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Sony Headphones vs Beats: Which Should You Pick?
The Sony headphones vs Beats debate keeps coming up, and it’s easy to see why. Both the Sony WH-1000XM3 and the Beats Studio 3 are well-known wireless noise-canceling headphones with loyal followings.
Neither of these headphones is designed for gaming. They’re over-ear, wireless, active noise-canceling headphones built for commuting, working, and everyday listening.
The Sony WH-1000XM3 has 3 built-in microphones and handles phone calls well, though the lack of a boom mic means it’s not ideal for gaming chat. The Beats Studio 3 is lighter, comfortable for long sessions, and comes with Apple-friendly features thanks to its W1 chip.
Both work great for audiobooks, podcasts, and music. But which one is actually better for your needs? Let’s break it down.
Questions to Ask Before You Buy
Before choosing between these two, think about how you’ll actually use them:
- How many hours a day will you wear them? A few hours or all day?
- Can you charge them overnight, or do you need all-day battery life?
- Do you use Alexa, Siri, or another voice assistant?
- Will you use them during workouts or outdoors in different weather?
- How noisy is your environment? Do you need full noise cancellation, or do you prefer hearing some outside sounds?
- Are you a serious music listener, or do you mainly use headphones for calls and podcasts?
- Is price a deciding factor?
- Are you already invested in the Apple or Android ecosystem?
Sony WH-1000XM3 vs Beats Studio 3: Specs Comparison
Numbers don’t tell the whole story, but they’re a good starting point. Here’s how these two stack up on paper:
| Specs | Sony WH-1000XM3 | Beats Studio 3 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Passive Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Quick Charge | 15 min for 300 min of use | 10 min for 150 min of use |
| Battery Life | 28 hours | 23 hours |
| Sound Quality | Equal Over All Ranges | Large Bass |
| iOS Latency | 120 ms | 264 ms |
| Digital Assistant | Alexa | Siri |
| Microphones | 3 | 1 |
| Design / Comfort | Over-ear, Bulky | Over-ear, Medium |
Sony WH-1000XM3: Detailed Look
Style
The WH-1000XM3 has a refined design with leather-covered earpads in a two-tone finish. The profile sits lower than previous Sony models, and the accents around the vents and logo give it a premium feel. It’s available in black and white.
Sony Headphones
Comfort
Sony improved the earpads and headband design from the previous model. The pads are softer, and the new headband fits snugly without excessive clamping. You can wear these for hours without discomfort.
Controls
The touch-sensitive controls on the right ear cup let you swipe up/down for volume, left to rewind, right to skip tracks, and double-tap to pause or answer calls.
Covering the touchpad with your palm instantly mutes audio so you can hear what’s around you. There’s also a dedicated ambient button on the left ear cup.
Beats Studio 3: Detailed Look
Style
The Beats Studio 3 keeps the brand’s signature sleek look. The button layout blends into the ear cup design, and these headphones come in a wide variety of colors. If style matters to you, Beats gives you more options.
BEATS STUDIO 3
Comfort
The Studio 3 is lighter than the Sony and comfortable for extended listening. The ear cups cover the entire ear without squeezing too hard. The headband could use a bit more padding, but it’s not a dealbreaker.
Controls
Double-tapping the power button toggles noise cancellation on and off. The touch controls handle calls, track skipping, and volume. Everything is responsive and intuitive.
The Verdict
The Sony WH-1000XM3 wins on battery life (28 vs 23 hours), quick charge efficiency (15 minutes gets you 5 hours), and balanced sound across all frequencies. The Beats Studio 3 wins on weight, style options, bass response, and Apple ecosystem integration through the W1 chip.
If you prioritize sound accuracy and battery, go with Sony. If you want bass-heavy audio and you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, Beats is the better fit.
iPhone user? Check our best headsets for iPhone.
For concert protection, see our noise-cancelling headphones for concerts.
