Sony WF-C700N vs Sony WF-C500: Today we will compare two models from Sony the WF-C700N and the Sony WF-C500. Both models offer impressive features and are popular choices in the market. We will analyze their design, battery life, connectivity options, sound quality, and overall value for the price. So, let’s dive into the comparison and find out which one suits your needs better.
Pros and Cons
| WF-C700N | WF-C500 |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and comfortable | Compact and lightweight |
| Customizable EQ in app | Robust build quality |
| Google Fast Pair support | 360 Reality Audio support |
| No on-ear volume control | No ANC or wireless charging |
| No aptX or LDAC support | Only AAC, SBC Bluetooth codecs |
Specifications: Sony WF-C700N vs Sony WF-C500
| WF-C700N | WF-C500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Sony | Sony |
| Type | In Ear Wireless | In Ear Wireless |
| Colors | Black, White Sage Green, Lavender | Black, White Ice Green, Coral Orange |
| Dimensions Earbuds | 30 x 26.5 x 19mm | 35 x 30 x 15mm |
| Weight | 4.6g Earbuds 31 g Case | 5.4g Earbuds 35 g Case |
| Driver | 5mm | 5.8mm |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
| IPX | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| ANC | Yes | No |
| Codec Support | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 AAC, SBC | 5.0 AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth Range | 10 meter | 10 meter |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| App | Headphones Connect | Headphones Connect |
| Battery life | ANC OFF 10 hours 20 hours (case ) ANC ON 7.5 hours 15 hours (case ) | 10 hours 20 hours (case) |
| Charging Time | 1.5 hours | 3 Hours |
Design
Both models have similar charging case designs, but the WF-C500 has a transparent top cover, while the WF-C700N has a non-transparent cover with a physical button for pairing.
The WF-C500 is considered more comfortable to wear, with better ergonomics.
Both models have push-button controls on the earbuds, but the buttons on the WF-C700N feel better built.
The WF-C700N offers more customization options, including color choices (black, white, green, and lavender), compared to the WF-C500 (black, white, orange, and greenish blue).
Both models have an IPX4 water resistance rating.
The Sony WF-C700N and WF-C500 both have well-designed charging cases that are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry. The cases are made of durable plastic and offer protection for the earbuds. However, the WF-C700N case has an edge with its impressive build quality and an LED indicator for charging status.
The WF-C700N has a more attractive design. It features a sleek profile with the Sony logo and multiple microphones for noise cancellation and transparency mode. The WF-C500, on the other hand, has a simpler design without the extra microphones.
Comfort
In terms of comfort, both models come with silicone tips that provide a good fit for most ears. However, some users have reported that the WF-C500 earbuds can be less secure and may fall off more easily compared to the WF-C700N. Ultimately, comfort may vary depending on individual ear shapes and preferences.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration when choosing earbuds. The WF-C700N offers up to 7.5 hours of playback time with noise cancellation activated, and up to 10 hours with noise cancellation turned off. When combined with the charging case, the total battery life can reach up to 16 hours. It’s worth noting that actual battery life may vary based on usage and volume levels.
The WF-C500, on the other hand, offers a slightly shorter battery life. It provides up to 5.5 hours of playback time with noise cancellation and up to 8 hours without noise cancellation. With the charging case, the WF-C500 can provide an additional two to three charges.
Overall, the WF-C700N has a slight advantage in terms of battery life, making it a better option for those who need longer playback time.
Connectivity and Features
Both models feature Bluetooth connectivity, with the WF-C700N supporting Bluetooth 5.2 and the WF-C500 supporting Bluetooth 5.0.
Both models use the AAC codec for wireless audio transmission.
Both models are compatible with Google Fast Pair and offer a connection popup for easy pairing on Android devices.
The WF-C700N support Bluetooth 5.2 and WF-C500 support Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, which ensures a stable and reliable wireless connection. However, the WF-C700N lacks support for advanced codecs like LDAC, while the WF-C500 is limited to the Bluetooth SBC codec. This means that the WF-C700N may provide a slightly better audio experience, especially for users who have compatible devices and access to higher-quality audio formats.
The WF-C700N and WF-C500 earbuds come with physical buttons for controlling playback, volume, and call management. While the physical buttons on the WF-C700N provide tactile feedback, they can be quite sensitive and may cause some discomfort when pressed firmly. On the other hand, the WF-C500 earbuds offer a more standard button control experience.
One notable difference between the two models is the presence of sensors. The WF-C700N lacks sensors for automatic playback and pausing, while the WF-C500 does not have this limitation. Additionally, the WF-C700N includes active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode, allowing you to customize your audio experience. The WF-C500, however, does not have ANC or transparency mode.
Controls
Both earbuds utilize physical button controls instead of touch-sensitive controls. These physical buttons are easy to use, offering tactile feedback and responsiveness. With the WF-C500, you have access to playback controls, allowing you to play, pause, skip tracks forward and backward, and adjust the volume. However, the WF-C500 does not have active noise cancellation, which removes a set of controls from the equation.
On the other hand, the WF-C700N features active noise cancellation and ambient mode, which requires accessing the Sony app to choose between playback controls, volume controls, and ambient sound control. Sony has mentioned on their website that a future firmware update for the WF-C700N will enable controlling all features at once.
| WF-C700N | WF-C500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Call/Music Control | Yes | Yes |
| Volume Control | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Control | No | No |
| Noise Cancelling Control | On/Off | No |
Sound Quality
Both models have three dynamic drivers, but the WF-C700N has a slightly larger driver size (5mm vs. 5.8mm in the WF-C500).
The WF-C700N delivers better control and stronger bass response compared to the WF-C500.
The overall sound quality is similar in the mid and high frequencies for both models.
The WF-C700N and WF-C500 both deliver impressive sound, but there are some differences to consider.
The WF-C700N features a single high-performance 5-millimeter Dynamic Driver, which offers powerful low frequencies and well-controlled clarity. It provides a balanced sound with a good amount of detail and a relatively wide soundstage. The WF-C700N also supports Sony’s 360 Reality Audio technology, which can enhance the listening experience for compatible applications.
On the other hand, the WF-C500 offers a similar audio experience but may lack some of the finer details due to the smaller driver size. Despite this, the sound remains well-rounded and enjoyable.
Microphone Performance
Both models have decent microphone quality, but the WF-C700N is slightly better in terms of voice pickup and less distortion.
Both the WF-C700N and WF-C500 deliver comparable microphone performance. In outdoor environments, they capture your voice effectively, ensuring clear communication during phone calls. Ultimately, the microphone quality may come down to personal preference and specific usage scenarios.
Active Noise Cancellation
The WF-C700N includes ANC, which works effectively in noisy environments.
The WF-C500 lacks ANC, making it less suitable for blocking out external noise.
The presence of active noise cancellation is a straightforward difference between the two models. The WF-C700N incorporates active noise cancellation, while the WF-C500 lacks this feature. However, it’s worth mentioning that the WF-C500 still provides a good amount of passive noise cancellation, effectively blocking out a significant amount of ambient noise.
On the other hand, the WF-C700N not only offers active noise cancellation but also includes an ambient mode. The ambient mode allows you to hear your surroundings while wearing the earbuds, which can be handy in situations where you need to stay aware of your environment. With the WF-C500, this option is not available.
Differences
Design and Comfort:
WF-C700N: Slightly smaller footprint, providing a more secure fit, especially for smaller ears.
WF-C500: Similar design but slightly larger than WF-C700N.
Controls and Features:
WF-C700N: Physical button controls with tactile feedback.
WF-C500: Physical button controls with tactile feedback, providing access to playback controls, volume adjustment, and track skipping.
Sensors:
WF-C700N: Lacks sensors for automatic playback and pausing.
WF-C500: Includes sensors for automatic playback and pausing.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Mode:
The C700 comes equipped with ANC, while the C500 does not. However, the C500 does offer decent passive noise isolation. Furthermore, the C700 has an ambient mode, enhancing situational awareness when needed.
WF-C700N: Features active noise cancellation and ambient mode, customizable through the Sony app.
WF-C500: Does not have active noise cancellation or ambient mode.
Audio Codecs:
WF-C700N: Supports SBC and AAC codecs for standard audio quality.
WF-C500: Supports SBC and AAC codecs for standard audio quality.
Sound Quality:
WF-C700N: 5mm dynamic driver for powerful low frequencies, clear and well-balanced sound.
WF-C500: Similar audio experience but may lack some finer details due to smaller driver size.
Bluetooth Connectivity:
WF-C700N: Bluetooth 5.2 with support for multi-point connection (future firmware update required).
WF-C500: Bluetooth 5.0.
Microphone Performance:
Both earbuds deliver comparable microphone quality, suitable for phone calls. There doesn’t seem to be a clear winner here.
Price:
WF-C700N: Typically priced around $99.00.
WF-C500: Typically priced around $69.00 or less during special offers.
The WF-C700N, with its added features such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and ambient mode, is generally priced higher than the WF-C500. The C500, being more basic in its offerings, is designed to be more affordable and cater to users who don’t require all the bells and whistles of the C700.
Conclusion!
Based on the features mentioned, the Sony WF-C700N earbuds offer advantages such as a more secure fit, active noise cancellation, ambient mode, Bluetooth 5.2 with multi-point connection capability (through a future firmware update), and slightly better sound quality compared to the Sony WF-C500. However, both models provide punchy sound, customizable EQ, and good passive noise cancellation.
It’s important to note that Sony plans to release a firmware update for the WF-C700N, allowing for comprehensive control of all features at once. Additionally, the multi-point connection feature will be available through a future firmware update as well.
Ultimately, your decision between the WF-C700N and WF-C500 will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a secure fit, active noise cancellation, and enhanced sound quality, the WF-C700N is the recommended option. However, if you can forgo active noise cancellation and prefer a more budget-friendly choice, the WF-C500 still provides solid performance and features.
Regardless of your choice, both models showcase Sony’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio experiences in a compact and convenient package.
