Welcome to this comprehensive comparison between the Sony WF C700N vs Sony LinkBuds S earbuds. Many of you may be interested in purchasing either of these headphones, but with a difference in price, it’s essential to understand if the additional investment is worth it. In this article, we will delve into various aspects of both earbuds to help you make an informed decision.
Pros and Cons
| WF C700N | LinkBuds S |
|---|---|
| Comfortable and secure fit | Comfortable and secure fit |
| Customizable EQ in companion app | Customizable EQ in companion app |
| Nice colours | LDAC support |
| Long battery life | Speak-to-Chat feature |
| No on-ear volume control | Mediocre ANC performance |
| No LDAC support | Awkward price |
Specifications
| WF C700N | LinkBuds S | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | SONY | SONY |
| $ | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
| Type | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 5 mm | 5 mm |
| Water Resistant | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Weight With Case | 31g | 44.6g |
| Weight earbuds | 4.60g | 4.80g |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz-20,000Hz | 20Hz-40,000Hz |
| ANC | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, SBC, AAC | 5.2, SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Battery Life | Upto 7 Hrs | Upto 6 Hrs |
| Battery Life With Case | Upto 14 Hrs | Upto 20 Hrs |
| Charging Port | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Wireless Charging | No | Yes |
Box includes
The package includes four different sizes of silicone tips for a customizable fit in both models. The LinkBuds S have the additional advantage of a proximity sensor that automatically pauses and resumes music when you remove or wear them, respectively, which can be convenient.
Key Differences: Sony WF C700N vs Sony LinkBuds S
WF C700N: Similar design to WF C500, lightweight, and available in black, white, seafoam green, and lavender colors.
LinkBuds S: Round earbud shape with recycled plastic materials, simple, and available in one design.
WF C700N: Small and compact with a USB-C port for charging, no wireless charging support.
LinkBuds S: Small and compact with a USB-C port for charging, no wireless charging support.
Both earbuds have an IPX4 water-resistant rating for workouts and rainy days.
WF C700N: Energetic, lively, and bass-focused sound with good clarity and decent instrument separation. Customizable sound settings available in the Sony Headphones Connect app.
LinkBuds S: Well-defined balance and energetic sound with deep, punchy bass, bright highs, and detailed mids. Customizable sound settings available in the Sony Headphones Connect app.
Both earbuds offer good ANC capabilities, blocking around 80% of ambient noise. Speak to chat feature improved in LinkBuds S for faster response.
WF C700N: Up to 7.5 hours per use with ANC, and up to 10 hours without ANC. Total playback time of 15 hours with the case.
LinkBuds S: Up to 6 hours per use with ANC, and up to 20 hours with the case.
Both earbuds support Bluetooth version 5.2, but LinkBuds S additionally supports LDAC codec.
Both earbuds use the Sony Headphones Connect app to access various settings, including adaptive sound control, ambient sound, ANC, equalizer, and 360 Reality Audio. LinkBuds S has additional compatibility with certain third-party services like Spotify, Ingress Prime, and more.
WF C700N is more affordable compared to LinkBuds S, which offers a more premium package with enhanced features.
Design
WF C700N : Similar design to WF C500, lightweight, secure fit with physical buttons for music playback and calls. Available in black, white, seafoam green, and lavender colors.
- Attractive colours
- Button instead of touch field
- Light
LinkBuds S: Round earbud shape with recycled plastic materials from automobile parts. Simple and premium design.
- Lightweight and stylish
- Three colours
- IPX4 water resistance
Both the Sony WF C700N and LinkBuds S come with charging cases designed with a pleasing rough plastic touch, compact size, and lightweight construction, making them easy to carry and durable against minor impacts. However, the LinkBuds S have a slight edge with their larger LED indicator on the front, displaying the case’s charge status and USB-C pairing at the back. The top cover also boasts a premium feel, enhancing the overall quality.
Comfort
Moving to the earbuds, the LinkBuds S are marginally larger than the C700N, but surprisingly, they feel even more comfortable, providing a snug fit in the ear. Both models offer touch controls, but the C700N uses a button, which may be slightly less comfortable. Nevertheless, the controls on both earbuds work well, allowing you to perform various functions with ease.
Battery Life
WF C700N: Up to 7.5 hours per use with ANC, and up to 10 hours without ANC. Total playback time of 15 hours with the case.
LinkBuds S: Up to 6 hours per use with ANC, and up to 20 hours with the case.
In terms of battery life, the Sony WF C700N offers up to 7.5 hours of use with noise cancellation activated and up to 10 hours with it deactivated. With the charging case, you can get a maximum of 16 hours. On the other hand, the Sony LinkBuds S provide up to 6 hours of use with noise cancellation on and 9 hours with it off. The charging case allows for a maximum of 20 hours.
Real-world usage tests show that the C700N outperforms the LinkBuds S in terms of battery life. The C700N can last approximately six and a half hours with noise cancellation, while the LinkBuds S provide around five and a half hours. If extended battery life is a priority, the C700N might be the better choice.
Connectivity
WF C700N: Bluetooth version 5.2 with support for SBC and AAC codecs. Supports Google Fast Pair and Bluetooth multipoint connection.
LinkBuds S: Bluetooth version 5.2 with support for LDAC, SBC, and AAC codecs. No Bluetooth multipoint connection support.
Both earbuds feature Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, ensuring a stable connection with compatible devices. However, the Sony LinkBuds S stand out with their inclusion of the LDAC codec, owned by Sony, enabling transfer rates of up to 990 kbps for excellent audio quality (compatible with Android devices only). The C700N, unfortunately, lacks the LDAC codec.
App Features
Sony Headphones Connect App: Offers various settings for adaptive sound control, ambient sound, ANC, and more. Includes an equalizer and compatibility with certain third-party services like Spotify, Ingress Prime, and more.
Both earbuds offer compatibility with Google Fast Pair and come with the Sony Headphones app for Android and iOS. The app allows users to perform various functions such as monitoring battery levels of both the earbuds and case separately, configuring touch controls, updating firmware, adjusting sound settings with equalizers and presets, enabling different modes like transparency and noise cancellation, and more. The app enhances the overall user experience significantly.
Sound Quality
WF C700N: Energetic, lively, and bass-focused sound with good clarity and decent instrument separation. Customizable sound settings available in the Sony Headphones Connect app.
- Balanced sound from the factory
- Very high bass potential
- 5-band equaliser plus clear bass
LinkBuds S: Well-defined balance and energetic sound with deep, punchy bass, bright highs, and detailed mids. Customizable sound settings available in the Sony Headphones Connect app.
- 5mm dynamic drivers
- LDAC for Hi-Res Audio Wireless
- Almost flagship level features
Both earbuds feature 5mm dynamic drivers, theoretically resulting in similar sound quality. However, real-world testing suggests that the Sony LinkBuds S are better-tuned, with better control and impact at low frequencies. The C700N performs well at medium and high frequencies, offering a balanced sound signature. Overall, the LinkBuds S demonstrate a slight advantage in sound quality.
Active Noise Cancellation
WF C700N: Good ANC capabilities, blocking around 80% of ambient noise. Ambient sound mode also available for situational awareness.
LinkBuds S: Good ANC capabilities, blocking around 80% of ambient noise. Speak to chat feature is improved for faster response.
Regarding active noise cancellation (ANC), both models offer three modes and a sophisticated system. The LinkBuds S show better ANC performance, but the C700N’s ANC is still commendable for its price range. Similarly, the transparency mode on both models works well, though the LinkBuds S have a slight edge here as well.
Price: Sony WF C700N vs Sony LinkBuds S
The Sony WF C700N originally priced at 120 USD can be found for around 95 USD or even less during special offers. The Sony LinkBuds S, initially priced at 199 USD, are now available for approximately 150 USD or less. Considering the features, comfort, sound quality, and overall performance, the LinkBuds S come out as the better headphones in this comparison.
If budget constraints are a concern, the C700N still offer a fantastic audio experience. However, for those seeking superior comfort, touch controls, sound quality, and noise cancellation, the Sony LinkBuds S are well worth the extra investment.
Conclusion: Sony WF C700N vs Sony LinkBuds S
The Sony WF C700N and Sony LinkBuds S are both excellent true wireless earbuds from Sony, each with its unique set of features and advantages. The WF C700N offers energetic sound with good bass response, reliable ANC capabilities, and a compact design. On the other hand, the LinkBuds S provides a well-balanced sound with punchy bass, improved ANC with speak to chat feature, and a more eco-friendly design using recycled materials.
Which is better depends on individual preferences and needs. If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option with solid ANC and customizable sound settings, the WF C700N is a great choice. However, if you prioritize sound quality, improved ANC with speak to chat, and eco-conscious design, the LinkBuds S stands out as the better option.
In summary, both earbuds offer a seamless and hassle-free experience with impressive features. The WF C700N is a strong choice for those seeking a complete package at an attractive price, while the LinkBuds S shines with its premium features and sound quality, making it a promising option for discerning users.
