Compare Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds vs Sony WF-C510 Earbuds

ANC is the clearest consensus win: reviewers repeatedly call it excellent, impressive, stronger than before, and among the best in earbuds.

The WF-C510 does not provide active noise cancellation; reviewers often accept that tradeoff at the price, but ANC-focused buyers are repeatedly told to look elsewhere.

Live Translation is promising but uneven: some reviewers call it magical or accurate, while others note delays, limits, or little Pro 3-specific improvement.

Android compatibility remains a clear weakness because reviewers say Android users lose major features and should generally look elsewhere.

Android compatibility is positive where tested, especially Google Fast Pair and app-supported pairing that reviewers describe as uncomplicated or fast.

The Sony app is mostly praised for EQ, setup, device control, and ease of use, but PC support and some interface choices draw criticism.

aptX support is poor because reviewers specifically say Apple should catch up to competitors with aptX options.

aptX support is treated as absent and a limitation by the one reviewer who explicitly wanted higher-quality Bluetooth codec options.

One reviewer reports no latency issues when watching content, making audio-video sync a strength where mentioned.

Video and gaming sync evidence is mixed: one reviewer found lip sync spot-on, while gaming-oriented comments note no low-latency mode or only limited gaming suitability.

Bass is consistently described as stronger and often better controlled, though several reviewers find it boosted, fatiguing, or excessive depending on fit and preference.

Bass impressions are mixed: several reviewers praise controlled, punchy or well-rounded bass, while others say bass is light, not skull-rattling, or weaker than pricier Sony buds.

Battery life is a tradeoff: single-charge runtime is widely praised, but several reviewers complain that the case has less total battery than before.

Battery life is widely praised for long earbud runtime, often around 10-11 hours, but the case's single extra charge creates some battery-life caveats.

Bluetooth and connection reliability are mixed, with one review reporting connection bugs and another warning about a static issue affecting some users.

Bluetooth connection reliability is praised where reviewers discuss reconnection and pairing, though one review notes minor jitters in busy stations.

Build quality evidence is mixed, with one review criticizing scratch-prone plastic and another noting a possible screeching/static issue for some users.

Build quality is split: some reviews call the buds solid or well built, while others emphasize cheap plastic, budget feel, or cut corners.

Button or stem-control usability is weak in one review, which says the gestures are not very responsive.

Physical button usability is divisive: some reviewers prefer the tactile controls and find them easy, while others dislike pushing the buds into the ear or repeated presses.

Carry case quality is mixed: reviewers like the compact case and hinge, but criticize larger size, lower case battery, and recharge frequency.

Case quality is mixed: reviewers like the small, pocketable case and some hinge resistance, but others call the plastic cheap or the case limited.

Charging feedback is mostly positive thanks to fast recharging and multiple charging options, though one reviewer wanted faster quick charging.

Charging is generally acceptable thanks to quick-charge support, but reviewers criticize slow case charging, no wireless charging, or limited case reserve.

Codec support is a weakness because reviewers criticize the lack of higher-quality codec options and call Apple behind the industry.

Codec support is a common compromise: AAC and SBC are usually considered sufficient for streaming, but reviewers still flag the lack of higher-end codec options.

Comfort is highly ear-dependent: many reviewers find the Pro 3 more comfortable for long wear, while others report pressure or discomfort from the new shape.

Comfort is one of the strongest areas, with many reviewers saying the small, light buds are easy to wear for long sessions, though one had fit problems.

Design and aesthetics are mostly conservative; one reviewer lists the unchanged look as a drawback.

Design sentiment is mostly positive for the compact size, clean look, matte colors, and small profile, though some reviews see the finish as clearly budget.

Eartip fit is strongly divided: many reviewers get a better seal and secure fit, while others have fit discomfort or difficult tip removal.

Eartip fit is usually strong, with many reviewers praising seal and comfort, though one reviewer could not get any included tip size to fasten securely.

Ear tip size options are generally praised for five sizes and better fit experimentation, but one reviewer complains that removal and replacement can be difficult.

Ear tip option evidence is limited but positive where reviewers connect the included choices or secure tips to small-ear comfort and practical fit.

Equalizer customization is a repeated complaint: reviewers call the lack of EQ a grave oversight or want a workaround-free adjustable EQ.

EQ customization is a major value add for many reviewers, especially Sony's custom tools, though SoundGuys and TechRadar find the EQ limited or confusing.

Find My is a clear strength, with reviewers praising improved precision and easier case tracking.

SoundGuys criticizes frequency response consistency, saying bass and treble become more extreme at quieter hardware volume levels.

Frequency response evidence is limited and mixed, with SoundGuys describing a response that is not immediately off-putting but does require adjustment for some listeners.

The case hinge receives limited but positive durability evidence, with one reviewer calling it sturdy like the previous generation.

Included accessories are a weakness because reviewers complain about the missing charging cable.

Included accessories are a mild weakness: the missing USB-C cable is criticized by one reviewer but dismissed as a non-issue by another.

Instrument separation is a strength, with reviewers noting distinguishable vocals, orchestral parts, and precise instrument placement.

Instrument separation is praised in the strongest hi-fi-leaning reviews, though some note that instruments are not the sharpest at this price.

The integrated microphones are useful beyond calls, with reviewers calling them good or usable for recording in a pinch.

The integrated microphone receives limited direct praise, with PCMag calling it decent, but broader call-quality evidence is more mixed.

LDAC support is poor because reviewers list LDAC among the codecs Apple still needs to add.

LDAC support is absent and repeatedly cited as a compromise, though some reviewers say the omission is acceptable for the budget tier.

Lossless audio support is poor because reviewers explicitly note that AirPods Pro 3 do not support lossless or hi-res playback.

Maximum-volume clarity is praised by one reviewer for low high-volume distortion, while another suggests louder listening can improve the response.

Maximum-volume clarity is a strength in several reviews, with repeated comments that the earbuds avoid distortion or peaking even when pushed.

Microphone noise reduction is mixed: some reviewers praise outside-noise rejection, while one finds environmental noise suppression weak.

Microphone noise reduction is a weak spot overall, with multiple reviewers saying background sounds leak through or aggressive gating can cut into the voice.

Call microphone quality is generally strong, with reviewers describing clear calls, good voice pickup, and first-rate call performance.

Call microphone quality is inconsistent: some hear clear voice pickup in quiet settings, but several reviews criticize noisy-call performance and background pickup.

Midrange reproduction earns strong praise for clear vocals, rich tone, and clean separation from nearby instruments or bass content.

Midrange clarity is a recurring strength, with vocals and instruments often described as clear, detailed, natural, and well separated from the bass.

Multi-platform compatibility is positive for Apple-device switching but limited outside the Apple ecosystem.

Multi-platform compatibility is supported by reviewers who praise iOS/Android parity or smooth phone-desktop use, but PC app support is a limitation.

Multipoint reliability is a weakness in one review because the earbuds sometimes failed to auto-connect between phone and laptop.

Multipoint connectivity is a recurring advantage, with several reviewers calling switching or reconnection seamless, reliable, or unusually good for the price.

Passive isolation improves with the new tips and seal, helping block more sound even without ANC.

Passive isolation is one of the clearest strengths; reviewers repeatedly say the seal blocks a surprising amount of ambient noise despite the lack of ANC.

Portability is positive where reviewed, with the compact case described as easy to fit in a pocket.

Portability is a strength, with the tiny case and small buds repeatedly described as easy to pocket and carry.

Preset EQ evidence is sparse and mixed, with PCMag finding the preset selection serviceable and SoundGuys calling the presets bland.

Sensors are mostly praised for accurate heart-rate tracking, though some reviewers call the feature redundant for Apple Watch users.

Sensor support is a weakness because wear detection is absent, forcing manual pause/play or allowing playback to continue after removal.

Software and setup are strongest inside Apple’s ecosystem, with reviewers praising simple use and updates, though advanced controls can still feel buried.

Setup simplicity is mostly praised for easy pairing and app use, though control customization and app-volume behavior can feel unintuitive.

Most reviewers like the overall sound, praising cleaner, fuller, or premium playback, but a few hear only minor gains over AirPods Pro 2 and one strongly dislikes the tuning.

Reviewers consistently describe the WF-C510 as strong for the price, with clear, balanced, enjoyable sound; the main dissent is that some find it merely serviceable rather than exciting.

Soundstage depth evidence is limited and mixed, with one reviewer enjoying grander tracks while another says the buds do not emphasize open staging or layering.

Reviewers who discuss width hear a larger, more expansive presentation, especially with spatial audio or big tracks.

Soundstage width gets positive notes from reviews that hear spaciousness, separation, or a more open presentation, especially with Sony processing or acoustic material.

Spatial audio earns strong praise for surround-like movie playback, immersive staging, and best-in-class implementation, though one reviewer personally dislikes it.

Spatial audio is present and sometimes enjoyed for added scale, but several reviewers treat 360 Reality Audio as mixed, limited, or gimmicky for music.

Stability improves for many reviewers during walking, workouts, or sleep, though a few still report slipping or sports-fit limits.

In-ear stability is generally excellent, with repeated praise for secure fit during walking, running, cycling, workouts, and head movement; one review reports falling out.

Touch responsiveness has limited negative evidence, with one reviewer finding gestures stubborn or not very responsive.

Touch-control evidence is limited to two reviews that describe the controls as responsive or easy, though most other reviews treat the controls as physical buttons.

Transparency mode is another major strength, often described as natural, cleaner, and close to not wearing earbuds.

Transparency or Ambient Sound mode is usually considered useful and natural for awareness, but some reviewers find it mild, situational, or not enough for easy conversations.

Treble reactions are mostly positive when described as crisp or resolving, but SoundGuys warns the upper range can be overemphasized at some listening levels.

Treble is generally clear and crisp, especially for vocals and detail-focused music, though a few reviews note underemphasis, crunchiness, or limited brightness.

USB-C is viewed positively where discussed, especially when paired with fast charging.

Value depends heavily on upgrade path: reviewers like the product for new or older-AirPods buyers, but several say AirPods Pro 2 owners may not need it.

Value for money is the strongest consensus point: reviewers repeatedly frame the WF-C510 as a bargain or standout budget pick despite tradeoffs.

Voice assistant integration is a weakness in one review because Siri confused Live Translation commands and sentence boundaries.

One reviewer says the earbuds get louder than before, supporting a strong volume-output score.

Volume output is context-dependent: many reviewers find it more than loud enough, while a few flag low default app volume or a less powerful maximum.

Water and sweat resistance is viewed positively, with reviewers treating IP57 as useful reassurance for workouts, rain, and heavier exposure.

The IPX4 rating is viewed as useful for sweat, rain, running, gym use, and daily activity, but reviewers consistently warn it is not full waterproofing.

Weight comfort is positive where mentioned, with extra weight described as imperceptible in use.

Low weight contributes heavily to comfort; reviewers repeatedly highlight the roughly 4.6 g earbuds as light, slight, or easy to forget in the ear.