Are you in the market for a new pair of headphones and can’t decide between the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4?
Look no further! In this article, we will compare these two popular headphone models and help you make an informed decision.
From sound quality to comfort, battery life to noise cancellation, we’ll break down all the key features, pros, and cons so that you can find the perfect headphones for your needs.
Get ready to discover which pair will be your new favorite listening companion!
Design
Physical Design
When it comes to the physical design, both the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 have their own unique appeal. The Beats Solo 3 feature a sleek and stylish design with a metal headband and comfortable cushioned ear cups.
The ear cups can be swiveled and adjusted for a perfect fit, ensuring a comfortable listening experience. The Sony WH-1000XM4, on the other hand, feature a more minimalistic and modern design with a plastic build.
They also come with well-padded ear cups and an adjustable headband, providing a comfortable fit for long listening sessions. Both headphones are lightweight and easy to carry around, making them great options for travel.
Colors
When it comes to color options, the Beats Solo 3 offer a variety of vibrant choices, ranging from bold red and yellow to classic black and white.
The Sony WH-1000XM4, on the other hand, have a more conservative color range, including black and silver options.
While the Beats Solo 3 provide a wider array of color choices to suit different tastes and styles, the Sony WH-1000XM4’s more limited color options may appeal to those who prefer a more understated look.
Comfort
Comfort is of utmost importance when it comes to headphones, especially if you plan on wearing them for extended periods of time.
Both the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 excel in this aspect. The cushioned ear cups of both headphones provide a snug fit and help to block out external noise.
The adjustable headbands ensure a secure and comfortable fit, allowing you to enjoy your music without any discomfort. Whether you’re using the headphones for a long flight or a marathon study session, both the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 deliver on comfort.
Also Read: Differences Between Beats Fit Pro And Beats Powerbeats Pro.
Sound Quality
Audio Performance
When it comes to sound quality, both the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer excellent performance. The Beats Solo 3 deliver a punchy and energetic sound signature with enhanced bass, ideal for those who enjoy genres like hip-hop and electronic music.
The Sony WH-1000XM4, on the other hand, provide a more balanced and detailed sound with a wider soundstage, perfect for audiophiles and those who appreciate a more natural and immersive listening experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference and the genres of music you most enjoy.
Bass
If you’re someone who loves deep and powerful bass, the Beats Solo 3 are sure to impress you. These headphones are known for their strong bass response, delivering thumping beats that make your music come alive.
On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer a more refined bass reproduction, striking a balance between depth and accuracy. They provide a controlled and tight bass response without overpowering the rest of the sound spectrum.
Whether you prefer punchy bass or a more balanced audio experience, both headphones deliver impressive bass performance.
Clarity
When it comes to clarity, the Sony WH-1000XM4 outshine the Beats Solo 3. These headphones offer exceptional detail and clarity, bringing out the nuances in your music.
The WH-1000XM4’s high-resolution audio capabilities and advanced noise cancellation technology contribute to a clearer and more immersive listening experience. While the Beats Solo 3 provide good clarity, they may not offer the same level of precision and detail as the Sony WH-1000XM4. If you prioritize clarity in your music, the WH-1000XM4 are the clear winner.
Noise Cancelling
Both the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 come equipped with noise cancelling technology, allowing you to enjoy your music without any distractions from the outside world.
The Beats Solo 3 feature a noise isolating design that helps to block out external noise to a certain degree, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 utilize advanced noise cancelling algorithms that can adapt to different environments.
The WH-1000XM4’s noise cancellation capabilities are considered to be among the best in the market, delivering an unparalleled level of peace and quiet. If you frequently find yourself in noisy environments, the Sony WH-1000XM4’s noise cancelling technology is a game-changer.
Battery Life
Beats Solo 3
The Beats Solo 3 boast an impressive battery life of up to 40 hours on a single charge. This is perfect for long journeys or all-day use without having to worry about running out of battery.
The Fast Fuel feature allows you to quickly charge the headphones for 5 minutes and get up to 3 hours of playback time, making it convenient for when you’re in a hurry. The Solo 3 also have a power-saving mode that automatically turns off the headphones when not in use to conserve battery life.
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 offer a slightly shorter battery life compared to the Beats Solo 3, with up to 30 hours of playback time on a full charge. However, they make up for it with their quick charge capabilities.
Just like the Beats Solo 3, the WH-1000XM4 have a fast charging feature that gives you 5 hours of playback time with just a 10-minute charge. Additionally, the WH-1000XM4 have a smart feature that detects when you’re not using the headphones and puts them into a low-power mode to extend battery life.
Charging Time
The charging time for both the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 is relatively quick. The Beats Solo 3 can be fully charged in approximately 2 hours, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 take around 3 hours for a full charge.
Both headphones come with a charging cable, allowing you to easily juice them up when needed. If you need a quick top-up, the fast charging capabilities of both headphones offer a convenient solution.
Also Read: Differences Between AirPods Pro Max And Beats Studio 3.
Connectivity
Wired
Both the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer the option for wired connectivity. This is particularly useful if you want to conserve battery life or if you’re using a device that doesn’t have Bluetooth capabilities.
Both headphones come with a detachable audio cable that allows you to connect directly to your device for a wired listening experience. In terms of sound quality, both headphones deliver excellent audio performance when used in wired mode.
Bluetooth
When it comes to wireless connectivity, both the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 utilize Bluetooth technology to connect to your devices. With Bluetooth, you can enjoy the convenience of wireless listening without the hassle of tangled wires.
Both headphones support Bluetooth 5.0, which offers a stable and reliable connection with minimal latency. Whether you’re connecting to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, you can expect a seamless wireless experience with both the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4.
Multipoint Connection
The Sony WH-1000XM4 take connectivity a step further with their multipoint connection feature. This allows you to simultaneously connect the headphones to multiple devices, such as your smartphone and laptop, and easily switch between them without the need for manual pairing.
This feature is particularly useful if you often switch between devices or if you want to stay connected to multiple devices at the same time. The Beats Solo 3, unfortunately, do not offer multipoint connection capabilities.
Controls
Physical Buttons
Both the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 feature physical buttons for convenient control over your music and calls. The location and number of buttons vary slightly between the two headphones, but both offer easy access to essential functions like volume control, play/pause, and track skipping.
The Beats Solo 3 have their buttons located on the ear cups, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 have buttons on the right ear cup and a touch panel on the left ear cup. The physical buttons on both headphones provide tactile feedback, making it easy to navigate through your music without having to fiddle with your device.
Touch Controls
In addition to physical buttons, the Sony WH-1000XM4 also come equipped with touch controls on the left ear cup. This touch panel allows you to control your music playback, adjust volume, and even activate your voice assistant with a simple swipe or tap.
The touch controls offer a more intuitive and seamless user experience, allowing you to control your headphones with ease. The Beats Solo 3, on the other hand, do not have touch controls and rely solely on physical buttons for control.
Voice Assistant Support
Both the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer support for voice assistants, allowing you to easily access your device’s voice assistant with a simple command. Whether you prefer Siri, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa, both headphones can be paired with your preferred voice assistant for hands-free control.
Just activate your voice assistant, ask it to play your favorite song or check the weather, and you’re good to go. Voice assistant support adds another layer of convenience to your listening experience, making it easier than ever to control your headphones on the go.
Also Read: Differences Between Beats Fit Pro And AirPods 3.
App Integration
Beats App
The Beats Solo 3 can be paired with the Beats app, which is available for iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to customize your listening experience by adjusting the sound settings, managing device settings, and even checking the battery status of your headphones.
With the app, you can fine-tune the audio to your liking and create a personalized sound profile. The integration of the Beats app adds an extra level of customization and control, allowing you to tailor the sound output of the Solo 3 to match your preferences.
Sony Headphones Connect App
The Sony WH-1000XM4 can be paired with the Sony Headphones Connect app, available for both iOS and Android devices.
This app offers a wide range of features and customization options, including an equalizer for adjusting the sound, adaptive sound control to automatically adjust settings based on your surroundings, and even the ability to customize the controls on the touch panel.
The app also provides firmware updates to ensure your headphones are always up to date with the latest features and improvements. With the Sony Headphones Connect app, you have full control over your WH-1000XM4, allowing you to optimize your listening experience.
Call Quality
Microphone Performance
Both the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 come equipped with built-in microphones for making phone calls. The Solo 3 utilize dual beamforming microphones to capture your voice clearly, while the WH-1000XM4 feature multiple microphones for noise reduction and better voice pickup.
Both headphones deliver good microphone performance, ensuring that your voice is heard clearly during calls.
Noise Cancellation During Calls
When it comes to noise cancellation during calls, the Sony WH-1000XM4 excel. The advanced noise cancelling technology used in these headphones helps to reduce background noise, making your voice more audible to the person on the other end of the call.
This is particularly useful in noisy environments where it can be challenging to have a clear conversation. The Beats Solo 3, while offering good call quality, do not have the same level of noise cancellation capabilities as the WH-1000XM4.
Portability
Foldability
Portability is an important factor to consider when choosing headphones, especially if you plan on using them while traveling or on the go. The Beats Solo 3 feature a foldable design, allowing you to easily collapse them and store them in the included carry case.
This makes them compact and easy to toss into your bag or backpack. The Sony WH-1000XM4, on the other hand, do not have a foldable design. While they can be rotated to lay flat, they do not fold up as neatly as the Solo 3. This may be a consideration if storage space is a concern for you.
Carry Case
Both the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 come with their own carry cases for added protection and convenience. The Beats Solo 3 come with a sturdy and compact case that is designed to fit the headphones snugly.
The case has a zippered closure, ensuring that your headphones are securely stored when not in use. The Sony WH-1000XM4 also come with a protective case that is slightly larger and bulkier than the one provided with the Solo 3.
This case offers ample space to store your headphones and any additional accessories you may have. Whether you prefer a smaller, more compact case or a larger, more spacious one, both headphones come with dedicated carry cases to keep your investment safe.
Price
Beats Solo 3
The Beats Solo 3 are available at a more affordable price point compared to the Sony WH-1000XM4. While the exact price may vary depending on discounts and promotions, the Solo 3 generally offer a more budget-friendly option for those looking for quality wireless headphones.
This makes them a popular choice among consumers who want high-quality audio without breaking the bank.
Sony WH-1000XM4
The Sony WH-1000XM4 are positioned in the higher price range compared to the Beats Solo 3. These headphones are considered to be premium offerings with advanced sound quality, noise cancelling technology, and additional features.
While they come with a higher price tag, they are often praised for their exceptional performance and top-notch audio experience. If you’re looking for the best of the best and are willing to invest in your audio experience, the WH-1000XM4 are worth considering.
Value for Money
When evaluating the value for money, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and requirements. The Beats Solo 3 offer great value in terms of their sound quality, comfort, and design, particularly for those on a tighter budget. They provide excellent audio performance and convenience at a more affordable price point.
On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer a premium listening experience with their superior sound quality, noise cancelling capabilities, and advanced features. If you prioritize top-notch audio and premium features, the WH-1000XM4 provide excellent value for money.
Also Read: Differences Between Arctis Pro And Arctis Nova Pro Headphone.
Overall Comparison
Key Features Comparison
The Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 excel in different areas, making it important to consider your specific needs and preferences. The key features comparison between the two headphones includes:
Design: Both headphones offer sleek designs with comfortable ear cups and adjustable headbands. The Beats Solo 3 provide a wider range of color options, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer a more minimalistic look.
Sound Quality: The Beats Solo 3 deliver boosted bass and energetic sound, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer a more balanced and detailed sound with a wider soundstage.
Battery Life: The Beats Solo 3 offer up to 40 hours of playback time, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 provide up to 30 hours. Both offer fast charging capabilities.
Connectivity: Both headphones support wired and wireless connectivity, but the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer the additional feature of multipoint connection.
Controls: Both headphones have physical buttons, but the Sony WH-1000XM4 also have touch controls for more intuitive control. Both support voice assistant integration.
App Integration: The Beats Solo 3 can be paired with the Beats app, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 offer integration with the Sony Headphones Connect app. Both apps provide customization options and additional features.
Call Quality: Both headphones offer good microphone performance, but the WH-1000XM4 have superior noise cancellation during calls.
Portability: The Beats Solo 3 have a foldable design and come with a compact carry case, while the Sony WH-1000XM4 can lay flat and come with a larger case.
Price: The Beats Solo 3 are more affordable compared to the Sony WH-1000XM4, making them a budget-friendly option.
Pros and Cons
Beats Solo 3:
- Pros: Affordable price, vibrant color options, comfortable design, good bass performance.
- Cons: Less balanced sound, less advanced noise cancelling compared to Sony WH-1000XM4.
Sony WH-1000XM4:
- Pros: Superior sound quality, excellent noise cancelling, advanced features like multipoint connection and adaptive sound control.
- Cons: Higher price, limited color options.
In conclusion, the choice between the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4 depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for a more affordable option with vibrant colors and good bass performance, the Beats Solo 3 are a solid choice. On the other hand, if you value top-notch sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, and premium features, the Sony WH-1000XM4 are the headphones for you. Consider your budget, sound preferences, and desired features to make an informed decision.
