Sony WF-C500

As a long-time fan of Sony products, I own the WH-1000XM4 and WF-1000XM4, among others from different brands. I just received these earbuds this morning and am currently listening to them. I’m quite impressed with the sound quality; the Sony app is a great addition as I enjoy punchy bass and have typical high-frequency loss as a male adult. After setting them up in the app, with clear bass almost maxed out and treble adjusted, I’m really enjoying the sound, which closely resembles the WF-1000XM4. The noise cancellation appears to be similar, but I’ll need to test them in various conditions.

I got the XM4 reconditioned, but after about a year and a half, the right battery has begun to fail, which is why I decided to try these earbuds until the XM5 is available. I actually prefer the physical push buttons over the touch controls of the XM4; they’re not better, but they’re not worse either. They’re slightly smaller, which is a plus since I like to listen to audiobooks while sleeping. I can rest on my side with a soft pillow without feeling much pressure. I did encounter a pause when I inadvertently pressed the right side, which is set to pause and skip, but that’s only happened once so it doesn’t seem like a major issue.

Contrary to some reviews, both sides can be configured for volume control in the app; I currently have volume set to the left side. A single press increases the volume, while holding it decreases it. The default setting switches between noise cancellation and ambient mode, but I usually prefer cancellation, so volume control is more crucial for me. Some users criticized that the earbuds don’t automatically pause when removed, but this isn’t an issue for me since I can easily pause with the button.

I also have QCY buds that pleasantly surprised me in terms of quality for the price, and Soundcore A40s, which were a great find at $99 (now $79). They’re nearly as comfortable as these earbuds for sleeping, but they protrude a bit more, causing more pressure on my ear when I lie on my side. So far, the noise cancellation on the Sony earbuds is the best, almost matching that of the XM4.

At this price point, I think these are an excellent alternative to the XM4. They boast a battery life of 7.5 hours, which is comparable to the Soundcore, but I often get a loud charging notification early in the morning. I’ll keep track of how the Sony earbuds perform under similar usage and update this review later. In direct comparison to the XM4, I’d say these earbuds are nearly as good, though perhaps not as expansive in soundstage. If you’re a Sony fan or simply searching for quality earbuds with noise cancellation at a reasonable price, these are a solid choice.

One significant improvement for me is the ear tips. I have large ear canals, and the memory foam tips on the XM4 were disappointing because they wouldn’t create a proper seal, affecting sound quality and noise isolation. I’ve kept various tips from different earbuds over the years, and I often need to use larger ones from other brands to get a good fit. I was pleasantly surprised that the included large tips fit me well. I’ve included a photo for comparison of the Soundcore, QCY, XM4, and WF-C700N, with the latter seeming the most comfortable so far—slightly smaller than the Soundcore and definitely smaller than the XM4.

After about a month of use, I’m still satisfied with these earbuds. Occasionally, while listening to audiobooks in bed, I accidentally activate the pause or volume buttons due to slight pressure. Thankfully, one press increases the volume, and holding it decreases it, so I haven’t been startled by max volume yet. While I enjoy Sony products, the other earbuds I mentioned would likely work well for most people at a lower cost. But they’re not Sony! I’m eagerly awaiting the soon-to-be-released WF-1000XM5, hoping they’ll be lighter than the XM4 and as comfortable as these, with touch controls instead of buttons. For now, these remain my favorites among the mid-price options.

An update: unfortunately, these aren’t working for me for sleep. My left ear developed a sore spot on the edge of some cartilage. Currently, I’m primarily using the Sony WF-1000XM5 (which I got two weeks ago) and the Soundcore A40 for audiobooks in bed—the Sony when I’m not too hot, and the A40 when I’m lying on my side.

The Sony has a little edge that causes a sore spot on my ear cartilage. I still like them but am now using them for indoor cycling. I have two large fans blowing on me, and the Sony does a great job blocking out noise, outperforming the QCY I previously used. They’re more rounded and create less wind noise as well.

The WF-1000XM5 just released, and mine are expected on Friday. I really hope they don’t irritate my ear like these do. I would still recommend these; my issue is likely due to my personal ear shape—my right side is fine, but no one’s ears are perfectly symmetrical.

Update: I got the XM5 two weeks ago and absolutely love them. They have fantastic sound, are lighter than the XM4, and offer better bass and comfort. However, the tips still don’t fit well. An airtight seal is essential for noise-cancelling earbuds. The app is the same for the 700s and XM5, but the 700s lack the seal-check feature. I found that the left bud on both the 700s and new XM5 just won’t create a seal. I discovered a hack to make the tips moldable: use Sugru glue (similar to clay), roll a bit, and wrap it around the ear tip fitting. Once you have a good seal, let it set for a few hours, and you’ll have a custom tip that fits well in my larger ear canals.

I must reiterate that the 700s deliver a very pleasing sound once you adjust the equalizer and clear bass settings to your liking. I just finished using them for four hours straight—during a two-hour indoor cycling session, walking my dog, and making lunch. They were comfortable enough that I almost forgot they were in, sounded excellent, and I put them away with 50% battery left.

I genuinely believe most people would enjoy these and find them satisfactory, especially for the price. The XM5s are better, but for many, they may not be worth the $200 difference (though I love them too!).

As of 9/22/23, I want to mention the app and codecs used. I feel a bit foolish for only now noticing that the headphone connect app on my iPhone shows it’s using the AAC codec and whether DSEE is on. DSEE definitely enhances the sound. When comparing noise cancellation against the WF-1000XM5, the XM5 performs better with the two fans blowing on me during indoor cycling. Still, I prefer using the C700N due to my caution with the more expensive buds.

On 10/23/23, I lost these! 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 again. One of the reasons I love these earbuds 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 is now set to toggle ANC transparency on or off). With it off, I hardly hear anything but my music. In transparency mode, I can hear everything around me. I’d rate these a solid 9 out of 10—among the best ANC buds I’ve tried.

As of 12/22/23, I found the lost pair, so now I have two sets of WF-C700N, and I’m not unhappy about it. These are definitely my go-to buds; I use them more than the XM5s due to their lightweight and comfort. Now that they’re priced at $76, I worry less about losing or damaging them compared to the pricier XM5s. If you haven’t tried them yet, you should!

I have been using the OnePlus Buds Z2 for over 1.5 years, and I believe they are among the best TWS headphones in their price range. They offer fantastic features, sound quality, battery life, and decent noise cancellation. However, I was still on the lookout for another TWS option because I’m not a fan of heavy bass. My main issues with the Buds Z2 are their bass-heavy output and excessive loudness. While many people appreciate these characteristics, they don’t align with my music preferences.

After reading reviews of the Sony WF-C500, I was tempted to purchase them. However, I ended up getting the Sony WF-C700N for under 5000 during the Great Indian Festival, and I was most impressed by the sound quality. It isn’t overly bassy; instead, it’s well-balanced. Some might find it flat or dull if they prefer a bass-heavy experience, but I truly appreciated the sound. I was astonished by what a 5 mm dynamic driver could achieve. While the smaller driver means it doesn’t get as loud as the OnePlus, I could never turn the OnePlus up beyond 20% volume without discomfort. The Sony, on the other hand, offers a softer, warmer sound. It delivers a satisfying punch, and the Headphones Connect app provides a full equalizer for customization, allowing you to tweak the sound to your liking. The connection 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 buds offer around 8 hours of continuous battery life, with the case providing an additional charge for a total of about 16 hours with ANC on. The case takes about 3 hours to fully charge, but it does have a fast charge feature that allows you to get 2-4 hours of use from 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 options I’ve tried. So, if you’re seeking features, you’ll find better options at a lower price.

What I truly loved, though, is the sound and the customization options available. The experience feels premium, and the connection is seamless on both Android and iOS. For anyone who enjoys experimenting with various music genres, these TWS earbuds are a fantastic choice if you can find them for under 6000. They would be an audiophile’s dream budget TWS, but ultimately, it’s all about the incredible sound quality.

Great insulation and excellent, clear sound! ❤️

These earphones fit perfectly in my ears and remain secure while I work out. The sound quality is excellent. I haven’t fully tested the battery life yet. The magnetic closure of the charging case is convenient, and its round design makes it easy to take in and out of my pocket.

These are my first true wireless headphones, and I’m actually listening to music as I write this—it’s been ages since I last wrote a review. I’ve never been fond of Bluetooth, which made me hesitant to purchase these, but I needed something for a long flight. Just to clarify, I’m not an “audiophile,” but I do have a high-end home audio system worth around $10,000 (Hegel H190 with KEF Ref1 speakers) that sounds fantastic.

About a decade ago, I had a feeling we were on the brink of something like an audio version of Google Glass, and it’s been fascinating to see that concept slowly come to life with headphones like these. This technology is still in its early stages, and it’s not surprising to see a crossover market between tech enthusiasts and those with hearing impairments. I can envision a future where intelligent noise cancellation can filter specific sounds, like amplifying a friend’s voice in a busy restaurant while muting the sound of a crying baby nearby. There could even be a unique voice waveprint associated with your contact information—a world of possibilities lies ahead.

I was taken aback by the variety of options available, with many companies trying—and failing—to stand out in reviews. You’d think Bluetooth pairing would have been perfected by now, but so many products fall short in this area. There are countless poorly designed options out there that lack proper product testing and quality control, relying instead on brand recognition and the hassle of returns. Thankfully, these headphones are not one of those.

Sony has really hit the mark with these headphones. While there’s always room for improvement, especially at this price point, I was impressed. They come in a compact biodegradable box, which I appreciate, and there’s no unnecessary packaging. The carrying case materials have been simplified (a plus!), and the little magnets keep the earbuds secure (great feature!). After a brief charge, I placed them in my ears and was pleasantly surprised by how quickly they paired with my Samsung Galaxy A50.

Listening to Spotify, which has a somewhat subpar bitrate (320 kbps) that Bluetooth complicates further, I found the sound to be decent but not exceptional—comfort and convenience really stole the show here. I then switched to high-quality FLAC files and, while the sound was not offensive, it didn’t blow me away. Compared to my high-end system, the bass was present, but the mids and highs lacked precision, and the soundstage was minimal. They might benefit from an “open back” design, but that would sacrifice privacy.

However, most people aren’t buying these for high-fidelity sound. Many haven’t even experienced high-end audio, and the quality of sound often hinges on the listening environment, which is not something you can apply to this type of product—especially at this price point. The success of these headphones hinges on comfort, convenience, and ease of use. Despite my sophisticated system, I’ve found myself wearing these around the house to enjoy music at higher volumes late at night. They are incredibly comfortable, a feat that many other products fail at, to the point where I forget I’m wearing them.

The controls are straightforward and intuitive with no frustrating design flaws that make you want to throw them out. Plus, you don’t have to use an app (though one is available), which means you don’t have to hand over your personal data to anyone. The sound remains adequate and inoffensive, and based on my limited experience, I’m not sure a significantly better sound could be achieved, even for an additional $200 per unit. But then again, this is my first pair, so what do I really know?