Compare Sony WF-C510 Earbuds vs Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Earbuds

Across reviews, the WF-C510 does not include active noise cancellation. Reviewers generally treat this as expected at the price and lean on fit-based isolation and ambient mode instead.

ANC performance ranges from average to solid-for-the-price: it reduces low-frequency rumble well but is not class-leading versus premium models. Noise control is adjustable in the app with ANC on/off and hear-through options, making it easy to tailor for different environments.

Android support is strong thanks to features like Google Fast Pair and aptX/aptX Adaptive compatibility.

The Sony companion app is generally viewed as helpful for EQ, ambient controls, multipoint management, and feature toggles; a few reviewers find parts of the interface or specific tools confusing or limited.

The Connect app is feature-rich (EQ, noise modes, codec selection, updates, extras like soundscapes and ear-profile tools) and is generally reported as stable.

Reviews that discuss codecs indicate there is no aptX support, reinforcing that these buds prioritize simple compatibility over advanced codec features.

aptX/aptX Adaptive support makes these particularly attractive for Android users seeking higher-quality Bluetooth audio.

Where discussed, reviewers report good lip-sync for videos and casual gaming, with no dedicated gaming mode but acceptable performance for non-competitive use.

Low-latency mode delivers good audio-video sync, with most reviewers reporting minimal lip-sync delay for video and casual gaming.

Bass is described as present and clean, but not the deepest or most powerful by default. Many reviewers recommend EQ tweaks for more punch; a few still consider it insufficient for bass-heavy preferences.

Bass is the headline: deep extension and punch are repeatedly praised, though it can sound forward on bass-heavy mixes.

Per-charge endurance is a standout: many reviewers cite roughly 10 to 11 hours from the earbuds, while the case typically adds about one additional charge. Enabling ambient/transparency or enhancement features can reduce runtime.

Battery life is repeatedly described as best-in-class, commonly around 20 hours in the buds (about 15 with ANC) plus roughly 30 more from the case.

Bluetooth stability is mostly reported as dependable, with occasional notes of minor jitters in challenging areas but generally quick reconnection and predictable pairing behavior.

Bluetooth stability is typically strong (including longer-range anecdotes), but a few users report occasional dropouts, especially in multipoint or obstructed scenarios.

Build quality is often described as budget-plastic. Earbuds are usually seen as fine for the price, while the case and hinges draw the most complaints about cheap feel or durability impressions.

Build quality is widely seen as robust for the price, though a few note the silicone tips feel thin and may wear over time.

Physical button controls are polarizing. Some reviewers like the tactile reliability and customization, while others dislike multi-press complexity, volume-control ergonomics, or the way pressing can push the buds deeper.

Physical buttons help avoid accidental touches, but their placement and size can be fiddly; some find multi-tap actions or locating the buttons frustrating.

The case is widely considered compact and pocketable, but multiple reviewers note it feels cheap and offers limited extra battery (often one additional full charge).

The case is generally sturdy with clear battery indicators and secure retention, but its large footprint is a common complaint.

Charging is generally described as straightforward via the case, with fast-charge claims mentioned and mixed notes on case recharge speed depending on reviewer expectations.

Charging is USB-C with strong fast-charge results (about 10 minutes for roughly 90 minutes playback); most reviews note no wireless charging on the CKS50TW.

Codec support is consistently described as limited to SBC and AAC, positioning the WF-C510 as a straightforward streaming-focused option rather than a hi-res Bluetooth pick.

Codec support is a strength, with SBC/AAC plus aptX and aptX Adaptive mentioned often, and some app control over codec selection.

Comfort is a frequent strength: many reviewers cite an ultra-light feel and all-day wearability, though a minority report fit instability during movement depending on ear shape and tip choice.

Comfort is generally good once the right tips are found, but the larger housings can feel bulky or less secure for smaller ears.

Design is functional but plain, and the size is frequently called bulky compared to sleeker rivals.

Reviews commonly note three ear tip sizes in the box, supporting fit adjustments for different ears.

Multiple ear tip sizes are included (often four), helping with fit and seal, even if durability concerns pop up in a few reviews.

EQ customization is consistently highlighted as a value-add, including manual adjustment and Sony-guided personalization tools. Some reviews call the EQ limited in precision, while others find it effective for tuning bass or clarity.

EQ customization is a highlight, offering a five-band EQ and useful adjustments to tailor bass/vocals and overall balance.

Some reviews highlight location and recovery-style features via platform pairing tools (for example, last-known location and bud chimes through connected-device ecosystems), though this is not emphasized by all sources.

The app includes a locate/find function for the earbuds, which is useful if you misplace them.

Tuning trends warm rather than strictly neutral, but multiple reviews call it well-balanced across the range with good overall coherence.

Most reviews mention multiple tip sizes included; several explicitly note no USB-C cable in the box, framing it as a typical cost-cutting choice.

Separation and imaging are strong for the class, keeping transient details in context, but it does not match higher-end audiophile flagships.

Multiple reviews explicitly note the absence of LDAC, with some pointing to pricier Sony models for hi-res codec needs.

At higher volumes, clarity is generally maintained without obvious distortion, but some reviewers report bass thinning or reduced impact as volume rises.

At very loud listening levels, some note dynamics can feel slightly compressed or squashed, even if clarity remains decent.

Background noise suppression on calls is frequently criticized, with multiple reviewers noting poor performance in busy offices, streets, or windy conditions, while a few report it holding up reasonably in moderate noise.

Noise reduction on calls is inconsistent, with wind and busy-street noise sometimes bleeding through and degrading intelligibility.

Call microphone quality is mixed: acceptable or clear in quieter situations for some reviewers, but several report thinness, artifacts, or inconsistent intelligibility when background noise increases.

Call quality is mostly clear in quiet settings, with mixed results outdoors or in noisy rooms; some experiences are excellent while others report average performance.

Midrange clarity is often praised, with vocals and instruments described as crisp and well-presented for everyday listening, podcasts, and video content.

Midrange is generally clear, but the stock tuning can let bass mask lower mids and push vocals back; the Clear Vocal/EQ options help restore presence.

Multipoint connectivity is widely praised as reliable and convenient, often highlighted as a standout value feature for quickly switching between two devices.

Multipoint is widely appreciated for switching between phone and computer, though there can be slight delays and occasional reliability quirks.

Passive isolation is repeatedly praised as impressive for a non-ANC model, with multiple reviewers describing a strong seal that blocks a meaningful amount of outside noise.

The seal provides solid passive isolation, sometimes good enough to reduce noise even before ANC is enabled.

Portability is the main physical downside: the case is chunky and the buds are large, so jeans-pocket carry can be awkward even if bags and jacket pockets are fine.

Preset EQ options are seen as useful but not uniformly loved: some reviewers appreciate the variety, while others describe presets as bland or not very distinct.

Preset EQ modes (such as Bass Boost and Clear Vocal) are frequently cited as helpful and can meaningfully change the listening profile.

Several reviews note the lack of wear-detection sensors, meaning audio does not automatically pause when you remove the buds.

Wear-detection sensors are a notable omission in multiple reviews, so playback does not auto-pause when you remove a bud.

Sidetone/side-talk features help you hear your own voice more naturally during calls, which several reviewers appreciate.

Setup and day-to-day usability are mostly simple, but recurring friction points include control-mapping constraints, occasional app quirks, and volume-control workflows that some reviewers find unintuitive.

Sound quality is typically rated as very good for the price, with frequent mentions of clean clarity and an enjoyable, balanced-to-bright presentation. Bass impact is considered adequate for most, but bass-focused listeners may want more.

Across reviews, sound is described as warm and engaging with strong detail for the price, especially after EQ tweaks; a minority find it merely average without tuning.

Soundstage impressions are generally positive for the class, with some reviewers noting a wider or more open feel especially when using spatial features, though it is not consistently described as audiophile-level expansive.

Soundstage is often called convincing and well-staged for true wireless, though a few impressions place it closer to average rather than expansive.

Spatial audio/360 Reality Audio support is a notable bonus for the price. Reviewer reactions vary: some find it immersive for certain content, while others consider it gimmicky or unnatural for music.

Spatial audio/360 Reality Audio is a mixed bag: some find it immersive, others dismiss it, and it is limited by supported services.

Stability is often described as strong, with several reviewers comfortable using the buds for workouts or commuting; at least one reviewer experienced buds loosening or falling out, suggesting fit is user-dependent.

Stability is generally strong once fitted, with multiple workout and head-movement anecdotes indicating the buds stay put.

Transparency/ambient mode is usually described as usable and fairly natural for situational awareness, though strength varies by reviewer and may be limited for full conversations in louder settings.

Hear-through/transparency is generally usable and fairly natural, but it can be mild and is not on the level of the best implementations.

Treble is commonly characterized as clear and sometimes forward or bright, with some reviewers noting a bit of crunch or reduced sparkle depending on track and settings.

Treble is usually smooth and non-fatiguing; some reviewers want more sparkle or sharpness, while others note it stays crisp at higher volumes.

USB-C charging is repeatedly confirmed. Wireless charging is commonly noted as missing.

USB-C charging is consistently included and straightforward.

Voice assistant support is limited in some coverage, with at least one review noting a lack of built-in voice-assistant control compared with certain rivals.

Overall loudness is usually described as sufficient, though a few reviewers note a low default volume behavior or a need to raise app-level volume settings, especially in noisy environments.

Water resistance is consistently listed as IPX4, generally positioned as enough for sweat and light rain but not for submersion.

Water resistance is consistently positioned as workout-friendly (commonly IPX4, with some coverage citing higher ratings on newer variants).

Weight is repeatedly called out as a key advantage, with multiple reviews emphasizing how light the buds feel in-ear and how that supports long sessions.

Weight is noticeable for some (and a few describe the fit as unbalanced), but others find the buds comfortable for long sessions.