Whenever a major tech company unveils a groundbreaking product, we’re on the lookout to find out what innovations it brings with it. And in this case, we’ve received news about Sony’s wireless headphones. In order to determine whether they’re really worth comparing to the outstanding AirPods, we’ve put together this review in which we examine the divergences and similarities between the Sony WF-C700N and the third-generation AirPods. Are you ready to find out which one is the best? Let’s get started!
[amazon box=”B0BXM3ZFKC, B0BDJ6QBTL” grid=”2″]
Sony WF-C700N vs AirPods: How they’re alike
Here are the main similarities:
Noise cancellation and ambient mode
Both models in this review have a noise-cancelling function, which allows you to isolate yourself from outside noise so that you only listen to your music without interference. Not only that, but both the Sony and the AirPods have a transparency mode or ambient mode, which also allows you to adjust whether you want to keep some background noise or not.
In this regard, Sony has improved the audio technology thanks to the powered microphones it has, which allows you to adjust the sound in 20 levels in total. In this way, it’s much closer to the noise-cancelling quality that the AirPods have.
The same goes for the adaptive sound control, with which we can adjust the level of cancellation we want in different environments, so that the headphones remember it.
Optimal sound quality
The technology used in both headphones shows that we are dealing with two of the most important technology companies of the moment. The Sony headphones use the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) and Sony-exclusive drivers to deliver an authentic audio experience, with clear vocals and powerful bass.
The AirPods, on the other hand, integrate numerous components that make the sound quality extraordinary, such as the high dynamic range amplifier, the high excursion transducer or the two microphones with beamforming technology, among other parts. The result, in both cases, is top-quality sound.
Mobile app
Either of the two wireless headphones we are talking about can be connected with an app. In the case of the Sony headphones, the configuration can be done via the Sony Headphones app, from where we can modify the audio parameters. The AirPods, on the other hand, sync immediately with the iPhone.
Water resistance
One of the qualities that the wireless headphones we have reviewed have in common is that they both offer the same degree of water resistance: IPX4. That is, they tolerate some water splashes, but are not dust resistant. So you can wear them if it doesn’t rain too much, but it’s preferable not to use them at the beach, for example.
Sony WF-C700N vs AirPods: How do they differ?
Now, we continue to talk about the differential aspects between the two wireless headphones:
Aesthetic aspect
Apple remains uncompromising when it comes to the design of the headphones, and keeps the AirPods with the characteristic Apple white colour. They also have a smaller bulb than the Sony AirPods, with longer earbuds that Apple claims provide more stability in the ear.
The Sony WF-C700N is available in white, lavender, green and black. The Sony WF-C700N is available in white, lavender, green and black, and features a button-style design with no temples, where the entire headset ends with the ear cushion that is inserted into the ear, but without the characteristic AirPods temples.
Battery life
The battery life offered by the wireless headphones is another of the clearest differences between them. The Sony can play music for 7.5 hours with the ANC function activated, while the AirPods are down to around 6 hours, 5 hours if we add the custom spatial audio function.
If you keep the noise-cancelling feature turned off, the Sony headphones’ battery life increases to 10 hours. In addition, you can get an extra 10 hours using the charge provided by the case itself. In the case of the AirPods, the case allows for an extra 15 hours or so of charging.
Multiple linked devices
One of the characteristics of Apple’s devices is that they are very watertight, and the AirPods are a good reflection of that. In fact, they can’t be paired with non-Apple devices, whereas the Sony AirPods offer more versatility in this regard.
Bluetooth compatibility
Another difference, albeit more theoretical than practical, is the compatibility of the wireless headphones with Bluetooth. The Sony WF-C700Ns support Bluetooth version 5.2, while the AirPods 3 support Bluetooth version 5.0. In practice, this difference is hardly noticeable at all. The only thing that is slightly noticeable is that the Bluetooth range is slightly longer on the Sony, but it is an unclear difference.
Sony WF-C700N vs AirPods: Which headphones should I choose?
Now, it’s time to find out which wireless headphones are more interesting, although this will largely depend on the search preferences we have. It is interesting to compare, first, the price, because it is usually an indication of the practical differences that will help us to make the decision. In this case, if we go by price alone, the AirPods 3 are more expensive, but keep in mind that Apple is not a brand that competes on price.
In fact, the Sony WF-C700N have surprised us very positively, because they have the same technology as the Sony WF-1000XM4, only lighter and cheaper. The sound quality and, above all, the noise cancellation, are very advanced features that, although they do not reach the perfection of the AirPods, they are close to it.
So the decision will depend mainly on how perfect you want them to be. If you want a high-end wireless headset and you’re on a budget, the AirPods 3 are a step ahead in terms of effectiveness and quality. On the other hand, if you’d rather opt for a more value-for-money model, the Sony WF-C700N have a great balance between quality, performance and price.