Sony WF-C710N Earbuds Review: Features and Performance

Sony’s 1000X earbuds may receive most of the attention in the company’s lineup, but there are valuable options available at a lower price point. The LinkBuds series offers some serious contenders for $100 less than the flagship WF-1000XM5. Additionally, there have been compelling products priced under $150 from Sony, including the recently released WF-C710N ($120). With a comfortable fit, an extensive list of features, and above-average active noise cancellation (ANC) performance, the WF-C710N presents several advantages, though there are a few considerations to keep in mind before making a purchase.

What’s Good About the WF-C710N?

The WF-C710N is the successor to the WF-C700N, which debuted in 2023. That model was a formidable mid-range contender, thanks to its compact design and useful features. While the overall appearance of the C710N remains similar, the touch panels for controls are now easier to locate, designed as concave circles. Sony has also introduced a transparent blue color option that allows visibility into the earbuds and case, reminiscent of Beats Solo Buds and Studio Buds +. In my view, the trend towards transparent gadgets is a positive development.

Compared to much of the competition, the C710N’s smaller size enhances comfort for extended wear. The earbuds fit snugly on the ridges of my ears, without any unbalanced weight protruding from the sides of my head. It is evident that Sony has fine-tuned the ergonomics for all-day use, as I experienced no discomfort during my battery tests. This is not always the case with larger, bulkier earbuds.

Although the C710N is priced at $120, its extensive feature set allows it to compete effectively in the market. Key features include active noise cancellation (ANC), adjustable ambient sound mode, customizable equalizer (EQ) settings (both presets and sliders), multipoint connectivity, reconfigurable touch controls, and automatic pausing when the earbuds are removed. On the more advanced side, the earbuds include Adaptive Sound Control, Sony’s proprietary tool that automatically adjusts sound settings based on activity or location. Additional features include a personalized EQ, 360 Reality Audio support, DSEE upscaling, and a Quick Attention feature that lowers the volume and activates ambient sound for brief conversations. The only notable omission is the Speak-to-Chat feature, which automatically activates ambient sound when you begin speaking, but its absence is understandable in a $120 product.

The ANC performance of the C710N is impressively strong, a characteristic that often eludes competitors in this price range. I found that these earbuds effectively block human voices, significantly reducing nearby chatter in most situations. While complete silence is not achieved, the noise reduction is above average, particularly in environments with unwanted conversations. Constant distractions, such as loud fans, are also diminished, though not entirely eliminated, making the C710N a better option than many similarly priced alternatives.

What’s Not So Good About the WF-C710N?

In comparison to other midrange earbuds, the sound quality of the C710N is slightly above average, which may suffice for users at this price point. The bass is tight and punchy, but it can overpower the mix in genres such as hip-hop, rock, and metal—essentially any genre with a strong beat. When listening to more mellow genres like bluegrass, the low-end tone still constrains the treble and mid-range frequencies. Depending on the track, the highs can be prominent, but a boost in the mid-range EQ would significantly enhance the overall sound depth (keeping DSEE active is advisable). While the audio performance is adequate for budget-conscious consumers, it does not compete with flagship models like the WF-1000XM5.

During my testing, the C710N did not meet Sony’s promised battery life. The company claims up to eight and a half hours of usage with ANC activated. However, using a combination of noise cancelling and ambient sound modes, I achieved only between six and a half and seven hours. While this is a respectable duration, it may not suffice for an entire workday, especially if you require them for your commute as well.

Despite offering the “Capture Voice During a Phone Call” option in the Sound Connect app, the C710N does not effectively relay your voice back through the earbuds during calls. Even with ambient sound mode activated, I found myself needing to speak louder than usual, resulting in less natural voice and video calls. Overall, Sony’s claim of “crystal-clear calls” falls short; while your voice may be audible, it lacks clarity. The C710N effectively blocks most background noise, but this comes at the expense of voice quality. Consequently, while these earbuds are usable for calls in a pinch, those prioritizing call clarity may want to consider other options.

Final Verdict on the WF-C710N

If comfort and useful features are your primary concerns, the C710N will meet your needs. While sound quality is not the best, it is satisfactory, and many users will likely find it acceptable. Had I been able to achieve (or exceed) Sony’s stated battery life, these earbuds would be an easy recommendation. Nevertheless, they remain a solid choice, especially at $120, as Sony continues to outpace its midrange competitors with more convenient features than are typically available. The C710N is certainly a better option than the slightly cheaper Beats Solo Buds, which is currently priced at $99.95 (originally $80 at launch).

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/sony-wf-c710n-review-more-than-midrange-180018400.html?src=rss