Sony WF-C500 Wireless Earbuds

The Sony WF-C500 wireless earbuds are part of Sony's mid-range audio lineup, offering a balance of affordability, compact design, and solid audio performance. They are designed for casual listeners who want the convenience of true wireless earbuds without breaking the bank. In this review, we'll dive deep into the design, comfort, sound quality, battery life, features, and overall value of these earbuds.

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Design and Build Quality: Compact and Lightweight

One of the standout features of the Sony WF-C500 is its compact design. These earbuds are lightweight and small, making them perfect for everyday use, especially for those with smaller ears or anyone who prefers a low-profile fit. Sony has taken a minimalist approach, offering a rounded and simple aesthetic that doesn't protrude much from the ears. The earbuds have a matte finish, which gives them a premium look and feel, even though they are positioned in the more budget-friendly category.

The charging case is similarly compact, easily fitting into a pocket or small bag. The translucent lid adds a unique design touch, allowing you to glimpse the earbuds inside without opening the case. It’s not as premium as the cases of Sony’s more expensive models, like the WF-1000XM5, but for the price, it’s durable and well-made.

The earbuds themselves are rated IPX4 for water resistance, meaning they can handle splashes and sweat, making them suitable for workouts or light rain.

Comfort: Designed for Long Wear

Comfort is a crucial aspect when choosing wireless earbuds, and Sony has paid attention to this with the WF-C500. Thanks to their lightweight build, they sit comfortably in the ear for extended periods without causing strain. Sony includes multiple silicone ear tip sizes in the box, ensuring a secure fit for most ear shapes.

While they are comfortable for casual use and moderate exercise, they do not have the same stability features—like ear wings—seen in dedicated sport earbuds. So, while they are fine for a jog or gym session, users who engage in more intense workouts may want something with a more secure fit.

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Sound Quality: Surprisingly Good for the Price

For their price point, the Sony WF-C500 delivers impressive sound quality. Sony has equipped these earbuds with DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine), which helps restore compressed audio files to sound more dynamic and detailed. This feature is especially useful for those who stream music from apps that compress audio files, such as Spotify or YouTube Music.

The bass response is tight and punchy without being overpowering. Mids are clear, and vocals come through cleanly, while highs are detailed but not overly sharp. The overall sound profile leans toward a balanced tuning, making them suitable for a variety of music genres, from pop and rock to podcasts and classical music.

While the sound quality is good, it’s important to remember that the WF-C500 is still a mid-range product. They don’t offer the same depth or soundstage as higher-end models like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or premium competitors. There is also no active noise cancellation (ANC), which is a significant omission compared to more expensive options. However, passive noise isolation is decent, especially if you use the correct ear tips for a snug fit.

For those looking to customize their listening experience, the Sony Headphones Connect app offers an equalizer that lets users adjust the sound to their preference.

Battery Life: Impressive Longevity

The Sony WF-C500 shines in the battery life department. On a single charge, the earbuds provide up to 10 hours of continuous playback, which is above average for true wireless earbuds in this price range. The charging case provides an additional 10 hours, giving users a total of 20 hours of battery life. This makes them an excellent choice for long listening sessions, daily commutes, or flights.

Charging is done via USB-C, which is a welcome feature, offering faster and more efficient charging than older Micro-USB models. However, the case lacks wireless charging, a feature often found in higher-end models.

A quick 10-minute charge provides about an hour of playback, which is handy when you're in a pinch.

Connectivity and Controls: Reliable but Simple

The Sony WF-C500 uses Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a reliable and stable connection. Pairing the earbuds is straightforward, and they support Google Fast Pair for Android devices, making the initial setup process even smoother. Unfortunately, multipoint connectivity—the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously—is not supported, which may be a downside for those who frequently switch between a phone and a laptop.

Controls on the earbuds are physical buttons rather than touch-sensitive panels, which has its pros and cons. On the positive side, physical buttons prevent accidental touches, and the controls are easy to use. On the downside, pressing the button can sometimes push the earbud deeper into your ear, which can be uncomfortable if you’re not careful. Through these buttons, you can manage playback, adjust volume, and access voice assistants like Google Assistant or Siri.

Call Quality: Serviceable for Casual Use

The call quality on the Sony WF-C500 is decent but not exceptional. The earbuds feature a single microphone on each side, which does an adequate job for casual phone calls and voice assistant commands. In quiet environments, voices are clear and understandable. However, in noisier settings, background sounds tend to leak through, which can make calls challenging. If taking frequent calls is a priority, you may want to look for earbuds with better microphone arrays or noise cancellation features.

Sony Headphones Connect App: Customization Options

Sony's Headphones Connect app is compatible with the WF-C500, allowing users to customize their listening experience. Through the app, you can adjust the EQ settings, select from preset sound profiles, or tweak the sound manually. You can also see battery levels for both the earbuds and the case.

While the app lacks some of the more advanced features found with Sony’s premium models—like ANC customization or 3D audio—it’s a welcome addition for users who like to fine-tune their audio preferences.

Comparison with Competitors

In the budget true wireless earbud market, the Sony WF-C500 faces stiff competition from models like the Jabra Elite 3, Soundcore by Anker Life P3, and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2. The WF-C500 stands out with its DSEE sound enhancement, long battery life, and reliable build quality, but it lacks features like ANC and wireless charging, which some competitors offer at similar price points.

If you prioritize sound quality and long battery life, the WF-C500 is a solid choice. However, if you need features like active noise cancellation or more robust call quality, you might find better alternatives in this price range.

Price and Value

The Sony WF-C500 is priced competitively, typically retailing below RM300, depending on sales and promotions. For what it offers, the price feels appropriate. The build quality, solid sound performance, and Sony branding make these earbuds an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who still want reliable, well-made wireless earbuds.

Verdict: 8/10 – Excellent Value with Trade-offs

Pros:

- Compact and lightweight design

- Good sound quality with DSEE sound enhancement

- Excellent battery life (up to 20 hours with the case)

- Water-resistant (IPX4) for workouts

- Affordable price point

- Reliable Bluetooth 5.0 connection

Cons:

- No active noise cancellation (ANC)

- Physical button controls might be uncomfortable for some

- Average call quality, especially in noisy environments

- No wireless charging

- Lack of multipoint connectivity

Final Thoughts: Is the Sony WF-C500 Worth It?

The Sony WF-C500 offers an excellent balance of sound quality, battery life, and design for its price. While it lacks some of the more premium features found in higher-end models, like active noise cancellation or advanced touch controls, it delivers where it matters most for everyday users—clear sound, comfort, and longevity.

If you’re looking for a solid pair of wireless earbuds under RM300 and can live without ANC, the WF-C500 is an excellent choice. It’s a well-rounded product that won’t disappoint casual listeners and those seeking value for money. Buy Now

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