Beats Flex by Apple and the Sony WF-C500. But which one is better?
In this comprehensive comparison guide, we’ll examine the key features, sound quality, battery life, comfort and fit, and overall performance of the Beats Flex and Sony WF-C500 earbuds. We’ll look at the pros and cons of each model to help you decide which wireless earbuds are the best choice for your needs and budget.
Beats Flex vs Sony WF-C500: Overview
The Beats Flex and Sony WF-C500 are both neckband-style wireless earbuds that connect via Bluetooth. Here’s a quick rundown of each model:
Beats Flex vs Sony WF-C500 Comparison Table
| Specs | Beats Flex | Sony WF-C500 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 | $68 |
| Battery Life | 12 hrs | 10 hrs (20 hrs with charging case) |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Connectivity | Apple W1, Bluetooth | Bluetooth, NFC |
| Onboard Controls | Multi-function button | Touch controls |
| Audio Drivers | 12mm dynamic driver | 5.8mm dynamic driver |
| Sound Quality | Balanced sound with punchy bass | Extra bass with V-shaped sound |
| Special Features | Hey Siri access | Customizable EQ |
Now let’s take a deeper look at how these two wireless earbuds compare.
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Sound Quality
When it comes to audio performance, the Beats Flex and Sony WF-C500 offer slightly different listening experiences.
The Beats Flex earbuds feature Apple’s proprietary driver technology that delivers rich, immersive sound with tight bass, natural mids, and clean highs.
The flexible neckband provides a secure fit to passively block out ambient noise. You’ll get punchy bass that doesn’t overpower the rest of the mix. Overall, the sound signature is fun and energetic.
The Sony WF-C500 earbuds are equipped with 5.8mm dynamic drivers and Sony’s DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) technology to upscale compressed music for improved sound quality.
The “Extra Bass” feature accentuates low frequencies so you’ll get a thumping, powerful bass response. Mids are forward and crisp while highs have good clarity. The overall sound profile has a lively, V-shaped signature.
Both earbuds can pump out solid audio quality, but the Sony WF-C500 may have a slight edge for bass lovers thanks to its boosted low-end. The Beats Flex delivers a more balanced sound profile.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key consideration when shopping for wireless earbuds. You don’t want your music to cut out when you’re on the go.
The Beats Flex earbuds offer exceptional battery life, providing up to 12 hours of listening time on a single charge. For comparison, most wireless earbuds in this price range last around 5 to 6 hours. The Flex’s neckband contains a larger battery to deliver all-day power.
With the Sony WF-C500 earbuds, you get approximately 10 hours of playtime at moderate volume levels (20 hours with a charging case). While not as long-lasting as the Beats Flex, 10 hours is still very good for true wireless earbuds. The charging case provides an additional 10 hours.
Both models have quick charge capabilities – 10 minutes in the case gives you 1.5 hours of playtime on the Beats Flex and 60 minutes on the Sony WF-C500.
For extended listening on the go, the Beats Flex is the winner for battery life. But the Sony WF-C500 still provides all-day power.
Comfort and Fit
Finding earbuds that fit securely and comfortably is key to getting the best audio experience. Here’s how the Beats Flex and Sony WF-C500 compare in terms of comfort and fit:
The Beats Flex earbuds have a lightweight, flexible neckband constructed from smooth silicone. The Flex-Form design contours around your neck. Angled earbud tips nestle into the ear for a secure in-ear fit. You get three tip sizes. The neckband provides a stable feel and keeps the earbuds in place during activity.
The Sony WF-C500 has an ergonomic tri-hold structure designed for a customized fit. The earbuds are angled to follow the natural contours of the ear canal. You get four sizes of hybrid silicone rubber ear tips to block out ambient noise and enhance bass. The fit is snug but comfortable.
Both models stay put during exercise and daily use. The Beats Flex offers a bit more flexibility while the Sony WF-C500 provides a super secure fit. Comfort is excellent on both earbuds.
Features and Controls
Here’s an overview of the key features and onboard controls on each pair of wireless earbuds:
The Beats Flex features the Apple W1 chip for fast, painless pairing with Apple devices. Just open the case near your iPhone or iPad and tap Connect. You also get voice-activated “Hey Siri” access.
Onboard controls include a multi-function button on the right earbud to control music, answer calls, and activate Siri. A LED fuel gauge on the neckband indicates the charging status.
With the Sony WF-C500, Bluetooth connectivity makes pairing easy with both iOS and Android devices. NFC one-touch pairing is also supported. Tap the left earbud to pause music or answer calls. You can customize controls and EQ presets in the Sony Headphones Connect app. An LED on the left earbud displays the battery status.
Both models have built-in mics for phone calls and voice assistant access. The Beats Flex integrates seamlessly into the Apple ecosystem while the Sony WF-C500 offers more customizable controls.
Durability
For active lifestyles, durability is a significant factor when selecting wireless earbuds. Here’s how the Beats Flex and Sony WF-C500 hold up:
The Beats Flex earbuds feature an IPX4 water resistance rating. They can withstand sweat, rain, and splashes with no problem. The flexible neckband is durable enough for daily wear and tear.
With an IPX4 rating, the Sony WF-C500 also provides sweat and water resistance. The earbuds and charging case feel well-constructed.
Both models can be used worry-free for exercising and should survive accidental drops. However, the Beats Flex does seem a bit more rugged.
Verdict: Beats Flex vs Sony WF-C500
So which wireless earbuds come out on top – the Beats Flex or Sony WF-C500? Here’s a quick recap:
- Sound quality
The Sony WF-C500 delivers more powerful bass while the Beats Flex has a more balanced sound. For bass lovers, the Sony earbuds win for audio. - Battery life
With 12-hour battery life, the Beats Flex vastly outperforms the Sony WF-C500’s 10 hours. - Comfort/fit
Both earbuds deliver a secure in-ear fit. The Beats Flex offers more flexibility while the Sony WF-C500 has a customizable feel. This one is a tie. - Features
The Beats Flex seamlessly pairs with Apple devices. But the Sony WF-C500 has more customizable controls and EQ presets. Another tie - Durability
The Beats Flex seems a bit more rugged but both models have solid IPX4 water resistance.
Overall, the Sony WF-C500 wins for bass-heavy sound quality while the Beats Flex dominates on battery life. Both offer compelling advantages at an affordable price point. The Beats Flex is ideal for iPhone users who want marathon battery life while the Sony WF-C500 is best for Android users who value extra bass.
Hopefully, this detailed comparison has helped you decide between the Beats Flex and Sony WF-C500 true wireless earbuds!
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FAQs
Are Sony WF-C500 good for gym?
Yes, the Sony WF-C500 earbuds are excellent for working out at the gym. The IPX4 water resistance protects against sweat damage. The angled design and multiple ear tip sizes allow you to get a secure in-ear fit that stays put, even during intense exercise.
Which is better Sony extra bass or Beats?
For bass lovers, the Sony WF-C500 Extra Bass earbuds will provide more powerful, punchy low-end than Beats models like the Flex. Sony boosts the bass through a combination of driver design, audio processing, and a tight earbud seal. Beats earbuds still deliver good bass punch but Sony’s Extra Bass line emphasizes the low frequencies even more. So Sony wins for bass.
Does Sony WF-C500 support Dolby Atmos?
No, the Sony WF-C500 earbuds do not support Dolby Atmos spatial audio. Dolby Atmos is only available on select high-end wireless earbud models from Sony like the WF-1000XM4.