Full Review of true wireless headphones Sony WF-SP800N

The Sony WF-SP800N are the new true wireless headphones from Sony with active noise reduction. Do they deserve, however, that you invest almost 200 dollars to acquire it? Overview and full Review of the new headphones from the Japanese brand.

The fashion for true wireless headphones has not yet ended in the audio world. With this model, Sony offers an evolution of its SP700N, which already had a certain success. The new model is still designed for sports, but has many changes. If the Sony WF-SP800N confirm the status of the company in the audio field, they are not the best of the brand, which are rather the WF-1000XM3 in the field of true wireless as shown in our Comparison of the best wireless headphones 2020. However, for a more affordable model, they offer real advantages as we have seen from use. Here are the results of our Review to encourage you to really consider these true wireless headphones who offer an over-the-ear arch system for support.

Table of contents

What differences with the previous model SP700N?

If you owned the SP700N, you are probably wondering about the first essential question, what do these new WF-SP800N headphones bring?

The first essential change concerns style. We are on a much more refined model. When we take it in hand, we realize that Sony wanted to move away from the impression that the previous ones could give, of being headphones only oriented towards the sporting practice. If this is still the trend that emerges, the whole is more stylized. Goodbye also the garish yellow model which was a little too “bright” for our taste. Here we are definitely on a more mature model from Sony which shows that the company is able to compromise between high-end and sport.
Sony also abandons the big buttons in favor of a touch surface to adjust the settings.
Protection against humidity, sweat and dust, with its Protection Index IP55, the new Sony headphones are significantly better than the SP700N and their IPX4.
At the level ofautonomy, the difference between the two models is also obvious. The WF-SP800N gave us about 8:30 hours of use on a single charge when the Active Noise Reduction (RBA) was activated and about 13 hours in single music listening. Its predecessor did not exceed 3 hours when the RBA function was used.

Audio: Testing sound quality and sound reduction

One of the first ambitions displayed by Sony with the Sony WF-SP800N was to bring the excellence of the noise reduction system that can be found on the Sony WF-1000xM3, towards a model notably geared towards sport. Let’s be clear from the outset, Sony’s QN1e processor is clearly missing, one of the brand’s real high-end highlights. We have clearly noted that the noise reduction system is not performing as well as one would have hoped and the overall sound quality needs to be lowered.

However, we are talking about two models in a fundamentally different price range. Each of the headphones weighs about 9.5 grams, which is a little more than what is found on average, but remains very widely acceptable. From a resistance point of view, to be the type to knock them down a little too often, you can be reassured from the start, there is absolutely nothing to fear. They work very well and have not kept any marks of their adventures in our hands. Comfortable and resistant.

For those who are not used to Sony models, this is an ExtraBass, that is to say that the bass is a bit pushed to the extreme, but without being exaggerated. The sound is clearly not as refined, but for true wireless, the level of detail is particularly attractive. Above all, the WF-SP800N headphones are quite efficient compared to models in the same price range. For having tested them, however, we prefer the Jabra Elite 75t which are inherently superior, especially from a design point of view.

Sony WF-SP800N earphones comfort and fit Review?

The headphones are available in three colors: black, white and blue. For having tested the previous model of the company, these are really better in the ear and, if you have a small or specially shaped ear, many small adapters are available. The case is almost the same as on the high-end model from Sony, but you can immediately feel that it is not a premium version.

The shape and size are however rather attractive and the whole fits perfectly in your pocket. Be careful, it is not the smallest that you can find if it is a major criterion for you. Paradoxically, it is if your ear is too large that you may have difficulty obtaining a perfect sound seal. When we have been running, over the distance this is no problem, even outdoors. As for the gym, it will take patience to be able to Review it probably in a few weeks.

Charging system for Sony wireless headphones

We will immediately regret the absence of an element that could weigh in your final choice. The Sony WF-SP800N body does not offer a wireless option, so you will have to rely on USB-C. A single charge will give you nine hours of battery power and you can push up to 13 hours if you turn off the noise canceling. The housing gives you an additional full charge. Good news on the side of the fast charging system, in 10 minutes you will be entitled to an additional 60 minutes of charge.

The devil is hiding in the details of these headphones

Where Sony WF-SP800N headphones are particularly appreciated, it is undoubtedly in the small details that prove to be very practical in use. Thus, a small sensor can detect if your headphones are well in the ear. If so, the music stops immediately. The touch control system is also particularly responsive and works very well on both sides. On the right, the playback, on the left, the noise reduction system including the transparency mode. What to avoid an accident while you are running, to see the cars arriving. A feature that can be activated with a single press.

The Sony WF-SP800N are also compatible with the voice assistants of your choice, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. You will also be able to benefit from Sony’s health home system, 360 Reality Audio, which is compatible with several audio streaming services, including Deezer. The device connects with the Sony Connect app for iOS and Android like other Sony headphones. Very intuitive, the application allows you to easily adjust the sound details, in particular to create favorite settings that you can activate immediately if you are going to run or if you are at work.

Finally, we also appreciate the reliability of the true wireless system, unlike the previous model. The use of a Bluetooth 5.0 chip, present on the brand’s high-end model, is undoubtedly responsible for this. Quality during calls is also there, especially with the noise reduction system. You can have your conversations quietly, regardless of the noise level around you.

Should we choose the Sony WF-SP800N?

These are not the best headphones on the market. If you are looking for a better true wireless model, you will be able to find some, but most of the time you will have to agree to pay more.. It’s up to you. In France, you will normally be able to acquire them very easily when they are available from July 2020 for an estimated price of 200 euros.

Sony WF-SP800N or AirPods Pro?

This is the question that most of those who are thinking about buying the Sony WF-SP800N will undoubtedly ask themselves. Is there a better model? Today, Apple AirPods are often considered the benchmark. However, can the Sony WF-SP800N really offer serious competition? Let’s be honest, physically, Apple’s charging case is much more convenient to charge, but also to use. The quality of the noise reduction system is also higher in the Apple product, but the Sony headphones also have arguments to make. So on the battery side, the WF-SP800N wins with flying colors, since we are talking more or less about twice the battery life. For allergy sufferers to refill, this is an important element to take into account.

Of course, on the side of the charging case, the AirPods Pro are superior. They are also much more easily customizable, even if from the point of view of the comfort and the size of the adaptable earphones, the two models are equal. Finally, the last high quality asset for Sony headphones, resistance to the elements. While the AirPods Pro only rely on an IPX 4, on the Sony side, it’s IP55, for dust and water. A real argument which can prove decisive when it comes to making the final choice. If you hesitate, the best is probably to determine what matters most to you, the customization or the battery. On the price side, the two pairs of headphones are currently in the same range. So be aware of any offers that may be the deciding factor for you.