The C700N are rated IPX4 splash-proof like the WF-C500, but also sport Wind Noise Reduction Structure to render calls less distorted in blustery weather, plus Multipoint Bluetooth that allows you to connect wirelessly to two Bluetooth devices at once and then seamlessly switch between them. We found the WF-C700N (left) more comfortable than Sony's more premium WF-1000XM4 (right). (Image credit: Future)

Clean your earbuds often to keep them in optimal condition. If the outside of the headset or the charging case get dirty, wipe them clean with a soft dry cloth. The indicator (blue) on the charging case repeatedly flashes twice in a row and the headset goes into pairing mode.Like many Sony wireless earbuds, the WF-C700N offer Sony’s Adaptive Sound Control feature which allows the earbuds to automatically switch listening modes depending on your location. Depending on the computer you are using, the built-in Bluetooth adaptor may need to be turned on. If you do not know how to turn on the Bluetooth adaptor or are unsure if your computer has a built-in Bluetooth adaptor, refer to the operating instructions supplied with the computer.

The effect may not be pronounced in a tranquil environment, or some sound may be heard. If there is little ambient noise, it's advisable not to switch on the NC function, as it needs ambient input to work optimally. Connect your headphones to two Bluetooth® devices simultaneously, so you can wait for an incoming call on one device while listening to music on the other. Otherwise, the XM5 earbuds also support some shortcuts. You can configure double and triple taps to respectively trigger Spotify Tap and Endel (a generative soundscape app) integrations via the app. Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony's DSEE, bolstered by the company's very own, custom 5mm drivers, has been designed to deliver "powerful bass and stunningly clear vocals", according to the company itself. On that front, the C700N have lived up to their own hype: bass is hefty and vocals convey emotion and refinement with confidence and ease. A real triumph. Different pitch levels. Noise cancelling works best when the ambient noise is low or medium in pitch and remains constant. For example, an airplane engine produces a low-pitched, constant sound, meaning that the level of sound you hear remains consistent. Conversely, when someone speaks, sound waves scatter based on the volume and energy created by every word. Unlike a plane engine, speaking pitch changes frequently. That is why you might hear someone talking next to you. Compared to our headphone preference curve, the Sony WF-C700N doesn’t do a terrible job, but many listeners will find the weak bass reproduction disappointing. The bass response under 100Hz is over 6dB quieter than our preference, but that’s fine unless you specifically seek out bassy buds. On the other hand, the WF-C700N under-emphasizes treble above 5kHz. Nevertheless, you’ll hear most instruments just fine with this frequency response. Lows, mids, highs The Sony WF-C700N are the manufacturer’s cheapest pair of noise-cancelling true wireless earbuds and a step-up from the WF-C500, which received a pretty positive review from me earlier this year.

All of the pairing information is deleted. In this case, delete the pairing information for the headset from the connected device and then pair them again. There’s no auto-pause or play when you take the buds out or put them in, which is another feature we thought might be present on the C700N. It’s slightly disappointing given some rivals do offer this functionality.You have to hand it to Sony. It’s managed to build a nice little portfolio of wireless earbuds that hit a number of key price points. Each step up delivers a bump in performance that justifies each model’s price and position in the category.