Sony is following up on its fantastic WF-C500 wireless earphones with the launch of a new budget model: the WF-C510. Like its predecessor, the update aims to offer a high-quality audio experience at an affordable price. This time, however, the series has undergone a slight design change.
The WF-C510 are now more compact. Sony reportedly told online outlets that its model is “20 percent smaller and 15 percent lighter than the C500.” They are also apparently its smallest closed-type headphones yet. The company said in the official announcement that the headphones have an “ergonomic surface design.” [allowing] for a more stable fit” in users’ ears. They also have a button on the outside to control the audio.
Even the charging case has been updated. It's now slimmer, so it fits better in a pants pocket or bag. Despite their smaller size, the WF-C510 prove that big things can come in smaller packages, as they incorporate several improvements.
For starters, the earbuds have a slightly longer battery life: 11 hours, or 22 hours with the charging case. Sony says this figure may be lower depending on how you use the earbuds and what features you have active.
Characteristics
The WF-C510 wireless earphones pack a lot of features into their small size. They are capable of reproducing high-quality audio thanks to their compatibility with DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine). This software optimises low and high frequencies to ensure the sound is well-balanced.
360 Reality Audio is also present, allowing for immersive “spatial listening.” If you want to further customize the output, you can connect the devices to the Sony | Headphones Connect app and then fine-tune them using custom EQ profiles. Switching between audio sources is easy, as the WF-C510 feature multipoint connection, allowing you to connect to “two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.”
Speaking from personal experience, other people find it annoying when they try to talk to you and you can't hear them. Sony's headphones offer a solution. Turning on Ambient Sound Mode allows outside noise to flow better into your ears so you can be aware of your surroundings. Additionally, users can turn on “Voice Focus” to better pick up people's voices. Ambient sound is blocked out.
Other notable features include an IPX4 water resistance rating and Fast Pair. Like the previous model, the WC-C510 earphones lack active noise cancellation.
Sony's WF-C510 wireless earbuds are available to pre-order on the company's website and Amazon for $59.99, which is cheaper than the WF-C500 was when it launched.
Amazon is set to ship on September 2, and you can get the pair in three different colors: black, white, and yellow. Sony won't ship its pair until September 9, though the tech giant is offering an exclusive sky blue option.
While we're at it, be sure to check out TechRadar's roundup of the best headphones for 2024.
