Sony has long been a dominant player in the wireless earbuds market, and its budget-friendly offerings have consistently impressed. With the recent release of the Sony WF-C510, the question arises: how does it compare to its predecessor, the highly popular WF-C500?
This in-depth comparison explores all key aspects, from design to sound quality, helping you decide which earbuds deserve your attention.
Price and Availability
At launch, the Sony WF-C510 is priced at an attractive $60, undercutting the original launch price of the WF-C500, which debuted at $99 back in 2021. The older model, however, is now frequently available at discounts, sometimes dropping as low as $65.
Despite the reduced price of the WF-C500, the WF-C510 offers a plethora of upgrades, making it arguably the better value. For those on a tight budget, the WF-C500 remains a reliable option, but the WF-C510 justifies its price with meaningful improvements.
Verdict: Sony WF-C510 wins for better value with its added features.
Design and Build
The WF-C510 represents a subtle yet impactful redesign. These earbuds are lighter, weighing just 4.6 grams per bud compared to the WF-C500’s 5.4 grams. While the weight difference might seem negligible, lighter earbuds can enhance comfort during extended use.
The C510 also sports a more compact, matte-finish case, which feels sleeker than the semi-translucent, glossy lid of the C500’s case. While the C510’s matte plastic construction feels slightly cheaper, it’s more scratch-resistant and better suited for daily wear.
Both models offer IPX4 water resistance, making them suitable for workouts or light rain. The color options differ slightly, with the C500 offering vibrant choices like coral orange and ice green, while the C510 introduces pastel shades of light yellow and light blue alongside the classic black and white.
The WF-C500 is known for its comfortable fit, designed to stay secure during long listening sessions. However, the WF-C510 improves on this with an updated design that offers better stability and grip. Users who struggled with the fit of the C500 will appreciate the enhancements in the C510, particularly for active use.
Verdict: Sony WF-C510 edges ahead with a more modern, compact design.
Features
Sony has packed more features into the WF-C510, making it a clear step up. Both models share essential features like Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE) for improved audio quality, support for Sony’s Headphones Connect app, and 360 Reality Audio compatibility. However, the C510 introduces significant enhancements:
- Bluetooth Version: The WF-C510 upgrades to Bluetooth 5.3, providing better connection stability, improved range, and reduced latency compared to the C500’s Bluetooth 5.0.
- Multipoint Connectivity: A standout feature of the C510, this allows simultaneous pairing with two devices, a convenience missing in the C500.
- Ambient Sound Mode: A new addition in the C510, this mode lets users hear their surroundings without removing the earbuds. While not perfect, it’s a welcome feature for runners and commuters.
Both models lack active noise cancellation (ANC), relying on passive isolation. If ANC is a must, you’ll need to look at higher-end options like the WF-C700N.
Verdict: Sony WF-C510 takes the lead with superior connectivity and added features.
Battery Life
The WF-C510 offers slightly better battery performance, with up to 11 hours of playback per charge and 22 hours total with the charging case. This is an improvement over the C500’s 10 hours per charge and 20 hours total.
The C510 also benefits from faster quick-charging capabilities, delivering one hour of playback from a 5-minute charge. In contrast, the C500 requires 10 minutes for the same output.
While the difference in battery life isn’t dramatic, it’s a welcome improvement for heavy users.
Verdict: Sony WF-C510 wins with longer battery life and faster charging.
Sound Quality
Both models deliver impressive sound quality for their price, maintaining Sony’s reputation for balanced and dynamic audio. The WF-C500 offers a neutral tonality with good detail, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious audiophiles. Its bass is tight and controlled, though not as deep or extended as higher-end models.
The WF-C510 builds on this foundation with slightly larger 6mm drivers (compared to the C500’s 5.8mm), resulting in richer, fuller sound. The C510 excels in midrange and treble clarity, providing a more refined listening experience. Bass performance remains similar across both models, but the C510’s enhanced dynamics and spatial separation make it the better performer overall.
Both earbuds feature Sony’s DSEE technology, which digitally enhances compressed audio files, further boosting sound quality.
Call quality on both models is average, which is expected at this price point. The WF-C510 delivers slightly better clarity and volume, but neither model excels in noisy environments. If call quality is a priority, other earbuds may be a better choice.
Verdict: Sony WF-C510 wins for its richer, more detailed sound.
Sony WF-C510 vs WF-C500: Specs Comparison
| Specification | Sony WF-C510 | Sony WF-C500 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (per earbud) | Approx. 4.6 g | Approx. 5.4 g |
| Headphone Type | Closed | Closed, dynamic |
| Driver Unit | 6 mm | 5.8 mm |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (44.1 kHz sampling) | 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz (44.1 kHz sampling) |
| Volume Control | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof Rating | Yes (IPX4) | Yes (IPX4) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint Connection | Yes | No |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Max. 11 hrs | Max. 10 hrs |
| Battery Life (with Case) | Max. 22 hrs | Max. 20 hrs |
| Battery Charge Time (Earbuds) | Approx. 1.5 hrs | Approx. 2.5 hrs |
| Charging Case Weight | Approx. 31 g | Approx. 35 g |
Final Verdict
The Sony WF-C510 is a clear upgrade over the WF-C500 in almost every aspect. With better connectivity, longer battery life, improved sound quality, and a more compact design, it’s the superior choice for most users. At just $60, it offers tremendous value, often matching or undercutting the price of the older C500.
However, if you already own the WF-C500 and are satisfied with its performance, the differences might not justify an upgrade. For those entering the market for budget-friendly earbuds, the WF-C510 is the obvious pick.
Winner: Sony WF-C510 – the best budget earbuds in Sony’s lineup.
You might like to see: Edifier NeoBuds Pro vs Sony LinkBuds S: Which is Best?
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
