Sony WF-C710N assessment: Greater than midrange

Sony’s 1000X earbuds might get a lot of the consideration within the firm’s lineup, however there are gems to be discovered on the roster for much less cash. The gives some for $100 lower than the flagship WF-1000XM5. There have additionally been some compelling merchandise beneath $150 from Sony, and the just lately launched () additionally matches the invoice. A snug match, a protracted listing of options and above-average ANC efficiency lead the positives right here, however there are a number of caveats you’ll want to think about earlier than you commit.

What’s good in regards to the WF-C710N?

The WF-C710N is the successor to that debuted in 2023. That set was a formidable mid-range contender in its personal proper, because of a compact design and useful options. Sony didn’t change the general look an excessive amount of for the C710N, however the contact panels for the controls are simpler to seek out since they’re now concave circles. The corporate additionally launched a clear blue colour possibility that means that you can see contained in the earbuds and case. It’s giving and vibes, however I’m all for it. In my view, the extra clear devices, the higher.

In comparison with a lot of the competitors, the C710N’s smaller measurement additionally means it’s extra snug to put on for lengthy intervals of time. The earbuds sit on the ridges of my ears properly, and there isn’t any unbalanced, extra weight projecting out from the facet of my head. It’s clear Sony fine-tuned the ergonomics for all-day use, and I had no hassle carrying them for the whole lot of my battery exams. That’s not all the time the case with bigger, bulkier earbuds.

The C710N is perhaps a midrange set at $120, however the lengthy listing of options permits the earbuds to punch above their weight. Beginning with the fundamentals, there’s energetic noise cancellation (ANC), adjustable ambient sound mode, customizable EQ (presets and sliders), multipoint connectivity, reconfigurable contact controls and computerized pausing when the buds are eliminated out of your ears. On the extra superior finish of the spec sheet, you get Adaptive Sound Management: Sony’s trademark instrument that automates adjustments to sound settings based mostly on exercise or location. There’s additionally a customized EQ, 360 Actuality Audio help, DSEE upscaling and a Fast Consideration characteristic that lowers the quantity and prompts ambient sound for any transient chats. The one notable omission right here is Converse-to-Chat that does the identical factor as Fast Consideration routinely if you begin speaking, however I’m not stunned it was left off a pair of $120 earbuds.

ANC efficiency is remarkably robust on the C710N, a feat that usually eludes the competitors on this worth vary. Particularly, I observed these earbuds do an above common job of blocking human voices as I used to be capable of significantly cut back the quantity of close by chatter in most cases. I’m not speaking full silence, however the quantity of noise blocking is above common if you’re within the neighborhood of somebody you’d relatively not hearken to at full quantity. Fixed distractions like loud followers are additionally lowered however not fully thwarted, in order that too is healthier than what you’ll get from a whole lot of the equally priced choices.

What’s not so good in regards to the WF-C710N?

In comparison with different midrange earbuds, sound high quality is barely above common on the C710N, however it may very well be ok to fulfill you at this worth. The bass is tight and punchy, however oftentimes it overpowers the combo for hip-hop, rock and metallic — mainly any style with a driving beat. And if you swap to one thing extra mellow like bluegrass, the low-end tone nonetheless constrains the treble and mid vary. Relying on the music, highs can minimize by means of, however a lift in the course of the EQ would do wonders for total depth of sound right here (you’ll wish to hold DSEE energetic). Is it ok for somebody seeking to decide up a set of earbuds on a price range? Sure. Does the audio efficiency compete with flagship choices just like the ? Not even shut.

In my exams, the C710N didn’t final so long as Sony promised. The corporate says you’ll stand up to eight and a half hours on a cost with ANC energetic. However, utilizing a mixture of noise cancelling and ambient sound modes, I solely managed between six and a half and 7 hours. That’s a good quantity, however in case you’re seeking to put on these for a whole work day, you may not make it. That’s very true in case you want them to additionally stick round to your commute.

Regardless of providing the choice to “Seize Voice Throughout a Telephone Name” within the Sound Join app, the C710N doesn’t pipe a lot of you again by means of the earbuds in that situation. Even with ambient sound energetic, I nonetheless felt the necessity to communicate up greater than regular, so voice and video calls weren’t as pure as they may very well be. Total, Sony’s assurance of “crystal-clear calls” falls flat as you’ll sound first rate, however not pristine. The C710N will block most background noise from coming by means of, however in doing so the standard of your voice significantly suffers. All of meaning these earbuds are usable for calls if you actually need them, but when sounding understandable in calls is vital , you’ll wish to look elsewhere.

Closing verdict on the WF-C710N

If consolation and useful options are your major concern, the C710N will serve you nicely. Sound high quality isn’t the most effective, however it isn’t dangerous both, so I’ve little question that many individuals will probably be happy with it. If I had been capable of hit (and even surpass) Sony’s said battery life, these earbuds could be simple to advocate. Regardless of that, they’re nonetheless a stable possibility, particularly at $120, because the firm as soon as once more outpaces its midrange rivals with extra handy instruments than you’ll discover anyplace else. The C710N is unquestionably a more sensible choice than the marginally cheaper , which at the moment are $99.95 at full worth ($80 at launch).