Sony WF-C700N: A No-Nonsense Approach to Mid-Range True Wireless Sound

Despite being historically recognized as a major player in the personal audio industry, Sony entered the true wireless earphone market later than some of its rivals. When it finally did arrive in this segment, it aimed to present itself as a premium option before gradually expanding into lower-priced tiers. The newly released Sony WF-C700N true wireless earbuds mark its latest effort in the increasingly competitive mid-range market for wireless audio, retailing for Rs. 8,990 in India.

In contrast to the more extravagant options in the under-Rs. 10,000 true wireless earphones category, the Sony WF-C700N adopts a more minimalist approach regarding design and features. Nevertheless, it includes must-have features like active noise cancellation and app compatibility that are now expected in this price range. This straightforward pair of true wireless earphones is designed to hit all the essential marks, but can it stand up against the leading brands that have recently dominated the mid-range true wireless market? Read on to find out.

The Sony WF-C700N effectively isolates noise passively due to its secure fit.

Design and Features of Sony WF-C700N

In a market segment often characterized by vibrant and striking designs, Sony has opted for its familiar design ethos with the WF-C700N. These earbuds are compact and light, embodying Sony’s signature style with noticeable logos on the top of the ear pieces rather than on the outer surface. Unlike the significantly bulkier Sony WF-1000XM4, the WF-C700N appears much more straightforward in appearance and fit.

The design features a flat interior surface that ensures a secure, effective noise isolation level, large microphone grills on the exterior, and physical buttons for control on each earbud — a rarity even among budget-friendly true wireless options. This control scheme is more precise and less prone to accidental activation, which I appreciate.

The Sony WF-C700N comes in four colors: white, black, green, and lavender. Although the green and lavender options look intriguing, I prefer the subtle and understated appearance of the black version I received for review. I believe true wireless earbuds should not serve as showy accessories; comfort and functionality should be prioritized, and the black variant aligns with that philosophy.

The controls, while customizable, are somewhat limited; you can select a control set for each earbud, but the controls within that set are fixed. Control sets include Ambient Sound Control (switching between ANC and transparency modes), Playback Control (playing music and activating your device’s default voice assistant), and Volume Control.

This setup allows you to select up to two of the three sets, or even disable controls on one or both earbuds entirely. While easier to acclimate to, the rigid nature of this system can be a drawback since you may need to rely on your smartphone for any functions not included in your selected set. The physical buttons prevent hassle, but pressing too hard can impact the fit when wearing them.

The physical controls for the WF-C700N are customisable using the Sony Headphones Connect app.

With an IPX4 rating for water resistance, the Sony WF-C700N can withstand light splashes and sweat but is not suitable for use in even mild rain. The packaging contains a short charging cable and three pairs of silicone ear tips in different sizes.

The charging case for the Sony WF-C700N is slim, lightweight, and quite convenient for portability. It features a USB Type-C port and pairing button on the back, and an indicator light on the front. However, its compact design means that the case provides only one additional charge for the earbuds.

App and Specifications of Sony WF-C700N

The relatively compact build and light weight of the Sony WF-C700N can be largely attributed to its smaller 5mm drivers. It’s crucial to note that driver size does not determine sound quality, as the WF-C700N competes well against similarly priced models in terms of audio performance.

These earbuds have a frequency response range of 20-20,000Hz and utilize Bluetooth 5.2 for connectivity, with support for the SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs. While it lacks advanced codec support, the Sony WF-C700N is compatible with both iOS and Android platforms, making it versatile.

Standard Bluetooth connectivity ensures that the Sony WF-C700N can be quickly set up with any compatible device, but the full experience relies on the Sony Headphones Connect app (available for both iOS and Android). The app accommodates various compatible Sony headsets and automatically configures itself to the specific headset in use after pairing.

The Sony Headphones Connect app is downloadable for iOS and Android devices.

The app provides visual battery level indicators for each earbud and the case, adaptive sound control for automatic mode switching, customizable transparency mode levels, fully adjustable equalizer settings, and the ability to choose control sets. You can also set a timer for automatic power-off when the earbuds are idle and update the firmware as required.

While the app might not be as feature-rich for the C700N as it is for more premium Sony headphones such as the WF-1000XM4, it covers essential functionality reliably. However, frequent use of the app post-initial setup isn’t necessary, as most controls can be managed through the earbuds themselves.

Performance and Battery Life of Sony WF-C700N

While brands like Oppo, OnePlus, and Nothing may offer more flamboyant features in the mid-range true wireless arena, the Sony WF-C700N is more straightforward and less ostentatious. What you receive is a dependable, comfortable, and consistent audio experience that aligns well with what one expects from Sony concerning sound quality and active noise cancellation.

During my review, I paired the Sony WF-C700N with an Apple iPhone 13 Pro (Review) to enjoy music, make and receive calls, and watch videos. The absence of advanced Bluetooth codec support was evident immediately in the audio; this headset is not designed for meticulous detail as seen in somewhat pricier models such as the Nothing Ear 2.

Instead, the concentration is on craftily tuning the sonic signature of the Sony WF-C700N, which emphasizes the richness of sound across its frequency range, producing an intense auditory experience where different elements seem to compete for attention. While listening to Lavender (Star One Remix) by Frenchfire with active noise cancellation engaged and volume around the 50 percent setting, I experienced near-total isolation from external noise. The rapid, dynamic beats of this progressive house track came alive even more when the volume increased.

The earpieces offer decent battery life, but the Sony WF-C700N’s charging case only provides one extra charge, which is disappointing.

The Sony WF-C700N managed to showcase a variety of sounds effectively — the bass resonated as intended, while the mid-range appeared at appropriate moments. The treble was slightly muted in comparison, though not excessively so. The overall sound was warm and inviting, captivating but not overwhelming.

The fully customizable equalizer settings via the Sony Headphones Connect app allow for sound adjustments, and these changes are quite responsive. However, I appreciated the natural sound profile of the Sony WF-C700N, which minimizes fatigue, differentiating it from the more intricate soundscapes offered by many competitors. I found the earbuds comfortable enough for prolonged use throughout work hours and during my evening workouts, largely thanks to their effective noise isolation and active noise cancellation.

While the active noise cancellation of the Sony WF-C700N is not stellar and can be considered quite average, it does provide a noticeable reduction in background sounds. However, quieter noises like wind and household sounds, such as the droning of a ceiling fan, are still audible. When combined with the solid noise isolation and secure fit, listening to music at moderate levels allowed me to effectively block out most ambient sounds.

The transparency mode was somewhat amplified and might sound overwhelming at higher levels, but fortunately, it can be adjusted via the app for added comfort. As for volume output, the Sony WF-C700N does not reach the levels you might anticipate, but the engaged and warm sound enables you to hear adequately even at moderate volumes. Call quality remained good whether indoors or outdoors.

Battery performance for the Sony WF-C700N is satisfactory on the earbuds themselves, offering approximately seven hours of playback on a single charge with ANC active and volume set around the 50 percent level. Although this is adequate, the overall battery life doesn’t impress due to the charging case providing just one additional charge for the earbuds, totaling 14 hours for each cycle. Wireless charging is unavailable, but wired charging is efficient and quick.

Conclusion

While not as captivating or flashy as other brands in the true wireless earphone market, Sony certainly deserves credit for its consistency and reliability. The Sony WF-C700N is a straightforward and approachable option that provides exactly what you’d expect at the price point of Rs. 8,990. Its warm, enjoyable sound, solid fit, reasonable ANC capability, and easy-to-use controls make it a pair of earphones worth considering. Additionally, they are readily available for purchase both online and at brick-and-mortar stores.

The only significant drawbacks are the limited battery life of the charging case and the absence of support for advanced Bluetooth codecs, but these considerations do not overshadow the overall positive experience with these delightful true wireless earbuds. If you seek more flair and detail in the audio, you might want to investigate the Nothing Ear 2, but otherwise, the Sony WF-C700N is a solid choice.