Comparison: Sony WF-C700N, WF-C500, LinkBuds S

For those wondering how the new WF-C700N compares with the WF-C500 and LinkBuds S, I have created a size guide and a comparison of specifications. For my size comparisons I used the USB type-C cable as my reference between the 3 models.

First comparing all 3 at the same time.

LinkBuds S (left), WF-C700N (centre), WF-C500 (right)

The size of the new model is pretty close the WF-C500 and LinkBuds S, but overall it is smaller. Interestingly, the angle of the ear tips is very much different in all 3 models. I find the WF-C500 comfortable, even when using them over a long period of time, so I would imagine the new WF-C700N should be similar with regards to comfort, more on that later.

In this next photo, I have overlayed the WF-C700N and the WF-C500.

The WF-C700N is definitely smaller, as is the button on the side when compared to the WF-C500. I do wonder now if the battery size has remained the same or Sony is using a smaller one. The eartips seem to come out at similar angles in both models.

When compared to the LinkBuds S, the WF-C700N are only tiny bit smaller. The angle of the eartips is also very much different, more angled down and not straight out. I suspect the NC microphone setup is identical in both models. I suspect that the general construction of the internal components are also pretty much identical.

When looking at the charging cases, the WF-C700N and WF-C500 cases are more or less identical in terms of design, but the size seems smaller for the WF-C700N. The LinkBuds S case is much taller but not as wide.

I do hope my comparison measurements are correct, because otherwise this will not be very useful.

Now onto the specification comparisons.

	WF-C700N	WF-C500	LinkBuds S
Colours	Black White Sage Green Lavender	Black White Ice Green Coral Orange	Black White Ecru Earth Blue
Weight	4.6g x2	5.4g x2	4.8g x2
Driver	5mm	5.8mm	5mm
Frequency Response	20 Hz - 20,000 Hz	20 Hz - 20,000 Hz	20 Hz - 40,000 Hz (LDAC)
IPX	IPX4	IPX4	IPX4
DSEE	Yes	Yes	Yes
Codec Support	AAC, SBC	AAC, SBC	AAC, SBC, LDAC, LC3
Ambient Sound Mode	Yes	No	Yes

The new WF-C700N is closer to the LinkBuds S in terms of some of its specifications, it still lacks hi-res audio support with LDAC. Btw I have added LC3 to the LinkBuds S, since the Sony UK site shows the new codec in the specifications, as do other Sony EU sites but not the Sony USA site. The WF-C700N does support the new LE Audio layers, but there is no mention if it will get the LC3 codec in any press release. I am adding a screenshot of the LC3 LinkBuds S information here, incase it is an error and Sony removes it.

Also it seems that not all colours will be available everywhere, the USA model lacks the Sage green.

 

	WF-C700N	WF-C500	LinkBuds S
Charging Case Weight	31g	35g	35g
Battery Life	Up to 7.5 hrs (NC ON) Up to 10 hrs (NC OFF)	Up to 10 hrs	Up to 6 hrs (NC ON) Up to 9 hrs (NC OFF)
Bluetooth Version	5.2	5.0	5.2
Bluetooth SoC	AB1562A	AB1562M	MT2822M (V1)
Multipoint	Yes (Summer 2023)	No	Yes
Price	129,00 € £99.99 $119.99 USD $199 CAD 199.95 AUD	69,00 € £59.00 $99 UASD $99 CAD $129 AUD	152,00 € £139.00 $199 USD $199 CAD (normally $299 CAD) $179 AUD

If anyone wishes to post prices for other regions, please do so in the comments. The pricing is very different, and Canada seems to be the odd one out, with the price a bit high with regards to other countries. I am not sure why this is the case. With tax, in Canada it will cost around 150 Euros, which  at this price seems much, especially now that the LinkBuds S are on sale for the same price.

I also did a poll on Twitter asking which colour is the best, and it seems like black is the popular choice. But I am not surprised that both Sage green and Lavender tied as both look good.

For those wondering, I myself picked up a black WF-C700N and have been testing it since last day.

And no, Sony did not send this to me, I bought it. Here are some preliminary thoughts:

• Size is smaller than the WF-C500
• Sound quality is much better than WF-C500, much more bass
• Noise cancellation is quite good for the price
• Comfortable to wear even for extended period of time
• Super light weight

I suspect the 5mm driver is the same one in the LinkBuds S, so this might explain why the new model sounds better than the old one. Likewise I suspect the NC microphone setup is identical as well, but there is no mention of a hybrid/dual setup, only feedfoward which means no internal mic. If there were 2 mics, I feel the NC would be similar to the LinkBuds S. I will have an initial review post up early next week.

 

So anyone pick these up yet? Post your thoughts in the comments below.