Request a product

Beats Powerbeats (2020) vs Sony WF-C500

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

BeatsPowerbeats (2020)SonyWF-C500
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2020October 2021
Sound
TypeIn-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingNoNo
Transparency mode–No
Driver size–5.8 mm
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC and AAC
Drivers–Closed dynamic 5.8 mm drivers with neodymium magnets; the maker figure is retained rather than TechRadar's rounded 6 mm in its design discussion
Noise cancelling detail–No active noise cancelling or ambient listening mode; the reviews confirm these omissions. Call noise suppression is separate from listening noise cancellation.
ChipApple H1–
Audio featuresSBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs (SoundGuys); no active noise cancellation or automatic ear detection (Tech Advisor)DSEE processing, app equaliser and personalised 360 Reality Audio playback with compatible services
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 15 hoursUp to 10 hours
With the case–Up to 20 hours
Wireless charging–No
Battery life detailApple's retained Powerbeats AMBUSH colour-edition release confirms the shared 15-hour listening claimUp to ten hours per charge and 20 hours including the case with DSEE and equaliser off. The manual lists ten hours for AAC or SBC with DSEE AUTO or OFF, but warns that equaliser and DSEE settings can shorten runtime. Talk time up to five hours.
Charging case–USB-C charging; maker UK support gives approximately 2.5 hours for the earbuds and three hours for the case. No wireless charging, as confirmed by both reviews.
Fast chargingLightning Fast Fuel charging; Apple's retained Powerbeats AMBUSH release says up to 1 hour from a 5-minute charge, while SoundGuys reports 1.5 hoursTen minutes charging provides approximately one hour playback
Design
Weight (each earbud)–5.4 g
Water and sweat resistanceIPX4IPX4
Bluetooth5.05.0
Two devices at once–No
ControlsPlayback, track, call and volume buttons on the right earbud; power button on the left; hands-free Hey Siri with compatible Apple devicesPhysical buttons for playback, tracks, volume, calls and the paired phone's voice assistant
MicrophonesDual beam-forming microphones and a speech-detecting accelerometerOmnidirectional MEMS microphones; maker Japanese specifications
Fit and ear tipsAdjustable ear hooks joined by a round cable; four ear-tip sizesHybrid silicone tips in SS, M and LL; either earbud works independently
Case weight–Approximately 35 g; the earbud weight is approximately 5.4 g each
Dimensions–Charging case approximately 80.0 × 34.9 × 30.9 mm
Water resistance detail–IPX4 applies to the earbuds excluding the sound outlets; the charging case is not water resistant
Works withClass 1 Bluetooth and Apple H1 pairing; Audio Sharing with compatible Apple devices; Bluetooth 5.0 identified by SoundGuys and Tech AdvisorBluetooth A2DP, AVRCP, HFP and HSP; up to eight remembered paired devices. Maker manual explicitly excludes multipoint. Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair; Sony Headphones Connect app. European maker announcement states October 2021 availability; Japan specifies 8 October, while Hong Kong specifies late October.
ColoursBlack, White and Red at launch (MacRumors); later AMBUSH Glow edition with a glow-in-the-dark finish and ripstop pouchBlack, White, Ice Green and Coral Orange
In the boxEarphones, four ear-tip sizes, Lightning to USB-A charging cable and carrying pouch; AMBUSH edition uses a ripstop pouchEarbuds, charging case, hybrid silicone tips in SS, M and LL, approximately 20 cm USB-C cable and documents

More comparisons