Sony WF-C510 vs WF-C500: which cheap wireless earbuds are better?

Sony has launched a successor to the popular What Hi-Fi? Award-winning WF-C500 budget wireless earbuds: the new WF-C510 model. With its critically acclaimed predecessor piling on the pressure, there’s plenty for Sony’s new budget-friendly buds to live up to.

And having put them through our rigorous reviews process, we're happy to report that they don't disappoint. With longer battery life, a newer Bluetooth version and even an ambient mode (despite lacking noise cancellation), they're better all round than their predecessors. But with the C500 dropping to an even lower price, are they better value? Let's find out.

Sony WF-C510 vs WF-C500: price

The Sony WF-C510 arrives with a surprisingly competitive launch price of £55 / $60 / AU$109.95. This is a rather pleasant turn of events, as it undercuts the original cost of the WF-C500, which launched at £89 / $99 / AU$149 back in 2021. 

However, the C500 are frequently discounted far below that launch price – currently, they sell for about £38 / $65 / AU$115.

** Winner: Sony WF-C510 **

Sony WF-C510 vs WF-C500: design and build

The Sony WF-C510 introduce some welcome refinements compared to their predecessors. The new earbuds are notably smaller and lighter at 4.6g per bud, compared with the C500's 5.4g per bud. While this 0.8g difference might seem minimal, lighter earbuds can contribute to improved comfort over extended listening sessions, depending on how sensitive your ears are.

The new buds have been slimmed down, and there is a wider, flatter surface area for the touch controls. This makes it easier to control music playback and calls. The charging case is also thinner and more compact. The whole case is now opaque and the same finish – the C500 featured a semi-translucent cover.

As for materials, the WF-C510 feel cheaper compared to the shinier plastic of the WF-C500. Both models retain IPX4 water resistance, ensuring protection against splashes and sweat, making them suitable for workouts or light rain.

There is a different range of colours available too. Where the WF-C500 are available in black, white, 'ice green' or 'coral orange' finishes, the C510 comes in white, black and new light blue or light yellow colours. 

We found the WF-C500 comfortable to wear. In our review, we said that they are "simple to get into position and will stay comfortable for hours once they are there." But the C510 also do a great job in this regard – "during testing we found both the seal and the stability offered to be excellent," we noted in our review. Apart from the cheaper feel, they're better in every regard.

** Winner: Sony WF-C510 **

Sony WF-C510 vs WF-C500: features

Sony has carried over several key features from the WF-C500 to the new model, including the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE), EQ customization via the Sony Headphones Connect app, and 360 Reality Audio music support. Crucially though, the WF-C510 pulls ahead with some significant upgrades.

The new model boasts Bluetooth 5.3 for a start, which is an improvement over the C500's Bluetooth 5.0, offering improved connection stability and range. They both support the AAC and SBC standard codecs, with no higher-quality codecs (though that's hardly surprising at this price). More usefully, Sony has added Multipoint Bluetooth support to the WF-C510, letting you pair the earbuds with two devices simultaneously. This is a convenient feature for those who frequently switch between, say, a smartphone and a laptop, for music and work calls, and is a welcome upgrade over the C500.

As with its predecessor, there is no active noise-cancellation (ANC) on Sony's cheapest buds. You will have to step up to the WF-C700N if you want ANC. However, perhaps the most notable addition to the WF-C510 is the Ambient Sound Mode, a feature typically found in more expensive models (and then only those with active noise cancellation). This allows users to hear environmental sounds without removing the earbuds – handy if you're out running and don't want to get run over. This comes with a voice passthrough feature, which enhances voices while suppressing noise. 

It's a nice feature to have, but it's not hugely effective. With no music playing, you do hear a slight difference as background noise is damped down and voice levels are raised. But as soon as you add some music at a healthy volume, outside sounds are drowned out. Shame.

** Winner: Sony WF-C510 **

Sony WF-C510 vs WF-C500: battery life

Sony has also squeezed some extra juice out from the WF-C510. The new earbuds offer 11 hours of playback on a single charge, with another 11 hours provided by the charging case, for a total of 22 hours. This is a slight improvement over the WF-C500, which provides 10 hours from the earbuds and an additional 10 hours from the case. A marginal improvement, perhaps – but who has ever complained about more battery life?

The WF-C510 also boasts faster quick-charging capabilities. A mere five-minute charge will provide up to an hour of playback, an improvement over the C500's 10-minute charging time for the same output. Overall, there is a clear winner here if battery life is a key consideration, even if it’s not by a landslide.

** Winner: Sony WF-C510 **

Sony WF-C510 vs WF-C500: sound quality

The WF-C500 set a high bar in their budget price range, earning praise in our review for a spirited, well-balanced sound, and impressive neutral tonality. We find them to be enjoyably dynamic and nimble-footed, key areas where rival buds struggle. They are also noted for their detailed presentation across the frequency range, though with a slightly cautious approach to deep bass and treble extension. 

We say in our original review: "Overall, we think the balance Sony has hit on here is understandable, sensible and enjoyable. Between their impressively neutral tonality, front-foot sonic attitude, and fine levels of detail and insight, they are well worth the investment." And at such an appealing (especially discounted) price, it's no wonder the C500 has picked up a What Hi-Fi? Award two years in a row and remains a firm recommendation.

The C510 are all this and more. They keep Sony's trademark musicality and rhythmic skills, but sound richer and more full-bodied. "They make the previous model sound slightly leaner and smaller scale in comparison," we wrote in our review.

The C510 are better at capturing dynamic shifts, while their midrange and treble are also superior, sounding more refined and subtle. 

The WF-C700N still sound better, with better balance, separation, insight and timing. But at this price, the C510 are up there with the best of them.

** Winner: Sony WF-C510 **

Sony WF-C510 vs WF-C500: verdict

The WF-C510 are clearly the better pair. With more features, a lighter weight and fuller sound, they really feel like a step on at this price. They're not without fault – the cheap-feeling build is a shame, and the ambient mode will undoubtedly improve in the next generation – but there's no doubt they're the superior buds.

But are they worth £20 more? Only you can decide if these extra features and step up in sound quality are worth that much (we happen to think they are). If you are on a tight budget, or you're not fussed about these extras, the WF-C500 are proven workhorses that will do you proud.

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