Sony has just revealed their latest offering in the earbud market, the Sony WF-C700N, which promises to be a game-changer. The earbuds feature a lot of the same technology found in the top-rated Sony WF-1000XM4 wireless earbuds, but at a much lower price point of £99 / AU$199.95 (about $120). They are set to go on sale in April 2023, though Sony has yet to confirm an exact date.
While the WF-C700N features impressive technology on paper, the focus seems to be on comfort and style. The earbuds are 37% lighter and 38% smaller than the Sony WF-1000XM4, making them more comfortable for smaller ears and more secure, while a new coating on the buds will ensure that they remain in place. They are also equipped with wind noise reduction and a new type of mesh on the external mics that further reduces wind interference.
These earbuds come in a discreet design and four color options: black, white, lavender, and sage green. They have a nice textured case that will look sleek in any pocket or bag.
The WF-C700N also comes with a suite of tech features that rivals premium earbuds like the Apple AirPods Pro 2. It has adaptive active noise cancellation, Bluetooth multi-point pairing for connecting to two devices at the same time, DSEE upscaling tech to enhance audio quality, support for 360 Reality Audio music with spatial sound, and compatibility with the Sony Headphones app for EQ and noise-cancellation settings.
The sound is powered by a 5mm driver in each ear, which is the same size as the impressive Sony LinkBuds S and smaller than the WF-1000XM4. Battery life is the only drawback, with 7.5 hours of use from each charge, though this is still on par with the best noise-cancelling earbuds. However, Sony notes that you only get one charge from the case, giving a total battery life of 15 hours.
The earbuds are IPX4 rated for waterproofing, making them suitable for light exercise. Sony’s app makes it easy to set different levels of ANC for different environments, and it can switch between them automatically.
In conclusion, the Sony WF-C700N earbuds look promising, and with Sony’s reputation for delivering good-quality audio at a reasonable price, they are sure to be a hit. The only downside seems to be the battery life, but with ANC off, it can be extended up to 20 hours. Overall, the WF-C700N is an excellent choice for those on a budget who want impressive sound quality and features.
