Two popular budget options are the Beats Flex and Sony WI-C400 wireless earbuds. But which one is better for you?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the Beats Flex and Sony WI-C400 wireless across various factors like sound quality, design, battery life, features, and more. We’ll help you decide which budget wireless earbuds are the best choice for your needs and budget.
Overview of Beats Flex and Sony WI-C400
The Beats Flex and Sony WI-C400 are both neckband-style wireless earbuds that connect via Bluetooth. They offer an affordable way to cut the cord without breaking the bank.
The Beats Flex is one of the most affordable Beats headphones. The Sony WI-C400 has a slightly lower retail price than Beats Flex.
Both earbuds promise decent sound and battery life in an easy-to-use design. But there are some key differences that we’ll explore in this comparison.
| Specs | Beats Flex | Sony WI-C400 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Size | 12mm | 9mm |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hrs (24 hrs with case) | Up to 15 hrs |
| Charging | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Quick Charge | Yes, 10min gives 1.5 hrs playback | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Wireless Chip | Apple W1 | Standard Bluetooth, NFC |
| Voice Assistant | Siri, Google Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
| Colors | Black, yellow, blue, gray | Black, white, red, blue |
Beats Flex
Beats entered the budget wireless market in 2020 with the Beats Flex. These neckband-style earbuds feature the Beats sound profile at an affordable price point.
The Beats Flex features the brand’s signature bass-forward sound. They also introduce Apple’s W1 chip to Beats for easy pairing with Apple devices.
Also check the best option between Beats Flex and Sony WF-C500.
Sony WI-C400
The Sony WI-C400 was released in 2021 as an entry-level option in Sony’s wireless earbuds lineup. They have a lightweight neckband design and promise rich sound.
The WI-C400 features Sony’s EXTRA BASS technology for deep, punchy low-end.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a deeper look at how these two budget wireless earbuds compare.
Sound Quality
First and foremost, sound quality is the most important factor when choosing between two pairs of earbuds. Here’s how the Beats Flex and Sony WI-C400 compare:
- Drivers
The Beats Flex has larger 12mm dynamic drivers compared to the 9mm drivers in the Sony WI-C400. Generally, larger drivers can produce a better bass response and soundstage. - Sound signature
The Beats Flex has a bass-heavy sound signature, while the Sony WI-C400 is also tuned towards the low end with EXTRA BASS technology. So both earbuds emphasize bass. - Clarity and detail
In terms of clarity and detail, the Sony WI-C400 has the edge. The sound is clean with good separation. The Beats Flex sounds a bit muddy in comparison. - Volume
The Sony WI-C400 plays louder than the Beats Flex at maximum volume.
Overall, while both earbuds are bass-forward, the Sony WI-C400 delivers a better-balanced and more detailed listening experience. The larger drivers in the Beats Flex don’t necessarily produce better sound.
So for sound quality alone, the Sony WI-C400 is the better option.
Design
Next, let’s talk about the design and comfort of these two wireless earbuds.
- Form factor: Both earbuds feature a neckband design with magnetic earbuds. This makes them easy to wear around the neck when not listening.
- Materials: The Beats Flex have a sleeker design with more premium materials like silicone ear tips and smooth plastic. The Sony WI-C400 has a more plasticky look and feel.
- Comfort: Both earbuds are lightweight and comfortable enough for all-day wear. The Beats Flex may have a slight edge in long-term comfort due to the silicone ear tips and flex-form neckband.
- Controls: Both earbuds have onboard controls to manage music, calls and summon voice assistants. The Beats Flex controls are more seamlessly integrated.
For design and comfort, the Beats Flex are the better-looking and feeling earbuds. The smooth matte plastic and silicone ear tips edge out the plasticky Sony WI-C400.
Check who wins the battle between Beats Flex and Jabra Elite 3.
Battery Life
Battery life is another important consideration when shopping for wireless earbuds. Longer battery life means you can listen for longer between charges.
- Battery life
The Sony WI-C400 offers longer battery life at up to 20 hours of listening time. The Beats Flex provides up to 12 hours. - Charging case
Only the Beats Flex comes with a charging case which provides up to 24 additional hours. The Sony WI-C400 relies on micro USB charging. - Quick charge
The Sony WI-C400 doesn’t have a quick charge. The Beats Flex has a quick charge in which 10min charging gives 1.5 hrs playback
With the included charging case, the Beats Flex edge out the Sony WI-C400 for battery life. You get up to 36 hours in total. But the Sony earbuds charge up quicker.
Features and Connectivity
There are also some differences in features and connectivity offered on these affordable wireless earbuds.
- Bluetooth
Both earbuds use the same Bluetooth 5.0 standard for wireless connectivity. This provides solid connection strength and range. - Pairing
The Beats Flex has Apple’s W1 chip for instant pairing with Apple devices. The Sony WI-C400 uses standard Bluetooth and NFC pairing. - Voice assistant access
You can access Google Assistant using the onboard controls on both earbuds. - Microphone: Both earbuds have built-in mics that allow you to take calls. The call quality is decent but better on the Beats Flex.
- Water resistance: The Beats Flex and Sony WI-C400 both have IPX4 water resistance. They can handle sweat and light rain but aren’t fully waterproof.
The Beats Flex stands out for its seamless pairing with Apple devices using the W1 chip. But both are fairly comparable for core features and connectivity.
Also check who wins between Beats Flex and Skullcandy Inkd Wirelessq.
Beats Flex vs Sony WI-C400: Verdict
So which budget wireless earbuds come out on top in this Beats Flex vs Sony WI-C400 comparison? Here’s a quick recap:
- Sound quality
Sony WI-C400 - Design
Beats Flex - Battery life
Beats Flex - Features
Beats Flex - Value
Tie
Based on these factors, the Beats Flex is the better overall choice for budget wireless earbuds. While the Sony WI-C400 sounds better, the Beats Flex offers a more well-rounded experience.
The Beats Flex has a more premium design, comes in fun colors, and provides longer battery life with the charging case. The W1 chip also makes them ideal for iPhone users who want seamless pairing.
That said, the Sony WI-C400 delivers superior sound and quick charging in an even more affordable package. So they are both great options at under $100.
Ultimately, choose the Sony WI-C400 if sound quality is your top priority. Go with the Beats Flex if you want a more stylish design, longer battery life, and Apple integration. You can’t go wrong with either of these budget-friendly wireless earbuds.
For more information, you can visit the specific category for in-ear wireless headphones including Beats Flex and Sony WI-C400 on Headphonestalk.com
FAQs
Are Sony headphones better than Beats?
In terms of sound quality, Sony headphones are often considered better than Beats. Sony headphones tend to have a more balanced, neutral sound compared to the bass-heavy Beats sound profile. However, Beats headphones may appeal more to bass lovers or those who like a “fun” sound.
Which is better Sony extra bass or Beats?
Sony’s EXTRA BASS headphones emphasize the low end while Beats are also known for their bass-forward sound. For those who really love deep, powerful bass, the Sony Extra Bass line usually delivers even more thumping low-end than Beats models.
Does Sony Wi C400 have noise cancellation?
No, the Sony WI-C400 does not have active noise cancellation. They are basic earbuds without advanced features like ANC. If you want Sony earbuds with noise cancellation at a budget price, check out the WF-C500 model.
Does Beat Flex have good bass?
Yes, the Beats Flex has a very good bass response. The 12mm dynamic drivers produce the deep, punchy bass that Beats headphones are known for. The sound profile is tuned to really make the low-end stand out.