These are my first fully wireless earphones. My main comparison is with the Bose QuietControl 30, a wireless noise canceling headset from Bose (with the 'neckband' that you saw more often with wireless headsets a few years ago). Perhaps not a 100% fair comparison, the Bose is clearly a different category, also in terms of price (the comparable current model from Bose are the QuietComfort earplugs of ~250 euros).
First the basics: the earbuds come in a packaging that does not contain plastic. Very nicely done from Sony. The first impression of the case is simple but sturdy and in my opinion very small. The case also only has a limited capacity, but with 10 hours in the earbuds themselves and 10 hours of charge in the case, you don't have to worry so much about running out. The earplugs were right for me, but other sizes of earplugs are also included for an optimal fit. The earplugs are comfortable, they are super light and only protrude to a limited extent. I honestly don't notice that I have them in and they fit noticeably better than the Bose QuietControl 30. What may turn out to be a disadvantage is that I use them for running in combination with a Garmin Forerunner 945 GPS sports watch. That works perfectly in itself, only the earplugs close your ear canal very efficiently. Not as efficient as earplugs with active noise cancelling, but very comprehensive. I actually preferred not to; When I run I want to be able to hear something about my surroundings. I turn the volume of my music down a bit now, which in itself helps, but maybe it's something to keep in mind if you're choosing them for that purpose.
Then the app and options: the earbuds come with a limited number of controls: volume on the left, playback on the right. Works fine, but I don't find the buttons very easy to operate. Maybe I'll get even better at it. It is not possible to adjust the functions of the buttons and actions. The app is necessary for changing the sound settings of the earbuds. Fortunately, you don't have to create an account for that, an account only helps for synchronizing settings and keeping track of how often you listen (?); no idea why you would do that. The app works fine, the main function is the equalizer and the 'DSEE' option (does something with the sound but I have no idea what the abbreviation stands for). This last sentence is a nice bridge to the most important part:
Sound: in the end they are earplugs to listen to music (at least that's my main goal, I haven't called, zoomed, etc. with them yet. You better read other experiences for that). The standard sound is somewhat disappointing. Out-of-the-box high-pitched sound is -much- too shrill, so that the in itself excellent lower sound is completely snowed under. Different singing voices and instruments can be heard separately from each other. So I went back to the app and the equalizer options: I would stay far away from the standard equalizer settings. What works well in my experience (and also the experience of others via Google) is to make a Custom setting where you lower the 2 highest sliders (6.3 and 16 kHz) to -2/-3 and the ClearBass function to 2 move. I also turned on the DSEE slider. With these adjustments, the sound is much better balanced and much more pleasant to listen to. Coming back to the comparison with the Bose QuietControl 30 ANC headphones: they are unfair when it comes to sound. The Bose sounds much more balanced (more neutral too), and every genre comes into its own in my opinion. With the Bose I have never had to think about an equalizer at all.
Conclusion: certainly for the offer amount for which I bought them, they are an excellent choice as extra headphones if you want a complete wireless set. Good battery life, great sound after you adjust it, very nice fit.
