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Yes—but not every inexpensive Sony earbud has the same feature set. The Sony WF-C700N is the budget model to choose if you want active noise cancellation (ANC) and two-device multipoint. It supports SBC and AAC, but not LDAC. Sony’s LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) adds LDAC and LC3 alongside SBC and AAC, making it the better choice when higher-quality Bluetooth streaming is essential. The cheaper WF-C500 is a basic SBC/AAC model; the Sony specification checked for this comparison does not document ANC, multipoint, or LDAC for it.
Prices and stock change by country and retailer, so compare the feature requirements first and verify the current listing, firmware and regional availability before buying.
Quick comparison
| Model | Noise cancellation | Two-device multipoint | Bluetooth codecs | Documented battery detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony WF-C700N | Ambient sound and noise cancelling listed | Yes; Sony says it can remain connected to two devices simultaneously | SBC, AAC | Up to 7.5 hours with noise cancelling on; up to 10 hours with it off |
| Sony LinkBuds S (WF-LS900N) | Noise cancelling listed | Multipoint Connection identified in Sony product materials | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | Not stated in the specifications used here |
| Sony WF-C500 | Not documented in the Sony specification checked | Not documented in the Sony specification checked | SBC, AAC | Not stated in the specifications used here |
That table answers the central buying question: the WF-C700N is the affordable feature match for ANC plus multipoint, while the LinkBuds S is the step-up for LDAC. The WF-C500 is a lower-cost baseline for straightforward Bluetooth listening, not a model to buy for advanced features unless a current, model-specific listing confirms them.
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Sony WF-C700N: the budget model with ANC and multipoint
Noise cancellation and ambient sound
Sony lists both ambient-sound functionality and noise cancelling for the WF-C700N. In practical terms, ANC uses the earbuds’ microphones and signal processing to reduce steady external noise such as engine rumble, fans and air-conditioning. Ambient sound mode does the opposite: it lets more of the surrounding sound through when you need to hear announcements or talk without removing the earbuds.
#1 Best Overall
- THE BEST NOISE CANCELLATION: Experience powerful, adaptive noise cancelling that keeps distractions out and your music front and center. Powered by dual processors and eight adaptive microphones, the WF-1000XM6 earbuds adapt in real time to keep your world quiet and your music pure.
- CO-CREATED WITH MASTERING AUDIO ENGINEERS: Developed in collaboration with mastering audio engineers, the WF-1000XM6 earbuds deliver studio-level clarity and emotion to every track—revealing subtle details and authentic sound, all in a compact earbud.
- HD NOISE CANCELLING PROCESSOR: The HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3e is 3x faster than the QN2e (found in our WF-1000XM5 earbuds), paired with an improved DAC and amplifier, precisely manages microphones to block out every day sounds and deliver cleaner, richer audio that feels true to the moment.
- ULTRA CLEAR CALL QUALITY: Dual beamforming microphones, a bone conduction sensor, and AI-powered noise reduction technology, isolate your voice and block background and wind noise for ultra-clear calls anywhere. Intelligent algorithms ensure every word is heard clearly—even in noisy settings.
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN AND SECURE FIT: Ergonomic earbuds contour naturally for a secure, balanced fit. Premium matte texture and smart airflow ensure all-day comfort and an elevated look, while pressure points are minimized for long listening sessions.
The presence of ANC does not mean the WF-C700N will erase every sound. Active cancellation is generally most useful against consistent, low-frequency noise; voices, sudden sounds and poorly sealed ear tips can remain audible. Fit therefore affects the result as much as the feature label. Try the supplied tip sizes and make sure each earbud forms a stable seal before judging the cancellation.
Sony’s specification gives a maximum music-playback figure of 7.5 hours with noise cancelling enabled, or 10 hours with noise cancelling disabled. Those are Sony’s stated maximums, not an independent laboratory measurement. Actual runtime varies with volume, calls, temperature, codec activity and the age of the battery.
Multipoint connection
Sony’s product information says the WF-C700N supports Multipoint Connection, allowing it to stay connected to two devices simultaneously—for example, a phone and a laptop. That is different from merely remembering two paired devices. With multipoint, the earbuds can remain linked to both and switch when one device starts or receives audio, subject to the operating systems and Bluetooth behavior of the connected devices.
Multipoint was reported as arriving through a firmware update, so a newly purchased pair may not have the feature active until its software is current. If the option is missing, update the earbuds using Sony’s supported companion software before assuming the hardware lacks multipoint. Firmware menus and update requirements can change, so follow the instructions shown for your exact model and region.
Two-device connection is useful for people who work from a computer while keeping a phone nearby. It does not mean the earbuds can play two audio streams at once. A call, notification or media session on one device may interrupt the other, and some laptops handle Bluetooth profile switching less smoothly than phones.
Codecs: SBC and AAC, but no LDAC
The WF-C700N specification lists SBC and AAC. These are common Bluetooth audio codecs supported by most phones, tablets and computers. AAC is widely used in Apple devices, while SBC is the universal fallback required by Bluetooth audio equipment.
The model does not offer LDAC. Reports that list SBC and AAC while specifically noting the absence of aptX HD and LDAC are consistent with the published codec specification. If you select a high-resolution or “best sound quality” setting in a phone that supports LDAC, the WF-C700N cannot use LDAC; it will negotiate one of its supported codecs instead.
Codec choice is only one part of sound quality. Ear-tip seal, the recording itself, mastering, the phone’s Bluetooth implementation and the earbuds’ acoustic tuning can make a larger audible difference than the codec label. AAC and SBC can still provide good everyday music quality, especially for streaming services that use lossy source files.
Sony LinkBuds S: the inexpensive step up for LDAC
The LinkBuds S (model WF-LS900N) is the better fit when high-quality Bluetooth codec support is a priority. Sony lists SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3, as well as noise cancelling. Sony’s product materials also identify Multipoint Connection.
LDAC can carry more data than SBC or AAC when the source device, operating system and connection conditions support it. That can be useful for compatible high-resolution music services or locally stored lossless files, but it is not a guarantee of better sound in every situation. LDAC may use more bandwidth and can reduce connection stability in congested wireless environments. A phone may also fall back to another codec when range, interference or system settings require it.
Rank #2
- NOISE CANCELING: Advanced Noise Canceling and Dual Noise Sensor technology filters exterior sound using two microphones and allows you to enjoy more of your music.
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: With up to 8.5 hours on your earbuds and up to 21.5 hours in the case, enjoy all-day comfort and up to 30 hours of listening when fully charged. Quick charging, 5 min charge for up to 1 hour of playback.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR CALL QUALITY: With Precise Voice Pickup Technology, conversations are ultra clear, even in noisy environments. Our noise reduction algorithm uses AI machine learning to suppress ambient noise and extract your voice clearly.
- DIGITAL SOUND ENHANCEMENT ENGINE (DSEE): Experience a powerful bass and clear vocals with digital Sony Enhancement Engine (DSEE) processing and Sony’s unique 5 mm driver.
- SOPHISTICATED DESIGN: With a naturally elegant and compact design, bring a touch of beauty to your day and choose between three timeless colors, including Glass Blue, White, and Black.
LC3 is associated with newer Bluetooth LE Audio implementations. Having LC3 listed does not mean every phone or computer will use it; both the source device and the earbuds need compatible software and profiles. For ordinary Bluetooth playback, the practical distinction is that LinkBuds S gives you more codec options than the WF-C700N.
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Sony WF-C500: the basic, low-cost baseline
Sony’s WF-C500 specification lists SBC and AAC audio formats. In the specification checked for this comparison, Sony does not document active noise cancellation, multipoint or LDAC for this model.
That makes the WF-C500 appropriate when your main requirement is simple wireless playback and your phone already supports SBC or AAC. It is not the safe choice if ANC, two-device switching or LDAC is a buying requirement. Product names and retailer descriptions can be confusing, so verify the exact model number rather than assuming that every “Sony wireless” earbud has the same software and codec features.
Do not treat an absence from one specification page as proof that a future regional revision can never add a feature. Instead, check the current manual or official listing for the exact WF-C500 variant you are considering. Unless it explicitly identifies ANC, multipoint or LDAC, plan on those features being unavailable.
What SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3 mean for everyday listening
SBC
SBC is the baseline Bluetooth audio codec. It is broadly compatible and provides a dependable fallback when no higher-priority codec is available. It is not marketed as a high-resolution codec, but compatibility often matters more than headline specifications when using older laptops, televisions or inexpensive phones.
AAC
AAC is another lossy codec with wide support, particularly in Apple hardware. A source device and earbuds must both support it, and the quality of an AAC connection depends on the device’s encoder and implementation. The WF-C700N and WF-C500 both list AAC.
LDAC
LDAC is Sony’s higher-bandwidth Bluetooth codec. It is the differentiator between the WF-C700N and LinkBuds S in this comparison: LinkBuds S lists LDAC, while WF-C700N does not. To use it, your phone or player must expose LDAC as an available Bluetooth codec, and the connection must remain stable at the selected quality mode.
LC3
LC3 is a codec for Bluetooth LE Audio. LinkBuds S lists it, but support depends on the source device, operating-system version and Bluetooth profile. A codec appearing on the earbud specification does not force a compatible connection if the phone or computer cannot negotiate it.
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| Your priority | Best fit from these models | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Affordable ANC and two-device use | WF-C700N | It lists noise cancelling and Sony states that Multipoint Connection supports two simultaneous devices. |
| LDAC or the broadest codec list | LinkBuds S | It lists SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3, plus noise cancelling and Multipoint Connection. |
| Lowest-cost basic Bluetooth listening | WF-C500 | Its documented codec support is SBC and AAC; advanced features are not documented in the specification checked. |
| Apple-device compatibility without LDAC | WF-C700N or WF-C500 | Both list AAC, which is widely supported by Apple hardware; choose the WF-C700N if you also need ANC and multipoint. |
Checks to make before ordering
- Confirm the exact model number. WF-C700N, WF-LS900N and WF-C500 are different products with different feature lists.
- Check the current regional page. Retail bundles, firmware and availability can vary by market, and prices are volatile.
- Verify source-device support. LDAC and LC3 only work when the phone, tablet or computer supports the relevant codec and Bluetooth profile.
- Plan for firmware updates. WF-C700N multipoint was reported as a firmware-delivered feature, so update a new pair before troubleshooting its absence.
- Separate ANC from passive isolation. A secure ear-tip seal improves both passive isolation and the perceived effect of ANC.
- Interpret battery figures correctly. The WF-C700N’s 7.5-hour and 10-hour figures are Sony maximums under the stated ANC conditions; they are not guaranteed runtime in every use case.
Bottom-line buying advice
Buy the WF-C700N when you want the least expensive Sony option in this comparison that clearly combines ANC with two-device multipoint, and you are satisfied with SBC or AAC. Move to LinkBuds S when LDAC, LC3 or a broader codec selection is important enough to justify spending more. Choose the WF-C500 only when basic SBC/AAC playback and the lowest price matter more than ANC, multipoint and LDAC.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
