Sony WF-C510 Review: A Budget-Friendly True Wireless Earbud That Delivers
Sony has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality audio products across all price points, and the new Sony WF-C510 is no exception. Priced affordably, these true wireless earbuds aim to provide a well-rounded listening experience without breaking the bank. With features like Ambient Sound mode, Bluetooth multi-point connectivity, and solid battery life, the WF-C510 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, there are some trade-offs, particularly in call quality. Let’s dive into the details.
Pros and Cons of the Sony WF-C510
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Engaging and balanced audio performance
- Effective Ambient Sound mode
- Long-lasting battery life
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Subpar call quality
- Lacks energetic sound for bass-heavy tracks
Key Features of the Sony WF-C510
1. Ambient Sound Mode
The Ambient Sound mode allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying your music. It’s particularly effective in environments like public transport or busy streets, where you need to hear announcements or oncoming traffic.
2. Battery Life
With 11 hours of playback on a single charge and 22 hours total with the charging case, the WF-C510 offers slightly better battery life than its predecessor, the WF-C500. A quick 5-minute charge provides an additional hour of playback.
3. DSEE Audio Processing
Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) restores detail to compressed audio tracks, enhancing the listening experience for users who stream music from platforms like Spotify or YouTube Music.
Design and Build Quality
The Sony WF-C510 earbuds are designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. They feature tactile physical buttons, which many users prefer over touch controls for their reliability. The earbuds come in multiple color options—blue, yellow, white, and black—allowing you to match them with your personal style.
Weighing just 40.2 grams, the earbuds are lightweight and comfortable, making them ideal for extended listening sessions. They also come with small and large ear tips to ensure a snug fit for different ear sizes. With an IPX4 rating, the WF-C510 is resistant to sweat and splashes, making it a great option for workouts.
The compact charging case is slim enough to fit into tight pockets, and it features a USB-C port for charging. However, wireless charging is not supported, which is a minor drawback at this price point.
Features and Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.3 and Multi-Point Support
The WF-C510 supports Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable connection with minimal dropouts. Multi-point connectivity allows you to pair the earbuds with two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between your phone and laptop.
360 Reality Audio
For an immersive listening experience, the WF-C510 supports Sony’s 360 Reality Audio. This feature works with compatible streaming services like Amazon Music to create a three-dimensional soundstage.
Sound Connect App
Sony’s new Sound Connect app replaces the older Headphones Connect app. It offers a cleaner interface and allows you to customize EQ settings, button functions, and Ambient Sound levels.
Sound Quality
The Sony WF-C510 delivers a balanced and natural sound profile that works well across a variety of genres. While it lacks the punchy bass of more premium models, the low frequencies are more pronounced compared to its predecessor, the WF-C500. The mids are clear and detailed, making vocals stand out, while the highs are crisp without being overly bright.
However, the earbuds are not the most dynamic-sounding pair. Tracks like Overseer’s Supermoves feel slightly underpowered, lacking the energy needed for bass-heavy genres. That said, the WF-C510 excels in delivering a mature and well-rounded audio experience for its price.
Battery Life and Charging
Sony claims 11 hours of playback on a single charge, with an additional 11 hours provided by the charging case. In real-world tests, the earbuds consistently delivered around 10 hours of playback at moderate volume levels. Fast charging is a welcome feature, allowing you to gain an extra hour of playback with just a 5-minute charge.
Call Quality
The weakest aspect of the Sony WF-C510 is its call quality. The microphones struggle to isolate your voice from background noise, making it difficult for the person on the other end to hear you clearly. Wind noise is also a significant issue, further detracting from the call experience. If you frequently use earbuds for phone calls, this might be a dealbreaker.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking for alternatives with noise-canceling capabilities, consider the EarFun Air Pro 4. For those on an even tighter budget, the CMF by Nothing Buds or the Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 are worth exploring, although they don’t match the WF-C510 in sound quality.
Shop EarFun Air Pro 4 on Amazon
Shop Edifier TWS1 Pro 2 on Amazon
Final Thoughts
The Sony WF-C510 proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great pair of true wireless earbuds. With its balanced sound, long battery life, and useful features like Ambient Sound mode and Bluetooth multi-point, it’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, if call quality is a priority, you may want to explore other options.
For just £55, the WF-C510 offers exceptional value and continues Sony’s streak of delivering high-quality audio products at affordable prices.
FAQs
Q: Does the Sony WF-C510 have noise cancellation?
A: No, the WF-C510 does not support active noise cancellation. However, its noise-isolating design works effectively to block out external sounds.
Q: Is the WF-C510 suitable for workouts?
A: Yes, the IPX4 rating makes the earbuds resistant to sweat and splashes, making them a good choice for workouts.
Q: How long does the battery last?
A: The earbuds provide 11 hours of playback on a single charge, with an additional 11 hours from the charging case.
Q: Does it support wireless charging?
A: No, the WF-C510 does not support wireless charging. It charges via a USB-C port.
