Sony WF-C710N: The retro design that hides a clever audio prowess

I tested the Sony WF-C710N in their Glass Blue version, a translucent shade that makes a statement: this is not just another pair of headphones, it is an aesthetic proposal with character.

The color has a retro, almost nostalgic feel, blending with a modern, minimalist design. It's a risk in an industry where everything tends to look the same, but Sony takes it with confidence. And wins.

At first glance, the headphones are light, small, and comfortable. They fit easily into the ear, creating a physical seal that already blocks out some outside noise. But what's really surprising is what happens once you activate them: the noise cancellation starts working, and it works well.

It's not an aggressive override, but it is effective. Ideal for those moments when you need to focus on working, or when you're out for a run and want to disconnect from the world a little—though not completely.

The interesting thing is how these small devices communicate with their app. Through Sony Headphones Connect, the WF-C710N not only allows you to customize the equalizer or touch controls, but also detects whether you're standing still, walking, or even running, and adjusts the noise-cancelling profile accordingly.

This makes them proactive: they understand that listening to music while sitting in front of a computer isn't the same as listening to music while crossing a noisy street. Sometimes you need to be present, alert. And the headphones know this.

Of course, it's also possible to take full manual control of these functions, turning them off or adjusting the levels as desired. That versatility —that freedom to let the system do the thinking for you or choose exactly how you want things to sound —is one of the greatest strengths of these headphones.

As for the case, it's compact and fits easily in any pocket. However, the translucent Glass Blue finish on the case may not appeal to everyone. It has a slightly plasticky appearance, especially on the lid, which can give a fragile feeling. In reality, it's made of thick, rigid plastic, but it conveys the fear that it could break with the wrong amount of pressure. A minor point, but one that may matter for those who value a solid feel in the accessories they use every day.

One of the challenges—and this is especially true if you're coming from ecosystems like Apple or Samsung—is the learning curve for touch controls. The WF-C710N lets you control volume, change songs, switch between noise-cancelling profiles, and activate voice assistants— but all through combinations of one, two, or three taps on the earbuds. It's difficult at first. You have to memorize what each gesture does. Fortunately, this can also be customized from the app, which helps you adapt it to your preferences. But yes: there is a curve, and it's not immediate.

Now, when it comes to sound, Sony doesn't disappoint. The profile is balanced, with a present but not intrusive bass, defined highs, and a surprising soundstage for this price range. Although they don't have support for high-resolution codecs like LDAC (Sony's own) or aptX (Qualcomm's), which allow audio to be transmitted with greater fidelity and less compression, the quality is still remarkable.

These headphones work with SBC and AAC, which are standard and widely supported codecs, sufficient to deliver clear, clean sound on most devices, especially mobile devices. The absence of these advanced codecs may be noticeable if you're very demanding or use high-quality music services, but for most everyday situations—from calls to listening to music on Spotify or YouTube Music—the result is more than satisfactory. Additionally, the app's equalizer allows you to play around with the profiles if you want more bass emphasis or greater vocal clarity.

Battery life is also a strong point: around 8.5 hours with active cancellation, and up to 30 or 40 hours if you add the charging case. It's more than enough for a full day of use, even demanding ones. And with just five minutes of charging, you get close to an hour of playback, which is always appreciated when you're in a hurry.

In short, the Sony WF-C710N are smart, well-thought-out headphones with a refreshing aesthetic. They're perfect for those who value an adaptable experience and reliable sound at all times. They're not perfect—none of them are—but overall, they offer a balance that's hard to beat in their range.