When you hear the name Sony, you think of a legacy built on engineering prowess—from the revolutionary Walkman to the class-defining 1000X series headphones. The company has long been a titan in the world of personal audio. The WF-C710N True Wireless Earbuds enter this storied lineup not as a flagship killer, but as a mid-range contender promising to democratize premium features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and seamless multi-device connectivity. The question is, in bringing these features to a more accessible price point, does the WF-C710N deliver that signature Sony experience, or are there critical compromises along the way? After spending considerable time with them in the bustling streets of Chennai, here’s a detailed breakdown.
Sony WF-C710N Wireless Earbuds Specifications:
- Driver Unit: 5mm, Closed type
- Supports Volume control, DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine)
- Crystal-clear calls with voice pickup that utilizes AI technology
- Multipoint connection support
- Bluetooth: v5.3, SBC, AAC codec support,
- Noise Cancelling and Ambient Sound modes
- IPX4 Splash-proof and Sweat-proof
- Sony | Headphones Connect app
- Weight: 5.2g (each earbud); Case: 38g
- Up to 30 hours of battery life (up to 8.5 hours with earbuds and another 21.5 hours with case); Fast charging for 5 mins gives 1 hour of playback
- Charging: USB-C
Design and Build: A Touch of the Future
Right out of the box, the WF-C710N in its “Glass Blue” finish feels less like a standard retail product and more like a cool, experimental prototype. The translucent case and earbuds are a unique design choice that stands out. While my initial thought was that the glossy plastic might look a bit “tacky” to some, that feeling quickly fades. In hand, the build quality is unmistakably Sony, it’s solid, well-constructed, and feels durable. The case hinge is reassuringly firm, and despite my initial fears, it has resisted scratches better than expected.
Portability is top-notch. The case is lightweight and slips easily into a pocket, but the real star here is the standalone battery life of the buds themselves, which often meant I could leave the case behind entirely.
Comfort and Fit: A Secure Fit with a Catch
Getting the earbuds in and out is a breeze, and for general use like walking or even a light jog, the fit is excellent and secure. Sony provides several ear tip sizes, and it’s worth spending the time to find your perfect seal. While they cater to a wide range of ear sizes, those with larger ears may find them a bit more comfortable.
However, there’s a significant catch when it comes to long-term comfort, and it’s amplified by the ANC. The earbuds create a noticeable “tightening” or “pressurizing” sensation in the ear canal. This is a deal-breaker for marathon listening sessions, as ear fatigue becomes a real issue after about 3-4 hours. While secure enough for a workout, I did notice an occasional “air block” feeling during intense activity, which can be distracting.
Audio Quality: A Job for the App
Let’s be frank: the out-of-the-box sound of the WF-C710N is a letdown. The default tuning is heavily bass-focused, leaving the audio feeling muddy and congested. The 5mm drivers struggle to provide clear separation, with lows, mids, and highs feeling “mish-mashed” together. It lacks the clarity and fidelity you expect from a product bearing the Sony name.
But don’t write them off just yet. The audio experience is completely transformed by the Sony Sound Connect app. The customizable equalizer isn’t just a feature; it’s a necessity. By diving into the EQ and manually boosting the highs, the sound opens up, becoming far richer and more detailed. Once tweaked, the audio is quite good, with pleasing mids and lows. It’s a shame this isn’t the default profile. Sony’s DSEE feature is also on board, but in my testing, it made no discernible difference to the sound quality.
Connectivity: Flawless and Fast
This is where the WF-C710N absolutely shines and justifies its price tag. The Bluetooth 5.3 connection is rock-solid. There is zero noticeable lag between audio and video, making them perfect for watching movies on the go.
The star of the show, however, is the multipoint connectivity. It works perfectly. The ability to be connected to my laptop and phone simultaneously, seamlessly switching from a work video to an incoming call and back again, is a game-changer for productivity. It’s an engineering feat that many brands attempt, but Sony has perfected here.
ANC, Ambient Mode, and Call Quality
The Active Noise Cancellation is impressively effective for this price segment. It does a fantastic job of cutting out low-frequency drones like traffic hum, fan noise, and the rumble of an AC unit—a true blessing for daily commutes. It’s not on the level of its flagship cousins, but it’s a significant step up from the competition. The only downside is that the ANC exacerbates the in-ear pressure issue.
Ambient Mode works well, letting you hear your surroundings clearly enough for a quick conversation, though it doesn’t sound entirely natural. Call quality is solidly reliable. In every call, the people on the other end had no complaints, whether I was in a quiet room or a noisy street.
Battery Life: A True Marathon Runner
Battery life is another standout victory. The WF-C710N consistently lives up to Sony’s claims, delivering around 8.5 hours of playback from the buds alone with ANC on. This impressive standalone endurance is a massive advantage for travelers or anyone who doesn’t want to be tethered to their charging case. With the case, you’re looking at a total of around 30 hours of use, which is more than enough for several days of heavy use.
Conclusion and Verdict
The Sony WF-C710N is a product of two distinct halves. On one hand, you have genuinely class-leading connectivity, multipoint performance, and battery life. On the other, you have an uncomfortable ANC pressure issue and a default sound profile that requires mandatory user intervention to be enjoyable.
The Sony WF-C710N earbuds are available for Rs. 8,490 from Sony retail stores, ShopatSC.com, major electronics outlets, and online platforms including Amazon.in.
Who is it for?
The Daily Commuter & Multi-Tasker: If you value flawless multipoint connectivity and strong noise cancellation for your daily travels and work, these are a fantastic choice.
The Battery-Conscious User: If you want earbuds that last and last, the WF-C710N will not disappoint.
Existing Sony Fans: If you’re willing to tweak the EQ in the app, you can achieve a sound that will feel familiar and enjoyable.
For pure, out-of-the-box audio quality or for users particularly sensitive to in-ear pressure, it would be wise to look elsewhere. But for those whose priorities align with its considerable strengths, the Sony WF-C710N is a powerful and reliable audio companion.