Sony WF-C710N
What buyers love: how it sounds.
Cheaper alternatives to the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Updated 4 November 2026
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)
What buyers love: how it sounds.
WF-C710N instead of QC Ultra Earbuds?
WF-C710N pros
Under a third of the price
Big saving
More battery per charge
Fewer top-ups
WF-C710N cons
Less quiet against voices
Felt in open offices
No wireless charging
Cable only
- Is the WF-C710N as good?
- Mostly: less quiet on voices, more battery.
- What's the difference?
- Bose: quieter, snugger fit. Sony: longer battery, lighter.
- Is the QC Ultra Earbuds worth the extra?
- Yes for frequent flyers and people always on calls.
What are you actually paying extra for with the QC Ultra Earbuds?
What the extra money buys
- Class-leading noise cancelling for earbuds
- Stability bands for a secure fit
- Calls stay clear in loud streets
- Full, punchy sound rated five stars
Worth it if
- You want the quietest flights possible
- You're often on calls outdoors
- Buds must stay in on the move
Not worth it if
- Large buds hurt your ears
- You listen in quiet rooms
Other alternatives
Cheapest worth buying
EarFun Air Pro 4
- Supports LDAC and aptX Adaptive on Android
- Charges wirelessly, as the Bose case does
Best for: Android owners who want the most features for the least money
Catch: Struggles with sudden noises, and calls sound thin.
Under a third of the QC Ultra Earbuds's price
Good to know
Why we picked the WF-C710N, and our final recommendation.
Only with the WF-C710N
- More battery per charge
- Lighter buds
- Under a third of the price
- Some quiet against voices
- The stability bands and snug fit
- Wireless charging and aptX Adaptive
Tom's Guide compared its noise cancelling favourably with Bose's for far less. What Hi-Fi praised its sound but found pricier rivals quieter in the mids and highs. There's no wireless charging, it's only splash-proof, and the buds are fairly bulky.
Final recommendation: The Sony WF-C710N gives you good quiet, long battery and clear calls for a fraction of the cost. Pick the EarFun Air Pro 4 if you're on Android and want the most features for the least. Keep the Bose for the quietest journeys and the most secure fit.
Side by side
Specs from each maker. Price levels come from shop prices we checked recently; tap through for today's price.
| Model | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price level | Affordable | Budget | Budget |
| Battery per charge, noise cancelling on (claimed) | Up to 6 hours | Up to 8.5 hours | Up to 7.5 hours |
| With the case, noise cancelling on (claimed) | Up to 24 hours | Up to 30 hours | Up to 35 hours |
| Weight per bud | About 7.7 g | 5.2 g | – |
| Fit | Sealed tips with stability bands | Sealed, silicone tips | Sealed, silicone tips |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX5 |
| Bluetooth codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, LC3 |
| Shop | Check price on Amazon ↗ | Check price on Amazon ↗ | Check price on Amazon ↗ |
Questions people ask
What's new on the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)?
Not much. Reviewers found slightly better noise cancelling, clearer calls and a case that charges wirelessly. The design and battery life are the same, so first-generation owners can skip it.
Will the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds fit my ears?
They're large buds that stick out. Reviewers found them secure, held by stability bands, but a French test noted they only suit ears that accept their size. Buy where returns are easy.
Which of these is best for phone calls?
The Bose, whose microphones kept traffic noise in the background. The Sony WF-C710N is very good for its price, while the EarFun's microphone sounded tinny in one review.
Related guides
How we reached this
We compared the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) with the alternatives most often recommended by independent reviewers, then checked each against the makers' own specs and current prices.
We haven't tested these products ourselves. Our picks weigh independent expert reviews against each maker's published specs and the prices we checked. Opinions are ours; facts link to where they come from. How we choose.
Sources: Bose: QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), What Hi-Fi?: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) review, TechRadar: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) review, HIFI.DE: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) test, Sony UK: WF-C710N specifications, What Hi-Fi?: Sony WF-C710N review, Tom's Guide: Sony WF-C710N review, EarFun: Air Pro 4, Android Central: EarFun Air Pro 4 review, PC Gamer: EarFun Air Pro 4 review.