Sony WF-C700N Review

Summary / TL;DR

If you're in the market for new wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-C700N is worth considering. They aim to stand out with a sleek design, good sound quality, and competitive features for their price range. However, the crowded market raises the question of whether they live up to the hype.

The design is minimalist and lightweight, making them comfortable for prolonged use. They come with multiple ear tip sizes for a snug fit, and their IPX4 rating makes them resistant to splashes and sweat. However, the touch controls can be finicky, and the plastic hinges on the case may not be very durable.

Sound quality is a strong point, with balanced audio and a slight emphasis on bass. The active noise cancellation is effective for everyday use, though not on par with premium models. Battery life is decent, offering up to 10 hours of playback, which drops to 8 hours with ANC on. The charging case adds another 10 hours but lacks wireless charging.

Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.0 and multipoint connection, although the touch controls can sometimes be overly sensitive. The package includes essentials like a USB-C cable and multiple ear tips, but no wall adapter.

Priced in the mid-range category, these earbuds offer good value with solid performance and useful features. While they lack some premium aspects like wireless charging, they strike a good balance between affordability and functionality.

Overall, the Sony WF-C700N are a compelling choice for those seeking quality sound and effective noise cancellation without breaking the bank.

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If you like this review, you might also like our review on the Sony WH-CH520 or Sony WH-CH720N or Samsung HW-Q700C.

Introduction

If you're in the market for a new pair of wireless earbuds, you might be eyeing the latest offerings. Enter the Sony WF-C700N. These earbuds are making waves with a mix of sleek design, stellar sound quality, and impressive features for their price range. But do they live up to the hype? Or are they just another pair of earbuds in an already crowded market? Right off the bat, let's address the elephant in the room: wireless earbud fatigue. With so many options out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But Sony aims to stand out by focusing on a few key areas that matter most to users – comfort, sound, and battery life.

Picture this: you're on a crowded bus, the usual chaos surrounds you, but all you hear is your favorite playlist, crisp and clear. Sounds dreamy, right? That's one of the promises of the WF-C700N's active noise cancellation. But we'll get into the nitty-gritty of that in a bit. And let's not forget about those tiny but mighty details. From the build quality to the ease of use, every aspect is designed to enhance your listening experience. But, like any piece of tech, it's not without its quirks. Whether you're a daily commuter, a fitness enthusiast, or just someone who loves to jam out, these earbuds have something to offer. So, let's dive deeper and see if they truly deliver on all fronts. Ready? Let's go!

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Design and Build Quality

The design and build quality of these earbuds is quite impressive. Right out of the box, you’ll notice the sleek and minimalist aesthetic. The earbuds have a smooth, matte finish which not only looks premium but also feels great to touch. They come in multiple color options, so you can pick one that best matches your style. One of the standout features is their compact and lightweight build. Weighing in at just a few grams, the earbuds are barely noticeable when worn, making them perfect for prolonged use. The charging case is equally petite and easily slips into any pocket or bag without adding much bulk. But let's be honest, while the exterior looks chic, how durable are they?

The earbuds are built with solid materials that feel sturdy and well-engineered. However, they are not exactly the most rugged option out there. If you tend to be rough with your tech, you might want to handle these with a bit more care to avoid any premature wear and tear. Moreover, the earbuds come with an IPX4 rating. This means they are resistant to splashes and sweat, making them suitable for workouts or light rain. But for activities involving a lot of water exposure, like swimming, you might want to look elsewhere. The touch controls add a modern touch but can be a bit finicky at times. They are sensitive enough to register taps without a hitch but can occasionally misinterpret your gestures, especially if you have sweaty or oily fingers.

One potential downside is the lack of metal hinges on the case. Instead, it uses plastic hinges which, while functional, might not stand the test of time as well as metal ones would. But unless you're constantly opening and closing the case, this shouldn't be a major issue. In summary, the design and build quality strike a fine balance between elegance and practicality. While not the most rugged option, the lightweight and stylish design make them a compelling choice for everyday use.

Comfort and Fit

The first thing you notice about these earbuds is their lightweight design, which makes them super easy to wear for extended periods. You know that uncomfortable pinch you sometimes get from earbuds? Well, with the Sony WF-C700N, that's hardly an issue. Their ergonomic shape fits snugly in your ears without causing any discomfort.

Ergonomics and Ear Tips

These earbuds come with multiple sizes of silicone ear tips to ensure a perfect fit for everyone. Whether you have small or large ear canals, there's a tip for you. It’s like finding the right pair of shoes – once you have the right fit, you can go miles without even noticing them. The tips create a good seal, which not only adds to the comfort but also enhances the sound quality and noise cancellation.

Stay Put During Activity

One common issue with earbuds is that they tend to fall out, especially during physical activities. But with the WF-C700N, you can jog, dance, or even do yoga without constantly adjusting them. They sit firmly in place, thanks to their well-thought-out design.

Potential Downsides

However, no product is perfect. If you have particularly sensitive ears, you might find these earbuds a bit irritating after hours of continuous use. Also, while the fit is generally secure, extremely vigorous movements may still dislodge them. But hey, that's more an exception than the rule.

In essence, these earbuds strike a good balance between comfort and functionality, making them an excellent choice for daily use. If you're someone who loves to wear earbuds for long stretches, this model is worth considering.

Sound Quality

Sound Quality Alright, let's dive into what really matters: the sound quality. The Sony WF-C700N doesn't disappoint here. These babies are equipped with 5mm drivers, which might sound small, but boy, do they pack a punch! The sound profile is pretty well-balanced, with a slight emphasis on the bass. If you're a basshead, you're in for a treat. The lows are rich and deep, making it perfect for genres like hip-hop and EDM.

Highs and Mids The mids and highs are where some earbuds fall short, but not these. The mids are clear and detailed, which is fantastic for vocals and acoustic tracks. The highs are crisp, though occasionally they can be a tad sharp. If you're listening at high volumes, you might notice this, but it's not a deal-breaker.

Soundstage and Imaging For in-ear headphones, the soundstage is surprisingly wide. You can really feel the separation between different instruments, which makes for an immersive listening experience. Imaging is on point too, so you’ll be able to pinpoint where each sound is coming from.

Equalizer and Customization You can customize the sound profile using the Sony Headphones Connect app. The built-in equalizer lets you tweak the settings to suit your preferences. Whether you want more bass or clearer vocals, you’ve got control.

Weak Points? If we're nitpicking, the default tuning might not be for everyone. Out of the box, the bass can be a bit overpowering if you prefer a more neutral sound. However, this is easily adjustable through the app. Also, while the clarity is impressive, audiophiles might notice a slight lack of detail in complex tracks. So, is the sound quality top-notch? Mostly, yes. While there are minor areas for improvement, the overall audio experience is excellent, especially for the price point.

Active Noise Cancellation

Let's talk about one of the most hyped features - Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). So, does the Sony WF-C700N live up to the hype? Sort of. The ANC here is pretty solid, especially for its price range. It's not going to completely silence a loud construction site, but it will definitely make your daily commute or office environment way quieter.

The technology works by using microphones to pick up external sounds and then generating an opposite sound wave to cancel them out. The result? A significant reduction in ambient noise. Think of it as a pair of noise-cancelling earmuffs but with way cooler tech. If you're on a plane or a busy train, you'll definitely notice the difference.

However, don’t expect it to rival the ANC you’d find in premium models like the Sony WH-1000XM4 or the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. It’s decent, but not mind-blowing. Some high-pitched noises still sneak in, and it performs better with low-frequency sounds like the hum of an engine or air conditioning.

Another neat feature is the Ambient Sound Mode, which lets you hear important sounds from your environment without taking the earbuds out. This is super handy if you need to stay aware of your surroundings, like when crossing the street or having a quick chat without pausing your music.

All in all, the ANC on these earbuds is quite effective for everyday use. It might not be the best in the market, but it certainly adds value, making your music experience more immersive and less interrupted by the chaos around you.

Battery Life

When it comes to battery life, the Sony WF-C700N earbuds hit a sweet spot. They offer up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge. Think of it like having a whole day of uninterrupted music, podcasts, or calls. Is that not impressive? However, if you’re using the Active Noise Cancellation feature, expect a slight dip in battery life. In this mode, you get around 8 hours, which is still pretty decent.

The charging case holds an extra 10 hours of juice, adding up to a solid 20 hours of total playtime without needing to hunt for an outlet. That’s like a reliable friend who always has your back. On the downside, the case doesn’t support wireless charging, which is a bit of a letdown considering how many other brands are moving towards this convenience. You’ll need to stick to the USB-C cable, which is thankfully included in the box. But here’s the kicker: a quick 10-minute charge gives you up to 60 minutes of playtime. Perfect for those moments when you’re on the go and need a fast boost. Overall, the battery performance is robust, even if it’s not groundbreaking. It’s reliable, gets the job done, and keeps you vibing with your favorite tunes for hours on end.

Connectivity and Controls

When it comes to connectivity, the Sony WF-C700N doesn't disappoint. These earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.0, which means you’ll get a reliable and strong connection without those annoying dropouts. Pairing them with your devices is a breeze—just open the case near your device, and you're pretty much good to go.

Now, talking about controls, these earbuds have touch-sensitive panels on both sides. You can easily control playback, adjust volume, take calls, and summon your voice assistant with a few taps. Sounds convenient, right? Well, most of the time, it is. The touch sensors are fairly responsive, but occasionally they can be a bit too sensitive or not respond as promptly as you'd like. It’s kinda like trying to pet a cat that’s not always in the mood—sometimes it works flawlessly, and other times, not so much.

One awesome feature is the wear detection. These buds know when you take them out of your ears and automatically pause the music. Pop them back in, and the music resumes. It’s a small detail, but it adds up to a very user-friendly experience.

Multipoint Connectivity

Another cool aspect is the multipoint Bluetooth connection. You can connect these earbuds to two devices at once. For example, you can be listening to music on your laptop and still take a call from your phone without having to switch manually. It’s like having your cake and eating it too.

However, it's worth noting that the range isn't as far-reaching as some high-end models. If you wander too far from your device, you might notice the audio starting to stutter. But for typical use—like keeping your phone in your pocket while you walk around the house—they perform just fine.

Overall, the connectivity and controls on the Sony WF-C700N are solid, with a few minor quirks. They offer enough modern features to keep you connected and in control, but there's always room for a bit of fine-tuning.

What's in the Box

Sure thing, let's dive into what's you get when you unbox these headphones. When you open the package, you'll immediately see the earbuds nestled in their charging case. The case itself is compact and feels sturdy. It's designed to be portable, so you can easily toss it in your bag without worrying about scratches or damage. But what else is in there? Here's the rundown:

• Charging Cable: A USB-C cable is included. It's not very long, but it does the job. If you prefer longer cords, you might need to use one from your stash.
• Ear Tips: You get three pairs of silicone ear tips in different sizes (small, medium, large). This helps you find the perfect fit, enhancing both comfort and noise isolation.
• Quick Start Guide: This handy little booklet gets you up and running in no time. It covers all the basics from pairing to understanding the touch controls.
• Warranty Card: Pretty standard, but important. Make sure you keep this tucked away safely in case you need it later.

It's a straightforward package—no frills, just essentials. One thing to note is that there's no wall adapter for the charging cable. Many companies are going this route to reduce electronic waste, but if you don't have a spare adapter lying around, it could be a minor inconvenience. Overall, the contents are well-thought-out and practical, ensuring you have everything you need to start using your new earbuds right away.

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Price and Value

The Price and Value of headphones can often make or break a purchase decision. So, how do these earbuds stack up? Let's dive in.

First off, these earbuds land in the mid-range price category. They're not exactly cheap, but they won't break the bank either. If you're looking for a balance of performance and affordability, these might be worth considering.

But what do you get for your money? Well, the sound quality is impressive, especially for the price. The active noise cancellation is another big selling point. While it may not be on par with premium models, it gets the job done in most environments.

Battery life is solid, but not extraordinary. You’ll get enough juice to last through a workday or a long flight, but don't expect marathon endurance. It's a fair trade-off for the other features packed into these earbuds.

When it comes to durability, the build quality feels robust and well-made. These aren't the headphones you have to baby. But, if you’re the type who tends to be rough with your gadgets, you might be looking for something even sturdier.

One of the standout features is the customizability of the sound profile. Through the accompanying app, you can tweak the EQ settings to match your preferences. This is a big plus for audiophiles who like to fine-tune their listening experience.

On the downside, the mid-range price tag means they lack some of the more premium features found in higher-end models. For instance, you won't find wireless charging or high-res audio support here. However, what you do get is a well-rounded package that offers good value for the money.

In summary, the value proposition here is strong. If you're looking for a blend of solid performance, good build quality, and useful features without splurging on the top-tier models, these earbuds are a smart choice.

Conclusion

In summary, the Sony WF-C700N offer a solid mix of features that make them a compelling choice for anyone in the market for mid-range true wireless earbuds. They excel in areas like sound quality and active noise cancellation, which are often the most critical factors for users. The sound quality is robust, with clear highs and a satisfying bass, making any genre of music enjoyable. However, they're not perfect. If you're someone who needs ultra-long battery life, you might find yourself recharging these a bit more often than you'd like.

Similarly, while the fit is generally comfortable, they're not the absolute best for rigorous physical activity. But all things considered, for their price point, they're a great value. They strike a nice balance between performance and affordability. It’s like getting a reliable car that doesn’t break the bank but still gives you a smooth ride and pleasant experience. So, if you're looking for a pair of wireless earbuds that offer great sound and reliable noise cancellation without costing an arm and a leg, these might just be the ones to go for.

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications