The C700N are rated IPX4 splash-proof like the WF-C500, but also sport Wind Noise Reduction Structure to render calls less distorted in blustery weather, plus Multipoint Bluetooth that allows you to connect wirelessly to two Bluetooth devices at once and then seamlessly switch between them. The operation above is an example. For more details, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the computer. When engaged, the noise-cancelling and ambient passthrough modes proved effective, particularly given the price of the WF-C700N. When listening to Ariana Grande’s “Into You” at 40% volume with active noise cancellation engaged, I couldn’t hear conversations of co-workers at the office within two metres of me. Turning to a podcast at the same volume, I was able to make out speech but it was unintelligible. Compared to our headphone preference curve, the Sony WF-C700N doesn’t do a terrible job, but many listeners will find the weak bass reproduction disappointing. The bass response under 100Hz is over 6dB quieter than our preference, but that’s fine unless you specifically seek out bassy buds. On the other hand, the WF-C700N under-emphasizes treble above 5kHz. Nevertheless, you’ll hear most instruments just fine with this frequency response. Lows, mids, highs I'll speak plain: for features, design and most-importantly sound quality, these cannot be bettered for the money. In fact, you'd have to double your outlay to do so.

Usage hours may be different from the time described depending on the setting for the headset functions and usage conditions. Sony is showing exceptional talent in distilling its audio know-how down into ever diminutive earpieces. (Image credit: Future) They accompanied me to work on weekdays (walking brusquely to the station; boarding a train and the London Underground; at the office) and throughout a long weekend on the UK coastline – a great way to test any wind-interference from mics during calls.For this level, I think it would be churlish to ask any more from your earbuds. Call-handling? A breeze –but not literally; Sony has worked hard on neutralizing wind-interference (there's a new mesh structure surrounding the microphone) and the fact that the units are much more flush with your ear does promote clearer calls. The C700N earbuds can run for 7.5 hours with ANC on and 10 hours with it off according to Sony, but the charging case is a major letdown; it simply matches those above figures for each scenario. Most cases hold at least a few full charges. Sony LinkBuds S Enjoy up to 15 hours * of listening thanks to the handy charging case – get 7.5 hours from the earbuds and another 7.5 hours using the charging case. Most true wireless in-ears offer a stable fit and these three are no exception. That said, the earpieces can sit in a range of positions in your ear and still feel secure, which is good. With the XM5 and C700N models, however, this variability affects the ANC (active noise cancellation) performance. The C700N earbuds deliver their best ANC, for instance, when you jam the eartips into your ear canal, whereas the XM5 earphones can make helpful ANC adjustments if you simply twist them slightly. Clean your earbuds often to keep them in optimal condition. If the outside of the headset or the charging case get dirty, wipe them clean with a soft dry cloth.

Both the C700N earphones and the LinkBuds S work with Bluetooth 5.2, while the XM5 supports version 5.3. When the headset is placed in the charging case, the indicator (blue) on the charging case flashes 10 times.As always when testing earbuds or headphones, the Sony WF-C700N became my musical companions for two weeks – after a thorough 48-hour run-in period. Prior to now, my shout for this money would be the Panasonic RZ-S500W, but in my humble opinion, the Sony WF-C700N now edge those for sound. It's a close-run race, but the bass feels just that bit tighter, snappier and less prone to overstatement in the Sony product. As mentioned, you get what you pay for in Sony's lineup of true wireless earphones. Yes, they all share the advantage of a comprehensive companion app with EQ, but that's about where the similarities end. You will hear a notification sound and the voice guidance say “Pairing” from both headset units at the same time.