With the releases of two budget wireless headphones, it only feels right to listen to the side-by-side. Both Sony and Audio Technica recently released wireless headphones for just $80. So how are they similar, how are they different, and which one should you buy? Today I’ll try to take a closer look with this Sony WH-CH500 vs Audio Technica ATH-S200BT comparison review.

Which is better for $80? Sony WH-CH500 vs Audio Technica ATH-S200BT Comparison Review

In the Box – Sony WH-CH500 vs Audio Technica ATH-S200BT comparison review

Specifications Comparison – Sony WH-CH500 vs Audio Technica ATH-S200BT comparison review

Design – Sony WH-CH500 vs Audio Technica ATH-S200BT comparison review

Headband

Both the Sony WH-CH500 and the Audio Technica ATH-S200BT are made of plastic. However, the ATH-S200BT seems a bit more durable because the extenders are supported with a strip of metal. Additionally, its headband is thicker in general. I’m impressed by the ATH-S200BT’s headband in comparison because it also has some padding whereas the WH-CH500 doesn’t have any.

Earcups

The earcups of both headphones are circular and have an on-ear style. However, the Sony WH-CH500 has slightly smaller earcups. This and because of its slender frame make it a super light headphone. As a result, it is pretty comfortable despite its lack of padding on the headband. While both headphones have earcups that turn 90 degrees inward, the Audio Technica ATH-S200BT also rocks in its y-shaped yolk, whereas the WH-CH500 does not.

Earpads

The earpads of both headphones are almost identical in that they are both soft cushions coated in pleather. The Audio Technica ATH-S200BT has a slightly larger space for the ear in the middle which gives it almost an over-ear feel (due also to my small ears). As a result, it does a better job of noise isolating or blocking out sound from the outside from getting into the headphones.

Bluetooth

Both the Sony WH-CH500 and the Audio Technica ATH-S200BT were quick and easy to connect to my phone. The WH-CH500 wireless headphones had a stronger Bluetooth connection.They stayed connected to my phone for over 30 feet even without line of sight. On the other hand, the Audio Technica ATH-S200BT wireless headphones worked well and stayed connect for about 30 feet but worked best with line of sight.

Sound – Sony WH-CH500 vs Audio Technica ATH-S200BT comparison review

Big punchy bass and accented high frequencies are both characteristics of both the Sony WH-CH500 and the Audio Technica ATH-S200BT. However, the WH-CH500 seemed to have a bit more of both. As a result, it’s sound signature is more dramatic, but a bit less natural than the ATH-S200BT. The emphasis of the low mids in the WH-CH500 made the low mids cloudy at times depending on the instrumentation. For example, bass sometimes would seem to cover up some of the guitars and so guitars sounded less detailed and energetic. As a result, the Sony WH-CH500 sounded the best with music that already wanted more bass like hip-hop, pop, and electronic music. On the other hand, the ATH-S200BT still remained energetic enough in the midrange to carry the necessary details of guitars, strings, horns, and synths while still maintaining the big ol’ low end of kick drums and basses.

Overview – Sony WH-CH500 vs Audio Technica ATH-S200BT comparison review

In conclusion, I’d say both headphones are great options for just $80. The Audio Technica ATH-S200BT were my favorite because they were more comfortable for me and sounded better with the music I prefer. However, I’d recommend the Sony WH-CH500 headphones for those that want even more bass and who want a truly light and small headphone.

The Sony WH-CH500 and the Audio Technica ATH-S200BT wireless headphones are available for the best price here:

Sony WH-CH500 at Audio 46

Sony WH-CH500 on Amazon

Audio Technica ATH-S200BT at Audio 46

Audio Technica ATH-S200BT on Amazon

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