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Beats Solo Buds vs Sony WF-C500

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

BeatsSolo BudsSonyWF-C500
Overview
ReleasedJune 2024October 2021
Sound
TypeIn-earIn-ear
Noise cancellingNoNo
Transparency modeNoNo
Driver size–5.8 mm
Bluetooth codecsSBC and AACSBC and AAC
DriversDual-layer drivers, axial-aligned with the acoustic nozzle; laser-cut vents to improve bass and relieve pressure; 8.2 mm (The Guardian)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.
Audio features–DSEE processing, app equaliser and personalised 360 Reality Audio playback with compatible services
Battery
Listening time (maker's claim)Up to 18 hoursUp to 10 hours
With the case–Up to 20 hours
Wireless chargingNoNo
Battery life detailThe case has no battery of its own; it charges the earbuds over USB-C, including from a phone, tablet or laptop; tested by Apple with 256 Kbps AAC tracks at 50% volumeUp 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 caseUSB-C, with no built-in battery; Beats calls it the smallest, lightest case it has madeUSB-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 charging5 minutes of charging gives up to 1 hour of playback (Fast Fuel)Ten minutes charging provides approximately one hour playback
Design
Weight (each earbud)5.7 g5.4 g
Water and sweat resistance–IPX4
Bluetooth5.35.0
Two devices at once–No
ControlsSingle multifunction button on each earbudPhysical buttons for playback, tracks, volume, calls and the paired phone's voice assistant
MicrophonesMicrophones with a noise-learning algorithm for callsOmnidirectional MEMS microphones; maker Japanese specifications
Fit and ear tipsErgonomically angled nozzles; ear tips in four sizes (XS, S, M, L); earbuds 2.05 × 1.85 × 1.9 cmHybrid silicone tips in SS, M and LL; either earbud works independently
Case weight22 gApproximately 35 g; the earbud weight is approximately 5.4 g each
Dimensions–Charging case approximately 80.0 × 34.9 × 30.9 mm
Water resistance detailNo water resistance rating publishedIPX4 applies to the earbuds excluding the sound outlets; the charging case is not water resistant
Works withOne-touch pairing and automatic pre-pairing across your devices on both iOS and Android, plus Find My (iOS) or Find My Device (Android); Class 1 BluetoothBluetooth 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.
ColoursMatt Black, Arctic Purple, Transparent Red, Storm Grey (Beats UK)Black, White, Ice Green and Coral Orange
In the boxEarbuds, case, ear tips in four sizes (XS, S, M, L), warranty card (no USB-C cable or power adapter)Earbuds, charging case, hybrid silicone tips in SS, M and LL, approximately 20 cm USB-C cable and documents

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