The Sony WF-SP700N Truly Wireless Headphones are designed for the active lifestyle, offering a combination of wireless convenience, noise-cancelling capabilities, and a robust build suited for sports enthusiasts. In this review, we will delve into various aspects of these headphones, from their design and build quality to their sound performance and usability in different scenarios. This comprehensive analysis aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the Sony WF-SP700N Truly Wireless Headphones.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Sony WF-SP700N Truly Wireless Headphones is both sleek and functional. These in-ear headphones come with a closed-back enclosure, which helps in providing a snug fit and better sound isolation. The earbuds feature a unique design with silicone support fittings that ensure they stay securely in place, even during intense physical activities.
Enclosure and Comfort
The closed-back design of these earbuds contributes to their ability to deliver immersive sound by blocking out some external noise. The comfort level is enhanced by the inclusion of multiple ear tip sizes, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their ears. This customization ensures that the earbuds remain comfortable during prolonged use, a crucial factor for both everyday listeners and sports enthusiasts.
Build Quality
Constructed with durability in mind, the Sony WF-SP700N earbuds are splashproof with an IPX4 rating. This makes them resistant to sweat and rain, adding to their suitability for workouts and outdoor activities. The compact and lightweight charging case provides a secure and convenient way to store and transport the earbuds, further emphasizing their portability and ease of use.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is a critical aspect of any headphones, and the Sony WF-SP700N Truly Wireless Headphones offer a distinctive sound profile that caters to specific musical tastes.
Bass-Heavy Sound Profile
These headphones are equipped with Sony’s EXTRA BASS feature, which enhances the low-frequency response. This results in a punchy and powerful bass that is particularly appealing to fans of electronic dance music (EDM), hip-hop, and other bass-heavy genres. The dynamic transducer in the earbuds helps deliver clear and impactful sound, making for an engaging listening experience.
Noise Cancelling and Ambient Sound Mode
The active noise cancelling (ANC) feature of the Sony WF-SP700N aims to minimize distractions by reducing ambient noise. However, it is worth noting that the noise cancellation performance is somewhat subpar compared to other models in the market. The noise isolation is not significantly better than most passive in-ear headphones, which can be disappointing for users seeking a high level of noise reduction.
In addition to ANC, these headphones offer an Ambient Sound Mode, which blends music with environmental sounds. This mode is particularly useful during outdoor workouts, as it allows users to remain aware of their surroundings while still enjoying their music.
Usability and Controls
The usability of the Sony WF-SP700N Truly Wireless Headphones is a mixed bag, with some aspects being well-designed and others falling short.
Control Scheme
One of the notable drawbacks of these headphones is their control scheme. The touch-sensitive controls can be difficult to use, especially during physical activities. Users often find it challenging to execute commands accurately, which can be frustrating during workouts. The lack of physical buttons means that the touch controls need to be precise, and this is not always the case in real-world scenarios.
Battery Life
Battery life is another crucial factor for wireless headphones. The Sony WF-SP700N offers up to 9 hours of playback time with the charging case, which includes about 3 hours of continuous use from the earbuds themselves. This relatively short battery life may not suffice for long training sessions or extended periods of use without access to the charging case. For many users, frequent charging could be a potential inconvenience.
Wireless Performance
The wireless performance of the Sony WF-SP700N Truly Wireless Headphones is characterized by its Bluetooth connectivity and NFC pairing capabilities.
Bluetooth and NFC
The headphones support Bluetooth connectivity, allowing them to be paired with both Apple and Android devices. The inclusion of NFC (Near Field Communication) makes the pairing process even more straightforward for compatible devices. Users can simply tap their device against the earbuds to establish a connection, which is a convenient feature.
Latency Issues
Despite the ease of connectivity, the Sony WF-SP700N suffers from high latency. This means there is a noticeable delay between the audio and video when watching videos or playing games. For users who intend to use these headphones primarily for media consumption, this latency can be a significant drawback.
Sports and Fitness Use
Given their design and features, the Sony WF-SP700N Truly Wireless Headphones are marketed as sports headphones. Several elements make them suitable for this purpose, but there are also limitations to consider.
Stability and Comfort
The stability of the earbuds during physical activity is one of their strong points. The silicone support fittings ensure that the earbuds stay in place, even during vigorous movements. This makes them ideal for running, gym workouts, and other forms of exercise. Additionally, the earbuds are breathable, reducing discomfort during intense workouts.
Sweat and Water Resistance
The IPX4 rating ensures that the headphones can withstand sweat and light rain, making them reliable companions for outdoor activities. This resistance enhances their durability and longevity, allowing users to focus on their workouts without worrying about damaging the earbuds.
Microphone Quality
The built-in microphone of the Sony WF-SP700N Truly Wireless Headphones allows for hands-free calling, but its performance is only adequate.
Call Quality
While the microphone quality is decent for taking calls, it does not excel in noisy environments. The voice clarity may suffer in such conditions, which can be an issue for users who need to make or receive calls frequently in less controlled settings.
Additional Features
Apart from the core functionalities, the Sony WF-SP700N comes with several additional features that enhance its overall usability.
Charging Case
The compact charging case not only stores the earbuds securely but also extends their battery life. The case is lightweight and easy to carry, ensuring that users can recharge their earbuds on the go. This feature is particularly useful for those who travel frequently or need to use the earbuds throughout the day.
App Support
The headphones are compatible with the Sony Headphones Connect app, which allows users to customize their listening experience. Through the app, users can adjust the sound settings, control the noise-cancelling feature, and switch between different sound modes. This level of customization adds value to the overall user experience, making the headphones more versatile.
Conclusion
The Sony WF-SP700N Truly Wireless Headphones offer a blend of features aimed at sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike. Their design and build quality are geared towards durability and stability, making them suitable for active use. The sound quality, highlighted by the EXTRA BASS feature, is ideal for bass-heavy music genres, providing an engaging and dynamic listening experience.
However, the headphones have their share of drawbacks. The control scheme can be cumbersome, and the battery life may not meet the needs of all users. The noise-cancelling performance is average, and the high latency can be a significant issue for media consumption. Despite these shortcomings, the headphones’ sweat and water resistance, along with their stability during physical activities, make them a viable option for sports use.
Recommendation
For those seeking headphones primarily for workouts and physical activities, the Sony WF-SP700N Truly Wireless Headphones are a good choice due to their stability, comfort, and durability. However, if you prioritize high-quality noise cancellation and low latency for watching videos or gaming, you might want to consider other options on the market. Overall, the Sony WF-SP700N headphones are a solid option for users looking for a combination of sports functionality and robust sound performance.