Which is Better: Beats Studio3 Wireless or Sony WH-100M3
When looking for the best wireless headphones, the Beats Studio3 Wireless versus Sony WH-100M3 discussion is often brought up. This is due to the fact that both of these headphones stand out for their high quality and professionalism. You will clearly love using them, and the experience will be worthwhile. However, if you must choose between the two, which one is best for you?
Design
Because the designs are so similar, it comes down to personal choice. We give Beats extra marks here since they go out of their way to make things more aesthetically attractive. However, the appearance and general aesthetic appeal are fairly comparable, something to consider as a factor in making your decision.
Noise Reduction
Based on our testing, the Sony headphones provide much greater noise isolation. Beats aren’t horrible, but due to Sony’s superior noise reduction, you don’t hear anything. You get much better isolation, and everything feels better overall.
What Are They Used For
In our opinion, the Sony WH-100M3 performs better in mixed use scenarios such as commuting, exercise, office use, wired or wireless gaming, and phone conversations. You can also use the Beats Studio3 for these things, and they function well, but Sony has the advantage because the overall user experience is much superior.
Usability
Both companies are well-known for their dedication to providing the greatest user experience possible. And you can see it right away. The opinions on Sony are mixed, but they are fantastic on Beats. However, Sony’s device comes with more controls and functions in general. They walk you through the on/off functions and provide voice aid, something that Beats does not offer. You get the impression that you are getting a lot more value for your money. Both of these products have almost comparable breathability. You receive good comfort, however, since they include noise cancellation, the breathability suffers somewhat. They are not expensive, and you’ll find that they deliver the quality and experience you’d expect. They are both very portable, and their casings give maximum protection against damage.
Performance
The Sony unit shines in terms of sound profile, offering a more consistent frequency response. These Beats versions have a superior raw frequency response. However, the precision is unquestionably in Sony’s favor. Yes, the overall performance is comparable, but Sony has the upper hand in the majority of scenarios.
Misc Observations
These are some minor features worth mentioning but they are not substantial enough to warrant their own category. For starters, the XM4 has a longer battery life (30ish hours) than the Studio3 (22ish hours), and the XM4 also earns points for using USB C while the Studio3 is still limited to the considerably less ubiquitous and more fragile micro USB.
Both are acceptable in terms of comfort, though I normally favor the Studio3’s greater cushioning, which helped to cushion my ears. However, the XM4 felt lighter on my head without being overly loose. The controls on both are adequate, but I’ve never been a big fan of the motions that the XM4’s depend on. I appreciate that you can cup your hand over the earphone on the XM4 to turn off ANC and adjust the level, but I find myself accidentally activating it on occasion.
Which is Superior?
If you’re debating between the Beats Studio3 Wireless and the Sony WH-100M3, it all comes down to personal choice and the features you desire. Sony, in our opinion, performed a little bit better and, depending on where you can get them, they are the clear winner. However, the Beats model looks fantastic and has many conveniences, so it might also be a smart choice. It is a good idea to try both and determine which you prefer, but in our opinion, Sony did a somewhat better job here, even if only slightly!