Sony today unveils the WF-C710N. Replacing the 2023 C700N, these affordable headphones benefit from numerous improvements in active noise reduction, audio experience, connectivity, and interactivity. All without increasing the starting price. In addition, one version of the headphones is transparent, revealing their innards. Presentations.
In audio, Sony is one of the brands that counts. Truly. At the high-end, whether in the over-ear or in-ear headphone segment, the Japanese company offers particularly well-rated products. The WF-1000XM5 are a good example: they combine audio quality, battery life, and interactivity. Of course, the price is quite high. But the experience is complete and qualitative.
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In this market, Sony is not only present in the high-end. We are familiar with the Linkbuds. We tested the first two iterations: the Linkbuds with an open design and the LinkBuds S with a more classic design. They were followed by the LinkBuds Open and the LinkBuds Fit. And we also know the "F" series of headphones, the latest iteration of which is the WF-C700N, released in 2023 at a recommended retail price of 120 euros.
These affordable headphones from Sony are full of new features
Two years later, Sony is doing it again with a new pair of in-ear TWS headphones: the WF-C710N, which will very logically replace the C700N. Moreover, they are positioned at the same price. However, in two years, Sony has improved its copy. And fortunately, since the competition has not been idle either! On the program, the C710N benefit from better battery life, richer connectivity, more effective active noise reduction and many other advantages. Let's review all of this.
And we start with the design. Ergonomically, the C710N resembles its predecessors. They remain compact and rounded. However, the physical control button has been replaced by a more qualitative touch surface. The earphones retain their IPx4 protection against splashes. There are now four colors, including "Glass Blue" with a slightly tinted transparent shell that reveals the internal components. Like Nothing...
The C710N benefits from premium audio features
On the audio side, the C710N retains the 5 mm transducers already present in the C700N. However, several improvements have been made: DSEE compatibility (to improve the rendering of compressed content) and support for spatial content with 360 Reality Audio. It is still possible to adapt the sound of the C710N with an equalizer from Sound Connect, the Sony application that replaces Headphone Connect.
Still on the audio side, the C710N benefit from enhanced active noise reduction. Sony does not specify the sound intensity that the earphones are capable of reducing, or even if it reaches the level of the XM5 (which we doubt). In addition to more precise cancellation, the C710N are the first earphones in the C range to benefit from adaptive ANC. Wind noise reduction is also improved. The same goes for voice isolation by artificial intelligence during calls. On the other hand, the supported codecs remain standard: AAC and SBC. Still no LDAC here.
The C710N's battery life has almost doubled
The C710N's battery life has almost doubled compared to the C700N. Sony announces 8 hours and 30 minutes with a charge (noise reduction activated) and an additional 21 hours and 30 minutes with the case. That's 30 hours in total: that's a lot. And that goes up to 40 hours of listening without active noise reduction. Charging time has also been reduced: it now only takes 5 minutes to recover one hour of listening time, compared to 10 minutes previously. The charging case is not compatible with wireless charging, but only wired charging.
Connectivity has been modernized. We find a connection for up to two devices simultaneously. And it's compatible with iOS, macOS, Windows, and Android. The C710Ns benefit from a Bluetooth 5.3 connection, which is more energy-efficient. A proximity sensor is present in the earphones to stop the music if you remove them. Finally, the earphones come with three pairs of silicone tips: small, medium, and large.
There are many new features in these C710Ns, while Sony is keeping the same selling price. This is very good news. These earphones will arrive before the end of March on the shelves of the usual stores. All that remains is to meet you very soon for the full test of these very promising headphones.
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