We judge all headphones and earbuds on a scale of 10, analyzing the categories we think are most important: sound, comfort, design, battery performance, and, if applicable, special features. Here's how the Sony WF-C500 wireless earbuds stack up.
The WF-C500 true wireless earbuds — Sony’s latest — are arguably an even more exciting addition to the tech giant’s lineup than the range-topping, utterly fantastic WF-1000XM4 earbuds. The new buds bring a mixture of high-quality sound and long battery life at an impossible-to-overlook, sub-$100 price point.
I spent a couple of weeks with the Sony WF-C500 earbuds as my go-to pair, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The product’s audio performance and battery life make it a rock-solid contender for the best under $100, joining stellar offerings by Jabra and Soundcore. Here’s a breakdown of the buds’ key features.
SCORES
• Sound: 8/10
• Comfort: 8/10
• Design: 7/10
• Battery Performance: 9/10
• Overall Score: 8/10
SONY WF-C500 AT A GLANCE
- Balanced sound out of the box
- Comfy fit and convenient controls
- Up to 10 hours of battery life
- Water-resistant with an IPX4 rating
SOUND: 8/10
Unlike countless earbuds that deliver a bass-heavy sonic experience out of the box, the Sony WF-C500 impressed me with a well-balanced sound that’s not typical for a sub-$100 set. “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath — one of my favorite heavy metal tracks for testing audio gear — sounded great on the earbuds. The song intro’s drum beats, iconic guitar riffs, and warped vocals were deservedly detail-rich and energetic.
Rather impressively, the earbuds can even make lower-quality tracks sound better via proprietary Sony tech. The latter can upscale compressed content and make high-frequency tones (think: classical guitar and violin, among other instruments) sound more vibrant. Plus, the earphones’ companion app allows you to fine-tune the bass, treble, and midrange to your preference.
Thanks to a reliable in-ear seal, the earbuds offer good noise isolation. However, unlike some competitors, they don’t have onboard active noise cancellation. Considering their sound quality, however, this is not a dealbreaker.
The call quality of the WF-C500 is adequate, but not on par with the Jabra Elite 3 and the Soundcore Life P3. These popular alternatives have multiple onboard microphones, which the Sony WF-C500 lacks.
COMFORT: 8/10
Sporting an ergonomic shape and a weight of just 5.4 grams each, the Sony WF-C500 are among the comfiest buds in their price range. During weeks of testing, they didn’t cause any discomfort or fatigue.
The button controls on the earbuds are plenty intuitive, and excellent overall. Their reassuring clicks are vastly more reliable than some rivals' touch-sensitive setups.
Pairing the WF-C500 with Android phones and PCs is remarkably effortless. The earbuds have Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair, so connecting them to compatible hardware takes a matter of seconds. Pairing the buds with Apple hardware needs an extra step, but it's just as easy.
DESIGN: 7/10
Sony has given the WF-C500 earbuds an understated, decidedly utilitarian design — perhaps too much so. The plastic housings with a textured finish make the buds look even cheaper than they are. They remind me of the Sony WF-XB700 I tested back in 2020, though the older model has more characterful glossy accents.
An IPX4 rating for water resistance makes the WF-C500 sweat- and water-resistant. The earbuds are suitable for rainy walks and exercising, but you shouldn't expose them to dust or submerge them underwater.
The product’s durability lags behind some similarly priced true wireless earbuds from other brands. Consider tougher options with lengthier warranties if you are an avid workout warrior.
BATTERY PERFORMANCE: 9/10
The 10-hour maximum battery life on the Sony WF-C500 earbuds is alone a legit reason why you should consider grabbing a pair. This endurance is among the best I've ever experienced in a set of true wireless earbuds, regardless of their price range.
I only wish that the storage case of the buds held more than one additional full charge. The essential accessory has a USB-C connector, but no wireless charging capabilities.
OVERALL SCORE: 8/10
I’d pick the Sony WF-C500 over other buds in a similar price range, mostly for their sound and battery performance. The former is particularly noteworthy because it allows the earbuds to compete with true wireless products that cost a lot more. It also makes the lack of noise cancellation and tougher build tradeoffs worth making.
Regarding durability and noise cancellation, though — if those features are a must for you, consider the Soundcore Life P3 with an AirPods-like stem design instead. The Jabra Elite 3 earbuds, on the other hand, are more rugged and better for calls, but not as acoustically proficient as the WF-C500.
Even though Sony launched the WF-C500 with a $99.99 sticker, you can often snag a pair for less than $70. The earbuds are available in black or white, with a matching charging case.
