Overview

Sony’s WF-C510 is a 2024 entry-level true-wireless earbud focused on comfort and fundamentals: 6 mm dynamic drivers, Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC/AAC, IPX4, Ambient Sound (transparency), multipoint, DSEE, and 360 Reality Audio via app. Battery is rated up to 11 h (buds) / 22 h (with case), with 5 min ≈ 1 h quick charge. Each bud weighs about 4.6 g. It launched in late August 2024 and began shipping in September, and is listed as a 2024 Award winner by What Hi-Fi. [1][2][3][4][5][6]

Scientific Validity

\(\Large \text{0.6}\) Independent testing reports ~10 h 29 min battery runtime and passive isolation “hushing ~71%” of the test signal—good for a non-ANC model. Tuning is described as clean with modest bass emphasis and restrained treble energy. Manufacturer specs confirm Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC/AAC, 6 mm driver, IPX4, and app features noted above. With limited public FR/THD datasets, we start from 0.5 (unknown) and add +0.1 for consistent third-party quantitative findings to reach 0.6. [3][4][6]

Technology Level

\(\Large \text{0.4}\) Positives include multipoint, Ambient Sound, DSEE, 360 Reality Audio personalization, quick charge, and app EQ. Missing items—ANC, LDAC/LE Audio—and reliance on baseline codecs place overall tech slightly below mid-pack for 2024–2025 budget earbuds. [1][2][3][4]

Cost-Performance

\(\Large \text{0.8}\) Comparator (cheapest equal-or-better): QCY MeloBuds Pro (HT08) with ANC (up to 46 dB, maker), LDAC/Hi-Res, 12 mm driver, multipoint, transparency, and ~34 h total battery. Prices (accessed 2025-08-29): WF-C510 59.99 USD (Best Buy); MeloBuds Pro 47.99 USD (QCY official).
47.99 USD ÷ 59.99 USD = 0.80 → 0.8. Cheaper alternative exists with broader feature set; ANC amount is a manufacturer claim. [1][4][7][8][9]

Reliability & Support

\(\Large \text{0.7}\) Straightforward build, IPX4 splash resistance, and Sony’s global support network are positives; budget materials and a standard warranty temper expectations. App support is mature and stable. 0.7 is appropriate. [4][6]

Rationality of Design Philosophy

\(\Large \text{0.7}\) Prioritizing comfort, battery life, and core features over ANC/hi-rate codecs is coherent for the target user and price. The trade-offs feel intentional and practical rather than purely cost-cutting. 0.7.

Advice

If you want light fit, long battery, and clean tuning around 60 USD, the WF-C510 is easy to live with. If you need ANC and/or LDAC, QCY MeloBuds Pro offers both at a lower price (noting the ANC figure is manufacturer-stated). iPhone users are well served by AAC here. [7][8][9]

References (accessed 2025-08-29)

[1] Sony — WF-C510 Specifications (JP). https://www.sony.jp/headphone/products/WF-C510/spec.html
[2] Sony Help Guide — About 360 Reality Audio (WF-C510). https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/2982/v1/en/contents/TP1001610289.html
[3] Sony Help Guide — Supported codecs (WF-C510): SBC/AAC. https://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/2982/v1/en/contents/TP1001612395.html
[4] Sony Electronics (US) — WF-C510 product page. https://electronics.sony.com/audio/headphones/all-headphones/p/wfc510-b
[5] The Verge — WF-C510 announced Aug 26 2024; shipping Sep 9 2024. https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/26/24228905/sony-wireless-earbuds-wf-c510-budget-voice-isolation-transparency
[6] SoundGuys — Sony WF-C510 review: battery 10 h 29 m; isolation “~71% hush”. https://www.soundguys.com/sony-wf-c510-review-123428/
[7] QCY Official Store — MeloBuds Pro (specs; LDAC; ANC figure; price). https://www.qcy.com/products/qcy-melobuds-pro
[8] QCY — MeloBuds Pro details/Hi-Res LDAC, ANC numbers. https://www.qcy.com/products/qcy-melobuds-pro
[9] Best Buy — WF-C510 listing (price observed 59.99 USD). https://www.bestbuy.com/product/sony-wfc510-truly-wireless-earbuds-black/J7XSRH566R

(2025.8.30)