Good69/100
The compact in-ear offers a clear backdrop, which, however, shows weaknesses in the lower frequencies. For this price range, however, this is bearable.
Sony WF-C500
No noise cancellation, 10 h, Wirelessfree shipping
The completely wireless WF-C500 headphones from Sony are smaller than ever and feature a rounded design without edges for a comfortable fit. This ensures a secure hold, allowing you to focus on what matters most – your music. The DSEE technology provides an incredible listening experience. With the equalizer in the Sony Headphones Connect app, you can customize the sound according to your preferences.
Sound is transmitted to both ears simultaneously via a reliable and stable Bluetooth connection. The low audio latency also allows for uninterrupted video enjoyment. Fast Pair for Android and Swift Pair for Windows 10 make it easy to quickly connect your Bluetooth devices.
With a single charge, you can enjoy up to 10 hours of music. The handy charging case provides an additional 10 hours. This means up to 20 hours of listening pleasure when you leave the house. Short on time? The quick charge function gives you an extra 60 minutes of playback time after just 10 minutes of charging. The WF-C500 wireless headphones with a microphone are also splash-resistant according to IPX4 standards, meaning neither sweat nor rain can hold them back.
Application range | General |
Equipment + Functions | Microphones |
Headphone type | In Ear Headphones |
Signal transmission | Wireless |
Audio Connections | 1 x USB-C |
Noise cancelling | No noise cancellation |
Isolation | Closed |
Item number | 16698578 |
Manufacturer | Sony |
Category | Headphones |
Manufacturer no. | WFC500B.CE7 |
Release date | 29.9.2021 |
Sales rank in Category Headphones | 218 of 8487 |
Colour | Black |
Exact colour description | Black |
Material | Silicone |
Operating system compatibility | Android, Windows |
Application range | General |
Output | Stereo |
Noise cancelling | No noise cancellation |
Equipment + Functions | Microphones |
Music control | touchpad remote control, Universal Bluetooth Remote |
Signal transmission | Wireless |
Button functions | Language assistant, Volume Down, Volume Up |
Compatible voice assistants | Google Assistant, Siri |
Headphone type | In Ear Headphones |
Fit | In Ear |
Isolation | Closed |
Driver diameter | 5.80 mm |
Durability | Splashproof |
Protection type (IP code) | IPX4, Waterproof |
Converter principle | Dynamic |
Magnet type | Neodymium |
Membrane size | 5.80 mm |
Frequency range | 20 - 20000 Hz |
Impedance | 48 Ω (ohm) |
Audio Connections | 1 x USB-C |
Connections base/transmitter | USB-C |
Headphone cable length | 1.2m |
Bluetooth version | 5.0 |
Bluetooth feature | AAC, SBC |
Bluetooth profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
Max. range | 10 m |
Power supply | Rechargeable battery operated |
Battery type | Li-ion |
Battery life | 10 h |
Charging time | 2.50 h |
Charging input | USB-C |
Country of origin | China |
Manufacturer commitment | RE100, SBTi |
Manufacturer compensation | According to RE100, the manufacturer Sony fully compensates for its energy consumption, leading to a reduction in emissions. |
CO₂-Emission | |
Climate contribution |
Scope of delivery | Charger housing, USB-C cable |
Height | 3.50 cm |
Width | 8 cm |
Depth | 8.90 cm |
Weight | 35 g |
Length | 10.50 cm |
Width | 6 cm |
Height | 8.50 cm |
Weight | 154 g |
How often does a product of this brand in the «Headphones» category have a defect within the first 24 months?
Source: Digitec GalaxusHow many working days on average does it take to process a warranty claim from when it arrives at the service centre until it’s back with the customer?
Source: Digitec GalaxusHow often is a product of this brand in the «Headphones» category returned?
Source: Digitec GalaxusThe compact in-ear offers a clear backdrop, which, however, shows weaknesses in the lower frequencies. For this price range, however, this is bearable.
If you can do without noise-cancelling and app bells and whistles, you'll be happy with the WFC500. They deliver the best price-performance ratio in the test and, together with the Elite 3, the best sound in this price range. Wearing comfort and operation are also pleasing.
The Bluetooth headphone test provides results for 240 headphones with and without earpieces. Which ones sound strong, have good batteries and no harmful substances. New in Stiftung Warentest's headphone comparison: 26 current in-ear and boom headphones. Among them are models from Apple, JBL, Samsung and Sennheiser...
The Sony WF-C500 are offered at an interesting market price and come in fresh colours. The app is extensive in terms of features, which may be a little overwhelming for some less technically minded users. The compatibility with 360 Reality Audio is a nice additional feature, but the fact that this feature is only available with some streaming services and then only in a limited selection of available...
The battery life without charging cradle is probably the best feature of the C500, which helps the final consideration. They are perfectly acceptable headphones for this price. Overall, however, the verdict is similar to that of the Oppo Enco Air: if you can expect such an increase in performance for 20 to 25 francs more (Enco 2, FreeBuds 4), then you should seriously consider it.
