Beats and Sony are two of the most well-known and respected brands in the headphone industry. Both companies offer a wide range of headphones for different needs and price ranges and have built up a loyal following among consumers.
Due to the many features and capabilities, most customers are unable to make a decision on whether to buy Beats headphones or Sony headphones. This Beats vs. Sony headphones review will help you decide which brand is the best fit for you.
But before we look at the primary characteristics that set them apart, here is a brief history of Beats and Sony headphones.
History of Beats Headphones
Beats by Dre headphones were founded in 2006 by rapper and music producer Dr. Dre and Interscope Geffen A&M Records co-founder Jimmy Iovine. Apple acquired the company in 2014 for $3 billion.
Beats headphones are known for their bass-heavy sound and have become popular among hip-hop and electronic music listeners. In addition to headphones, the company also produces speakers and earphones.
Beats collaborate with several artists and athletes and have released several limited-edition collections. The company has faced criticism for its products’ high cost and durability, but they have remained a popular choice among consumers.
Some of the best Beats headphones models are;
- Beats EP Wired On-Ear headphones
- Beats Solo 3 Wireless On-Ear headphones
- Beats Studio3 Over-Ear Wireless headphones
- Beats Solo Pro On-Ear Wireless headphones
- Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
History of Sony Headphones
Sony is a Japanese multinational corporation that was founded in 1946. The company has a long history of producing a wide range of electronic products, including headphones. Sony headphones were first introduced in 1979 with the release of the Walkman portable cassette player, which included a set of earbud-style headphones.
Since then, Sony has released a variety of headphones such as the Sony WH-CH710N for different purposes, including noise-canceling headphones, wireless headphones, and headphones designed for sports and other physical activities.
Sony headphones are known for their high-quality sound and innovative features, and the company has won numerous awards for its headphone products. In recent years, Sony has also focused on sustainability and has released several lines of headphones made from recycled materials.
The top five Sony headphone models available in the market are;
- Sony WH-1000XM5
- Sony WH-1000XM4
- Sony WH-CH710N
- Sony WH-XB910N
- Sony MDR-7506
4 Main Features That Differentiate Between Beats and Sony Headphones
Headphones are handy audio devices that you can use to listen to your favorite music without interrupting the people around you. You can also use them for live-streaming computer games and holding online conferences.
Beats and Sony headphones have a number of unique features and capabilities that makes each model different. Below is an overview of the four main features to help you decide whether to buy beats or Sony headphones
Design and Build Quality
Beats and Sony headphones are known for their stylish designs and high-quality build materials. Beats headphones feature a bold, distinctive look, bright colors, and a sleek, modern aesthetic. They are made of durable materials such as stainless steel and high-quality plastic and are built to withstand heavy use.
On the other hand, Sony headphones tend to have a more understated classic look. They are often made of metal and high-quality plastic and have a sleek sophisticated appearance. Like Beats headphones, they are also built to withstand heavy use and are designed to be comfortable and durable.
Beats and Sony headphones can last for more than five years if you take good care of them. However, some users may prefer the bold and distinctive style of Beats headphones, while others may prefer the classic and understated look of Sony headphones.
Sound Quality
Beats and Sony headphones offer a wide range of options to suit different needs and preferences. Beats headphones are known for their bass-heavy sound signature, perfect for those who love thumping beats and deep bass lines. They also offer a clear and detailed soundstage, with excellent separation between instruments and vocals.
On the other hand, Sony headphones offer a more balanced and neutral sound signature. They are great for those who want a more authentic and true-to-life listening experience and are perfect for genres such as classical and jazz. They also offer excellent soundstage and separation and have a reputation for delivering high-quality audio.
The choice of headphones ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a bass-heavy sound signature, then Beats headphones may be a better choice. On the other hand, if you like a more neutral and accurate sound, then Sony headphones may be the way to go.
Noise Cancellation
Beats and Sony offer a range of headphones with active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. The headphones rely on advanced algorithms to cancel out external noise and create a more immersive listening experience.
Beats headphones with ANC are known for their effective noise cancellation and clear sound quality including low-frequency sounds such as engine noise and high-frequency sounds such as human voices. Beats headphones also offer different noise cancellation modes to suit different listening environments.
Sony headphones with ANC are also highly effective at blocking out external noise and are known for their clear and detailed sound quality. They are programmed with a new generation algorithm that offers different noise cancellation modes to suit different listening environments. This highlight makes Sony headphones better than Beats headphones.
Beats and Sony headphones offer excellent noise cancellation performance, which ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you need headphones with strong noise-cancellation capabilities, then either brand is a good choice.
Comfort and Fit
Beats and Sony headphones are designed to be comfortable and secure, with padded ear cups and adjustable headbands. However, some users may find Beats headphones more comfortable, depending on the size and shape of their heads and ears.
Beats headphones are generally known for their comfortable and secure fit, with padded ear cups and an adjustable headband. They are also lightweight and easy to wear both outdoors and indoors.
Beats or Sony Headphones, Which Ones Should I Buy?
It’s difficult to say definitively which brand is better, as it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Beats and Sony are known for producing high-quality headphones with good sound and a range of features.
One key difference between the two brands is the overall sound signature. Beats headphones are known for their bass-heavy sound, which may be preferred by those who enjoy hip-hop, electronic, and pop music.
On the other hand, Sony headphones are known for their more balanced sound, which may be appreciated by those who enjoy a wide range of genres.
It’s worth noting that both brands offer a variety of models with different sound signatures. It’s recommendable to test several models to find the one that best suits your preferences.
Price is also an important consideration when choosing between Beats and Sony headphones. In general, Beats headphones tend to be more expensive than Sony headphones, with some models costing upwards of $300. On the other hand, Sony headphones offer various options at various price points, with some models starting at around $50 and others reaching over $300.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, your best choice will depend on your personal preferences and budget. It’s a good idea to listen to both brands and compare the sound and comfort before deciding. It is also helpful to read reviews from other users and consider the features that are most important to you, such as noise-canceling, wireless connectivity, and durability.
