Compare Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) vs Sony WF-C710N Earbuds

Sound quality is broadly strong, with rich, detailed, bass-forward playback praised by most reviewers, though a few disliked the stock tuning.

Reviewers broadly found the WF-C710N enjoyable and strong for the price, with praise for full, engaging sound, though a few noted merely average or bass-heavy tuning.

Measurement-focused reviews say the frequency response is heavily shaped, with overemphasized bass and treble and recessed mids.

Frequency balance was mostly praised as balanced or preference-aligned, though one reviewer wanted more middle and high-frequency presence.

Lossless support through aptX Lossless/Snapdragon Sound is treated as a useful premium feature for compatible devices.

Lossless audio support was weak because one reviewer explicitly noted the lack of aptX lossless and LDAC.

Spatial audio is divisive: some reviewers find it natural, cool, or useful, while others prefer standard stereo or dislike the processing.

Spatial audio support was not a major draw, with reviewers noting limited service support or calling the feature unimpressive.

Passive isolation benefits from a tight seal and secure nozzle shape, with reviewers noting strong sealing and little noise bleed.

Passive isolation received strong marks where tested, with reviewers crediting the ear tips and secure seal for blocking outside noise before ANC.

Bass is generally rich, punchy, and deep, but some reviewers think Bose overboosts the low end or gives it too much emphasis for neutral listening.

Bass was one of the most praised traits, usually described as powerful, punchy, deep, or dynamic, with a minority saying it can overpower the mix or sound too heavy out of the box.

Soundstage depth is praised in orchestral and spacious listening comments, though evidence is less extensive than for overall sound quality.

Soundstage depth received positive comments around three-dimensional space, soundstage, and bass/soundstage impact.

Reviewers strongly agree that ANC is the standout feature: it removes airplane, subway, traffic, keyboard, cafe, and other ambient noise better than most or all earbuds they tested, with only minor caveats about hiss or sudden spikes.

ANC was the clearest consensus strength, repeatedly described as highly effective, above its price class, and unusually strong for budget earbuds.

Microphone noise reduction ranges from excellent SpeechClarity performance to weaker lab samples, but the overall reviewer consensus is improved and often strong.

Microphone noise reduction was often praised for wind and background suppression, but a few reviewers said voice quality suffers or becomes hard to understand in noisy settings.

Soundstage width is praised for an open, wide, detailed presentation that helps mixes feel bigger than typical earbuds.

One lab-based review credited the earbuds with wide, clearly defined spatial presentation.

Preset EQ profiles are poorly regarded because they are basic and do not adequately fix the tuning complaints.

Preset EQ profiles were viewed positively when reviewers found bass boost, Excited, or Bright profiles useful for shaping the sound.

Sensor behavior is a weak spot in the few comments available, with reviewers criticizing early CustomTune firing and suggesting in-ear detection be disabled.

Wear-detection sensors were praised as smooth, useful, and battery-saving.

aptX Lossless/Snapdragon Sound support is viewed as a useful premium codec feature for compatible devices.

aptX support was criticized as absent, especially because some cheaper or similarly priced earbuds offer it.

Included fit accessories are appreciated when they help tailor the fit, though other reviews still wanted more size options.

Included accessories were adequate but not generous, with one reviewer wishing Sony supplied a better charging cable.

Maximum-volume clarity is strong in the running review, which heard clarity and no distortion even when volume was raised.

Maximum-volume clarity was mixed, with reviewers noting muddier mids at high volume and occasional treble distortion.

Portability is mixed because the earbuds and case are pocketable, but the case is often called large or hard to carry while running.

Portability was mostly good because the case fits pockets, though several reviewers called it bulkier than rivals or less ideal for tight pockets.

Android users are treated as a strong audience because the earbuds support advanced options and Snapdragon-related features, though some phone compatibility limits remain.

Android compatibility was positive where tested, including Android pairing and no cross-platform issues.

Stability is mostly excellent, especially for running and workouts, but one reviewer still disliked the running feel and movement.

Stability was polarizing: some reviewers had no fallouts, while others found the earbuds slipped during running or were insecure for workouts.

Volume output is strong in the one direct measurement-style review, which says Bose makes loud earbuds.

One reviewer highlighted strong volume output, describing the earbuds as loud and energetic.

The case is functional and now charges wirelessly, but reviewers repeatedly describe it as bulky, clunky, or less premium than the earbuds.

Carry case quality split reviewers, with some finding it premium or sturdy and others calling it plasticky, chunky, cheap-feeling, or less sturdy over time.

The included cable drew a minor complaint because PCMag wanted a longer USB-C-to-USB-C cable.

Cable quality/accessories drew mild criticism because one reviewer wanted a longer USB-C-to-USB-C charging cable.

Cross-platform use is positive, with reviewers recommending Bose for both Android and iPhone users and reporting smooth use on both platforms.

Multi-platform compatibility was positive in the one review that tested both iPhone and Android without issues.

Integrated microphones are praised in stronger call-focused reviews for clear voice pickup and background rejection.

Integrated microphones were generally adequate to good for calls, with stronger indoor performance and weaker results in noisier conditions.

Water and sweat resistance is considered sufficient for workouts and light rain, though not fully waterproof.

Water and sweat resistance was seen as adequate for light workouts or casual use, though not all reviewers trusted the fit for exercise.

Touch controls split reviewers: some find them responsive, intuitive, and complete, while others call them fussy or hard to use precisely during runs.

Touch control responsiveness was generally good, but repeated taps and accidental triggers made the control experience uneven.

Transparency mode is generally good to excellent, especially Aware/ActiveSense, but several reviewers still prefer Apple or note wind, hiss, or manual-adjustment limits.

Transparency and ambient modes were mixed: some reviewers found them useful or excellent, while others noticed hiss, delay, or weaker high-frequency reproduction.

Midrange clarity is usually praised for warm vocals or crisp presentation, but measurement-focused reviewers complain that boosted lows and highs recess the mids.

Midrange clarity was generally positive, especially for vocals, but some reviewers said heavy bass or higher volumes can make mids muddy or constrained.

Treble is often described as clear, sparkly, or balanced, but measurement-focused reviews say it can be overemphasized or occasionally hard to fix with EQ.

Treble was often described as crisp, clear, or detailed, though several reviewers noted missing upper-treble detail or occasional distortion.

Instrument separation is widely praised, with reviewers hearing open mixes, distinct sections, and easy-to-pick-out track elements.

Instrument separation was praised in several reviews, with reviewers hearing clear placement, detail, and separation across layered tracks.

Codec support is praised as premium because the earbuds support high-quality Bluetooth codecs.

Codec support was a recurring weakness because reviewers repeatedly criticized the earbuds for offering only AAC/SBC and lacking higher-quality options.

Value depends heavily on priorities: reviewers see the premium price as justified for ANC and sound, but weak for Gen 1 owners or bargain-focused buyers.

Value was one of the strongest themes: reviewers consistently saw the WF-C710N as a strong budget buy despite compromises in codecs, case feel, controls, and fit.

Multipoint is a welcome and often seamless upgrade, though one reviewer noted setup/custom tune trouble when audio was already playing.

Multipoint was valued when it worked, but one reviewer reported disruptive dual-device buzzing, making reliability context-dependent.

EQ customization is the clearest software weakness: many reviewers criticize the basic three-band EQ as too limited for premium earbuds.

EQ customization was useful and often appreciated, though some reviewers wanted deeper controls or found Sony’s personalization basic.

Bluetooth reliability is mostly positive, with several reviewers reporting no dropouts, though one reviewer wished Bose had moved beyond Bluetooth 5.3.

Bluetooth reliability was mixed, with several reviewers reporting no issues or stable switching, while others encountered dropouts, app reconnection problems, or buzzing.

The Bose app is useful and sometimes clean, offering modes, controls, sources, EQ, and fit tools, but reviewers also found it mandatory, occasionally daunting, and not especially customizable.

The app was mostly praised for control and customization, but some reviewers wanted easier setup, more features, or fewer connection frustrations.

Call microphone quality is mixed: some reviewers call it exceptional or much improved, while others say it is merely fine or still affected by noise.

Call microphone quality ranged from clear and impressive to merely usable, with the best results in quiet or moderate environments.

For running, one reviewer would prefer physical button controls because touch gestures are harder to use precisely during workouts.

Control usability was limited by awkward volume gestures and limited customization despite some responsive touch surfaces.

Setup simplicity is imperfect because one reviewer reported trouble with CustomTune when connecting another device during playback.

Software/setup simplicity was mixed, with one reviewer praising guided EQ setup and others reporting frustrating app signup or connection issues.

Battery life is consistently described as adequate or average rather than class-leading, usually around six hours with ANC and less with immersive audio.

Battery life was usually praised as long or above average, though one reviewer fell short of Sony’s claim in mixed ANC/ambient use.

Charging is a notable upgrade thanks to wireless charging and case improvements, although one running-focused review found quick charging slower than ideal.

Charging was mixed: quick charging earned praise, but the lack of wireless charging was a repeated limitation.

Weight comfort is positive despite the buds being chunky or slightly heavier; reviewers said the weight was not annoying and still felt fine.

Low weight supported comfort, with reviewers noting the earbuds are light enough to forget they are being worn.

Ear tip and wing options help fit, but the running-focused review wanted more than three sizes at this price.

Ear tip options were limited, with one reviewer warning that three sizes and no stabilizers may not suit many users.

Comfort is a major strength for many reviewers over long sessions, flights, runs, and daily use, though very small ears may struggle.

Comfort was a major strength, with many reviewers saying the earbuds remain comfortable for hours or even all day.

Fit is generally secure and seal-friendly, helped by the ovoid nozzle, ear tips, and stability bands, though individual ear shape still matters.

Eartip fit was usually secure and comfortable when the right size was found, though smaller ears and seal sensitivity remained caveats.

Design impressions are mixed-positive: some like the sleek, subtle, creative look, while others note the chunky or busy shape may divide people.

Design opinions were mixed but leaned positive, especially for the transparent Glass Blue finish; some reviewers found it toy-like or only average.

Build quality is described as premium for the earbuds themselves, even when the case does not always feel equally high-end.

Build quality was mostly solid for the price, though some reviewers described the plastics as slightly plasticky.

Audio-video sync is praised for video editing, but gaming latency is criticized for quick-reaction games, making latency performance mixed by use case.

Several runners or active users noticed footstep thud or earbud movement noise, especially during runs or with sweaty ears.

Sound leakage is rated positively in the one direct test, with the reviewer reporting little outside noise bleed.

LDAC support was repeatedly called out as missing, which reviewers saw as disappointing for Sony earbuds and a drawback for serious listeners.

Sidetone was weak in one review because the earbuds did not feed enough of the caller’s own voice back during calls.

Smudge resistance was mixed, with one reviewer finding the case not fingerprint-prone and another saying it attracts fingerprints and dust.

Voice assistant integration gets limited but positive evidence, with reviewers saying Google Assistant or assistant shortcuts worked without hassle.