Sony WF-C700N

Sony has delivered one of the best earpods in this price range. If you’re seeking mid-range voice clarity, these are a great choice. The bass is impressive, and the music clarity is outstanding. Connectivity is simple, with a long range, and the touch controls work well—much better than touch-sensitive options, which can be unreliable. The battery life is exceptional; a single charge can last for weeks with moderate use. They fit perfectly in the ears, and the build quality is excellent.

As a long-time fan of Sony products, I’ve owned the WH-1000XM4 and WF-1000XM4, along with other brands. I just received these earbuds this morning and have been listening to them since. I’m quite satisfied with the sound quality. The Sony app is a great addition for me, as I prefer a punchy bass and tend to experience some high-frequency loss typical of adult males. After tweaking the settings with the app—boosting the clear bass nearly to max and adjusting the treble—I’m really enjoying the audio. The sound profile resembles that of the WF-1000XM4. Noise cancellation appears comparable, but I need to test them in various environments to be sure.

I got my XM4 reconditioned, and unfortunately, the right battery has started failing after about a year and a half, so I purchased these to scratch my earbud itch until the XM5 is released. I actually appreciate the push button controls over the touch controls found on the XM4. They’re not necessarily better, but they’re not worse either. I also find them slightly smaller, which is a plus because I like to listen to audiobooks while sleeping. They’re comfortable enough for side sleeping without feeling too much pressure on my ear. I did have a moment where they paused due to the default right side button configured to pause and skip, but it has only happened once, so I don’t anticipate it being a recurring issue.

Contrary to some reviews, you can configure either bud for volume control in the app; I have the volume set to the left bud now. A single press increases the volume, while holding it decreases it. The default control is for switching between noise cancellation and ambient mode. I typically keep noise cancellation on, so volume control is more important to me. Some have criticized the lack of automatic pausing when removing the earbuds, but I find it easy to pause using the right side button.

I’ve also tried QCY buds, which are surprisingly good for the price, and the Soundcore A40, which were a great find at $99 (now $79). They are almost as comfortable for sleeping, but they protrude slightly more, causing more pressure on my ear when I lie on my side. So far, the Sony earbuds have the best noise cancellation, nearly on par with the XM4.

For the price, I believe these are a solid alternative to the XM4. The battery life is rated at 7.5 hours, comparable to the Soundcore, but I’ve received a loud charging notification early in the morning. I’ll see how the Sony holds up with similar use and update this review later. Overall, in direct comparison to the XM4, I’d say these are nearly as good, though maybe not quite as expansive in soundstage. If you’re a fan of Sony or just seeking good-quality earbuds with noise cancellation at a reasonable price, these would be a great choice.

One notable improvement for me is the ear tips included with these buds. I have larger ear canals, and the memory foam tips on the XM4 were disappointing, failing to create a proper seal, which is crucial for sound quality and noise isolation. I keep a variety of tips from different brands, and I often have to search for larger ones to get a good fit. I was pleasantly surprised that the included large tips fit me well. I’ve attached a photo comparing the Soundcore, QCY, XM4, and WF-C700N. So far, the WF-C700N seems to be the most comfortable, slightly smaller than the Soundcore and definitely smaller than the XM4.

After using these for about a month, I’m still pleased. I occasionally experience issues with the buttons when listening to audiobooks in bed, as slight pressure can trigger pause or volume adjustments. Fortunately, one notch up increases the volume, and if I hold it, it decreases, so I haven’t been blasted by maximum volume yet. While I love Sony products, I think the other buds I mentioned would suit most people just fine at a lower cost. But they’re not Sony! I’m eagerly awaiting the soon-to-be-released WF-1000XM5, hoping for a lighter weight than the XM4 and the comfort I find here, paired with touch controls instead of push buttons. For now, these remain my favorites in the mid-price range.

Another update: Unfortunately, these aren’t working well for me while sleeping. I’ve developed a raw spot on the edge of some cartilage in my left ear. I’m now primarily using the Sony WF-1000XM5 (which I received two weeks ago) and the Soundcore A40 for audiobooks in bed. I use the headphones until my ears get too warm and switch to the A40 when I want to lie on my side.

I’ve noticed a little edge or irritation on the Sony that causes discomfort on the cartilage of my ear. I still like them a lot, but I’ve been using them for indoor cycling. I have a couple of large fans blowing on me, and the Sony blocks out a significant amount of noise, performing better than the QCY I used before. They’re more rounded, which helps reduce wind noise.

The WF-1000XM5 just released, and mine is expected to arrive Friday. I really hope they don’t irritate my ear like these do.

I would still recommend these earbuds; my issues are likely due to my personal ear shape. No one’s ears are perfectly symmetrical, and I have no problems with the right side.

As of 8/5/23, I got the XM5 two weeks ago and am loving them! They offer fantastic sound, are lighter than the XM4, and have better bass and comfort. However, the tips still don’t fit well. An airtight seal is essential for noise-canceling earbuds. The app is the same for the 700s and XM5, but the 700s lack the feature that checks for a proper seal. I discovered that the left bud on the 700s and the new XM5 just won’t create a seal. I found a hack to make the tips moldable: using Sugru glue (similar to clay), I roll a bit, pull up the mushroom part of the ear tip, wrap the Sugru around the fitting, roll the tip back down, and then insert it into my ear to ensure a good seal. After letting it set for a few hours, I have a fitted tip. This method works well for my larger ear canals.

I must reiterate that the 700s deliver a very pleasing sound once the equalizer and clear bass settings are adjusted to my liking. I just finished using them for four hours straight at a loud volume during an indoor cycling session, walking my dog, and preparing lunch. They were comfortable (I almost forgot I had them in), sound excellent, and still had 50% battery left when I put them away.

I truly believe most people would appreciate these earbuds and wouldn’t be disappointed, especially given the price. The XM5s are better, but for many, they might not be worth the extra $200 (even though I love them too!).

On 9/22/23, I want to note something about the app and codecs. I feel a bit silly for only now noticing that the headphone connect app on my iPhone indicates it’s using the AAC codec and shows whether DSEE is active. DSEE definitely improves the sound. I compared the noise cancellation of the WF-1000XM5 with the XM5, and the latter performs better against the two fans I have during indoor cycling. However, I still prefer using the C700N because I want to be cautious with the more expensive buds.

On 10/23/23, I lost these earbuds! I searched everywhere but couldn’t find them. I was able to replace them for $88, so I’m not too upset. I ordered a new pair and am happy to have them again. One of the reasons I love these is their lightweight design. Even after 4-5 hours of wear, I almost forget they’re in. They remain one of my favorite pairs.

Revisiting the noise cancellation while walking my dog near light traffic, I’ve had the chance to test the new pair (the left button’s default is now to toggle ANC transparency on or off). With it off, I barely hear anything except my music. In transparency mode, I can hear everything around me. I’d rate the noise cancellation a solid 9 out of 10. They’re as effective as any ANC buds I’ve tried.

As of 12/22/23, I found the lost pair, so now I have two pairs of the WF-C700N, and I’m not disappointed. These are definitely my go-to earbuds; I use them more than the XM5s due to their lightweight comfort. Now at $76, I don’t worry as much about losing or damaging them compared to the pricier XM5s. If you haven’t tried them yet, you should!

I’ve been using the OnePlus Buds Z2 for over a year and a half, and they’re arguably the best TWS headphones in that price range. They offer excellent features, sound quality, battery life, and decent noise cancellation. However, I was still on the lookout for another pair. Why? Simply put, I’m not a fan of heavy bass. My two main issues with the Buds Z2 are that they have too much bass and can be excessively loud. While this may appeal to many, it doesn’t align with my music preferences.

After reading reviews about the Sony WF-C500, I was tempted to purchase them, but I ended up getting the Sony WF-C700N for under 5000 during the Great Indian Festival. What struck me most was the sound quality. It’s not overly bassy; instead, it’s well-balanced. Some might describe it as flat or dull, especially if they enjoy lots of bass, but I found it delightful. I was impressed by what a 5mm dynamic driver could achieve. Yes, the smaller driver means it doesn’t reach the same volume levels as the OnePlus, but I rarely listened to the OnePlus above 20% volume due to discomfort. The Sony has a softer, warmer sound profile and still delivers a solid punch. Plus, with the Headphones Connect app, you have a full equalizer at your disposal, allowing you to explore preset profiles or create custom settings. Tailoring the sound to your liking can be quite rewarding.

The connection process is straightforward, and the app is user-friendly. For the price I paid, the sound quality far exceeds expectations.

That said, if you’re looking for features, you might want to look elsewhere. The battery life is approximately 8 hours on the buds, with the case providing an additional charge for around 16 hours of playtime with ANC activated. The case takes about 3 hours to fully charge, but there is a fast charge option that allows for 2-4 hours of use after just 10 minutes of charging. While there are no touch controls, the physical buttons are responsive and easy to use. The buds also have an IPX4 rating and are among the lightest TWS I’ve ever used. However, in terms of features, competitors offer more at lower prices.

What I truly loved was the sound and the available customization options. The overall experience feels premium, and the connection works smoothly for both Android and iOS. If you enjoy experimenting with different music genres, this is an excellent pair of TWS, especially if you can snag them for under 6000. In that sense, it’s a budget-friendly dream for audiophiles, but remember, it’s all about the amazing sound quality.

This is my first experience with true wireless headphones, and as I listen while writing this, I feel compelled to share my thoughts after years of not reviewing products. Although I’m not particularly fond of Bluetooth technology, I decided to give these a shot for a long flight. Just to give you some context, I’m not an audiophile, but my home audio system is a Hegel H190 paired with KEF Ref1 speakers, which cost about $10,000 and sounds fantastic.

About a decade ago, I envisioned an audio equivalent of Google Glass, and it’s been fascinating to see this concept slowly take shape in headphones like these. While this technology is still in its early stages, I can see a crossover between tech enthusiasts and those with hearing impairments. I anticipate that future headphones will feature intelligent noise cancellation that can selectively amplify or suppress certain sounds, like boosting a friend’s voice in a noisy restaurant while muting a baby crying nearby. The potential applications are vast, but I digress.

I was surprised by the variety in the headphone market, with many companies failing to distinguish themselves and coming up short in reviews. It’s astonishing that Bluetooth pairing and connectivity issues still persist in so many products. There are countless poorly designed options out there, lacking any real testing or quality control, relying solely on their brand reputation, which can be frustrating for consumers. Thankfully, this isn’t one of those products.

Sony has truly hit the mark with these headphones. While there’s definitely room for improvement, especially at this price point, I was pleased to find them packaged in a compact biodegradable box—no unnecessary frills. The materials for the carrying case are cost-effective (which is a good thing), and the magnets that hold the earbuds in place are a nice touch. After a brief charging session, I popped them in my ears and was pleasantly surprised to see them pair automatically with my Samsung Galaxy A50. I started with Spotify, which has a decent bitrate (320 kbps) that diminishes even further over Bluetooth, and the sound was adequate, albeit not stellar. What stood out to me was the convenience and comfort of this well-designed technology.

I then tried listening to high-quality FLAC files, and while I don’t have much to critique about the sound other than it being inoffensive, my reference point is my $10,000 system. The extra space of the earbuds allows for a bit more bass presence, but the mids and highs aren’t particularly defined, and there’s no noticeable soundstage. An open-back design could enhance the experience, but it would compromise privacy.

Most people don’t buy these for high-fidelity sound; in fact, many have never experienced true hi-fi. The quality of high-end audio is often influenced by the listening environment, so it’s unrealistic to expect these headphones to meet those standards, especially at this price. The success of this product hinges on comfort, convenience, and user-friendliness. Despite my high-end system, I’ve found myself wearing these around the house for late-night listening sessions because they are incredibly comfortable—something that many other products fail to achieve. I often forget I’m wearing them. The controls are straightforward and intuitive, free of any frustrating design flaws. Plus, you don’t need to use an app (though one is available), which means you can avoid sharing personal data with anyone. The sound remains adequate and pleasant, and given my limited experience, I’m skeptical that a significantly better sound could be achieved even with a $200 increase per unit. But then again, this is my first pair, so what do I really know?