Sony has been a leading name in the audio industry for decades, and their latest offering, the Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones, aims to cater to the needs of fitness enthusiasts and audiophiles alike. These headphones promise a blend of high-quality sound, robust build, and advanced features, making them a strong contender in the market for truly wireless earbuds. This review will cover all aspects of the Sony WF-SP800N, providing a comprehensive look at their design, performance, features, and overall value.
Design and Build Quality
The Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones are designed with active users in mind. Their in-ear form factor, complemented by soft cushioned arc supporters, ensures a secure and comfortable fit even during intense physical activities. The earbuds are constructed from dense plastic, giving them a sturdy feel that can withstand the rigors of daily use.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is paramount when it comes to in-ear headphones, especially for users who wear them during workouts. The Sony WF-SP800N excels in this area with its ergonomic design. The soft arc supporters and various ear tip sizes provided in the box allow users to find the perfect fit, ensuring that the earbuds stay in place without causing discomfort. This makes them ideal for long listening sessions or vigorous exercise routines.
Durability and Water Resistance
One of the standout features of the Sony WF-SP800N is its IP55 rating for dust and water resistance. This means that the headphones are protected against dust ingress and can handle low-pressure water jets from any direction. Whether you’re sweating it out at the gym or caught in a light rain shower, these earbuds are built to endure. This durability makes them a reliable companion for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Sound Quality
Sony is renowned for its sound quality, and the WF-SP800N does not disappoint. These headphones deliver a powerful audio experience, thanks to their EXTRA BASS technology. This feature enhances the low-end frequencies, providing a deep, punchy bass that is perfect for motivating users during workouts.
Bass Performance
The EXTRA BASS sound profile is one of the key selling points of the Sony WF-SP800N. It provides a robust and immersive listening experience, particularly appealing to bass enthusiasts. The enhanced bass response can make music sound more dynamic and energetic, which is particularly beneficial during physical activities when an extra boost of energy is needed.
Mid and High Frequencies
While the bass is undoubtedly the highlight, the mid and high frequencies are also well-represented. Vocals and instruments come through clearly, maintaining a balanced sound profile that doesn’t get overshadowed by the bass. This makes the Sony WF-SP800N versatile for various genres of music, from bass-heavy electronic tracks to more acoustic or vocal-centric music.
Customizable Sound
For those who prefer a different sound profile, the Sony| Headphones Connect app offers extensive customization options. Users can tweak the equalizer settings to match their personal preferences, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their music the way they like it. This level of customization is a welcome feature that adds significant value to the headphones.
Noise Cancellation
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a highly sought-after feature in wireless earbuds, and the Sony WF-SP800N includes this technology. However, its performance is somewhat mixed.
ANC Performance
The adjustable ANC system in the Sony WF-SP800N helps to reduce ambient noise, but it doesn’t completely block out external sounds. While it can effectively dampen consistent background noises like the hum of an air conditioner or the rumble of a train, it is less effective against sudden or higher-pitched sounds. This makes the noise cancellation suitable for certain environments but less effective in very noisy settings.
Ambient Sound Mode
In addition to ANC, the Sony WF-SP800N features an Ambient Sound Mode, which allows users to hear their surroundings without removing the earbuds. This is particularly useful for outdoor activities, where situational awareness is crucial. The Quick Attention Mode further enhances this functionality by lowering the volume and allowing ambient sounds in with a simple touch, making conversations easy without needing to take out the earbuds.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical factor for wireless earbuds, and the Sony WF-SP800N offers impressive longevity. With ANC enabled, users can expect up to 9 hours of continuous playback, with an additional 9 hours provided by the charging case. Disabling ANC extends the battery life to 13 hours, with the case offering another 13 hours, totaling an impressive 26 hours.
Charging and Convenience
The earbuds support quick charging, allowing users to get up to 60 minutes of playback from just a 10-minute charge. This is particularly useful for those who may forget to charge their earbuds regularly. The charging case itself is compact and easy to carry, making it convenient for travel or daily use.
Connectivity and Controls
The Sony WF-SP800N boasts reliable connectivity and intuitive controls, enhancing the overall user experience.
Bluetooth Connectivity
These earbuds use Bluetooth 5.0, which ensures a stable and efficient connection with minimal dropouts. Pairing the earbuds with devices is straightforward, and they maintain a strong connection even in busy environments with multiple wireless signals.
Touch Controls
The touch sensor controls on the earbuds allow users to manage playback, adjust volume, skip tracks, answer phone calls, and activate their voice assistant. While the control scheme is intuitive, it lacks a dedicated volume control function. However, users can remap some controls using the Sony| Headphones Connect app, offering a degree of flexibility.
Additional Features
The Sony WF-SP800N is packed with additional features that enhance its functionality and user experience.
Built-in Microphone and Voice Assistant Support
The built-in microphone enables clear hands-free calls, making it convenient for users to take calls without needing to reach for their phone. Additionally, the earbuds support voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, allowing users to access information, control music playback, and more with simple voice commands.
Smart Listening Technology
Sony’s Smart Listening technology with SENSE ENGINE adapts the sound settings based on the user’s activity and environment. This intelligent feature automatically switches between noise-cancelling and ambient sound modes, providing an optimized listening experience without manual adjustments.
Performance in Sports and Fitness
Given their design and features, the Sony WF-SP800N are particularly well-suited for sports and fitness activities.
Stability During Workouts
The secure fit provided by the soft arc supporters ensures that the earbuds stay in place during intense workouts. Whether running, cycling, or lifting weights, users can trust that the earbuds will remain firmly in their ears, allowing them to focus on their exercise routine.
Sweat and Water Resistance
The IP55 rating for sweat and water resistance is a significant advantage for fitness enthusiasts. Users can work out without worrying about damaging their earbuds due to sweat or minor splashes of water. This durability makes the Sony WF-SP800N a reliable choice for those with an active lifestyle.
Value for Money
The Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones offer a compelling mix of features, performance, and durability. While they may not be the cheapest option on the market, their robust build, excellent sound quality, and extensive feature set justify the investment. For users seeking a versatile pair of wireless earbuds that can handle both daily commutes and intense workouts, the Sony WF-SP800N represents a solid value.
Comparison with Competitors
In the crowded market of truly wireless earbuds, the Sony WF-SP800N stands out, but it’s essential to consider how they compare with other popular models.
Sony WF-SP800N vs. Apple AirPods Pro
The Apple AirPods Pro are known for their seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and their superior ANC performance. However, the Sony WF-SP800N offers a more secure fit and better durability with its IP55 rating. Additionally, the Sony earbuds provide a more bass-heavy sound profile, which might be preferable for users who enjoy a more dynamic listening experience during workouts.
Sony WF-SP800N vs. Jabra Elite Active 75t
The Jabra Elite Active 75t is another strong competitor, offering excellent durability and sound quality. While the Jabra earbuds have a slightly better noise isolation performance, the Sony WF-SP800N stands out with its EXTRA BASS feature and customizable sound profile. Additionally, the Sony earbuds offer longer battery life, which can be a deciding factor for users who prioritize extended playback time.
Sony WF-SP800N vs. Bose Sport Earbuds
Bose is renowned for its audio quality, and the Bose Sport Earbuds deliver a balanced and clear sound profile. However, the Sony WF-SP800N’s EXTRA BASS and customizable EQ settings provide more flexibility for users who prefer different sound signatures. The Sony earbuds also offer active noise cancellation, a feature that the Bose Sport Earbuds lack.
Conclusion
The Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones are a versatile and high-performing pair of earbuds designed for both everyday use and sports activities. Their secure fit, impressive sound quality, and extensive feature set make them a standout choice in the market. While their noise cancellation may not be the best available, the overall package they offer, including their durability and customizable sound profile, makes them a compelling option for a wide range of users.
Recommendation
For those seeking truly wireless earbuds that can seamlessly transition from daily commutes to intense workouts, the Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones are an excellent choice. Their robust build, secure fit, and powerful bass response make them particularly suitable for fitness enthusiasts. Additionally, features like quick charging, smart listening technology, and voice assistant support add significant value, making them a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for high-quality, versatile earbuds.
Whether you are an avid gym-goer, a runner, or someone who simply enjoys great sound quality on the go, the Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones are worth considering. Their combination of comfort, durability, and advanced features make them a strong contender in the competitive market of truly wireless earbuds.