(checked 2026-10-14)
Experts like its ANC for the price (SoundGuys measured about 85% reduction) and its 9-hour battery, and What Hi-Fi? names it the best cheap earbuds. But about 1 in 4 Amazon ratings are 1 or 2 stars, citing buds that fall out, disconnects and units that stop working.
Common Sony WF-C710N problems
- Fit slips, especially when moving
SoundGuys lists 'not a very secure fit' as a con: they slipped out during runs and workouts, and only three tip sizes come in the box with no wings or fins. Amazon's summary says some owners report them falling out.
- Units that stop working or disconnect
Amazon's summary calls reliability, battery and connectivity mixed, with some owners saying they stopped working completely after a while.
- No hi-res codecs, bulkier than before
SoundGuys, Tom's Guide and What Hi-Fi? all list the missing aptX and LDAC as a con. What Hi-Fi? says the case and buds are bulkier than the previous model, and Tom's Guide calls the case plasticky.
What owners like
- Strong ANC for the money
SoundGuys averages about 85% noise reduction and scores ANC 8.5/10. Tom's Guide calls it comparable to Bose for much less.
Source: SoundGuys review, Tom's Guide review - Long battery
SoundGuys measured 9 hours 25 minutes, above Sony's 8.5-hour claim, with over 30 hours including the case.
Source: SoundGuys review - Enjoyable sound
What Hi-Fi? praises the controlled bass and musicality, Tom's Guide the bass response, and SoundGuys says most people will enjoy the default sound.
- You want earbuds for running or the gym
- You want LDAC or aptX
- Earbuds often fall out of your ears
- Strong ANC without flagship prices
- Long battery per charge
- Commuting and desk use rather than workouts
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- What Hi-Fi?: Best cheap earbuds in its noise-cancelling guide (updated 2026-07-24). The cons are bulkier case and buds, no aptX or LDAC, and limited control customization.
- SoundGuys: 8/10 and a notable mention in its earbuds roundup: half the price of premium buds with comparable ANC. The cons are no aptX or LDAC and a fit that is not very secure.
- Tom's Guide: Extremely comfortable with highly effective ANC; 4.5 stars under 'Also tested'. The cons are a plasticky case and no aptX or LDAC.