Noise-cancelling True Wireless

Review: Sony WF-C710N - Compact, good-sounding mid-range headphones

Sony has improved its compact mid-range headset in most areas but still struggles to keep up with the competition.

Published 2 May 2025 - 10:42

Sony WF-C710N are a pair of True Wireless headphones for 1500 kronor. They replace Sony's C700N, which has won several awards. The new headset has a new design, better battery life, better noise cancellation, and improvements in call sound, among other things.

The case is rounded and fairly compact, and the headset is available in four colours, with the blue one being particularly noteworthy because it is transparent, allowing you to see how the headset and case look inside.

The first thing you need to do is choose the right size of rubber tips for the earbuds. There are only three sizes, and Sony has not embraced the development of oval or otherwise custom-fit rubber tips, so I find it difficult to find a pair that seals tightly and sits comfortably. I have to settle for them sealing tightly but not being very comfortable and slipping out easily.

The headset can be connected to two devices simultaneously, and therefore I appreciate that there is a button on the case that facilitates pairing. Not all headsets have this.

The music sound in the headset is really good for the price, with a clear and strong bass that doesn't feel smeared. Unfortunately, there is no support for Sony's LDAC standard for high-resolution music sound.

Weak ANC

The noise reduction, however, is a clear disappointment. This is an area where Sony is undeniably good. I do know that Sony doesn't have its best noise reduction in this price range, but here I really have to make an effort to perceive any difference between the noise reduction being on and off. I notice it most clearly if I'm sitting on a noisy bus. Then the mid-frequency noise disappears, but not the low rumble or the treble noise. The feeling of a quiet room does not occur.

Sony's app has been revamped and it is now easier to find and understand the functions in it. I like that I can, for example, see which two devices the headset is connected to, and that I can choose a customised equaliser by listening to my own music and then selecting from different options that I think sound best for me.

The headset has a battery life of 8.5 hours with noise reduction on or 12.5 hours without noise reduction, which is excellent. I don't charge the case many times during the test period. The headset also charges faster than its predecessor, so five minutes of charging gives an hour of playtime.

The call sound can be said to be average. I am heard clearly when I speak, at least if I am in a quiet environment, but it is also noticeable that I am speaking through a headset because I sound a bit tinny. On the plus side, the headset is better than average at handling wind noise if I am outdoors and talking and it is windy.

Overall, the Sony WF-C710N is a headset that doesn't quite manage to stand out for its price tag. With better-fitted ear tips and clearer noise cancellation, it could have been really good. Sony needs to pick up the pace if they want to keep up.