Sony has announced the release of its latest pair of true wireless headphones, the Sony WF-C500. One of the very first things that will strike a buyer about the Sony WF-C500 is its resemblance to the company’s flagship true wireless headphones, the WF-1000XM4. The C500 uses a similar round headphone design, as well as an elongated charging case with rounded sides for a better in-hand feel.
Sony WF-C500: key features and specifications
Starting with the main specs, the Sony WF-C500 true wireless headphones offer 5.8mm dynamic neodymium audio drivers, which is expected at an affordable price. One of the key features offered by Sony for headphones is support for the company’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE), which is an algorithm-based upscaling feature for audio tracks streamed via Bluetooth. The headphones also support the Sony Headphones Connect app, which can be used to customize the sound profile offered by the headphones.
However, the C500 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation, a feature that’s becoming increasingly common in true wireless earbuds priced around $67. They have fast charging – Sony says you can get about an hour of music playback on a 10 minute charge. The headphones are rated for 10 hours of music playback per charge or 5 hours of continuous voice calls. With the charging case, this capacity is doubled.
Other key features and specifications include support for Sony 360 Reality Audio software for spatial audio, as well as music playback and call controls directly from the buttons on the headphones themselves. The earbuds are also IPX4 rated, making them waterproof to withstand splashes and sweat during your workout.
Price and availability
According to Sony, the headphones will be available to customers from Sunday, January 16th. The Sony WF-C500 is available in black, white, orange, and green, as well as through Sony’s own online and offline stores, all conventional multi-brand outlets, and e-commerce sites. Headphones will cost about $80.