Sony WF-XB700

Sony's WF-XB700 are fun, quirky earbuds that are a lot more fun than quirky. There are two buttons built into the buds, one on each side, and they proved to be adequately responsive. Call quality is solid, adding to what I would consider above-average sound for what these buds cost.

Sony's WF-XB700 are a solid buy if your priorities include big bass, secure fit and water resistance. The earphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0, and support AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs, but not AptX. There's no app, so there's no way to adjust EQ and dial back the bass depth.

The Sony WF-XB700 are truly wireless headphones with built-in microphones. At low-to-mid volume levels, the headphones sound very clear, and with solid punch and bass. At high volumes, the sound can truly get loud, or at least the highs, but the mids essentially disappear.

The Sony WF-XB700 are okay for neutral sound. They're designed to pack an extra punch in the bass range, which fans of bass-heavy genres like EDM and hip-hop may prefer. They don't have an ANC feature, so they don't do a good job of blocking out low-frequency noise like bus or plane engines.

Sony WF-XB700 come in an accompanying case, which is translucent and matches the colour of the buds. On the bottom you get a USB-C slot for charging, and a short USB cable is included in the box. There's no touch pads, but fortunately the buttons don't cause any discomfort to your ear when you press them. Outside of the case you get around nine hours of playtime, and when in the case that doubles to around eighteen.

Sony's WF-XB700 earbuds have a three-level design that is likely to be polarizing for people who just want slim, sleek buds. Because of their size, they should actually completely fill both the ear canal and outer ear where they rest. According to Sony, that battery life is about nine hours on a single charge, plus an additional nine hours with the charging case, bringing the total to 18 hours. They're not noise cancelling, so be prepared to hear most conversations going on nearby.

The Sony WF-XB700 are some of the longest-lasting true wireless earphones I have ever used. Long battery life is the one major win here. These earphones have powerful low bass, which adds a muscular power to music, and makes them great for listening while exercising. Delicate-sounding earphones aren't the best fit for the London Tube.

Sony WF-XB700 are part of the company's Extra Bass range of audio products. They are tuned to emphasise low-frequency response, rather than deliver a neutral sonic balance. Design is aimed at fitness fanatics who value sweat-resistance and an ergonomic fit. Bluetooth 5.0 is onboard to provide reliable connectivity between your source and the earbuds.