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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Beats EP is wired with a focus on sound quality and build quality, making them well-suited for music listening; however, they're not ideal for calls and meetings. They cannot be folded, making them less portable than the Solo 3. On the other hand, the Beats Solo 3 offers wireless connectivity with a significant battery life, which promotes portability and convenience, but they have a lower comfort score and the sound quality may not be as refined as the EPs. Solo 3s also provide flexibility with a detachable cable and are optimized for both Apple and Android, unlike the EPs. Consider the EP if you prioritize sound quality and build over comfort and wireless features, or choose the Solo 3 for better portability, wireless functionality, and longer battery life with good enough sound for casual listening. 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 Beats EP
- Very good for music
- Good for TV and video
Advantages of the Beats Solo 3
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
8.1
6.3
The Beats EP is very good for music, while the Beats Solo 3 is only fair.
Gaming
6.3
5.3
The Beats EP is only fair for gaming, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
6.8
5.8
The Beats EP is only fair for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
TV and Video
7.6
5.6
The Beats EP is good for TV and video, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Battery
N/A
41.5 Hours
The Beats EP does not have a battery. The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$100
$117
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats EP has a price of $100 and the Beats Solo 3 costs $117.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
4.2
4.7
The Beats Solo 3 and Beats EP are both poor for phone calls.
Noise Reduction
5.3
5.3
The Beats EP and Beats Solo 3 are both poor for noise reduction.
Build Quality
8.0
8.0
The Beats EP and Beats Solo 3 both have very good build quality.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Beats EP and the Beats Solo 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats EP | Beats Solo 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$100 | $117 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | November 1, 2018 | October 1, 2016 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 8.1/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 4.3/10 | 4.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 6.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.6/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.3/10 | 5.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 41.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 2 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 4.2 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 5.3/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | N/A | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 226.7 Grams | 213.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | N/A | Integrated | |
Waterproof Rating | |||
Waterproof Rating | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Beats EP
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Dig into reviews and images
Headphonecheck
Ulf Kaiser | 2015
"With the EP model, Beats delivers a stylish headphone with cable connection and hands-free functionality that should please consumers seeking a balanced sound for playback on mobile devices."
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 Beats EP or the Beats Solo 3
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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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.
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