Audio T Verdict
The Sony WI-C100 are a practical alternative to completely separate true wireless earbuds. The two earpieces remain connected by a lightweight and flexible neckband, making them easy to remove temporarily without needing to find a pocket or charging case.
Battery life is a particular strength, with up to 25 hours of continuous music playback and a ten-minute quick charge providing up to another hour. Sony's 9mm drivers, DSEE processing and Sound Connect app compatibility also provide considerably more sound adjustment than their straightforward design might suggest.
Bluetooth 5.0, hands-free calling, physical controls, IPX4 water resistance and a weight of approximately 20g make the WI-C100 well suited to commuting, exercise, work and everyday listening. They do not include active noise cancellation, but they offer a useful balance of simplicity, portability and long battery life.
Wireless, but Not True Wireless
The WI-C100 connect wirelessly to your phone, tablet or computer through Bluetooth, but the left and right earpieces remain joined by a flexible neckband cable. They are not completely separate true wireless earbuds and do not use a charging case.
Sony WI-C100 Wireless In-Ear Headphones
The Sony WI-C100 are lightweight Bluetooth in-ear headphones designed for music, calls, exercise, commuting and everyday portable listening.
The two earpieces are connected by a flexible neckband that rests behind the neck. This keeps the headphones together when they are removed from the ears and avoids the need for a separate charging case.
A pair of 9mm dynamic drivers is supported by Sony's Digital Sound Enhancement Engine, while the Sony Sound Connect app provides selectable sound presets and a custom equaliser.
- Wireless in-ear headphones
- Flexible neckband design
- Approximately 20g weight
- Closed dynamic construction
- 9mm dynamic drivers
- Neodymium driver magnets
- 20Hz to 20kHz Bluetooth frequency response
- Sony DSEE processing
- Well-balanced sound tuning
- Sony Sound Connect app compatibility
- Customisable EQ presets
- 360 Reality Audio certified
- Bluetooth 5.0
- SBC and AAC audio support
- Up to 25 hours of music playback
- Up to 15 hours of communication time
- Ten-minute quick charging
- USB charging
- IPX4 water resistance
- Built-in microphone
- Hands-free calling
- Voice-assistant access
- Physical playback and volume controls
- Google Fast Pair
- Microsoft Swift Pair
- Black, White, Blue and Cream finishes
9mm Dynamic Drivers
Each earpiece contains a 9mm dynamic driver using a neodymium magnet.
Sony describes the WI-C100 as having well-balanced tuning from low to high frequencies, with a particular emphasis on natural and clear vocals. This is intended to make them suitable for a wide variety of music rather than one particular genre.
The final balance will also depend on ear-tip fit, listening volume, EQ settings, recording quality and the connected source.
20Hz to 20kHz Bluetooth Frequency Response
Sony specifies a Bluetooth frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz at a 44.1kHz sampling frequency.
A quoted frequency range describes the stated operating bandwidth of the driver system, but it does not by itself explain the overall character of the headphones.
Fit is particularly important with in-ear headphones. An incomplete seal can reduce bass response and alter the perceived tonal balance.
Digital Sound Enhancement Engine
Compressed music can lose some of the high-frequency information present in the original recording.
Sony's Digital Sound Enhancement Engine, or DSEE, is designed to restore some of this lost information during playback, helping compressed music sound closer to the original source.
DSEE can be particularly relevant when listening to compressed streamed music, downloaded files and other everyday digital sources.
Sony Sound Connect App
The WI-C100 are compatible with the Sony Sound Connect app on supported smartphones.
The app provides a selection of sound presets designed for different musical styles. It also includes an equaliser that can be used to create and save custom settings.
This allows listeners to keep Sony's original tuning or adjust the presentation to suit their music, hearing preferences and ear-tip fit.
Start with the Standard Sound Setting
Listen with the standard tuning before making large EQ changes. Small adjustments are usually easier to assess and can help avoid replacing one imbalance with another.
360 Reality Audio Certified
The WI-C100 are certified for Sony's 360 Reality Audio format.
When used with the Sony Sound Connect app, compatible services and suitable content, the system can analyse the shape of the listener's ears to create a more personalised immersive presentation.
Conventional stereo music remains fully compatible and does not require 360 Reality Audio.
Up to 25 Hours of Music Playback
Sony specifies up to 25 hours of continuous music playback from a full charge.
This provides enough capacity for several typical commutes, working days or exercise sessions before the headphones need to be recharged.
Actual battery life will vary according to listening volume, Bluetooth conditions, call use, sound settings and other operating factors.
Up to 15 Hours of Communication Time
Continuous communication time is rated at up to 15 hours.
This makes the WI-C100 useful for listeners who regularly use their headphones for telephone calls, video meetings and other compatible voice communication.
Call duration, microphone use, signal strength and connected-device settings can all affect the actual operating time.
Ten-Minute Quick Charging
If the battery is running low, a ten-minute quick charge can provide up to 60 minutes of additional music playback.
This can be useful before leaving home, starting a commute, exercising or joining a call when there is not enough time for a complete recharge.
Sony specifies an approximate full charging time of three hours by USB.
Quick Charging Is for Short Top-Ups
The ten-minute figure provides up to one hour of additional playback. A complete recharge takes approximately three hours under Sony's stated conditions.
Flexible Neckband Design
The left and right earpieces are connected by a flexible neckband that rests behind the neck.
This design keeps the two earpieces together and allows them to hang safely around the neck when they are removed temporarily.
Unlike completely separate true wireless earbuds, there is no charging case to carry or individual earpiece to misplace.
Approximately 20g Weight
The complete WI-C100 headphone assembly weighs approximately 20g.
The low weight makes them easy to carry and reduces the amount of mass resting around the neck during use.
The headphones can also be folded loosely into a bag, although the cable should not be bent sharply or placed under heavy objects.
Comfortable In-Ear Fit
The WI-C100 housing follows the contours of the ear, while the neckband is balanced around the back of the neck to provide a stable fit.
Selecting the most suitable ear tip is important for comfort, stability and sound quality. A secure seal can improve bass response and help prevent the earpieces moving during use.
Check Each Ear Separately
It is normal for the most suitable ear-tip size to differ between the left and right ears. Choose the fit that feels secure without creating uncomfortable pressure.
Physical Button Controls
The WI-C100 use physical buttons for common music and call functions.
The controls can be used to:
- Play and pause music
- Skip tracks
- Adjust volume
- Answer calls
- End calls
- Access a compatible voice assistant
Sony has given the buttons a more pronounced shape to make them easier to locate and press without looking at the control section.
Hands-Free Calling
A built-in microphone supports compatible hands-free telephone and online calls.
Calls can be answered using the headphone controls without taking the connected phone from a pocket or bag.
Call clarity will depend on the Bluetooth connection, mobile or internet network, surrounding noise and microphone position.
Voice-Assistant Access
Pressing the appropriate button twice can provide access to the smartphone's compatible voice assistant.
Supported voice commands can be used for directions, music playback, calls, messages and other functions available through the connected device.
Bluetooth 5.0
Wireless connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 5.0.
Sony specifies an effective line-of-sight range of approximately 10 metres under suitable conditions.
Walls, people, wireless congestion and the connected device can all reduce the effective range or affect connection stability.
SBC and AAC Audio Support
The WI-C100 support SBC and AAC Bluetooth audio formats.
This provides broad compatibility with common smartphones, tablets, computers and portable music players.
The format used during playback will depend on the capabilities and settings of the connected source.
Google Fast Pair
Google Fast Pair is designed to simplify the connection process with compatible Android devices.
The headphones can be paired through an on-screen prompt. Supported finding functions can also make the WI-C100 ring when they are nearby, helping you locate them.
Microsoft Swift Pair
Swift Pair provides similar pairing assistance with compatible Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers.
When Bluetooth pairing mode is selected, nearby compatible Windows devices can display an on-screen prompt to complete the connection.
IPX4 Water Resistance
The WI-C100 carry an IPX4 water-resistance rating, providing protection against splashes and sweat during normal use.
This makes them suitable for everyday exercise and use in light rain when handled in accordance with Sony's instructions.
Water Resistant Does Not Mean Waterproof
An IPX4 rating protects against splashes and sweat. The WI-C100 should not be submerged, used while swimming or treated as completely waterproof.
Less Plastic in the Packaging
Sony states that plastic accounts for less than five per cent of the WI-C100's individual packaging material.
The headphones are available in Black, White, Blue and Cream finishes.
WI-C100 or True Wireless Earbuds?
Sony WI-C100
- Earpieces joined by a flexible neckband
- Up to 25 hours of music playback
- Physical controls on the neckband
- Can hang around the neck when removed
- No charging case required
True Wireless Earbuds
- Completely separate left and right earbuds
- No cable around the neck
- Usually stored and recharged in a case
- Smaller individual earpieces
- Easier to misplace individually
Who Are the Sony WI-C100 For?
The WI-C100 are particularly well suited to listeners looking for:
- Lightweight wireless in-ear headphones
- A neckband rather than separate true wireless earbuds
- Long battery life
- Quick charging
- Headphones for commuting and travel
- IPX4 protection for exercise
- Hands-free telephone and online calls
- Physical playback and volume controls
- App-based sound adjustment
- Android and Windows pairing assistance
- Headphones that can hang around the neck when removed
- A choice of four colours
Who Might Need a Different Model?
The WI-C100 may not be the right choice if you want completely separate true wireless earbuds, active noise cancellation or support for higher-resolution Bluetooth formats such as LDAC or aptX.
Listeners who dislike conventional in-ear headphones may also prefer an on-ear or over-ear design.
Key Features
- Wireless in-ear design
- Flexible neckband
- Approximately 20g weight
- Closed dynamic construction
- 9mm dynamic drivers
- Neodymium magnets
- 20Hz to 20kHz response
- DSEE processing
- Well-balanced sound tuning
- Sony Sound Connect app
- Selectable EQ presets
- Custom equaliser
- 360 Reality Audio certified
- Bluetooth 5.0
- SBC audio support
- AAC audio support
- Approximately 10m wireless range
- Up to 25 hours of music
- Up to 15 hours of calls
- Ten-minute quick charging
- Approximately three-hour charging time
- USB charging
- IPX4 water resistance
- Built-in microphone
- Hands-free calling
- Voice-assistant access
- Physical button controls
- Google Fast Pair
- Microsoft Swift Pair
- Black, White, Blue and Cream finishes
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Sony WI-C100?
The Sony WI-C100 are lightweight Bluetooth in-ear headphones with a flexible neckband, 9mm drivers and up to 25 hours of music playback.
Are the Sony WI-C100 true wireless earbuds?
No. They connect wirelessly to the source through Bluetooth, but the left and right earpieces remain joined by a flexible neckband cable.
Do the Sony WI-C100 have active noise cancellation?
No. The WI-C100 do not include active noise cancellation.
How long does the WI-C100 battery last?
Sony specifies up to 25 hours of continuous music playback or up to 15 hours of continuous communication time.
Do the Sony WI-C100 support quick charging?
Yes. A ten-minute quick charge can provide up to 60 minutes of additional music playback.
How long do the Sony WI-C100 take to charge?
Sony specifies an approximate full charging time of three hours by USB.
What size drivers do the WI-C100 use?
Each earpiece contains a 9mm dynamic driver using a neodymium magnet.
What is the frequency response of the WI-C100?
Sony specifies a Bluetooth frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz at a 44.1kHz sampling frequency.
What is Sony DSEE?
Digital Sound Enhancement Engine is designed to restore some of the high-frequency information lost when music is compressed, helping compatible digital music sound closer to the original source.
Can the sound of the WI-C100 be adjusted?
Yes. The Sony Sound Connect app provides sound presets and a custom equaliser that can be used to create and save personal settings.
Do the WI-C100 support 360 Reality Audio?
Yes. The headphones are certified for 360 Reality Audio when used with the Sony Sound Connect app, compatible services and suitable content.
Which Bluetooth version do the WI-C100 use?
The WI-C100 use Bluetooth 5.0 and have a specified line-of-sight range of approximately 10 metres.
Which Bluetooth audio formats do the WI-C100 support?
Sony lists support for SBC and AAC Bluetooth audio. LDAC and aptX are not listed as supported formats.
Can the Sony WI-C100 be used with an iPhone?
Yes. The headphones can connect to compatible iPhones through Bluetooth and support the AAC audio format commonly used by Apple devices.
Can the WI-C100 be used with Android devices?
Yes. They support standard Bluetooth connectivity and Google Fast Pair for quicker pairing with compatible Android devices.
Can the WI-C100 connect to a Windows computer?
Yes. Microsoft Swift Pair provides on-screen pairing assistance with compatible Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers.
Do the WI-C100 support NFC pairing?
No. Sony lists NFC as unsupported on the WI-C100.
Can the Sony WI-C100 be used for phone calls?
Yes. The headphones include a built-in microphone and support compatible hands-free telephone and online calls.
Do the WI-C100 support voice assistants?
Yes. A double press of the appropriate button can provide access to the smartphone's compatible voice assistant.
Do the WI-C100 have physical controls?
Yes. The buttons can control music playback, track selection, volume, calls and compatible voice-assistant functions.
Are the Sony WI-C100 waterproof?
The WI-C100 have an IPX4 water-resistance rating, providing protection against splashes and sweat. They are not designed for swimming or submersion.
Are the Sony WI-C100 suitable for exercise?
The lightweight neckband design and IPX4 resistance make them suitable for many forms of everyday exercise, provided they fit securely and are not submerged.
How much do the Sony WI-C100 weigh?
The complete headphone assembly weighs approximately 20g.
Do the Sony WI-C100 use a charging case?
No. The headphones are charged directly by USB and do not require a separate charging case.
Which colours are available?
The Sony WI-C100 are available in Black, White, Blue and Cream finishes.
Related Sony Products and Audio T Pages
Why Buy the Sony WI-C100 From Audio T?
Choosing wireless in-ear headphones involves more than comparing battery figures. Fit, comfort, phone compatibility, control preferences and whether you want a neckband or completely separate earbuds can all affect which model is right for you.
Audio T can help explain the WI-C100's features, check compatibility with your devices and compare their neckband design with true wireless earbuds and other headphones.
- Friendly and straightforward headphone advice
- Neckband and true wireless comparisons
- Earbud fit and ear-tip guidance
- Bluetooth compatibility checks
- Android, Apple and Windows guidance
- Sony Sound Connect app assistance
- EQ setup advice
- Google Fast Pair guidance
- Microsoft Swift Pair assistance
- Hands-free calling setup
- Battery and charging advice
- Ongoing setup and after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store if you would like help deciding whether the Sony WI-C100 are the right wireless in-ear headphones for you.