery to recharge. That can suit someone who wants to plug in and listen without managing Bluetooth pairing or keeping another device charged. The trade-off is equally straightforward: the cable connects you to the device, so it is less convenient when you want to move freely or switch between devices.
Its in-ear design is described as secure-fitting and sound-isolating. The earbuds are intended to reduce sound leakage and create a more private listening experience. They use 10 mm dynamic drivers and include a built-in microphone for calls or online meetings. Physical push buttons give you a direct way to control playback, rather than requiring a wireless connection or relying only on a phone’s controls.
For active use, the V3’s IPX4 splash resistance is a meaningful detail. It indicates a design intended to handle splashes, but it does not establish that the earbuds are waterproof or suitable for submersion. The braided cable is designed to resist tangling and is described as flexible and durable for daily use. Together, those features make the V3 a plausible choice for a walk or an uncomplicated workout, provided you are comfortable managing a cable.
Who should skip it: Skip the V3 if you want wireless freedom, Bluetooth multipoint, or a long-lasting rechargeable battery for listening between charges.
• Best for wireless listening → SONY WH-CH520. Bluetooth means there is no cable connecting the headphones to your phone or computer.
• Best for avoiding headphone charging → Sudio V3. It is wired, so it does not need a headphone battery or charging routine.
• Best for long listening between charges → SONY WH-CH520. Sony specifies up to 50 hours of battery life and quick charging.
• Best for a direct USB-C connection → Sudio V3. Its cable connects through USB-C, while Sony’s listed connection is wireless Bluetooth.
• Best for switching between a phone and laptop → SONY WH-CH520. Multipoint supports connection to two Bluetooth devices at once.
• Best for a close-fitting, sound-isolating design → Sudio V3. Its in-ear shape is intended to fit securely and reduce sound leakage.
• Best for stated splash resistance → Sudio V3. It is rated IPX4; Sony’s provided specifications do not state a water-resistance rating.
• Best for adjusting sound through an app → SONY WH-CH520. Sony’s Headphones Connect app provides EQ presets and lets you save custom settings.
For running, neither design is a universal answer. The Sudio V3’s secure in-ear fit and IPX4 splash resistance may appeal if you want wired earbuds for a run. Sony may suit you better if cutting the cable matters more and you prefer an on-ear fit, but its listed features do not include splash resistance. Neither product is described as a noise-cancelling model: Sony lists no noise control, while Sudio specifies sound isolation rather than active noise cancellation.
I would choose the SONY WH-CH520 for everyday use because its wireless connection, multipoint pairing, microphone, and up-to-50-hour battery make it the more adaptable option. For running, though, I would favor the Sudio V3 if I wanted a secure in-ear fit and splash resistance and did not mind a cable. In my opinion, Sony is the stronger all-purpose pick, while Sudio makes more sense for a narrower wired-earbud use case.
Before choosing, decide whether your main frustration is a cable or charging. The V3 avoids battery management, but its USB-C cable remains attached to your device. The WH-CH520 removes that tether, yet it needs charging eventually. These are different conveniences, not interchangeable versions of the same setup.
Fit should come next. Sony rests on the ears, with soft pads and an adjustable headband. Sudio sits inside the ears and is designed for a secure fit with sound isolation. If you specifically want the best open ear headphones for running, neither product is described as open-ear: Sony is on-ear and Sudio is in-ear. Likewise, shoppers looking for the best noise cancelling headphones for running should note that the provided Sony specifications list no noise control, and Sudio’s sound isolation should not be confused with active noise cancellation.
Think about where you listen, too. Multipoint gives Sony a practical advantage for someone who alternates between two Bluetooth devices. Sudio’s physical buttons and wired connection may appeal if you want straightforward controls and do not need that switching. The V3’s IPX4 rating speaks to splash resistance; it does not mean the product can be submerged. Sony’s listed specifications do not provide an equivalent water-resistance claim.
Finally, consider what you mean by the best bluetooth headset for running. The WH-CH520 is the Bluetooth option here, while the V3 is wired and connects through USB-C. Sony’s on-ear design and lack of a stated splash-resistance rating may rule it out for some runs; Sudio’s cable may be a drawback for runners who dislike a wire. Check the current price on Amazon if cost will decide between them, but the feature trade-offs are clear without it.
No. The Sudio V3 uses a wired USB-C connection. That means it does not need charging as a headphone, but the cable stays connected to the device while you listen.
Its listed noise-control feature is none. The Sudio V3 is described as having sound isolation from its in-ear design, but that is not the same as active noise cancellation.
The Sudio V3 has a secure in-ear fit and IPX4 splash resistance, which may suit a run if you are comfortable with a cable. The WH-CH520 is wireless, but its specifications do not state splash resistance.
Both include a built-in microphone for calls. Sony also supports Bluetooth multipoint for two devices, while Sudio’s wired USB-C connection and physical buttons offer a simpler setup when you are connected to one device.
• ZIHNIC Headphones Over-Ear vs AILIHEN Kids Headphones Bulk
• Gvyugke 2.4GHz vs Vindsbay Brown Noise Sound: Headphones for
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.