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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize sound quality and noise cancellation, the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EQ may be the better fit, offering superior audio performance and active noise cancellation that the Beats Solo 3 lacks. However, the Beats Solo 3 are known for their strong battery life and durable design, making them suitable for prolonged usage and travel, plus they come with a lower price tag. The Beoplay EQ's additional cost could be justified by its more refined audio fidelity, which may appeal to audiophiles, while the Beats Solo 3 offers robust functionality at a more accessible price point. Keep in mind that the Beoplay EQ are earbuds, which may be more comfortable for extended wear and offer a more discreet listening experience, whereas the Beats Solo 3 are on-ear headphones that provide a different fit and may feel more secure during activities. 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 Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Beats Solo 3
- The Beats Solo 3 has no clear advantages over the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ.
Key differences
Music
6.8
6.3
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and Beats Solo 3 are both only fair for music, though the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is somewhat better.
Gaming
8.4
5.3
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is very good for gaming, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Phone Calls
7.2
4.7
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for phone calls, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.8
5.8
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.6
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for TV and video, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
7.0
5.3
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ is good for noise reduction, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Battery
6.5 Hours
41.5 Hours
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has 6.5 hours of battery life. The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$176
$117
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has a price of $176 and the Beats Solo 3 costs $117.
Build Quality
8.9
8.0
The Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and Beats Solo 3 both have very good build quality, though the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ has somewhat better build quality.
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How the Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ and the Beats Solo 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ | Beats Solo 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$176 | $117 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Bang and Olufsen | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | August 1, 2021 | 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 | 7.2/10 | 4.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.4/10 | 5.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6.5 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 | 20 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 7/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.9/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 8 Grams | 213.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ
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Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Tim Gideon | March 2022
"Bang & Olufsen’s audio products prioritize style and function just as much as sound quality. The company’s latest Beoplay EQ noise-cancelling true wireless earphones combine strong, accurate-leaning audio with solid noise cancellation in an exceedingly classy design."
Beats Solo 3
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Dig into reviews and images
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 Bang and Olufsen Beoplay EQ or the Beats Solo 3
About Bang and Olufsen
Bang and Olufsen is an almost century-old electronic goods manufacturer based in Denmark with a very special focus on design. Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen created the first AC radio in 1925 and went on to develop televisions, telephones and, of course, headphones and loudspeakers. Today, they are partnered with several companies, like Audi, BMW and Aston Martin, to provide very high-quality audio solutions.
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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