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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If price is a major factor for you, the Beats Solo 3 are significantly less expensive than the Sony WF1000XM5 and they offer a decent overall sound quality with the added versatility of having both wireless and wired options. They are over-ear headphones, which generally provide better noise isolation and richer sound, but might be bulkier for carrying around compared to earbuds. On the other hand, the Sony WF1000XM5 earbuds are more portable and they have superior noise isolation thanks to Active Noise Cancelling, which is great for travel and noisy environments. They also boast better sound quality overall and have features such as an app equalizer, optimized performance for Android and Apple, wireless charging, and a longer battery life, which makes them a good choice if you have a higher budget and prefer the convenience of true wireless earbuds for a range of activities including exercise. 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 WF1000XM5.
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM5
- Very good for music
Key differences
Music
6.3
8.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 is very good for music, while the Beats Solo 3 is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.8
4.9
The Beats Solo 3 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for podcasts and audiobooks, though the Beats Solo 3 is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
5.3
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM5 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 WF1000XM5 has 9 hours of battery life.
Cost
$117
$298
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Beats Solo 3 has a price of $117 and the Sony WF1000XM5 costs $298.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.3
5.1
The Beats Solo 3 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for gaming.
Phone Calls
4.7
5.0
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Beats Solo 3 are both poor for phone calls.
TV and Video
5.6
5.4
The Beats Solo 3 and Sony WF1000XM5 are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
8.0
8.5
The Sony WF1000XM5 and Beats Solo 3 both have very good build quality.
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How the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WF1000XM5 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Solo 3 | Sony WF1000XM5 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$117 | $298 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Sony | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2016 | July 1, 2023 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired + Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.3/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.7/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.3/10 | 5.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 5.5/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.9/10 | 6.2/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 41.5 Hours | 9 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 2 Hours | 1.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 4.2 | 5.3 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 18 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 8.8/10 | |
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 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 5.7/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 213.1 Grams | 6 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 WF1000XM5
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Sound Guys
Harley Maranan | July 2023
"The Sony WF-1000XM5 is among the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, and they aren’t cheap. These earbuds aren’t the best choice for budget-conscious listeners. But if you prioritize active noise cancelation, sound quality, and extensive software support, the WF-1000XM5 is worth its premium price tag."
Get a great deal on the Beats Solo 3 or the Sony WF1000XM5
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.
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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.
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Earbuds and Headphones Expert
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