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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize a premium audio experience with exceptional noise cancellation and sound quality, you should choose the Sony WF1000XM4, but it comes at a higher price. These earbuds are also more comfortable for extended wear and provide better portability with a more compact earbud design. However, if battery life is crucial for you, the Beats Solo 3 boasts a much longer battery life and may be a more economical choice. The Beats headphones are also suitable for physical activities, as they are over-ear and more likely to stay in place during movement. Keep in mind, though, that the overall sound quality and noise isolation are not as high as the Sony's. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Beats Solo 3
- The Beats Solo 3 has no clear advantages over the Sony WF1000XM4.
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM4
- Excellent for music
- Best in class for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.3
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is excellent for music, while the Beats Solo 3 is only fair.
Phone Calls
4.7
6.7
The Sony WF1000XM4 is only fair for phone calls, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.8
10.0
The Sony WF1000XM4 is best in class for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM4 is very good for noise reduction, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Battery
41.5 Hours
9.0 Hours
The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM4 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$117
$220
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Beats Solo 3 has a price of $117 and the Sony WF1000XM4 costs $220.
Build Quality
8.0
8.9
The Sony WF1000XM4 and Beats Solo 3 both have very good build quality, though the Sony WF1000XM4 has somewhat better build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.3
5.6
The Sony WF1000XM4 and Beats Solo 3 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.6
6.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Sony WF1000XM4 to be only fair for TV and video, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
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How the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WF1000XM4 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Solo 3 | Sony WF1000XM4 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$117 | $220 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2016 | July 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.3/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.7/10 | 6.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.9/10 | 6.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 41.5 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 4.2 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 5.4/10 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.7/10 | 8.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 213.1 Grams | 6.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats Solo 3
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"The Beats Solo3 Wireless is an old set of headphones but still works reliably well with iPhones, due to W1 chip integration and AAC support. The Beats Solo3 Wireless holds up well today with just a few features showing its age."
Sony WF1000XM4
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Dig into reviews and images
What HiFi?
What HiFi? | March 2023
"The headphones deliver a satisfying user experience, class-leading battery life, some of the best noise-cancelling we’ve heard in this category, and absolutely stunning sound quality."
Get a great deal on the Beats Solo 3 or the Sony WF1000XM4
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
About Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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