When it comes to affordable wireless earbuds, numerous brands offer great options. Sony has been producing some impressive models in this budget-friendly category, and the Sony WF-C510 wireless earbuds are no exception. Introduced as a cost-effective choice in Sony’s extensive lineup, these earbuds provide a compelling combination of audio quality, battery life, and comfort—all without breaking the bank. Is this the best wireless earbuds under 5K? Let’s find out.
Build Quality and Design
The Sony WF-C510 earbuds make a solid first impression with their clean, modern design. Available in multiple colours, we received the white version. The earbuds feature a durable matte finish. While the charging case is compact, it’s not as small as the Beats Solo Buds, but it is still pocket-friendly and sturdy, providing reliable protection for the earbuds when not in use. The case has a simple and functional design, featuring a small LED on the front to indicate the battery level and a USB-C port for charging.
The earbuds are ergonomically designed for comfort during extended wear. Their lightweight build and secure fit make it suitable if you’re a casual listening and light physical activity. They come with three sets of ear tips (small, medium, and large) to help you find the best fit for noise isolation and comfort.
Sound Performance
For budget earbuds, the Sony WF-C510 delivers impressive audio quality. These earbuds have 6mm drivers that offer a well-balanced sound profile. While the WF-C510 may not provide the depth and bass punch found in Sony’s premium models, they perform well for everyday listening across various genres. The bass levels are respectable, although they don’t deliver the same thumping experience you would get from high-end models. However, for casual listeners, the bass is more than adequate. The soundstage of the WF-C510 is decent but somewhat narrow. They may not be ideal for those seeking an immersive audio experience, but they are perfectly suitable for daily music, podcasts, and phone calls.
One factor that may impact sound quality is the absence of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Without ANC, the WF-C510 relies solely on passive noise isolation. In noisy environments, you might notice some external sounds seeping in, particularly lower-frequency noises, which can slightly detract from the audio experience. However, in a quiet or moderately noisy environment, the passive isolation provided by a well-fitting ear tip can help minimize distractions.
Features and App Support
The WF-C510 earbuds may lack advanced features such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and ear detection, but Sony has included several useful functions to enhance the user experience. These earbuds are compatible with Sony’s Headphones Connect app, which allows users to customize their listening preferences using a basic equalizer. The app’s interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, enabling adjustments to bass, mids, and treble to match individual tastes. Additionally, the app provides firmware updates for the earbuds, and in my experience, we received updates that improved the devices’ stability.
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, the WF-C510 ensures stable connectivity and a decent range. Pairing with devices is quick, and the connection remains steady even in crowded environments, such as a local train station during peak hours. However, it’s worth noting that the WF-C510 does not support high-quality audio codecs like LDAC, which slightly limits audio quality. Instead, it supports the standard SBC and AAC codecs, which still deliver most users a reliable and consistent audio experience.
Battery life is another highlight of the WF-C510. After testing them for a few days, I found they provided about seven hours of playback on a single charge, with an additional nine hours available from the charging case, totalling around sixteen hours. In simple terms, the battery life is excellent for budget earbuds and should comfortably last a full day of use without recharging. Moreover, the earbuds support fast charging, offering up to 60 minutes of playback with just a 10-minute charge.
The earbuds also feature basic IPX4 water resistance, making them suitable for light splashes and sweat and a viable option for gym workouts and light outdoor activities. While they are not designed for heavy rain or intense exercise, this level of water resistance provides added durability for everyday use.
Verdict
The Sony WF-C510 wireless earbuds deliver an impressive value for their price. While they may not include some of the advanced features of higher-end models, they offer quality sound, good battery life, and reasonable comfort. If you’re seeking an affordable alternative to the CMF Buds Pro 2 or other premium wireless earbuds. In that case, the Sony WF-C510 is an excellent choice, especially if sound quality and budget-friendliness are your main priorities.
