Beats Studio3 vs Sony WH-1000XM4

When choosing premium over-ear headphones, Beats Studio3 and Sony WH-1000XM4 stand out for their noise-cancelling technology, sound quality, and wireless convenience. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which one suits your needs better.

Beats Studio3 vs Sony WH-1000XM4

Specification Comparison

Key Differences

1. Noise Cancellation

• • Beats Studio3: Uses Pure ANC, which dynamically adjusts to external noise but may struggle in environments with irregular sounds.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4: Offers superior adaptive noise cancellation with AI optimization, better suited for a wide variety of environments.

2. Sound Quality

• • Beats Studio3: Signature bass-heavy sound, great for pop, hip-hop, and bass-centric genres.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4: Balanced sound profile with support for LDAC for high-resolution audio, allowing a more detailed and customizable listening experience.

3. Battery Life

• • Beats Studio3: Up to 22 hours with ANC, extending to 40 hours without ANC.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4: Longer playtime at 30 hours with ANC and 38 hours without, with faster quick-charge capabilities.

4. Bluetooth and Connectivity

• • Beats Studio3: Equipped with the W1 chip for seamless pairing with Apple devices but uses the older Bluetooth 4.0.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4: Bluetooth 5.0 ensures a more stable connection and supports multi-device pairing.

5. Design and Comfort

• • Beats Studio3: Lightweight with vibrant, stylish designs but uses physical buttons.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4: Sleeker, more understated design with touch-sensitive controls and superior comfort for long listening sessions.

6. Additional Features

• • Beats Studio3: Best suited for Apple ecosystem users due to the W1 chip.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4: Offers more features, including Speak-to-Chat (pauses music when you speak) and customizable EQ via the Sony Headphones app.

Design and Build

Both headphones are comfortable for extended use, with soft ear cushions. However:

• • Beats Studio3 leans toward a bold aesthetic and is slightly heavier.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 focuses on a minimalist design, lighter weight, and touch controls for modern appeal.

Port Configuration

• • Beats Studio3: Micro-USB charging port (dated by today’s standards).
  • Sony WH-1000XM4: USB-C charging, offering faster and more convenient charging.

Price and Value

Both headphones retail at similar price points (~$349), but frequent discounts are available. The Sony WH-1000XM4 often justifies its price with superior features, while the Beats Studio3 appeals to Apple users and bass lovers.

Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?

• • Choose Beats Studio3 if:
    • You’re deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem.
    • You prefer a bass-heavy sound profile and stylish designs.
  • Choose Sony WH-1000XM4 if:
    • You want top-tier noise cancellation and balanced sound.
    • You prioritize modern connectivity and customization options.
    • Comfort and longer battery life are essential.

CompareZone Ratings

Explanation of Scores

1. Noise Cancellation

• • Beats Studio3 (80): Effective in general environments but less adaptive to irregular noises.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 (95): Industry-leading noise cancellation with superior environmental adaptability.

2. Sound Quality

• • Beats Studio3 (75): Bass-focused sound that may lack detail for some genres.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 (95): Balanced, customizable sound with support for high-resolution audio codecs.

3. Battery Life

• • Beats Studio3 (85): Solid battery life but slightly behind Sony.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 (95): Longer battery life with faster quick-charging.

4. Connectivity

• • Beats Studio3 (70): Bluetooth 4.0 limits range and multi-device capabilities.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 (95): Bluetooth 5.0 offers a stable connection and multi-device pairing.

5. Design & Comfort

• • Beats Studio3 (80): Stylish but slightly heavier.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 (90): Minimalist, lighter, and more comfortable for extended wear.

6. Ease of Use

• • Beats Studio3 (85): Simple physical buttons make it easy to use.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 (90): Touch controls and advanced features like Speak-to-Chat add convenience.

7. Durability

• • Beats Studio3 (85): Robust build with vibrant finishes.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 (90): Durable materials with a focus on long-term wearability.

8. Port Configuration

• • Beats Studio3 (65): Micro-USB feels outdated.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 (90): Modern USB-C charging is more versatile.

9. Additional Features

• • Beats Studio3 (70): Limited smart features, focused on core performance.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 (95): Packed with innovations like adaptive sound control and app-based EQ customization.

10. Value for Money

• • Beats Studio3 (75): Good value if you’re in the Apple ecosystem and want bass-heavy audio.
  • Sony WH-1000XM4 (90): Offers better overall value for its feature set and superior performance.

Final Average Scores

• • Beats Studio3: 77/100
  • Sony WH-1000XM4: 92/100

The Sony WH-1000XM4 consistently outperforms the Beats Studio3 in most categories, making it the better choice for most users. However, the Beats Studio3 still holds its own for Apple users and fans of a bass-heavy signature sound.