When it comes to premium over-ear headphones, Beats and Sony are two of the leading brands in the market. Both the Beats Studio 3 and Sony WH-XB910N offer high-quality sound, sleek designs, and advanced features, but they cater to slightly different preferences. Whether you’re looking for exceptional noise cancellation, immersive sound, or comfort for long listening sessions, both headphones have unique strengths. In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down the key features, differences, and which model might be the best fit for you.
Design and Build Quality
Comfort, Materials, and Aesthetic Appeal
The Beats Studio 3 and Sony WH-XB910N both offer comfort and durability, but there are distinct differences in their design philosophy.
- Beats Studio 3: Known for its signature Beats design, the Studio 3 has a sleek, minimalistic appearance with a smooth matte finish. The earcups are plush and designed for comfort over long listening periods. The build is sturdy, with a foldable design for easy storage.
- Sony WH-XB910N: Sony’s WH-XB910N has a more neutral, less flashy look compared to the Beats Studio 3, featuring a more traditional design with a slightly larger earcup. The earcups are well-padded, and the headband offers a snug fit without being overly tight.
| Feature | Beats Studio 3 | Sony WH-XB910N |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Sleek, Minimalist | Neutral, Traditional |
| Weight | 9.17 oz | 8.9 oz |
| Ear Cup Padding | Plush, Comfortable | Plush, Comfortable |
| Build | Foldable, Durable | Foldable, Durable |
The Beats Studio 3 has a more premium, fashion-forward aesthetic, while the Sony WH-XB910N offers a more classic design suitable for long-term comfort.
Sound Quality and Performance
Audio Performance and Bass Response
Both the Beats Studio 3 and Sony WH-XB910N deliver impressive sound, but they have different tuning philosophies that appeal to different types of listeners.
- Beats Studio 3: Beats is known for its signature bass-heavy sound, and the Studio 3 is no exception. It delivers powerful, punchy bass that makes it ideal for genres like hip-hop, EDM, and pop. The midrange and treble are also well-balanced, though some users may find the bass overwhelming for more neutral listening preferences.
- Sony WH-XB910N: The Sony WH-XB910N focuses on enhancing the bass with its EXTRA BASS™ feature, which emphasizes deep low frequencies. However, it also provides a more balanced sound profile overall, with clear mids and highs. While still bass-forward, the Sony WH-XB910N offers a bit more versatility in sound, making it suitable for a wider variety of genres, including classical and jazz.
| Feature | Beats Studio 3 | Sony WH-XB910N |
|---|---|---|
| Sound Signature | Bass-heavy, Punchy | Bass-forward, Balanced |
| Bass Performance | Strong, Punchy | Deep, Extra Bass™ |
| Mids and Highs | Clear but bass-emphasized | Clear, Balanced |
If you love deep bass and energetic sound, the Beats Studio 3 will likely be your favorite. For those seeking a more balanced listening experience with the option to amp up the bass when desired, the Sony WH-XB910N offers a versatile performance.
Noise Cancellation and Ambient Sound
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Ambient Listening
Both models come with active noise cancellation, but they offer different levels of noise isolation and overall effectiveness.
- Beats Studio 3: Equipped with Pure ANC (Adaptive Noise Cancellation), the Beats Studio 3 uses real-time analysis to adjust the noise cancellation based on your environment. The result is a highly effective noise-cancelling experience that minimizes external distractions. However, the noise cancellation can be less effective in extremely noisy environments compared to some other high-end competitors.
- Sony WH-XB910N: The Sony WH-XB910N features Sony’s industry-leading Adaptive Sound Control, which adjusts noise cancellation based on your activity and environment. Additionally, it has the ability to let in ambient sound when needed via the Ambient Sound Mode, which is perfect for situations where you need to be aware of your surroundings, like while commuting.
| Feature | Beats Studio 3 | Sony WH-XB910N |
|---|---|---|
| ANC Technology | Pure ANC | Adaptive Sound Control |
| Ambient Sound Mode | No | Yes |
In terms of overall ANC performance, the Sony WH-XB910N likely has the edge, especially for those who need to adjust to varying environments. However, the Beats Studio 3 still offers great noise isolation and works well in most settings.
Battery Life and Charging
Playtime and Quick Charge Function
Both headphones offer impressive battery life, but the charging speed and total playtime differ slightly.
- Beats Studio 3: Offers up to 22 hours of playtime with active noise cancellation turned on and 40 hours without it. The fast charging feature allows for 3 hours of playback with just 10 minutes of charging, which is convenient for users who need a quick charge before heading out.
- Sony WH-XB910N: Delivers 30 hours of playtime with noise cancellation activated. It also has a quick charge feature, providing 4.5 hours of playtime in just 10 minutes of charging.
| Feature | Beats Studio 3 | Sony WH-XB910N |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life (ANC On) | 22 hours | 30 hours |
| Quick Charge | 10 min = 3 hours | 10 min = 4.5 hours |
The Sony WH-XB910N has a longer total battery life, making it a better option for long trips or extended listening sessions. The Beats Studio 3, while offering slightly less playtime, still provides solid battery performance with a fast recharge option.
Connectivity and Smart Features
Bluetooth Connectivity and Voice Assistant Integration
Both headphones come with Bluetooth connectivity, but there are some differences in terms of smart features and voice assistant integration.
- Beats Studio 3: Utilizes Apple’s W1 chip, providing seamless pairing with Apple devices. It also supports Siri integration, allowing for voice commands and easy control over music, calls, and settings. The Studio 3’s Bluetooth range is stable, and it connects instantly with Apple products.
- Sony WH-XB910N: Features Bluetooth 5.0 for improved connectivity and supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice control. The headphones also come with an app (Sony Headphones Connect) that allows you to customize sound settings, including adjusting the level of bass or noise cancellation.
| Feature | Beats Studio 3 | Sony WH-XB910N |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | W1 Chip | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Voice Assistants | Siri | Google Assistant / Alexa |
| Customization App | No | Yes (Sony Headphones Connect) |
While both offer excellent voice assistant integration, Beats Studio 3 is better suited for Apple users due to the W1 chip. On the other hand, the Sony WH-XB910N offers more customization options via its app, which is a nice bonus for users who want to fine-tune their listening experience.
Price and Value
| Aspect | Beats Studio 3 | Sony WH-XB910N |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | High | Moderate-High |
| Value for Money | Excellent | Excellent |
Both headphones fall within the premium range, though the Sony WH-XB910N is typically priced slightly lower than the Beats Studio 3, offering excellent value for money given its features, battery life, and sound customization.
Who Should Choose Which?
| User Type | Recommended Model |
|---|---|
| Apple Users | Beats Studio 3 |
| Bass Lovers | Beats Studio 3 |
| Long Battery Life | Sony WH-XB910N |
| Custom Sound Settings | Sony WH-XB910N |
| Noise-Canceling Seekers | Sony WH-XB910N |
Final Verdict
Both the Beats Studio 3 and Sony WH-XB910N offer premium features, but they cater to different types of users:
- Choose the Beats Studio 3 if you’re an Apple user who prioritizes bass-heavy sound and seamless integration with your devices. It’s ideal for those who want a stylish, iconic look and excellent sound quality with a focus on bass.
- Opt for the Sony WH-XB910N if you’re looking for a more balanced sound profile with powerful bass, longer battery life, and customizable features. It’s perfect for those who value noise cancellation, comfort, and versatile use across different devices.
Both are excellent choices, but the decision ultimately depends on whether you prefer the Apple ecosystem and bass-driven sound or a more balanced, customizable listening experience.