Overview

Sony’s WI-OE610 (“Float Run”) are open-ear sports headphones whose drivers sit off-ear to keep ambient sound audible. The concept targets runners who care more about awareness and comfort than isolation or bass impact.

Scientific Validity

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Independent measurements show severe low-end loss: Low-Frequency Extension = 148.86 Hz, Low-bass −33.5 dB, Mid-bass −15.44 dB; passive isolation overall attenuation = −0.15 dB; overall leakage @1 ft = 45.47 dB; Weighted Harmonic Distortion = 0.852 @100 dB / 1.158 @90 dB. Test settings note Bluetooth 5.0 using SBC, 16-bit/44.1 kHz. These figures objectively justify a low score for fidelity. [1]

Technology Level

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Standard 16 mm dynamic drivers in an off-ear mount, IPX4 splash resistance, and Bluetooth 5.0 with SBC/AAC constitute mainstream tech without novel processing or codec support (no LDAC/aptX). [2][3]

Cost-Performance

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Price (denominator): 129.99 USD.
Cheapest non-inferior alternative (numerator): Soundcore AeroFit (open-ear, IPX7), widely available at 99.99 USD.
CP = 99.99 USD ÷ 129.99 USD ≈ 0.77 → score 0.8.
Equivalence note: AeroFit serves the same open-ear use with equal or better water resistance (IPX7 vs IPX4); no clearly inferior user-facing functions identified. [4][5]

Reliability & Support

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Sony offers a 1-year limited warranty (US/Canada); simple neckband/driver structure plus IPX4 suggests average durability for light outdoor exercise. Model-specific failure rates are not published. [6]

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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Keeping ears open is rational for safety. However, measured bass deficiency and near-zero isolation substantially limit music fidelity. For awareness-first workouts, the trade-off is acceptable; for music-first listening, it isn’t.

Advice

Choose WI-OE610 if situational awareness is paramount. If you want similar awareness with better protection and price, Soundcore AeroFit is stronger value. If isolation is acceptable, conventional in-ear/over-ear models deliver far more accurate frequency response.

References

[1] RTINGS.com, “Sony Float Run Wireless Headphones Review,” https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/sony/float-run-wireless , accessed 2025-09-01 (key results: LFE 148.86 Hz; low-bass −33.5 dB; mid-bass −15.44 dB; isolation overall −0.15 dB; leakage 45.47 dB; WHD 0.852 @100 dB; test settings: BT 5.0, SBC 16-bit/44.1 kHz).
[2] Sony Support, “Float Run — Specifications,” https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/wireless-headphones-bluetooth-headphones/float-run/specifications , accessed 2025-09-01 (Bluetooth 5.0, SBC/AAC, IPX4).
[3] SHI, “Sony Float Run WIOE610/B — Specs,” https://www.shi.com/product/45742655/Sony-Float-Run-WIOE610B , accessed 2025-09-01 (Bluetooth 5.0; codecs SBC/AAC; 16 mm driver).
[4] Soundcore, “AeroFit (Open-Ear Earbuds),” https://www.soundcore.com/products/aerofit-a3872011 , accessed 2025-09-01 (IPX7, open-ear).
[5] Walmart, “Soundcore Anker AeroFit Open-Ear Headphones,” https://www.walmart.com/ip/Soundcore-Anker-AeroFit-Open-Ear-Headphones-Blue/5340481956 , accessed 2025-09-01 (price 99.99 USD).
[6] Sony Electronics, “Limited Warranty (US/Canada),” https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/W001/W0012285M.pdf , accessed 2025-09-01.

(2025.9.2)