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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and discreetness, go for the Apple AirPods (2nd generation), which offer high convenience and are optimized for Apple devices, with features like ear detection and wireless charging. Compared to the Beats Solo 3, they may be suited for calls and meetings, but less so for immersive experiences. Meanwhile, the Beats Solo 3 provides a better soundstage and built-in controls, making them more suitable for engaging with music and media content. However, the Solo 3 are bulkier with a longer battery life, which might be beneficial for extended use without frequent charging. Neither option excels in noise isolation, so in loud environments, you may prefer other options with active noise cancelling. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Beats Solo 3
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Phone Calls
6.9
4.7
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair for phone calls, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
5.8
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
5.3
The Beats Solo 3 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats Solo 3 is somewhat better.
Battery
4.0 Hours
41.5 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$117
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Beats Solo 3 costs $117.
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Key similarities
Music
5.8
6.3
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Beats Solo 3 to be only fair for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
5.3
The Beats Solo 3 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.4
5.6
The Beats Solo 3 and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for TV and video.
Build Quality
7.6
8.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Beats Solo 3 to have very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Beats Solo 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Beats Solo 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $117 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | October 1, 2016 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 4.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 5.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 41.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 4.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 213.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Beats Solo 3
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz | May 2023
"The Beats Solo3 Wireless is an old set of headphones but still works reliably well with iPhones, due to W1 chip integration and AAC support. The Beats Solo3 Wireless holds up well today with just a few features showing its age."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Beats Solo 3
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Beats
Beats is an American, consumer-focused, audio products manufacturer. Founded originally by American rapper and producer Dr Dre, the company is now a subsidiary of Apple. Beats sells a wide range of audio products, including several models of headphones, earbuds and speakers as well as full car audio systems.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
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Recommendations made
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Consumer hours saved
About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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