Sony WF-C510 specifications and in-depth review

Sony WF-C510

Manufacturer: Sony

The Sony WF-C510 are true wireless earbuds designed for everyday use, offering a cable-free listening experience in a compact in-ear form factor. Weighing just 9.2 g per earbud, they include passive noise reduction to help block out ambient sound, and an ambient sound mode for those moments when awareness of the surroundings is needed. The earbuds support multipoint connectivity for pairing with up to two devices simultaneously, and come with a travel bag included in the box.

On the technical side, the WF-C510 use a 6 mm driver unit and cover a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Bluetooth 5.3 handles wireless connectivity with a maximum range of 10 m, and the AAC codec is supported for audio transmission. Charging is handled via USB Type-C with fast charging support, taking 1.5 hours for a full charge, while the earbuds themselves deliver up to 11 hours of playback with an additional 11 hours available through the charging case. A battery level indicator, find device feature, and voice prompts round out the feature set.

Pros
  • Supports multipoint connectivity, allowing simultaneous pairing with two devices
  • Includes an ambient sound mode for awareness of surroundings when needed
  • Fast charging support reduces downtime between uses
  • A find device feature helps locate misplaced earbuds
  • Comes with a travel bag included in the box
  • IPX4 rating provides protection against sweat during physical activity
Cons
  • No active noise cancellation, relying solely on passive noise reduction
  • Wireless charging is not supported, requiring a wired connection for every charge
  • Bluetooth range is limited to 10 m
  • No advanced audio codecs such as LDAC or aptX are available, with only AAC supported
  • In/on-ear detection is absent, so playback does not pause automatically when an earbud is removed
Who is this for?

The Sony WF-C510 are well suited to everyday listeners who want a straightforward wireless earbud experience without the complexity of advanced audio features. The IPX4 sweat resistance makes them a practical option for light workouts and commutes, while the ambient sound mode adds a layer of situational awareness that benefits those who spend time in busy public environments. Users who frequently switch between two devices will also appreciate the built-in multipoint connectivity, and the inclusion of a travel bag makes them a reasonable companion for people on the move.

Who is this NOT for?

Listeners who prioritize immersive, distraction-free audio will find the lack of active noise cancellation a notable limitation, as the earbuds rely solely on passive isolation. Those who stream high-resolution audio or care about codec quality will be constrained by the absence of LDAC, aptX, or any high-fidelity codec beyond AAC. The 10 m Bluetooth range also makes these earbuds less suitable for users who need reliable connectivity across larger spaces, and the absence of wireless charging may be a drawback for those accustomed to a cable-free charging routine.

Design:

Fit In-ear
Ingress Protection (IP) rating IPX4
water resistance Sweat resistant
weight 9.2 g
has no wires or cables
are neckband earbuds
wingtips included
has RGB lighting
has stereo speakers
has UV light
Has a display

The Sony WF-C510 feature an in-ear fit and are fully wireless, with no cables or neckband involved. Each earbud weighs just 9.2 g and includes stereo speaker support. For protection against moisture, the earbuds carry an IPX4 rating, making them resistant to sweat during active use. Wingtips are not included, and the design omits RGB lighting, a UV light, and any built-in display, keeping the overall form straightforward and uncluttered.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 6 mm
lowest frequency 20 Hz
highest frequency 20000 Hz
supports spatial audio
has Dolby Atmos
has Dirac Virtuo
has a neodymium magnet

The Sony WF-C510 rely on passive noise reduction to attenuate ambient sound, as active noise cancellation is not included. Audio is handled by a 6 mm driver unit covering a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The earbuds do not support spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, or Dirac Virtuo processing, and the driver does not use a neodymium magnet.

Power:

Battery life 11 hours
Battery life of charging case 11 hours
charge time 1.5 hours
has wireless charging
Has a solar power battery
has a battery level indicator
has a rechargeable battery

The Sony WF-C510 are equipped with a rechargeable battery offering 11 hours of playback, with the charging case contributing an additional 11 hours for extended use away from a power source. A full charge takes 1.5 hours, and a battery level indicator is included to keep track of remaining power. Wireless charging is not supported, nor is any form of solar charging.

Connectivity:

has fast pairing
Has USB Type-C
Bluetooth version 5.3
has LDAC
has LDHC
has Bluetooth LE Audio
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX Low Latency
has aptX HD
has aptX
has aptX Lossless
has aptX Voice
has Auracast
maximum Bluetooth range 10 m
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC
Can be used wirelessly
has AAC

The Sony WF-C510 connect wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3 with a maximum range of 10 m, and support fast pairing for a quicker setup process. The AAC codec is available for audio transmission, while higher-end codecs including LDAC, LDHC, aptX and its variants, and Bluetooth LE Audio are not supported. NFC pairing and Auracast are likewise absent. For wired charging, the earbuds use a USB Type-C connection.

Features:

has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has find device feature
Supports fast charging
multipoint count 2
can read notifications
has a mute function
can be used as a headset
control panel placed on a device
Has voice prompts
travel bag is included
Has an in-line control panel
Has a temperature sensor
Has a built-in camera remote control function

The Sony WF-C510 include an ambient sound mode for situational awareness, along with a mute function and the ability to function as a headset for calls. Multipoint connectivity supports simultaneous pairing with up to two devices, and fast charging is available for quick power top-ups. A find device feature helps locate misplaced earbuds, and voice prompts provide audio feedback during use. Controls are handled via a panel on the device itself rather than an in-line control panel, and a travel bag is included in the box. In/on-ear detection, notification reading, a body temperature sensor, and a camera remote shutter function are not part of the feature set.

Microphone:

Final Verdict

The Sony WF-C510 present themselves as a no-frills pair of true wireless earbuds built around practical everyday use rather than audiophile performance. Their strengths lie in reliable fundamentals — sweat resistance, fast charging, multipoint connectivity, and an ambient sound mode — that cover the needs of most casual listeners without overcomplicating the experience. Where the earbuds fall short is in areas that more demanding users will notice, particularly the absence of active noise cancellation and the limited codec support. That said, for users seeking a dependable daily driver with solid all-round usability, the WF-C510 deliver a coherent and well-considered feature set that aligns closely with its intended audience.

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