Active noise cancelling is widely rated among the best in true wireless, especially when paired with the foam seal; a few sources say it can be beaten by select rivals and varies with fit and environment. ANC/ambient controls are flexible, with adjustable ambient levels and adaptive modes; some users dislike automatic switching and prefer manual control.
Android support is strong with features like easier pairing and better codec/spatial feature access depending on device ecosystem.
The app is useful for firmware, library management, and Playlist+ tasks, but it is basic rather than feature rich and can feel awkward compared with more polished headphone apps.
The Sony companion app is feature-rich (firmware, EQ, adaptive sound, 360 features) and often praised, but some find it busy/cluttered or occasionally buggy.
aptX is explicitly not supported in at least one review, which may matter to users who prefer Qualcomm codecs on certain Android devices.
Low-latency/LE Audio capabilities are mentioned as a benefit for reducing delay in supported scenarios, though real-world results depend on device and settings.
Bass is inconsistent. Some reviewers hear solid or even punchier bass, especially underwater or with earplugs, but others call it hollow, woolly, or nearly absent on land.
Bass is a defining trait: many call it punchy, tight, and engaging, but several note the default tuning can be bass-forward (or fit-dependent) and may need EQ to avoid mid-bass dominance.
Battery life is solid for the category, with most reviews landing around the claimed 9 hours over Bluetooth and 6 hours from memory mode, though some testing suggests real-world endurance can fall short of the marketing numbers.
Battery life is repeatedly strong: around a workday class performance on the buds, with many reports of meeting or exceeding claimed playback; some note the case may need topping up more often than expected. Batteries are not user-replaceable, which limits long-term repairability despite the premium price.
Bluetooth is fine for some above-water use, but stability is not flawless. Multiple reviewers mention stutters, disconnects, or pairing friction, and underwater Bluetooth remains impractical as expected.
Bluetooth stability is generally solid, with easy pairing and reliable everyday use; however, a minority report occasional dropouts or one-earbud connection quirks.
Build quality comes across as sturdy, flexible, and ready for abuse in the pool or during training. The sealed construction and soft exterior inspire confidence.
Build quality feels premium overall, but foam tip durability and glossy-surface grip are the most common durability/handling complaints.
The controls are the most common complaint. Physical buttons offer tactile feedback, but many reviewers found them too small, too close together, slow on secondary presses, or easy to trigger incorrectly while moving.
Control usability is divisive: customization helps, but multi-tap volume control and occasional mis-taps can feel awkward compared with stem squeeze/swipe designs.
The magnetic proprietary cable supports the waterproof design, but it adds one more special accessory to keep track of, and one reviewer reported unreliable wired file transfers.
The included cases are generally well regarded. Reviewers call them protective and practical, though some found the standard case bulkier than necessary.
The case is compact and pocket-friendly with useful additions (like a pairing button), though the smooth finish can make buds harder to grab and case capacity tradeoffs are occasionally mentioned.
Charging is straightforward once aligned with the magnetic connector, and case-based charging options add convenience, but the waterproof-focused approach means living with a proprietary setup.
Charging is well-rounded with USB-C, wireless/Qi support in several reviews, and fast-charge capability that can deliver roughly an hour of listening from a short top-up.
Codec support is good overall (with high-res options in several reviews), but at least one major omission is noted compared with some competitors.
Comfort is one of the strongest recurring positives. The open-ear design avoids ear-canal fatigue, vibrations are generally well controlled for the category, and several reviewers found them easy to wear for long swims or runs.
Comfort improves notably over the prior model thanks to a smaller, lighter shell and revised tips; fit is still subjective, and some users feel pressure or slippage over long sessions.
The design is sporty and practical rather than stylish. Reviewers like the soft-touch finish and purpose-built form, even if it looks more specialized than everyday headphones.
Design is praised for being smaller, more discreet, and premium-looking, but the glossy surfaces can be slippery and not everyone loves the foam-tip approach.
Four tip sizes (including extra-small) are commonly applauded for widening fit coverage, though some reviewers still want more shapes/materials in the box.
EQ tuning is essentially missing, so you are mostly stuck with the default sound signature.
EQ customization is a major strength (including Clear Bass controls and guided EQ tools), though it is not as advanced as full parametric EQ systems.
Some reviews flag the lack of an integrated Find My-style tracking experience as a notable gap versus AirPods and certain competitors.
Tuning is broadly balanced once EQ is applied, but multiple reviewers mention a notable low-end / mid-bass emphasis in the default profile.
Accessories are a plus. Earplugs and a protective case show up repeatedly as useful inclusions, and they materially improve the swim experience.
Instrument separation is repeatedly called out as strong, helping busy mixes stay organized and easy to pick apart.
LDAC support is repeatedly highlighted as a plus for compatible Android devices and high-res streaming.
Pushing volume too high hurts sound quality. At max levels, reviewers noted distortion, harsher vibrations, and less pleasant listening.
At higher volumes, most reviews report the sound stays controlled and clear, with bass not turning muddy and treble avoiding harshness.
Noise reduction for calls is strong in moderate noise and wind for many reviewers, yet can be inconsistent in extreme background noise depending on conditions and processing.
Call quality is usable but not a strength. Voices tend to sound quiet, distant, or light on detail, which fits the swim-first design but limits all-purpose appeal.
Call quality is improved versus prior generations and often described as clear, but results are mixed in very noisy settings, where some testing reports choppy or degraded voice pickup.
Mids and vocals are serviceable rather than standout. They come through well enough for workouts and can sound more balanced underwater, but several reviews say voices lose body or detail above water.
Midrange is generally clear and natural, with vocals and instruments coming through cleanly even when the low end is emphasized.
They work well on both iOS and Android for core playback/ANC, but ecosystem perks are stronger on Android while Apple users may miss AirPods-style integration.
Multipoint support is absent, which limits convenience if you switch between devices often.
Two-device multipoint is commonly praised for seamless switching and reliability, though it does not extend to three-device connectivity.
The open-ear design provides almost no passive isolation on its own. The included earplugs make a noticeable difference in the pool by reducing splash noise and improving perceived clarity and bass.
Passive isolation is a standout thanks to the foam-style tips and strong seal; performance is highly dependent on getting the fit right and the tips can be delicate over time.
The local-memory feature is the reason to buy these. Reviewers like the 8GB storage, drag-and-drop loading, and true phone-free swimming, but Playlist+ is often described as clunky, slow, or awkward, and 8GB trails some rivals.
Guided presets like Find Your Equalizer/Your Equalizer are considered helpful for quickly landing on a preferred tuning without deep audio knowledge.
Sensors (like in-ear detection and auto-pause) are generally reliable and add convenience in daily use.
Finishes resist fingerprints reasonably well in some reports, but the glossy shell can feel slick, affecting grip more than appearance.
Setup is usually straightforward (especially with a case pairing button and guided app flow), though sign-ins, UI complexity, or occasional software hiccups can add friction.
Sound quality is the main compromise. Underwater playback is often described as good or at least satisfying for the category, while above-water listening ranges from merely okay to clearly weak compared with better open-ear or in-ear alternatives.
Across reviews, sound is consistently described as premium and highly detailed, with strong resolution and separation; a few testers find it merely good rather than best-in-class for the price.
Soundstage is considered wide for earbuds with good openness and imaging, but it can still feel somewhat in-your-head or less three-dimensional than top competitors.
Spatial audio features (Sony 360 Reality Audio and head-tracking in some contexts) are viewed as impressive, yet can be limited by supported services, apps, or platform integration.
Once the fit suits your head, stability is excellent. Reviewers regularly say the headset stays put through swimming, running, and vigorous movement, though smaller heads can end up with extra rear loop.
Stability ranges from rock-solid to finicky depending on ear shape and tip choice; a correct seal is the make-or-break factor for both comfort and ANC.
Multiple reviews highlight more sustainable packaging/material choices (recycled paper, reduced plastics), though it is not the primary purchase driver.
Touch sensors are generally responsive, and several reviews appreciate expanded control options versus older models.
Transparency/ambient mode is effective and adjustable, but several reviewers still rank Apple’s pass-through as more natural.
Treble is acceptable for exercise use, not refined listening. Highs are often described as rolled off, grainy, or slightly distorted when volume climbs.
Treble detail is widely praised as refined and crisp, though some listeners note occasional extra sizzle/sibilance or less sparkle than a few rivals.
USB-C charging is included and widely treated as a modern baseline convenience.
Voice assistants (Alexa/Google/Siri, depending on platform) are supported, though hands-free reliability can vary by setup and use case.
There is enough output for workouts and spoken-word listening, but open-ear use in noisy settings often requires higher volume than ideal.
Volume output is usually adequate, but at least one test notes the earbuds can feel quieter than competitors, making ANC (and a good seal) more important in loud places.
Water performance is the standout strength. The IPX8 rating and real underwater playback are consistently praised, making these far more convincing for swimmers than most open-ear alternatives.
The IPX4 rating is consistently framed as solid for sweat and light splashes, but not for submersion or heavy water exposure.
These are repeatedly described as lightweight and unobtrusive, which helps during long sessions and makes the headset easy to forget once positioned.
Weight is frequently cited as a comfort win: the buds are lighter and less bulky, reducing fatigue for many listeners.