The Sony WF-C510 earbuds aim to deliver a dependable and uncomplicated listening experience at an affordable price.
While these earbuds are officially priced at ₹8,990, they can be purchased for around ₹5,000 on most e-commerce platforms.
These earbuds are designed for those who prefer a practical, no-nonsense approach to their audio needs, while at the same time want a product from a reputed audio brand.
Do they stand a chance in this competitive market?
Design & Build Quality
The Sony WF-C510 earbuds stand out with their unique stubby charging case. Unlike most true wireless earbuds, the case is compact, although not the slimmest around.
The earbuds themselves feature a stemless design, making them perfect for those who dislike the look of AirPods clones. This design choice helps the Sony WF-C510 appear distinct and subtle, catering to users who prefer a low-profile aesthetic.
The matte finish ensures that the earbuds don’t attract fingerprints, keeping them looking clean and polished.
Sony has done well to make the WF-C510 comfortable for extended wear. The ear tips come in different sizes, allowing for a good seal in the ear canal. The earbuds are also lightweight, so you can wear them for long periods without feeling any discomfort.
With an IPX4 rating, these earbuds are resistant to sweat and light rain, making them suitable for workouts or outdoor use. However, they are not waterproof, so they should be kept away from swimming pools and showers.
Controls & Features
Controlling the WF-C510 is straightforward. Each earbud has a clicky button that can be used for play/pause, track skipping, or activating voice assistants. The controls are responsive and easy to use. However, some users may prefer touch-sensitive controls for a sleeker feel.
Interestingly, despite lacking Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), the earbuds include a transparency mode. This is a surprising addition for a budget model, allowing you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds.
It’s a handy feature for those who need situational awareness, such as when crossing the street or listening to announcements. However, it’s worth noting that using transparency mode impacts battery life.
Despite the lack of Active Noise Cancellation, the Sony WF-C510 offers decent passive isolation. The ear tips create a tight seal that blocks a good amount of ambient noise, making them suitable for use in busy environments.
One major downside is the absence of in-ear detection, which is a vital feature for many. This means that the earbuds won’t automatically pause or resume playback when you take them out or put them back in: something many users might miss.
Connectivity
The Sony WF-C510 connects via Bluetooth 5.3 and supports both SBC and AAC codecs. These codecs are suitable for most music streaming services, ensuring stable and decent audio quality across devices.
A useful feature is Bluetooth multipoint, which allows you to connect the earbuds to multiple devices simultaneously.
This is especially useful for those who switch between their phone and laptop throughout the day. Pairing the earbuds is straightforward: just press the pairing button on the case and follow the prompts on your device.
Audio Quality
The audio output of the Sony WF-C510 is quite flat. This is ideal for users who enjoy a wide range of music genres, as it provides a balanced and neutral sound signature.
However, bass enthusiasts may find the experience lacking. While there’s an option to tweak the sound using the Sony Headphones Connect app, the adjustments are limited, and bass heads may not get the thumping lows they desire.
For casual listeners and those who appreciate clarity, the WF-C510 delivers a decent experience. Highs and mids are adequately presented, although some may find the highs a bit under emphasised.
It’s also important to mention Sony’s 360 Reality Audio support. If you’re into immersive, spatial audio experiences, this is a nice bonus feature. However, the content available for this technology is still limited, and the experience may vary depending on the track.
Call Quality
For phone calls, the Sony WF-C510 is decent but not outstanding. The microphones perform adequately in quiet conditions but struggle in noisier environments like offices or busy streets. Wind noise reduction is present but not perfect, so outdoor calls may still have some interference.
If you’re looking for earbuds primarily for calls, these might not be the best option, but they’ll handle everyday communication needs well enough.
Battery Life
One of the most impressive aspects of the Sony WF-C510 is its battery life. Each earbud offers up to 11 hours of playback on a single charge.
With the case, you get a combined total of 22 hours, and in our testing, we got pretty close to these numbers. However, if you listen on full volume, these numbers might drop noticeably.
This long battery life makes the WF-C510 a reliable option for users who don’t want to constantly charge their earbuds. Additionally, Sony claims that a quick 5-minute charge can provide up to an hour of playback, which is handy in a pinch.
The charging case, while compact, does not support wireless charging. It charges via a USB-C port, which is standard.
Sony WF-C510 Review
The Sony WF-C510 is a good option for those who want a reliable, fuss-free set of earbuds from a trusted brand. They’re not designed to impress with flashy features or groundbreaking sound quality, but that’s not their aim.
These earbuds offer good battery life, a comfortable fit, and basic features that work well enough for most everyday scenarios.
For users who prefer a neutral sound and don’t want bass-heavy profiles, the WF-C510 is a suitable choice. The price point of around ₹5,000 makes them accessible, and the Sony branding adds an element of prestige for those on a budget.
However, those looking for feature-rich earbuds should check out one of the offerings from Realme or OnePlus.
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