Sony WF-C710N assessment: Greater than midrange

Sony’s 1000X earbuds could 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 provides some for $100 lower than the flagship WF-1000XM5. There have additionally been some compelling merchandise underneath $150 from Sony, and the just lately launched () additionally matches the invoice. A cushty match, an extended checklist of options and above-average ANC efficiency lead the positives right here, however there are a couple of caveats you’ll want to contemplate 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 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 choice 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 dimension additionally means it’s extra comfy 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 everything of my battery assessments. 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 checklist 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 modifications to sound settings based mostly on exercise or location. There’s additionally a personalised EQ, 360 Actuality Audio help, DSEE upscaling and a Fast Consideration characteristic 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 robotically once you begin speaking, however I’m not stunned it was left off a pair of $120 earbuds.

ANC efficiency is remarkably sturdy on the C710N, a feat that usually eludes the competitors on this worth vary. Specifically, I observed these earbuds do an above common job of blocking human voices as I used to be capable of tremendously scale back the amount of close by chatter in most situations. I’m not speaking full silence, however the quantity of noise blocking is above common once you’re within the neighborhood of somebody you’d somewhat not take heed to at full quantity. Fixed distractions like loud followers are additionally decreased however not totally thwarted, in order that too is healthier than what you’ll get from plenty 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, but it surely could possibly be adequate to fulfill you at this worth. The bass is tight and punchy, however oftentimes it overpowers the combination for hip-hop, rock and metallic — mainly any style with a driving beat. And once you change to one thing extra mellow like bluegrass, the low-end tone nonetheless constrains the treble and mid vary. Relying on the music, highs can lower by, however a lift in the course of the EQ would do wonders for general depth of sound right here (you’ll need to maintain DSEE energetic). Is it adequate for somebody seeking to decide 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 assessments, 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 decent 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 Cellphone Name” within the Sound Join app, the C710N doesn’t pipe a lot of you again by the earbuds in that state of affairs. Even with ambient sound energetic, I nonetheless felt the necessity to converse up greater than regular, so voice and video calls weren’t as pure as they could possibly 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, however in doing so the standard of your voice tremendously suffers. All of meaning these earbuds are usable for calls if you really want them, but when sounding understandable in calls is vital , you’ll need to look elsewhere.

Ultimate 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 the very best, but it surely isn’t unhealthy both, so I’ve little doubt that many individuals will likely be happy with it. If I had been capable of hit (and even surpass) Sony’s said battery life, these earbuds could be straightforward to suggest. Regardless of that, they’re nonetheless a stable choice, 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 certainly a more sensible choice than the marginally cheaper , which at the moment are $99.95 at full worth ($80 at launch).