Sony has once again raised the bar for affordable yet high-quality in-ear headphones with the release of the WF-C710N. These new wireless earbuds not only pack a punch in terms of performance but also offer a unique and innovative design, including a stunning transparent “Glass Blue” color that is sure to turn heads. Here’s everything you need to know about Sony’s latest earbuds, their features, and whether they’re worth your attention.
A Fresh New Look: The Glass Blue Design
While Sony is known for its sleek, minimalist designs, the WF-C710N takes it a step further with its transparent design. Available in several colors—Black, White, Pink, and the eye-catching Glass Blue—the new earbuds come housed in a see-through charging case, allowing you to check whether your earbuds are safely stored inside. No more rummaging through your bag or jacket pocket to find out if you’ve left your earbuds at home. This small but practical change makes a world of difference for users who have experienced the frustrating moment of realizing their earbuds are missing at the last minute.
Impressive Features for an Affordable Price
The Sony WF-C710N earbuds are packed with features that give you excellent value for the price tag. Priced at £100 (around $130) at launch, they strike a perfect balance between budget and premium features.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The WF-C710N includes Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which helps block out unwanted noise, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in your music, podcasts, or calls. While we’ll need to test it further, ANC is a feature that’s typically found in more expensive models, making it an attractive addition to this price range.
- Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE): Sony has included its DSEE technology, which enhances the quality of compressed music files like MP3s. This feature works by intelligently restoring lost audio details, providing richer sound that’s closer to the original studio recording.
- Bluetooth 5.3: With Bluetooth 5.3, the WF-C710N ensures a stable and reliable connection to your devices. While it doesn’t support the higher-quality LDAC codec found in premium Sony models, it does support the more common SBC and AAC codecs, providing good sound quality for most users.
- Battery Life: The WF-C710N offers 12 hours of playback with ANC enabled. While this is slightly lower than the WF-C700N’s 15 hours, the newer model charges faster, meaning you can spend less time tethered to the charging cable and more time enjoying your music.
- Water Resistance (IPX4): These earbuds are rated with an IPX4 water resistance rating, meaning they can handle light rain or sweat—perfect for workouts or running in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
Touch Controls: Goodbye Physical Buttons
The WF-C710N makes the switch from physical push buttons to touch-sensitive controls, giving the earbuds a more modern and sleek feel. Touch controls have become the industry standard for many wireless earbuds, and Sony’s decision to incorporate them in this model helps streamline the user experience. While the physical buttons on the previous WF-C700N offered haptic feedback, the touch-sensitive controls are intuitive and responsive, making it easier to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume with just a tap.
Minor Downsides
While the WF-C710N packs in a lot of great features, there are a few downsides worth considering:
- Limited Ear Tip Sizes: The new model comes with only three ear tip sizes—small, medium, and large. While this covers most people, some users might prefer a wider selection to ensure the best possible fit and comfort.
- No Wireless Charging or Auto-Pause: The absence of wireless charging and auto-pause functionality is a slight miss for a model at this price point. Wireless charging is a nice-to-have feature that many users have come to appreciate, and auto-pause when removing the earbuds from your ears is a convenience found in higher-end models.
WF-C710N vs. WF-C700N: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
If you already own the Sony WF-C700N, you may be wondering whether the WF-C710N is worth upgrading to. In terms of performance, the differences are relatively minor. The WF-C700N offers slightly better battery life at 15 hours (with ANC off), while the WF-C710N drops to 12 hours. However, the WF-C710N charges faster, and the switch to touch controls adds a more modern feel to the design.
In terms of sound quality, both models feature Active Noise Cancellation and are equipped with DSEE to enhance audio. While the sound quality should be comparable, the WF-C710N‘s faster charging and sleek transparent design may appeal to those looking for a more stylish option or those who prefer touch controls over physical buttons.
Conclusion: A Stylish, Affordable Option for Everyday Use
The Sony WF-C710N is an impressive addition to Sony’s lineup of wireless earbuds. While it doesn’t offer the top-tier features of Sony’s flagship models, it provides a fantastic balance of performance, design, and affordability. With Active Noise Cancellation, DSEE audio enhancement, and a unique transparent design, these earbuds are perfect for those who want great sound quality without breaking the bank.
If you’re in the market for budget-friendly wireless earbuds with a fresh, modern design, the WF-C710N is definitely worth considering. And with its expected price drop after launch, it could become an even more enticing option in the near future.
What do you think of the WF-C710N? Would you opt for the transparent Glass Blue color, or are you more drawn to the classic black or white options? Let us know your thoughts!