Beats Solo 3 Wireless vs Sony WH-CH720N
The Verdict
Beats Solo 3 delivers Apple ecosystem integration and exceptional 40-hour battery life with Fast Fuel charging, making it ideal for iPhone users prioritizing convenience and longevity between charges. Sony WH-CH720N counters with active noise cancellation, over-ear comfort for extended wear, superior Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, multipoint pairing, and LDAC codec support at a $50 lower price. Sound quality favors Sony's 30mm drivers and DSEE upscaling for audio enhancement, while Beats excels in ecosystem seamlessness and charging speed. Sony's adaptive features like Speak-to-Chat add practical value. For Android users or those seeking ANC and multipoint functionality, Sony offers better overall value. Apple-centric users may prefer Beats' W1 chip convenience despite lacking ANC. Considering performance, features, and price, Sony WH-CH720N edges ahead as the more versatile choice.
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 WH-CH720N if…
- →Exceptional 35-hour battery life with ANC is class-leading
- →Ultra-lightweight at 192 g for comfortable all-day wear
- →LDAC codec support for high-resolution wireless audio
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- Bluetooth 4.0 is outdated — lacks modern codec support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 WH-CH720N
Pros
- Exceptional 35-hour battery life with ANC is class-leading
- Ultra-lightweight at 192 g for comfortable all-day wear
- LDAC codec support for high-resolution wireless audio
- Multipoint Bluetooth for seamless dual-device switching
- Solid noise cancellation at a very competitive $149 price
Cons
- ANC is noticeably weaker than premium XM5 headphones
- 30mm drivers produce smaller, less dynamic soundstage
- Plastic build feels cheap compared to premium Sony models
- No water resistance for gym or outdoor use
- Ear cushions are thinner and less comfortable than XM5
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Solo 3 Wireless | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | on-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 215 g | 192 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 40 hrs | 35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off), 3 min = 1 hr playback |
| Charging | Lightning, 5 min = 3 hrs (Fast Fuel) | USB-C |
| Drivers | Fine-tuned acoustics driver | 30mm |
| 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 | Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat automatic pause, DSEE upscaling for compressed audio, Multipoint Bluetooth, Sony Headphones Connect app with EQ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 4.0 with Apple W1 chip | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
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.
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