From flagship ANC to budget bangers: 5 Sony TWS earbuds that hit all the right notes

Finding the right pair of wireless earbuds feels a bit like dating. You're swiping through specs, balancing looks and personality (okay, features), and hoping they’ll stay loyal when it counts (ahem, battery life). Sony, with its longstanding audio pedigree, has dropped a bunch of true wireless (TWS) options over the years, each with its own vibe.

Here are five Sony wireless earbuds sets that cover everyone from casual listeners to audiophile-level noise-cancelling connoisseurs. And yes, I have dated—I mean, tested—each personally and also dug deep into what makes them tick.

Top 5 Sony wireless earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM5 – The Noise-Cancelling Royalty

If Sony earbuds had resumes, the WF-1000XM5 would read like a tech CEO. These are Sony’s flagship TWS buds, and honestly, they have every right to flex. With class-leading active noise cancellation, these buds silence everything from the chatter in your metro ride to the blender your roommate insists on using during Zoom calls.

What stands out is not just the ANC but also the buttery smooth audio that’s as good as some over-ear headphones. You get a customisable EQ, multipoint connectivity (hello, seamless device hopping), and a whopping 20 hours of battery with the case. They're sleek, comfortable, and reliable—basically, the kind of earbud you introduce to your parents.

Pros:

• Industry-best noise cancellation
• Multipoint connection
• Exceptional audio and comfort

Cons:

• Pricey
• Overkill for casual users

Sony LinkBuds S – Featherweight but Feature-Heavy

LinkBuds S are like the friend who quietly excels at everything without showing off. These buds are absurdly light—you might forget you’re wearing them—but still manage to pack in premium features like noise cancellation and multipoint pairing.

They're ideal for long listening sessions. Picture yourself on a train, swapping between an audiobook and a quick work call—these buds do it all without making your ears ache or your audio lag. They’re not quite as powerful as the XM5s, but at a more approachable price, they make a strong case.

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight and comfy
• Smart features like adaptive sound
• Multipoint and fast pairing

Cons:

• ANC is good, but not elite-tier
• Battery life decent

Sony WF-C510 – Sleek Comfort for Everyday Use

Let’s talk about comfort. The Sony WF-C510 is made for people who wear earbuds for hours on end—be it for binge-watching, virtual meetings, or back-to-back playlists. These are compact, ergonomically designed, and surprisingly secure. Whether you're jogging or just lounging, they stay put without turning your ears into crime scenes.

They offer solid sound with enhanced bass (hello, dance workouts), and a total of 22hours of playback with case. With an IPX4 rating, they can even handle sweat and a bit of rain. In short, they're the chill roommate of the Sony lineup: low maintenance, but reliable and easy to like.

Pros:

• Long battery life
• Comfortable, secure fit
• Sweat/splash resistant (IPX4)

Cons:

• No noise cancellation
• Lacks some smart features

Sony WF-C500 – The Budget Performer That Delivers

Not everyone needs bells and whistles. Sometimes, you just want a good pair of buds that play your favorite tunes without falling out or dying mid-song. That’s the Sony WF-C500 for you—compact, rugged, and perfectly capable.

They don’t have ANC but the sound is impressively crisp and balanced for the price. The case brings total playtime up to 20 hours, and the IPX4 rating makes them gym-ready. I’d recommend these to first-time TWS buyers or anyone looking for an affordable backup pair that doesn't feel like a compromise.

Pros:

• Solid sound for the price
• Light and durable
• Sweat-resistant

Cons:

• No ANC or advanced features

Sony WF-C700N – Mid-Range ANC Done Right

Somewhere between budget buys and flagship splurges lies the Sony WF-C700N—quietly making noise in the mid-tier category. These earbuds offer noise cancellation without the flagship price tag, and for most everyday users, that’s a win.

They're lightweight, super comfortable, and come with multipoint support, which lets you hop from a Netflix binge on your laptop to an incoming call on your phone without fumbling through settings. The sound is balanced, crisp, and warm enough to enjoy everything from lo-fi playlists to action movie explosions.

Pros:

• Multipoint connectivity
• Compact and comfortable fit

Cons:

• Battery life (7.5 hours + case) is average
• No ANC

Final Thoughts: Which Sony TWS Is Right for You?

If you're looking to splurge and want studio-level ANC and audio, the WF-1000XM5 is your go-to. Want noise cancellation without the flagship splurge? The WF-C700N brings solid noise cancelling at a mid-range price. For ultra-light, all-day comfort, LinkBuds S is hard to beat. And if you’re on a budget, both the WF-C510 and WF-C500 punch above their weight in terms of value and durability.

Whatever your lifestyle—commuting, working from cafes, or just trying to drown out the world for a bit—Sony’s got a TWS solution that fits.

Methodology Note

The recommendations and insights shared in this article are the result of a carefully structured evaluation process conducted by the editorial team at The Hook. To ensure the list truly reflects what Indian consumers need in 2025, we based our selections on a mix of qualitative and quantitative research.

We took into account brand reputation and reliability, with a focus on manufacturers known for consistent product quality and innovation in the Indian market. Just as important was each brand’s after-sales service network.

We also studied user reviews and feedback posted on trusted e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon, as well as consumer forums and Reddit threads, to understand real-world experiences beyond the spec sheets.

Finally, the models featured were shortlisted after detailed brainstorming, internal discussions, and editorial analysis, balancing technical performance, design, pricing, energy efficiency, and everyday practicality. The goal: to offer readers a list that’s not just data-driven, but genuinely useful when making a buying decision for their home.