Sony WF-SP800N evaluate: Characteristic-packed earbuds at an reasonably priced worth

Hip-hop, rock and steel additionally sound actually good, and also you get stellar element in softer genres like bluegrass and jazz. Throughout the board, there’s punchy bass that the WF-1000XM3 doesn’t have. Don’t get me improper, the 1000XM3 sounds nice, it’s simply that the tuning is extra balanced there. Because the WF-SP800N is extra sports-focused, the Further Bass tuning will provide help to maintain the power up throughout a exercise. Actually, I want the sound right here to the 1000XM3. Whereas these pricier earbuds are higher fitted to a wide range of makes use of, I just like the tone of the WF-SP800N barely higher.

The Sony WF-SP800N can be appropriate with Sony’s 360 Actuality Audio. The dimensional sound format hasn’t precisely taken off since its official launch final fall, however (a few of) Sony’s headphones are in all probability the perfect place to make use of it. It does require a high-res streaming plan from the providers that supply entry, like Deezer or Tidal. Plus, the music choice is restricted, so that you doubtless received’t have entry to all your favorites. You’ll additionally must snap some photos of your ears throughout the preliminary setup. I believe Sony’s WH-1000XM3 does a greater job transmitting 360 Actuality Audio than earbuds, however you possibly can positively inform the distinction on the WF-SP800N. Like I famous throughout my Echo Studio evaluate, there’s extra presence and depth to the sound, which does improve that dimensional high quality of the music.

Sony says you’ll be capable of get 9 hours of battery life out of a cost with the WF-SP800N. That’s three hours greater than the WF-1000XM3. Throughout my exams, I had no downside hitting that determine. The truth is, the WF-SP800N nonetheless had some fuel within the tank on the 9-hour mark. And in the event you disable ANC, the corporate says you possibly can stretch the play time to 13 hours earlier than you’ll want a cost. The one annoyance is that the app was displaying 50 p.c battery once I knew that couldn’t be true. And positive sufficient, a couple of minutes after certainly one of my standing checks that displayed the identical determine, I obtained a low-battery warning.

Image Credit: Billy Steele/Engadget

One draw back to the battery life is the case solely holds one extra cost. Sony additionally did this on the WF-XB700, however the case for the WF-1000XM3 holds three. It’s not essentially a deal breaker, however it’s one thing to pay attention to. The case additionally doesn’t help wireless charging. That’s not tremendous stunning, however compatibility with Qi-certified equipment is changing into the norm for true wireless earbud instances. It does provide a quick-charge function although, that will provide you with an hour of listening time in 10 minutes.

So far as Sony is anxious, the WF-SP800N is its mid-range alternative. It sits between the $130 WF-XB700 and the $230 WF-1000XM3 within the firm’s present lineup. Whereas the WF-SP800N might not have the identical highly effective internals as its pricier sibling, it has a variety of the identical options, together with Adaptive Sound Management. And, in comparison with the WF-XB700, the audio high quality on the WF-SP800N is quite a bit higher. There’s an enormous leap in efficiency throughout. The one manner I’d advocate the WF-XB700 over these is in the event you wanted to remain round $150. And if that’s the case, the Galaxy Buds+ ($150) are in all probability the higher alternative, particularly with their iOS compatibility. Another choice within the $200 vary is the Jabra Elite 75t ($180). They don’t have close to the audio chops because the WF-SP800N and there’s no ANC, however they cowl virtually all the remainder of the bases. Plus, they’re tiny and cozy to put on for hours at a time.

Sony might have positioned the WF-SP800N because the mid-range choice in its lineup, however these earbuds punch above their weight. The highly effective noise cancellation that adjusts robotically isn’t a normal function that a variety of firms provide. And the audio high quality is superb total, which isn’t assured whenever you get beneath the $200 mark. For those who’re keen to take care of a considerably awkward match, the WF-SP800N is rather more than only a set of sports activities earbuds. It’s additionally probably the greatest units of true wireless earbuds you should purchase proper now.