Can’t pick between the popular Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones and its exceptional rival, the versatile Beats Studio 3? Struggling to make a decision?
Well, with an in-depth knowledge of their respective pros and cons, similarities and differences, you will be able to confidently choose what’s best for you.
This is exactly what we’re here to help you with. Stay tuned to witness the ultimate head-to-head battle between these Sony and Beats wireless headphones.
We promise, by the end of this article, you’ll have made up your mind on which headphones offer better value for money and are worth the long-term investment.
But before we get into reviewing, let’s first formally introduce you to the two of our favorite portable buddies!
Introduction To Sony Wh-1000Xm4 And Beats Studio 3
When it comes to high-quality, over-ear headphones, Sony WH-1000XM4 and Beats Studio 3 are two popular choices that often come up in discussions. The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are known for their exceptional noise-canceling technology, comfortable fit, and impressive sound quality. On the other hand, the Beats Studio 3 headphones are praised for their stylish design, solid bass response, and long-lasting durability.
Both models offer a range of features such as Bluetooth connectivity, touch controls, and voice assistant integration. In this comparison and review, we will dive into the key differences between these two models to help you decide which one is the best option for your listening needs.
Design And Comfort Comparison
The Sony WH-1000XM4 and Beats Studio 3 headphones both offer sleek and modern designs, but with some distinct differences.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 features a more understated and professional look, with its slim ear cups and adjustable headband. It also comes in a variety of colors to suit different preferences. On the other hand, the Beats Studio 3 headphones have a more bold and flashy design, with a prominent logo on the ear cups and a slightly bulkier appearance.
Their eye-catching design, comfortable over-ear cups with snugly fit and a splash of vibrant colors, the Beats 3 headphones definitely make a better fashion statement than Sony’s.
But we have got to admit – Sony’s headphones are slightly more comfortable when it comes to extended long hours of use. The manufacturers have done a fantastic job with the designing of the plush ear cups – they’re snugly, lightweight and super comfy, making prolonged listening experiences feel like a breeze.
Sound Quality And Bass Performance Analysis
When it comes to sound quality and performance, both Sony WH-1000XM4 and Beats Studio 3 headphones offer distinct experiences.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are praised for their exceptional sound quality, with clear highs, deep lows, and a balanced mid-range. They also feature advanced noise-cancellation technology that provides an immersive listening experience in any environment.
On the other hand, although Beats Studio 3 offers active noise cancellation but to be dead honest, their ANC service is absolutely not as advanced as Sony’s. But nonetheless, the Beats Studio 3 headphones do make up for this shortcoming with their powerful bass and energetic sound profile, making them a popular choice among bass lovers and fans of hip-hop or electronic music.
However, some users have also noted that the Beats Studio 3 headphones often sacrifice clarity in favor of emphasizing bass. Well, honestly we are not surprised though, the Beats wireless headphones only feature one microphone, whereas the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones feature an additional 4 more microphones. So, obviously their performance in sound quality, clarity and precision will be less flattering than Sony’s.
Frequency Range and Impedance Comparison
Okay, although we don’t mean to spoil the surprise, but the Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones are clearly the well-deserved mighty winner of this category. Curious to know why? We will tell you.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless headphones boast a higher impedance of 32 Ohms compared to the Beats Studio 3 with 16 Ohms, indicating a potentially better ability to resist electrical current flow.
Additionally, these Sony wireless headphones deliver an impressive high-frequency range of up to 40,000 Hz, surpassing the Beats Studio 3’s 20,000 Hz. This higher high-frequency capability allows for more detailed and nuanced audio reproduction.
Moreover, the low-frequency performance of the Sony WH-1000XM4 is equally notable, ranging from 4 Hz, while the Beats Studio 3 offers a 20 Hz low-frequency range. This wider low-frequency spectrum in the Sony headphones contributes to a richer and more immersive bass experience.
So overall, as you can see, the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones outshine the Beats Studio 3 in both impedance and frequency range, promising a superior audio experience with enhanced clarity and depth.
Battery Life And Connectivity Options
Well, in this category, there are some major notable differences you should be aware of before making a purchase.
The Sony WH-1000XM4 boasts an impressive 30-hour battery life, allowing for extended listening sessions without needing to recharge frequently. Additionally, it features quick charging capabilities that provide up to five hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge. On the other hand, the Beats Studio 3 offers a slightly shorter battery life of up to 22 hours but also includes fast fuel technology for quick recharging.
In terms of connectivity options, both headphones support Bluetooth technology for wireless listening. You can pair both sets of headphones to your iPad, PC, MacBook or laptop wirelessly or even with a 3.5 mm AUX cable.
However, the Sony WH-1000XM4 also supports high-quality Bluetooth codecs like LDAC to facilitate high-resolution audio streaming. But hold on, if you’re an iOS user, you may prefer the Beats Studio 3 headphones instead as they use Apple’s W1 chip for seamless pairing with all Apple devices.
Final Verdict: Who Wins Between Sony WH-1000XM4 VS Beats Studio 3?
Right, we have reached the final stage of our review and it’s time to decide on a winner.
When comparing the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Beats Studio 3 headphones, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use. There’s no doubt that the Sony WH-1000XM4 excels in terms of sound quality, frequency range, sound impedance, noise-cancellation technology, longer battery life and overall comfort for extended wear.
On the other hand, the Beats Studio 3 headphones offer a more stylish vibrant design, above-average sound quality with powerful bass response along with seamless connectivity options with Apple devices – all at a very very reasonable price point compared to Sony’s.
So, here’s what we think overall – If you prioritize a balanced and pristine sound quality with a wider frequency range, longer battery life and superior noise-cancellation features for immersive listening experiences, then the Sony WH-1000XM4 would be the better choice for you.
However, if you have a tight budget and are looking for affordably-priced headphones with a trendy design and powerful bass for a more vibrant listening experience, then the Beats Studio 3 may suit your needs best.
Ultimately, keep in mind that both headphones deliver impressive performance, have their own strengths and weaknesses, so it is important that you understand what your own personal priorities and specific needs are before making a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1: Are Beats Studio 3 or Sony headphones better?
Answer: Both wireless headphones offer great value for money and are worth investing in. Now, although the ultimate choice between Beats Studio 3 and Sony headphones will depend on individual preferences and needs, based on their tech features and customer feedback from hundreds, it’s safe to conclude that the Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones offer superior sound quality with higher impedance, wider frequency ranges, better low-frequency performance along with an advanced ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) technology compared to Beats Studio 3 headphones.
Q.2: Are Beats or Sony headphones more comfortable?
Answer: Although beats headphones are known for their comfortable plush in cushions, many users often find that the tight fit of Beats headphones can feel uncomfortable when wearing for long periods of time. On the other hand, Sony headphones are praised for their ergonomic design and adjustable headbands that allow users to customize the fit for maximum comfort. The ear cushions on Sony headphones are made from soft materials that provide a gentle touch against the skin. Additionally, many Sony models feature swiveling ear cups that conform to the shape of the user’s head for added comfort.
Q.3: Which Beats headphones are best for noise canceling?
Answer: Beats Studio Pro have earned a good reputation in the realm of wireless headphones specifically for their premium active noise cancellation technology. These Beats headphones can efficiently block out the majority of ambient noise when you’re listening to music or talking to someone over the phone in a loud concert or crowded market.
Q.4: Are Beats Studio 3 or Sony WH-1000XM4 sweat resistant?
Answer: Yes, the Sony WH-1000XM4 earbuds are IPX4-rated, meaning they are water and sweat resistant. These wireless sports headphones are a great companion to have for running, jogging in the park and even during workouts in the gym. However, the Beats Studio 3 earbuds are unfortunately not resistant to water/sweat, but they can still be cautiously worn in gym though with moisture-proof headphone covers.