Introduction: Premium Silence Without the Premium Price
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) used to be an exclusive feature of high-end headphones, but today, excellent ANC is available in the budget wireless earbud market. The contenders in this fierce segment are the reliable big-brand player, Sony WF-C710N, and the feature-packed challenger, Anker Soundcore Liberty 5.
Both promise to silence the world around you without draining your wallet (both typically priced under $100). AdxFly Tech Compare tests their noise blocking capabilities, sound fidelity, and battery life to declare the best value earbud for commuters and students in 2025.
Quick Specifications Overview
| Feature (विशेषता) | Sony WF-C710N | Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 |
| Noise Cancellation | Excellent ANC for the price | Very Effective Hybrid ANC |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | ~8.5 hours (Buds) | ~7 hours (Buds) |
| Total Playback (Case) | Up to 35 hours | Up to 32 hours |
| Wireless Charging | No | Yes |
| Audio Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC (Often supports LDAC/aptX in premium variants) |
| Durability Rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
1. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Performance
While neither will match the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, both offer impressive noise-blocking capabilities for their price segment.
A. Effectiveness Against Low Frequencies (H3)
The Sony WF-C710N excels at tackling constant, low-frequency rumbles (like bus or airplane engines). Sony’s focus on audio processing shines here, making it a highly effective companion for commuting, offering a deep sense of quiet for its price.
B. Effectiveness Against Voices and High Frequencies (H3)
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 uses a more aggressive Hybrid ANC system. It handles sudden, intermittent noises like nearby conversation or keyboard clicks slightly better than the Sony. Its companion app also often offers various ANC modes (e.g., Transport, Indoor, Outdoor) for better optimization.
Verdict on ANC: The Sony WF-C710N is marginally better for constant travel noise, but the Liberty 5 offers better versatility via its app controls.
2. Sound Quality and Customization
A. Default Sound Profile (H3)
- Sony WF-C710N: Offers a signature Sony sound—full, musical, and balanced, with controlled bass and clarity across the mids and highs. It is generally praised for being pleasant and detailed right out of the box.
- Anker Soundcore Liberty 5: Known for its powerful bass response (often featuring BassUp technology) and energetic sound. While fun and punchy, its sound can sometimes be less nuanced than the Sony for critical listening.
B. App Customization (H3)
The Soundcore Liberty 5 boasts a superior companion app. It usually includes a full, user-adjustable EQ and multiple sound presets, allowing users to heavily customize the audio profile to their liking. The Sony app, while functional, offers less aggressive audio customization.
Verdict on Sound: The Sony WF-C710N offers better default sound quality, but the Liberty 5 provides significantly better customization.
3. Battery Life, Charging, and Features
In the budget segment, features like battery life and wireless charging are major deciding factors.
A. Endurance (H3)
The Sony WF-C710N takes the lead in single-charge usage, offering a fantastic 8.5 hours of playback with ANC enabled. The Liberty 5 is close behind but slightly lower. However, both offer over 30 hours of total playback with the case.
B. Wireless Charging (H3)
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 often includes wireless charging support in its case, a premium feature that the Sony WF-C710N lacks. This adds a huge convenience factor for many users.
C. Fit and Comfort (H3)
The Sony WF-C710N is consistently praised for being lightweight and having a very comfortable, secure fit, making it excellent for long listening sessions without fatigue.
Final Decision: Which Budget ANC Earbud Should You Buy?
👉 Choose the Sony WF-C710N If:
- You prioritize long single-charge battery life (8.5 hours) and exceptional comfort.
- You trust a well-tuned, balanced sound profile right out of the box.
- Your main focus is silencing constant travel noise.
👉 Choose the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 If:
- You require wireless charging convenience and a comprehensive app experience.
- You enjoy a bass-forward, energetic sound that can be fully customized with an EQ.
- You need better control over different ANC environments (Transport, Indoor modes).
AdxFly’s Final Word: For the best mix of ANC and comfort, the Sony WF-C710N is a superb value. However, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 wins on features, providing wireless charging and better software controls for just a few extra dollars.