Beats Solo 3 VS Sony WH-1000xm4

It’s critical to set aside personal preconceptions and evaluate the comparison between Beats Solo 3 vs Sony WH-1000XM4 honestly. While I prefer Sony because of previous great encounters with their products, I must admit that the Beats Solo 3 headphones did impress me.

I was first suspicious of the Beats brand due to celebrity endorsements, but after testing them, I discovered that the sound quality was really good. Having stated that I will make every effort to provide an unbiased assessment.

Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones, noted for their dependability in audio equipment, contain modern technologies such as proximity sensors, Speak-to-Chat, and outstanding noise-canceling capabilities, boosting the overall listening experience.

The Beats Solo 3, on the other hand, has a sleek style and a sound characteristic with accentuated bass that appeals to a specific musical taste.

To establish the clear winner in this contest, I’ll investigate their specifications, sound quality, comfort, battery life, and extra features, assuring an unbiased evaluation.

Beats Solo 3 VS Sony WH-1000xm4: A Complete Comparison

Specification

Feature	Sony WH-1000XM4	Beats Solo 3
Form Factor	Over Ear	Over Ear
Frequency Response	4 Hz – 40000Hz	Unknown
Impedance	16 Ohms	Unknown
Driver size	40mm	Unknown
BATTERY LIFE	30 h	50 h
Charging Time	3 h	4 h
Bluetooth Range	10m	10m
Bluetooth Version	5	Unknown
Color	Black, Blue, Silver	Gloss Black
Weight	254 g	215 g
Check Details	See More	See More

What’s in the box

Sony WH-1000XM4	Beats Solo 3
Hard-shell carrying case	Headphone
Cable with 3.5mm jacks	Carrying case
USB-C charging cable	Quick Start Case
Travel adapter	Headphone

Fit & Comfort

The Beats Solo 3 headphones take the lead in terms of fit and comfort. Their cushions are noticeably more comfy, making extended listening sessions a pleasure.

When it comes to the headband and general fit, personal comfort preferences and headshapes come into play. Some users may find that Sony’s WH-1000XM4 headphones have a snugger fit, which might be beneficial for people who like a more secure sensation while active or on the move.

In the end, the choice between the two in terms of fit and comfort may come down to personal tastes, head shape, and usage conditions. Both headphones seek to create a comfortable listening experience, however, the notion of comfort varies from person to person.

Design & Build

Both the Beats Solo 3 and Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones have a robust structure in terms of design and build quality. The Beats Solo 3 headphones are foldable, which adds a layer of portability, but the folding mechanism may raise worries about long-term reliability.

However, upon closer inspection, it’s evident that Beats did not skimp on build quality, and they provide a solid product altogether.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones, on the other hand, have extremely soft cushions that contribute to comfort during lengthy usage.

While the Sony cushions are more comfortable, the Beats headphones look to have the greater build quality, guaranteeing that users get a premium feel for the amount they pay.

Sound Quality

The comparison of the sound quality of the Beats Solo 3 and Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones reveals subtle variances rather than one being clearly superior to the other.

Sony’s audio profile demonstrates adaptability, making it a superior alternative for a variety of jobs, notably multitasking. Meanwhile, the Beats headphones flourish in music genres that stress bass, creating a characteristic sound that blends well with rap and hip-hop.

This bass-centric sound also improves the gaming experience, making Beats a popular choice among gamers. Sony, on the other hand, provides a bigger selection and excels in most other music genres, as well as movies and video games. 

The choice between the two boils down to these nuanced tastes, with Beats excelling in instances where precise audio cues like footfall are critical, and Sony providing a more immersive experience in movies and atmospheric games.

Both headphones produce clear and rich sound, therefore the choice is greatly dependent on personal preference and intended usage.

Noise Cancellation

The noise-canceling qualities of the Beats Solo 3 and Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are comparable, with both doing incredibly well at filtering out external noise. Any major difference between the two is frequently imperceptible without the use of expert audio equipment.

However, a tiny number of people have reported sensitivity concerns with Sony’s noise-cancelling technology. While this may not be a general worry, it is something to consider if you have a heightened sensitivity to noise cancellation or are very discriminating in this respect.

Finally, for the vast majority of users, both headphones provide outstanding noise cancellation, ensuring an immersive and distraction-free listening experience.

Microphone or Call Quality

In the Beats Solo 3 vs. Sony WH-1000XM4 comparison, there is a considerable difference in microphone or call quality. The sophisticated microphone technology of the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones provides better call quality.

They have many built-in microphones that excel at isolating your voice from surrounding noise, resulting in clear and crisp phone calls. The Beats Solo 3, on the other hand, while not bad, lags somewhat behind the Sony headphones in this regard.

Their microphones are adequate, but they may not function as well in noisy conditions, perhaps resulting in less clear talk. If you value call quality and want to use your headphones for voice calls frequently, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is the superior option.

Battery Life

When comparing the battery life of the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4, it’s evident that the Beats Solo 3 falls short.

The Beats Solo 3 has a good but not particularly outstanding battery life, giving up to 40 hours of playback on a single charge. While this is still fairly good, especially for daily usage, it falls short of the amazing battery life of the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones have an astounding 30 hours of playback time with noise canceling activated, which is still excellent, but the major bonus is their quick charging feature. 

With just a 10-minute charge, you can get up to 5 hours of playback with the Sony headphones, making them more convenient for consumers who are constantly on the go. So, if battery life and charging speed are important to you, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones have a clear advantage in this comparison.

Control System

The Beats Solo 3 and Sony WH-1000XM4 have separate control systems. The Beats Solo 3 has a more traditional control layout with physical buttons.

You’ll find volume, playback, and call management controls on the ear cups. Although it is a simple and tactile approach, some users may find it less intuitive than touch controls.

Touch controls are located on the right ear cup of the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones. With motions, you may adjust the volume, skip tracks, and answer calls using these touch-sensitive controls. While touch controls are convenient and provide a modern feel, they can be sensitive and register unintentional touches.

In the end, the choice between physical buttons and touch controls is a question of personal preference. Some users prefer the simplicity of physical buttons, while others appreciate the sleekness and versatility of touch controls. Both headphones include effective control systems, so your choice should be based on your chosen control method.

Connectivity

Both the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 provide solid connectivity choices but with some major variations. Starting with the Beats Solo 3, they excel at wireless connectivity. These headphones, which use Apple’s W1 chip, offer smooth pairing with Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads.

This chip provides a rapid and painless connection, making it a fantastic alternative for Apple ecosystem lovers. However, their compatibility with non-Apple devices may be less straightforward.

The Sony WH-1000XM4, on the other hand, provides a more ubiquitous and versatile Bluetooth connectivity experience.

While they lack the same Apple-specific chip, they do enable normal Bluetooth connections, making them compatible with a broader range of devices, including Android smartphones and laptops.

Furthermore, the Sony headphones offer multi-device pairing, allowing you to connect them to two devices at the same time, making switching between devices easy.

Finally, the choice between these two versions may come down to your device ecosystem. If you’re firmly invested in the Apple environment, the Beats Solo 3’s flawless connectivity could be a huge benefit.

However, if you prefer a more adaptable connection that works well with a variety of devices, the Sony WH-1000XM4 provides greater compatibility and multi-device simplicity.

Support for Bluetooth Codec 

When it comes to Bluetooth codec support, the Sony WH-1000XM4 outperforms the Beats Solo 3. Sony’s headphones include LDAC, a high-quality audio codec that enables superb wireless audio performance.

LDAC has a substantially greater bitrate than common Bluetooth codecs like AAC or SBC, resulting in superior sound quality, especially when listening to high-resolution audio files. This means that when you use LDAC-compatible devices, you will hear more detailed and immersive audio.

When it comes to Bluetooth codec support, the Sony WH-1000XM4 outperforms the Beats Solo 3. Sony’s headphones include LDAC, a high-quality audio codec that enables superb wireless audio performance.

LDAC has a substantially greater bitrate than common Bluetooth codecs like AAC or SBC, resulting in superior sound quality, especially when listening to high-resolution audio files. This means that when you use LDAC-compatible devices, you will hear more detailed and immersive audio.

Extra Feature

When it comes to supplementary features, the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Beats Solo 3 each have their own set of features that appeal to distinct user tastes.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 has a plethora of innovative functions, such as Speak-to-Chat, which automatically pauses music when you start conversing, and Adaptive Sound Control, which adjusts noise suppression settings based on your activity and location.

Furthermore, it offers 360 Reality Audio for a more immersive listening experience and has a proximity sensor for auto play/pause when the headphones are removed or worn.

The Beats Solo 3, on the other hand, includes features such as Apple’s W1 chip for smooth pairing with Apple devices, making it an excellent pick for iOS users.

It also boasts Fast Fuel charging, which provides three hours of playback with a 5-minute charge, and on-ear controls make it simple to manage playback and answer calls.

While it does not have the same level of powerful audio processing as the Sony WH-1000XM4, it is designed for those who value simplicity and integration inside the Apple ecosystem.

Finally, the choice between these two headphones will come down to whether you value superior noise cancellation and music quality (Sony) or seamless connectivity with Apple devices and quick charging (Beats). Each provides a unique set of added features to enhance your listening experience.

Which is the Winner?

Choosing between the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 is primarily dependent on your personal demands and goals.

In terms of sound quality, noise cancellation, and advanced functions, the Sony WH-1000XM4 comes out on top.  It provides a great audio experience, superior noise cancellation, and a multitude of smart features such as Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control.

If you’re an audiophile or someone who loves cutting-edge technology and high-quality sound, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is an obvious pick.

The Beats Solo 3, on the other hand, keeps its position with an emphasis on comfort, simplicity, and seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem.

It has a comfortable fit, a long battery life, and the W1 chip for easy connectivity with Apple devices. If you’re an iOS user searching for easy connectivity and portability, the Beats Solo 3 may be a better choice.

Finally, the “winner” is determined by your personal choices. Sony is the way to choose if sound quality and advanced features are important to you.

If you value ease, comfort, and Apple device compatibility, Beats is a solid candidate. Both headphones have distinct advantages, and the choice ultimately comes down to what is most important to you in your listening experience.

Overall, both headphones are excellent picks, and you can’t go wrong with either. It’s worth mentioning that the Sony WH-1000XM3 is also available, with similar performance to the WH-1000XM4 but fewer features. As a result, your decision may take into account both budget limits and specific sound preferences.

Alternative Options

There are numerous fantastic wireless headphones to consider in addition to the Beats Solo 3 and Sony WH-1000XM4. The Bose QuietComfort 35 II, noted for its superb noise-canceling qualities and comfortable fit, is an appealing option. It is a great contender thanks to Bose’s renowned sound quality and simple, intuitive controls.

The Sennheiser Momentum 3 Wireless is another option that provides outstanding sound quality, comfy ear cups, and configurable noise cancellation.

The sleek design and touch controls are notable characteristics. The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 is an appealing alternative for audiophiles, offering exceptional sound fidelity and adaptive noise suppression.

If you’re on a tight budget, the Sony WH-CH710N is a more economical choice that nevertheless provides good sound quality and noise cancellation. Finally, the Apple AirPods Max is a premium option for Apple fans, providing seamless connectivity with Apple products, outstanding quality, and active noise reduction.

Each of these options has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s critical to examine your personal requirements, budget, and preferences while deciding on the ideal headphones for your use case.

Beats Solo 3 VS Sony WH-1000xm4 – FAQs

Which headphones have greater sound quality, the Beats Solo 3 or the Sony WH-1000XM4?

Both headphones provide excellent sound quality, but the choice is up to you. The Beats Solo 3 has a bass-heavy sound that is ideal for genres such as hip-hop and EDM. The Sony WH-1000XM4, on the other hand, has a more balanced sound profile with higher clarity for diverse music genres, movies, and games.

Do the Beats Solo 3 or Sony WH-1000XM4 have stronger noise cancellation?

Both headphones provide exceptional noise cancellation, making them ideal for shutting out ambient sounds while traveling or in loud environments. While there may be minor variances in performance, they are generally comparable. Other criteria, including as sound quality and comfort, should be considered while deciding between them.

Which headphones are more comfortable for extended use, the Beats Solo 3 or the Sony WH-1000XM4?

Comfort is subjective and depends on the shape and size of your head and ears. However, because of its lightweight on-ear style, many users find the Beats Solo 3 to be more comfortable for shorter sessions. The Sony WH-1000XM4, with its over-ear design and cushy ear cushions, may be favored for long listening periods since they distribute pressure more evenly.

Do the Beats Solo 3 or Sony WH-1000XM4 offer a longer battery life?

The Beats Solo 3 has an outstanding battery life, with up to 40 hours of playback on a single charge. The Sony WH-1000XM4 has an outstanding battery life, with up to 30 hours of listening. The choice between them is based on your unique usage patterns and whether the greater battery life of the Beats is important to you.

Which headphones are superior for calls and microphone quality, the Beats Solo 3 or the Sony WH-1000XM4?

Both headphones include microphones for calls and voice commands. However, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is frequently commended for its improved microphone quality and noise-canceling qualities during calls. If you routinely use headphones for phone conversations or virtual meetings, the Sony model may be a better option.

Final Thoughts

My personal preference is for the Sony WH-1000XM4 vs the Beats Solo 3. This decision is impacted by considerations such as design and fit, both of which are more in line with my preferences.

Furthermore, I admit to having some cynicism about celebrity-endorsed products and their longevity. It begs the question of whether we’re purchasing a brand or a true quality goods.

While my hesitation remains, I strongly suggest the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones, especially if they fall within your price range. Despite my qualms, the Sony pair provides an appealing combination of design, comfort, and sound quality that is difficult to match in their price range.