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Sony WF-C710N: Two-minute assessment
Sony‘s WF-C710N earbuds discover themselves in an analogous spot to The White Album in 1968: you need to higher absolutely the barn-stormer that was Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Membership Band a mere yr later? Good luck. However in fact, the Beatles managed it (was it transcendental meditation, or was it merely a clear thoughts?). So, has Sony achieved the identical with its replace on the WF-C700N? Sure and no, Pricey Prudence. And on condition that Sony really had two years to work on its follow-up, that will not really feel sufficient initially.
The mannequin the C710N are primarily based on topped our choose of the best noise-cancelling earbuds within the price range area for over a yr following their launch, till Nothing’s (a)-suffixed set of buds got here in and did virtually all the pieces the Sony buds did simply that little bit higher – and seemed barely classier doing it. And though there are enhancements right here, a number of in-app foibles and preliminary pairing points left me struggling to discover a motive to choose the Sony WF-C710N over the rivals… till I examined the ANC.
Right here, Sony has really upped its recreation. On a packed commuter prepare, I drifted off into my very own glad bubble of music. I genuinely did not anticipate the blissfully quiet backdrop they served up. The uptick in ANC efficacy is sort of definitely aided by the additional mic in every earpiece, however nevertheless Sony achieved it, it is commendable.
Additionally, (as a result of I am nonetheless speaking about these mics), name high quality is excellent for the cash right here, due to Sony’s new AI-enhanced voice pickup expertise. So, when you recurrently take calls in your earbuds, there’s an additional worth add.
The general sound profile and match? It is nonetheless good regardless of the dimensions improve – but it surely’s not higher than the outgoing mannequin (Sony has primarily mentioned that little concerning the driver and acoustic setup modified), so when you’ve picked up the older set for a reduction, you could be tempted to stay with them until you want that improved ANC.
In truth, apart from the much-improved noise cancellation, it is a case of incremental upgrades fairly than something headline-grabbing or ground-breaking.
Sure, there’s now a ‘Discover Your Equalizer’ tab, but it surely works by asking you to choose from a choice of pre-made sound profiles fairly than dispensing any otoacoustic assessments or splodges to indicate the place your listening to may be missing, in contrast to JBL’s Personi-Fi or Nothing Ear’s listening to assessments (though it is true that it’s important to pay a bit extra to get these). The 2 primary ‘Which do you favor?’ assessments provided by the WF-C710N do not feel fairly as complete, detailed, or concerned as these rivals.
Additionally again for 2025 is Sony’s entry-level DSEE upscaler, so Spotify streams will sound higher, plus there’s that Sony-special 360 Actuality Audio assist. Nonetheless, since Tidal parted methods with the format, your solely supply choices for listening to this specific spatial-audio-adjacent providing now are Amazon Music Limitless and Nugs.web.
Do I nonetheless like the brand new clear blue colorway now that I’ve examined it? Not as a lot as I would needed to. The shiny plastic avidly collects fingerprint smudges, and on the threat of stating the bleedin’ apparent (as these circumstances have virtually at all times been plastic, pricey reader), this one feels overly plastic. It is also a bit larger than the older mannequin. That mentioned, Sony’s extra conventional matte black, off-white and pink colorways can be found too.
For sound, there isn’t any addition of LDAC, however they’re nonetheless a stable pay attention with good quantity and power ranges, albeit sacrificing a modicum of dynamic nuance, element and sonic placement to get there. They’re nonetheless good for the extent, however that is my level, good is just now not nice in price range 2025 noise-cancelling earbuds.
To essentially hammer it dwelling: in 2023, when the WF-C710N’s predecessor made its grand entrance, earbuds bearing these sorts of options had by no means been seen at that stage. However the competitors actually upped its recreation within the following 24 months, did not it? One may even purchase cheap open earbuds with wonderful ANC now (see the Honor Earbuds Open), one thing remarkable, even thought-about unattainable, till very just lately. So, the truth that these Sony earbuds match nicely, boast barely higher stamina and provide auto-off is not fairly sufficient to trounce the competitors lately. However the ANC? When you prioritise noise-nixing, that’ll make up the distinction…
Sony WF-C710N assessment: Value & launch date
- Launched on March 25, 2025
- Priced $119 / £100 / AU$189
Sure, Sony has received this territory earlier than (see the April 2023-issue Sony WF-C700N I preserve occurring about), however that was earlier than the wonderful Nothing Ear (a) arrived, a yr later in 2024.
The truth that Sony launched these follow-up earbuds on the similar MSRP as their older counterparts is welcome however unsurprising information: we have seen it with all the pieces from AirPods to Bluetooth audio system. Why? As a result of competitors is rife, and once-flagship tech (complete ANC, wearer detection, EQ tweaks, spatial audio tech, customisable on-ear features, and so forth) retains trickling right down to entry-level merchandise.
When you’ve achieved even a little analysis into this finish of the market, you will know the present class chief is the Nothing Ear (a) talked about above, with the insanely low cost $30 / £30 / AU$70 JLab Go Pop ANC and even the $69 / £59 / AU$110 (approx.) Earfun Air 2 NC not far behind.
So have the few additional perks provided by the brand new WF-C710N – barely higher battery, an auto-off characteristic, improved name high quality, a rudimentary equalizer take a look at and a lot higher noise cancellation – trounced the Nothings? Relying in your priorities, sure, but it surely’s all about that final level…
Sony WF-C710N assessment: Specs
|
Drivers |
5mm |
|
Energetic noise cancellation |
Sure |
|
Battery life |
8.5 hrs (NC ON) / Max. 12 hrs (NC OFF); as much as 30 hours with the case |
|
Weight |
5.2g per bud |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C, Sony 360 Actuality Audio, AAC, SBC |
|
Frequency vary |
20Hz – 20kHz |
|
Waterproofing |
IPX4 |
|
Different options |
Sony Sound Join companion app, ambient sound, wind-reduction mics |
Sony WF-C710N assessment: Options
- Twin noise sensor tech (suggestions and feedforward mics) for ANC
- Auto-off is a welcome addition
- AI-enhanced voice pickup for clearer calls
Let’s begin with the above bullet factors: call-handling? It was good earlier than, but it surely’s even higher now. That is due to the implementation of AI-enhanced voice pickup expertise, which works a deal with even on crowded, windy and wet London Soho streets throughout rush hour (belief me on this one).
Wearer detection for auto-off is maybe the most important usability perk added this time round, which implies music pauses while you take away one bud (or each) and resumes as soon as you set it again in. It does not sound like a giant deal, however when you’re used to it, you will at all times be reaching for buds that may do it.
OK, so Sony’s 360 Actuality Audio – 24 object-based channels arranged in a 360-degree soundstage (launched again in 2019) – is not the large ticket characteristic it was, since few streaming platforms assist it and Tidal waved goodbye to its support in July 2024.
As famous, Sony’s Headphones Join app is gone, but it surely’s been changed by the Sony Sound Join app. Adaptive Sound Management nonetheless takes the wheel so far as noise profiles go, optimized in accordance with what you are doing – sure, they know while you’re ‘Staying’. And though you’ll be able to’t manually up the noise cancellation ranges on the fly (though you’ll be able to tailor the ambient consciousness on a slider from 1-20), when you faucet the cog beneath ‘Optimize switching for you’, you’ll be able to tailor every sound profile in accordance with your actions. So if you’d like Adaptive ANC to kick in in your commute, here is the way you do it.
That additional mic has paid dividends as a result of the WF-C710N’s twin noise sensor tech (suggestions and feedforward mics) offers way more strong noise-cancellation efficiency. On a packed prepare from London to Dorset, I used to be struck by how cocooned in my music I felt.
Any omissions price mentioning? Though there’s multi-point to 2 gadgets now (you’ll be able to toggle it off if you’d like, however why would you?), there’s nonetheless no LDAC assist. Why point out this? As a result of the WF-C710N’s essential rival, the Nothing Ear (a) do boast it.
Additionally, whereas there’s now a ‘Discover Your Equalizer’ tab within the app, it is a bit primary in comparison with any listening to assessments to create splodge-type graphs of your listening to profile you might need tried. Primarily, enjoying your selection of music, there are 5 profiles to choose from, after which an additional 4 primarily based in your preliminary choose. It is greater than the older mannequin provided, however given the lengths the competitors goes to lately (see JBL, Nothing and Denon to call a number of, and, in fact, the AirPods Professional 2, for a surcharge), it feels a bit primary. Sure, the WF-C710N are price range earbuds, however the Nothing Ear with their prolonged listening to assessments are roughly the identical value now…
Sony WF-C710N assessment: Sound high quality
- Agile, enjoyable, energetic pay attention
- Minor treble distortion if we’re being choosy
- LDAC could be an awesome addition
The sound, as with the older choice, is nice for the cash, however there are incremental features available right here. The opening keys in Grian Chatten’s All the Individuals are textured and three-dimensional. There is a human high quality to the miserable of every key that the majority entry-level earbuds can’t convey via the higher midrange.
Out of the field, the older WF-C700N really feel just a bit congested and treble-centric in direct comparability – though it took me some time to arrange this comparative take a look at, since as soon as paired to both set of buds, my telephone flat-out refused to pair to its siblings, and I am nonetheless not sure why. Anyway, the Beatles’ Helter Skelter is a good take a look at of the stereo imaging, and with the C710N, drums sit dutifully in my proper ear (till the fill, when the kick drum darts between every ear) because the driving bass sits in my left concha with pinpoint precision.
In additional layered, complicated and groove-heavy tracks (Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, as an example), timing and musicality are bang on throughout the frequencies. I can detect a minor shortfall in dynamic nuance to get all of that exuberance and quantity – these are loud and proud earbuds, and for essentially the most half, that is nice information. There’s only a small compromise to be made within the main edges of lower-mids and bass notes, and only a shred of distortion via the treble, very sometimes.
Look, I am nitpicking – and I am higher capable of do it as a result of the noise cancellation right here offers such a wonderful backdrop. In fact, you’ll be able to tweak the sonic curve to your liking within the Sound Join app, but it surely’s essential to notice that, by default, these are zealous, unafraid earbuds. Evaluate them to the wonderful Technics EAH-AZ100 and you will get a higher rise and fall via every pensive, constructing musical passage in Dom Sigales’ The Ghost is Me, with exhalations of breath, jagged keys, and waves of strings given an additional ounce of due diligence to be impactful. It is hardly a good take a look at given the worth distinction (the EAH-AZ100 retail for $299 / £259 / AU$479), but it surely’s essential to notice that the sound is excellent right here for the cash, fairly than simply excellent, interval.
- Sound high quality rating: 4.5/5
Sony WF-C710N assessment: Design
- Larger however nonetheless ergonomic earpieces
- Case is a bit larger – and a bit low cost?
- Capacitive contact controls aren’t very customisable
These are nonetheless among the most snug earbuds I’ve had the pleasure of carrying (moreover the aforementioned Technics), despite the fact that the buds and case are larger this time round. Whereas 4.6g to five.4g might not sound like a lot of a dimension improve, it’s noticeable. On condition that the WF-C700N actually had been small, that is maybe not such a nasty factor, relying in your ears.
I nonetheless discovered them simple to suit. That mentioned, the shinier plastic of my glass blue colorway did have an effect on the in-ear safety, and the suitable one fell out on a prepare. I do not assume the match was a problem, as they really feel superbly weighted and slipped simply into my ears with little or no work. I believe I simply want a extra matte, brushed plastic end – and that’s obtainable.
One potential bone of rivalry is the case: it is larger – nicely, deeper – than the older WF-C700N case, and it feels a shade off high-end. Do I like the clear end? I am undecided. Seeing the little pink, yellow and black cables beneath the casework is novel, however the total aesthetic feels a bit (dare I say it) low cost and cheerful, in comparison with the way in which Nothing has carried out clear sections inside its earbuds design language.
And the bodily button is gone. I preferred it, but it surely appears I am within the minority. And to be trustworthy, the brand new contact capacitive sensor is aided by a barely bigger concave prime plate to assist your finger discover it, and it really works pretty reliably.
My essential gripe with this? Now you can management quantity along with playback, sound modes, and entry to a digital assistant, however a bit extra scope for customisation on what every faucet does could be an enormous bonus. Proper now, the one strategy to up the quantity a bit is a quadruple press on the suitable earbud, and a quadruple press on the left lowers it only a tad. As you’ll be able to most likely think about, these fixed fast presses are hit-and-miss. Ah, nicely – and it hurts your tragus and exterior auditory meatus (the bit proper earlier than your ear canal) a bit, after some time.
Sony WF-C710N assessment: Worth
- For ANC, there’s actual value-for-money right here
- 360 Actuality Audio is not the draw it as soon as was – LDAC could be wonderful
- Nothing’s merchandise feel and appear extra premium
Earlier than the Nothing Ear (a) arrived, with their LDAC and nice audio high quality, I would don’t have any concern recommending the Sony WF-C710N above all else. However occasions have modified. Nothing’s earbuds are right here, and they’re unattainable to disregard.
The design of the Sony WF-C710N is okay fairly than groundbreaking, and the characteristic set is nice, though 360 Actuality Audio assist just isn’t the large draw it as soon as was.
Then once more, right here I sit at our shared table-slash-desk, my companion hitting the keys of his MacBook Professional keyboard closely, as a result of he is beneath a decent deadline and is burdened. Can I hear him? Probably not. And there is the worth, of us – as a result of I’ve by no means heard ANC this good for this cash…
Ought to I purchase the Sony WF-C710N?
|
Part |
Notes |
Rating |
|---|---|---|
|
Options |
Auto-off is a beautiful addition – LDAC could be even higher |
4.5/5 |
|
Sound high quality |
Energetic and zealous, with only a minor shortfall in dynamic nuance |
4.5/5 |
|
Design |
Somewhat larger and a bit slippier – however nonetheless good |
4/5 |
|
Worth |
ANC prime of your record? Have at ’em |
4.5/5 |
Purchase them if…
Do not buy them if…
Sony WF-C710N assessment: Additionally think about
| Header Cell – Column 0 |
Sony WF-C710N |
Nothing Ear (a) |
Sony WF-C510 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Value |
$119 / £100 / AU$189 |
$99 / £99 / AU$192 |
$59.99 / £54.99 / AU$109 |
|
Drivers |
5mm dynamic |
11mm customized driver |
6mm dynamic |
|
Energetic noise cancellation |
Sure |
Sure |
No |
|
Quoted battery life |
8.5hrs (ANC on) 12hrs (ANC off) plus a complete of 30 hours within the case |
5.5hrs (9.5hrs with out ANC) 24.5hrs whole with case (42.5hrs with out ANC) |
11 hours (buds) 11 hours (case) |
|
Weight |
5.2g per earpiece |
4.8g per earpiece |
4.6g per earpiece |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C (SBC, AAC) |
Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C (LDAC, SBC, AAC) |
Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C (SBC, AAC) |
|
Frequency vary |
20Hz – 20kHz |
20Hz – 20kHz |
20Hz – 20kHz |
|
Waterproofing |
Sure, IPX4 |
Sure, IP54 buds (IPX2 case) |
Sure, IPX4 |
|
Different options |
Sony 360 Actuality Audio, primary EQ take a look at, auto-off |
3 mics per bud, Customized EQ, Bass Improve, Discover My Earbuds, match take a look at |
Sound Management for ambient consciousness |
How I examined the Sony WF-C710N
- Examined for 2 weeks, in contrast in opposition to the Sony WF-C700N and Technics EAH-AZ100
- Used within the workplace, strolling via London, on a prepare, and at dwelling
- Listened to Apple Music Lossless tracks, Qobuz, Deezer and Spotify on an iPhone 12 Professional and a MacBook Professional
As at all times when testing transportable earbuds, the Sony WF-C710N grew to become my musical companions for 2 weeks – after an intensive 48-hour run-in interval.
They accompanied me to work (strolling brusquely to Weymouth station at an ungodly hour; boarding a prepare to London Waterloo; and on the workplace – sure, I actually do that) and all through an extended weekend at Seaham, gathering sea glass from the gorgeous County Durham shoreline.
To raised take a look at the consolation and battery life claims of the Sony WF-C710N, I wore them all through the working day on quite a few events – and as you’ll be able to see from the above over-share, my working days may be lengthy.
To get via all of it, I listened to numerous playlists (spanning all the pieces from Korn to Dom Sigalas) on Apple Music and Tidal, but additionally to podcasts and albums on Qobuz and Deezer – and YouTube tutorials (principally about making music on Cubase and utilizing Cakewalk, because you ask) from my MacBook Professional.
I’ve been testing audio merchandise for nicely over 5 years now. As a dancer, aerialist and musical theater performer in one other life, sound high quality, match and consumer expertise have at all times taken precedence for me personally – however having heard how great ANC may be when achieved nicely, I do know what to search for.
- First reviewed: April 2025