Bose QuietComfort SE vs. Beats Solo 3 vs. Sony WH-1000XM4 – Differences?

How to choose between two wireless headphones from leading sound technology companies? This is the question we asked ourselves when comparing the Bose QuietComfort SE, the Beats Solo 3 and the Sony WH-1000XM4. To help you choose between these three models, we have prepared a detailed comparison in which we tell you the main differences and similarities between them.

One of the most important is that, while Bose and Sony headphones are circumaural, Beats headphones are supraaural. This implies that sound cancellation is different; in fact, the Beats Solo 3 does not have this feature built in. The pads are smaller, and this means that more sound filters through than in Bose and Sony headphones. The good? They are cheaper and, since they do not have an ANC function, the battery lasts longer.

Speaking about the battery, all of them have a fast charging option, and, to tell the truth, the autonomy of the Bose QuietComfort SE and the Sony WH-1000XM4 is quite good to have ANC activated, since it ranges between 24 and 30 hours. Continuing with the differences, it should be noted that Sony headphones are the most advanced in terms of technological features. For example, they are the only ones with the Speak-To-Chat function, which allows you to pause the music when it detects your voice when you start talking.

Do you want to know all the differences between these three headphones to know which one to choose? Stay with us and discover our opinion!

Bose QuietComfort SE vs Beats Solo 3 vs Sony WH-1000XM4 – Comparison Table

Below, we show you a comparison table where we reflect the main characteristics of the three wireless headphones. Thus, you can choose the one that best suits your preferences:

(Swipe the table to see all the content)

Two different types of headphones

We start with a difference that is easily perceived with the naked eye, and it has to do with the design. Actually, with the type of headset each model is. The Beats Solo 3 are supra-aural headphones, while those from Sony and Bose are circumaural. What does this mean? That the pads of the former are smaller and do not cover the ear completely, unlike the Bose QuietComfort SE and the Sony WH-1000XM4.

This, in addition to being an aesthetic variation, implies that circumaurals are capable of isolating sound much better, because in supraaurals it sneaks in more. In addition, the three models featured in the review are available in various colors, and all have a case to transport them comfortably.

Do they all have noise cancellation?

No, and this is another of the most notable differences. The Bose QuietComfort SE and the Sony WH-1000XM4 do have the option of active noise cancellation, as well as transparency mode. On the other hand, the Beats Solo 3 does not. That is, with Bose and Sony headphones you can completely isolate yourself from outside noise or leave it in the background, adjusting it as best suits you.

Beats headphones do not allow this adjustment, and the only noise isolation they have is naturally exerted by the ear pads themselves. That said, we must say that only the Beats Solo 3 are compatible with spatial audio, to listen to the sound in a more immersive way.

On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM4 have the adaptive sound control function, with which the headphones themselves automatically adjust the sound depending on the environment in which you are.

Sound quality, uneven

If we talk about sound quality, it is fair to recognize that Sony surpasses its two rivals. He is more even with Bose than with Beats, but he is still the king, in our point of view. The main reason is that it has a total of 5 microphones, far from the other two headphones. This high number of microphones translates into more clarity when transmitting our voice and, above all, more perfection when capturing outside noises and isolating them, which gives the sensation that the music is heard better. This is also especially noticeable in the reproduction of bass sounds, which are the ones that tend to be distorted the most.

Battery life: What you should know?

Regarding maximum battery life, it is important to contextualize that the Beats Solo 3, by not having active noise cancellation, will always have more autonomy. In this case, they can work for 40 hours well optimized. On the other hand, the Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort SE reduce their autonomy because the ANC function is usually activated. Even so, we have to say that we have been surprised by the autonomy they achieve even with this functionality, especially the Sony ones.

On the other hand, all of them have the possibility of fast charging, although the total charging time is not very high. The ones that take the longest are the Sony ones, but with a difference of between 30 minutes and an hour.

Compatible with all smartphones

Now we tell you that all headphones can be used with both iOS and Android smartphones. Of course, not all functions are optimized equally. In the Beats Solo 3, for example, we get more out of it with an iPhone, because it is an Apple brand and some features, such as equalization or spatial audio, are only available on iPhones. For their part, Sony and Bose headphones work more similarly on both operating systems, since Android is not as restrictive as Apple in that regard.

Voice control and detection

We don’t want to finish without telling you about another difference that, for us, is quite important. All three wireless headphones can be operated via voice, because they are all compatible with virtual assistants. You just have to press the corresponding button and it will activate. However, things are different when we talk about the ability to detect our voice. This functionality is only found in the Sony WH-1000XM4, and it is called Speak-to-Chat. The headphones detect when you start talking and pause whatever you’re playing at that point so you don’t have to do it manually.

Which wireless headphones win the battle?

Now that we have analyzed the three models in detail and know what the main differences are, it is time to decide which one we would choose. To do this, the first thing we do is look at the price, which is a fundamental criterion for choosing. If we are totally honest, we were surprised to see that the Sony WH-1000XM4 have the same price as the Beats Solo 3, when they are clearly superior in terms of technological features and functionalities. It is not that the Beats Solo 3 do not have quality, but the Sony WH-1000XM4 are a more advanced and professional option in practically all aspects, except autonomy and spatial audio.

In fact, we find that the Sony headphones are the best value for money of the three. They are more technically equal to those of Bose, but these have a higher standard price (except for possible specific offers). In addition, they lack the voice detection function that the Sonys do have, and their autonomy is slightly lower.

Therefore, our recommendation would be to go for the Sony WH-1000XM4, because they are a little cheaper than the Bose but include more features. Perhaps we would recommend the Beats Solo 3 if you have an iPhone and usually use it synchronized with headphones, as long as you don’t mind that they don’t have noise cancellation. In short, think about what your priorities are and choose the one that best suits them.