Sony WF-SP800N/B Truly Wireless Headphones – Your Ultimate Companion for Music and Workouts

Published on May 14, 2023, 7:17 a.m.

Tired of your wired earbuds getting tangled up while you’re working out? Looking for earbuds that pack a powerful bass punch? Enter the Sony WF-SP800N, a splash-proof pair designed to fuel your workouts with thumping low end. These wireless buds bring the noise cancellation for tuning out distractions, while ambient mode pumps in sounds around you so you stay aware. With a beefy battery to outlast your longest training sessions, Sony’s WF-SP800N aims to be the ultimate workout companion. But does it deliver? Let’s break it down.

Overview

At first glance, the Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones buds sport a chunky design reminiscent of a muscular boxer. Though not the most compact, their light weight belies their bulky exterior. Sony packs in features for fitness buffs like IP55 sweat resistance, gripping ear wings, and pumping EXTRA BASS sound. Touch controls, voice assistant support, and an app with EQ customization round out the package.

 Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones

Key Features

  • IP55 sweat and splash resistant
  • Secure fit ear wings
  • Powerful EXTRA BASS sound
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Ambient sound mode
  • 9 hour battery life (13 without NC)
  • Quick charging support
  • Bluetooth and NFC connectivity
  • Customizable controls and sound
  • Alexa voice assistant integration

 Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones

Design

The Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones feature an ergonomic design with oblong earbuds contoured to fit in the ear canal. Angled nozzles aim the sound directly into the ears. The matte black exterior gives them a sleek, understated look. The included ear wings add stability by gripping into the inner ridge of the ear. The buds have an IP55 water resistant rating making them sweat and splash proof.

Ease of Use

Simple Bluetooth pairing allows easy connection to smartphones and other devices. The touch controls are sensitive and intuitive for controlling music playback and noise cancellation. The Headphones Connect app provides customization options and EQ presets for added convenience.
 Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones

Audio Quality

Powerful EXTRA BASS sound delivers impactful low frequencies suited for bass-heavy music genres. The overall sound profile has clear mids and highs with emphasized low end. Noise cancellation effectively blocks out ambient noise like chatter, while ambient sound mode amplifies surrounding sounds for awareness.

Microphone

The built-in microphone enables hands-free calls and voice assistant access. Call quality is decent but some users experienced low microphone volume on the other end. Overall good for voice calls in quiet environments.

Noise Cancellation

The Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones utilizes digital hybrid noise cancelling technology to block out ambient noise. It works well for muting steady low frequency sounds like car engines or AC units, but struggles to cancel sudden changing noises. The noise cancelling function is effective compared to earbuds, but not at the level of over-ear ANC headphones.

Battery Life

With noise cancelling on, the Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones provides around 9 hours of continuous listening per charge. Disabling noise cancelling extends the battery life up to 13 hours. The charging case holds roughly one additional full charge for 18-26 total hours. Quick charging gives 1 hour of playtime from a 10 minute charge.

Connectivity

The Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones connects via Bluetooth 5.0 with support for SBC and AAC audio codecs. NFC allows one-touch pairing by tapping the earbuds to an NFC-enabled device. The connectivity is solid with typical Bluetooth wireless range.

Controls

Onboard touch controls provide convenient control over playback, calls, volume and noise cancelling. Taps, presses and swipes on the earbud panels perform different actions like skipping tracks or activating ambient sound. Controls are customizable in the app.

Water Resistance

With an IP55 rating, the Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones resists sweat, water spray and dust. This makes them suitable for working out and in wet conditions like light rain. However, they are not fully waterproof so should not be submerged.

 Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones

Use Cases

Take the Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones to the gym or out on a run. The ear wings and sweat resistance ensure they’ll stay put through jumping jacks, weight lifting, or jogging in any weather. Noise cancelling eliminates distracting sounds at the gym or traffic noise outdoors. Quickly let in ambient sounds with a tap to hear announcements or stay aware of surroundings. The long battery life will get you through multiple marathon sessions.

Commuters can enjoy immersive audio and quieter journeys, while quickly enabling ambient mode to hear station announcements. At home, use built-in Alexa to cue up playlists hands-free or get information while multitasking. The secure fit makes yardwork or house chores with vibrant soundtrack a breeze.

User Feedback Analysis

Reviewers widely praised the Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones’s sound quality and battery life. The deep bass and overall vibrant sound earned positive marks, especially for workout use cases. Noise cancellation effectiveness scored well for moderately loud environments like the gym or commutes, but wasn’t on par with over-ear headphones. While some users loved the customizable sound, others required EQ adjustment to tame overbearing bass on certain tracks.

Comfort and fit saw mixed reactions, with those having smaller ears reporting issues finding a good seal or discomfort from the ear wings. Call quality did not stand out as a strength according to reviewers, though connectivity itself performed well. While the bulky charging case stores earbuds safely, some lamented its large size for pockets. Occasional wireless cutouts beyond typical Bluetooth ranges also occurred.

Pros

  • Robust bass-forward sound
  • Good noise isolation for workouts
  • Lengthy battery life
  • Sweat and splash resistance
  • Customizable sound and controls

Cons

  • Fit may not suit small ears well
  • Noise cancellation not best-in-class
  • Call quality could improve
  • Charging case is bulky
  • Earbuds can loosen during intense activity

Value

With a street price around $180, the feature-packed Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones offers good value for money. You get robust sound, durable design, and modern amenities like noise cancellation and voice assistant access under $200. While pricier than budget wireless earbuds, the Sony pair outperforms many competitors for bass, battery life, and workout-friendly form factor. Overall an appealing value option in the mid-range bracket.

 Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones

Verdict

For bass-loving fitness enthusiasts seeking wireless earbuds that lock in place, the Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones is a compelling option. The punchy sound, durable design, and battery life inject fuel into any workout. Some compromises around fit, noise cancellation, and call quality exist. But for untethered training with thumping bass, the Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones packs a potent combination. Just be ready to crank up those low end beats.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones perform in terms of noise cancellation?

The Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones come with digital noise cancellation technology, which is designed to reduce ambient sounds from your surroundings, enhancing your listening experience. Users have found that while the noise cancellation feature may not be as powerful as over-ear headphones, it is effective for in-ear models, making it a suitable option for gym-goers or commuters seeking to diminish background noise.

Can the Sony WF-SP800N handle sweat and splashes?

Yes, the Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones are designed with an IP55 sweat and splash-proof rating. This means they can handle sweat during intense workouts or light rain, making them a reliable choice for fitness enthusiasts or anyone leading an active lifestyle.

What is the battery life of the Sony WF-SP800N when noise cancellation is enabled?

When noise cancellation is enabled, the Sony WF-SP800N Truly Wireless Headphones offer up to 9 hours of battery life on a single charge, and with the carrying case, you can get a total of 18 hours. If you disable noise cancellation, the battery life extends up to 13 hours, with a total of 26 hours using the carrying case.

How does the Alexa voice control work on the Sony WF-SP800N?

The Sony WF-SP800N comes with built-in Alexa voice control, allowing you to perform various voice-activated tasks such as playing music, getting directions, or controlling smart home devices. This feature can be activated with a simple touch, offering a hands-free experience that is particularly useful during activities where you might not be able to operate your device manually.

Are there any specific tips for ensuring the best fit and comfort with the Sony WF-SP800N?

To ensure the best fit and comfort, it’s important to experiment with the different sizes of ear tips and arc supporters that come with the headphones. A snug fit not only improves comfort but also enhances sound quality and the effectiveness of the noise-canceling feature. Adjusting the touch sensor controls can also enhance usability, allowing you to customize interactions according to your preferences.

Tips

  • Regularly clean your earbuds and carrying case to maintain optimal performance and hygiene.
  • Use the Sony Headphones Connect app to customize your audio experience, including adjusting equalizer settings and activating the Adaptive Sound Control feature.
  • To maximize battery life, store the earbuds in the charging case when not in use, ensuring they’re always ready for your next listening session.

Knowledge

  1. IP55 Rating: The IP rating stands for Ingress Protection, indicating the level of protection against dust and water. IP55 means that the headphones are protected against dust ingress (sufficient to prevent the product from malfunctioning) and against low-pressure water jets from any direction.

  2. Digital Noise Cancellation: This technology uses microphones to detect ambient sound and an inverted sound wave to cancel it out, reducing unwanted noise and allowing for a more immersive listening experience.

Specifications

  • Color: Black
  • Form Factor: In Ear
  • Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, NFC
  • Battery Life: Up to 9 hours with noise cancellation on; 18 hours with the case. Up to 13 hours with noise cancellation off; 26 hours with the case.
  • Charging Time: Quick charging feature provides up to 60 minutes of playback with just 10 minutes of charging.
  • Noise Cancellation: Digital noise cancellation technology.
  • Water Resistance: IP55 sweat and splash-proof rating.
  • Voice Control: Alexa built-in for voice access to music, information, and more.

Box Contents

  • WF-SP800N earbuds (left and right)
  • Charging case
  • USB Type C charging cable
  • Silicone eartips (small, medium, large)
  • Arc supporters/wings (small, medium, large)

How to Use

To start, download the Sony Headphones Connect app on your mobile device. Open the case lid, take out the earbuds, and follow app prompts to pair via Bluetooth. Try different sized eartips and wings for optimal fit. Use touch controls to play/pause music, adjust volume, activate noise cancelling, or activate voice assistant. Customize controls, sound, and features in the app. Return earbuds to the case for charging when not in use.