Sony WF-C710N

Sony WF-C710N – the Hardware

Sony supplies the in-ears (officially described as “noise-cancelling” WF-C710N) with a charging case, USB-A to USB-C cable, three pairs of ear tips (XS, M, XL), and documentation in a compact, plastic-free box. The Glass Blue version uses transparent material, offering a glimpse of the internal circuitry, contacts, and wiring.

The rounded charging case fits comfortably in a trouser pocket and features a USB-C port, LED indicator, and pairing/reset button – but no wireless charging. The in-ears fit securely and comfortably once the correct ear tips are chosen, providing decent passive isolation. Thanks to IPX4 protection, they can handle workouts and light rain.

Bluetooth Specs

The Sony WF-C710N use Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC and AAC codecs. Pairing is quick and simple thanks to Google Fast Pair and Windows Swift Pair. The connection remains stable up to around 20 metres in open space. On iOS, pairing can be a little clunky, but ultimately works. Multipoint allows two devices to be connected at once.

Controls and App

Touch-sensitive panels on the back of the Sony WF-C710N handle play/pause, skipping tracks, and volume control (via repeated tapping – not the most elegant method). You can also toggle ANC and transparency modes. Each earbud can only be assigned one type of control (e.g. playback on the left, ANC on the right), and gesture functions can’t be customised beyond these presets.

Sony’s Sound Connect app unlocks extensive features, most notably a 5-band EQ with Clear Bass control and nine presets, plus a guided sound personalisation tool. Adaptive Sound Control automatically adjusts ambient sound settings based on your location (e.g. sofa, café, train station).

How does the Sony WF-C710N sound?

The Sony WF-C710N deliver a balanced bass foundation that leaves space for mids and highs, allowing for fatigue-free listening to music and podcasts. Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) aims to restore details lost in compressed audio files.

However, the sound can feel somewhat closed-in and lacking airiness, with limited openness and detail retrieval. The EQ can help tailor the sound to personal taste. Overall, they sound fairly neutral – neither particularly exciting nor flawed.

Noise Cancelling and Transparency

Switching to ANC slightly smooths the sound, but low-frequency noise like a lawnmower still comes through, albeit reduced. The ANC effect is mild and overall isolation is modest.

Transparency mode increases background hiss but offers a fairly natural awareness of surroundings, adjustable in the app. There’s also a voice-focus option, though the effect is minimal.

Calls and Battery Life

Call quality is solid, with clear voice transmission and good background noise suppression. Battery life is up to 30 hours with the charging case, and a 5-minute quick charge provides about 60 minutes of playback.

Verdict

Sony markets the Sony WF-C710N as an essential all-in-one for everyday use, and that’s exactly what they are – competent in most respects but not exceptional in any. The app feature set is above average, but ANC performance lags behind rivals. Loyal Sony users will be satisfied, but those willing to explore the competition may find better sound and ANC for less money.