Engadget Logo Engadget Japanese version SONY "WH-1000XM3" Beats "Solo Pro Wireless" Neucan headphone confrontation | Try it for a month and compare carefully

Headphones increase their presence in the cold season. While listening to music, let's aim for protection against the cold. So, the headphones I often saw in the city this year were Sony's wireless noise canceling "WH-1000XM3". Until last year, BOSE was the main ears of adults with cool faces on the Yamanote line, but when I noticed, Sony is increasing. While doing so, Beats also released wireless noise canceling headphones that seemed to be strong. "Beats Solo Pro Wireless" (hereafter Solo Pro). The release date is October of this year for "Solo Pro" and October 2018 for "WH-1000XM3", and the actual selling price is around 32,000 yen for both. "WH-1000XM3" and "Solo Pro" I tried both of these high-end noise canceling headphones on a daily basis for a month, and both personalities were very attractive.

Appearance: Sophisticated Solo Pro

First of all, the appearance. The appearance of the headphones is very important because such a big thing is attached around the face. From that point of view, "Solo Pro" is overwhelmingly beautiful.

▲ The borrowed color is dark blue. The moment I saw it, I groaned, "I want a sweater of this color." Far from making music, fashion and face are too fashionable. Pop though it is high-end.

▲ The Beats b logo is not too noticeable and looks good.

Comparing the sizes of the "WH-1000XM3" and "Solo Pro", the "Solo Pro" looks small, but because it is thick, it does not give the impression that it is "small" even if it is worn by a man. If a woman wears it, "Solo Pro" seems to be more suitable in terms of size. However, it is also cute and recommended to wear the "WH-1000XM3". At first glance, it looks awkward, but the silhouette that spreads out is exquisitely nice. I think it would have been cute if there was a glaring luxury.

The case is also easy to understand and has individuality. "Solo Pro" is a simple felt material. You can also hang it on your bag by using the carabiner that is gently attached as an accessory. The impression that "WH-1000XM3" protects well. There are pockets, there is space to store aircraft adapters and cables, and so on. It is full of concern for people who use it on airplanes.

Compared with the headphones stored in the case, the individuality becomes clearer. The "Solo Pro", which is easy to put in and take out, is superior for town use, and the "WH-1000XM3" is recommended for those who want to use it for travel or business trips, or for those who are accustomed to using BOSE.

Feeling of wearing: "WH-1000XM3" with plenty of space between Haneda and Paris

The "WH-1000XM3" weighs 255g and the "Solo Pro" weighs 267g. Neither felt "heavy!" "WH-1000XM3" is fluffy and easy to wear. Over-ear type, no feeling of oppression. On the other hand, "Solo Pro" is an on-ear type and feels like holding down your ears. However, there is no pain at all, and this hold feeling is comfortable. However, if you are in a state of "leaving it on for 13 hours by plane", choose the fluffy "WH-1000XM3".

Had to re-learn how to buy movie tickets online this morning.

— Theron Bretz Wed Jul 14 15:08:56 +0000 2021

Ease of use: "Solo Pro" wins overwhelmingly when turning the power on and off ...

If you use it every day, the convenience of "Solo Pro" will stand out. This is because opening and closing the headphones is linked to turning the power on and off. Just take it out of the case and stick it to your head without thinking. Anyway, it was comfortable that the power was turned off when I removed it and folded it. However, the only thing I was interested in with "Solo Pro" was charging. It's a lightning cable. Since the iPhone is no longer dependent on wireless charging, I found it a bit of a hassle to use a lightning cable just for "Solo Pro". The "WH-1000XM3" is charged with USB Type-C, which has come into play recently.

Function: Deep digging, etc. "WH-1000XM3"

Both of the noise canceling performances cut not only bass but also treble beautifully. So, all of the recent noise cans are kind, saying, "If necessary, I'll take in external sounds," but in this regard, the "WH-1000XM3" is interesting. The dedicated app "Headphones Connect" is working hard to meet our intentions.

Optimized noise canceling according to atmospheric pressure, hairstyle, and the presence or absence of glasses. You can also choose the direction of the sound. I'm wondering what "adaptive sound control" is, but as soon as I decide "You are walking now?", The app will jump to the "WH-1000XM3" and you will hear the outside sound. .. What's more, the picture of this walking person is animated. Detailed. When I got on the train, the noise canceling was turned on again. You can also set things like "how much external sound should be captured?" On the other hand, "Solo Pro" captures the outside sound nicely by pressing the button on the left side of the headphones. It's excellent while noise canceling is on, and I don't mind the noise, but it's too silent and I don't feel scared. It is impossible if you are asked to tune this yourself. By the way, the driving time of "Solo Pro" is up to 40 hours (22 hours when the noise can is ON), and the maximum of 38 hours for "WH-1000XM3" (30 hours when the noise can is ON).

Sound quality: Both are gorgeous

I felt that the sound quality was "both are honor students and are very similar." The sound is gorgeous and crisp, and although it is easy to understand and flashy, it does not "stand out in a specific range". Therefore, you can listen to music of any genre beautifully. I listened to and compared the works of Pharrell Williams, who works as an ambassador for Beats. "Solo Pro" was a little more suitable for dance music. The treble is a little tsundere. Even so, I think that noise canceling and high sound quality are "what is your main business?"

Deep digging "WH-1000XM3" or leave it to us "Solo Pro"

For those who want to control this and that by themselves, and who want to design their own silence, it is best to enjoy the "WH-1000XM3" to the core of the bones, and if you want to enjoy noise canceling quickly and stylishly, " You should be happy with Solo Pro. Both should play an active part when moving during the year-end and New Year holidays. Please come with us in winter.

■ Beats Solo Pro Wireless Actual selling price: around 32,000 yen Product site ■ SONY WH-1000XM3 Actual selling price: around 32,000 yen Product site