Beats by Dre is a well-known brand in the audio industry, recognized for its stylish designs and powerful bass-heavy sound. Two of its most popular wireless headphones, the Beats Solo3 and Beats Studio3, cater to different user needs. If you’re wondering which one is best for you, this in-depth comparison covers design, sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, features, and value for money. Additionally, we’ve included updated information and FAQs to make this guide as helpful as possible.
1. Overview of Beats Solo3 and Beats Studio3
Beats Solo3
- Type: On-ear
- Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth) and wired (3.5mm)
- Battery Life: Up to 40 hours
- Fast Fuel Charging: 5 minutes for 3 hours of playback
- Noise Cancellation: No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), only passive isolation
- Weight: 215 grams
- Chipset: Apple W1 chip
Beats Studio3
- Type: Over-ear
- Connectivity: Wireless (Bluetooth) and wired (3.5mm)
- Battery Life: Up to 22 hours (with ANC), up to 40 hours (without ANC)
- Fast Fuel Charging: 10 minutes for 3 hours of playback
- Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Weight: 260 grams
- Chipset: Apple W1 chip
2. Design and Comfort
Beats Solo3
The Beats Solo3 is designed as an on-ear headphone, meaning the ear cups rest directly on your ears. This design makes them compact and highly portable, ideal for those who want lightweight headphones for daily use. The adjustable headband and cushioned ear cups provide a snug fit. However, extended use may cause ear fatigue due to pressure on the ears.
Beats Studio3
The Beats Studio3 features an over-ear design, fully enclosing your ears. This results in enhanced comfort, especially for prolonged listening sessions, as there is less direct pressure on the ears. The extra cushioning helps with passive noise isolation, making it a great choice for users who prioritize comfort.
Winner: Beats Studio3 (Better comfort for long-term use)
3. Sound Quality
Beats Solo3
The Solo3 delivers a punchy bass-heavy sound, making it ideal for genres like hip-hop and EDM. However, the mids and highs are not as refined, and the absence of ANC means external noise can interfere with the listening experience.
Beats Studio3
The Studio3 offers a more balanced sound profile. While still bass-driven, it has improved clarity in the mids and highs. The ANC enhances the experience by blocking ambient noise, ensuring a more immersive and high-quality sound.
Winner: Beats Studio3 (More refined and balanced sound)
4. Noise Cancellation
Beats Solo3
The Solo3 does not feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). It relies on passive noise isolation, which depends on how well the ear cups fit. While this provides some level of noise reduction, it is not as effective as ANC-equipped headphones.
Beats Studio3
The Studio3 includes Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling (Pure ANC), which actively adjusts to the surrounding environment and optimizes audio performance. This feature is especially useful for frequent travelers or individuals working in noisy settings.
Winner: Beats Studio3 (Superior noise cancellation)
5. Battery Life and Charging
Beats Solo3
With up to 40 hours of battery life on a single charge, the Solo3 outperforms many competitors. The Fast Fuel feature provides 3 hours of playback with just a 5-minute charge.
Beats Studio3
The Studio3 offers up to 22 hours of battery life with ANC enabled and 40 hours without it. The Fast Fuel feature delivers 3 hours of playback with a 10-minute charge.
Winner: Beats Solo3 (Longer battery life overall)
6. Connectivity and Features
Both models come equipped with Apple’s W1 chip for seamless pairing with Apple devices, Class 1 Bluetooth for extended range, and built-in microphones for hands-free calls and voice assistant access. However, the Studio3 stands out due to its ANC, which dynamically adjusts to ambient noise.
Winner: Beats Studio3 (More advanced features with ANC)
7. Portability
Beats Solo3
The Solo3 is lighter and more compact due to its on-ear design, making it easy to carry around and store.
Beats Studio3
While still foldable, the Studio3 is bulkier due to its over-ear design and ANC components.
Winner: Beats Solo3 (More portable and travel-friendly)
8. Price and Value for Money
The Beats Solo3 is generally more affordable than the Beats Studio3. If you don’t need ANC and prioritize portability and battery life, the Solo3 is a better value. However, if noise cancellation and superior sound quality matter more to you, the Studio3 justifies its higher price.
Winner: Depends on budget and needs
9. FAQs
1. Do Beats Solo3 and Beats Studio3 work with Android devices?
Yes, both headphones work with Android via Bluetooth. However, Apple users benefit more from the W1 chip’s seamless pairing.
2. Which is better for workouts?
The Solo3 is more compact and stable, making it a better option for workouts. The Studio3 may feel bulkier and less secure during intense movement.
3. Can I use Beats Solo3 or Studio3 for gaming?
While both headphones can be used for casual gaming, they lack low-latency features found in dedicated gaming headsets.
4. Do both models support wired connections?
Yes, both headphones come with a 3.5mm audio cable for wired use.
5. Which model is better for traveling?
The Studio3, thanks to its ANC, is the better choice for travel, as it effectively blocks out background noise.
10. Final Verdict
Choose Beats Solo3 If:
- You need a more affordable, stylish, and portable headphone.
- You prefer an on-ear design for a snug fit.
- You prioritize exceptional battery life (40 hours).
- You don’t need Active Noise Cancellation.
Choose Beats Studio3 If:
- You prioritize noise cancellation for an immersive listening experience.
- You want a more comfortable over-ear design.
- You need superior sound quality with a balanced profile.
- You travel frequently or work in noisy environments.
Conclusion
Both the Beats Solo3 and Beats Studio3 have their strengths. The Solo3 is an excellent budget-friendly option for casual listeners, while the Studio3 is the go-to choice for those seeking premium sound and noise cancellation. Your decision should be based on your specific needs, whether it be portability and battery life or comfort and ANC.