Bottom Line
Choose the Sony WF-C510 if you want comfy, ultra-light earbuds with strong per-charge battery and clear, fun sound for the money; Skip if you need active noise cancellation or consistently strong call quality in noisy places.
Best for
Budget shoppers who want reliable everyday earbuds with long per-charge stamina, easy multipoint, and customizable sound via the Sony app.
Not for
People who prioritize ANC, hi-res Bluetooth codecs, or frequent calls from noisy streets, offices, or commuting environments.
Verdict
The Sony WF-C510 nails the basics: a tiny, lightweight fit that many reviewers find comfortable for long sessions, stable multipoint pairing, and unusually long battery life from the buds themselves. Sound is generally described as clean and enjoyable, with strong clarity and a flexible EQ/DSEE toolset in the Sony app, though bass quantity varies by preference and default tuning can lean bright or light. The biggest tradeoff is features: there is no ANC and codec support is limited to SBC/AAC, plus several reviews flag average-to-poor microphone noise suppression and occasionally awkward physical controls. The compact case is convenient but usually provides only one extra full charge.
Pros
-
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.
-
USB-C charging is repeatedly confirmed. Wireless charging is commonly noted as missing.
-
Where discussed, reviewers report good lip-sync for videos and casual gaming, with no dedicated gaming mode but acceptable performance for non-competitive use.
-
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.
-
Multipoint connectivity is widely praised as reliable and convenient, often highlighted as a standout value feature for quickly switching between two devices.
-
Bluetooth stability is mostly reported as dependable, with occasional notes of minor jitters in challenging areas but generally quick reconnection and predictable pairing behavior.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Midrange clarity is often praised, with vocals and instruments described as crisp and well-presented for everyday listening, podcasts, and video content.
-
Reviews commonly note three ear tip sizes in the box, supporting fit adjustments for different ears.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
At higher volumes, clarity is generally maintained without obvious distortion, but some reviewers report bass thinning or reduced impact as volume rises.
-
Water resistance is consistently listed as IPX4, generally positioned as enough for sweat and light rain but not for submersion.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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).
-
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.
Cons
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Several reviews note the lack of wear-detection sensors, meaning audio does not automatically pause when you remove the buds.
-
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.
-
Multiple reviews explicitly note the absence of LDAC, with some pointing to pricier Sony models for hi-res codec needs.
-
Reviews that discuss codecs indicate there is no aptX support, reinforcing that these buds prioritize simple compatibility over advanced codec features.
FAQ
Do the Sony WF-C510 have active noise cancellation (ANC)?
No. Multiple reviews note there is no ANC, but the in-ear seal can provide strong passive isolation, and there is an ambient/transparency mode.
What Bluetooth codecs do they support?
Reviews consistently cite SBC and AAC only. They do not support LDAC or aptX.
How is battery life in real use?
Many reviewers report around 10 to 11 hours from the earbuds per charge depending on settings, with the case typically adding about one extra full charge; ambient/transparency and enhancement features can reduce runtime.
Are they comfortable and secure for workouts?
Most reviews describe the buds as lightweight with a stable in-ear fit and an IPX4 rating for sweat and splashes, though at least one review reports fit issues and buds falling out during movement.
How good is the microphone for calls?
Mixed. Some reviews find calls acceptable in quiet settings, while several report weak background-noise suppression and reduced clarity in loud environments.
Does the app add meaningful features?
Yes for EQ customization, multipoint management, ambient control, and Sony features like DSEE and 360 Reality Audio, though some reviewers find parts of the setup or control mapping unintuitive.
Reviews we analyzed
Video Reviews
Article Reviews
Best Earbud Headphones
#1
4.3
Choose JBL Tour Pro 3 for feature-hungry listeners who want a smart-case transmitter and lively sound. Skip if you need the smallest, most...
#2
4.3
Choose for top-tier sound and a feature-rich, future-proof codec stack; Skip if you prioritize the very best ANC or consistently clean calls in...
#3
4.1
Choose if you want class-leading ANC and a punchy, high-detail sound; Skip if you have small ears or expect all-day battery and a...
#4
4.1
Choose the Technics EAH-AZ100 for audiophile-leaning sound, strong adjustable ANC, and standout three-device multipoint; Skip if you need consistently natural call quality or...
#5
4.0
Choose WF-1000XM5 for near top-tier ANC and detailed, punchy sound in a compact package; Skip if foam-tip fit is finicky for you or...
#6
4.0
Choose Denon PerL Pro if you want huge, customizable sound with personalized tuning and wide staging; Skip if you need top-tier ANC or...
#7
4.0
Choose AirPods Pro 2 if you want seamless Apple integration with top-tier ANC and transparency; Skip if you use Android or need hi-res...
#8
3.9
Choose Space A40 for under-$100 earbuds with strong low-frequency ANC, huge battery, and deep app EQ control. Skip if you need auto-pause sensors...