Though the mid-range headphones are good, they are like a lost ship in the market as of now. That is because users seem to be drawn more towards either budget or high-end models. Today, we are going to look at two mid-range models that are extremely popular.
In this comparison review, we will discuss the Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones – Apple W1 Headphone Chip vs the Sony WH-CH700N Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-The-Ear Headphones.
Two reputed makers produce them in the market. These Beats headphones were created as a result of Apple purchasing the manufacturer. Our review below will be a result of that when it was released into the market in 2016.
The Solo 3 model was a product of how the Cupertino-based company wanted to envision their headphones. However, they wanted to ensure that the Beat’s unique flavors were infused into the unit.
The first impressions of the headset are good. It is pretty slim, and one feels that the earcups could have come with a bit more cushion. Having said that, they could have made it slightly broader because those with more prominent ears are going to struggle a bit.
The model comes embedded with the W1 chip that provides you with some remarkable improvements in offering you with a wireless experience. We feel that this feature itself is sufficient for making the model sell in an overcrowded market.
The Sony WH-CH700N headphone is another exceptional model sold in the market. However, can it compete with its models like the WH-100MX4 model that is currently selling like hotcakes?
That is because the noise-cancelling provided in them is exquisite. You will also want to know that the model is expensive, priced at $350 and above. It comes with the support of the Google Assistant and Siri integration.
Moreover, you also have the ability to use hands-free commands and notifications. Additionally, they come with an incredible battery working life. This is the most wanted feature for audiophiles.
The design and the fitting of the WH-CH700N model are incredible. You would find them quite likeable and comfortable. It has exceptional padding offered on the earcups of the headphones. There is also the USB-C charging input and not the micro USB that is found on most models.
Consumers would also be happy knowing that the battery life is magnificent. Can the acquisition by Apple give Beats an advantage, or the Sony model is good enough to take on the Cupertino-based maker as of now?
Let us read further to understand more about the Beats and Sony models. We have mentioned the winner at the end of the post.
 |  |
|---|---|
| Beats Solo 3 Wireless | Sony WH-CH700N |
| PROS | PROS |
| The model comes with the decent build quality. The unit offers you with fantastic sound ability. It has a clear and clean midrange. It comes with excellent Bluetooth smartphone interaction. The product has a wonderful battery working life. | The unit is comfortable to wear for prolonged hours. The model is eloquently designed. It comes with spectacular features like AAC, aptX, aptX HD & wired. It has the ability of Google Assistant and Siri integration. The product comes with commendable battery life. |
| CONS | CONS |
| The headphone does not have subtlety and detail. | The headphones are clearly not durable and may not last for several years. |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Beats Solo 3 Wireless vs Sony WH-CH700N: Design & Comfort
The Beats Solo Wireless headphone offers you with an exceptional design & comfort capability. When you hold it in your hands, you may wonder if it is not anything like the earlier model, the Solo 2.
That is a good thing to notice because Apple has ensured that they produce an entirely new product after their takeover. When you notice the unit closely, you find that their improvements are evident.
You would want to know that it comes with stable connectivity and enhanced battery life. However, when you wear glasses for lengthy periods of time, then you may find that you are having discomfort.
You would be glad to know that the earcups fit correctly on your head and manage to blend with the contours. Previously, the models used to come with the bright red B logos. The makers have done their best to make the Beats on par with the Bose and the Sennheiser brands.
Sony is known to produce some amazing headphones that are incredible when it comes to design & comfort. The Sony WH-CH700N noise cancelling headphone comes with a good technique & comfort quality.
It is incredibly lightweight, and you can wear them for several hours without feeling any discomfort. Our tester thought that they might not be ideal for those of you with large heads or ears. That is because it is not the most comfortable when it comes to the buttons’ position.
Its playback controls could have been better positioned to ensure quality performance. Though you will appreciate that each of the functions comes with its own dedicated button, there is no need for a double-tap in this model.
You can also reconfigure the noise-cancelling button on the model for accessing Google Assistant and Alexa using the headphone app. This was another handy feature found on the unit.
Our tester felt that this configuration was beneficial when it came to turning the noise cancelling off. Overall, the design & comfort of the Sony model is a yes from us. There is no doubt that the maker has got it right with the WH-CH700N.
Beats Solo 3 Wireless vs Sony WH-CH700N: Build Quality
The Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphones’ build quality is fantastic. We did not mean that they are good now; they were phenomenal from the beginning itself. Apple has managed to retain its top-notch build quality in this model too.
Though you may verify its pricing suspiciously, you will want to know that the model is designed mainly from plastic. That was quite unfortunate because everything else is produced from plastic except for the headband.
But we are talking about high-quality plastic here. You can see that the earpads are produced from synthetic leather-topped foam. Moreover, you can ensure that the fake leather present on the model is not very good either.
There is nothing exceptional about it. We don’t blame Apple for that. Perhaps, in the near future, we may get to see some incredible products from them. We liked the pattern and the texture found on it.
The Sony WH-CH700N headphones have a superb build quality to them. You can feel the tremendous strength of the model when you hold it. However, the hinges let it down. Otherwise, the headset is incredibly built and designed.
It is lightweight and quite portable. You can place it inside your bag and then move around effortlessly with it. Our tester felt that it is the ideal travel companion for you. You can notice some discomfort if you wear glasses or have long hair.
That is something that Sony might want to work on. If you’re going to go with the top-end units like the WH-1000XM3, you should consider using this affordable version. Users can enjoy the audio quality too.
Beats Solo 3 Wireless vs Sony WH-CH700N: Audio Performance
The Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphones offer you with a phenomenal audio performance for the price point. You cannot really push it any further. We cannot ask for the price anymore because you get it all in there.
The bass response is good and is a crowd puller to say in the audio quality. Though we cannot call it the best in the class, it is pretty accurate. You can get to hear the thumps and the vocals opulently.
That is nice to know. We were slightly unhappy with the limited dynamics in the headphone. Moreover, you could also find a lack of detail that may not do the headset any big favors. They are acceptable, but if you are an audiophile, you for sure won’t be quite impressed.
Here is the thing because this model was meant to actually be a product from Apple that could take Beats to the top spot. That is indeed not happening here. Additionally, the connectivity with the iPhones is disappointing.
If you compare the Solo 3 model to the Sennheiser Momentum 2.0 & Audio Technica ATH-MSR7, you will agree that they have the audio detail in them. It is not a significant flaw or anything of that sort that the audio bore treble is indeed missing in there.
The Sony WH-CH700N headphones provide you with exceptional audio performance. You can hear the noise-cancelling feature literally work in the headset. That is good to know. The maker knows how to impress the masses with its sound quality.
That is something that Sony has not failed to do in most of the models it has released. It also comes with a fascinating midrange frequency response. You can also notice the mild de-emphasized bass response.
It is suitable for those who love listening to heavy metal songs. Moreover, you can also get to hear some classical songs at their very best using these headphones. We also found that the dynamic drivers are aligned to be parallel to your ear canal.
However, noise-cancelling can reduce the sound levels at times when you are using it in the subway or outside. We were not sure about that part. The maker needs to come up with some improvement on that aspect of it.
The noise cancelling is good otherwise on the headset. When you search for a headset that is priced under $200, you cannot go wrong with the WH-CH700N model at this price. If not, be prepared to pay higher for top-end models from Sony, Bose & Sennheiser.
Beats Solo 3 Wireless vs Sony WH-CH700N: Microphone Performance
The Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphone comes with a tremendous microphone performance. It also comes with an astonishing built-in microphone that you can use for making phone calls. Besides, you can also make use of the voice assistant feature on it.
The Sony WH-CH700N headphone comes with a good microphone performance. It sounds like the way that it should sound. It is acceptable for making quick calls and highlights some echo during voice transmission.
Beats Solo 3 Wireless vs Sony WH-CH700N: Compatibility
The Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphone has an exceptional compatibility feature to them. That is because it is ready to pair on any device right out of the box. When you want to connect it with the iOS device, you should use the power button and hold it next to the unlocked device.
When you want to connect with the android device, then you can download the Beats app from the Play Store. Use the power button on the right side and press for a few seconds for the LED light to show.
The Sony WH-CH700N headphone provides you with stunning compatibility that is present on it. The model allows you to make use of the wireless Bluetooth streaming in NFC with one touch. You can also customize the audio based on the headphones connect app for Android/iOS.
There is also the connectivity technology with the help of the Bluetooth 4.1 with NFC. Our tester felt that the compatibility is excellent because it allows you to effortlessly connect a wide range of devices.
Beats Solo 3 Wireless vs Sony WH-CH700N: Price
The Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones – Apple W1 Headphone Chip is priced under $200. Its battery working life is one of the best in the market at the moment because when it is low, you can charge it for 5 minutes.
It can provide you with 3 hours of listening capability. The fitting, too, is commendable as it comes with eloquent earcups that can be adjusted to your liking for regular usage. The design is not only durable but slick and comfortable.
You can wear it for an extended time. The Sony WH-CH700N Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-The-Ear Headphones are priced under $199. There is no price difference between the two models are they are priced at almost under $200.
However, you can get a discount on the Beats model as it was priced $134 at writing. The unit comes infused with the Digital Sound Enhancement Engine (DSEE). The model also provides you with Bluetooth 4.1 interface, and it also has a rechargeable battery.
That means you can use the battery for several years. It also comes with an exceptional built-in microphone. You can also make use of the built-in microphone to make hands free calls. Besides, users can do calls with the voice assistant too.
Beats Solo 3 Wireless vs Sony WH-CH700N: Verdict
We have come to the end of our comparison review on the Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones – Apple W1 Headphone Chip vs the Sony WH-CH700N Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-The-Ear Headphones.
We hope that you enjoyed reading the above post and were able to make your decision. If you haven’t, then we suggest that you reread the review. Perhaps, you missed something. The Beats Solo 3 Wireless model comes with massive improvements in some areas.
You can notice the new wireless capability and the new battery working life—besides the wireless ability to connect with most devices sold in the market. The handling with the iOS devices is commendable as iPhones do not let the pairing of the NFC.
Otherwise, there is little or nothing to complain about it. The only thing you wished came well would be the poor leatherette that is infused in the model. The Sony WH-CH700N model is another exciting release from the maker.
If you are not somebody who wants to break from the shackles of Bose & Sennheiser, then you might want to make use of this model. It comes very lightweight, portable, and has the ANC. You would also like the built-in microphone that is most talked about in the market.
The Beats Solo 3 Wireless unit has a lengthier battery life, is 25g lighter, and can be folded. It also comes with the in-line control panel and has an on-ear form. The Sony WH-CH700N model comes with active noise cancellation, an over-the-ear form, and a neodymium magnet.
It also has a Bluetooth aptX, voice prompts, the voice commands and also supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC. Our winner in the comparison review between Beats Solo 3 Wireless unit vs Sony WH-CH700N model is the Sony model.
You may find it challenging to see better models for now. Yes, some better models come with a higher price, but the WH-CH700N does not cost much for us.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.