Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless Earbuds: Tiny Earbuds, Big Sound

Looking for a pair of no-fuss wireless earbuds that deliver impressive sound without breaking the bank? Enter the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds. These diminutive earbuds pack a sonic punch, sporting Sony’s renowned audio technology to bring your music to life. Keep reading to see why these pint-sized performers should be on your short list.

Overview

The Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds keep things simple, focusing on delivering robust sound in a petite package. At just 3.15 x 1.38 x 1.22 inches, the earbuds are 45% smaller than Sony’s WF-XB700 model. Their rounded, low-profile shape allows them to nestle comfortably into the ear. Controls are straightforward with physical buttons for volume, playback, calls, and voice assistants. Despite their compact size, these mighty mites manage up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, with the included charging case providing an extra 10 hours.

Features

The Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds offer an appealing combination of performance and portability. Key features include:

• Truly wireless design with Bluetooth connectivity
• DSEE audio technology for enhanced sound
• IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating
• Up to 20 hours total battery life with charging case
• Hands-free calling with built-in microphone
• Ergonomic and lightweight in-ear fit
• Customizable sound via Sony Headphones Connect app

Comfort and Design

The ergonomic surface design and rounded shape of the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds allow them to sit securely and comfortably in the ear. They come with three sizes of silicone tips to get the perfect in-ear fit. Controls are conveniently located as buttons on the earbud surface. With diminutive dimensions of 3.15 x 1.38 x 1.22 inches, the earbuds are small and lightweight enough for comfortable all-day wear. Even the charging case follows suit, with a tiny cylindrical design that’s pocket-friendly.

Ease of Use

With no accompanying app required, the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds are ready to use out of the box. Bluetooth pairing is quick and easy. Physical button controls on the earbuds are conveniently located and give you access to playback, volume, calls, and voice assistants. The earbuds automatically turn on and connect when removed from the case, making them highly convenient.

Build Quality

Constructed from smooth, durable plastics, the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds feel sufficiently sturdy. While not delivering a premium luxury feel, their build quality is reliable for regular use. The IPX4 water resistance also allows them to withstand sweat and splashes.

Sound Quality

Audio is where the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds really shine. Sony’s DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) helps restore those high frequency sounds often lost with compressed music formats, lending treble more clarity and richness. While bass isn’t overpowering, it has nice punch and warmth to round out the dynamic sound profile. The free Sony Headphones Connect app allows you to customize the sound with presets or manual EQ adjustments. Calls come through clearly thanks to the high quality built-in microphone.

Microphone Quality

Call quality is decent thanks to the high quality built-in microphone on the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds. Voices transmit clearly and ambient noise is minimized, making hands-free calls convenient.

Noise Isolation

While not equipped with active noise cancellation, the in-ear fit of the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds provides effective passive noise isolation. They block out a fair amount of ambient sound, especially with music playing. Noise isolation enhances the listening experience and call quality.

Battery Life

With up to 10 hours of battery life from the earbuds plus an extra 10 hours from the charging case, the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds delivers excellent endurance. The quick charge feature also lets you get 1 hour of playtime from just 10 minutes of charging.

Connectivity

The earbuds connect easily via Bluetooth 5.2, providing a stable wireless connection to your device. Bluetooth range is also good, allowing you to roam up to 10 meters away while maintaining connectivity.

Controls

Onboard controls on the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds consist of two physical buttons on each earbud. You can control music playback, volume, calls, activate voice assistants, and more right from the earbuds.

Water Resistance

The IPX4 water resistance makes the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds suitable for exercising and activity use. Splashes and sweat won’t faze them. However, they are not fully waterproof so should not be submerged.

Use Cases

The Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds are ideal for activities like:

• Listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks on the go
• Working out at the gym or running outdoors
• Taking hands-free calls while multitasking
• Traveling without wires getting in the way
• Wearing comfortably for extended periods

Their portable charging case and impressive battery life allow you to enjoy seamless listening all day long, whether you’re at home, work, or on the move.

User Feedback and Analysis

With over 9,000 customer reviews on Amazon, the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds have been put through their paces by plenty of users. Here’s a deeper look at what customers have to say:

Sound Quality

By and large, users are impressed with the well-balanced, high quality sound the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds deliver - especially considering their reasonable price point. Many describe the sound as having crisp highs, solid mids, and punchy lows. Bass has enough presence to give music momentum without muddying the mix. Sony’s DSEE tech brings out nuances in songs for an engrossing listening experience. Some remark that clarity and detail rival more expensive earbuds.

Comfort and Fit

Thanks to their diminutive size, light weight, and ergonomic shape, most users find the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds extremely comfortable for extended wear. They feel barely noticeable in the ears. The earbuds sit flush and securely, staying put even during workouts and runs. Those with smaller ears especially appreciate the customizable fit provided by the included sleeve sizes. However, some with larger ear canals report issues getting a tight seal for optimal sound and comfort.

Battery Life

Stellar battery life is one of the most unanimously praised features of the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds. Users routinely get around 10 hours of continuous playtime between charges, matching Sony’s claims. Combined with the charging case, total battery life stretches to 20+ hours, reducing the need to recharge frequently. The quick charge function juices up the earbuds remarkably fast.

Call Quality

Making calls on the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds gets mixed reactions. While users say their own voices transmit cleanly to recipients, background noise cancellation is just average. Callers can hear ambient sounds like wind and traffic on the other end. But for casual voice calls, the built-in mics get the job done.

Connectivity

Connection stability and Bluetooth range earn kudos from most owners. Pairing is a breeze, and the earbuds maintain a steady signal even when the source device is left in another room up to 20-30 feet away. Connection dropouts are infrequent for the majority of users.

Controls

The physical buttons offer convenient control access, but their large size and prominent placement on the earbuds also lead to accidental presses. It’s easy to inadvertently pause music or skip tracks when adjusting the earbuds or brushing against them. Touch controls would alleviate this nuisance for many users.

Water Resistance

Although rated IPX4 for sweat and splash resistance, the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds seem to struggle with full water submersion according to some customer reviews. A number report permanent issues after getting the earbuds wet, so they may not hold up well for activities like swimming. General moisture protection for workouts is adequate however.

Value

At their affordable price point, users feel the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds provide tremendous value. Their impressive battery life, durable construction, good sound, and adequate water resistance outclass many competitors at similar prices. These are great everyday wireless earbuds that work well without breaking the bank.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Impressive sound quality for the price
- Good battery life
- IPX4 water resistance rating
- Secure and comfortable fit
- Hands-free calling functionality

Cons:
- Physical playback control prone to accidental presses
- Not fully waterproof
- Lacks noise cancelling feature
- Sound customization requires app

Value

With a retail price of $99.99 but often available for less, the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds offer tremendous value. You’d be hard-pressed to find another pair of wireless earbuds with this kind of battery life, IPX4 water resistance, and customizable sound at this price point. If you’re looking for great everyday earbuds without breaking the bank, the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds is a top contender.

Conclusion

With solid sound, robust battery life, and fuss-free functionality contained in a compact package, the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds make an excellent value choice. If you want great everyday wireless earbuds without blowing your budget, these pocket performers deliver the audio goods.

Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 3.15 x 1.38 x 1.22 inches
• Item Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth 5.2
• Battery Life: Up to 10 hours (earbuds), Up to 20 hours (with charging case)
• Water Resistance Rating: IPX4
• Charging Time: 3 hours (full charge)
• Supported Audio Formats: SBC, AAC

What’s in the Box

The Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless Earbuds include:

• Earbuds (left and right)
• Charging case
• USB-C charging cable
• Silicone ear tips (small, medium, and large sizes)
• Quick start guide
• Warranty information

How to Use

To use the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless In-Ear Earbuds:

1. Charge the earbuds in the case for at least 1 hour prior to first use.
2. Insert earbuds into ears and adjust until securely and comfortably fitted.
3. Activate Bluetooth on your device to pair the earbuds.
4. Use playback buttons on right earbud to control music and calls.
5. Place earbuds back in charging case when not in use to recharge.
6. Customize sound via Sony Headphones Connect app if desired.
7. Keep earbuds dry and detach from charger when not in use to maximize battery life.