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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize convenience and modern features such as active noise cancellation and wireless charging, the AirPods Pro would be the better choice, especially if you're an iPhone user benefitting from the H1 chip's capabilities like improved spatial audio and lower latency. On the other hand, if battery life and potentially a more comfortable fit for extended use are more important, the Beats Solo 3, which are traditional over-ear headphones, might suit you better. The Solo 3 also tends to be somewhat less expensive, so if the cost is a significant factor, consider the Beats. Keep in mind the Solo 3 may not offer the same level of noise cancellation or the specialized features tailored for Apple devices that the AirPods Pro do. 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 Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Beats Solo 3
- The Beats Solo 3 has no clear advantages over the Apple Airpods Pro.
Key differences
Music
6.8
6.3
The Apple Airpods Pro and Beats Solo 3 are both only fair for music, though the Apple Airpods Pro is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
7.4
4.7
The Apple Airpods Pro is good for phone calls, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.3
5.8
The Apple Airpods Pro is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
9.1
5.3
The Apple Airpods Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
41.5 Hours
The Apple Airpods Pro has 5 hours of battery life. The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$260
$117
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Apple Airpods Pro has a price of $260 and the Beats Solo 3 costs $117.
Build Quality
9.0
8.0
The Apple Airpods Pro has excellent build quality, while the Beats Solo 3 has very good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
5.1
5.3
The Beats Solo 3 and Apple Airpods Pro are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
5.6
The Apple Airpods Pro and Beats Solo 3 are both poor for TV and video.
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How the Apple Airpods Pro and the Beats Solo 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods Pro | Beats Solo 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$260 | $117 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2019 | October 1, 2016 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.9/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.4/10 | 4.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.2/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.7/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.1/10 | 5.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 41.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5.2 | 4.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 9.1/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.4 Grams | 213.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Adam Molina | January 2023
"For just $50 USD more than the original model with the wireless charging case, this is definitely the pair of buds to get. The AirPods Pro (1st generation) sounds better than the originals and has a way better fit and active noise canceling to boot. If you have an iOS device, just get this."
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 Pro 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
123,800
Recommendations made
18,570
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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