Sony, a renowned Japanese electronics giant, has maintained its stronghold in the earphones and headphones market, with its division reporting annual sales revenue exceeding $1 billion. The Sony WF-C700N earbuds are a budget-friendly option that offers key features expected from a premium brand, while also considering sustainability.
Design and Comfort
The earbuds weigh in at a surprisingly light 4.6 g each, thanks to their plastic-type material construction. The case also features the same material, ensuring a lightweight and portable package. The WF-C700N earbuds come in a variety of colours, including Sage Green, White, Black, and Lavender, allowing users to choose a style that suits their preferences.
Features
Features
- Waterproof IPX4 rating, protecting against splashes of water, making them ideal for gym use but not suitable for underwater activities
- Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity for stable and reliable wireless performance
- USB-C charging for convenience and compatibility with modern devices
- Support for Sony 360 Reality Audio and AAC codecs for immersive and high-quality audio
- Frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz for a wide and detailed soundstage
Headset operation features
Battery:
Sony Headphones Connect App
The Sony Headphones Connect app, with over 10 million downloads and 229,000 reviews, boasts a 4.1 score on the Google Play Store. This app allows users to customise their listening experience by offering a variety of presets to match the genre of music they’re listening to, as well as the option to create their own custom EQ settings. The 360 Spatial Sound Personalizer feature also captures and analyses the user’s ear shape, creating a personalised spatial sound field when paired with BRAVIA XR™ TVs.
Warranty and Drawbacks
The 1-year warranty is a disappointment, as I prefer to see longer coverage periods. Additionally, the build quality is noted to be plasticky, which may not appeal to those seeking a premium feel. The Sony website has lots of information for support but is avoided given the actual warranty details which indicate retailers/regions may offer unique warranties depending on the promotions.
Performance
The WF-C700N earbuds deliver a lively and engaging sound, with good volume and stability. They provide clear vocals, detailed instruments, and a balanced sound profile that prioritises clarity. While the bass may not be as powerful as in more expensive options, it still offers richness and weight.
Overall
The Sony WF-C700N earbuds are a budget-friendly option with an abundance of features These earbuds come with 5mm drivers, active noise cancellation, and a battery life of 7.5 hours with ANC on and 15 hours total with the case. They weigh 4.6g per earbud and have Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, USB-C, and support for Sony 360 Reality Audio and AAC. The frequency range is 20Hz – 20kHz, and they have an IPX4 waterproof rating. The Sony Headphones Connect companion app allows for customisation, including ambient sound control and wind-reduction mics. The multimode option allowing connection to 2 phones Android & iPhone is a bonus which is a must for my requirements while carrying 2 phones on most occasions. The weight of the earphones stands out lighter than expected without compromising on the key features. The standardised USB C cable included is great to see from a premium brand rather than a proprietary cable with a solid app for customisations.
The Sony WF-C700N earbuds are a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly noise-cancelling option with good sound quality and a range of features. With their lightweight design, customizable sound profile, and support for advanced audio technologies, these earbuds offer excellent value for money. While the warranty and build quality may not be on par with more expensive models, the WF-C700N earbuds still deliver a satisfying listening experience that is hard to beat in their price range.
