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Budget earbuds, with and without ANC

Fit comes first with earbuds: a well-reviewed model is still a poor purchase if it will not sit comfortably in your ears. Our opening pair gives you a clear choice between simpler listening and paying for active noise cancellation. We distinguish battery in the buds from extra charge in the case, and keep review judgements separate from current prices.

Research checked by WantThis ·

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How we choose and describe these picks

These are researched shortlists, not WantThis hands-on tests. The reasons to compare a product are our editorial judgement. We attribute a reviewer’s findings to that publication, label specification-led choices and do not infer an owner consensus from star ratings. A reference to a publisher is not an endorsement of WantThis.

Each offer is a separate dated check for the named model and bundle. Unknown delivery, unavailable stock, membership prices and expired checks stay out of budget results. We do not call a price a saving without comparable price-history evidence.

Before you compare prices

  • Check hygiene-related return conditions before opening in-ear products.
  • Water resistance of earbuds does not imply the charging case has the same protection.
  • Compare runtime with your intended features enabled, not only the maximum claim.

Find a pick for your budget

Budget results use public offers checked within 24 hours, including the stated standard delivery. These are dated checks, not live prices or a search of every shop. Confirm your postcode, stock and final total at checkout.

2 picks to compare

Without ANC

Sony WF-C510

WFC510B.CE7, black

£47.98

including standard delivery

A good fit for: Compact everyday listening when cancellation is not essential

Why it makes our shortlist

We would start here for someone who wants a small case, straightforward controls and two-device pairing. The appeal is a focused set of everyday functions rather than an elaborate feature list. Compare the delivered price with the ANC option only if noise reduction is a need, not simply because the other model has a higher number.

The trade-off: No active noise cancellation, and the case provides a limited number of extra charges. Fit remains personal despite the positive review.

Check the package: Black UK earbuds with charging case. Check the listed charging accessories and ear-tip sizes at the seller.

What the sources say

  • What Hi-Fi? (opens in a new tab)Independent review · checked 2026-10-19

    The review praises the compact fit and musical presentation, while noting basic-feeling construction and an ordinary ambient mode.

  • Sony UK (opens in a new tab)Manufacturer specification · checked 2026-10-19

    Sony lists multipoint pairing and up to 11 hours in the buds plus 11 in the case under stated settings.

Checked offer from Sony UK: £39.99 + £7.99 delivery.

Standard UK delivery below Sony’s £45 free-delivery threshold; confirm postcode and any promotion at checkout.

Checked . Recheck before buying. Delivery source

Check offer at Sony UK (opens in a new tab)

With ANC

Sony WF-C710N

WFC710NB.CE7, black

£84.99

including standard delivery

A good fit for: A compact pair for listeners who want noise cancellation

Why it makes our shortlist

Choose this comparison when the daily listening environment is the reason to spend more. ANC and the charging case make it a more travel-oriented proposition than the C510, while the published review provides an independent basis for considering its sound. We would still choose by fit and the actual price difference.

The trade-off: The buds are chunkier than some alternatives. A positive review does not guarantee comfort, and extra features can reduce battery life.

Check the package: Black UK model with charging case. Confirm ear tips and charging accessories, and do not confuse it with WF-C700N.

What the sources say

  • What Hi-Fi? (opens in a new tab)Independent review · checked 2026-10-19

    The review recommends the sound and combination of ANC and comfort; the physical design is larger than its predecessor.

  • Sony UK (opens in a new tab)Manufacturer specification · checked 2026-10-19

    The WF-C710N is the noise-cancelling model; the product page identifies the black UK variant.

Checked offer from Sony UK: £84.99 + £0.00 delivery.

Standard UK delivery included above £45; confirm address eligibility at checkout.

Checked . Recheck before buying. Delivery source

Check offer at Sony UK (opens in a new tab)

Common questions

Is ambient mode the same as noise cancellation?

No. Ambient mode lets you hear outside sound; ANC aims to reduce it. Check which feature a model actually includes.

Should I compare total battery figures?

Compare both the single listening session and extra case charge, using the settings you expect to enable. A large combined number can hide short sessions.

Spotted a changed specification or offer? Tell us which model needs a correction.