Compare Sony WF-C510 Earbuds vs Sennheiser CX 80U Wired 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.

USB-C compatibility is a clear strength, with successful use on Android phones in both reviews and no reported compatibility issues.

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.

There is no companion app, which is typical for wired earbuds but still limits customization and feature depth.

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

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

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 punchy, agile, and clean rather than bloated, but both reviews suggest the very lowest bass lacks some rumble and weight.

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.

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

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 viewed positively, with one review specifically calling it impressive for such an inexpensive wired model.

One review specifically highlights the integrated DAC and 24-bit/96kHz playback support as a real value-add for budget wired listening.

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.

The in-line controls are easy to press and responsive, but overall functionality is basic and volume adjustment is a notable limitation.

The cable looks slim and tidy, but the non-flat design can bunch up and tangle in a pocket.

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).

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.

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.

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 one of the strongest recurring themes, with both reviews describing long listening sessions as easy and irritation-free.

The CX 80U looks understated and practical overall, with one reviewer liking the classy silver accents while another found the design too plain to stand out.

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

Multiple eartip sizes help users dial in both comfort and seal, which directly supports the earbuds' fit and passive isolation.

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.

There is effectively no EQ customization here, so users cannot tailor the sound profile beyond tip choice and source settings.

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.

Reviewers consistently describe the tuning as balanced and accurate for the price, with natural vocals, convincing tonal balance, and good detail retrieval.

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.

The accessory bundle is basic but useful, mainly centered on extra eartips rather than premium extras.

Layering and separation are generally good for a budget model, though one review noted that mids are not as distinctly separated as on pricier alternatives.

An in-line mic is included for calls and voice use, but it feels more functional than premium.

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 higher listening levels, the earbuds stay controlled and avoid the harsh or tinny edge that often hurts cheap wired earbuds.

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.

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.

Mic performance is acceptable but not exceptional, with decent vocal clarity offset by noticeable static in one review.

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

Mids are clear and robust, especially for vocals and acoustic material, though they do not reach the finesse of more expensive earbuds.

Cross-device compatibility is excellent for a wired USB-C model, with smooth use reported on phones, tablets, and laptops.

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

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.

Passive isolation is a standout strength, with the seal doing a surprisingly strong job of reducing office chatter and everyday outside noise.

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.

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

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.

Setup is about as simple as it gets: plug in the USB-C connector and start listening with no app, pairing, or extra steps required.

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.

Sound quality is the main reason to buy the CX 80U, with both reviews describing it as unusually refined, detailed, and balanced for the price. The wired USB-C path delivers clean, detailed playback and is a big part of why these earbuds outperform many cheap rivals.

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.

The presentation has more openness and spatial breathing room than expected at this price, helping the earbuds sound immersive rather than cramped.

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.

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.

With the right eartips, the earbuds stay in place well enough for desk use and walking.

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.

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 vivid and expressive without turning harsh, which helps preserve detail and a sense of space.

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

USB-C is a major advantage here, making the earbuds feel current and widely usable across modern devices.

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.

No water-resistance rating is highlighted, so these are a poor fit for buyers who need workout or rain-friendly earbuds.

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.

The earbuds are very light, which contributes to their easy long-session comfort and unobtrusive feel.