Beats Solo 3 Wireless vs Sony WF-C500
The Verdict
Beats Solo 3 and Sony WF-C500 serve entirely different use cases despite both lacking ANC. Solo 3 delivers 40-hour battery life with Apple W1 chip integration, ideal for iPhone users seeking wireless convenience and wired backup via RemoteTalk cable. Its on-ear design provides wider soundstage but weighs 215g. Sony WF-C500 offers true wireless freedom with IPX4 water resistance, 360 Reality Audio, and superior Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity at half the price. However, 10-hour earpiece battery requires frequent charging despite 20-hour case capacity. Solo 3 excels for Apple ecosystems and marathon listening; WF-C500 wins for portability, water resistance, and budget-conscious buyers. Choose Solo 3 if you prioritize battery endurance and ecosystem integration; select WF-C500 for true wireless mobility and swimming capability.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Solo 3 Wireless if…
- →40-hour battery life is phenomenal — charges once a week for most users
- →Fast Fuel gives 3 hours from just 5 minutes of charging
- →W1 chip makes pairing with Apple devices instant and seamless
Buy the Sony WF-C500 if…
- →10-hour battery life per charge is outstanding for the price
- →Compact, lightweight design disappears in the ear
- →DSEE upscaling improves compressed audio quality
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Beats Solo 3 Wireless
Pros
- 40-hour battery life is phenomenal — charges once a week for most users
- Fast Fuel gives 3 hours from just 5 minutes of charging
- W1 chip makes pairing with Apple devices instant and seamless
- Foldable and portable for commuting and travel
- Iconic Beats styling in multiple color options
Cons
- On-ear clamping force causes discomfort during extended sessions
- Bass-heavy sound signature lacks detail in mids and highs
- No ANC — you're paying for brand and battery, not noise cancellation
- Lightning charging port instead of USB-C
- Bluetooth 4.0 is outdated — lacks modern codec support
Sony WF-C500
Pros
- 10-hour battery life per charge is outstanding for the price
- Compact, lightweight design disappears in the ear
- DSEE upscaling improves compressed audio quality
- IPX4 sweat resistance handles workouts
- Reliable Sony sound quality at a budget-friendly price
Cons
- No ANC or ambient sound mode
- No multipoint Bluetooth connection
- No wireless charging case
- Basic microphone quality — not ideal for calls
- SBC/AAC only — no high-resolution codecs
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Solo 3 Wireless | Sony WF-C500 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | on-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 215 g | 5.5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 40 hrs | 10 hrs (20 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | Lightning, 5 min = 3 hrs (Fast Fuel) | USB-C |
| Drivers | Fine-tuned acoustics driver | 5.8mm driver |
| Features | Apple W1 chip for seamless Apple pairing, Fast Fuel charging (5 min = 3 hrs), Foldable design for portability, On-ear controls, RemoteTalk cable for wired use | DSEE digital sound enhancement, 360 Reality Audio, Sony Headphones Connect app, Fast Pair for Android |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 with Apple W1 chip | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX4 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Beats products or all Sony products. View full details for the Beats Solo 3 Wireless or the Sony WF-C500.