Sony WI-C100 Wireless in-Ear Bluetooth Headphones with Built-in Microphone, Black

I've used its cousin, the WI-C130, for the past two years and felt like it was about time to replace them given their waning battery life. I've used those out and about, listening to music and, most importantly, while lying in bed listening to audiobooks (including side-sleeping). Most earphones aren't comfortable for that; either they poke out too much, are generally uncomfortable, or too loose/unsecure. But these (both C100 and C130) are amazingly comfortable for that use-case.The WI-C100 is comparable to WI-C130. Given Sony's notoriously confusing naming scheme, its not clear which of the models is meant to be a step-up over the other.- In minor aspects of build quality, the WI-C130 seems better; slightly better quality plastic with magnets (at least weak ones) on the eartips for convenient attaching when not in use.- But otherwise, the WI-C100 seems better; the sound quality (from initial impressions) and the availability of software preferences. E.g., after initial connection with an android smartphone, it prompts you to install the Sony SoundConnect app which has a nice equalizer with a "clear bass" option. It also includes helpful guides on the button functionality and choosing the right sized eartips for your ears. It also includes (what seems like) a gimmick feature: a "360 live sound" app which simulates surround sound and adapts it to a model of your ear shape. I'm not sure whether this applies globally, or only in the small collection of paid bloatware apps it offers to install. The app could've been more polished, and if the 360 live sound thingy was better implemented, it would definitely outcompete other such branded apps.Two important shortcomings:- These should've had multipoint bluetooth connections so that at least two devices could be connected at a time. It seems they could've implemented that in this package, esp. at this price-point.- These don't automatically turn off after a timeout period when there's no sound. I suspect this needlessly shortens their battery health overtime, like it does for the WI-C130, especially when used during sleep time. Its a shame because an automatic-switch-off feature would've made these even more robust and long-lasting.TL;DR: In the relatively overlooked niche of wireless neckband earphones, this is a very decent, economical option, providing Sony-level sound quality and reliability.(Having said that, the WI-C130s were $18 two years ago, now these comparable WI-C100s are almost double the price. That's regrettable especially since the cheap plastic build quality is nothing to write home about, also with the two shortcomings above. There are other companies providing more features at this price-point (albeit without the Sony-level comfort). I hope Sony limits price-hikes for these and related models, or at least justifies them with tangible improvements in build quality, sound, IP rating, battery life, QoL features, etc).Bonus tip: cross the earphones around the neck for a more secure fit. This advice goes for most wireless earphones with neckbands.

Good headphones that are not too expensive. I've bought many pairs for me and my family. Has the quickest and farthest Bluetooth connection I've seen, even compared to other headphones and speakers. Probably the best sound quality for ear buds that I've experienced.Very comfortable and light, with a battery that I've gotten to last over 20 hours, great for long work shifts.The controller is very basic. Pause/play, next, previous, volume up and down.Easy to lose, can fall into cracks and get lost in unkempt wires, but it is kinda hard to tangle.Not the best for extreme activity, I like to use them at work where I can lift, walk and sit. At the gym they will bounce around and become unmanageable, sometimes even yanking out the earbud if I want to run or jump.

I was in need of a new headset and bought 2 different sets - this and the Tonemac N8s, both were in the under $30 range. There is a more detailed review for the Tonemacs on that product page but I will touch on a few points for both in case others are comparison shopping.The Good:1) The Sony headset has an exceptional sound at this price point. Solid bass, clear vocals and treble, no muddled sound. You can distinctively hear individual instruments and vocal tracks, sounds are crisp and clear. They sound higher end than the price point and significantly better than the Tonemacs.2) The Sony buds connected to my Bluetooth immediately. I had no issues with the connection dropping which was not the case with the Tonemacs. The range is decent as well. There is a very clear female voice that advises the power status and battery level, connecting, etc.3) The Sony earbuds are very comfortable in the ear. There is a left and right side. They come with 3 pair of tips, small, medium and large. They aren't noise canceling but do block most outside sounds.4) The volume range is quite good and clear at even low levels. This is a significant improvement over the Tonemacs, that had to be at nearly full volume but still had muddled sound.5) Battery life appears to be quite good and 25 hours seems to be spot on. The Tonemacs boast about 40 hours.The Bad:1) I'm not a fan of the multi-function buttons on just about every electronic device these days. I prefer separate track select buttons but these are combined with the volume up/down buttons however they do work well. You hold the volume up or down button about 2 seconds to move to the next or previous track. It chimes when it changes the track, which is a nice feature. The Tonemacs were a hot mess, flipping through multiple tracks, etc.2) The flexible neckband is a pain. It slides and flops around. If you are wearing these while exercising, they will eventually fall so far to one side that it pulls the earbud out. I have found putting the controller on the right side and then crossing the earbuds in the front of your neck (so the bud on the right side is in the left ear, etc.) is really the only way to keep them in place if you are moving around. They should have included magnetic tips but apparently Sony had to save a few pennies.3) I was shocked that a charge cord isn't included. I mean, come on. It isn't a huge deal to me because I have several C cords but that may not be true of everyone. I don't think people should have to purchase an additional item just to get the product to function. These cords are inexpensive, which is all the more reason it should be included. Ridiculous and so petty and cheap on Sony's part. Just an FYI in case anyone is wondering - you can't listen and charge simultaneously but that is the case for most headsets.4) The build quality is decent but very basic, no frills. The absence of magnetic tips is annoying because they could help keep them from falling off. The plastic cover over the charge port feels extremely fragile but the cords seem to be decent enough. The headset is lightweight, but doesn't feel cheap or flimsy. Build quality is on par with the cost.Overall, the sound of this headset is what makes it stand out. Everything else is really quite basic. To me though, the sound is what matters and these sound WAY better than the Tonemacs. Just make sure you have a C charging cable or you won't be able to use them.

These are a pretty darn good replacement for the WI-XB400 that aren't sold anymore for some reason. I really loved those and bought them again and again. I have headphones on pretty much 24/7 because it helps me stay calm in a noisy world. I need ones I can trust. I wish these had the stiff piece of rubber under the buds to give them some sturdiness. I HATE that the buds aren't magnetic anymore. They're constantly slipping down and falling off when I don't have them in. But still, better than the other options I've tried. Sound quality is great. Battery is amazing. I have two pairs and switch them out each day. They each last 24 hours, could probably go even longer.