Sony Broadens Its Wireless Earbuds Range with the Remarkable WF-C710N

Sony is reinforcing its position in the wireless audio sector with each new product launch. The flagship WF-1000XM5 earbuds are frequently acknowledged as some of the finest true wireless earbuds available, often surpassing rivals like the AirPods Pro 2 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Simultaneously, Sony’s mid-tier products, including the WF-C700N, have been instrumental in attracting budget-conscious consumers.

Now, Sony rolls out the WF-C710N — a fresh contender in the mid-tier segment that offers premium features at an affordable price. These earbuds merge Sony’s esteemed sound engineering with sophisticated features, providing a strong alternative to pricier models.

A Mid-Range Marvel with Premium Features

The WF-C710N earbuds incorporate many of the same features seen in Sony’s top-tier models, such as active noise cancellation (ANC), customizable sound settings, and multipoint connectivity. Although they do not support high-resolution audio streaming via LDAC and lack wireless charging, they still manage to excel beyond Apple’s AirPods 4 in critical areas like sound quality, ANC effectiveness, and battery performance.

Sony WF-C710N Key Specifications:

– 5mm driver units
– Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
– Advanced Active Noise Cancellation
– Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE)
– IPX4 water resistance
– Battery life: 8.5 hours with ANC activated, 12 hours with ANC deactivated
– Charging case offers up to 30 extra hours
– Quick charge: 5 minutes for 1 hour of playback
– Available colors: black, glass blue, pink, and white
– Eartip sizes: Small, Medium, Large

Setting up is easy: simply press the button on the back of the charging case (with the lid open) to activate pairing mode. Android users can utilize Google Fast Pair, and the earbuds support multipoint connectivity, enabling simultaneous pairing with two devices.

Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation

The WF-C710N provides a balanced and vibrant sound profile reminiscent of its predecessor, the WF-C700N. Tracks like Hozier’s “Too Sweet” highlight the earbuds’ capability to deliver deep, punchy bass alongside clear vocals. Sony’s DSEE technology boosts audio quality, making even compressed audio files sound richer and more nuanced.

Live performances also excel on these earbuds. Daft Punk’s “One More Time/Aerodynamic” is played with remarkable clarity and separation, making it easy for listeners to differentiate between instruments and vocals. The 5mm drivers may be compact, but they deliver a powerful performance, offering rich lows, clear mids, and smooth highs.

ANC performance is effective, blocking out up to 85% of surrounding noise. While high-frequency sounds like sirens or crying babies may still be faintly heard, they are significantly diminished. The earbuds also perform admirably during calls, with minimal background noise interference.

Sony’s ambient sound mode stands out as another impressive feature. With 20 adjustable levels, it enables users to remain aware of their environment without needing to remove the earbuds. Whether navigating through a bustling city or having a conversation with a colleague, the WF-C710N ensures you stay connected to your surroundings.

How They Compare

With over eight years of experience evaluating audio products, I’ve utilized the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds and Sony WF-1000XM5 as benchmarks for ANC and sound quality. While the WF-C710N may not quite match the luxurious audio experience found in those higher-end models, it easily surpasses most earbuds priced under $200 — including the AirPods 4.

The ANC might not be industry-leading, but it effectively reduces noise in most settings. Transparency mode is particularly impressive, providing clear, natural-sounding ambient audio. Sony’s microphone array also excels at capturing voices, simplifying conversations or allowing important sounds to be heard without needing to take the earbuds out.

User Experience and App Features

Touch controls on the WF-C710N are effective and precise, rarely misunderstanding commands. Voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant can be easily activated, and users can set shortcuts to launch apps such as Spotify or Amazon Music directly from the earbuds.

The Sony Headphones Connect app enhances the overall experience with a range of customization options. Users can enable ANC, modify the EQ, activate features like 360 Reality Audio, and arrange multipoint connectivity. A standout feature is “Find Your Equalizer,” which develops a tailored sound profile based on your hearing preferences — a capability seldom available at this price level.

Battery Life That Keeps Up

Battery performance is another noteworthy aspect. The earbuds can deliver up to 12 hours of playback (8.5 with ANC active), and the case adds an extra 30 hours. Even with features such as multipoint and spatial audio active, users can anticipate dependable all-day performance. A quick 5-minute charge grants an hour of ANC-capable playback — ideal for those on the go.