Nintendo has announced that its Switch 2 console will begin retail pre-orders on April 24, 2025 in the US. The pricing for the console remains unchanged at $450 for the console-only package and $500 for the bundle that also includes Mario Kart World.
However, the company has revised the pricing for most of its accessories, which was originally announced alongside the console. You can now expect to spend from $1 to $10 more for the accessories, although most have received a $5 bump.
One accessory not mentioned initially is a 256GB Samsung microSD Express Card for the Switch 2,...
Google’s Pixel 9 series is discounted by up to £350 on Amazon right now, so all but the foldable are under £1,000 – and the new mid-ranger is half that.
Actually, the Google Pixel 9a doesn’t have a discount as such, but it does come with a free pair of Pixel Buds A-series. The 9a is similar to the Pixel 9, both use the same Tensor G4 chipset and have IP68-rated aluminum frames. However, the “a” phone has some downgrades to reach the lower price point.
Google Pixel 9a
free Pixel Buds A-series
Read...
The Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is a wireless gaming mouse in Razer’s asymmetrical range with pro-level play in mind. It adopts a small and sleek form, with an offset shape that slopes away to the right, giving it a more ergonomic feel. It’s relatively small too, especially across its width, although it’s the same length as a typical full-size pointer.
At a mere 55g, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is very light – but it’s far from flimsy: Razer’s typically high standards are adhered to, and it feels robust.
The chassis material feels premium too, and although it’s not textured, the finish offers just enough grip on its own without requiring grip tape – which is convenient since none is included.
The buttons and scroll wheel also feel solid yet are as easy to operate as any of the best gaming mice, providing satisfying feedback. The texturing on the latter is a particular highlight, with its dotted design appealing to me more than the linear grooves you typically find on many other gaming mice.
Underneath the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed are two large PTFE skates (no spares are included), which cover a large surface area and offer very smooth glides. They aren’t thick enough to use on hard surfaces – but stick to using it on pads and you’ll be rewarded with effortless movements.
(Image credit: Future)
The USB-C cable included with the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is of a similarly high quality, although it isn’t braided like those included with some elite gaming mice. It’s also not long enough to be practical for wired play; and even if your setup allows for it, it’s not light enough to prevent drag, although admittedly the effect isn’t as severe as with other non-braided cables.
The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed can be customized using Razer Synapse, the brand’s peripheral software. Here you’ll find many of the usual tweaks, with plenty of rebinding options for nearly every button, including the power and DPI selector underneath.
The left click isn’t rebindable unless you activate Razer’s Hypershift function, which allows you to designate one button as a modifier to give you access to a second layer of bindings.
Synapse also has some unique features for the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, such as Dynamic Sensitivity, which lets you customize the curve for cursor acceleration based on the speed of your flicks. There’s also a setting for rotating the mouse’s angle to match the natural way you hold it, in order to help straighten horizontal movements.
Both of these will be useful to certain gamers I’m sure, but it’s a shame other advanced tweaks for the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed are missing, such as a slam click filter, lift-off distance adjustments, and an angle-snapping toggle.
Regardless of these omissions, however, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is still a joy to play with. It feels sharp and responsive, which combined with its smooth-as-silk gliding ability, allow for accurate aiming and frantic swipes equally.
(Image credit: Future)
I found the ergonomic shape comfortable as well, which I was pleasantly surprised by – I haven’t always gelled with mice of this ilk in the past, but the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed proved a natural fit for my hand and fingers.
What’s more, the mouse buttons were light enough for rapid clicks, yet stable enough to prevent misclicks. The side buttons were easy to access and actuate, while the scroll wheel felt easy yet secure to operate; I could middle click confidently without worrying about accidental flicks.
However, I did have an issue with the middle click, which felt a little awkward to press, failing to provide as much feedback as I would’ve liked. This resulted in inconsistent actuation, especially in the heat of the moment.
Thankfully, connectivity was consistent, and true to the HyperSpeed name, I experienced no issues with lag. It’s a shame, however, that there’s no Bluetooth option in addition to the 2.4GHz USB dongle, which would’ve improved its versatility for multi-device setups.
Razer claims the battery of the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed can last up to 100 hours when set to the maximum 1K polling rate (although 8K is possible with the optional HyperPolling dongle). Based on my tests, I can well believe this figure, as after several days, the battery dipped by only a few percentage points.
There’s no question the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is an expensive gaming mouse, but its build quality and gaming prowess are excellent, and while the shape might not suit everyone, others will find it comfortable. A Pro version is available, which has a few upgraded specs, but the same basic form. Naturally, it’s more expensive.
If you want an even lighter gaming mouse, the Asus TUF Gaming M4 Air is about the best in this regard. It’s a great performer and considerably cheaper than the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed – although it lacks wireless connectivity.
The Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed costs $99.99 / £99.99 / AU$179.95 and is available now in one colorway: black. It comes with a 2.4GHz HyperSpeed USB dongle and a USB-C-to-A cable. Razer’s HyperPolling dongle can be purchased separately to boost the maximum polling rate all the way up to 8K.
For a wireless gaming mouse, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed veers towards the top-end of the market, but considering the quality on offer, it remains competitive. A Pro version is also available, which we rate as the best wireless gaming mouse overall, thanks to its performance and ergonomics – the latter of which it shares with the V3 HyperSpeed. It’s more expensive, though, and slightly heavier.
If you’re looking for an even lighter pointer than the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, the Asus TUF Gaming M4 Air is a great alternative, as it tips the scales at a mere 50g. It’s also much cheaper than, but lacks wireless connectivity. Still, you can’t do much better than the M4 Air if you want powerhouse performance in a featherweight package.
Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed review: Specs
Should I buy the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed?
Buy it if...
You want something light At 55g, the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is certainly light, yet still retains a full-size length. It’s a little narrower than other gaming mice, though.
You want a semi-ergonomic shape The rightwards slope of the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is reminiscent of ergonomic mice, so some gamers might find it more comfortable to use.
Don't buy it if...
You want pro-level tweaking Although Synapse is a capable piece of software, more advanced tweaks are missing for the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, such as a slam click filter and LoD adjustments.
You’re left-handed The DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed is asymmetrical and only suitable for right-handers, so lefties will have to look elsewhere.
Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed review: Also consider
Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro The Pro version of the HyperSpeed has an upgraded sensor capable of a 30K DPI – 4K more than the HyperSpeed can manage. It also has faster IPS speeds and acceleration, although it’s almost 10g heavier and more expensive. Still, it’s simply the best wireless gaming mouse we’ve experienced. Read our Razer DeathAdder V3 Pro review.
Asus TUF Gaming M4 Air The TUF Gaming M4 Air only weighs 50g, so if lightness is a priority for you, there aren’t many better. What’s more, we found its form very comfortable and its switches nice and responsive, if a little on the heavy side. We also rate it as the best mouse for CS:GO and CS2 in the lightweight category. What’s more, it’s considerably cheaper than the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed, although it’s wired-only. Read our Asus TUF Gaming M4 Air review.
How I tested the Razer DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed
Tested for several days
Played games and browsed
Plentiful PC gaming experience
I tested the DeathAdder V3 HyperSpeed for several days, during which time I used it for gaming and general browsing.
I played Counter-Strike 2, which is a stern test for any mouse, given it requires incredibly fast movements yet pinpoint accuracy when aiming.
I have been PC gaming for over a decade, and during that time I have experienced a great deal of mice ranging in price, size, and features. I have reviewed numerous models as well, including other Razer products.
vivo will unveil the T4 on April 22, and the brand recently confirmed the smartphone would pack a 7,300 mAh battery with 90W charging speed. Now, vivo has revealed more details about the T4 to build hype around it.
Let's talk about the camera first. vivo said the T4 will feature a 50MP camera, using the Sony IMX882 sensor and capable of recording 4K videos. Next is the screen. The vivo T4 will feature a quad-curved display, which is touted as the "segment's brightest." If you are wondering about the price segment, that's under INR25,000 ($290/€255). And brightness? That's 5,000 nits local...
Smart rings are having a moment, and the Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) wants in. While it’s not technically the brand's first ring, this version is being positioned as its first official release. It’s entering a space packed with competition, from premium names like Oura to value picks like the Amazfit Helio. So, how does it hold up?
The Luna Ring gets quite a lot right. It’s comfortable to wear day and night, tracks sleep and health metrics well, and offers genuinely helpful insights in the app – I liked the explanations of why scores or stats were outside of my usual range and a little “Health Monitor” dashboard gives you a quick glance at your key vitals.
But it also feels like a work in progress. The app is packed with info, but the copy and UI still need refinement. The design isn’t as sleek as some rivals – my gold version looked a little chunky and plasticky – and the battery life is a little less than rivals. There are also some quirks, like a clunky AI chatbot and occasional syncing glitches.
That said, Noise seems to know this. A second-gen version is already on the way, with promised upgrades to charging, battery, stress tracking, and design. I’m already feeling pretty confident it’ll enter our best smart rings guide in a strong position.
However, that leaves the Gen 1 I’m reviewing here in a tricky spot. Because I liked it, but with Gen 2 on the horizon and stronger rivals already on shelves, it’s hard to recommend right now – unless you’re specifically avoiding subscriptions and are happy to support an evolving brand.
Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) review: Price and availability
(Image credit: Noise Luna ring)
Available now for $300 / around £234 / AU$500
Pricier than a lot of the competition
Comes in several colors
The Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) is priced at $300 / around £234 / AU$500, and comes in silver, gold, matte black, rose gold, and shiny black.
It’s cheaper than the Oura Ring Gen 4, which starts at $349 / £349, though premium finishes cost more – and Oura requires a monthly subscription for full feature access. The Samsung Galaxy Ring is more expensive than both at $399 / £399 / AU$749.
However, it’s significantly more expensive than budget-friendly rivals, like the Amazfit Helio Ring (around $199.99 / £169 / AU$269), which I recently tested and rated highly as a more affordable choice.
While not as expensive as the more premium picks, it’s still bold pricing for a new player. And while the Luna Ring holds its own in some ways, it’s hard to justify that price when refinement and hardware polish fall just a little short.
Value score: 3.5 / 5
Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) review: Specifications
Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) review: Design
(Image credit: Noise Luna Ring review)
3-4g depending on the size you get
A very comfortable fit
Felt a tad less refined than rivals
The Luna Ring is lightweight and comfortable, even for sleep tracking – and that’s no small thing. I wore it 24/7 during testing and rarely noticed it was there.
That said, it’s a little chunkier than rivals like the Oura or Amazfit Helio rings, standing off my finger slightly more despite being the correct size. Only ever so slightly, but that’s still significant on a ring this size. I ended up wearing it on my index finger for this reason, where it felt the most balanced.
(Image credit: Noise Luna Ring)
I was sent the gold version, and personally, I wasn’t a fan. The shiny gold finish cheapened the look and made the ring feel plasticky. I think other colorways would be a better bet for most people and there are plenty to choose from here – though be warned that matte finishes do tend to scratch more easily in my experience.
As ever, design is subjective. I know a lot of people like the bold, gold and shiny look. But Luna’s overall build feels just a tad less premium than the top smart rings on the market, especially considering the price. It’s worth mentioning here that the Noise team tells us the Gen 2 version will be smaller and lighter.
Design score: 3.5 / 5
Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) review: Features
(Image credit: Noise Luna Ring)
Loads of data tracked
LunaAI assistant needs work
Adequate workout tracking
The Luna Ring tracks a wide range of metrics from its tiny sensors, including sleep stages and sleep score, resting heart rate (RHR), respiratory rate, HRV (heart rate variability), blood oxygen (SpO2), temperature changes, stress, activity score, readiness score and more.
That’s everything you'd expect from a full-featured health tracker, and the Health Monitor dashboard is a particularly nice touch. It gives you a quick snapshot of how your core metrics are doing day to day, without needing to scroll through graphs. I found myself using it regularly, especially when I didn’t want to dive into the data.
The ring also includes basic workout tracking, with activity options like walking, running, cycling, football, and freestyle modes. It’s not built for serious training – no smart ring is yet – but the inclusion is still useful. You can also sync workouts from third-party apps via Google Fit and Apple Health.
Then there’s LunaAI, which is a chatbot-style assistant baked into the app. It’s clearly a flagship feature for the brand, but right now, it feels undercooked. It can provide explanations for sleep and recovery metrics, and even build basic workout plans. But when it told me I’d “exceeded my sleep by 27,690 seconds,” I wasn’t exactly blown away. Technically true, but not exactly meaningful, similar to the AI insights on Garmin Connect+. It’s more a glossary and content hub than a true AI assistant.
As for the app itself, I really liked it. The layout is intuitive, the calming colors are nice, and the home screen dashboard feels Oura-inspired in a good way. On the home screen you'll find everything you need to know about your day and how you’re doing. Then along the menu bar your data is divided into Sleep, Readiness and Activity, all of this is on the home page, but you can dig deeper in each of the dedicated sections.
My only bugbear with the app is the copy could use refinement. Some of the text sounds clunky and is oddly worded and also looks quite tiny, which takes the shine off what is otherwise a premium-feeling experience.
Features score: 4 / 5
Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) review: Performance
(Image credit: Noise Luna ring)
Good sleep tracking
Nice contextual insights
Disappointing 3-4 days battery life
Overall, performance was solid, especially when it came to sleep tracking, which is clearly a key focus for the Luna Ring. It accurately picked up my sleep and wake times, even on restless nights (which many trackers have missed). You get detailed sleep stage breakdowns, insight into what’s affecting your score, and helpful trends over time. The sleep planner is also a great addition, letting you set sleep and wake targets to build a more consistent routine – perfect if you’re trying to reset your sleep habits.
Activity tracking is more of a mixed bag. There are several workout modes available, but none dedicated to strength training or yoga – my two go-to workouts. That said, the freestyle mode delivers decent data, including duration, calories burned, max and min heart rate, and a well-designed bar graph showing your time in heart rate zones. If more activity types were included, you'd likely get more accurate calorie data, but as a general log, it’s fine. Syncing with Apple Health or Google Fit helps fill in the gaps if you’re already using another fitness platform.
Accuracy overall was strong. I tested the Luna Ring alongside several other smart rings and wearables, and the data for heart rate and sleep consistently matched up. Step counts were slightly underreported at times, but never dramatically so.
Connectivity was decent once things were set up. I ran into a few syncing issues during setup and when the battery was running low, but after that it was mostly smooth sailing. Bluetooth pairing worked reliably, and the app refreshed with new data quickly.
One feature I genuinely appreciated was the contextual insights. When, for example, my temperature deviated from its usual range, the app didn’t just flash a warning – it explained what might cause the change and how to address it. This kind of guidance makes the Luna Ring feel smarter than many other wearables, which often highlight problems without offering any helpful next steps.
That said, the in-app advice's tone and wording could use some polishing to better match the premium feel Noise is aiming for. At times, the wording felt slightly robotic or abrupt. For example, when some of my data synced, the app flagged it with a red alert that simply said “Pay attention”, which felt vague and a bit cold, especially in that context.
(Image credit: Future / Becca Caddy)
Another time I received a “Proceed as planned” message after a strong readiness score. Technically accurate, but it lacked warmth or context, making the experience feel slightly jarring. I don’t expect emotional support from a wearable, but I do expect the language to feel well-considered and aligned with the rest of the experience. Right now, the tone just doesn’t quite land. Other wearables strike a better balance here.
Battery life, however, is one of the Luna Ring's weak spots. Luna claims 5–6 days, but I consistently got just under 4. That’s significantly shorter than the Oura Ring 4 (6 days), Ultrahuman Ring Air (6–7 days), and even the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Ring (up to 7 days). Battery life is crucial in a smart ring – the whole appeal is wearing it 24/7, and frequent charging breaks that flow. This is one of the areas the brand says it will improve in Gen 2, and it absolutely needs to.
Charging is handled via a small base, which requires placing the ring in a very specific position to connect. It’s not intuitive at first, but becomes second nature with regular use – still, a snap-on charger would be much easier.
Performance: 4 / 5
(Image credit: Noise Luna Ring)
Scorecard
Should I buy the Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1)?
Buy it if…
You’re looking for an Oura alternative without a subscription It’s a little cheaper than the Oura, and you don’t need to pay to subscribe, which is a plus.
You want a ring that goes beyond basic stats I felt like the explanations and info presented here could genuinely help me make positive changes rather than bombard me with stats.
You’re comfortable supporting a product that’s still evolving Let’s be clear, it’s good. It just has that Gen 1 feel because, well, it is and a newer version is on the way soon.
Don’t buy it if…
You’re on a budget: There are cheaper smart rings that offer many of the same metrics and will give you a similar experience.
You’re not in a rush: A Gen 2 version is already on the way imminently with some design and feature upgrades that could address many of my issues with the Gen 1.
You expect premium hardware at this price: It doesn’t quite match up to the best rings on offer, but it’s not too far off.
Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1): Also consider
Oura Ring 4
A more refined smart ring experience, with great app design, color options, and accurate tracking. But it’s pricier – and you’ll need a subscription to unlock all the features.
A surprisingly capable smart ring at a lower price point. It lacks some of the health insights of premium rings, but it’s a great option for fitness fans on a budget.
I tested the Noise Luna Ring (Gen 1) for several weeks, paired with an iPhone 14 Pro. I wore it 24/7 – through outdoor runs, gym sessions, long workdays in coffee shops, evenings at home, and while sleeping. The only time I took it off was for charging and showers (even though it’s waterproof, I didn’t want to risk soap and shampoo interfering with the sensors).
I’ve tested dozens of wearables over the past decade, including smart rings from Oura, Ultrahuman, RingConn, Motiv, and more. Having worn so many, I’ve got a strong sense of what makes a smart ring truly useful – from design and comfort to performance, app quality, and long-term wearability.
A few days ago, OnePlus announced it would unveil the OnePlus 13T on April 24 in China. The brand revealed its design, color options, and screen size. Now, it has confirmed a few more features of the OnePlus 13T, including one of the most important specifications - its chipset.
[#InlinePriceWidget,13477,1#]
The OnePlus 13T will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC - the same chip that powers the OnePlus 13. OnePlus also confirmed that the dual camera setup on the OnePlus 13T comprises a 50MP primary (Sony sensor) and a 50MP telephoto camera, with the latter having 2x optical and 4x...
nubia first teased the Z70S Ultra at the end of March, and now we're finally closer to its unveiling. The brand has revealed that it's making the phone official on April 28. It also thankfully released a bunch of promo images depicting the device in the two colorways in which it will be offered.
nubia Z70S Ultra official images
Its full name actually seems to be nubia Z70S Ultra Photographer Edition, and when you look at the gray/black version you can definitely see why - the entire design focuses on capturing the look of a standalone digital camera.
More nubia Z70S Ultra...
Sony's WF-C710N earbuds find themselves in a similar spot to The White Album in 1968: you want to better the absolute barn-stormer that was Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band a mere year later? Good luck. But of course, the Beatles managed it (was it transcendental meditation, or was it simply a clean mind?). So, has Sony done the same with its update on the WF-C700N? Yes and no, Dear Prudence. And given that Sony actually had two years to work on its follow-up, that may not feel enough initially.
The model the C710N are based on topped our pick of the best noise-cancelling earbuds in the budget space for over a year following their release, until Nothing's (a)-suffixed set of buds came in and did almost everything the Sony buds did just that little bit better – and looked slightly classier doing it. And although there are improvements here, a few in-app foibles and initial pairing issues left me struggling to find a reason to pick the Sony WF-C710N over the rivals… until I tested the ANC.
Here, Sony has truly upped its game. On a packed commuter train, I drifted off into my own happy bubble of music. I genuinely didn't expect the blissfully quiet backdrop they served up. The uptick in ANC efficacy is almost certainly aided by the extra mic in each earpiece, but however Sony achieved it, it's commendable.
Also, (because I'm still talking about those mics), call quality is very good for the money here, thanks to Sony's new AI-enhanced voice pickup technology. So, if you regularly take calls on your earbuds, there's an extra value add.
The overall sound profile and fit? It's still good despite the size increase – but it's not better than the outgoing model (Sony has essentially said that little about the driver and acoustic setup changed), so if you've picked up the older set for a discount, you may be tempted to stick with them unless you need that improved ANC.
In fact, other than the much-improved noise cancellation, it's a case of incremental upgrades rather than anything headline-grabbing or ground-breaking.
Yes, there's now a 'Find Your Equalizer' tab, but it works by asking you to pick from a selection of pre-made sound profiles rather than dishing out any otoacoustic tests or splodges to denote where your hearing might be lacking, unlike JBL's Personi-Fi or Nothing Ear's hearing tests (although it's true that you have to pay a little more to get those). The two basic 'Which do you prefer?' tests offered by the WF-C710N don't feel quite as comprehensive, detailed, or involved as those rivals.
See the wires in the case? (Image credit: Future)
Also back for 2025 is Sony's entry-level DSEE upscaler, so Spotify streams will sound better, plus there's that Sony-special 360 Reality Audio support. However, since Tidal parted ways with the format, your only source options for listening to this particular spatial-audio-adjacent offering now are Amazon Music Unlimited and Nugs.net.
Do I still like the new transparent blue colorway now that I've tested it? Not as much as I'd wanted to. The shiny plastic avidly collects fingerprint smudges, and at the risk of stating the bleedin' obvious (as these cases have almost always been plastic, dear reader), this one feels overly plastic. It's also a little bigger than the older model. That said, Sony's more traditional matte black, off-white and pink colorways are available too.
For sound, there's no addition of LDAC, but they're still a solid listen with good volume and energy levels, albeit sacrificing a modicum of dynamic nuance, detail and sonic placement to get there. They're still good for the level, but that's my point, good is simply no longer great in budget 2025 noise-cancelling earbuds.
To really hammer it home: in 2023, when the WF-C710N's predecessor made its grand entrance, earbuds bearing these kinds of features had never been seen at that level. But the competition really upped its game in the following 24 months, didn't it? One can even buy inexpensive open earbuds with excellent ANC now (see the Honor Earbuds Open), something unheard of, even considered impossible, until very recently. So, the fact that these Sony earbuds fit well, boast slightly better stamina and offer auto-off isn't quite enough to trounce the competition these days. But the ANC? If you prioritise noise-nixing, that'll make up the difference…
Sony WF-C710N review: Price & release date
Released on March 25, 2025
Priced $119 / £100 / AU$189
Yes, Sony has won this territory before (see the April 2023-issue Sony WF-C700N I keep going on about), but that was before the excellent Nothing Ear (a) arrived, a year later in 2024.
The fact that Sony released these follow-up earbuds at the same MSRP as their older counterparts is welcome but unsurprising news: we've seen it with everything from AirPods to Bluetooth speakers. Why? Because competition is rife, and once-flagship tech (comprehensive ANC, wearer detection, EQ tweaks, spatial audio tech, customisable on-ear functions, and so on) keeps trickling down to entry-level products.
If you've done even a little research into this end of the market, you'll know the current class leader is the Nothing Ear (a) mentioned above, with the insanely cheap $30 / £30 / AU$70 JLab Go Pop ANC or even the $69 / £59 / AU$110 (approx.) Earfun Air 2 NC not far behind.
So have the few extra perks offered by the new WF-C710N – slightly better battery, an auto-off feature, improved call quality, a rudimentary equalizer test and much better noise cancellation – trounced the Nothings? Depending on your priorities, yes, but it's all about that last point…
See the mesh over the mic? (Image credit: Future)
Sony WF-C710N review: Specs
(Image credit: Future)
Sony WF-C710N review: Features
Dual noise sensor tech (feedback and feedforward mics) for ANC
Auto-off is a welcome addition
AI-enhanced voice pickup for clearer calls
Let's start with the above bullet points: call-handling? It was good before, but it's even better now. That's thanks to the implementation of AI-enhanced voice pickup technology, which works a treat even on crowded, windy and rainy London Soho streets during rush hour (trust me on this one).
Wearer detection for auto-off is perhaps the biggest usability perk added this time around, which means music pauses when you remove one bud (or both) and resumes once you put it back in. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but once you're used to it, you'll always be reaching for buds that can do it.
As noted, Sony's Headphones Connect app is gone, but it's been replaced by the Sony Sound Connect app. Adaptive Sound Control still takes the wheel as far as noise profiles go, optimized according to what you're doing – yes, they know when you're 'Staying'. And although you can't manually up the noise cancellation levels on the fly (although you can tailor the ambient awareness on a slider from 1-20), if you tap the cog under 'Optimize switching for you', you can tailor each sound profile according to your actions. So if you want Adaptive ANC to kick in on your commute, here's how you do it.
That extra mic has paid dividends because the WF-C710N's dual noise sensor tech (feedback and feedforward mics) provides much more robust noise-cancellation performance. On a packed train from London to Dorset, I was struck by how cocooned in my music I felt.
Any omissions worth mentioning? Although there's multi-point to two devices now (you can toggle it off if you want, but why would you?), there's still no LDAC support. Why mention this? Because the WF-C710N's main rival, the Nothing Ear (a) do boast it.
Also, while there's now a 'Find Your Equalizer' tab in the app, it's a little basic compared to any hearing tests to create splodge-type graphs of your hearing profile you might have tried. Essentially, playing your choice of music, there are five profiles to pick from, and then a further four based on your initial pick. It's more than the older model offered, but given the lengths the competition is going to these days (see JBL, Nothing and Denon to name a few, and, of course, the AirPods Pro 2, for a surcharge), it feels a little basic. Yes, the WF-C710N are budget earbuds, but the Nothing Ear with their lengthy hearing tests are roughly the same price now…
Features score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Sony WF-C710N review: Sound quality
Agile, fun, energetic listen
Minor treble distortion if we're being picky
LDAC would be a great addition
The sound, as with the older option, is good for the money, but there are incremental gains to be had here. The opening keys in Grian Chatten's All of the People are textured and three-dimensional. There's a human quality to the depressing of each key that most entry-level earbuds cannot convey through the upper midrange.
Out of the box, the older WF-C700N feel just a little congested and treble-centric in direct comparison – although it took me a while to set up this comparative test, since once paired to either set of buds, my phone flat-out refused to pair to its siblings, and I'm still unsure why. Anyway, the Beatles' Helter Skelter is a great test of the stereo imaging, and with the C710N, drums sit dutifully in my right ear (until the fill, when the kick drum darts between each ear) as the driving bass sits in my left concha with pinpoint precision.
In more layered, complex and groove-heavy tracks (Michael Jackson's Billie Jean, for instance), timing and musicality are bang on across the frequencies. I can detect a minor shortfall in dynamic nuance to get all of that exuberance and volume – these are loud and proud earbuds, and for the most part, that's great news. There's just a small compromise to be made in the leading edges of lower-mids and bass notes, and just a shred of distortion through the treble, very occasionally.
Look, I'm nitpicking – and I'm better able to do it because the noise cancellation here provides such a glorious backdrop. Of course, you can tweak the sonic curve to your liking in the Sound Connect app, but it's important to note that, by default, these are zealous, unafraid earbuds. Compare them to the excellent Technics EAH-AZ100 and you'll get a greater rise and fall through each pensive, building musical passage in Dom Sigales' The Ghost is Me, with exhalations of breath, jagged keys, and waves of strings given an extra ounce of due diligence to be impactful. It's hardly a fair test given the price difference (the EAH-AZ100 retail for $299 / £259 / AU$479), but it's important to note that the sound is very good here for the money, rather than just very good, period.
Sound quality score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Sony WF-C710N review: Design
Bigger but still ergonomic earpieces
Case is a little bigger – and a little cheap?
Capacitive touch controls aren't very customisable
These are still some of the most comfortable earbuds I've had the pleasure of wearing (besides the aforementioned Technics), even though the buds and case are bigger this time around. While 4.6g to 5.4g may not sound like much of a size increase, it is noticeable. Given that the WF-C700N really were small, that's perhaps not such a bad thing, depending on your ears.
I still found them easy to fit. That said, the shinier plastic of my glass blue colorway did affect the in-ear security, and the right one fell out on a train. I don't think the fit was an issue, as they feel beautifully weighted and slipped easily into my ears with very little work. I think I just need a more matte, brushed plastic finish – and that is available.
See the difference in case (and earpiece) size, against the WF-C700N (Image credit: Future)
One potential bone of contention is the case: it's bigger – well, deeper – than the older WF-C700N case, and it feels a shade off high-end. Do I love the transparent finish? I'm not sure. Seeing the little red, yellow and black cables under the casework is novel, but the overall aesthetic feels a bit (dare I say it) cheap and cheerful, compared to the way Nothing has implemented transparent sections within its earbuds design language.
And the physical button is gone. I liked it, but it seems I'm in the minority. And to be honest, the new touch capacitive sensor is aided by a slightly larger concave top plate to help your finger find it, and it works fairly reliably.
My main gripe with this? You can now control volume in addition to playback, sound modes, and access to a virtual assistant, but a little more scope for customisation on what each tap does would be a huge bonus. Right now, the only way to up the volume a little is a quadruple press on the right earbud, and a quadruple press on the left lowers it just a tad. As you can probably imagine, these constant quick presses are hit-and-miss. Ah, well – and it hurts your tragus and external auditory meatus (the bit right before your ear canal) a little, after a while.
Design score: 4/5
The case is quite a bit deeper than the previous model (Image credit: Future)
Sony WF-C710N review: Value
For ANC, there's real value-for-money here
360 Reality Audio isn't the draw it once was – LDAC would be excellent
Nothing's products look and feel more premium
Before the Nothing Ear (a) arrived, with their LDAC and great audio quality, I'd have no issue recommending the Sony WF-C710N above all else. But times have changed. Nothing's earbuds are here, and they are impossible to ignore.
The design of the Sony WF-C710N is fine rather than groundbreaking, and the feature set is good, although 360 Reality Audio support is not the big draw it once was.
Then again, here I sit at our shared table-slash-desk, my partner hitting the keys of his MacBook Pro keyboard heavily, because he's under a tight deadline and is stressed. Can I hear him? Not really. And there's the value, folks – because I've never heard ANC this good for this money…
Value score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Sony WF-C710N?
Buy them if...
You need great ANC for budget money These earbuds are some of the most gifted at noise-nixing as I've tried for the money, thanks to that new mic array.
You have an Amazon Music Unlimited account Link Amazon Music Play Now (after taking photos of your ears, all guided by the app) and you unlock Sony's proprietary 360 Reality Audio for Sony's own spatial audio solution.
You like earbuds that pause the music when you take one out The WF-C710N now have wearer detection, and you love to see it.
Don't buy them if...
You prioritize on-ear volume control You can do it, but you still need to press each bud four times quickly to get an incremental increase or decrease. It's a bit much.
You're expecting buds the same size as the C700N There's a difference: the C710N are a little bigger and heavier owing to that extra mic and capacitive touch plate
You want LDAC No dice, sadly. You'll need to look to Nothing's Ear (a)
Sony WF-C710N review: Also consider
Nothing Ear (a) The battery life isn't as good, and the ANC is close but no cigar. But if you need a better level of dust- and waterproofing and want LDAC audio support, these buds are oh-so-stylish and just slightly cheaper than the Sony WF-C710N. Read our Nothing Ear (a) review for more information
Sony WF-C510 What if you want quality Sony sound in Sony's smallest earbuds (smaller than the WF-C710N) and even better battery life, because you don't care about ANC? This is the model you need, and you'll save money. But just to be clear, the noise cancellation is the WF-C710N is very good… See our Sony WF-C510 review for the full scoop
How I tested the Sony WF-C710N
(Image credit: Future)
Tested for two weeks, compared against the Sony WF-C700N and Technics EAH-AZ100
Used in the office, walking through London, on a train, and at home
Listened to Apple Music Lossless tracks, Qobuz, Deezer and Spotify on an iPhone 12 Pro and a MacBook Pro
As always when testing portable earbuds, the Sony WF-C710N became my musical companions for two weeks – after a thorough 48-hour run-in period.
They accompanied me to work (walking brusquely to Weymouth station at an ungodly hour; boarding a train to London Waterloo; and at the office – yes, I really do this) and throughout a long weekend at Seaham, collecting sea glass from the stunning County Durham shoreline.
To better test the comfort and battery life claims of the Sony WF-C710N, I wore them throughout the working day on numerous occasions – and as you can see from the above over-share, my working days can be long.
To get through it all, I listened to various playlists (spanning everything from Korn to Dom Sigalas) on Apple Music and Tidal, but also to podcasts and albums on Qobuz and Deezer – and YouTube tutorials (mostly about making music on Cubase and using Cakewalk, since you ask) from my MacBook Pro.
I’ve been testing audio products for well over five years now. As a dancer, aerialist and musical theater performer in another life, sound quality, fit and user experience have always taken priority for me personally – but having heard how wonderful ANC can be when done well, I know what to look for.
Sony's WF-C710N earbuds find themselves in a similar spot to The White Album in 1968: you want to better the absolute barn-stormer that was Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band a mere year later? Good luck. But of course, the Beatles managed it (was it transcendental meditation, or was it simply a clean mind?). So, has Sony done the same with its update on the WF-C700N? Yes and no, Dear Prudence. And given that Sony actually had two years to work on its follow-up, that may not feel enough initially.
The model the C710N are based on topped our pick of the best noise-cancelling earbuds in the budget space for over a year following their release, until Nothing's (a)-suffixed set of buds came in and did almost everything the Sony buds did just that little bit better – and looked slightly classier doing it. And although there are improvements here, a few in-app foibles and initial pairing issues left me struggling to find a reason to pick the Sony WF-C710N over the rivals… until I tested the ANC.
Here, Sony has truly upped its game. On a packed commuter train, I drifted off into my own happy bubble of music. I genuinely didn't expect the blissfully quiet backdrop they served up. The uptick in ANC efficacy is almost certainly aided by the extra mic in each earpiece, but however Sony achieved it, it's commendable.
Also, (because I'm still talking about those mics), call quality is very good for the money here, thanks to Sony's new AI-enhanced voice pickup technology. So, if you regularly take calls on your earbuds, there's an extra value add.
The overall sound profile and fit? It's still good despite the size increase – but it's not better than the outgoing model (Sony has essentially said that little about the driver and acoustic setup changed), so if you've picked up the older set for a discount, you may be tempted to stick with them unless you need that improved ANC.
In fact, other than the much-improved noise cancellation, it's a case of incremental upgrades rather than anything headline-grabbing or ground-breaking.
Yes, there's now a 'Find Your Equalizer' tab, but it works by asking you to pick from a selection of pre-made sound profiles rather than dishing out any otoacoustic tests or splodges to denote where your hearing might be lacking, unlike JBL's Personi-Fi or Nothing Ear's hearing tests (although it's true that you have to pay a little more to get those). The two basic 'Which do you prefer?' tests offered by the WF-C710N don't feel quite as comprehensive, detailed, or involved as those rivals.
See the wires in the case? (Image credit: Future)
Also back for 2025 is Sony's entry-level DSEE upscaler, so Spotify streams will sound better, plus there's that Sony-special 360 Reality Audio support. However, since Tidal parted ways with the format, your only source options for listening to this particular spatial-audio-adjacent offering now are Amazon Music Unlimited and Nugs.net.
Do I still like the new transparent blue colorway now that I've tested it? Not as much as I'd wanted to. The shiny plastic avidly collects fingerprint smudges, and at the risk of stating the bleedin' obvious (as these cases have almost always been plastic, dear reader), this one feels overly plastic. It's also a little bigger than the older model. That said, Sony's more traditional matte black, off-white and pink colorways are available too.
For sound, there's no addition of LDAC, but they're still a solid listen with good volume and energy levels, albeit sacrificing a modicum of dynamic nuance, detail and sonic placement to get there. They're still good for the level, but that's my point, good is simply no longer great in budget 2025 noise-cancelling earbuds.
To really hammer it home: in 2023, when the WF-C710N's predecessor made its grand entrance, earbuds bearing these kinds of features had never been seen at that level. But the competition really upped its game in the following 24 months, didn't it? One can even buy inexpensive open earbuds with excellent ANC now (see the Honor Earbuds Open), something unheard of, even considered impossible, until very recently. So, the fact that these Sony earbuds fit well, boast slightly better stamina and offer auto-off isn't quite enough to trounce the competition these days. But the ANC? If you prioritise noise-nixing, that'll make up the difference…
Sony WF-C710N review: Price & release date
Released on March 25, 2025
Priced $119 / £100 / AU$189
Yes, Sony has won this territory before (see the April 2023-issue Sony WF-C700N I keep going on about), but that was before the excellent Nothing Ear (a) arrived, a year later in 2024.
The fact that Sony released these follow-up earbuds at the same MSRP as their older counterparts is welcome but unsurprising news: we've seen it with everything from AirPods to Bluetooth speakers. Why? Because competition is rife, and once-flagship tech (comprehensive ANC, wearer detection, EQ tweaks, spatial audio tech, customisable on-ear functions, and so on) keeps trickling down to entry-level products.
If you've done even a little research into this end of the market, you'll know the current class leader is the Nothing Ear (a) mentioned above, with the insanely cheap $30 / £30 / AU$70 JLab Go Pop ANC or even the $69 / £59 / AU$110 (approx.) Earfun Air 2 NC not far behind.
So have the few extra perks offered by the new WF-C710N – slightly better battery, an auto-off feature, improved call quality, a rudimentary equalizer test and much better noise cancellation – trounced the Nothings? Depending on your priorities, yes, but it's all about that last point…
See the mesh over the mic? (Image credit: Future)
Sony WF-C710N review: Specs
(Image credit: Future)
Sony WF-C710N review: Features
Dual noise sensor tech (feedback and feedforward mics) for ANC
Auto-off is a welcome addition
AI-enhanced voice pickup for clearer calls
Let's start with the above bullet points: call-handling? It was good before, but it's even better now. That's thanks to the implementation of AI-enhanced voice pickup technology, which works a treat even on crowded, windy and rainy London Soho streets during rush hour (trust me on this one).
Wearer detection for auto-off is perhaps the biggest usability perk added this time around, which means music pauses when you remove one bud (or both) and resumes once you put it back in. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but once you're used to it, you'll always be reaching for buds that can do it.
As noted, Sony's Headphones Connect app is gone, but it's been replaced by the Sony Sound Connect app. Adaptive Sound Control still takes the wheel as far as noise profiles go, optimized according to what you're doing – yes, they know when you're 'Staying'. And although you can't manually up the noise cancellation levels on the fly (although you can tailor the ambient awareness on a slider from 1-20), if you tap the cog under 'Optimize switching for you', you can tailor each sound profile according to your actions. So if you want Adaptive ANC to kick in on your commute, here's how you do it.
That extra mic has paid dividends because the WF-C710N's dual noise sensor tech (feedback and feedforward mics) provides much more robust noise-cancellation performance. On a packed train from London to Dorset, I was struck by how cocooned in my music I felt.
Any omissions worth mentioning? Although there's multi-point to two devices now (you can toggle it off if you want, but why would you?), there's still no LDAC support. Why mention this? Because the WF-C710N's main rival, the Nothing Ear (a) do boast it.
Also, while there's now a 'Find Your Equalizer' tab in the app, it's a little basic compared to any hearing tests to create splodge-type graphs of your hearing profile you might have tried. Essentially, playing your choice of music, there are five profiles to pick from, and then a further four based on your initial pick. It's more than the older model offered, but given the lengths the competition is going to these days (see JBL, Nothing and Denon to name a few, and, of course, the AirPods Pro 2, for a surcharge), it feels a little basic. Yes, the WF-C710N are budget earbuds, but the Nothing Ear with their lengthy hearing tests are roughly the same price now…
Features score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Sony WF-C710N review: Sound quality
Agile, fun, energetic listen
Minor treble distortion if we're being picky
LDAC would be a great addition
The sound, as with the older option, is good for the money, but there are incremental gains to be had here. The opening keys in Grian Chatten's All of the People are textured and three-dimensional. There's a human quality to the depressing of each key that most entry-level earbuds cannot convey through the upper midrange.
Out of the box, the older WF-C700N feel just a little congested and treble-centric in direct comparison – although it took me a while to set up this comparative test, since once paired to either set of buds, my phone flat-out refused to pair to its siblings, and I'm still unsure why. Anyway, the Beatles' Helter Skelter is a great test of the stereo imaging, and with the C710N, drums sit dutifully in my right ear (until the fill, when the kick drum darts between each ear) as the driving bass sits in my left concha with pinpoint precision.
In more layered, complex and groove-heavy tracks (Michael Jackson's Billie Jean, for instance), timing and musicality are bang on across the frequencies. I can detect a minor shortfall in dynamic nuance to get all of that exuberance and volume – these are loud and proud earbuds, and for the most part, that's great news. There's just a small compromise to be made in the leading edges of lower-mids and bass notes, and just a shred of distortion through the treble, very occasionally.
Look, I'm nitpicking – and I'm better able to do it because the noise cancellation here provides such a glorious backdrop. Of course, you can tweak the sonic curve to your liking in the Sound Connect app, but it's important to note that, by default, these are zealous, unafraid earbuds. Compare them to the excellent Technics EAH-AZ100 and you'll get a greater rise and fall through each pensive, building musical passage in Dom Sigales' The Ghost is Me, with exhalations of breath, jagged keys, and waves of strings given an extra ounce of due diligence to be impactful. It's hardly a fair test given the price difference (the EAH-AZ100 retail for $299 / £259 / AU$479), but it's important to note that the sound is very good here for the money, rather than just very good, period.
Sound quality score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Sony WF-C710N review: Design
Bigger but still ergonomic earpieces
Case is a little bigger – and a little cheap?
Capacitive touch controls aren't very customisable
These are still some of the most comfortable earbuds I've had the pleasure of wearing (besides the aforementioned Technics), even though the buds and case are bigger this time around. While 4.6g to 5.4g may not sound like much of a size increase, it is noticeable. Given that the WF-C700N really were small, that's perhaps not such a bad thing, depending on your ears.
I still found them easy to fit. That said, the shinier plastic of my glass blue colorway did affect the in-ear security, and the right one fell out on a train. I don't think the fit was an issue, as they feel beautifully weighted and slipped easily into my ears with very little work. I think I just need a more matte, brushed plastic finish – and that is available.
See the difference in case (and earpiece) size, against the WF-C700N (Image credit: Future)
One potential bone of contention is the case: it's bigger – well, deeper – than the older WF-C700N case, and it feels a shade off high-end. Do I love the transparent finish? I'm not sure. Seeing the little red, yellow and black cables under the casework is novel, but the overall aesthetic feels a bit (dare I say it) cheap and cheerful, compared to the way Nothing has implemented transparent sections within its earbuds design language.
And the physical button is gone. I liked it, but it seems I'm in the minority. And to be honest, the new touch capacitive sensor is aided by a slightly larger concave top plate to help your finger find it, and it works fairly reliably.
My main gripe with this? You can now control volume in addition to playback, sound modes, and access to a virtual assistant, but a little more scope for customisation on what each tap does would be a huge bonus. Right now, the only way to up the volume a little is a quadruple press on the right earbud, and a quadruple press on the left lowers it just a tad. As you can probably imagine, these constant quick presses are hit-and-miss. Ah, well – and it hurts your tragus and external auditory meatus (the bit right before your ear canal) a little, after a while.
Design score: 4/5
The case is quite a bit deeper than the previous model (Image credit: Future)
Sony WF-C710N review: Value
For ANC, there's real value-for-money here
360 Reality Audio isn't the draw it once was – LDAC would be excellent
Nothing's products look and feel more premium
Before the Nothing Ear (a) arrived, with their LDAC and great audio quality, I'd have no issue recommending the Sony WF-C710N above all else. But times have changed. Nothing's earbuds are here, and they are impossible to ignore.
The design of the Sony WF-C710N is fine rather than groundbreaking, and the feature set is good, although 360 Reality Audio support is not the big draw it once was.
Then again, here I sit at our shared table-slash-desk, my partner hitting the keys of his MacBook Pro keyboard heavily, because he's under a tight deadline and is stressed. Can I hear him? Not really. And there's the value, folks – because I've never heard ANC this good for this money…
Value score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Sony WF-C710N?
Buy them if...
You need great ANC for budget money These earbuds are some of the most gifted at noise-nixing as I've tried for the money, thanks to that new mic array.
You have an Amazon Music Unlimited account Link Amazon Music Play Now (after taking photos of your ears, all guided by the app) and you unlock Sony's proprietary 360 Reality Audio for Sony's own spatial audio solution.
You like earbuds that pause the music when you take one out The WF-C710N now have wearer detection, and you love to see it.
Don't buy them if...
You prioritize on-ear volume control You can do it, but you still need to press each bud four times quickly to get an incremental increase or decrease. It's a bit much.
You're expecting buds the same size as the C700N There's a difference: the C710N are a little bigger and heavier owing to that extra mic and capacitive touch plate
You want LDAC No dice, sadly. You'll need to look to Nothing's Ear (a)
Sony WF-C710N review: Also consider
Nothing Ear (a) The battery life isn't as good, and the ANC is close but no cigar. But if you need a better level of dust- and waterproofing and want LDAC audio support, these buds are oh-so-stylish and just slightly cheaper than the Sony WF-C710N. Read our Nothing Ear (a) review for more information
Sony WF-C510 What if you want quality Sony sound in Sony's smallest earbuds (smaller than the WF-C710N) and even better battery life, because you don't care about ANC? This is the model you need, and you'll save money. But just to be clear, the noise cancellation is the WF-C710N is very good… See our Sony WF-C510 review for the full scoop
How I tested the Sony WF-C710N
(Image credit: Future)
Tested for two weeks, compared against the Sony WF-C700N and Technics EAH-AZ100
Used in the office, walking through London, on a train, and at home
Listened to Apple Music Lossless tracks, Qobuz, Deezer and Spotify on an iPhone 12 Pro and a MacBook Pro
As always when testing portable earbuds, the Sony WF-C710N became my musical companions for two weeks – after a thorough 48-hour run-in period.
They accompanied me to work (walking brusquely to Weymouth station at an ungodly hour; boarding a train to London Waterloo; and at the office – yes, I really do this) and throughout a long weekend at Seaham, collecting sea glass from the stunning County Durham shoreline.
To better test the comfort and battery life claims of the Sony WF-C710N, I wore them throughout the working day on numerous occasions – and as you can see from the above over-share, my working days can be long.
To get through it all, I listened to various playlists (spanning everything from Korn to Dom Sigalas) on Apple Music and Tidal, but also to podcasts and albums on Qobuz and Deezer – and YouTube tutorials (mostly about making music on Cubase and using Cakewalk, since you ask) from my MacBook Pro.
I’ve been testing audio products for well over five years now. As a dancer, aerialist and musical theater performer in another life, sound quality, fit and user experience have always taken priority for me personally – but having heard how wonderful ANC can be when done well, I know what to look for.
Sony's WF-C710N earbuds find themselves in a similar spot to The White Album in 1968: you want to better the absolute barn-stormer that was Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band a mere year later? Good luck. But of course, the Beatles managed it (was it transcendental meditation, or was it simply a clean mind?). So, has Sony done the same with its update on the WF-C700N? Yes and no, Dear Prudence. And given that Sony actually had two years to work on its follow-up, that may not feel enough initially.
The model the C710N are based on topped our pick of the best noise-cancelling earbuds in the budget space for over a year following their release, until Nothing's (a)-suffixed set of buds came in and did almost everything the Sony buds did just that little bit better – and looked slightly classier doing it. And although there are improvements here, a few in-app foibles and initial pairing issues left me struggling to find a reason to pick the Sony WF-C710N over the rivals… until I tested the ANC.
Here, Sony has truly upped its game. On a packed commuter train, I drifted off into my own happy bubble of music. I genuinely didn't expect the blissfully quiet backdrop they served up. The uptick in ANC efficacy is almost certainly aided by the extra mic in each earpiece, but however Sony achieved it, it's commendable.
Also, (because I'm still talking about those mics), call quality is very good for the money here, thanks to Sony's new AI-enhanced voice pickup technology. So, if you regularly take calls on your earbuds, there's an extra value add.
The overall sound profile and fit? It's still good despite the size increase – but it's not better than the outgoing model (Sony has essentially said that little about the driver and acoustic setup changed), so if you've picked up the older set for a discount, you may be tempted to stick with them unless you need that improved ANC.
In fact, other than the much-improved noise cancellation, it's a case of incremental upgrades rather than anything headline-grabbing or ground-breaking.
Yes, there's now a 'Find Your Equalizer' tab, but it works by asking you to pick from a selection of pre-made sound profiles rather than dishing out any otoacoustic tests or splodges to denote where your hearing might be lacking, unlike JBL's Personi-Fi or Nothing Ear's hearing tests (although it's true that you have to pay a little more to get those). The two basic 'Which do you prefer?' tests offered by the WF-C710N don't feel quite as comprehensive, detailed, or involved as those rivals.
See the wires in the case? (Image credit: Future)
Also back for 2025 is Sony's entry-level DSEE upscaler, so Spotify streams will sound better, plus there's that Sony-special 360 Reality Audio support. However, since Tidal parted ways with the format, your only source options for listening to this particular spatial-audio-adjacent offering now are Amazon Music Unlimited and Nugs.net.
Do I still like the new transparent blue colorway now that I've tested it? Not as much as I'd wanted to. The shiny plastic avidly collects fingerprint smudges, and at the risk of stating the bleedin' obvious (as these cases have almost always been plastic, dear reader), this one feels overly plastic. It's also a little bigger than the older model. That said, Sony's more traditional matte black, off-white and pink colorways are available too.
For sound, there's no addition of LDAC, but they're still a solid listen with good volume and energy levels, albeit sacrificing a modicum of dynamic nuance, detail and sonic placement to get there. They're still good for the level, but that's my point, good is simply no longer great in budget 2025 noise-cancelling earbuds.
To really hammer it home: in 2023, when the WF-C710N's predecessor made its grand entrance, earbuds bearing these kinds of features had never been seen at that level. But the competition really upped its game in the following 24 months, didn't it? One can even buy inexpensive open earbuds with excellent ANC now (see the Honor Earbuds Open), something unheard of, even considered impossible, until very recently. So, the fact that these Sony earbuds fit well, boast slightly better stamina and offer auto-off isn't quite enough to trounce the competition these days. But the ANC? If you prioritise noise-nixing, that'll make up the difference…
Sony WF-C710N review: Price & release date
Released on March 25, 2025
Priced $119 / £100 / AU$189
Yes, Sony has won this territory before (see the April 2023-issue Sony WF-C700N I keep going on about), but that was before the excellent Nothing Ear (a) arrived, a year later in 2024.
The fact that Sony released these follow-up earbuds at the same MSRP as their older counterparts is welcome but unsurprising news: we've seen it with everything from AirPods to Bluetooth speakers. Why? Because competition is rife, and once-flagship tech (comprehensive ANC, wearer detection, EQ tweaks, spatial audio tech, customisable on-ear functions, and so on) keeps trickling down to entry-level products.
If you've done even a little research into this end of the market, you'll know the current class leader is the Nothing Ear (a) mentioned above, with the insanely cheap $30 / £30 / AU$70 JLab Go Pop ANC or even the $69 / £59 / AU$110 (approx.) Earfun Air 2 NC not far behind.
So have the few extra perks offered by the new WF-C710N – slightly better battery, an auto-off feature, improved call quality, a rudimentary equalizer test and much better noise cancellation – trounced the Nothings? Depending on your priorities, yes, but it's all about that last point…
See the mesh over the mic? (Image credit: Future)
Sony WF-C710N review: Specs
(Image credit: Future)
Sony WF-C710N review: Features
Dual noise sensor tech (feedback and feedforward mics) for ANC
Auto-off is a welcome addition
AI-enhanced voice pickup for clearer calls
Let's start with the above bullet points: call-handling? It was good before, but it's even better now. That's thanks to the implementation of AI-enhanced voice pickup technology, which works a treat even on crowded, windy and rainy London Soho streets during rush hour (trust me on this one).
Wearer detection for auto-off is perhaps the biggest usability perk added this time around, which means music pauses when you remove one bud (or both) and resumes once you put it back in. It doesn't sound like a big deal, but once you're used to it, you'll always be reaching for buds that can do it.
As noted, Sony's Headphones Connect app is gone, but it's been replaced by the Sony Sound Connect app. Adaptive Sound Control still takes the wheel as far as noise profiles go, optimized according to what you're doing – yes, they know when you're 'Staying'. And although you can't manually up the noise cancellation levels on the fly (although you can tailor the ambient awareness on a slider from 1-20), if you tap the cog under 'Optimize switching for you', you can tailor each sound profile according to your actions. So if you want Adaptive ANC to kick in on your commute, here's how you do it.
That extra mic has paid dividends because the WF-C710N's dual noise sensor tech (feedback and feedforward mics) provides much more robust noise-cancellation performance. On a packed train from London to Dorset, I was struck by how cocooned in my music I felt.
Any omissions worth mentioning? Although there's multi-point to two devices now (you can toggle it off if you want, but why would you?), there's still no LDAC support. Why mention this? Because the WF-C710N's main rival, the Nothing Ear (a) do boast it.
Also, while there's now a 'Find Your Equalizer' tab in the app, it's a little basic compared to any hearing tests to create splodge-type graphs of your hearing profile you might have tried. Essentially, playing your choice of music, there are five profiles to pick from, and then a further four based on your initial pick. It's more than the older model offered, but given the lengths the competition is going to these days (see JBL, Nothing and Denon to name a few, and, of course, the AirPods Pro 2, for a surcharge), it feels a little basic. Yes, the WF-C710N are budget earbuds, but the Nothing Ear with their lengthy hearing tests are roughly the same price now…
Features score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Sony WF-C710N review: Sound quality
Agile, fun, energetic listen
Minor treble distortion if we're being picky
LDAC would be a great addition
The sound, as with the older option, is good for the money, but there are incremental gains to be had here. The opening keys in Grian Chatten's All of the People are textured and three-dimensional. There's a human quality to the depressing of each key that most entry-level earbuds cannot convey through the upper midrange.
Out of the box, the older WF-C700N feel just a little congested and treble-centric in direct comparison – although it took me a while to set up this comparative test, since once paired to either set of buds, my phone flat-out refused to pair to its siblings, and I'm still unsure why. Anyway, the Beatles' Helter Skelter is a great test of the stereo imaging, and with the C710N, drums sit dutifully in my right ear (until the fill, when the kick drum darts between each ear) as the driving bass sits in my left concha with pinpoint precision.
In more layered, complex and groove-heavy tracks (Michael Jackson's Billie Jean, for instance), timing and musicality are bang on across the frequencies. I can detect a minor shortfall in dynamic nuance to get all of that exuberance and volume – these are loud and proud earbuds, and for the most part, that's great news. There's just a small compromise to be made in the leading edges of lower-mids and bass notes, and just a shred of distortion through the treble, very occasionally.
Look, I'm nitpicking – and I'm better able to do it because the noise cancellation here provides such a glorious backdrop. Of course, you can tweak the sonic curve to your liking in the Sound Connect app, but it's important to note that, by default, these are zealous, unafraid earbuds. Compare them to the excellent Technics EAH-AZ100 and you'll get a greater rise and fall through each pensive, building musical passage in Dom Sigales' The Ghost is Me, with exhalations of breath, jagged keys, and waves of strings given an extra ounce of due diligence to be impactful. It's hardly a fair test given the price difference (the EAH-AZ100 retail for $299 / £259 / AU$479), but it's important to note that the sound is very good here for the money, rather than just very good, period.
Sound quality score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Sony WF-C710N review: Design
Bigger but still ergonomic earpieces
Case is a little bigger – and a little cheap?
Capacitive touch controls aren't very customisable
These are still some of the most comfortable earbuds I've had the pleasure of wearing (besides the aforementioned Technics), even though the buds and case are bigger this time around. While 4.6g to 5.4g may not sound like much of a size increase, it is noticeable. Given that the WF-C700N really were small, that's perhaps not such a bad thing, depending on your ears.
I still found them easy to fit. That said, the shinier plastic of my glass blue colorway did affect the in-ear security, and the right one fell out on a train. I don't think the fit was an issue, as they feel beautifully weighted and slipped easily into my ears with very little work. I think I just need a more matte, brushed plastic finish – and that is available.
See the difference in case (and earpiece) size, against the WF-C700N (Image credit: Future)
One potential bone of contention is the case: it's bigger – well, deeper – than the older WF-C700N case, and it feels a shade off high-end. Do I love the transparent finish? I'm not sure. Seeing the little red, yellow and black cables under the casework is novel, but the overall aesthetic feels a bit (dare I say it) cheap and cheerful, compared to the way Nothing has implemented transparent sections within its earbuds design language.
And the physical button is gone. I liked it, but it seems I'm in the minority. And to be honest, the new touch capacitive sensor is aided by a slightly larger concave top plate to help your finger find it, and it works fairly reliably.
My main gripe with this? You can now control volume in addition to playback, sound modes, and access to a virtual assistant, but a little more scope for customisation on what each tap does would be a huge bonus. Right now, the only way to up the volume a little is a quadruple press on the right earbud, and a quadruple press on the left lowers it just a tad. As you can probably imagine, these constant quick presses are hit-and-miss. Ah, well – and it hurts your tragus and external auditory meatus (the bit right before your ear canal) a little, after a while.
Design score: 4/5
The case is quite a bit deeper than the previous model (Image credit: Future)
Sony WF-C710N review: Value
For ANC, there's real value-for-money here
360 Reality Audio isn't the draw it once was – LDAC would be excellent
Nothing's products look and feel more premium
Before the Nothing Ear (a) arrived, with their LDAC and great audio quality, I'd have no issue recommending the Sony WF-C710N above all else. But times have changed. Nothing's earbuds are here, and they are impossible to ignore.
The design of the Sony WF-C710N is fine rather than groundbreaking, and the feature set is good, although 360 Reality Audio support is not the big draw it once was.
Then again, here I sit at our shared table-slash-desk, my partner hitting the keys of his MacBook Pro keyboard heavily, because he's under a tight deadline and is stressed. Can I hear him? Not really. And there's the value, folks – because I've never heard ANC this good for this money…
Value score: 4.5/5
(Image credit: Future)
Should I buy the Sony WF-C710N?
Buy them if...
You need great ANC for budget money These earbuds are some of the most gifted at noise-nixing as I've tried for the money, thanks to that new mic array.
You have an Amazon Music Unlimited account Link Amazon Music Play Now (after taking photos of your ears, all guided by the app) and you unlock Sony's proprietary 360 Reality Audio for Sony's own spatial audio solution.
You like earbuds that pause the music when you take one out The WF-C710N now have wearer detection, and you love to see it.
Don't buy them if...
You prioritize on-ear volume control You can do it, but you still need to press each bud four times quickly to get an incremental increase or decrease. It's a bit much.
You're expecting buds the same size as the C700N There's a difference: the C710N are a little bigger and heavier owing to that extra mic and capacitive touch plate
You want LDAC No dice, sadly. You'll need to look to Nothing's Ear (a)
Sony WF-C710N review: Also consider
Nothing Ear (a) The battery life isn't as good, and the ANC is close but no cigar. But if you need a better level of dust- and waterproofing and want LDAC audio support, these buds are oh-so-stylish and just slightly cheaper than the Sony WF-C710N. Read our Nothing Ear (a) review for more information
Sony WF-C510 What if you want quality Sony sound in Sony's smallest earbuds (smaller than the WF-C710N) and even better battery life, because you don't care about ANC? This is the model you need, and you'll save money. But just to be clear, the noise cancellation is the WF-C710N is very good… See our Sony WF-C510 review for the full scoop
How I tested the Sony WF-C710N
(Image credit: Future)
Tested for two weeks, compared against the Sony WF-C700N and Technics EAH-AZ100
Used in the office, walking through London, on a train, and at home
Listened to Apple Music Lossless tracks, Qobuz, Deezer and Spotify on an iPhone 12 Pro and a MacBook Pro
As always when testing portable earbuds, the Sony WF-C710N became my musical companions for two weeks – after a thorough 48-hour run-in period.
They accompanied me to work (walking brusquely to Weymouth station at an ungodly hour; boarding a train to London Waterloo; and at the office – yes, I really do this) and throughout a long weekend at Seaham, collecting sea glass from the stunning County Durham shoreline.
To better test the comfort and battery life claims of the Sony WF-C710N, I wore them throughout the working day on numerous occasions – and as you can see from the above over-share, my working days can be long.
To get through it all, I listened to various playlists (spanning everything from Korn to Dom Sigalas) on Apple Music and Tidal, but also to podcasts and albums on Qobuz and Deezer – and YouTube tutorials (mostly about making music on Cubase and using Cakewalk, since you ask) from my MacBook Pro.
I’ve been testing audio products for well over five years now. As a dancer, aerialist and musical theater performer in another life, sound quality, fit and user experience have always taken priority for me personally – but having heard how wonderful ANC can be when done well, I know what to look for.
