Sony’s 1000X earbuds might get many of the consideration within the firm’s lineup, however there are gems to be discovered on the roster for much less cash. The provides some for $100 lower than the flagship WF-1000XM5. There have additionally been some compelling merchandise underneath $150 from Sony, and the lately launched () additionally matches the invoice. A cushty 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.
Sony
The WF-C710N outperforms equally priced rivals in a number of areas, however don’t count on flagship-quality audio at this worth.
- Compact and cozy design
- A lot of handy options
- Sound is sweet, not nice
- Battery life is shorter than anticipated
What’s good concerning 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, due to a compact design and helpful 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 search out since they’re now concave circles. The corporate additionally launched a clear blue coloration possibility that permits you to see contained in the earbuds and case. It’s giving and vibes, however I’m all for it. For my part, the extra clear devices, the higher.
In comparison with a lot of the competitors, the C710N’s smaller dimension 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 aspect of my head. It’s clear Sony fine-tuned the ergonomics for all-day use, and I had no bother carrying them for the whole thing of my battery checks. That’s not at all times the case with bigger, bulkier earbuds.
The C710N is likely to be 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 device that automates adjustments to sound settings primarily based on exercise or location. There’s additionally a customized EQ, 360 Actuality Audio help, DSEE upscaling and a Fast Consideration function that lowers the amount and prompts ambient sound for any temporary chats. The one notable omission right here is Communicate-to-Chat that does the identical factor as Fast Consideration mechanically if you begin speaking, however I’m not shocked it was left off a pair of $120 earbuds.
ANC efficiency is remarkably robust on the C710N, a feat that sometimes eludes the competitors on this worth vary. Specifically, I seen these earbuds do an above common job of blocking human voices as I used to be in a position to tremendously scale back the amount 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 somewhat not hearken to at full quantity. Fixed distractions like loud followers are additionally lowered however not fully thwarted, in order that too is best than what you’ll get from a number of the equally priced choices.
What’s not so good concerning the WF-C710N?
In comparison with different midrange earbuds, sound high quality is barely above common on the C710N, however it might be ok to fulfill you at this worth. The bass is tight and punchy, however oftentimes it overpowers the combination for hip-hop, rock and steel — principally any style with a driving beat. And if you change to one thing extra mellow like bluegrass, the low-end tone nonetheless constrains the treble and mid vary. Relying on the track, highs can reduce by means of, however a lift in the midst of the EQ would do wonders for total depth of sound right here (you’ll need to preserve DSEE energetic). Is it ok for somebody trying to choose up a set of earbuds on a funds? Sure. Does the audio efficiency compete with flagship choices just like the ? Not even shut.
In my checks, the C710N didn’t final so long as Sony promised. The corporate says you’ll rise 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 decent quantity, however when you’re trying to put on these for a complete work day, you may not make it. That’s very true when you want them to additionally stick round in 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 might be. General, 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 tremendously suffers. All of meaning these earbuds are usable for calls if you actually need them, but when sounding understandable in calls is necessary , you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Last verdict on the WF-C710N
If consolation and helpful options are your major concern, the C710N will serve you effectively. Sound high quality isn’t one of the best, however it isn’t unhealthy both, so I’ve little question that many individuals will probably be happy with it. If I had been in a position to hit (and even surpass) Sony’s said battery life, these earbuds could be simple to advocate. Regardless of that, they’re nonetheless a strong possibility, particularly at $120, for the reason that firm as soon as once more outpaces its midrange rivals with extra handy instruments than you’ll discover wherever else. The C710N is unquestionably a more sensible choice than the marginally cheaper , which are actually $99.95 at full worth ($80 at launch).