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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize comfort and battery life, the Powerbeats Pro would be a better choice, with a longer battery life on a single charge and a design suitable for exercise; however, they lack a wired option. The Solo 3 offers a more classic over-ear headphone form, potentially better for those who prefer physical cables or require longer overall battery life with the flexibility to go wired. For noise isolation, both are comparable, but the high portability of the Powerbeats Pro due to their smaller size might be advantageous if you're always on the go. Neither have active noise cancelling, and both are well-suited to use with iOS devices due to the AAC codec support. 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 Powerbeats Pro
- Good for phone calls
- Excellent for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Beats Solo 3
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Phone Calls
7.0
4.7
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is good for phone calls, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
9.2
5.8
The Beats Powerbeats Pro is excellent for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Beats Solo 3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6
5.3
The Beats Solo 3 and Beats Powerbeats Pro are both poor for noise reduction, though the Beats Solo 3 is somewhat better.
Battery
10.0 Hours
41.5 Hours
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has 10 hours of battery life. The Beats Solo 3 has 41.5 hours of battery life.
Build Quality
8.8
8.0
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Beats Solo 3 both have very good build quality, though the Beats Powerbeats Pro has somewhat better build quality.
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Key similarities
Music
6.5
6.3
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Beats Solo 3 are both only fair for music.
Gaming
5.5
5.3
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Beats Solo 3 are both poor for gaming.
TV and Video
5.7
5.6
The Beats Powerbeats Pro and Beats Solo 3 are both poor for TV and video.
Cost
$124
$117
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Beats Powerbeats Pro has a price of $124 and the Beats Solo 3 costs $117.
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How the Beats Powerbeats Pro and the Beats Solo 3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro | Beats Solo 3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$124 | $117 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Beats | Beats | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2019 | October 1, 2016 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired + Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.5/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 4.7/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.8/10 | 5.6/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 6.6/10 | 5.9/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 10 Hours | 41.5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 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 | 4.6/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6/10 | 5.4/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.8/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8/10 | 5.7/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Large | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 11 Grams | 213.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Beats Powerbeats Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | November 2022
"Sweat resistance, actual noise isolation, and a secure fit in your ears make these the true wireless earphones you want in Apple-land. Android users may find other options they like better, as these only support AAC."
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."
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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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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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